tion of those committed to my charge; though there has not been a total neglect of this, yet there has not by any means been all the zeal, fidelity, and activity which my' public engagements, and which my private devotions have required.

I have this day been renewing my solemn resolutions for the service of God; and particularly of greater activity where I have been most deficient; and greater vigilance where I have been most careless. I hope and trust God. will continue it upon the imagination of the thoughts of my heart. I have also this day made a solemn vow to God, in my secret evening's devotions, that I would devote a tenth part of the income of my estate, of my salary, and of my income by my pupils, to charitable uses, and one eighth of all that shall this year come in by my books or presents, unless any circumstances arise that lead me in my conscience to believe that it will be injurious to others to do it.

My head and heart are full of schemes and projects for God. Full, I hope I may truly say, of most affectionate desires for promoting the honour and interest of my dear Redeemer. And to the guardianship of my covenant God in Christ I have this day solemnly committed myself, and all that is dearest to me. And I doubt not but that he will deal well with his servant according to his word.

P. S. I ought to have mentioned the pouring out something of a spirit of prayer on myself and on several of my people, and the attendance of several young people, so that the galleries are generally pretty well filled; and the assistance that God has given me in my public labours, which afford matters of praise this year; and I note them, that if God spares me to the end of it, I may see how far these encouraging symptoms are answered.

VOL. V.

II

SOME SCHEMES FOR THE SERVICE OF THE FUTURE YEAR, IF GOD SHOULD BE PLEASED TO CONTINUE MY LIFE THROUGH IT.

I TRUST God is witness to my sincere desire of dedicating this year, and the whole of my life to him. The employments of it I cannot very particularly sketch out; but I purpose to go on with the notes of my Family Expositor, and I am not without hope but that I may this year prepare them, or the greater part at least of the remainder of that work. I propose likewise to publish a Sermon for Children, the Letter on Family Prayer, and perhaps one on the Peace. I propose also taking a more accurate survey of the state of religion in the congregation, pursuant to that review I have taken of the congregation itself; and of abounding more than ever in the discharge of the pastoral duties in all the private exercises of it. For books, I purpose reading Maclaurin of the Newtonian Philosophy, and Arrian's Epictetus. I may also, perhaps, attempt a little Essay on Sacrifices, and to make some provision for that on Proselytes. I think also to draw up the Sermon I preached to Children.in order to its being published. I intend also, by the divine assistance, to talk apart to each of my pupils about religion, at least twice every year; and also to endeavour to manage my correspondence with more care and exactness than I have in time past; labouring to keep up better with my friends in answering their letters, and endeavouring to avoid improper length in mine to them, and labouring to give some serious and useful turn to what I write. Some hints of Meditations at the Sacrament I will write out when I can; and I propose preaching as much as I conveniently may without notes, as I really find that method in the main most edifying and affecting to the people to whom I address myself. I intend to get into a

better plan with regard to the visitation of our families, and especially first to those that have children; and where I have matter of moment depending with regard to any, would always recommend it to God in prayer before I make any attempt whatever.

HINTS OF MEDITATIONS ON THE SACRAMENT,
IN FEBRUARY, 1749.

THE subject of my meditation was, "What is thy petition and request?" We are at the banquet of wine of a king, and imagine him to be addressing that question to eachshould we be at a loss for an answer? "Lord that our sins may be forgiven, all of them; those since we first entered into covenant with thee, and those since our last covenant engagements." God answers, "I will be merciful to your unrighteousness, your sin and iniquity I will remember no more!" And what further? "Lord, that remaining sin may be rooted out, not only from our actions and words, but from our thoughts." He will subdue iniquities, he will cast sin into the depth of the sea. "Sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under the law, but under grace." And what further? "Lord, that our souls may be animated in thy service, that we may have wisdom, and courage, and perseverance." I will strengthen them in the Lord, and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the Lord. And any thing further? "That we may be enabled to bear up under the burthens and afflictions of life; not dismayed and terrified, but calm and composed." "When thou passest through the fire and water I will be with thee." Let not our Lord be angry, and we will speak but once more. "That thou wilt support us in death, and receive us to glory." This is the great promise, that after passing through the dark valley, he will give unto us eternal life. All the rest have a reference to this. Begotten again to a lively hope, &c. which God that cannot lie has

promised. Lord, I have no more to ask for myself, but for others I have. "Oh, that Ishmael may live before thee! my companions, my children, every one of them from the eldest to the youngest. I cannot say it is an absolute promise; but he hath said, "I will be a God to thee and thy seed." Confirm, O Lord, the pleasing hope, and accept my grateful vows for the honour of thy name." O Lord, extend thy gospel here, though perhaps not immediately more among those which yet we are most concerned for: Yet, surely, upon the whole, we have that comfortable promise, the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth—a seed shall remain to serve him. Lord, we believe thou hast granted our petitions: we will turn them into praise: we will go away as those that have this cheerful and comfortable hope. Invitations to the aged and the young were then given. Here are seasons now of gathering, for the fruit is ripe and of hope, for others are coming forward with the favourable gale of youth, may they steer into this peaceful harbour.

HINTS OF THE SACRAMENT, IN MARCH, 1749.

HAVING preached on God's gathering together in one all things in Jesus Christ, I added a meditation on these words, that we might be to the praise of his glory. I considered how we might be so. By celebrating his praise with our voice and by showing forth his praise in our lives. I touched in the former on the error of those who deny singing, and pressed the allowing a proper proportion of praise in public worship at all times, especially on sabbath days and sacrament days. O that God would give more of his Spirit to excite praise! I then insisted on showing it forth by an inoffensive, exemplary, and useful conversation. Inoffensive: observe what it is that gives offence and occasions reproach. Intemperance, being absent from ordinances, covetousness, pride, censoriousness.

I then urged an exemplary behaviour, so that men may learn by us, and so that if we were in a country where our language could not be understood, yet that by our good behaviour they might learn how they should behave themselves to us. Endeavour to be useful; do good by diffusive bounty. Many poor want assistance. Give it to them. Do not indulge temptations of a sophistical nature, and so, instead of relieving the poor, find out artful reasons why they should not be relieved. Think of good to be done to the souls of companions, of children, of servants, of friends. Abound in this work. Remember that your opportunities lie but within a little space.

I said little, particularly in breaking the bread. Before giving the cup, I urged them to lift up their hearts to God, that if he offered it they might see it as offered by his hand, and might take it. May the mercy of the Lord pardon those who neglect his grace.

This was but a low day. My animal spirits were exceedingly weak, and scarcely one vigorous sentiment of devotion arose in the whole day. Memorandum.-Yesterday I began a paper, called the History of my own Heart, which see more of this day.

HINTS OF THE SACRAMENT IN APRIL, 1749.

I HAD some remarkable enjoyment yesterday and this morning, and a charming season in attending Mr. Robinson, after preaching from Isaiah, xliii. 1, 2. "Thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob," &c. I introduced the Lord's Supper with Isaiah, xlix. 13. "Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted." The words express a most affectionate rapture; and as if the prophet were not himself sufficiently able to express his joy, he calls upon. inanimate nature. Let the mountains reecho it downwards