they feel any better for it to-day; No, said he. Well continued I, the contemplation of it will afford no comfort on a dying bed, or in the judgment day; to which he made no reply." Mr. Davis, during his residence at Hampton, experienced much to depress his feelings, arising chiefly from his want of preparation for the ministry. And it was ever afterwards, both to himself and to many who heard him, a matter of surprise that he was able in any degree to preach acceptably to the large auditories who thronged to hear him. But however much he was favored in his public performances, his advice to young men uniformly was not to do as he did, but to avail themselves of all the advantages placed within their power before they commence, to any considerable extent, preaching the Gospel. It is due to him, however, to remark that no man ever sought with more eagerness the means of knowledge, and no one ever improved to better advantage those which he did enjoy. But his feelings and views and progress in regard to this subject will be perceived from some of the pages of his memoir. "On the first Sabbath in April,” says Mr. D., "I commenced my stated ministry in Preston. Nothing unpleasant attended this change of location. It was by mutual consent. The members of the Branch Church were well united and happy, and my ministry now began to be more prosperous and successful. 6 May 12th. This morning I have enjoyed an uncommon degree of spiritual peace. Truly the ways of wisdom are the ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.' Bless the Lord, O my soul. A stream of salvation has been opened before me. June 13th. This morning, had a very solemn and affecting season in supplicating the throne of grace. How soul refreshing to enjoy communion with our heavenly Father. I felt very happy during the greater part of the day. 19th. I read a sermon written by Paul Parks, after he had preached for fifty years. He gave an account of many things which were interesting. He had preached ten or twelve thousand times, and never twice from one text, which was extraordinary. He also described some severe persecution he had endured. O how thankful we ought to be that we can sit under our own vine and fig tree, having none to molest or to make us afraid! 22d. At half past ten I tried to preach from Ephesians iii. 8, "For by grace are ye saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." The Lord strengthened me in speaking before such a numerous assembly, and such a collection of ministers. Truly I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me. There were a number of souls convicted in the heart as I trust. Bless the Lord, O my soul. It is his doing, and marvellous in our eyes. In the afternoon Brother B. preached. Many exhortations were given afterwards. I never felt such strong exercises. I was conscious of great distress in my soul for sinners. Great anxiety for their salvation existed in my heart. I could not but speak a few words. I think that some souls will be brought to the knowledge of the truth, or that some to-day have sealed their own condemnation. O may the former be the case, 23d. We had a very powerful meeting before we parted with the dear family where we tarried. In endeavouring to pray for them, also in exhorting those who were in the road to hell to flee from the wrath to come, we felt such desires as will not, I hope, be in vain. O Lord have mercy on their precious souls. They have treated us with much attention, and we wish them to go with us that we may do them good. After we returned home Brother A. preached in the meeting house. The brethren were, however, silent. O for the out pouring of God's Holy Spirit in this place. "Lord revive us, Lord revive us, Lord revive this work in me; All our help must come from thee." 24th. I examined J. in relation to his Christian experience, which, in part he related to me. It was like cold water to a thirsty soul. May this dear family all find Jesus to be precious to their souls. This is my great desire. O Lord send the Spirit to effect the work. 27th. Had some conversation this morning with a learned man, who, I find, is a stranger to grace. O may the Lord have mercy on him, and lead him to see the importance of revealed religion, which he will not now allow to exist. I did not enjoy my mind through the day as I ought to have done. I however felt solemn in the evening while contemplating on death-that great change through which I must at sometime pass. O prepare me, Lord, for thy right hand. "Then come the welcome day, Come death and some celestial band, To bear my soul away." 30th. At home this day, and in my devotions rather languid. O for a realizing sense of my mortality and accountability to God. There was a heavy thunder shower in the afternoon, in which, I was not so much terrified as usual. What a blessing is Christ, who came to deliver those who are all their life-time subject to bondage through the fear of death. July 1st. It is one year to-day since I began to write a journal of my feelings and engagements. I have written something every day. How good the Lord is in preserving his people from outbreaking sins, though their hearts be deceitful and desperately wicked. But how few returns of love hath my Creator found for his great mercy to me in granting me grace to abstain from crime. I think I can say of myself where sin abounds, grace does much more abound. 2d. This morning offered some strong desires to God for my dear brethren in this place, and for poor sinners who are in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity. 4th. Independent day. How many of these days have I spent in vanity and vexation of spirit! How many this day are gratifying their lusts instead of rendering thanks-giving to God for the freedom we enjoy ! Well, oh my soul, remember who makes thee to differ! 5th. This morning after addressing the throne of grace, I removed to Brother S.'s. May I live a watchful and prayerful life while here, that I may not give occasion of offence to Jew nor Gentile; neither to the Church of God. And to this end, O Lord, give me that wisdom which is profitable to direct me in all things. 7th. Nothing very special on my mind to-day. In the afternoon a number of young ladies came to visit us. I prayed in the family and had a very solemn time in secret prayer. O for persevering grace-for an humble, solemn, and spiritual mind—a holy temper and disposition, which truly are of great price. 11th. We arrived at Providence about one o'clock, and called on Dr. Gano. While at his house I heard that one of his children had experienced religion yesterday, and was rejoicing in God. She was at Pawtucket. He had a meeting appointed at that place in the evening. I heard him preach his lecture. It was a powerful sermon, founded on Mark v. 19. "Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee." The whole sermon was deeply affecting. Truly the singing of birds is come. God is pouring out his Holy Spirit on the people. Ten were baptized last Lord's day, and several are under religious impressions. Another of Dr. Gano's daughters is almost in despair. O may the Lord have mercy on her soul. My soul was drawn out in fervent prayer for her salvation. 15th. This is our Covenant meeting day and the brethren seem to be united, and joyful in God. One came forward and related the dealings of God with his soul, and gave himself to his people, and was received. O may it be the means of quickening the children of B |