1755 June 22 (Sunday). Read Sam. 10. Preach’d a.m. on Eccl. 12.13. P.M. read Isa. 46, and preach’d from number 8. N.B. made Some use of 2 pages of Sermon on Tit. 2.6, viz. part of page 15, all 16, and part of 17. Deliver’d also 12 Articles of Religion which I recommended to Young People especially. N.B. a great number of Bills for Prayer and Thanks — but p.m. I happen’d to forget to take Notice of two of them that were put up then. They were Lieutenant Bruce’s for his Wife; and Mr. Eliphalet Adams on occasion of the Death of his Mother: Lieutenant Bruce came into my House, and the Storm abroad was great, Thunder, Lightening, and Rain. Yet the Storm of Brother Bruce’s Passions was more grievous; uttering many bitter and grievous Things; neither could I at all lay his Passionate Heat by anything I could Say. He went away talking and in a Rage, notwithstanding it was the Sabbath, and the Storm which Should have Struck Terror, into each of our Hearts. I could not Suffer him to go away in Such a Frame. I put on my Great Coat, and went to the Meeting House, ready to declare it was not with Design that I omitted the Note, but through forgetfullness — as I went I Spake to him at the Stables to Mollifie him — and entreated him and all others that were there to go into the Meeting House; but neither of them did. When I got into the Meeting House I was Somewhat out of Breath by my running through the Rain. There were many more in the Meeting House (probably) than I expected: Yet I then conceiv’d it best for the prevention of further Mischief to declare that it was through my Infirmity and no otherwise that his Case was Neglected: I also mention’d to them the Reason of my coming to Speak of it to them, viz. the violent Anger which he was in, and continued in, though I did all in my Power to Compose and Satisfie him: and that he assur’d me he would never bring me any Papers (to desire Prayers) any more. When I return’d from the Meeting House, he being Still at the Stables, I Stop’d there again and there labour’d to pacifie him: but all was in Vain. So that I left him with telling him that I had done and Said enough (and indeed it was too much) I would not trouble my Self any more. This was a just Chastizement from God upon me, for my own Sloth and Negligence! the Lord be mercifull to me a Sinner! Mr. Elizer Rice’s Wife Stop’d here because of the Storm and Supp’d with us.