1760 October 29 (Wednesday). Fast at Shrewsbury. I rode up on Mr. Pratts Mare and which got away from me at Eve — So that I was obliged to ride down a Creature of Mrs. Cushings — and Samuel Willard (Son of Mr. Daniel Willard) rode with me home, to carry back the Horse I rode upon, and he lodged here. Mr. Morse Somewhat unexpectedly came to Mrs. Cushings, and he preached in the Forenoon and prayed in the Afternoon. His Text was 1 Cor. 12 ult. Mr. Stone prayed before his sermon. P.M. I preached on Mat. 14.12. N.B. as I went I was very much Surprized and troubled to See people at Work on Such a Day as this. Particularly at the Blacksmiths — and Others in Other Business. These Indecencies I could not but, with some Severe Resentment reprove. After the Exercises the two Deacons and Mr. Ebenezer Keyes came to us at Mrs. Cushings, thanked us, and requested Directions, if we had any particular to give them other than had been given, in their present Circumstances. N.B. Mr. Maccarty and his Wife rode by us as we went to Meeting p.m. And they returned upwards again at Evening without Coming to Meeting. Besides that they also hindered Mrs. Allen (as I Suppose) from Coming. For there, I conclude, they went; and Mrs. Allen was absent. I think it a great Impropriety that people professing Religion, but especially Ministers, Should act in this Manner — So much out of Character; upon Such Occasions as these.