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 56 Prayers and Meditations.

own rules J. I never yet saw a regular family unless it were that of Mrs. Harriots 2, nor a regular man except Mr. Campbel 3 , whose exactness I know only by his own report, and Psalmanazar 4 , whose life was I think, uniform.

00.

EASTER DAY, March 31, 71.

Almighty and most merciful Father, I am now about to com memorate once more in thy presence, the redemption of the world by our Lord and Saviour thy Son Jesus Christ. Grant, O most merciful God, that the benefit of his sufferings may be extended to me. Grant me Faith, grant me Repentance. Illuminate me with thy Holy Spirit. Enable me to form good purposes, and to bring these purposes to good effect. Let me so dispose my time, that I may discharge the duties to which thou shalt vouch safe to call me, and let that degree of health, to which thy mercy has restored me be employed to thy Glory. O God, invigorate my understanding, compose my perturbations, recal my wander ings, and calm my thoughts, that having lived while thou shalt grant me life, to do good and to praise Thee, I may when thy call shall summon me to another state, receive mercy from thee, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

91.

1771, September 18, 9 at night.

I am now come to my sixty-third year. For the last year I have been slowly recovering both from the violence of my last illness, and, I think, from the general disease of my life. My Breath is less obstructed, and I am more capable of motion and exercise. My mind is less encumbered, and I am less interrupted in mental employment. Some advances I hope have been made towards regularity. I have missed Church since Easter only two Sundays, both which I hope I have endeavoured to supply by attendance on Divine Worship in the following week 5. Since Easter, my Evening devotions have been lengthened. But

1 Quoted in the Life, ii. 113. But see Life, iii. 243, for his drink-

? Mrs. Harriots was a relation of ing. Johnson's mother. 4 Ib. iii. 443.

3 Perhaps Dr. John Campbell. 5 Post, pi 81.

Indolence

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