“1757. I was up before five, read and prayed till I went to chapel. I felt much. The Lord knows what! In the evening we (the society) met together in order to devote ourselves to God afresh, by renewing our covenant with him. My soul was greatly humbled before God, and felt that for my backslidings he might justly have cast me off: for although I have not wickedly departed from my God, yet for my blots and short-comings I was made to blush. Jesus however I know stands my advocate, and because he lives I live also.”
*“I rose early, and after prayer and sermon communicated. The adorable Saviour gave me a taste of his sweetness, and a sight of his glory. I read, prayed, and conversed with Christian friends the rest of the day; waiting for perfect love, and exhorting others earnestly to seek after the same. Surely nothing is so desirable as this: God in us, and the very perfection of gospel holiness. No man can be thoroughly blessed till this unmixed love of God purifies his heart and fills his whole soul.”
“In all I did all day, God was my life, my joy and my strength. His love was as fire within me. I never felt such a burning in my heart before. O Jesus, what hast thou done for me!”
*“I saw this day on a very triffling occasion, the necessity of having supernatural light, and a witness from God in all things, even of the common affairs of life, that I please him. Some things occur which seem to be in equilibrio, so that one may reason for hours, and not be able to turn the scale. O may I never want light from God, whereby I may clearly discern what I ought to do, and what avoid! And O let me have thy strength also, or the light that is in me will be turned to darkness; for alas, I often see my way but am lame, or drag on heavily!”
“Happy the man who gives up all for Christ. Who having discovered, that the favour and enjoyment of God is the pearl of great price, sells all earthly loves, and longs that he may buy,—freely receive the unspeakable gift of God.”
*“Soon after ten, I lay down but could not sleep, through a deep and comfortable sense of the love of Christ. His Spirit rested upon me and made my heart flame with love to my God, and my all. It never entered into my heart to conceive the loving him with all the heart, till he revealed it to me by his Spirit.”
“Throughout the whole of my progress, I feel that Satan is my enemy, but Jesus is my friend. I fear not then: my Lord will save me from every evil work, and preserve me to his heavenly kingdom.”
“The fire of divine love burned incessantly in my soul. Yet I perceive I must still wear some of the marks of my captivity, namely sickness, infirmity and death. My soul would fain fly up to God, but I am yet detained. I conversed with some eminent Christians, and Jesus fulfilled his word, being with us of a truth.”
“This day was as yesterday, and much more abundantly. Indeed I can declare how greatly the Lord abased my soul, and broke me as it were in pieces. I could not perceive, that any sin had place in me; but I wait for a stronger evidence that I am made pure in heart. O God, shew me what by grace I am. Shew me if there be pride, anger or unbelief in my heart. Jesus, Son of the living God, send down the Holy Ghost from the Father, to bear me witness, and to shine upon thine own work. Humble and prove, but strengthen and comfort me too. I am thine. There is not one doubt in my heart thou wilt save me for ever. I sing praises! Te Deum is sweet to me; so is the Magnificate, and the Nunc Dimittis. O what has God wrought for me! Jesus thou art my strength and righteousness! I am safe in thee, thou art my rock! Salvation is unto me for walls and bulwarks.”
“Having preached on, obtained promises, and having met the society, I retired about ten: it was a festal day to my soul. I do feel from experience and scripture, that God has indeed changed my heart, and destroyed the works of the devil. My heart cried for humility and love; the whole mind of Christ.”