Thursday 28. Blessed be God, Christ was exceeding precious to me this morning. O what love had I for Christ! The Lord fill me with love every moment!
Saturday 30. I find my short-comings daily, and am amazed at the goodness of God. I was much distressed this evening, because, [♦]I did not take up my cross, and give thanks after tea, though we had strangers. The Lord pardon me for it, and make me bolder for the time to come!
[♦] “did” replaced with “I did” per Errata
Tuesday, December 3. Blessed be God, he raised me up to hear his word. And it was spirit and life to my soul. O what has he done for me, a sinner? He has saved me from guilt and from in-bred corruption, and has filled me with love. Now let patience have its perfect work!
Wednesday 4. Pride has presented itself to-day: but I looked unto God, and there was nothing in me to join with it: glory be to his name! I found great love to my sisters, and to some in particular. Sometimes I think, whether it is only a natural love: but I am soon assured, I love them only for Christ’s sake. Indeed my heart is inlarged toward all mankind; though particularly the people of God. But I want more faith and patience. I want to be more humble and meek. O may I be all like a little child!
*Friday 6. I used abstinence; and mourned, that I could not deny myself more. When I think, what my Lord suffered for me, what a little is it, to suffer the loss of an ordinary meal for him? O may it be my meat and drink, to do his blessed will on earth, as it is done in heaven!
Saturday 7. I advised with some of my friends, about dressing meat on Sunday. So I dressed meat to-night for our dinner to-morrow, according to their advice, and resolved hereafter (whoever was pleased or displeased) to obey God rather than man. I had afterwards some sharp words concerning it: but a soft answer turned away wrath.
Tuesday 10. We had sharp words again to-day, but, glory be to God, I had patience. I did not make any reply, and found nothing but love in my heart. May God give me the whole mind which was in my blessed Lord!
Thursday 12. Amidst the troubles and trials of the ungodly, I had the refreshing springs of my Lord’s love and grace. At night I was dull and sleepy before family-prayer: but then the Lord quickened my soul. I have been begging of him to-day more faith, more watchfulness, more humility: more understanding in his word, more knowledge of Satan’s devices, and power to shun them at the first approach. And O may he wash my best performances in his precious blood! May I still take great delight in the law of the Lord, and keep his commandments with my whole heart!
*Sunday 15. After I went to bed, I was much distrest, for cutting a ribband to wear. I was never till now convinced, that it was prophaning the Lord’s-day: blessed be God for convincing now! O what trouble was I in for a quarter of an hour! But I cried to God, and he rose on my soul again. May he abide therein, till time shall commence a glorious eternity!