“1816.—­I went to the School-room; and never did my eyes behold a scene so pleasing:—­boys and girls in different parts of the room crying for mercy; while others were rejoicing in God.  ’Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings Thou hast ordained praise.’  I longed for the salvation of my three children who were all there, but I had no power to take any active part; my mind seemed paralized.—­In the midst of our afflictions God has not forgotten us.  Our Waller [an apprentice] has obtained mercy, and Eliza’s heart is touched.  O that God would save all our family.  I have had some ’seasons of refreshing;’ but not enjoying the sanctifying influences of God’s Spirit, I have felt a disposition to be discontented with the arrangements of Providence respecting the health of my children.  I daily mourn this inbred corruption but not sufficiently, or I should be more in earnest to get rid of it.  At present I feel a longing for the blessed liberty which many express.  O may I share in the baptism which is now so gloriously shed upon this city.—­The fifth day I have spent in my new habitation; all is confusion, and must remain so for some time to come.  This would be a matter of little moment, if my mind were not distressed by the affliction of my Eliza.  So I find every joy has its sorrow.  Lord, as Thou knowest what is best for me and mine, give me patience, and let every dispensation of Thy providence be sanctified.—­We opened our new shop.  The first customer demanded credit, and the second took up her money with her goods, and went away with both.  Providentially it was restored.  We have now made a fortnight’s trial, and have great cause of thankfulness for the prospect of success.  The last few months have been full of toil and anxiety, but thank God, I can say: 

  ’While blest with a sense of His love
    A palace a toy would appear;
  And prisons would palaces prove,
    If Jesus but dwelt with me there.’

I have been aiming, though feebly, to give God my heart.  It is good to come to the Lord in private; it is there I find my greatest enjoyment.—­For several nights I have suffered much pain; as much I think, as my patience could endure.  In one of the paroxysms, the passage was continually in my mind, ‘The wise shall inherit glory.’  Throughout yesterday found it very sweet.  I am in part deprived of the public ordinances, but find solid happiness in breathing my wishes to the Throne, and derive sweet solace from Him, whose smile creates my day.—­Find in private with my God, I gain the most substantial peace; at least I have not learned the noble art of being ’’midst busy multitudes alone.’—­Our servant was taken dangerously ill.  I think I did not feel any disposition to murmur; but want firmer reliance on the power of God, whose promise never fails.  Have lately had some blessed meetings with my God, perhaps preparatory to this trial.”

“1817.  To-morrow, two criminals are to suffer death for the crime of murder.  How awful from an earthly judge to receive the last sentence of the law! but how much more so to hear from Thee that final sentence, ‘Depart ye cursed!’ O, my God, let the cry of the prisoners come up before Thee.