July 1, 1744

1744 July 1 (Sunday).  On Isa. 66.2.  N.B. p.m. there arose a great Storm of Rain and Thunder, just as we broke off our public Exercises which detain’d the Assembly in the Meeting House.  I led them to Sing part of Ps. 147.  N.B. Mr. Stephen Fays Wife cry’d out very much at the Time of a loud Clap of Thunder.  I discours’d with her at my House afterwards before She went home, and She said the Spirit of God struck here at the Same Time with that Clap, and (having been in great Distress for some Time before) she was fill’d with much Terror by reason of her sins.

July 2, 1744

1744 July 2 (Monday).  Mr. Livermore here to pay me some Money — not a little Discourse concerning the State of the Town — Dividing — Military Affairs etc.  Mr. Morse of Shrewsbury and Master Timothy Pain with him on their Journey to Medfield in order to attend upon Commencement, and Mr. Timothy to be Examin’d for Entrance into College.  Brother Hicks here.

July 3, 1744

1744 July 3 (Tuesday).  Brother Hicks and I to Cambridge.  On the Road Mr. Cushing of Shrewsbury and Two of his Neighbours in Company.  Mr. Fortunatus Woods[1] also.  I got down so seasonably as to make a Visit over to Town.  There was Mr. Messinger[2] of Wrentham my old Friend at College.  Sir Williams’s[3] and at the Buttery.

[1]Son of Benjamin Woods of Marlborough.  SHG 11:336.

[2]Rev. Henry Messenger (HC 1717), minister of Wrentham,1719-1751.  SHG 6:197-99.

[3](HC 1744), son of the Parkman’s brother-in-law, Colonel Abraham Williams of Marlborough.  Abraham, Jr., later became minister of Sandwich, Mass.  SHG 11:498-502.

July 4, 1744

1744 July 4 (Wednesday).  At Meeting the Gratulatory oration was delay’d till the Governor and the Mohawk Chiefs came.  I din’d in the Hall.  The Mohawks din’d there also.  N.B. Great Disorder (we hear) were lately at Ipswich by means of one Woodberry[1] who with Mr. Gilman[2] of Durham has Sent Letters to many Ministers of the Province as from the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  N.B. I transcribed a Letter of Mr. Newmans[3] Study from Madam Christian Wainwright[4] of Ipswich to Madam Dudly[5] of Roxbury respecting the Ipswich Disorders in the last Month, horrible to relate.  My Brother Samuel Parkman was present at Ipswich whilst some of those Facts were done.

[1]Richard Woodbury was associated with the Rev. Gilman of Durham, who ordained him in a ceremony that produced numerous protests.  See The Boston Gazette, July 24, 1744, and The Boston Evening Post, July 30, August 6, 1744.

[2]The Rev. Nicholas Gilman (HC 1724), minister at Durham, N.H., 1742-1748, was “the wildest of the New-Lights.”  SHG 7:338-44.

[3]John Newman (HC 1740), later minister at Edgartown, Mass., 1747-1758.  SHG 10:528-31.

[4]Mrs. John Wainwright.

[5]Wife of Justice Paul Dudley.

July 5, 1744

1744 July 5 (Thursday).  Early in the Morning I rode to Boston.  At Breakfast at Mr. Josiah Quincys[1] with the 4 Mohawks.  Their Names Anerek (or Henrich) Thoyennoga, James, Kayea wire gowa, these Two were elderly men and Chiefs; Yonathan, Kayea wire gowa, and Joseph, Onondager.  (N.B. I copy’d their Names from the Writing of Yonathan (or Jonathan) Kayea wire gowa.)  Mrs. Kellogg of Suffield being Interpretress.  Their Design was to go to the Eastward to bear a message to the Eastward Indians also.  Thoyennogea was very ready, pleasant and intelligent, and especialy gave free answers to our Enquiries concerning their Sentiments in matters of Religion.  We understand that all these 4 are Baptiz’d and Submitt to the Instruction of an English minister who is settled among them for 2 Towns which are call’d Skenecktada — about 12 Miles above Albany.  They tell us the Cagnawaya’s were afore hand of them in saying that in the War between France and England they must not meddle.  They inform that Timothy Rice has been out of Health, and that his son has return’d from his warring with the Flatt Heads.

 

Mr. Barnard[2] of Marblehead preach’d the public Lecture on Gal. 2.20 latter part on Assurance.  I din’d with the Venerable Dr. Colman, where also din’d Mr. Turell,[3] Mr. Josiah Cotton,[4] and Mr. Byles.[5]  Am inform’d that Mr. Dutton a Baptist Minister, whose Life I not long Since read is lately come from England to Boston and preach’d to Day at Dorcester.  My aged Mother very Feeble and scarcely able to go across the Room.  I return’d to Cambridge at Evening.  N.B. in my way was very mercifully preserv’d from being Crush’d by a 4 Wheel Chaise in a narrow Passage nigh Roxbury meeting House, but receiv’d not much Hurt.  D.G. plurimas!  N.B. Cousin Winchester of Westborough lodg’d at Father Champneys.

