“Only nine present at the class.  I spoke to them, but felt the effect upon my feeble body for two days afterward; yet it was good to talk to them of the love of Jesus.—­I have been exercised by the common foe; depressed in feeling, but never left without the power to draw near to God in prayer.  Thank God, for some days past my spirit has been revived; and this morning my heart is trusting in the Lord, Glorious news from America!  The Lord is saving by thousands.  O that the breath of heaven may reach our own shores!”

  O time how precious I what a load misused! 
  To catch its flight is wise; to waste or loiter, folly. 
  Reader, and writer, mark!  Thy time escapes: 
  To give it now a name is golden, gain. 
  Oh! with true wisdom print thy passing hours,
  So shall eternity proclaim thy fame.

“My two sons, William and John, set forth to welcome their brother Richard, just returned by the ship ’Duncan Dunbar’—­after an absence of more than twenty-one years—­with a family of six children—­a gracious providence having watched over him; and now the happy brotherhood will, I trust, be perpetuated, until consummated in heaven.—­My son Richard, with his lovely wife and family, have arrived.—­I am now seventy-six years old.  How much cause of humiliation!  How much cause of gratitude!  Here upon my knees I give myself to Thee; I am Thine.  Let Thy presence be communicated with fresh power to my soul.  I do thank Thee for peace, and a full bent to please Thee.—­My son Richard conducted me to my new residence on Heworth Road.  Often have I changed my abode, supposing each would be the last remove:  yet I tarry.  All I want is to move under the smile of my heavenly Father, and to feel myself under his guiding eye.—­Poorly.  Inward conflicts.  Went to see a person, who was once a member of my class; she is still in the way to heaven.  We prayed together.  Here, at the throne of grace, I find myself at home.  I was at my class, perhaps for the last time.  God bless the dear members.”

  Graven on the hand divine,
    Bid me on Thy strength lay hold,
  Look, believe, for Thou art mine;
    Jesus makes me humbly bold. 
  Though Thy courts I may not tread,
    Thou art in my mouth, and heart;
  In Thy holy book I read,
    God in every place Thou art. 
  With more love inflame my soul,
    With more fervent zeal inspire;—­
  Faith, that can all power control,
    Fill the grasp of my desire. 
  Let Thy word of mercy spread
    Freely, all the village round: 
  Speak to-day, and wake the dead,
    Let the lost in Thee be found.

“My friends are gone to the Sanctuary.  Looking at myself in the light of the divine presence, I see imperfection stamped upon all my doings; and yet, through mercy, I have an interest in the precious blood of atonement, and long that all around me may enjoy the same salvation.  While now my pen moves upon the paper, move Thou upon the hearts of the people, who have long been favoured with hearing the voice of Thy ministers.  Arouse the careless; stir up Thy people; and this day pour out Thy Spirit upon us all; and now, while alone; help my infirmities; visit me, and give me increase of faith.—­Inward conflicts and wandering of mind have brought me to my knees.”