GOD who desirest not the death of a Sinner, look down with mercy upon me now daring to call upon thee. Let thy Holy Spirit so purify my affections, and exalt my desires that my prayer may be acceptable in thy sight, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

4

II. Prayers composed by Dr. Johnson on
New Year's Day.

The following prayer was wistiges on
The Diday of the last youn
Arida's yours. Hel

Willere har Weste 1784 Jan. 1. P.l.11

I Ford God Acadenly Father, by Shorty mercy of whose

arm nor beginning Another year, grant; I beseech thee That Platine whiche Ihon chall yet allow me may be spent in Thy fear & to Thy glory. Live the endle case of body as may Cable me to be worful record from line all uncle demples & perplexities as Cucumber instruct. My mind + help lue to to pass, by the directio of Thy Aoly Spirit, Firingly the remaining part of life that- F may be finally received to ever lasting joy. Through Jesus Christ

LMIGHTY and everlasting God, in whose hands are life and death, by whose will all things were created, and by whose providence they are sustained, I return thee thanks that Thou hast given me life, and that thou hast continued it to this time, that thou hast hitherto forborne to snatch me away in the midst of Sin and Folly, and hast permitted me still to enjoy the means of Grace, and vouchsafed to call me yet again to Repentance. Grant, O merciful Lord, that thy Call may not be vain, that my Life may not be continued to encrease my Guilt, and that thy gracious Forbearance may not harden my heart in wickedness. Let me remember, O my God, that as Days and Years pass over me, I approach nearer to the Grave, where there is no repentance, and grant, that by the assistance of thy Holy Spirit, I may so pass through this Life, that I may obtain Life everlasting, for the Sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.