September 3, 1745

1745 September 3 (Tuesday).  Having heard that one of Reverend Mr. Smiths little Daughters[1] was dead, I went (though not sent for) to the Funeral.  Mr. Loring was there and pray’d.  A very grievous Loss to the poor bereav’d Parents.  The Lord be almightily present with them and Sustain them!  Rode with Mr. Loring to his sons.  Mr. Peabody return’d from Worcester, and tells me that Mr. Nathaniel Gardner is Chose their Pastor.  N.B. Mr. Lorings great Concern at hearing of the Choice of Mr. Gardner at Worcester: and he wrote a Letter to Mr. Prentice[2] of Lancaster while I was present, to induce him to Converse with others in the Neighbouring Ministry about it.  Mr. Josiah Brown the bearer as he was also of another from me to beseach Mr. Prentice to preach to our northside at their approaching Fast.  I return’d from Sutton to Cambridge.  I carry’d to God those Important Articles — and the Particular State of Some of the Flock, more Especially the Condition of Mrs. Abigail Forbush (wife of Daniel) who lyes most dangerously ill, if yet alive; and that of James Bradish junior (if he be among the Living) very Sick and low, at Deerfield; The Contests also raised by Mr. James Fay and his Brother Stephen, chiefly on account of my disapproving of their going to other Towns, to Meeting on Lords Days.  N.B. The Last of them last night in a great Flame, on sudden, about this Matter, but Came to me to Day to acknowledge his unguarded Passion and indecency at that time. Besides these, the Case of my Family, my wife, Children — the Ministry — the Land, the Nation and Protestant Interests abroad, call for Concern and [illegible] Prayers.  Upon the Whole I solemnly Reviewed my Engagements and Resolutions to be the Lords, relying upon the Merits and Reassurances of the Lord Christ alone for Pardon and acceptance with God and the Aids of the Divine Spirit to enable me to adhere to and fulfill them.  And May the Lord most mercifully watch over the future part of my (Short) Life, and prepare me for His whole will!  Amen.

[1]Anna, daughter of the Rev. Aaron Smith of Marlborough, died Sept. 1, aged 4.

[2]Rev. John Prentice.