1746 December 31 (Wednesday). Captain Maynard as he was going to Boston gave me his hints and Resentments of my neglecting to visit Abner Newton — but he soon went off. I consider’d with myself that I visited them Some Number of Times in their Affliction, one Day after another — and when I came from Boston preach’d a Funeral Sermon on Purpose. But have been of late more than ordinarily fill’d with perplexing Cares and important Business — as particularly my Bond with Mr. Jesse Rice of Marlborough; the weighty Affairs of my settlement with this Precinct; the Sickness at Mr. Whipples; the troublesome Affair, and great Disappointment about my Pork; but especially a Daily anxiety about my Cattle my Hay being very Short and my Stock much increas’d. My Corn also Much Shorter than Ordinary; which was caus’d me to ride much more than I should have done, and yet without success. It was Somewhat Rainy this Morning, but was moderate air, so I delay’d no longer, but made a Visit to Mr. Abner Newtons. He was not at Home; his wife much confin’d by Lameness. She manifested no uneasiness that I had not been to see ‘em, but said that they had hop’d I would, and I cant but remark that though I have occasionally seen Mr. Newton, and did of very late yet he has shown no Disgust nor was I aware that they had any special Expectation of me — though I acknowledge I should have done well to have gone — and am Sorry I neglected it. I told Mrs. Newton I hop’d they would not be offended — and She manifested her Satisfaction and ask’d me to come again to see her. Call’d at Deacon Newtons. Return’d and din’d at home. It has been more than Ordinary Cold, difficult Weather, So that I could go out but little unless upon pressing Occasions. Was disappoint’d and hinder’d by the Cold when I was out. The Year Ends with this Uneasiness of my Nearest and most bountiful Neighbours — which I am sorry for — but I can’t but fear there is, and has been of late, a great Dissatisfaction on another Score; and I fear Some Disposition to Watch for my halting. There has been no sweetness I believe Since the Ordination of Mr. Martyn, or as my Neighbour calls him Esquire Martyn. But God forgive what has been amiss in me! quicken me to my Duty and enable me to walk inoffensively — that the Ministry be not blamed!