think of Payson, who estimated the progress he made in his studies by the progress he made in holiness. "Jan. 4, 1843. This is my birth-day; one among the many landmarks of my journey. Many are the interesting reflections which crowd into remembrance. God has ever dealt mercifully with me. While in my carnal state, (if indeed I am not so now), he preserved me from many dangers, and, as I humbly trust, led me by his Holy Spirit to the Rock that is higher than I. I desire to be wholly devoted to Jesus, and now consecrate to him my time, my talents, my life, my all. "Jan. 18. Never did I realize the responsibility of my situation as a Sabbath-School Teacher. It is now about a year since I began this work; but in looking back upon my course, I can see that I have been entirely unfaithful to the souls committed to me. I have never realized, to any good degree, their worth, nor the solemn fact that I must meet each one of my class in the day of Judgment, and give account of the Sabbaths we have spent together. O that I may hereafter be faithful to them; that it may be the great aim FURTHER THOUGHTS OF MISSIONS. 17 of my labors and prayers to bring them to accept the salvation offered by the Saviour. "March 12, Sabbath. I have thought much within the last few months, and especially since the meeting of the American Board in this place, of the millions who are perishing without a knowledge of the Redeemer, and of the duty of Christians to do all that lies in their power for the missionary cause. God is manifesting his willingness to do a great work in the earth, if Christians will but awake and do their duty. But a I "April 17. How thankful I should be to God for all his abundant mercies to me. few days ago my path was dark before me. expected to be compelled to relinquish my studies, for a season at least; but now I have the prospect of continuing them this summer; and then I trust God will open the way still further. "When all thy mercies, O my God, My rising soul surveys, In wonder, love and praise." And now, in view of this, how should I live? Certainly not cold and indifferent, as I often am, but full of love to the Saviour, and zeal in his 2 * cause. I think I feel to day more than ever that Christians should go about doing good. Lord may I have a heart to feel for the souls of others; and may I do good day by day. "May 25. Have been engaged reading the memoir of Harriet Winslow. Oh, that I had her zeal, her love for immortal souls, her ardent desire to do good. I think if I know my own heart, I do not wish to live unless I can aid in advancing the kingdom of the dear Redeemer, and can thus glorify my God. But I am looking forward to doing good, and am neglecting the opportunities which daily present themselves. May I endeavor every day to benefit the souls of my companions. "May 26. Have felt to-day more and more that it is the duty of Christians to spend all their talents and time in endeavoring to glorify the Saviour. Have enjoyed some sweet seasons of prayer to-day, but am compelled to mourn my want of faith. "Read this morning a missionary paper, entitled 'A call to personal labor as a Foreign Missionary.' I think if the way is plain before me, and if I am enabled to qualify myself, I REMINDED OF THE HEATHEN. 19 shall be willing to preach the gospel in a heathen country, or anywhere else. "June 4, Sabbath. I feel very anxious for the conversion of my Sabbath-School scholars, knowing that their souls are in a measure committed to my care, and that a fearful responsibility rests upon me. "I am reminded of the heathen this morning, upon whom no pleasant Sabbath dawns, to whom no crucified Saviour will be preached. O Lord, wilt thou raise up and qualify many who shall be willing to go forth and preach the gospel, even to the ends of the earth. "July 15. I have this evening enjoyed a delightful season of prayer, and have consecrated myself anew to the Saviour. I feel that it is a precious privilege to give myself and all that I have to Jesus. "I very much desire the conversion of my dear parents and sisters, who are now living distant from me. O Lord, visit them in mercy, and lead them to thyself. "Aug. 6. Handed a letter on the subject of religion to G. B. W. to-day, praying that God would bless it to the salvation of his soul. O that I may realize the worth of the soul more and more each day. "Aug. 8. Went to-day with two of my companions down the river four or five miles, distributing tracts among the Irish families upon the rail-road. Most of them are Roman Catholics, yet in nearly every instance they received the tracts apparently with great pleasure. 66 Aug. 13. Sabbath morning. Since I became a professor of religion, I have always felt it to be my duty to preach the gospel of Christ, and to preach it to the dying heathen. After at least six or seven months of examining the subject and praying for divine guidance, I resolved this morning in the presence of God, to devote my life to the work of preaching the gospel to a heathen nation, if He in his good providence shall open the way. I have not come to this resolution without much consideration. I have read many books upon the subject; and, as I hear the cry of five hundred millions of souls who are perishing; as I hear the earnest appeals made by them through the missionary; and as I reflect upon the small number who dedicate themselves to this work, I |