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9. Last night my dear Joanna was very sick again of the fever, and we both much
distressed. O, may the Father of mercies pity and pardon our sins, and deliver us
from our iniquities; what a temptation and snares of sin and Satan! Oh, may I be
more prudent and silent and experience that the Lord is with me. Blessed Jesus,
convert and renew us and cause us to watch and pray that we are not overcome of
evil and the Evil One. I was but full of pains last night, and much distress at
present, but what do I complain except of sin, the only accursed thing. Oh, may I
be enabled to crucify the flesh and to become more than conqueror unto Thee, O
Lord! Would I look for further defense and preservation in every hour and power
of darkness? Oh, pity my family, sanctify crosses, and prepare for Thy will. May
we be humble, resigned, and strong in hope of life and glory. Jesus, our head,
entered through suffering, and we must through many tribulations. Fain would I
be more steadfast and unmovable and always abounding in the work of the Lord.
Father of mercies, Thou hast given me a wife and children; they are Thine. Do
with them as seemeth good in Thy light. Only, may they know Thee and Thy Son
Jesus Christ; and have mercy upon the sick little one. Spare her for a blessing and
comfort, deal tenderly with her, and restore health and strength. Direct to proper
means, and bless them. Whether we live or die, oh, may we be the Lord’s. I
desire to leave all my concerns with our compassionate God and to wait on His
mercy, grace, and glory. O, speak peace to my troubled soul and my diseased
bowels. Grant life and strength to finish the translation of the catechism book, and
prosper my endeavors for the rising youth now. Lord, accept of my poor prayer
and my humble thanks for sparing, forbearing goodness, and bless the schools, for
Zion’s sake, and all our land with peace and plenty, and above all with the better
mercies of Thy ever lasting covenant in the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
22. Last night dear Joanna was poor and feverish again. The disorder, however,
is discovered, by the avoiding of several worms, it appears she is troubled with the
fever arising from worms, and proper medicine applied may still be blessed and
prove effectual for the removing of the disorder. Fain would I, this day, look up
to the Lord for direction and success to the means. Oh, may my poor morning cry
be heard, and the Father of mercies pity me and my distressed sinful family.
Pardon, o Lord, our innumerable sins in the precious blood of Thy dear Son, our
compassionate High Priest, and increase my faint trembling faith. I desire with
my whole heart to give up my sick child unto Thee! O, most merciful God and
Father, forgive her sins, and give her a saving interest in the merits of Thy Son,
our Savior. O, spare the child, Lord, if it may be, and may she recover for my
comfort and to Thy glory, but above all let it be Thine, with body and soul in time
and to all eternity. Blessed Jesus, have mercy upon her and us, and sanctify this
affliction to us all. Increase my hope and trust, and o, accept of my poor prayer
and give me more and more patience and submission to Thy Holy Sovereign
Good Will. Comfort and support us, o, Thou Spirit of all grace, and let not my
spiritual enemies rejoice and triumph over me. Unto Thee, o, most Holy, most
merciful, Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I most humbly commit my
children, myself and wife and all the family, now and forever more. Amen.
24. This morning my poor little one took Ryon’s worm plumbs, having been very
sick of the fever last night, and still this morning weak and much indisposed. I
would most humbly pray to our merciful God and Father in Jesus Christ
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