Diary of Alexander Jaffray, provost of Aberdeen

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the body, too much looseness and hberty taken in
satisfying the flesh, the affections and lusts thereof,
has made the Lord, in love to ray soul, a little to af-
flict the body. — I was also seeking direction in my
journey north, that I may be guided in my going and
abiding there, that my carriage may be so ordered, as
that I may be comfortable, and not justly grievous, to
any that fear the Lord there. And also, having now
written some reasons about partaking the Lord's sup-
per with the good people of this nation, I desired of
the Lord to be directed in revising them ; so that I
may not be left to my own spirit, in mistaking or af-
firming rashly or uncharitably any thing, that the
Lord will not allow of, or that hereafter I may repent
of ; but that I may soberly and humbly walk in that
matter, as becomes a poor, dark, ignorant creature,
who yet dares not but desire to be established, and to
walk upon clear grounds in every such matter.
The 13th day, having come from Edinburgh to my
own house at the Abbey Hill, I was desiring to bless
the Lord, that I find them all there preserved and in
health ; and that the Lord had returned me there, in
any measure and hope of better health. But alas ! I
find no change upon my heart, — no more love toChrist,
no more hatred and indignation against sin, no more
sense of the goodness of God, who might justly have
consumed me, and have sent me to the pit; — yet has
he spared, and pardoned all my sins, and, only out of
love, is gently shaking a rod on me. O that the heart
of a child, were making suitable returns to such a
Father !
The 14th day, I set apart, to seek the Lord, and to
praise him for mercies by-gone ; wherein, it was my
desire, to take a view of all such mercies as may be