1746 September 4 (Thursday). This Day was observ’d by us in this Parish as a Time of Solemn Humilliation Fasting and Prayer on account of the great Mortality among us. I Sent to all the Neighbouring Ministers, but Mr. Barrett and Mr. Stone only came. Mr. Martyn had appointed a Lecture on this Very Day, and had engag’d Mr. Cushing to preach it. A.M. I pray’d and Mr. Stone preach’d on Heb. 3.7.8. P.M. Mr. Barrett both pray’d and preach’d: his Text, Ps. 37.2. A Considerable assembly. Some Number of Strangers. O that God would accept our Offering and answer our fervent Supplications — that He would pardon our Defects and grant an abiding Effect of his Word upon us! May our Souls be heal’d, the Hand of God sanctify’d and when it Shall be best, the Affliction removed! May this Day be Some Suitable Preparatory for the Special Work before me tomorrow also — the Lord give Me wisdom and Instruction!