Some further remarks in his diary for this day turn upon the subject of the ministry, and the passage he quotes shows how deep and heart-searching is the work of preparation for an enlarged and effectual gospel ministry, whatever be the denomination among men to which the preacher belongs:—­

In the course of reading the life of Mary Fletcher I find much deep instruction and encouragement.  Many of her remarks have proved like a goad to spur me on in the way of holiness.  An extract made by her from Dr. Doddridge’s life aptly speaks the language of my heart, when in my silent breathing to the Almighty I am led to crave an enlargement of my gift in spiritual things:—­

“There must be an enlargement of soul before any remarkable success on others; and a great diligence in prayer and strict watchfulness over my own soul previous to any remarkable and habitual enlargement in my ministry; and deep humiliation must precede both.”

1821.—­The first entry in the diary of this year turns upon the ever-present subject of his going abroad, and is penned under feelings of the deepest solemnity.  It is followed the next day by another on the great duty of self-examination.

1 mo. 2.  This day I have felt singularly impressed with a desire to be more devoted to my Maker.  I believe it is his will that I should be more given up to serve him; and if spared with life and strength, my few remaining days must be spent in his cause.  A presentiment of this kind has for some time past prevailed with me; and from the calm, awful, and weighty manner in which it is at times brought over my spirit, I am induced to think it cannot be the mere phantom of the imagination.  The prospect of a temporary residence on the ——­ seems rather to increase than otherwise.  How it may terminate, or the time when to move, is yet uncertain to me.  O, how the prospect humbles me!  I trust I can, in some degree say, with the good old patriarch, that his God shall be my God, and if He will only give me bread to eat and raiment to put on, I desire to serve him.

1 mo. 3.—­This day I am thirty-five years old.  Whether I may be spared as many more, or whether I may only survive as many months, weeks, days or hours, as I have now lived years, is altogether in the breast of Him who has hitherto preserved me as a monument of his mercy.  How awful the consideration!  To think that we may be called to give an account at any hour of the day, and not frequently to examine the state of affairs between us and our God, is complete infatuation.  Strange as it may seem, as it regards myself I stand condemned.  I am sensible sufficient attention is not paid to the important work of self-examination.  O that this fresh year may produce fresh vigilance!

In the Second Month, Ann Jones, accompanied by her husband and Isabel Richardson, visited Bentham on a religious mission.  Ann Jones had much service, both in public and private.  What she had to declare to John Yeardley in particular was very remarkable, and reminded him of the discourse of Sarah Lamley in 1814.  He says;—­