April 21.
PEACE be with your spirit! The Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought: thou shalt be like a watered garden; for the Lord Jesus is your well of salvation. With joy may you draw from his fulness, grace for every moment’s want. His design is still to do us good; his delight is with the sons of men.
*I find my fellowship with heaven is increased since I wrote last: the King of eternity makes me capable of communing with him, and though I tread but the outward borders of his sanctuary, he causes me to hear his voice, inviting me to come forward. He assures me, he will help me to overcome, and gives me to inherit all things. But at the same time, he shews me my works are not perfect; and that I must watch and strengthen the things that remain. I find my safety and happiness depend, upon my dependance on Jesus. I want every moment to begin afresh the life of faith; to forget all things else, and be (as you said) “a person of one business,” I have been much tempted lately, but I count it all joy, for it profiteth my soul. I have gained more self-contempt, and I love an empty spirit, because then there is room for Jesus.
“O what are all our sorrows here,
If, Lord, thou count us meet
With that inraptur’d host t’ appear,
And worship at thy feet?”
It will soon be our employ. O let us now live in eternity! Antedate the joys above, by bringing all you have and are, to his feet. Cast all you have before him, and ascribe salvation to him, who of a stone, hath made a daughter of Abraham.
I think the grace you want most is thankfulness. Stir me up to patience. Pray that I may be nothing,
“Mean and vile in my own eyes,