Lydia_Gay_Diary

27 A very sick night and am weak in body and mind this day, but I am amonumet of god mercy, his goodness endureth forever, the lord is my shepherd: I shall not want, he maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the /still\ waters. he restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake, yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me: thy rod and thy staff they comfort me, thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil: my cup runneth over, surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and i will dwell in the house of the lord for ever: this psalms I learnt when I was a child the first

March 28 – I am rather better this morning. I cried unto god with my voice. even unto god with my voice: and he gave ear unto me. In the day of my trouble I sought the lord: my love ran in the night and ceased not: my Soul refused to be comforted. I desire to give thanks to my heavenly father for Sending My Dear Sister in Christ this morning to see me Mrs Simmonds from Dorchester she maid two prayr and sing three hyms My Dear Frances came in, the interview was heavly O I never enjoy so much for so short a time I long that Every body Ware as happy as I feelt, She is a Widow Since I saw her last I think her face Shines like Moses and graice adorns and makes evry thing lovly how impressive is the language of inspiration. we all do fade as a leaf. Such is human life thus we and our families fade, to day in vigour to morrow in the dust [indent into center of page] With a Soul that ever felt the Sting of Sorrow, Sorrow is a Sacred thing

March 29 I have been permiting to see the ligth of this morning, in rather more comfort health, I give thanks unto the lord. for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever, let the redeemed of the lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy a year this day my Dear child was very feeble. we little thougth that her days on Earth ware so few, Alas: what a land of Mourning is this: what heartrending separations are we called to experience on Earth: and what and hour of parting from ther tenderest of connexions will soon arrive, when, death Interposing his authority to break the ties of nature and of frienddship, we must bid adieu to those who would indeed Gladly accompany us, but must survive to walk alone in the Wilderness, A bitter cup indeed it is. who can imagine, without a painful sympathy of my situation, the world is a barren wilderness befor me but such is the appointment of God My Dear Elisabeth returned home and spent the morning with me She was at Dedham yesterday at Mr Dirges and very glad to se her inquired after me kindly

O that through the grace of god we stand prepared for whatever trials awaits us in the path of duty: and whether with fewer difficulties and greater advantages, we at least display an equal decision of character, we have Sabbaths, do we keep them, we have bibles, do we read them, we have religious and social opportunities, do we improve them; we have pious friends, do we cleave to them: do we come out from the world. and are we separate, saying to the church of christ, and adhering to our purpose, we will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you, Association is a test of character: the companion Exhibits the man. the lord god omnipotent reigneth: this is enough: Angels And blessed spirits shall not monopolize the strain of gratitude and acknowledgment, mortal voices shall join immortal harps, saying, "Hallelujah, there is a calm ofr those who weep, A rest for weary pilgrims"

March 30 A remarkble fine day and my health is better, Fear thou not, for I am with the, be not dismayed, for I am god: I will strengthen the: yea, I will help thee: yea, I will uphold the with the right hand of my righteousness. My heart rjoiceth in the lord: mine horn is exalted in the lord My mouth is enlarged over mine enemies: because I rejoice in thy salvation. Religion should extinguish strife, And make a calm of human life." Friday my usual pray meeting had a precious season and realised the truth of that promise where tow or three are meet together in my name i am in the midst to Bless them If any among you afflicted, let him pray, is any merry let him sing psalms, is any sick among you let him call for the elders of the church: and let them pray over him, and the prayer of faith shall save the sick and the lord shall rais him up: