MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS.

MANY excellent Christians have judged it expedient to keep a regular sort of religious journal; in which they were accustomed to note the different thoughts and frames of their minds at different times. The practice, however, is far from universal; and there has, also, existed some difference of opinion respecting its utility.

Does it really make a man more diligent and watchful against his spiritual enemies; or does it not rather tend to promote formality, and selfdeception?

At present it is not so much the Writer's business to enter into these questions, as to inform his reader, that Mr. Milner was in the habit of steering a sort of middle course between recording all, and none, of his religious reflections. He put

down, from time to time, striking thoughts and remarkable parts of his experience; but, he kept no account of his ordinary meditations, or of such daily variations of his views, feelings, and temper, as are common to every truly good Christian.

There have arisen in the Writer's mind very serious doubts, respecting the propriety of publishing ANY private memorandums of this kind; and among those doubts, this is one;

Is such a step fair to the Deceased?

The result of a very attentive consideration hạs been, to select and print a few of the memorandums; and, in selecting, to take SUCH, as tend

most to lay open the internal state of Mr. M.'s mind, and, at the same time, are likely to prove useful to pious persons in general.

To give the precise dates, has been judged unnecessary. But the Editor thought it might be convenient to place a numerical figure to each observation, or collection of observations, and then to divide the numbers into classes. He has made the first class consist of nine numbers, and placed the words, Earnest prayer and Self-examination, as the title and description of that class.

Selected from papers written in 1775, 1776, &c. &c.

Earnest prayer, and Self-examination.

1. All glory to God, reconciled unto the world in Christ? I would look unto him as my God, and only hope of eternal happiness!

I prayed, that the recording of any of my private thoughts might always be a spiritual, not a carnal work.

2. This morning I begin with views of myself, and of my state, thus.-Very confused. A long atheistic gloom, with raging enmity against Divine Justice. Such thoughts of God harden the heart.

I take it there is in my temper a deal of pride; an uncommon quantity of it.—Strong, self-righteous habits: Yet, if one so tempted and darkened as I am, one so much discouraged at times, and often so dead, and worldly minded, can form a judgment, I am determined, through grace, to FOLLOW on, to know the Lord, till I find his going forth prepared as the morning*; I am

Hosea, vi. 3.

determined to ALLOW no self-confidence; but to venture on Christ alone for acceptance; though clearer in my mind about his BLOOD, than his Righteousness.

3. A very steady Christian, much and long in fear, found the Comforter in dying-N.B. Trust: Wait: Bear: Expect.

4. Very dark; and much tempted: feel earthliness more and more; and need a sight of the NATURE of true happiness:Some useful hints from Rom. xv. 13 & 14, and Philip. iii. Oh! thankfully acknowledge them, as received from the Lord.

5. Ill tempers, and a wandering mind, are obstinate evils: they need watching and prayer:but, unbelief about the very fundamentals of religion, of true goodness, and of happiness, strikes at the root of all hope: This is a sore evil indeed.

6. In great trouble of mind: But I find on many occasions of late, that a look at Christ, as the true Saviour, has been attended with deliverance in urgent temptations. Against hope, to believe in hope*-how this does suit my vastly dark, dead, imprisoned state!!

Pity, Lord, and teach me real faith! Let not my trouble seem little, O Lord!

7. Though outwardly restrained, yet inwardly repining. -On the whole, however, I trust, Gospel-hope does not sink: I much need a DISTINGUISHING SIGHT of Gospel-Truths; otherwise sloth and carnal indulgence cramp me in my ministry: By these things I have grieved God's

Rom. iv. 18.

Spirit of late. I thank God, however, for Christ: The battle is not lost;-I am yet in the field.

8. Blessed be God! I found these four things, in spite of millions of vile, blasphemous, reasonings. -1. Christ is true goodness, and happiness must be in goodness: The Bible breathes goodness throughout.-2. Myself am all vileness, and I feel SO. I have no good: If a little be put into me, 'tis Christ's, not mine.-3. Neither did I deserve mercy more than any other; not so much as many; therefore I must be saved by grace.-4. I feel Isaiah xlvi. 13.

9. Laid before the Lord, this day, with prayer, my evils in the following order :-1. Atheism, blasphemy, and a disposition to cast off all thought of happiness in God.-2. Temptation to barren Orthodoxy *.-3. Temptation to desperation.4. Temptation to self-righteousness, and to scrupulosities.-5. Temptation to carnal indulgencies:Sore evils all and stubborn.

Expect deliverance in Christ alone, the Lord, my righteousness and my portion: expect FULL relief: wait for answers, in confident patience from him.

Marks of some progress in true religion. Among others, a most conscientious attention to the discharge of professional duties.

10. By experience I find that difficulties really left with the Lord, that is, committed to him in humble faith, do vanish.-O, for a whole life of faith!

* These words denote a species of orthodoxy, which is unfruitful in spiritual affections; and is merely speculative. See page xxxvi, for some account of it.

11. In sore distress, through long hidings of the face of the Lord, and through stubborn corruptions; begged for particular direction as to duty.

12. I find the Lord hears prayer in trouble; but I sadly forget to treasure the instances of this, with thankfulness.-Found great mercies at this Christmas was preserved from evils, which I had feared and prayed against: but I am sadly unmindful of answers to prayer.

13. Bad tempers prevail.―The Lord forgive me, and humble me on this account!

14. Terrifying temptations!-When I am careless, my soul tends to Atheism;-When earnest, to desperation.-Still the Lord gives hope, by promising to lead the blind *.-Mine enemy does not triumph over me. I find the spirit of supplication at times pretty strong.-Hence hope-Blessed be God!

15. Usual evils-Usual supports.--Blessed be God; I am never contented without Christ's righteousness; and AM ALWAYS SUPPORTED IN DUTIES.-I cry for deliverance and am answered with encouraging views of Christ.

16. Various crosses confound me: I sin through impatience. I find impatience, and even anger in my professional duties, where I ought to be all tenderness: There is very suitable instruction in Heb. xii.

17. Evening of the same day. Still, thank God, the day has not passed without some cheering and calming thoughts; and, as far as I can find, all the little real comfort I have, is from viewing