Monday 6. We were in a great hurry in packing up all the day, and at night sat up till twelve o’clock. Having a violent cold, I was quite disordered all the next day, so as not to be able to read or pray, or do any thing else as I would. O how does this corruptible body press down the soul! But when it shall escape from this prison of clay, and wing its way to the mansions of eternal joy; how will it exult in the glorious change, and rejoice in being delivered from this dungeon which has so long clogged it with its manifold infirmities! Thursday 9. In the afternoon we went with Mr. and Mrs. W――――h to the old castle on the top of the hill, where it seems Lady _Catherine Parr_, the last wife of King Henry the VIII. was born. Indeed it is a venerable ruin, and strongly shews what all worldly grandeur must come to. O that I and all that are near and dear to me, may never desire such fading transitory enjoyments! But may we seek for and obtain a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. “_Jerusalem_, the saint’s abode, Whose founder is the living God.” Monday 13. I bless God, I found my soul in a very serious frame this day, having a measure of the spirit of prayer. O may it always continue! *In the afternoon we took a walk to the mount, which was thrown up to batter down the old castle on the top of the hill. It was delightfully pleasant to see all the green fields and the little lonely houses that stand there. I could have liked to stay there all the afternoon, the weather was so calm and serene, and all nature seemed lively and sprightly. O was my soul but illuminated by the Sun of Righteousness as this earth is by the material sun! How happy, how unspeakably happy, would it be in the possession of such a blessing! “If this felicity were mine, I every other would resign, With just and holy scorn: Chearful and blithe my way pursue, And with the promised land in view, Singing to God return.” Tuesday 14. I found my soul in a serious frame all the day long, blessed be God who kept me so. Thursday 16. I found my soul alive. My uncle’s text was _God is love_. _1 John xvi. 4._ Friday 17. I still continued in some measure blest. Lord increase the spark and let it grow into a flame! Saturday 18. I was much tempted to levity, which I gave way to. But while Mr. C――――k was preaching in the evening from these words, _O Israel thou hast destroyed thyself: but in me is thine help_. Hosea xiii. 9. My soul was much refreshed, and afterwards I was enabled to watch against every thing that might deprive me of it, so that I lay down, and rose with it again the next morning, all thanks be ascribed to God, for had I been left to myself, I should undoubtedly have lost it immediately. Sunday 19. I awoke in the same watchful spirit, and an eager desire for faith, which I was enabled to pray for with great earnestness.