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Sermon on wickedness of slavery and the south and in support of the president and the war. Based on Isaiah 58:6.

Unable to visit, as he has been asked to preach. Has heard that Mr. Harrison will be stopping at Norristown, [Pennsylvania], on his way to the Presbytery at Pottstown, [Pennsylvania], and he hopes to visit them both. Has to go to recitation shortly.

Regarding Episcopalians in the region, noting the preaching of Lewis Thibou, her own conversion, and attempts to build a church. Acquired land and have begun to raise a building, but are still in need of money. "...the other Churches in this Village feel as though they did not care to give us the use of their houses any longer & I felt we must ask of our sister Churches for help." Asks for a contribution.

Sermon preached at Christ Church; 1st epistle of Paul to Corinthians, 15:58.

Grateful for sympathy. Describes his son Albert's sickness and death, noting his symptoms of sore and swollen throat and vomiting. Notes neighbor and doctor visits. Reflects on his son's character, seeking solace in religion. Comments on a friend's loss of several of his children and both of them trying to submit to God's will.

Went to the city to attend a large gathering at the First Presbyterian Church, likely the Pennsylvania State Sunday School Convention held at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Notes some 1,500 children in attendance with addresses made by Mr. Wells, Mr. Huntington [possibly Frederic Dan Huntington, 1819-1904], Mr. Chidlow [possibly Benjamin Williams Chidlaw, 1811-1892], Mr. Taylor, & Dr. [John Henry Augustus] Bomberger. Robert McKnight presided. Provides details of the convention's proceedings and some information contained in reports from Cumberland County. Discusses food. Happy with Mary's school report. Briefly notes the successful rescue of a man from a collapsed well. $3,500 was raised for [William Miller] Paxton's church to purchase an organ.

Informs her that he has been unwell with a back complaint, but will be attempting to get out of bed for "the coming Lord's day." "Why is it that he should be thus afflicted I am unable to say--perhaps for his sins."

Letter regarding acquiring a letter or autograph of Dr. [Philip] Doddridge (1702-1751). Sprague states that he does not know where a letter of Doddridge could be obtained, though he owns one and previously owned two. He gave the second to his youngest son. He mentions his own inquiry into the family of Rev. Dr. Thomas Clark.

Renewing correspondence, "as you are now a great man at least an Hon. having been to the legislature." Comments on Long Island, access to New York City, ships in the Long Island Sound, and a "fine manufacturing village" on the island along with a "large tin factory." Local school and church doing well, with the church having recently profited from a revival. "There was in many churches during the winter on the island quite a spirit of revival and many were the places where God in a special manner was present and I suppose you was in Boston during the great awakening there these past few months." Longs for "righteous legislators in our national councils and that the spirit of our fathers might rest upon us that we might as a people in all things acknowledge the hand of God and strive to keep his commands." Congress seems "to be slowly working out the difficult problem of reconstruction and I hope we May yet do justice to both black & white." Believes the "Christian Church" has a duty to lead the nation.

Declining re-election as Corresponding Secretary of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. Describes his personal history with the American Board, beginning in 1822. Has been in charge of foreign correspondence since 1832 working constantly for little pay. Comments on the state of the American Board when he first began his work, noting the number of missions, missionaries, and members in contrast to present numbers. "I find that every missionary of the Board now in the field, excepting Mr. and Mrs. Spaulding of Ceylon, Mr. and Mrs. Thurston of the Sandwich Islands, and Messrs. Kingsbury and Byington of the Choctaw mission, went forth during my connection with it." Notes the development of "native ministry," the number of converts, and publications. Mentions growing funds and public enthusiasm for the cause and the work of translating the Bible. "Western Asia, India, Burmah, China, with their six hundred millions of souls, were not open to the Gospel forty years ago; but they are all open now." Confident in the missionary cause's success and the good work of the American Board's officials. Mentions the deaths of members and applauds his wife's support.