Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection)

20.4.1651 (Sunday 20 April 1651)

document 70005665

April: 20: This week also the god of my mercies renewed his protection towards me and mine, some others down of the smallpox, my yet preserved for which my soul desires to be thankful: my navel continued somewhat moist, and foul but not sore, I did not yet dress it: I leave myself to my god who knows what is best for me: and I trust he will direct me for the best, and will be health to my navel and marrow to my bones. the season dry and now somewhat cold inviting unto action; many suppose our Commonwealth lost. Spain and France and Holland against us. Ireland and Scotland heavy work, and not to be affected, the English divided, and worn out with taxes and burdens, the merchants trade even ruined, and so all tending to poverty. but if the work be gods, there is enough in his arm to affect the same, and up to him his people look to be their salvation, the lord was good to me in the week past in the frame of my spirit in giving me a submitting heart to him in order to afflictions, and in leaving myself to god with quietness of spirit for as much as he sees what is best for me and mine; the lord was good to me in the Sabbath, and in the exercises thereof the lord in much mercy pardon my sin and accept my sinful soul,