let my faith be invigorated, my hope exalted, and my charity enlarged. Take not from me thy Holy Spirit; but in the course of my life protect me, in the hour of death sustain me, and finally receive me to everlasting happiness, for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Good Friday.
April 2.
After a night restless and oppressive, I rose this morning
somewhat earlier than is usual; and having taken
tea, which was very necessary to compose the disorder
in my breast, having eaten nothing, I went to church
with Boswell. We came late; I was able to attend the
Litany with little perturbation. When we came home,
I began the First to the Thessalonians, having prayed
by the Collect for the right use of the Scriptures. I
gave Boswell Les Pensées de Pascal, that he might not
interrupt me. I did not, I believe, read very diligently;
and before I had read far, we went to church again; I
was again attentive. At home I read again, then drank
tea, with a bunn and an half, thinking myself less able
to fast than at former times; and then concluded the
Epistle. Being much oppressed with drowsiness, I
slept about an hour by the fire.
11 P. M.
I am now to review the last year, and find little but dismal
vacuity, neither business nor pleasure; much intended,
and little done. My health is much broken;
my nights afford me little rest. I have tried opium,
but its help is counterbalanced with great disturbance;
it prevents the spasms, but it hinders sleep. O God,
have mercy on me.
Last week I published [the first part of] the Lives of the Poets, written, I hope, in such a manner as may tend to the promotion of piety.
In this last year I have made little acquisition; I have scarcely read any thing. I maintain Mrs. and
