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impending horror of a civil war. 338 Bless also our convention, and public
counsels. May peace and mutual harmony be established, and such powers as the
Lord himself will approve, and bless, o, for a spirit of union, to the fear of the
Lord. The Father of mercies pity, pardon, hear, heal, and help, and the glory shall
be to a Triune God, forever and ever. Amen.
September ’87
1. Blessed be the Father of mercy, and the God of all strength and comfort, for
His peculiar assistance yesterday in His service. May my sermon on John 6.8-9 339
be written upon our souls, and we be enabled to renew covenant and allegiance to
the Lord Jesus Christ, the new members made some of them, I hope, a sincere
confession of their sins and faith in Jesus Christ! I desire humbly to rejoice in the
success of the gospel through the country, and oh, may this town also be visited
and the name of the Lord be known in every family, my family in particular, at
home and abroad, be brought into Communion with God in Jesus Christ. Father,
restore my dear wife and myself, and may we both receive a blessing both for
body and soul. Pity, pardon, heal, and accept, for Christ’s sake. Amen.
N.B. Experience teaches me that physic rather weakens my frame and
therefore should not be taken when much work is at hand, but the Lord reigneth,
and to Him will I look for strength and merciful help in every time of need.
Amen.
2. This morning the weather is rainy and the congregation will probably be thin.
But oh, may my pains be removed, and I be enabled to perform the duties and to
enjoy the privileges of the day. Father of mercies, hear, heal, help, and sanctify us
in truth. May we rejoice in Christ as the Lord of life and glory, obtain pardon,
peace, and help, in this and every time of need. Amen. Blessed be the
Lord, who has strengthened me in His Sanctuary, but also humbles me, by
remaining pains and other trials. O, Father, forgive my impatience and
imprudences, and pity my poor consort, for Thy dear Son’s sake. Amen.
3. I desire this morning to record the mercies of the Lord bestowed on unworthy
me and my people yesterday in His House and at His Table. Oh, may my humble
gratitude be acceptable to our God in Jesus Christ, whom I have preached and
whose strength I have received out of much weakness. I preached from Zechariah
9.17, 340 and had much influence and assistance, in the afternoon as well as in the
morning, not without some hope of a blessing to others, and after the partaking of
the elements, new strength and vigor was imparted to perform private and public
duties. The Lord forgive my wandering thoughts, and though not without some
temptations and struggles against sin and Satan, yet I have reason to bless the
Lord for His mercy, grace, and truth. Oh, may my very soul and poor body cleave
to the Lord, and I be enabled further to trust in His powerful arm and to glorify
Him in every respect and relation. May my family also be pitied and obtain mercy
and peace through the Lord Jesus Christ, who is my peace and life and all. Father
338 See note under entry of August 7.
339 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five
barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?”
340 For what goodness and beauty are his! Grain shall make the young men flourish, and new wine the
young women.
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