We went on our travel. I having got one handful of ground nuts, for my
support that day, they gave me my load, and I went on cheerfully (with
the thoughts of going homeward), having my burden more on my back than
my spirit. We came to Banquang river again that day, near which we abode
a few days. Sometimes one of them would give me a pipe, another a
little tobacco, another a little salt: which I would change for a little
victuals. I cannot but think what a wolvish appetite persons have in a
starving condition; for many times when they gave me that which was hot,
I was so greedy, that I should burn my mouth, that it would trouble me
hours after, and yet I should quickly do the same again. And after I was
thoroughly hungry, I was never again satisfied. For though sometimes it
fell out, that I got enough, and did eat till I could eat no more, yet
I was as unsatisfied as I was when I began. And now could I see that
Scripture verified (there being many Scriptures which we do not take
notice of, or understand till we are afflicted) "Thou shalt eat and not
be satisfied" (Micah 6.14). Now might I see more than ever before, the
miseries that sin hath brought upon us. Many times I should be ready to
run against the heathen, but the Scripture would quiet me again, "Shall
there be evil in a City and the Lord hath not done it?" (Amos 3.6). The
Lord help me to make a right improvement of His word, and that I might
learn that great lesson: "He hath showed thee (Oh Man) what is good, and
what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and love mercy,
and walk humbly with thy God? Hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed
it" (Micah 6.8-9).