than in the select opportunity for ministers and elders; and had great peace in so doing. In the time of supplication, which was at the close of the last meeting, "I thought I found near access to the Almighty; which if I had not, I durst not vocally have called upon his ever blessed and worthy name. During the awful and solemn season (it was so to me), I supported myself on one knee, my other having no strength in it, which hindered my continuing so long in intercession as might have tended to my solid comfort. But the Almighty heard the little, who accepts the "Abba, Father." It was once the case with me before, at a little meeting nigh Bristol. My knees became unable to support me. I had nigh fallen down. I then thought it was owing to the oak boards with which the gallery (if I remember right) was laid, and to nothing being at hand suitable for my feeble. limbs to bend upon. But though the rise of the power might be obstructed through the infirmity of the body, as to my particular, yet I believe my effort was accepted; and if I had but bent my knees, and called upon his ever worthy name, he being the author, would, in return for this humiliating dedication, have given the answer of peace. Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever 28th of 12th Month, 1798-Much proved. In age assist me, dearest Lord! In faith my spirit stay! And if I've err'd through slavish fear, Forgive me Lord, I pray! No other foes assail me now, Or prey upon my peace; Uplifted hands, and downcast eyes, To trembling knees and broken sighs, Desert not Lord, this feeble frame, Thou know'st what I can bear, And when I cry in agony, Oh! be not slow to hear! My head is clad with silver hairs; My limbs their power resign.- Thy presence is unsullied joy; It fills the Heaven's above. My earnest cry is, Lord! to feel A portion of thy love; My trust in thee was early fixed; My age, as then, relies on thee, ETERNAL GOD OF TRUTH! Thou hast commanded us to ask Admit me to thy holy rest, When all below I leave. The mansion thou preparest there Will fully satisfy, Thou rais'd thy humble handmaid here ;- Receive me when I die. Yet once again, oh! let me come, Bearing the widow's prayer; That me and mine, through endless life, I have no other claim to make,- Enough for me and mine; Tho' smallest of the lights in Heaven, 4th Month, 1800-I have been confined of late through bodily indisposition, the 'fore part of which sickness was extreme. It appeared to me, as it might do to others, that I was making quick advances towards the grave; although, as I apprehended, the first Divine impression was, that I should not die at that time. But as I knew a recent instance of a minister of my acquaintance, and with whom I had travelled, whose dissolution was entirely hid from her: this made me sometimes rather hesitate. I had much bodily illness, but not much conflict of mind. Oh! I was preserved still and quiet, which was not my nature; it was God's mercy. To his praise be it inscribed upon my heart as long as I live. I was favoured with a fixed, steady, comfortable hope, that if I then died, it would be well with me. I seek no more evidence when I shall really surrender life; for it seemed as if my dear Redeemer's arms enfolded or inclosed me very safely; so that the wicked one, whom I had often been distressed by on a sick bed, touched me not, neither had any power over me. First day, 10th of 5th Month, 1801-I was at meeting at Whitehaven, and had a precious opening, with which I was nearly ready to stand up; but I am too much like the impotent man at the pool, waiting for the moving of the waters, and while I am making ready another steps in. It was so this day, and though it was but a few words, and not distinctly heard by me, yet it left unspeakable anguish and bitterness of spirit, so that the daughter of Judah, for the remainder of the day, "was trodden as in a wine press. I often mourn that I cannot leave others to their own master but my gift is such, that when any thing is offered, by any which is not the King's currency, I cannot step one step after them. 9th Month, 1801-As in me there has been a singular instance of God's mercy and power; his mercy in forgiving, and power in upholding me, I can therefore do no less than praise Him here and eternally. And whoever reads this, let them be humbled in the dust before Him: for truly He is glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders. The latter part of this year I have had a time of confinement through sickness, and have not been so favoured in this season of weakness, with that soul-sustaining evidence of Divine regard, as at some former times. It may be, that I had too frequent recourse to the redundancy of favour, then mercifully vouchsafed: not doubting but if I was similarly tried, I might be equally supported; and so was in |