1862 December 5 "Hopedale," Albemarle County, Va.

[from the diary of Mary S. Boydon of "Hopedale," Albemarle County, Va.]

 Friday 5th  A letter from a Mrs Bailey asking
father to receive her two little nephews as pupils
I am willing to teach them, but Ma seems op=
=posed to taking them--gave way to passion
in school--John Lewis provoked me & instead
of bearing the provocation patiently and there
=by improving my temper,I struck him--Also
gave was very impatient in the grammar
lesson, & spoke several times in the day, too
sharply to Raliegh--May God help me to
write down faithfully all my sins, & grant
me repentance for my wickedness--Forgot
My God, & though the Spirit urged me to
His feet, I resisted the prompting fearing
He would not was receive me, not recollecting
His great love.  Oh God, help me to love thee
more & show me my own heart--This has
Precept- been a cold stormy day, & the snow
lies on the ground two inches deep--god help
the poor, the soldier, & all who need His aid
See by the papers that corn is selling $15 the
barrel.  Rio coffee $3.40 a lb,sugar 75 cts &
a dollar a lb.  Flour is lower considerably
being now$17 a barrel--Lord, teach me more
thankfulness that in all the suffering for
the good cause we have had so small a
share of it--Make me to lie a thankful
life--& by patience, gentleness & love to serve
God faithfully  & win others to Thee.

Precept-"O tarry thou the Lord's leisure" Ps. 27: 16

Prayer- "O remember not the sins & offences
of my youth"- Ps. 23:6

Promise-"Such as are gentle them shall we
learn his way."  Ps. 125:9.

MSS 4208