Mrs. K---- is gone; she died suddenly: both Mr. and
Mrs. T---- died at their country-seat; he first. She fancied she was
getting better. The physician advised her not to ride, as she could
not stand the fatigue; she had more faith in air and exercise: the
last day she went out she fainted getting into the carriage, and again
coming out; and died in the afternoon. She lived near us, yet I never
saw her, nor offered one kind office towards the salvation of her
soul, which, if lost, leaves me not innocent of her blood, and if
saved, as I hope it may be, my sinful neglect is not the less. What a
picture in them of the vanity of all under the sun; and in me of the
evil of procrastination, for I meant to visit her. O my Saviour, is
this the return I make for the millions of pardons which thou hast
passed on my account; sparing even the rod, and blessing me with
health, restored limbs, and mercy on mercy, comfort on comfort? I want
words to paint my abominable ingratitude, indolence, and cruelty; and
yet, Oh yet I am spared, and my mercies are spared, as far as I
know--but trial may be at hand. Perhaps I write what my children may
never read. Well, even then, mercy, mercy shall be my song; for I sing
the song on earth which they sing in heaven. I am just going to town
to attend preparation sermon. Our feast is on Sabbath."

"JULY 17, 1801.

"What shall I render to the Lord for all his mercies--mercies
temporal, mercies spiritual, mercies eternal, multiplied mercies? The
one thing that I asked of the Lord has been answered in full, and Oh,
how much added. God himself become my salvation, and the salvation of
my house; how unspeakable the blessing. Although chastisement and
affliction were the means of correction and sanctification, or even
the vengeance taken on my inventions, yet, as a God, he at the same
time pardoneth. For Oh, my character is ever the same with backsliding
Judah and treacherous Israel. Glory to that name which is ever the
same, and changeth not. 'The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and
gracious, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving
iniquity, transgression, and sin.' This was his name among a
stiff-necked people, an idolatrous, ungrateful people; this is his
name to me alike in character. O how he has magnified this name to me,
a backslider in heart and life; multiplying pardons while I have
multiplied transgressions: still he has bee