“1841.—­I had the junior members of my classes to tea, to sew for the poor.  Mrs. A. and Mrs. R. came to assist in making our meeting a profitable one.—­My mind has been deeply impressed with the solemn occurrences of this day.  For some time I have been wont to visit Mrs. B. every Saturday, to converse and pray with her.  I found her very ill; and after rubbing her back for some time, to relieve the pain from which she was suffering, I knelt down and prayed with her, being particularly drawn out for a present blessing.  When I rose, I pressed upon her the necessity of taking hold of Christ; she replied, ’I have nothing else.’  Thus I left her, little thinking that I should see her no more; but so it is, for a short time after I had left, she expired.—­My dear daughter Mary commenced a class with two members.  Mrs. A., Miss B., Mrs. M., and myself, assisted at the commencement.  How simple are the unadulterated truths of the Gospel!  ’He was made an offering for sin’ Amazing love!  ‘It pleased the Lord to bruise him.’  Bow down, my soul, in humble astonishment and adoration; and see in the cross the malignity of sin, and the majesty of love,

  O blessed cross! that points us to the sky,
  Loosens from earth, that we may soar on high. 
  Thus suffering is our pathway up to bliss,
  To dwell for ever where our Patron is. 
  O blessed cross! where Jesus bowed His head,
  Baptized with precious blood, for sinners shed: 
  Happy are they who keep the words he brought,
  And bear the cross by their great Pattern taught.”

“Went to Bishopthorpe and saw the Archbishop’s Palace.  The grounds are beautiful; and nature, at this season of the year in its splendour, shewed them to advantage.  But what a responsible office does he fill!  How does his flock thrive?  O that he may be able to render his account with joy!—­Not without thought and prayer, I set off for Sinnington.  All nature smiled around me, and Jesus whispered peace within.  My dear uncle bows under the weight of years; cousin looks paler, and more feeble; but I was welcomed as usual.”

  EASTER DAY.

  The Sun of righteousness appears,
    To set in blood no more: 
  Hail Him! who wipes away your tears,
    Your rising God adore!

  The saints, when He resigned His breath,
    Unclosed their sleeping eyes;
  Behold! he breaks the bands of death,
    And bids the dead arise.

  Alone, the dreadful course He ran,
    Alone, the winepress trod;
  He died, and suffered as a man;
    He rises as a God!

  In vain the watch, the stone, the seal
    Forbid the Conqu’ror rise;
  Rising, He breaks the gates of hell,
    And opens paradise.