1760 October 22 (Wednesday). Mr. Loring returned to the Association and Mr. Smith came. Mr. Fessenden was backward about Examination, but at length asked to be. He was [also?] interrogated concerning his Joining with the Church — he said he had with Mr. Martyns. (It was last Lords Day.) He (at Mr. Mellens motion) construed some Verses in the Greek Testament. Mr. Gardner enquired what Books he had read, in Divinity. He answered Willards Body, part of Charnock’s works — etc. etc. He delivered a large Confession of his Faith. Mr. Loring asked him whether he did really and uprightly believe thus, and whether these Should be the Subjects of his Preaching? He answered yes, he did design thus. He also was desired by me to let the Association See something of his Ability in sermonizing and he produced a sermon on [blank] and read the principal Heads of it. Upon these Examinations he was approbated. The public Lecture was by Mr. Davis on Prov. 4.23. P.M. I rode to Concord. Visited Mrs. Bliss — her Husband was gone to Boston. She herself had been sick. My Business being chiefly with Master Minot and therefore I put up there. Supped at the Doctors. N.B. They have News that Mrs. Monis dyed last night. I was requested to abbreviate an Inscription for the Grave-stone of the late excellent Mrs. Minot.