.10205.26051

Change was particularly alarming to my Parents, so
that my Father, after all the Pains taken by the <unclear>Eulesias-
-ticks</unclear> by his Advice, to bring me to other Thoughts, had
proved fruitless, at last forbid me his House. <gap></gap>After
the sudden Death of my Father in <date>May 44.</date> I took upon
me the Instruction of Children in a Gentlemans Family
in the Country, who took a particular Liking to Me, and
He and the Rector of the Parish, made me some interesting
Proposals, which brought <add>me</add> into Danger of being entangled,
and indeed they operated so on one, that the Love of my
Heart to our Saviour, began to be lukewarm. But the
faithful Shepherd who would not again <sic>loose</sic>  <corr>lose</corr> his found
Sheep, helpd me out of this Danger, and for that Purpose
made use of a Book which by Chance fell into my Hands,
which was writ against all Manner of Swearing, and
even that which the serving an Office may require. I
thought: now I can neither be a Minister nor Schoolmaster,
nor serve any Office, as I can't with a good Conscience take
the enjoind Oath, and by this came into great Perplexity,
not knowing what to do; I had also no Rest in my Heart,

[page break]

'till I resolv'd to apply for