And how often
have I experienced this in my good lady's time, though but the second-
hand dispenser of her benefits to the poor and sickly, when she made me
her almoner!--How have I been affected with the blessings which the
miserable have heaped upon her for her goodness, and upon me for being
but the humble conveyer of her bounty to them!--And how delighted have I
been, when the moving report I have made of a particular distress, has
augmented my good lady's first intentions in relief of it!
This I recall with pleasure, because it is now, by the divine goodness,
become my part to do those good things she was wont to do: And oh! let
me watch myself, that my prosperous state do not make me forget to look
up, with due thankfulness, to the Providence which has entrusted me with
the power, that so I may not incur a terrible woe by the abuse or neglect
of it!
Forgive me these reflections, my dear parents; and let me have your
prayers, that I may not find my present happiness a snare to me; but that
I may consider, that more and more will be expected from me, in
proportion to the power given me; and that I may not so unworthily act,
as if I believed I ought to set up my rest in my mean self, and think
nothing further to be done, with the opportunities put into my hand, by
the divine favour, and the best of men!
Saturday, seven o'clock in the evening.
Pages:
582
583
584
585
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597
598
599
600
601
602
603
604
605
606