Father of all, and God of grace,
    Whose ever watchful eye
  Surveys the depth and breadth of space;
    Yet sees the sparrow fly: 
  Behold my heart—­it pants for Thee;
    The temple for Thyself prepare;
  There let Thy throne established be,
    Thy name engraven there.

“Much against my inclination, I paid a formal visit to ——­; providentially I was seated near a friend, who was willing to converse on things conducing to holiness.—­Among the Lord’s poor my soul is often blessed.  This day, the day I have set apart for God, I wrote to Miss B. respecting the Sunday class; and, after arranging my domestic affairs, set forth to visit Mrs. D., then Mary H., who was sitting up reading her Bible.  As soon as I entered, she began to tell me, that a great change had taken place in her views and feelings; and that prayer and reading the word, were her greatest delight.  I asked her how long she had experienced this; she replied, ’About a month.  You had been praying with me; many things you said fastened upon my mind:’  then, laying her hand upon her heart, she added, ’I felt such a weight here, I knelt down to pray; and after getting into bed again, it seemed as if a voice spoke to me, ‘Mary, the door is open:’  from that time I have felt such peace of mind, and pleasure in reading the Bible, as I never did before.’  Lord, Thou art able to judge of this statement, and bringest men to Thyself, by ways and means unknown to human sense.  This occurred on the first Thursday I devoted to God.  Lord, make me faithful in the discharge of the trust reposed in me.—­I am this morning left alone; yet not alone.  I feel a blessed sense of the divine presence, which enables me to anticipate my heavenly inheritance; but not for any merit in me:  oh no! on Jesus hangs my hope.  To me belongeth shame and confusion of face; for my best doings are polluted, and all my good is from Himself.  Praised be His name for the change effected in my mind.  The saints of God are my delight, the word of God my treasure, and communion with God my greatest joy.—­Through mercy, although feeble in body, I am better than during last week.  Yet even then I enjoyed peace, and when weakest, my faith has been strongest; I could commit all into His hands; still I see myself a poor empty creature.  It is all of grace, through Jesus.  Precious name!”

  Afflictions, from Thy gracious hand,
    Unmingled blessings prove;
  The rod, prepared at Thy command,
    Displays a Father’s love.

  Beneath its weight, submissive, Lord,
    Upward to Thee I look;
  “Expect according to Thy word,”
    A blessing in the stroke.

  May every pain be sanctified;
    And every grace improve;
  Till freed from dross, like silver tried,
    My soul is only love.

  No tear shall then bedew my eyes,
    No grief my bosom swell;
  The note of gratitude shall rise,
    Thou hast done all things well.