Wednesday 14. I waked with, Now is the ax laid to the root of the tree. May the Lord root up whatever is not of his own planting! Glory be to his name for what he has done. I have not found any anger rise in me this day. But I was surprised at private prayer two or three times, with something striking me between the shoulders as with a dart. Whatever it is, may the Lord give me power over it, and take it from me in his own due time.
Thursday 15. I was much distrest for a clearer evidence, and cried to God, to increase my faith. In reproving a person, I found something rise as quick as thought. But I looked to the Lord, and it was gone.
Friday 16. Blessed be God, he has shewn me to-day my weakness and helplessness more than ever. I am amazed to see the greatness of God, as well as his unbounded love in Christ Jesus, I see, that unless he save me by free grace, I must perish for ever. This morning I can believe he has given me the blessing. Glory be to God for ever and ever!
Saturday 17. Blessed be his name, that I desire nothing, but to know Jesus Christ, and him crucified; and that I feel, he suffered and died for me. May my heart be ever melted down into the profoundest humility and self-abasement before his awful Majesty!
Tuesday 20. For two or three days I have been confined to my bed, but my mind is stayed upon God: and I loath the very appearance of sin; I would not deceive myself for the world. Lord, give me to try myself by thy word, weigh myself in the balance of the sanctuary!
Wednesday 21. I told one to-day, “If you die in the state you are in, you will go to hell.” I spoke it purely for the good of her soul. Yet the minute I spoke, something shocked me, and I was afraid, it was too harsh. May the Lord pardon what was amiss in it, and enable me to speak in a more proper manner for the time to come!
Thursday 22. O what have I felt this day by anger! May the Lord speak peace anew to my soul, and fill me again with his love, and make an utter end of sin in me, for Jesus Christ’s sake!
Friday 23. I was greatly tempted with anger this day: but glory be to God, it did not break out. May the Lord destroy it, root and branch, for it is the trouble of my soul. May I never be at ease till he roots up this and every bitter root besides!
Saturday 24. Glory be to God, it is still my desire to be cleansed from all sin. And is he not able and willing to do it now? May he enable me to believe, bless me with his love, and keep me ever in it!
Monday 26. Blessed be God, I desire nothing but to be freed from every thing contrary to his love, and to be wholly dedicated to his service. This day I strongly cried to God, to be delivered from all sin, and to have his Spirit witness it to my spirit: and I could plead the promise for it. And whatever sin he saves me from, may I give him all the glory!