April 1738, living with Mr. Fiske
Some time in April 1738, I went to Mr. Fiske's, and lived with him during his life.* And I remember, he advised me wholly to abandon young company, and associate myself with grave elderly people; which counsel I followed; and my manner of life was now exceeding regular, and full of religion, such as it was. For I read my Bible more than twice through in less than a year; I spent much time every day in secret prayer, and other secret duties; I gave great attention to the Word preached, and endeavoured to my utmost to retain it. So much concerned was I about religion, that I agreed with some young persons to meet privately on Sabbath evenings for religious exercises, and thought myself sincere in these duties; and, after our meeting was ended, I used to repeat the discourses of the day to myself, and recollect what I could, though sometimes it was very late in the night. Again, on Monday mornings, I used sometimes to recollect the same sermons. And I had sometimes considerable movings of affections in duties, and much pleasure, and had thoughts of joining to the Church. In short, I had a very good outside, and rested entiredly on my duties, though I was not sensible of it.
After Mr. Fiske's death, I proceeded in my learning with my brother; and was still very constant in religious duties, and often wondered at the levity of professors; it was a trouble to me that they were so careless in religious matters. Thus I proceeded a considerable length on a self-rightous foundation; and should have been entirely ndone, had not the mere mercy of God prevented.
*Mr Fiske was the pastor of the church in Haddam.
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