1742 July 8 (Thursday). I rode to Boston. Mr. Hooper’s public Lecture on 1 Joh. 5.3. Dined at Brother Alexanders. P.M. I was at Dr. Chauncys — where was Mr. Barnard of Marblehead and his Lady. Afterwards came Mr. Hooper and Mr. Malcolm[1] (Episcopal Minister of Marblehead). The Conversation turned upon Mr. Davenport, who is the Subject every where. But few among the wise and worthy but that judge he is touched in his Brain. Mr. Malcolm and I walked down to the North End and up Snow Hill to hear him. There had been a Thunder Storm, and there were little Showers in Time of Exercise. His Sermon was from Rev. 22.17, a very fervent Exhortation and to unconverted Ministers in Special. Said he was then in the Experience of the Divine Spirits influences. Said he was then ready to drop down dead for the Salvation if but of one Soul etc. After Sermon a Considerable Number of Ministers went to Mr. Webbs, who gave us an account of the Disorders in that neighborhood last Night by people’s being So late at Mr. Proctors (where Mr. D________t lodges and which is right over against Mr. Webbs) and he also informed us of his Discourse with Mr. D________t this Morning, Concerning his Conduct and Actions (in running out into the Street among the Croud and crying out to them in an indecent voice, Gesture etc.) but to no purpose, he Supposing himself to be under the Immediate Impressions and Directions of the Divine Spirit. In a word Mr. Webb concludes him to be crazed. I rode to Cambridge after nine o’Clock.
[1]Alexander Malcolm, Rector at St. Michael’s Church (Anglican), Marblehead, 1740-1749; Weis, Colonial Clergy, 132.