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 30.

WHEN MY EYE WAS RESTORED TO ITS USE.

February 15, 1756*.

Almighty God, who hast restored light to my eye 2, and enabled me to persue again the studies which Thou hast set before me ; teach me, by the diminution of my sight, to remem ber that whatever I possess is thy gift, and by its recovery, to hope for thy mercy : and, O Lord, take not thy Holy Spirit from me ; but grant that I may use thy bounties according to thy will, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

31.

INTRODUCTORY PRAYER.

O 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.

March 25, 1756.

32.

March 28, 56, about two in the morning.

Almighty God, our heavenly father whose judgments ter minate in mercy grant, I beseech Thee, that the remembrance of my Wife, whom Thou hast taken from me, may not load my soul with unprofitable sorrow, but may excite in me true re pentance of my sins and negligences, and by the operation of thy Grace may produce in me a new life pleasing to thee. Grant that the loss of my Wife may teach me the true use of the Blessings which are yet left me ; and that, however bereft of worldly comforts 3, 1 may find peace and refuge in thy service through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

1 This prayer is not in the Pern- eye.' Letters, i. 57. See also Life, broke College MSS. i. 305.

2 Four days later he wrote : ' The 3 At first he wrote : ' that however inflammation is come again into my solitary.'

C 2 Almighty

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