To read the New Testament over in the year, with more use than hitherto of commentators.
To be diligent in my undertakings.
To serve and trust God, and be cheerful.
Almighty and most merciful Father, suffer me once
more to commemorate the death of thy Son Jesus Christ,
my Saviour and Redeemer, and make the memorial of his
death profitable to my salvation, by strengthening my
faith in his merits, and quickening my obedience to his
laws. Remove from me, O God, all inordinate desires,
all corrupt passions, and all vain terrours, and fill me with
zeal for thy glory, and with confidence in thy mercy.
Make me to love all men, and enable me to use thy gifts,
whatever Thou shalt bestow, to the benefit of my fellow-creatures.
So lighten the weight of years, and so mitigate
the afflictions of disease, that I may continue fit for thy
service, and useful in my station. And so let me pass
through this life, by the guidance of thy Holy Spirit, that
at last I may enter into eternal joy, through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Having gone to bed about two, I rose about nine, and, having prayed, went to church. I came early and used this prayer. After sermon I again used my prayer; the Collect for the day I repeated several times, at least the petitions. I recommended my friends. At the altar I prayed earnestly, and when I came home, prayed for pardon and peace; repeated my own prayer, and added the petitions of the Collect.
O God, have mercy upon me, for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.
At my return home, I returned thanks for the opportunity of communion.
I was called down to Mrs. Nollikens. Boswell came in; then dinner. After dinner, which I believe was late, I read the First Epistle to Thessalonians; then went to
