conversation among
the sisters, but must have been also injurious to both parties in several
respects. One sister, now united to us in fellowship, acknowledged that
the being connected with the Dorcas Society, previous to her conversion,
had been, in a measure, the means of keeping her in security; as she
thought, that, by helping on such like things, she might gain heaven at
last. Oh that the saints in faithful love, according to the word of God,
(2 Cor. vi. 14-18) might be more separated, in all spiritual matters, from
unbelievers, and not be unequally yoked together with them!

February 12. I prayed little, read little of the Word, and laboured
little to day. On the whole an unprofitable day. May the Lord in mercy
give me fervency of spirit!

February 19. Brother Craik preached this evening on Mark iv. 30-41, and
was enabled to give out precious truths. Oh that I did feed more upon
them! For several weeks I have had very little real communion with the
Lord. I long for it. I am cold. I have little love to the Lord. But I am
not, yea, I cannot be satisfied with such a state of heart. Oh that once
more I might be brought to fervency of spirit, and that thus it might
continue with me forever! I long to go home that I maybe with the Lord,
and that I may love Him with all my heart. I fear that the Lord will
chastise me at the time of my dear wife's confinement. Lord Jesus, take
Thy miserable sinful servant soon to Thyself, that I may serve Thee
better! Within the last week I have repeatedly set out, as it were,
afresh; but soon, very soon, all has come again to nothing. The Lord alone
can help me. Oh that it might please Him to bring me into a more spiritual
state!

February 20. By the mercy of God I was today melted into tears on account
of my state of heart. Oh that it might please the Lord to bring me into a
more spiritual state! February 21. Through the help of the Lord I am
rather in a better state of heart than for some time past.--I was led this
morning to form a plan for establishing, upon scriptural principles, an
Institution for the spread of the Gospel at home and abroad. I trust this
matter is of God.--This evening we had again, from six to half-past ten, a
meeting with inquirers. The work of the Lord is going on among us as much
as ever. Oh that our hearts might overflow with gratitude! Even after we
were worn out to the utmost, we could not see all, but had to send away
several individuals.

February 25.