to Wm. Matterson, Esq., Surgeon.  This has made me many errands to the Lord; and now, O God, I leave him in Thy hands:  still offering up my earnest prayer that Thou wilt be his director and guide.  I feel more anxiety for his soul than his earthly interests.  ’The ways of a good man are ordered of the Lord.’  I dare rest upon Thy word; therefore my earnest prayer is, that he may be a man of God.  O blessed Saviour, let my fervent petition be heard.  Save him, and fit him for Thy will.—­This morning my waking thought was: 

  Rises the sun, his course to run,
    In robes of golden light;
  So may I put the Saviour on. 
    And walk with Him in white.

  As flowers adorn the brow of morn,
    And scent the fresh’ning air;
  New graces, in my spirit born,
    Diffuse their fragrance there.

“With feelings of gratitude, I resume my pen, which has been laid aside for some weeks, in consequence of domestic and personal affliction.  God has once more restored us; and I would therefore acknowledge his loving-kindness.  The rod has been needful, and the desire of my heart is, that it may be sanctified to me and mine.  My dear mother continues ill, and much harassed by the enemy.  O! for faith to take hold upon the Saviour:  through Him we tread down our foes.  I can venture upon his atoning blood.  How vast my obligations, and how unprofitable my services, language fails to tell.—­Mr. Bourne, an old friend of my honoured father, came and conversed awhile with us on the things pertaining to the Kingdom; then gave out a verse or two and prayed.  On leaving, he said, ’Well, Mary, I shall remember you, and your family, and pray for you; and if I live to come to York again, I will come and see you.  I felt more pleased than if he had given me gold and silver.—­A day like spring; so clear, and warm, and sunny.  I entered upon it with strong desires after God, and a sweet sense of his favour.  His presence cheers my path, and smooths my way.  Visited a man apparently near death; awakened, but O how dangerous to delay repentance until the last hour!  After meeting my class, I called upon Mary D., to whom the Lord has graciously revealed himself; we rejoiced together while she spoke of the Lord’s goodness.”

“1827.—­While interceding on behalf of my dear mother, I was encouraged by the application of several suitable promises, particularly, ’At evening time it shall be light.’ The morning following she told me of the comfort she had experienced during the night.  This must sustain my faith in future.—­My husband has this week declined business.  Thou God of love, still guide our path.  Let us not ‘miss our providential way;’ but draw us nearer to Thyself.—­Taking tea with a neighbour, whose salvation I have long desired, I felt it my duty to speak plainly with her on the subject; and was greatly encouraged by the inward voice of the Spirit, as also abundantly blessed while engaged in prayer.  Whether I was of any use, I