nothing but his presence and blessing can render us comfortable. I would likewise have my eyes towards him for direction, assistance, success, and every thing else in my private and public relations. I would not wish to tempt and to prove him, after having seen his works, and experienced so much of his kindness; I would put my trust in him, and wait upon him, for what in the course of his providence is best for me, at all times, and in all things. I stand much in need of that wisdom which is profitable to direct-of that faith which will enable me to believe-of that trust which will dispose me to depend, and of that patience which will enable me to wait. The Lord work in me both to will and to do of his good pleasure ; and ordain personal, family, and congregational peace for me. Amen.

Tranent, August 8, 1796.-I have only to say in general, that God does not appear any way remark. ably for us; yet he does not seem to have forgotten us altogether: he keeps our small congregation together, but does not give any great accession to our number. I would walk on in the path of duty, still trusting a faithful God; all events are in his hand-he will give that which is good. I think I would willingly do any thing in the service of Christ, and feel a desire that my sphere of usefulness were enlarged. O what shall I, what can I do, for him who gave himself for me! All is less than nothing. Was carried through mywork on Sabbath was eight days; preached and heard on that occasion abundance of precious and useful truths. The Master of assemblies fix them as goads and nails in our heart: alas! that they should ever be forgotten by us; keep them, O Lord, for us-may we live habitually under the impression of

them and may our profiting appear unto all men, Amen.

Tranent, Nov. 28, 1796.-The above is the day of the month in which Providence brought me into the land of the living; hitherto I have been preserved; the Lord hath dealt kindly with me in respect of bo dily health and outward circumstances; my cup hath been well supplied, I have had food and raiment as the fruit of my own labours under the favour of God; and as much vigour of body and mind as has enabled me to discharge the duties of my office in some poor measure. I have not been laid aside from my public services a single Sabbath since I entered into the ministry; this I record to the praise of providential goodness. Encouraged by the past, I purpose to go on' for the future. I would say with David, "because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live; because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice." God grant me fresh and plentiful supplies of his grace for every day, month, and year of my short life. Continue to uphold me, renew my strength, increase my zeal, and render me more lively, more active, and more successful in thy work. It consists with the promise on which I hope, and by which I am encouraged, "Lo, I am with you always." Amen. So prays the writer, ROBERT SHIRREFF.

Tranent, Nov. 10, 1797.-Blessed be God," he is my strength and my song, and is become my salva vation." I do not always feel enlargement in his ser vice; but he does not deny me that assistance which is necessary to help me on in it with external decency and respect. I must not be ungrateful; it is given

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to me at times to speak with ease, with liberty, and with earnestness. I have found it good for me to draw near unto God, and do now set to my seal, that wisdom's ways are ways of pleasantness and peace, I have often returned home dissatisfied with the com pany of friends and acquaintances; but to me it is ever a pleasing feeling and a satisfactory reflection when I enjoy something like the presence of my God in the ordinances of his grace. Even when he does not smile, I see it to be my duty and my interest to lament after a hiding God. I will trust in him, and live more as a sojourner in a strange land, desiring a better country, and looking for a city that hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Amen.

Tranent, Feb. 19, 1798.-How happy is that man whose life is a life of fellowship with God, and of faith on the Son of God! How pleasantly my days pass on when I feel myself supported and comforted by the God of all consolations. In this case, I make little of all the ills of life, I bear them easily, I press through them with resolution, and look forward with hope and joy. O that this were more frequently my attainment; but I am in the body and in the world; the morning cometh, and also the night, let me be thankful for both; the former preserves me from sinking into despair, the latter prevents me from being exalted above measure. The divine dispensations are all in wisdom and goodness-I hope to praise him yet for them all. In the mean time, let my soul take up her rest in God, and wait on him, whether he smiles or frowns. Amen.

Tranent, May 16, 1798.-What is the world? vanity, a dream, a delusion. How eagerly is it pur

sued, how quickly is it gone! Witnessed on the 14th inst. the interment of a brother, who, after being abroad for 18 years, came to this country in March last, reduced in body to a mere skeleton; he languish ed for a few weeks, and died on the 9th curt. What solemn reflections may this providence suggest to me, and the remaining branches of my father's family! How vain is the life of man-how passing the glory of the world-how unavailing the riches of the east or west-how effectual the progress of disease-how irresistible the stroke of death! My soul, cleave not to the dust, seek durable riches and righteousness -lay up for thyself treasure in heaven-be rich towards God-live in the hope of a crown of glory, and rejoice that the Lord hath said unto thee, "I am thy God." I have many friends still, so far as is known, eight brethren and sisters; which of this number shall be next summoned out of time into eternity is determined by God-may he make us ready. "O that we were wise, that we understood this," &c. Alas! that any of us should seem destitute of the grace of God-but who can tell!

Tranent, 12th June, 1798.-It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of God. The God whom I serve is rich and liberal; his perfections, his promises, his ordinances, and his providences, are wells of salvation, always full, always flowing. Blessed be God, that at times his people draw water out of them with joy. The Israelites encamped at Elim, where there were wells of water and palm trees; the saints dwell in the house of God, where there are abundance of good things. If we receive some refreshment by the way, let us adore the sovereign kindness. It is our privilege to enjoy or

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dinances, and blessed be God for them. They are not wells without water, nor clouds without rain; sometimes they drop abundantly on gracious souls, and, operating like raion the mown grass, they render them like a field .hich the Lord hath blessed. This the writer felt, and desires that his feelings were more frequent and impressive. His request to God is, that his Redeemer may be honoured. He laments that he should have so little ability and confidence to speak for the honour of the Redeemer. He often hears with dissatisfaction and disgust much idle conversation, and either talks apart in it, or sits silent, but has not the courage to restrain it. Let me labour, and strive, and pray, that his power may work in me mightily; let me make a sacrifice of my honours, my character, my ease, and my years, for his sake; let me trust to him for what is best for me in all things. He hath said, "them that honour me, I will honour.”

Tranent, 26th July, 1798. Fast evening.-Have felt this day much stirring of corruption; vexing thoughts and disquieting cares have preyed upon my mind, and rendered me very uneasy. In my very outset, my God seemed to forsake me, so that I could neither preface nor pray with any degree of satisfaction to myself. But wherefore hath it been so? the causes are many and mournful. My heart condemns me in point of carelessness, carnality, pride, peevishness, and discontent. Woes me, my God! I pour out my complaint unto thy bosom, and request thy speedy return; when thou leavest me, all goes wrong with me. I deprecate thy absence, and dread the thought of being forsaken by thee, and given up to the coldness, deadness, and corruption of my own heart. I pray and hope it shall be otherwise; my hopes are