January 6, 1766

Monday, January 6 1766 the construction of the village, Salem, commenced. About a dozen brothers from Bethabara and Bethany felled trees where the first house was to stand. 

The Watchword, or Daily Text, for the day was: “I will defend this city.” Isaiah 37:35.

The brothers drew deep encouragement from this word from the Lord.

Though encouraged by the Daily Text the brothers experienced piercing cold. It was so cold that in the Apothecary shop in Bethabara certain drugs dissolved in distilled spirits froze and burst forth from the bottles.

But, the Watchword said: “I will defend this city.” Taken by faith - it is good news indeed.