LMIGHTY GOD, merciful Father, by whose protection I have been preserved, and by whose clemency I have been spared, grant that the life which Thou hast so long continued may be no longer wasted in idleness, or corrupted by wickedness. Let my future purposes be good, and let not my good purposes be vain. Free me, O LORD, from vain terrours, and strengthen me in diligent obedience to Thy laws. Take not from me Thy HOLY SPIRIT, but enable me so to commemorate the death of my SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST, that I may be made partaker of His merits; and may finally, for His sake, obtain everlasting happiness. Amen.

EASTER SUNDAY.

1781.

I ROSE after eight, and breakfasted; then went early to church, and before service read the prayer for the Church Militant. I commended my Ꮎ * friends, as I have formerly done. I was one of the last that communicated. When I came home I was hindered by visitants, but found time to pray before dinner. GOD, send Thy blessing upon me.

Sic MS.

I

Monday, April 16.

Ar night I had some mental vellications, or revulsions. I prayed in my chamber with Frank, and read the first Sunday in the Duty of Man, in which I had, till then, only looked by compulsion or by chance.

This day I repeated my prayer, and hope to be heard.

I have, I thank GOD, received the Sacrament every year at Easter since the death of my poor dear Tetty. I once felt some temptation to omit it, but I was preserved from compliance. This was the thirtieth Easter.

A

June 22, 1781.

LMIGHTY GOD, who art the giver of all good, enable me to remember with due thankfulness, the comforts and advantages which I have enjoyed by the friendship of Henry Thrale, for whom, so far as is lawful, I humbly implore Thy mercy in his present state. O LORD, since Thou hast been pleased to call him from this world, look with mercy on those whom he has left; continue to succour me by such means as are best for me, and repay

to his relations the kindness which I have received from him; protect them in this world from temptations and calamities, and grant them happiness in the world to come, for JESUS CHRIST's sake. Amen.

September, 2, 1781.

WHEN Thrale's health was broken, for many months I think before his death, which happened April 4, I constantly mentioned him in my prayers; and after his death, have made particular supplication for his surviving family to this day.

September 18.

THIS is my seventy-third birth-day, an awful day. I said a preparatory prayer last night, and waking early, made use, in the dark, as I sat up in bed, of the prayer [beginning of this year]. I rose, breakfasted, and gave thanks at church for my creation, preserva.. tion, and redemption. As I came home, I thought I had never begun any period of life so placidly. I read the Second Epistle to the Thessalonians, and looked into Hammond's

Notes. I have always been accustomed to let this day pass unnoticed, but it came this time into my mind that some little festivity was not improper. I had a dinner, and invited Allen and Levett.

What has passed in my thoughts on this anniversary, is in stitched book K.*

My purposes are the same as on the first day of this year, to which I add hope of

More frequent attendance on public worship. Participation of the Sacrament at least three times a year.

A

Sept. 18, Vesp. 10.40, circ.

LMIGHTY and most merciful Father, who hast added another year to my life, and yet permittest me to call upon Thee, grant that the remaining days which Thou shalt yet allow me, may be past in Thy fear and to Thy glory. Grant me good resolutions and steady perseverance. Relieve the diseases of my body, and compose the disquiet of my mind. Let me at last repent and amend my life; and, O

This Book is not in the Editor's possession.

LORD, take not from me Thy HOLY SPIRIT, but assist my amendment, and accept my repentance, for the sake of JESUS CHRIST. Amen.

Sunday, October 14, 1781. (properly Monday morning).

I AM this day about to go by Oxford and Birmingham to Lichfield and Ashbourne. The motives of my journey I hardly know. I omitted it last year, and am not willing to miss it again. Mrs. Aston will be glad, I think, to see me. We are both old, and if I put off my visit, I may see her no more; perhaps she wishes for another interview. She is a very good woman.

Hector is likewise an old friend, the only companion of my childhood that passed through the school with me. We have always loved one another. Perhaps we may be made better by some serious conversation, of which however I have no distinct hope.

At Lichfield, my native place, I hope to shew a good example, by frequent attendance on public worship.

At Ashbourne, I hope to talk seriously with