1776 December 31 (Tuesday). It is of the Lords Mercies that I am not consumed! Such is the Longsuffering of God that I have arrived at the Last Day of another Year. Jej. and Prec. In which [would] beg divine Grace to humble my self for my many Miscarriages, and great Deficiencys, through the Course of My whole Life; especially of the Year past. And do humbly sollicit and supplicate Forgiveness, through the Blood of the great Atonement. I would take this Opportunity for Humilliation on the Account of the Present sorrowful State of the Publick — the Sore and heavy Judgments of God upon us; and the awful Defection of the Land in general; the Decay of Godliness and the Increase of Sin and Iniquity — which call for fervent Crys to Heaven and Resolutions of Reformation. May God most gracious and Merciful hear, and pity and Save us! O that my poor attempts might be graciously accepted through the only and glorious Mediator! I understand that Mr. Caleb Rice of Marlborough is dead; and to be buryed to day. May God be gracious to the bereaved Widow, the fatherless Children; the mournful Parents and Friends! Mr. Benjamin Bradshaw came, drank Tea (I not with them) and left us for Boston.