Beset with snares on every hand, In life’s uncertain path I stand.
Wednesday.—Blest with a spirit of prayer, diligence in reading, and clear light in the Word. Read a little of “Dr. Owen, on Communion with God,” “Dr. Goodwin, on the Condition of the Creatures,” “Gospel Magazine,” “Huntington’s Moral Law not Injured by the Everlasting Gospel.” &c.
“My willing soul would stay In such a frame as this.”
No exstacies or ravishing joys, but a solid satisfaction of soul, by the knowledge and reception of truth. Very happy in preaching this evening, on “Is thine heart right.”
Thursday.—Lost much time to day in needless visits and trifling company, disputed with a Swedenborgian for three hours, about some of the grand truths of the Word, but I saw no good effects in my opponent. I am thankful I was kept cool and deliberate all the time. I dislike disputes, and always very reluctantly enter the lists, but when compelled I never keep back; the religion that is not worth contending _for_, is not worth having. A good man once observed, _that_ was always a lost day wherein he neither _got_ any good, nor _did_ any good; such days are painful to reflect upon. I gained one thing to day—a grateful heart for the knowledge of the truth.
Friday.—Received a gracious answer to prayer in the opening of a very great subject in the Word of God; also an answer to prayer in a providential way. Some time previous, a sweet portion was sent to my soul; but the fulfilment of the promise evidences it to be of God’s sending: thousands boast of promises applied, but it is the _accomplishment_ proves them to be of God. He that hath received his testimony, hath set to his seal that God is true. Comfortable in preaching in the evening.
Sunday.—A good day to my soul. Felt much light and liberty in all my subjects; the Lord gave me power of utterance. Preached in the morning on that ambiguous portion, “Behold the man is become one of us.” Opposed a prevailing error, concerning the oneness of absolute Deity and a sinner. Shewed Adam was a type of Christ, in about twenty-four particulars: applied the text to Christ as God-man; 2, to Adam, as restored to God’s image; 3, to every believer as converted to God: noticed the last part. Gave the opinion of commentators, and then what views I had of it.