long long continue to shower down the blessed effusions of his holy spirit on this dry and thirsty place

December 20 [ 1816]

A day like this I have long wished to behold  I have long wished to live to see a time of
general awakening  God has been graciously pleased to prolong my worthless
existance [sic] and to accomplish me desire But how little is my heart affected with His goodness How cold and languid are my affections How stupid and senseless is my mind Surely there never was a wretch so vile so base God be merciful to me a sinner In infinite mercy take from me this