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 Indolence and indifference has been neither conquered nor op posed. No plan of Study has been pursued or formed, except that I have commonly read every week, if not on Sunday, a stated portion of the New Testament in greek. But what is most to be considered I have neither attempted nor formed any scheme of Life by which I may do good, and please God.

One great hindrance is want of rest, my nocturnal complaints grow less troublesome towards morning, and I am tempted [to] repair the deficiencies of the night x. I think however to try to rise every day by eight, and to combat indolence as I shall obtain strength. Perhaps Providence has yet some use for the remnant of my life 2.

Almighty and everlasting God, whose mercy is over all thy works, and who hast no pleasure in the Death of a Sinner, look with pity upon me, succour and preserve me ; enable me to conquer evil habits, and surmount temptations. Give me Grace so to use the degree of health which Thou hast restored to my Mind and Body, that I may perform the task thou shalt yet appoint me. Look down, O gracious Lord upon my remaining part of Life ; grant, if it please thee, that the days few or many which thou shalt yet allow me, may pass in reasonable confidence, and holy tranquillity. Withhold not thy Holy Spirit from me, but strengthen all good purposes till they shall produce a life pleasing to Thee. And when thou shalt call me to another state, forgive me my sins, and receive me to Happiness, for the Sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

92.

Sept. 23, 1771.

On the 1 8th, in the morning, before I went to Bed, I used the general prayer [beginning of this year]. When I rose, I came home from Mr. Thrale's that I might be more master of my hours 4. I went to Church in the Morning, but came in to the

1 Quoted in the Life, ii. 143. Jan. I, 1770, he uttered his New

2 The Lives of the Poets had yet Year's Day prayer ' prima mane ' to be written. in the first hour after midnight.

3 Ante, p. 42, n. I. ' The general prayer ' was, I con-

4 He sat up on the eve of his jecture, his ' accommodation ' of the birthday till after midnight. On Third Collect. Ante, p. 42, n. I.

Litany.

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