where we stay all night. Hebrews 12 is read. Begins
to snow this evening, and continues all night.

SUNDAY, September 29. Meeting in the Franklin Lutheran church. Matthew
7 is read. After meeting we come to Brother David Sommers's. Evening
meeting. John 10 is read. Stay all night with Brother Sommers. The
weather has cleared up.

MONDAY, September 30. Visit Michael Dickey who is very sick. We then
attend a meeting at Eli Dickey's, in Starke County. Galatians 3 is
read. Stay all night with Brother Dickey.

TUESDAY, October 1. On westward, through Canton, Massilon, Brooklin,
Dover, Wayne County, to Brother Jacob Kurtz's, where we have night
meeting. Matthew 9 is read. Fine weather.

WEDNESDAY, October 2. Pass through Jefferson, Pittsburg, and on to
Brother Lucas's, where we have meeting. Second Corinthians 2 is read.
I spoke awhile on the last verse, particularly on these words:
"Corrupting the word of God." In the margin the translation of this
part of the verse is somewhat different, and, if I mistake not, is
sustained by the German of Luther. It is this: "Making merchandise of
the word of God." I regard this as the more literal of the two
renderings. But they both mean very nearly the same, with this slight
difference, that the one strikes more at the cause, while the other
regards particularly the effect of "handling the word of God
deceitfully." Men who make merchandise of the Word of God are exactly
in line with the Pharisees as the Lord described them: "Verily, they
have their reward." Jesus says: "Provide yourselves purses which wax
not old; a treasure in the heavens which faileth not." But those who
make merchandise of the Word of God provide purses for themselves, for
this life, which do wax old; and they lay up their treasures here. Sad
to say, such corrupt the Word by handling it deceitfully, that they
may make the things of religion pleasing to the natural man, and
thereby draw numbers to their side. But, brethren and sisters, I
hardly need tell you that this world is no friend to grace--no friend
to God--no friend to your souls. "Except a man deny himself, and take
up his cross daily, he cannot be my disciple." How different these
words of Jesus are from some remarks I heard one of those gospel
merchants make from his stand not long since. I give them as nearly as
I can. Said he: "Religion is natural to man. And that religion is the
best which enables a man or a woman, in the easiest and most
respectab