have I seen, and found far more deeply experienced Christians among the Methodists. I desire not to be of Paul or Apollos, but of Christ. And to this end have renounced superstition, bigotry, and party spirit, and am endeavouring meekly to follow the despised Nazarene, through evil, as well as good report. Backbiting, slander, and reproaches of one denomination or individual against another, with a shy reserve of one Christian towards another, I cannot approve. O! may the time soon come when error and sin shall flee away, and all the people of God, in heart and mind be one, and in sweet harmony march on in the heavenly way till they arrive at the regions of eternal unity and love!

Having cast in my lot with this despised people,* I hope it may be a means of comforting and strengthening me. Through various scenes I passed till July 21, 1792, on which day our quarterly meeting was to be held at Canaan. In the morning I arose and sought in earnest prayer the divine blessing through the meeting: blessed be the name of the Lord, it was not in vain. He lifted up the light of his countenance, and I was as on Pisgah's top viewing the promised land, and expecting ere long to be in possession of it. The Rev. Mr. Everard preached from Solomon's Songs, ii, 14. My soul was greatly delighted during the sermon. "O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely!" In discoursing from this text, he in the first place shewed, that in many respects the church of God might be compared to the dove; as to its company-being alone, retreated far from the noise and tumults of the world. Chooses low places; at the feet of Christ, in groves where they might gather food or manna, and where the Sun of righteousness might shine through the shady bowers and cheer their drooping spirits; from whence also

they might dart away to the skies, near the Sun and take hold of that within the vail, would build her nest in a rock; so the church on the rock of ages. Her company, conduct, discourse, food, habits, countenance, voice, all different from the ways and customs of the world. It was like honey dropping from the comb to my soul. It was a good day, and at night I felt happy in God.

July 22. A time of trial: felt a sense of the corruptions of my heart, and a desire for their destruction. At evening my comfort returned, and I laid me down in peace. In the morning I awoke calm and serene; and looked up for divine assistance through the day, which was graciously bestowed. My soul was satisfied with his goodness; my God was near. I was so happy while in my school, I could not contain myself. Twice I went out to pour out my soul before the Lord. His service I found to be freedom, and I felt as on the borders of the celestial land and longed to depart and be with Christ. I thought I could have endured any thing; go to prison, to death, 'even to be burnt at the stake for his name's sake.

July 27. Friday; this day, as is my usual practice, I set apart for fasting and prayer. Some part of the day I felt the Lord to be precious, and some part of it was distressed with a sense of inbred sin.

In the evening, hearing of a decline in religion in my dear friend S. S., who had been so zealous in the cause, it sunk with weight on my mind. My almost exhausted spirit could hardly sustain itself under the melancholy news. I retired to my room, fell on my knees, and poured out my soul to God. With sighs, groans, and tears, as well as I could, I prayed for her and myself. And when for tears, I could utter my request, I said, "Oh Lord, rather let me die than deny thee! Oh God, though she is near and dear to ne, rather than she should decline from thy ways, stop her breath in a moment, and take her to thyself

from the stormy blast! Oh hide her in the grave! rather than any should stumble over her into hell. Lord," thought I, "what am I living for? Oh take me home to thyself, for I fear I shall dishonour thee! I fear I shall not live agreeably to my profession. Besides, I am tired with the world: I cannot serve thee here as I ought or desire. Nevertheless, not my will but thine be done. If it be thy will I should continue longer in this world, make me contented, but faithful to thee."

July 29. This day being with those who did not care for religion, the time seemed long. I endeavoured to keep my tongue as with a bridle, and set a double guard over myself. I attended class meeting at one of our brethren's, and experienced a happy_refreshing season. I was constrained to cry out, "The Lord is good, and his mercy endureth for ever ;" and "Thus far hast thou led me on, and I trust will keep me to the end."

July 31. Not so much engaged as I desire to be, yet think I can say, "The Lord is my portion."

August 1. Pungent convictions of the remaining corruptions of my heart. Oh the day when freed from sinning! Would to God the time was come.

August 5. My soul was drawn out in love to God; especially in class meeting. I was measurably affected with my own state, and that of my brethren and sisters; and felt earnest desires that all sin might be eradicated, and for the fulness of peace and love. In some degree the fire of divine love seemed to glow in all our breasts, and kindled a little heaven within.

August 7. I count it an honour that I am worthy to suffer for Christ's sake. Once I thought I should never be a Methodist. But blessed be God, I have never been sorry I cast in my lot with them. I am willing to bear reproach for their sakes and the gospel's.

August 18. Our quarterly meeting began at North

east; and a glorious day it was; a day of fat things to some, to whom it was as their meat and drink to do their heavenly Father's will. Others, who were weary and heavy laden, cried out for very anguish of soul. One young woman came forward, trembling, and fell down on her knees before the multitude, saying, "Oh Lord my God!-Dear Jesus, what shall I do?" Some of the brethren prayed with her, and it seemed as if "heaven to earth came down." Her soul was made happy in God before she rose from her knees. "We had the shout of a King in the camp, while the people cried, "Glory to God!" One young man got pricked to the heart, and came also, trembling, and fell down ; for whom they likewise prayed; but he went away without finding deliverance, greatly bowed down. Several more were convicted, and cried to God for mercy. While some were crying, "Glory to God for converting grace!" others were rendering praises for the blood of Jesus, which cleanseth from all unrighteousness. Thus the work prospered, and we had a glorious meeting.

August 22. As soon as I awoke this morning I felt myself happy in God. I could see my Saviour on Calvary, bleeding and dying for sinners; and do not know that ever I have seen him more near than These words came to my mind:

now.

"Oh what shall I do, my Saviour to praise,
So faithful and true, so plenteous in grace;
So strong to deliver, so good to redeem,

The weakest believer that hangs upon him!"

I saw he was both good-and strong; and was willing to take him for my Prophet, Priest, and King; and cheerfully submit to his sway. It seemed as though my soul was in heaven. I lay till I could lie no longer; rose, fell on my knees in prayer to God, and

"The Spirit answer'd to the blood,
And told me I was born of God."

Truly the Lord is good, and his mercy endureth for

ever.

September 7, 1792. For some days past I have delayed writing, I have felt so much in the dark, and fear I shall one day perish by the hand of mine enemy. The fear of losing heaven at last caused tears to flow down my cheeks.

"Just as we see the lonesome dove
Bemoan her widow'd state;

Wandering she flies through all the grove,
And mourns her absent mate:
Just so our thoughts, from thing to thing,
In restless circles rove;

Just so we droop, and hang the wing,
When Jesus hides his love."

This morning I felt more engaged, and more freedom in private prayer. I could look up with increased confidence, and cry, "Abba, Father," while the clouds began to dispel, and the sun to arise and shine upon my soul. I have been in a tempest some days; I could not shed a tear; my heart was hard as a stone. I tried to pray, but could not feel engaged; it seemed a task, and sometimes I omitted it, which brought condemnation on my mind. Now I feel myself set at liberty, and find the Lord a present help.

"O'er hills of guilt, and seas of grief,

He leapt, he flew, to my relief."

My former peace has returned, and at noon my soul seemed soaring above.

September 11. Dull and indifferent, but not easy; I performed my duty as well as I could. An hour or two passed; I was very uneasy, and could not be contented. Again I strove to pray, and was a little comforted. At the hour of prayer I was sorely troubled with alluring worldly thoughts, and insinuations of the tempter, together with the corruptions of my own heart. I mourned my proneness to wander from my God, and said,