Sunday 20. This morning Mr. _M――――_ gave us a sweet discourse on _2 Peter i. 4_. _Whereby are given unto us exceeding great promises_, &c. I found my soul blest under it, and afterwards at the sacrament in St. _John_’s church, blessed be God. Monday 21. I was too neglectful of private duty this day, and therefore ’tis no wonder if my soul was dry and barren in other duties. While we were at preaching in the evening, my dear friend Miss _D――――_ arrived from _Ireland_. I was much rejoiced to see her, and she seemed to be so at seeing me. May we all at last meet round our Father’s throne! Friday 25. In the afternoon we walked to _Crislington_; and went to see the rector’s garden, who is for ever altering it. After being at great expence to have it done to his mind, still it does not please him. O how restless is the mind of man! Ever seeking after rest, he cannot find it nigh, nor ever will, till he finds it in Jesus. Friday, August 1. The state of my soul this week has been much as usual. O that the Lord would stir me up! That he would make me in earnest, and then I should soon attain the prize. I shall one day perish by the hand of sin, unless a miracle of mercy interpose. Lord, save or I perish! Save, or I must inevitably fall a prey to the evil that lies in this rebellious heart. Sunday 3. I found myself much encouraged while Mr. _G――――k_ was describing the rest that remained to those who were seekers after God, that I might include myself in that number; but I sometimes fear, even this appellation does not belong to me. Lord, suffer me not to deceive myself for thy mercy’s sake. Tuesday 5. My poor heart still continued dead; no life, no power in drawing near to God. Still my soul is as a barren wilderness. Lord, water me with the dew of thy grace, then the wilderness will become a fruitful land, and the desert, springs of water. Sunday 17. In retirement, both before and after preaching, I found my soul greatly led out to pray for faith, for myself, and my dear parents, and a measure of confidence, that God would hear my prayer: but alas for me, in the afternoon levity again prevailed, and I lost both the confidence, and power to pray for it. Sunday 17. Mr. _M――――r_ preached on _Acts xxiv. 16_. _Herein I exercise myself, to have a conscience void of offence towards God, and towards man._ On his mentioning his going away, I could not forbear bursting into tears; I am sure all the people (would they speak the truth impartially) must acknowledge he has exercised himself to have a conscience void of offence.