Sept. 1 8, 1768, at night.
Townmalling, in Kent.

[I have now begun the sixtieth year of my life. How the last
year has past I am unwilling to terrify myself with thinking.
This day has been past in great perturbation, I was distracted at
church in an uncommon degree, and my distress has had very
little intermission. I have found myself somewhat relieved by
reading, which I therefore intend to practise when I am able.
This day it came into my mind to write the history of my
melancholy. On this I purpose to deliberate. I know not
whether it may not too much disturb me.
I this day read a great part of Pascal's Life . 
0 Lord, who hast safely brought me,]1
Almighty and most merciful Father, [Creator and Preserver of
mankind,]1 look down with pity upon my troubles and maladies.
Heal my body, [strengthen my mind, compose my distraction,]1
calm my inquietude, and relieve my terrours, that [if it please
thee,]1 I may run the race [that is]1 set before me 
with [peace, patience, constancy and confidence]2. [Grant this O Lord, and
take not from me thy Holy Spirit,]1 [but pardon]3 and bless me, 
for the sake of Jesus Christ our [Lord]4.