To rise in the morning at eight.
To use my remaining time with diligence.
To study more accurately the Christian religion.
Almighty and most merciful Father, who hast preserved
me, by thy tender forbearance, once more to commemorate
thy love in the redemption of the world; grant
that I may so live the residue of my days, as to obtain
thy mercy when Thou shalt call me from the present
state. Illuminate my thoughts with knowledge, and inflame
my heart with holy desires. Grant me to resolve
well, and keep my resolutions; take not from me thy
Holy Spirit, but in life and in death have mercy on me,
for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
Acts of forgiveness.
P. M. In the pew I read my prayer, and commended
my friends, and those that died this year. At the altar
I was generally attentive; some thoughts of vanity
came into my mind, while others were communicating;
but I found, when I considered them, that they did not
tend to irreverence of God. At the altar I renewed my
resolutions. When I received, some tender images
struck me. I was so mollified by the concluding address
to our Saviour, that I could not utter it. The
communicants were mostly women. At intervals I read
collects, and recollected, as I could, my prayer. Since
my return, I have said it. 2 P. M.
May 21, 1776.
These resolutions I have not practised nor recollected.
O God, grant me to begin now, for Jesus Christ's sake.
Amen.
July 25, 1776.
O God, who hast ordained that whatever is to be desired, should be sought by labour, and who, by thy blessing bringest honest labour to good effect; look with mercy upon my studies and endeavours. Grant me, O Lord, to design only what is lawful and right; and afford me
