“1843.—­I have been privileged to attend the house of God, after an absence of some weeks through affliction; but with grief I confess, that when I first got out to see my daughter, who has also been ill, I neglected the opportunity of social prayer and thanksgiving, that we were again permitted to see each other.  My ingratitude stares me in the face.  Against Thee, O Lord, against Thee only, have I sinned.—­My John is preaching his trial sermon.  My husband and servant are hearing him; and I have been alone, praying for him, that he may neither go before, nor stay behind the call of God.  I feel the Lord is present, and my heart goes out after Him.—­I was called up a little after five to attend upon my daughter-in-law.  A beautiful morning.  I reproached myself for so often losing the sweet perfume of the morning air.  When I arrived the babe was born.  So another immortal spirit is added to my family.  Praise God, the promise reaches to them all.—­Collecting for the missions in one of the poorest districts, we peeped into a comfortless spot, where lived a poor widow with five children.  We did not wish to ask for anything, but were obliged to give a reason for our stepping in.  The woman said however, that it was a good cause, and she would give us something.  This was truly the widow’s mite, and will not pass unrewarded.—­As soon as I rose from my bed, these lines were upon my tongue before I was aware—­

  ’Mercy’s full power, I then shall prove,
  Lov’d with an everlasting love.’

While repeating them it occurred, this is an answer to prayer last night.—­I find it difficult to retain the truths I hear; but, having the law written in my heart, I desire in all things to obey.—­The cases of several members of my family press heavily upon my spirit.  Eliza continues very weak, and John is in suspense; my only refuge is in taking them to the throne of grace:  for it is written, ’Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain thee.’—­The cloud begins to break, and I feel abased before the Lord, that I should have had so little confidence.  My daughter is better, and John has received satisfactory information; so I am confident, that in both cases the Lord is mindful of us.  Yesterday, while bowed by my daughter’s bedside, the light broke in upon my soul, and I believe upon her’s too.  I felt power to rest upon the Lord, and leave her in His hands:  very different from what I have felt before, although I have many times approached the throne, and sometimes caught a glimpse of hope; but this was the broad light of faith.”

“Harrogate.  What shall I render unto the Lord for all His mercies towards me?  I am living in the enjoyment of peace of mind; desiring more of God; distrustful of myself; grieved that I love God no more, and aiming to do better.  O Lord, the power impart.—­We returned home greater debtors to the Lord than ever, for the mercies both of the upper and nether springs.  My husband welcomed