Before My Fourth Sacrament, July 5, 1730

As I am preparing for the table of the Lord, and my intended journey, I would seriously think of my business with God, in regard to each. 1 come to the sacred table humbly to receive a renewed pardon for my renewed. and and aggravated transgressions. I come, to seal those sacred engagements into which I entered myself on my birthday. I come, to get a lively view of Christ by faith; that, having him crucified and set forth before me, I may thereby be engaged to obey the truth, according to the exhortations I am giving to others, and which I earnestly pray God to seal home upon my own soul. I come, to refer to him all the future concerns of my life, and particularly the continuance of it, — and of my health, and capacity for usefulness. I come, to ask his assistance in the cultivation of the several branches of learning which lie before me; and in that great design for the defence and improvement of Christianity, which has been the subject of so many of my late thoughts. I come, to commit myself to his care in this journey; to beg preservation from all the snares and temptations of it; and a continued adherence of soul to him. And I come to ask his direction in that great concern, the choice of a companion for life. May he preserve me from being misled by any of those foolish passions to which I know that I am naturally obnoxious. I would solemnly engage myself to a care in secret devotion, to be watchful over my thoughts, my heart, my appetites, and my words; and I humbly depend upon him, to lead me and guide me; to prosper my way before me, and to make such provisions for the supply of my wants as he knows that I may need. He is my covenant Father and Friend; may he never leave me nor forsake me, and may I never depart from him!