January 7th 1884

Up at 6am. Disturbed rest, but not so troubled with dreams as at the beginning of the attack. Yesterday, chiefly employed reading the Scriptures, and found several passages that once were very precious. It was like meeting old and beloved friends, and having kindly love greetings. About noon I was terribly cast down through my awful unholiness and abuse of so many mercies. Most lovingly that passage was brought to remembrance. "There is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just men that need no repentance." I was fairly melted. My soul was filled with wonder and was sobbing out praise, as I hoped I had got a further token of His love in giving a lively hope. Afterwards reading in the Revelation the call to the churches to repent, &c., confirmed me much regarding the desire of the Holy One that His backsliding children should return, and that He would heal their backslidings, and love them freely for His own name's sake. "Who is a God like unto thee that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger forever, because He delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, He will have compassion upon us, He will subdue our iniquities, and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea." Sanctify through Thy truth, and may I be encouraged to seek more and more the knowledge of the unspeakable love of God in Christ Jesus. Preserve me, O most blessed, from consuming Thy revealed goodness in indolence! May my family get a heart to know Thee! Let it be their portion. Let the whole earth be filled with Thy knowledge, even the knowledge of Thy glory, grace, and truth.