November. 26. This week full of variety of providences towards myself, and family. the lord reached out his hand to us all but the children, but very gently and mercifully. my cold was very violent and sharp, and my rest very unquiet and restless 2 nights, but then I rested better, on Tuesday I searched my navel, and whether that or a fit of coughing moved me, I know not, but I was near swooning but afterwards I had hope in my navel, keeping lint out of it, and washing it with plantain water and loose sugar, the lords name be praised for it, and for an insight he gives me into the vanity of my heart, and raising up my soul to an opposing of every vanity, the lord was merciful to the residue of our family to hold up our heads, and to remove our weaknesses, my navel was now in a hopeful way of healing, and my trust is in god, to perfect the same, the lord with a sad providence overtook a Trooper slain by a Cavalier near us, oh keep me that the bloody minded man have not an advantage against me, the lord was good to me, notwithstanding the aching of my head, and my cold and aguish distemper to give me strength for my studies, and to preach(.) unto the(e) looks my soul to bless the word, oh make it a blessing for thy name sake, I had not that liberty nor ability by reason of my illness to follow my studies this week; make me to get good for my soul, and strengthen my inward man I entreat thee.