January 13, 1754

1754 January 13 (Sunday).  I read part of Judg. 6.  I spent so much time in my Preparations for the Afternoon that I could not prepare for the forenoon only a brief Introduction of the Repitition [sic] of Sermon on Rom. 6.21 from page 37 to 46, but from Jam. 1.15 last Clause.  To this I was induc’d the rather because of my last repetition Concerning the unprofitableness and Shamelessness of Sin, have appear’d to be acceptable and useful, and I heard it wish’d that there might be more:  and again I was induced hereto also because of the Mortality in Neighbouring Towns.  P.M. read Heb. 7, and preach’d on Rev. 10.6 latter part on occasion of our Contributing for the Relief of Alpheus Newton and his Wife, lately burnt out;[1] which Contribution was this afternoon, and may God accept the offering of his people and sanctifie His holy Dispensations.

[1]The Westborough Church Records, Jan. 13, 1754, reveal that Newton’s house was burned down “in the Night between the 24th and 25th of December last.”