For  which  end  I  most  earnestly  desire  to  have  a  lively  sense
preserved  in  my  mind  of  those  things  which  were  most  power-
ful to  move  my  heart  towards  thee  in  the  time  of  my  sickiu  —
O  that  this  world  may  ever  appear  unto  me  as  it  was  then

1  Ps.  ciii.  1-5, 8-10,  12.  s  xxxiv.  8.  *  rxviii.  17, 18.
"  cxi.  i.
recovery  from  sickness.  247

represented  to  my  mind !  that  I  may  never  set  my  heart  too
much  upon  these  perishing  enjoyments  and  short  satisfactions ;
nor  ever  neglect  thee,  whose  favour  and  grace  I  then  sought
so  earnestly  as  my  chiefest  good !  but  remembering  how  little
comfort  I  could  find  in  anything  here ;  what  a  joy  it  was  to
have  any  hope  in  thee,  the  eternal  God ;  and  how  that  in  my
best  estate  I  am  but  altogether  vanity ;  I  may  most  seriously
apply  myself  to  work  out  my  salvation  with  fear  and  trem-
bling, and  give  all  diligence  to  settle  a  steadfast  hope  in  thee
that  never  may  be  shaken.
Make  me  often  to  remember  that  my  days  are  but  like  a
shadow  that  declineth,  and  that  /  wither  like  the  grass :  but
thou,  0  Lord,  shalt  endure  for  ever ;  for  thou  art  the  same,
and  thy  years  shall  have  no  end*:  that  so  I  may  neither  seek
my  happiness  in  this  dying  life,  but  in  thy  endless  love  and
favour ;  nor  be  slothful  in  business,  but  fervent  in  spirit,  serv-
ing the  Lord?.
