May 31, 1726

1726 May 31 (Tuesday).  I read Dr. Cotton Mathers Ratio Discipline Fratrum Nov. Anglorum,[1] a Book which I have long wish’d for, or something of this Kind.  I apprehend there was great need of the Publication here of [it] and I have a great value for it.  Before it I knew not where there was anything fixt and stated for our Regulation in the Lesser Circumstances; or what to do about Severall Modalities in our Ministrations.  For My own Part, I hitherto had governed My Self Chiefly by what the Assembly at Westminster had given me; but for more minute Articles I consulted what was customary with the best men among us and as far as they agreed with my Sense I followed them in My Management.  I have Likewise Laid before me our own Platform and Confession of Faith, and various other Books I have Consulted for the Formation of my Directory.  Where there was Honey to be Extracted I have not refused to Suck even the Common Prayer Book of the Church of England.  But the Book above mentioned has proved the most illuminating and Instructing Especially in Circumstantialls.  Silence Bartlet not well.[2]  She went to the Doctors.

[1]Published in Boston, 1716.

[2]Mrs. Parkman’s young helper in the house.