1779 January 1 (Friday). I bless God for the Light of another morning, which begins A NEW YEAR of the divine patience and Long suffering towards me, which (I confess) am most unworthy. With Thanksgiving for the Mercies received and penitently acknowledgement of my ingratitude and innumerable offences, I implore Remission, through the Merits and Mediation of my only and most dear Saviour, and humbly beseech the divine Favour to be extended to me and mine still; I desire devoutly to renew my Solemn engagements by Covenant to be the Lord’s, and commit to Him, the Sovereign of my Life, all my Cares and Concernments, all the Changes and Events of this peculiarly difficult year, or what part of it, it shall please the great Supreme to vouchsafe me to continue in this frail uncertain State! But my daughter Cushing being here, and soon to return, and Col. Job Cushing dining with us, Breck also and his, I was much interrupted and prevented: very unavoidably. May the Lord extend compassion!