experience that it will not do. I have again and again given myself unreservedly to the Lord; and at times I am perfectly willing that he should do with me what seemeth good in his sight; for although I am weak, yet He is strong-he will help all my infirmities.

Friday. This is my day for fasting and prayer. O that I may appear to fast in the sight of Him, who searcheth the heart; and not to be seen of I want humility, and I want to stand in my lot and place.

men.

August 1st, 1808.

At this time my mind was greatly exercised. It appeared that God had something for me to do, that I had not done. The Spirit of the Lord followed me, as though it was urging me to do something, and I knew not what it was; but finally concluded that I must give my time more to visiting from house to house. Accordingly I did, but this did not relieve me. I still felt the drawings of that Spirit; and so great was the anxiety of my mind, that often in the night seasons I imagined myself in some distant land, exhorting, praying, and warning sinners. More and more distressing were my feelings, until at length, like Saul of Tarsus, I cried out "Lord! what wilt thou have me to do?" This prayer I continued for full three months, until the Lord was pleased to make my duty plain.

September. I find for about four weeks past my mind has had many reflections; some of which I wish to relate. Lord! I am thine; O keep me as in the hollow of thine hand, and under the shadow of thy wing; for I want more of that wisdom from

above, that is profitable to direct. Then I shall be prudent, for thus it is written, I, Wisdom, dwell with prudence and find out knowledge of witty inventions." O wisdom! thou hast builded thine house-thou hast hewn out thy seven pillars-thou hast spread thy table, and killed thy beasts, and mingled thy wine, and sent forth thy maidens. She crieth upon the high places of the city, "Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither." As for him who wanteth understanding, she saith to him, "Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine which I have mingled. Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding." O my soul! mark well this invitation, and exhortation. I have heard the voice of wisdom, and I have inclined my ear to hearken, and have come to learn the way of peace; for I have heard her say, "I love them who love me, and they who seek me early shall find me." Well, saith she, "I will tell thee what shall be the beginning, and also what shall be the happy end of following my instruction." Well, wisdom, I have come to inquire for the old paths, and the good way, Wisdom answers me, " Hear, and I will speak of excellent things. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Also the fear of the Lord is to hate evil : pride, and arroganey, and the evil way, and the froward mouth do I hate. Counsel is mine and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength; my fruit is better than gold, yea than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment, that I may cause those who love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. Now, therefore, hearken unto me, Q

ye children; for blessed are they who keep my ways." O wisdom, I have found thee! Yes, according to thine own words, I have found thy beginning, and I will have no other guide. I do hate evil, pride, and a froward mouth. Yea! every evil way, and thou hast told me that thou hast strength; therefore,

Though feeble, pinioned in the dust I lie,
Yet thou the great I AM, canst raise me high;
Come then, great Patron, and thy will be done,
For thou canst finish what thou hast begun."

Wisdom, if thou hast found me, hold me fast; for truly wisdom is better than rubies, and all things that can be desired are not to be compared to it. Therefore receive her instructions, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold; for they are plain to him who understandeth, and might to them who have knowledge. Good is thy caution, O wisdom, for I do desire to hold thee fast. I believe that thou art better than rubies, and I desire thee more than gold, or silver, honor, or even long life; therefore I will pursue thy paths, for I perceive that they are the paths of PEACE, and I am happy that I have found thee.

Praise

Now I am encouraged, because of thy word, which saith," Blessed is the man that heareth me, waiting daily at my gates." Here let me live, watching, and waiting; so shall I increase my strength, wisdom, and understanding. God, O my soul, for thou art rich; yea, thou hast an inexhaustible store, the fountain of all good. Now also thou mayest be rich in good works, for nothing shall be able to stop thy progress, if thou commit the keeping of thy soul to him in well doing

as unto a faithful Creator; no, nothing but sin can separate between thee and thy God, for wisdom hath told me so. O Wisdom! under thy protection I shall not be afraid of enchanted ground, or tremble at the roaring lion, that seeketh to devour no---for

"I can walk through death's darkest shade,

If Christ be with me there;"

and while passing over the rough sea of life, say, Wisdom! shall I not be safe, although I may see heavy storms, may not

I still listen while Wisdom speaks to me again.

"If

ye bear fruit, well; if not, ye shall be cut off, as a branch that is withered ;-for as the branch cannot bear fruit except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. Remember these important declarations of Christ, thy Saviour; for whoso findeth me findeth life and shall obtain favor of the Lord. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul : all they who hate me love death."

Thus my mind has been enriched from the true source of all essential knowledge, and with Solomon I can say, "O Jesus! thou art altogether lovely-the chiefest amongst ten thousand-thou only art worthy to be adored-for thy name is wonderful, counsellor, the mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, Immanuel."

Therefore" I will trust and not be afraid, for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation."

"I am safe and I am happy,
While on thy dear name I lie
Sin or Satan cannot harm me,
While my Saviour is so nigh.”

“Lord, I am weak, but thou art strong,
Thou art my portion and my song."

Thou hast instructed me and taught me as never man taught; and I clearly see what the poet meant, when he said,

"Every moment, Lord! I need
The merits of thy death."

O Lord, clothe me with humility, as with a garment; for all the ornament which I seek is a meek and quiet spirit. Willingly I lay aside all outward ornaments, and seek for that inward adorning of the mind, which will meet the approbation of my Judge in the great day. Although for this sacrifice my youthful friends ridicule me and call me supersti tious, and say, how simple she is, to strip off all her gaiety, and dress so plainly, and appear so mean, and leave all her young friends and not join them in the least cheerful mirth;" yet when I consider my accountability, not only for my precious blood-bought time, but also for all I possess, I can say amidst it all;

"For this let men revile my name,
No cross I fear, despise all shame