1736 October 10 (Sunday). Too much of Diverting amusements about Temporal Matters. Am exceedingly put to’t to keep my Self to my Spiritual and Ministerial Duty. O that God would pity, forgive and Assist me! I preached on Phil. 4.19 a. and p.m. I admitted Mary (wife of Beriah) Rice, and Patience[1] Daughter of Jonathan Forbush and Administered the Sacrament. I bless God that I have been in any Measure assisted and restrained in my Thoughts, being encompassed as I am with So many Temptations and Vain Amusements. O that God would Still be Gracious to Me, and pardon the Extream brokenness and imperfectness of my Devotions before Him!
[1]Patience, dau. of Jonathan and Hanah Forbush, b. Feb. 26, 1720 (MVR, 74).