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Show 60 knit or do some other light work. Review my actions for the day-offer my devotions to Heaven and retire at nine. This course I wish to carry out as closely as possible. Circumstances may make it necessary for me to deviate from these rules, but I wish to have method in all I do and have nothing slighted but do everything thoroughly and as near perfect as my powers will admit. I wish to spend not an idle moment, for to me time is more precious than gold. My plan is not perfect, but as the days pass, experience will teach me wherein I can improve. I believe the time is not far distant when the Author of our existence will call upon us for an account of the time and talents he gave us here upon the earth. Oh how many will have to bow their heads in sorrow and regret over lives spent in idleness and frivolity. I desire most fervently to be one who "From my Lord, can receive the glad word well and faithfully done, etc." I wish to do good, and to be useful in this Kingdom. January 13th I have not accomplished all that I desired in the past few days, but I have done all that my health would permit. In fact I have gone to the bed on one or two occasions thinking I would give up-but I would think of the wise words of God that we must not give way to all these pains and aches; if we did there would ever be something to distract our thoughts. I find it is hard to preserve my equanimity of mind, and I frequently give way to tears which I fear is injuring my health-but I must be more wise-more patient and enduring, and seek for comfort from Heaven. January 15th Last night the clock ran down-(which shows a want of care on my part) and desiring to rise early I jumped on the floor as soon as I awoke, and fearing it might be late I made my fire and began my studies. I think I have been up about three hours, and it is not daylight yet. I want to make more improvements in my habits of life, and my plan of study. I must be kind and affable in my bearing and words, more uncomplaining and cultivate cheerfulness, good nature, and a smiling countenance. I must be more assiduous in my efforts to govern and control my children, more constant and regular with Bard's lessons, more economical with my time and more faithful in my prayers. Milford says there is a course for a wife to pursue "that will place her upon the pinacle [sic] of preeminence in her husband's affections and esteem." And that course he has laid out plainly, has taught them for years (his wives). I know that he has, and Oh I have tried with all my power and energy to follow in an undeviating line with |