elt the necessity of having this natural trait of character subjected to
the rule of heavenly wisdom. Under date 27th of the Eleventh Month he
says:--

I feel a little compunction for having these few days past given way too
much to the lightness of my disposition, and not being sufficiently
concerned to seek after that stability and serious reflection which never
fails to improve the mind.

On the 26th of the Twelfth Month he records a state of spiritual poverty.

Such, he says, has been the instability of my mind, that my "Beloved is
unto me as a fountain sealed." But, he adds, I feel a little tendered this
evening, on reading over a few comfortable expressions in a letter from my
friend, Joseph Wood.

This condition of mind continued for some months, when he thus breaks
forth:--

3 _mo_. 8, 1812.--How pleasant it is once more to be favored with a
few drops of living water from the springs of that well which my soul has
had for many weeks past to languish after, and which I trust has been
wisely withheld in order to show me that, although it is our indispensable
duty to persevere in digging for it, yet it is only in His own time that
we are permitted to drink thereof.

His just appreciation of the nature of meetings held for the discipline of
the Church, and of the spirit in which they are to be conducted, is shown
in an early part of the Diary.

3 _mo_. 15.--Was at our Preparative Meeting. The queries having to be
answered, I was led into deep thoughtfulness respecting the same, and
inwardly solicited that the Father of mercies would lend his divine aid,
in the performance of such important duties; which I have reason to
believe was in some measure answered, for they were gone through with a
degree of ease and comfort to my own mind. May I ever keep in remembrance
the testimonies of his love which are so often manifested!

8 _mo_. 17.--Meeting for discipline at Burton. The forepart was
conducted, I think, to edification; but in the latter, one subject
occupied much time unnecessarily, and did not conclude to general
satisfaction. When some whose spirits are not well seasoned, speak to
circumstances which they may not have sufficiently considered, it
sometimes does more harm than they may at first apprehend.

The entries in the Diary at this time shew many alternations of
discouragement and comfort, and of that deep searching of his own heart
from which he seldom shrank, and which is the only