January 19th 1884

Rose today, feeling better. Went round the garden, flowers appearing, and weather fine. I do need to watch unto prayer and to plead for the outpouring of the Spirit of grace and supplication. The Holy One complains in Isaiah, xliii. 22, "But thou hast not called on me, O Jacob, thou hast been weary of me, O Israel." It should be my chief joy to go to the throne where grace reigneth through righteousness to the praise of His glory; where I have gone trembling under a burden of guilt, and have returned, saying, "Thou turned hast my sadness to dancing, and girded me with gladness, " and willing to praise, "and never silent be." - (Psalm xxx. 11, 12.) O cruel sluggard, how you wrong and starve your immortal soul by indolence! Quicken me, O Lord, that I may find it no vain thing to wait upon thee. Justly mayest Thou give me the back and not the face. Look on me graciously in the face of Thine Anointed in whom Thou art well pleased. Let Him see of the fruit of the travail of His soul. And may I see all flowing from the divine fountain of everlasting love, even Thine.