Morning Star

For the Morning Star.

Scraps from my Diary

March 23. This day I left the place where I have spent more than six years, and the most of my time since I entered the ministry. In parting with tried friends and the young brethren who had been gathered into the fold of Christ while I was there, I was made to understand how strong the ties of Christian affection and brotherly love are. Our hearts were truly knit together. I parted with them from a sense of duty to enter into another part of the whitening fields. May the angel of God's presence go continually before me and lead me aright.

April 1. I came here a few days since, but I hardly feel that I am among strangers. It does not require much time for relatives to get acquainted with each other, although they may never have met before. Christians are nearly connected. They are brethren and sisters of one family. When they meet, they feel as did Joseph, when he said, 'Come near to me, I pray you.'

June 17. Was in Boston, and saw the great procession moving through the streets to the celebration on Bunker Hill. The President of the United States was in this procession, and was the object of all eyes. I was led to contrast what was here witnessed with what took place when the Redeemer entered the city of Jerusalem. He rode on a mean colt—the President in a splendid carriage, drawn by six fine horses. The Savior was honored by some, who cried Hosanna; but these were desired to hold their peace. But the Chief Magistrate was escorted by more than 60 companies of militia, in full uniform. He was greeted with music, waving banners, handkerchiefs, and the cheerful, smiling countenances of more than 100,000 people, as he passed along. It may be right to bestow a sufficient amount of honor upon them to whom it is justly due: but we should not forget to render to God the things that are his.

June 30. By reading the Life of Randall, I find that the first church in the F. W. Baptist connection was organized 63 years ago this day. A few gave their names to a Covenant, drawn up by Eld. Randall. But how great the change since. A little one has become a thousand, and what was then a small one is becoming a strong nation. May all in the denomination be humble and holy. Then God will make use of this body to pull down the strong holds of Satan, and to conduct many who are now in the darkness of sin and unbelief to the mansions of eternal rest.

J. F.