Monday 23. This has been an happy day to me, the most unworthy of thy children. I have had a constant sense of the presence of my Beloved, comforting and refreshing my soul. I sat under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. Yet I see that my wants are many, and that there are heights and depths to be attained here. I am truly ashamed before God of my own unprofitableness. Yet he graciously passes by all my follies, without even upbraiding me. Yea, he applies with power that comfortable promise, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in loving-kindness, and faithfulness; and thou shalt know the Lord. I know thee; but I long to know thee more, O thou that art altogether lovely!
Insatiate to this spring I fly:
I drink, and yet am ever dry,
Ah! who against such charms is proof?
Ah! who that loves, can love enough!
Tuesday 24. I was closely assaulted by the enemy. He pursueth hard after me: but when he cometh in like a flood, Jesus lifts up a standard against him. He brought many heavy accusations against me. I durst not stay to reason with him for a moment. But I flew to Jesus as for my life, and cried to him to deliver me. And he did so, by applying that promise to my heart, My grace is sufficient for thee. I find it is, even for me. The name of Jesus is a strong tower, where the righteous may always resort. I spent great part of this day in visiting the sick, and found it a blessing to me. How much better is it, to go to the house of mourning, than to the house of feasting! How glad should I be of more time to spend among thy afflicted followers? But in this, as in every thing beside, not mine will, but thine be done.
Thursday 26. I find this day, thy love is better than life. Thy strength is made perfect in my weakness. I long to be wholly given up to thee. I visited one of our sick friends, and my soul was refreshed with her. To enjoy thy presence on a sick bed, is unspeakable happiness. Then nothing will do, but a real interest in a crucified Redeemer. It is only the blessed experience of this, which then gives true peace, freedom from all anxious care, and resignation in pain. Our anchor is cast within the veil: our hope is full of immortality. O glorious hope of perfect bliss! And am I a partaker of this hope?
O wondrous grace! O boundless love!
Friday 27. O Jesus, what hast thou done for me? What shall I say unto thee? This I can say, that I love thee: and let it be with every faculty of my soul! I do find thy name as ointment poured forth. Thou leadest me in green pastures, by the still waters of comfort.
When nature fails, and day and night