at all studied, nor written diligently. I have Swift and Pope yet to write; Swift is just begun.

I have forgotten or neglected my resolutions or purposes, which I now humbly and timorously renew. Surely I shall not spend my whole life with my own total disapprobation. Perhaps GoD may grant me now to begin a wiser and a better life.

A

LMIGHTY GOD, my Creator and Preserver, who hast permitted me to begin another year, look with mercy upon my wretchedness and frailty. Rectify my thoughts, relieve my perplexities, strengthen my purposes, and reform my doings. Let increase of years bring increase of faith, hope, and charity. Grant me diligence in whatever work Thy providence shall appoint me. Take not from me Thy HOLY SPIRIT, but let me pass the remainder of the days which Thou shalt yet allow me, in Thy fear and to Thy glory; and when it shall be Thy good pleasure to call me hence, grant me, O LORD, forgiveness of my sins, and receive me to everlasting happiness, for the sake of JESUS CHRIST Our LORD. Amen.

1781.

January 2.

I WAS yesterday hindered by my old disease of mind, and therefore begin to-day.

January 1.

HAVING sat in my chamber till the year began, I used my accommodation of the Morning Prayer to the beginning of this year, and slept remarkably well, though I had supped liberally. In the morning I went to church. Then I wrote letters for Mrs. Desmoulins; then went to Streatham, and had many stops. At night I took wine, and did not sleep well.

January 2, 1781.

I ROSE according to my resolution, and am now to begin another year; I hope with amendment of life. I will not despair. Help me, help me, O my GOD. My hope is,

To rise at eight or sooner.

To read the Bible through this year, in some language.

To keep a journal.
To study religion.

To avoid idleness.

A

LMIGHTY GOD, merciful Father, who hast granted me such continuance of life, that I now see the beginning of another year, look with mercy upon me; as Thou grantest increase of years, grant increase of grace. Let me live to repent what I have done amiss, and by Thy help so to regulate my future life, that I may obtain mercy when I appear before Thee, through the merits of JESUS CHRIST. Enable me, O LORD, to do my duty with a quiet mind; and take not from me Thy HOLY SPIRIT, but protect and bless me, for the sake of JESUS CHRIST. Amen.

GOOD FRIDAY.

April 13, 1781.

I FORGOT my prayer and resolutions, till two days ago I found this paper.

Sometime in March I finished the Lives of the Poets, which I wrote in my usual way, dilatorily and hastily, unwilling to work, and working with vigour and haste.

On Wednesday 11, was buried my dear friend Thrale, who died on Wednesday 4; and with

him were buried many of my hopes and pleasures. About five, I think, on Wednesday morning he expired; I felt almost the last flutter of his pulse, and looked for the last time upon the face that for fifteen years had never been turned upon me but with respect or benignity. Farewell. May God, that delighteth in mercy, have had mercy on thee. I had constantly prayed for him some time before his death.

The decease of him, from whose friendship I had obtained many opportunities of amusement, and to whom I turned my thoughts as to a refuge from misfortunes, has left me heavy. But my business is with myself.

September 18.

My first knowledge of Thrale was in 1765. I enjoyed his favour for almost a fourth part my life.

of

EASTER EVE.

April 14, 1781.

ON Good Friday I took, in the afternoon, some coffee and buttered cake; and to-day, I had a little bread at breakfast, and potatoes and

O

apples in the afternoon, the tea with a little toast; but I find myself feeble and unsustained, and suspect that I cannot bear to fast so long as formerly.

This day I read some of Clarke's Sermons. I hope that since my last communion I have advanced, by pious reflections, in my submission to God and my benevolence to man ; but I have corrected no external habits, nor have kept any of the resolutions made in the beginning of the year; yet I hope still to be reformed, and not to lose my whole life in idle purposes. Many years are already gone, irrevocably past, in useless misery; that what remains may be spent better, grant, O GOD.

By this awful festival is particularly recommended newness of life; and a new life I will now endeavour to begin, by more diligent application to useful employment, and more frequent attendance on public worship.

I again, with hope of help from the GOD of mercy, resolve,

To avoid idleness.
To read the Bible.

To study religion.