Beset with snares on every hand,
In life’s uncertain path I stand.
Wednesday.—Blest with a spirit of prayer, diligence in reading, and clear light in the Word. Read a little of “Dr. Owen, on Communion with God,” “Dr. Goodwin, on the Condition of the Creatures,” “Gospel Magazine,” “Huntington’s Moral Law not Injured by the Everlasting Gospel.” &c.
“My willing soul would stay
In such a frame as this.”
No exstacies or ravishing joys, but a solid satisfaction of soul, by the knowledge and reception of truth. Very happy in preaching this evening, on “Is thine heart right.”
Thursday.—Lost much time to day in needless visits and trifling company, disputed with a Swedenborgian for three hours, about some of the grand truths of the Word, but I saw no good effects in my opponent. I am thankful I was kept cool and deliberate all the time. I dislike disputes, and always very reluctantly enter the lists, but when compelled I never keep back; the religion that is not worth contending for, is not worth having. A good man once observed, that was always a lost day wherein he neither got any good, nor did any good; such days are painful to reflect upon. I gained one thing to day—a grateful heart for the knowledge of the truth.
Friday.—Received a gracious answer to prayer in the opening of a very great subject in the Word of God; also an answer to prayer in a providential way. Some time previous, a sweet portion was sent to my soul; but the fulfilment of the promise evidences it to be of God’s sending: thousands boast of promises applied, but it is the accomplishment proves them to be of God. He that hath received his testimony, hath set to his seal that God is true. Comfortable in preaching in the evening.
Sunday.—A good day to my soul. Felt much light and liberty in all my subjects; the Lord gave me power of utterance. Preached in the morning on that ambiguous portion, “Behold the man is become one of us.” Opposed a prevailing error, concerning the oneness of absolute Deity and a sinner. Shewed Adam was a type of Christ, in about twenty-four particulars: applied the text to Christ as God-man; 2, to Adam, as restored to God’s image; 3, to every believer as converted to God: noticed the last part. Gave the opinion of commentators, and then what views I had of it.
Afternoon.—The opening of the passion week. The eventful circumstances of the last week of our Lord’s humiliation is always very affecting to my mind. Preached on his riding to Jerusalem. In the evening, his weeping over Jerusalem, entering into the temple, and return to Bethany. A solemn day throughout.
Monday.—Met with many things to grieve me, but several peculiar providences cheered my heart. Preached in the evening on the Saviour’s cursing the fig-tree. Oh! what a mercy to be in Christ, and grafted into the true tree of life, that we may bring forth fruit unto God.
Tuesday.—Visited several sick beds, and dear families who had been visited by death, prayed with some, but sorely shut up with others; this was painful indeed. Preached same evening on the poor widow and her two mites; and what have I to cast into the fulness of Christ, but my soul and my body; not to enrich, but to be enriched.