Thursday 2. I was to my great concern overcome by a trifling spirit. O how is it that I am so soon off my watch, that the enemy so frequently gets the better! O God give me, I beseech thee for thy Son’s sake, a recollected, serious, praying spirit. Friday 3. My soul was in a more recollected frame than the foregoing day. Lord make me thankful even for this mercy. Saturday 4. I continued much in the same state as the day before. In the evening Mr. _R――――s_ preached on _Lamentations iii. 22_. _It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not._ Had it not been for this, Lord where should I and all the rebellious sons of _Adam_, have been at this day? *Monday 6. I found my mind in a serious frame, but it is seldom that it continues. O that God would make me more stable, that I may not be like the sea continually fluctuating, and driven about with every wind of temptation: but like the sun which constantly rises and sets at the appointed times, and never fails to bring a regular succession of day and night, according to the command of that God who made him, when he sent him forth with a commission to rule the day, and to be for signs, and for seasons, for days, and for years. Tuesday 7. This day I found great enlargement in prayer, which made me perform that duty with much pleasure: but when my soul is dead, it is a most burthensome task. Thursday 9. I went to chapel. Mr. _R――――s_ preached on _Psalms xxxiv. 14_. _Seek peace and ensue it._ The sermon was tedious, and I so cold, that I was quite tired under it, and found myself growing impatient. O how soon am I tired of what is good! The world are not so soon weary at the play-house, or in the ball-room, as I am in God’s house, and under his word. Truly the children of this world, are wiser in their generation, than the children of light. Friday 10. I was oppressed all this day, with that tormenting passion, the fear of death, in so much that I had not comfort in any thing. I was overwhelmed in an instant with such horror and dread, as plainly told me I was unfit to die; unfit to appear before the awful judge of quick and dead. O my God, do thou give me the pardon of my sins, and remove this bondage, (the fear of death) from my conscience! Lord prepare me, make me meet to see thy face. Saturday 11. At night Mr. _M――――s_ made an excellent discourse upon the barren fig-tree. I fear this character belongs to me. O may I at last bear fruit!