1736 January 8 (Thursday).[1] …and Sanctifie his sickness to him, and to all our Youth; that both the Word and Providences of God may be very awakening to them — nay unto all!! Upon these Heads our publick Prayers were very fervent and importunate. It was full upon my mind, what a singular favour it would be from Heaven if we might be only threatned, and the End of God answered by the Youth being awakened and Reformed without Gods breaking forth to Destroy us: that is, if the Mighty Power and Goodness of God Should So Sanctifie the Extream Sickness of Stephen Maynard[2] as that both he and others might have the Spiritual Benefit of his being Smitten, and yet his Life Spared.
[1]The first extant page begins with an incomplete entry for January 8. On January 8, 1736, Parkman preached on 1 Pet. 5:6, “being Public Fast, on account of the Unusual, Mortal Distemper at the Eastward more especially Seizing young persons – N.B. Stephen Maynard of this Town very ill, and we fear of that Distemper.” 1 Peter 5:6, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that her may exalt you in due time.” Sermon 838-839, Parkman Family Papers (American Antiquarian Society), Box 1, Folder 3.
[2]Stephen, son of Capt. John and Hepzibah Maynard, was bapt. Nov. 20, 1720; MVR, 124.