1742 April 28 (Wednesday). Hard at it in the Council — reading the papers and hearing their Defence. Mr. Frink also very ready to wait on the Council, though he made a Distinction as he did not join with the Church in calling it. P.M. Mr. Hall preached at the request of the people. It interrupted the Business of the Council and carryed off the Members, So that we did not finish this Evening. N.B. John Kidney acquainted me at large with the Methods of Gods Spirit with him in awakening him and, as he hoped, converting him. Asked my pardon and my Familys — was ready to give it me under his Hand. Several Gentlemen told me that in acquainting them with the wondrous Methods of Gods Grace with him he had made respectful mention of what he had received from me in the Time he lived with me: And he expressed the Same to me himself. And among other Things when he was in Darkness and Distress from Day to Day and not able to find what method to take nor what to do, he was greatly relieved and directed by calling to mind those Lines he was wont to repeat with my Children, at the End of the morning and Evening Hymns, Praise God from whom all Blessings Flow etc. He expressed his abhorrence of the Romish Religion — told me he was baptized at East Hadley and admitted into the Church there by Mr. Parsons[1] — but notwithstanding the Joys he had experienced about those Times yet that now he was in Darkness again and in great Fear and Trouble. I directed and advised him as I thought his Case required.
[1]David Parsons, Jr. (1712-1781), Harvard 1729, minister at Hadley East or Third Precinct (Amherst), 1739-1781; SHG, 8:610-15.