In justice to those parishioners who had the means, it should be mentioned here, that, in addition to their benevolent and liberal subscriptions, all aided in relieving the necessities of their poorer brethren, and mitigated much of their distress, by providing, from their own houses, many things which could not be obtained in the poor man’s home. Some of the principal families were absent at the time; but they took a lively interest in the progress of events, and repeatedly gave directions that the poor sufferers should be supplied with whatever they required, from their houses. In concluding this plain record of some fearful occurrences among his parishioners during the visitation with which God, for wise purposes, afflicted them, the writer, in adverting to the many acts of Christian beneficence, cannot refrain from expressing his grateful remembrance of the affectionate kindness which he himself experienced, from the highest to the lowest of his parishioners, to which was added, an unexpected but gratifying testimonial of regard from the parishioners in general, and another from the village of Underwood in particular. In these Extracts from a Diary relating to one particular subject, many minor details have been omitted, as superfluous; and the mention of some circumstances of a painful nature, as to the state of mind or conduct of particular individuals, has been avoided, from consideration for the feelings of others. If, however, it should be asked, what effects this awful warning produced upon those who witnessed its solemn call, it must be confessed, in general terms, that, with the exception of a few individuals, no permanent change of character was perceptible. There were then, as unhappily there are now, persons upon whom no passing events, however striking, make any salutary impression—who make light of the most solemn calls to repentance and amendment—run through life utterly heedless of the one thing needful; and when they “pass through the valley of the shadow of death,” they have no staff to rest upon for comfort and support. The state of such people calls for the deepest commiseration. Much do they require the Christian’s prayer, that they may be converted and live. Well will it be for all of us, if, in viewing the judgments of God in the world, we acknowledge them as such; and in the endeavour to theorize upon second causes, we do not overlook the Great First Cause. The hand of God must be acknowledged, when, by either of His sore judgments, whether of pestilence, famine, or the sword, He afflicts a people for their iniquity. His divine blessing must be sought, with the earnest prayer of a contrite heart through faith in the Saviour; for without His blessing, without His Almighty aid, all our endeavours to escape the rod of His displeasure will assuredly fail.