DIARY.

.3 .Ps. cxxxix כל דרכי הסכנתה:

Thou art acquainted with all my ways.

In

1824, Dec. 25.-Received yesterday a present of Mr Erskine's Essay upon Faith. I think that St Paul's definition of faith should be the basis of all such works; for all that can rightly be said on this important subject, may be traced to these words of holy scripture: Εστι δὲ πίστις ἐλπιζομένων ὑπόστασις, πραγμάτων ἔλεγχος οὐ βλεπομένων, σε Now faith is the substance of things expected; the evidence [conviction] of things not seen." discussing this subject we must begin by the definition of terms; now, vzóστασis, derived from ixò, sub, under, and orn, colloco, I place,may be rendered "foundation," with regard to the basis on which a superstructure is raised; and "substance," in reference to the superstructure so raised. Our translators have given to the Greek word this latter signification, conceiving the latter portion of the text to be the elucidation of the former; in which latter portion they render the word λeyxos, "evidence;" clearly considering λeyxos capable of the same double

sense as úróσraois, either the "testimony or proof" which produces "conviction," or the "conviction" thus produced. The whole subject of faith in its most extensive sense, appears to me involved in these expressions fully opened.

26.-Sunday after Christmas. Preached in the forenoon (Gal. vi. 5,) a discourse for the conclusion of the year, considered as an emblem of the end of life. The weather most exceedingly stormy,—with wind and snow,—consequently the chapel not very well attended. I think that infirm and sickly people may be excused from exposing themselves to the danger of cold in such severe weather; many more make it a reason for staying at home. Health is an important blessing, of which we should be careful, and for which we should be most thankful to the gracious God who bestows it; but in the care sometimes taken of health, even at the expense of more serious duties, I have sometimes thought I saw exemplified the words of the Satirist,

"Et propter vitam, vivendi perdere causas.”—Juv. For the sake of life neglecting the very causes for which life is granted.

27.-D- and C came to us by dinner time. D—— confirmed my opinion that the Greek word a signifies to expect, the contemplation of something future, whether good or evil. Spero has the like meaning in Latin.Wrote on Heb. xi. 1.

30. In constant and exceeding pain. Miserere mei, O Deus.

31.-. . . . And thus has closed on me the year 1824. Hear, O merciful God, the humble and earnest, but except for the intercession through which I am permitted to offer them,the most unworthy prayers, in which I have acknowledged thy continual mercies to me and mine, during this past year, and my own of fences and sins, and negligence and ignorance. Hear them, O Father of mercies, and for Christ's sake grant me, that thy goodness and long-suffering may lead me to repentance, and that the remainder of my pilgrimage may be guided by thy Holy Spirit, and that I may be prepared for the hour when the Son of man cometh. Amen.

1825, Jan. 1.-A new year has opened on me. May the gracious and merciful God, through whose goodness I have, with all my family, been protected and preserved, continue his mercy to us, and above all, keep us by his Spirit in the path of his commandments, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

4. Very ill indeed; yet I managed to read the forty-fifth Psalm twice or thrice in the Hebrew, in the pretty psalter which dear C has procured me.

indeed a treasure.

The bible he has sent me is

9, First Sunday after Epiphany.—Mr G— preached in the afternoon on St John, xi. 34, 35. I heard so imperfectly that I can give no ac

count of his discourse. I could meditate, however, on the subject, and a more affecting and edifying subject cannot be offered to the mind. He "who is our example, that we should follow his steps," has shown us that sorrow, natural and amiable, is not forbidden. At the same time, there is a period to it; and in the conviction of the immortality which he has brought to light through the gospel, the Christian, "who sorrows not as those who have no hope," should find that period. By the way, I know not a passage more appropriate to the subject of my lecture in the forenoon. The whole history of the death and resurrection of Lazarus, and of our Lord's conduct and discourse on the occasion, carries with it marks of authenticity which the meanest understanding may discover. No passages of the blessed gospels are more striking to me in this respect than those of sentiment, in which the affectionate yet dignified feeling, which marked the character of Jesus, is displayed: these could not have been invented. Again, a useful lesson may be drawn from our Saviour's conduct. While he felt, and condescended to express his feelings, he acted also. He teaches us that we must act. If we imitate him in sympathizing with the sorrows of our brethren, let us endeavour also to relieve them. This is a lesson to be learned from the history; and so prominent is it, that it scarcely can be called indirect.

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10.-Owen remarks, that "it is not sufficiently considered how much a minister's personal religion is exposed to danger, from the very circumstance of religion being his business and employment. He must go through the acts of religion: he must put on the appearance of religion: he must utter the language and display the feelings of religion. It requires double diligence and vigilance to maintain under such circumstances the spirit of religion. I have prayed; I have talked; I have preached: but now I should perish, after all, if I did not feed on the bread which I have broken to others.". Cecil.

11.-Employed over the Septuagint translation of the Psalms. The numeration of the Psalms does not follow the Hebrew: the 9th and 10th psalms are reckoned as one, yet the verses arė numbered as belonging to two psalms. At the close there is a psalm which is said to have been composed by David in his combat with Goliath, not in the Hebrew Psalter.

ill. O Father of mercies, and God of all consolation, permit thy wretched and unworthy creature to look up to thee in this hour of trial. O Lord, have mercy on my beloved; sanctify this thy visitation to her and to her family. Thy will be done: Thou art the Lord of life and death; only enable me to submit myself to thee, to cast all my care on thee, and sustain me in