I resolved to form, this day, some plan for reading the Scriptures.
To rise by eight, or earlier.
To form a plan for the regulation of my daily life.
To excite in myself such a fervent desire of pleasing God, as should suppress all other passions.
I prayed through all the collects of meditation, with some extemporary prayers; recommended my friends, living and dead. When I returned to the table, I staid till most had communicated, and in the mean time tried to settle my mind; prayed against bad and troublesome thoughts; resolved to oppose sudden incursions of them; and, I think, had thrown into my mind at the general confession. When I went first to the table, the particular series of my thoughts I cannot recollect.
When I came home, I returned thanks, by accommodating the General Thanksgiving; and used this Prayer again, with the Collects, after receiving. I hope God has heard me.
Shall I ever receive the Sacrament with tranquillity? Surely the time will come.
Some vain thoughts stole upon me while I stood near the table: I hope I ejected them effectually, so as not to be hurt by them.
I went to prayers at seven, having fasted; read the two Morning Lessons in Greek. At night I read Clarke's Sermon of the Humiliation of our Saviour.
1 Sunday after Easter.
I have been recovering from my rheumatism slowly, yet
sensibly; but the last week has produced little good.
Uneasy nights have tempted me to lie long in the
morning. But when I wake in the night, the release
which still continues from the spasms in my throat,
gives me great comfort.
The plan which I formed for reading the Scriptures, was to read 600 verses in the Old Testament, and 200 in the New, every week.
