When I transcribed this prayer, it was my purpose to
have made this book[1] a collection.
Study of Tongues.
Almighty God, giver of all knowledge, enable me so to pursue the study of tongues, that I may promote thy glory and my own salvation.
Bless my endeavours as shall seem best unto Thee; and if it shall please Thee to grant me the attainment of my purpose, preserve me from sinful pride; take not thy Holy Spirit from me, but give me a pure heart and humble mind, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Of this prayer there is no date, nor can I tell when it
was written; but I think it was in Gough square,
after the Dictionary was ended. I did not study what
I then intended.
Transcribed June 26, 1768.
Townmalling, in Kent,
September 18, 1768, at night.
I have now begun the sixtieth year of my life. How
the last year has past, I am unwilling to terrify myself
with thinking. This day has been past in great perturbation;
I was distracted at church in an uncommon
degree, and my distress has had very little intermission.
I have found myself somewhat relieved by reading,
which I, therefore, intend to practise when I am able.
This day it came into my mind to write the history of my melancholy. On this I purpose to deliberate; I know not whether it may not too much disturb me.
I this day read a great part of Pascal's life.
O Lord, who hast safely brought me, &c.
Almighty and most merciful Father, Creator and Preserver of mankind, look down with pity upon my troubles
- ↑ A parchment-book containing such of these prayers as are marked transcribed.
