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).