New Year's Day, 1862.
(Beginning of a new year and third anniversary of my Flight from Torribridge)For this year I am going to make no special resolutions put out in a list but at
EVERY
moment I shall ask myself this question:
WHAT WOULD THE LORD DO IF HE WERE ME?
Then I shall never do wrong, and I shall be fitted and worthy for His service.
So with His help I sign
Mary Lee.
Jan. 1st, 1862.
10.30 (a.m.)
This magnificent resolve seems not to have been specific enough, alas, for my frail endeavours; under a date but six or seven weeks later I find this:—
1862. THIS YEAR'S RESOLVE.
(New Version)WHAT WOULD THE LORD DO IF HE WERE ME?
EVERY DAY
(1) He would pray, hiding nothing.
(2) He would learn a new piece of the Word, and more than Aunt Jael made Him.
(3) He would be clean (ears, face, nails, teeth, hands, heart).
(4) He would go a nice long walk (instead of "poking indoors" as She calls it)
AND HE WOULD NEVER
(5) Have sinful thoughts like
Spite
Vengeance
Vileness
Pride
(6) Say sinful words, like
——
——
(7) Like sinful things, like
Praise
Riches
Eating
The Pleasure I have whenever the worst part of the "For Ever" Fear is over
Flattery
Fame(Signed) Mary.
Feb. 19th, 1862.