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to eat of Him and His bread at His Table. Last night I was afflicted with more
than common pains in my bowels, whether in consequence of much speaking or of
eating vegetables, especially pears at supper. I desire to be humbled in the dust on
account of my ingratitude, my impatience, and oh, may the Lord forgive, and not
remember the sins of my youth. Blessed Jesus, be Thou my advocate, and my life
and strength. Restore Thy unworthy servant, and let me not be driven from my
hope of serving and enjoying Thee at Thy Table. The Lord be gracious and
merciful, also to my wife and children and all my friends. Forgive my enemies,
and give me a heart to hear the Rod, take up my cross and follow the Lord.
Amen.
28. This day my dear consort is 42 years old, and we, with our friends and
children, intending (VD) to celebrate her birthday. Oh, may the Father of mercies
hear our prayers, pardon our family sins in the peace-speaking blood of His dear
Son, and accept of us and our gratitude in the Beloved. Blessed be the Lord for
restoring and preserving mercies. O, spare her precious health, and keep her and
us together, in Thy love and for Thy service. May we continue to live and to
rejoice in the bounties of Thy providence and above all, Father, preserve us from
all evil, from the snares of the world, and the temptations of sin and Satan. Oh,
may we live to work out our own salvation, and to be a blessing for our family and
children. Deal tenderly with us, Lord. Renew our strength, and restore former
comfort. Sanctify and lead us into every path and part of duty. Be near unto us in
mercy and power and bless us and our children everywhere, our mother, also now
with us, and all friends, with light, life, peace, piety, and joy and eternal salvation,
through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
29. Thanks to the Lord for every instance of His mercy and love. Yesterday our
friends, children, and relatives were with us, and we had a friendly converse and
entertainment. May the Father of mercies graciously pardon the sins of our
societies, and make us more serious and religiously disposed when tasting His
goodness and remembering sparing mercy. Oh, may the Lord hear my poor
prayer of yesterday, and spare us together another year and, as long as we
continue here below, may we walk humbly with our God, 334 and become more
weaned from the Creature, 335 and desirous to be forever with the Lord. I desire to
rejoice in the hope of sitting on with His people at His Table and then to celebrate
the praises of our God for redeeming love and renewing grace. Oh, may the Lord
of His infinite mercy prepare both soul and body to serve Him acceptably and
comfortably at that solemn day. I have been reading in Patrick’s Mensa
Mystica, 336 and am glad on account of His love to Jesus Christ and the several
good remarks for the understanding of the nature of the Sacrament. Oh, may I and
all the people of God become more and more wise and instructed in this part of
duty and piety, that we may discern the body of the Lord, and remember His
dying love in such a manner as to have our faith strengthened, and also to obtain
more love and hope, in order to become more steadfast and abounding in every
334
Micah 6:8.
335
From discussion by Jonathan Edwards? See note under entry of March 12.
336
Simon Patrick (1626-1707), Mensa Mystica, or a Discourse concerning the Sacrament of the Lords
Supper (1676). Patrick was first ordained as Presbyterian, later Episcopalian. Book was not part of
Westerlo’s collection in 1771.
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