"Such
fatigues and hardship as these serve to wean me more from the
earth; and, I trust, will make heaven the sweeter. Formerly,
when I was thus exposed to cold, rain, etc., I was ready to
please myself with the thoughts of enjoying a comfortable house,
a warm fire, and other outward comforts; but now these have
less place in my heart (through the grace of God) and my eye
is more to God for comfort. In this world I expect tribulation;
and it does not now, as formerly, appear strange to me; I don't
in such seasons of difficulty flatter myself that it will be
better hereafter; but rather think how much worse it might be;
how much greater trials others of God's children have endured;
and how much greater are yet perhaps reserved for me."