I am like Noah’s dove.  The world is a dreary waste of waters without anything upon which I can set my foot.  My friends are dying, and disappointments common.—­Wrote to Mr. B. on the importance of preparing to meet God; and enclosed three sermons on eternity.—­Four persons, whom I have visited this week, have passed into eternity.  These I have warned, urged, and pointed to Jesus.  Of three of them I entertain hope; but Oh! the danger of delay, and the responsibility of visiting sick beds!—­I have been much troubled with the inattention and neglect of a servant.  This is permitted for the trial of my faith and patience, and my earnest prayer is, that I may secure the good intended.  With respect to my inward experience, I have access to God, and can more implicitly pour my wants into the ears of Him, who waits to answer.  I now enjoy, through Christ, solid peace.  Many precious seasons for want of opportunity to record them pass unnoticed, and some painful exercises, in which I have to sing my deliverer’s praise.

“Sinnington.  I have enjoyed sweet communion with my best friend, and in pouring out my soul among my dear relations.  Mr. B. has read the little book I sent him, and carries it about with him in his pocket.  With me he appears more social; but it is the work of God to change the heart.  Still, he is laid upon my mind to remember him before the Lord.  My dear uncle, although in apparent health for his years (eighty-one), is increasingly deaf, and almost cut off from intercourse with society, so that he seeks to be alone.  In a conversation I had with him, he told me how the Lord blessed him, and how he meditated in the night season.  In this place I am secluded from my usual care.  Lord help me to improve the opportunity.  I can truly say, I long to sink, to rise, and grow in all the image of God.—­I felt much in parting with my friends, especially my dear uncle, who said he should perhaps see me no more.  I reminded him of our meeting above, and endeavoured to urge upon him a preparation for it.—­On reviewing the week, I have endeavoured to walk circumspectly, redeeming the time, and enjoyed union with God, both in private, and at the family altar; but yet I want more uniformity in my walk with God.  Mrs. H. accompanied me to see two poor widows; and, inviting some of the neighbours in, we read and conversed, and prayed with them.  I felt inclined to go again.—­A good class-meeting—­after which I went to visit the widows; four more persons came in.  My heart was enlarged while I endeavoured to exhort them to flee from the wrath to come, and prayed with them.—­I have returned to spend the last hour of the year at home.  I feel a prayerful frame, and a determination to give myself and all my powers to God.  Though buffeted by the enemy, my heart is fully resolved.  I will be Thine,—­save me.

  Oh!  Thou, who dost in secret see
  My lifted heart, and bended knee;
  While now my soul pours out the prayer,
  O let it find acceptance there: 
  Come now, and claim me for Thy own,
  And make my heart Thy glorious throne.