1751 February 20 (Wednesday). Manifested to my sons Somewhat of my affectionate Concern for them. Ebenezer acknowledges. Thomas more insensible. P.M. at Mr. Pratt and his Wife’s Desire, and agreeable to public Notice, given last Lords Day, preached to a Considerable Assembly at Mr. Pratts, his wife lying in a languishing Condition, and long confin’d from public Worship. I us’d Luke 12.40 for the Text. Pick’d the Exercise out of Sermon on Mat. 24.44, and added Two Extracts from Mr. Flavels Touch-stone.[1] Viz. Mr. Sedgwick’s and Mr. Sydenham’s Marks in brief. N.B. old Mr. Whipple and Lieutenant Tainter tarried at Mr. Pratts after the Exercise, and I endeavour’d to have some misunderstandings removed and peace promoted. I advis’d Lieutenant to make Mr. James Maynard a Visit. O that the God of peace would give peace! At Eve Mr. Jedediah Hows of Brookfield here, and Neighbour Stephen Maynard.
[1]John Flavell, The Touchstone of Sincerity: or the Signs of Grace and Symptoms of Hypocrisy (Boston, 1731). This appeared originally in a London edition of 1678.