I am sensible of having lost ground for some time past for want of more diligence in watchfulness and prayer.  I have been deeply sorry for it, and I do hope my compassionate Lord has forgiven me.  As a proof of his forgiveness, I am permitted to enjoy once more the smiles of his countenance, which cheer my lonely walk.  How greatly do I long for more intimate communion with the Beloved of my soul, the precious Saviour!  Lord preserve me in every moment of temptation, and make me more entirely thine!  Grant me more confidence in the immediate action of thy Spirit in the ministry of the word, that my communications of this nature may be deep and clear, and under the unction of thy Holy Spirit. Amen!

6 mo. 23.—­This morning I have been favored, more than usual, in my endeavor to pour out my soul before God in prayer, in desiring more purity of heart, more faith; and that it might please my compassionate Lord to sustain and console me in my solitary lot, and preserve me faithful to the end of the race.  Many relatives and near friends were brought to my remembrance, whom I endeavored to present to the mercy of a merciful God.

In the same diary is an appropriate notice of Dr. Steinkopf, and a tender tribute to the memory of Martha Yeardley.

The other evening was spent at J. and M.C.S.’s with Dr. Steinkopf.  “The hoary head” of this aged and experienced Christian is as “a crown of glory,” for “it is found in the way of righteousness.”  He is full of love, speaking constantly out of a grateful heart of the mercies of his God.  Before parting he read a few verses, exhorted us and supplicated for us.

A little more than three years have fled away since my precious and dearly-beloved M.Y. entered on a blissful eternity.  How do I feel the loss of her sweet, cheerful, and edifying society!  Ever since her blessed spirit fled from earth to heaven, she has never by night or day been long absent from my thoughts.  How often does my soul pant and pray for a preparation of heart for that blissful state where she now is, near to her precious Saviour, who redeemed her with his own blood.  He enabled her to serve him when on earth, and now she sings his praises in heaven.  What a charm did she impart to my daily life!  Our pursuits were always one and the same; and now what a desert I still have before me,—­but it may be very short.

In the Eighth Month, John Yeardley went to Minden on a visit to Ernst Peitsmeyer, whose daughter Sophie had been for some time his kind and cheerful companion, and who now, with her parents and other friends, welcomed him again to Germany.  Whilst at Minden he derived benefit from the sulphur baths of the Klause, not far from the town.

The bath, he says, is one hour’s gentle exercise on the saddle.  The farm where the spring is stands quite alone in the midst of a wood, and the way to it is delightful,—­much suited to my taste.  Sophie rides sometimes with me:  it cheers me to have her trotting by my side.