Diary Extract 66 July 25

Spectator 1788 Saddhiyama, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

July 25 I have spent the greatest part of my vacant time this week in reading the seventh volume of the Spectator; it is a very ingenious work though it does not contain much Scriptural divinity. The authors have sought out and set in order as the wise man says many excellent moral instructions. I was much affected this day in conversing with my brother in the ties of nature and no less so in the bonds of Christian love. I have some hope that my youngest sister is also begun to be serious.

The Spectator was a series of daily perodicals published originally in 1711 and 1712 by Joseph Addison and Richard Steele and later prouduced in bound volumes. The work atempted to be witty but also moral.

Diary Extract 65 July 21

Tuesday July 21 I have been deeply affected in considering myself as a creature possessed of an immortal soul that must exist for ever, either in happiness or misery. May I be diligent in making my calling and election sure and solicitous every day to make some advances in knowledge and holiness.

Diary Extract 64 1761 July 15

Wednesday July 15 This day I have had the opportunity of hearing a sermon preached at Bradford by Mr John Wesley from Rom xiii:11, 12 It is high time to awake &c. He spoke many important truths. He described that sleep which often overtakes the Christian into which I have reason to lament that I have fallen many times. When I went to hear my mind was in a drowsy state but I trust the Lord blessed what I heard to revive me a little. May my conduct for time to come show that this is really the case.

Diary Extract 63 1761 July 13

Monday July 13

All bountiful King

Thy name I adore

And joyfully sing

Thy wisdom and power

Thy sovereign mercy

Through Jesus thy Son

To one that's unworthy

Is daily made known

Diary Extract 62 1761 July 10

Friday July 10 I have been much edified in reading a page or two of Mr Henry's life. O that I may follow him as he followed Christ.

(The lfe of Matthew Henry was written by William Tong)

DIary Extract 61 1761 June 30

Tuesday June 30 I indulged too much in murmurings and discontent about noon. But it is only the meek, as the Divine Word says, that shall inherit the earth, that is so much as is really good for them and they enjoy that sweetness and satisfaction in the little that Providence allows them with which others are unacquainted. A discontented, uneasy man inherits nothing because he is never satisfied with it but the meek person has such a conviction of his own unworthiness that he thinks anything that he enjoys better than he deserves.

Diary Extract 60 1761 June 29

Monday June 29 This morning I lost some precious time in sleep.

Dull sleep, alas! confines my powers

And robs me of my morning hours

The saints of old before 'twas day

Would often meditate and pray

Assist me Lord like them to rise

And pay my morning sacrifice.

In the holy exercise of meditation I have this day found great delight. I hope I can say, as David did Ps cxix.103, How sweet are thy words unto my taste, yea sweeter than honey to my mouth.The company of religious friends also afforded me much satisfaction. I am happy in possessing many companions who fear God and keep his precepts. But a particular detail of all God's benefits towards me in providence and grace is impossible; it will be my delightful employ to recount them through the endless ages of eternity. Amen. Even so come Lord Jesus!

Diary Extract 59 1761 June 25

Lord's Day June 25 Our dear pastor being recovered, I have this day had the privilege to hear him and to sit down with my brethren at the Lord's table. I have been entertained at that feast of fat things which the Lord hath prepared in his holy mountain, Ps xxv.6. In this mountain his hand shall rest, namely the hand of his power to protect and preserve us and his goodness to provide for us. The Lord blessed the provision of his table to me. I was led to see more of my unworthiness so that I could esteem any one of my brethren better than myself. O Lord hold thou me up and I shall be safe.

Diary Extract 58 1761 June 18

June 18 In the afternoon I was present at the funeral of a child. Mr Crabtree being a little recovered spoke something very suitable to the occasion from Mark vii.37. He hath done all things well. He first showed that whatever God does must from his nature and character be right in itself and then instanced in several particulars some of the Divine dispensations towards us in which we are brought to see however contrary they may be to carnal reason that the Lord hath done well. One instance I remember was this. It is well done of the Lord when he denies us some things that we passionately breathe for. I think I have had some experience of this and I wish I may often keep it in mind.

Diary Extract 57 1761 June 16

Tuesday June 16 I have been this day deficient in the work of solemn prayer. It ought to be performed frequently by occasional ejaculations and at stated and appointed seasons. It should be attended to with fervency and earnestness, in faith, humility and with watchfulness agreeably to the Divine direction. Continue in prayer and watch in the same.

Diary Extract 56 1761 June 15

June 15 The Lord supplies my wants and fills my heart with joy and gladness. There is indeed every prospect of plenty. We have reason to apply to our present circumstances Psalm lxv verse 9 to the end. For beauty of comparison and harmony as well as grandeur of expression it is inimitable.

Diary Extract 55 1761 June 14

Lord's Day, June 14 This day we were prevented sitting down at the Lord's table by our pastor's indisposition. If the Lord should take him from us by this affliction what a stroke would it be. During the public service I had reason to complain of wandering thoughts. The text was A wise son heareth his father's instruction. To hear instruction includes in it an earnest desire to profit by what we hear, diligent attention to it and a desire to reduce it to practice. Blessed are they that hear the word of God so as to keep it.