January 31, 1736

1736 January 31 (Saturday).  Capt. Warrin, Capt. Eager, etc. here.  Mr. Abijah Bruce[1] and his wife[2] here.  Being that Mr. Prentice[3] of Lancaster sends word that he can’t preach tomorrow Neighbour Bruce offered to go over to Hopkinton, which he did to entreat Mr. Barretts[4] help on the approaching Sabbath, but still it was ineffectuall.  At Eve, Father and Mother Champney,[5] Sister Lydia,[6] Brother Elias,[7] Samuel[8] and Alexander Parkman,[9] and Cousen Richard Champney[10] came up — The four last lodged at Ensign Maynards.

But Alas! for me and my bereaved House!  God be mercifull to me a Sinner!  Lord!  What wouldst thou have me to do?  Show me I pray thee wherefore thou Contendest with Me!  And turn from the Fierceness of thine Anger that we perish not!


[1]Abijah Bruce (1693-1774) m. Mary Woods, Jan. 14, 1719 (MVR, 234).  Habijah [sic] and Mary were admitted to the Westborough Church, June 8, 1729 (WCR, 19).

[2]Mary (Woods) Bruce (1687-1775) had owned the covenant in Marlborough. Habijah [sic] and Mary were admitted to the Westborough Church, June 8, 1729 (WCR, 19).

[3]John Prentice (1682-1748), Harvard 1700, minister of Lancaster, 1708-1748.  SHG 4:529-32.

[4]Samuel Barrett (1700-1772), Harvard 1721, minister of Hopkinton, 1724-1772.  SHG 6:428-32.

[5]Parkman’s father- and mother-in-law, Samuel and Hannah Champney of Cambridge.

[6]Lydia Champney, Mary Parkman’s sister, dau. of Samuel and Hannah Champney, b. Jan. 4, 1706 (CVR, 1:127).

[7]Parkman’s brother, Elias.

[8]Parkman’s brother, Samuel.

[9]Parkman’s brother, Alexander.

[10]Richard Champney, son of Daniel Champney, bapt. Nov. 23, 1707 (CVR, 1:126).