“Not more than others I deserve,
Yet God hath given me more,
For I have food whilst others starve,
Or beg from door to door.”
Thursday 13. In the afternoon I set out with my uncle, aunt, Mrs. L——, and some other friends, to go to a little village called Crislington, about two miles out of the town, where my uncle was to preach. We had a very pleasant walk, and went to see the delightfullest, though oddest contrived garden that I ever saw. The owner of it is the Rector of that place, but one would think by the manner of his laying it out, that he had very little else to think of. Some part of it represents a field of battle, a general’s tent, with cannons all round it, a mount, a tower, a draw-bridge, and every thing to resemble a camp of soldiers. The other parts of the garden are laid out in the same peculiar taste.
Tuesday 18. At private prayers in the morning, I had power to pray particularly against my besetting sins, and blessed be God, I do in some measure overcome them. Indeed he is a God, both hearing and answering prayer. In the afternoon we had a deal of company, and they being good singers, past away the time very agreeably. Mr. B——t persuaded my aunt, Mrs. L——, Miss H—— and myself to go to his class, which we did upon his promising not to speak to us. I like his manner much, and I think I was profited by it.
Friday 21. In the evening I went to the chapel; there was no preaching, but a private meeting. Having been much refreshed, especially in the singing that hymn Wrestling Jacob, I had no reason to repent going. My desires were much enlarged after God, with a hatred to sin. O that I may indeed forsake it, and hate it as deadly poison!
Sunday 23. In the morning we went to the new chapel. Mr. H—— opened it, his text was in 2 Chronicles vi. 41. Let thy Priests O Lord God, be cloathed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness. He concluded with saying, that as God had given us a more convenient place to worship him in, we ought in gratitude to let our lives and conversations be more exemplary than ever before.
Monday 24, and Tuesday 25. I spent most part of these days in retirement, my mind was much composed, and my thoughts stayed on the things of God.
Wednesday 26. This afternoon we came to our own house. I spent the evening in a little room by myself. I found enlargement in prayer, and my soul much blest.