October 8, 1777

1777 October 8 (Wednesday).  We are apprehensive that Hannah can continue but a little longer.  Almost every Day Shews a Difference.  Her mind is more calm: yet not without Disquietment.  In Every Prayer I would remember both her, and our own share in her sufferings!  May the Lord graciously and almightily appear for both her and us!  We are too unfit to meet our God in these ways of Severity (yet Righteousness) with us!  P.M. I attended the Funeral of the late Capt. Benjamin Fay, and prayed.  N.B. Mr. Sumner and Dr. Crosby were with me.  Sister Cushing came with those Gentlemen to see Hannah.  At the House of Mourning nothing was more remarkable than the Strange Alteration of the Corps — Swelled enormously, discoloured, purple etc., fermenting and turning apace to putrification — exceeding offensive, and the general Desire was to have the Coffin nailed up.  N.B. An urgent Message to me, while yet in their Yard, but presently after prayer to go up into one of the Chambers where was a young Woman, ill in Body and distressed in Mind.  Mr. Sumner also was requested to go up to her.  We complyed — discoursed with her.  I desired Mr. Sumner to pray with her; which he did.  He also came with Dr. Crosby, to my House, discoursed and prayed with Hannah, and is very sympathetic.  May God graciously reward Him and extend Compassion to his own tender, weak spouse!  But especially reward him in spirituals!