[1]Col. Josiah Quincy (HC 1728) was a well-known merchant of Boston.  SHG 8:463-75.

[2]Rev. John Barnard.

[3]Rev. Ebenezer Turell of Medford.

[4](HC 1722), minister of Providence, R.I.  SHG 7:50-56.

[5]Rev. Mather Byles of Boston.

July 6, 1744

1744 July 6 (Friday).  Brother Hicks to Boston but Cousin Winchester and I rode together to Westborough.  I call’d at Mr. Cooks[1] in Waterton to see his Books — Clarks Martyral and Lives.[2]  I din’d at Mr. Darlings[3] on the Road.  We stop’d also at old Mr. Shermans[4] in Marlborough — had a great deal of talk with my Kinswoman about the New Lights as they are term’d and particularly her own sourness and Disaffectedness and reprov’d her for many Things.  Got home in the middle of the Afternoon.

[1]Stephen Cook, Jr., of Watertown.  Bond, Watertown, 163.

[2]Samuel Clarke, A Generall Martyrologie, Containing a Collection of all the Greatest Persecutions which have Befallen the Church of Christ from the Creation to our Present Times (London, 1651).

[3]Thomas Darling of Framingham.

[4]Mrs. John Sherman.

July 7, 1744

1744 July 7 (Saturday).  Close engag’d in my Preparations.  Thomas Winchester has carry’d on the Business and conducted the Boys in the Hilling and Haying.  Nor any Evil befallen my Family in my absence.  Blessed be God.  Brother Hicks came up from Boston last night and lodged here, and to Day he went home.

July 9, 1744

1744 July 9 (Monday).  John Rogers work’d with Thomas.  A.M. They mow’d Barley.  P.M. they went to the Meadow.  I rode to some Number of Houses – old Mr. Whipples, Stephen Fays.  Din’d at Captain Fays.  Talked’d with Mr. Benjamin Fays wife concerning her Emotions and crying out on the Training Day at their House.  Was at Mr. Grouts and made a Business of Visiting and discoursing with Mr. James Fay and his wife, Mr. Fay having been absent now four Days running from the public Assemblys.  He told that he had not been so disgusted as to leave us, be [but?] we were Crowded at our Meeting House, and he liv’d almost as near and handy to Grafton.  Besides that he intimated to me that the Grand Jury man (Mr. Miller) threatned to present them for Disorderly Behaviour because his wife cry’d out on the Day of the Earthquake.  I could not find that our Conversation together would be serviceable towards a Reconcilement let me do or say even ever so much either Spiritually or Condescendingly and endearingly.  I also Sometimes reprov’d — nor did I soon come away but tarry’d till the sun was not very high — but after all came away with Grief.  He, in the Course of the Talk told me my conversation was but a little of Spiritual Things — that Mr. Prentices Sermons were lively, profitable and Excellent — that as for me I very much affected such ministers as were opposite — but especially I was Sett against those whom he could not bear to hear a word against: Such as Mr. Bliss and Mr. Prentice.  After visiting Mr. Fay I went to Mr. Whitneys where I found far Different Dispositions — and to Lieutenant Tainters.  N.B. Jonathan I think wears away.

July 10, 1744

1744 July 10 (Tuesday).  Thomas and Neighbour Rogers to the Meadow a.m.  Thomas at home p.m.  Neighbour Rogers p.m. work’d for Neighbour Maynard.  No Barley [?] to reap though much was expected.  N.B. I visited William Clarks two Children that were sick.  Met Mr. Lawrence who rode with me to Mr. Caruths.[1]

[1]John Caruth lived in the north part of Westborough.

July 12, 1744

1744 July 12 (Thursday).  The Meadow waited on by all Hands, viz. Thomas, Neighbour Rogers and the Two Boys.  My Wife not well.  Last night we began to Wean Sarah.  My wife to Marlborough.  Ensign Bruce here in the Morning.  Some time before noon he Sent me his son Jonathan who reap’d down my Winter Rye, 6 Shock, and we got it into the Barn at Evening.  Held the Catechetical Exercise and preach’d on Ps. 27.7

July 13, 1744

1744 July 13 (Friday).  Mr. Chamberlain here in the Morning.  He hinder’d Neighbour Rogers part of the Morning.  Rogers and Thomas at the Meadow.  They Carted home 3 Load and finish’d Mowing the Meadow, for they Left a part which was so thin and Dead that they Concluded was not worth Cutting.  N.B. That being late in the morning they work’d late at Evening for it.  My wife return’d from Marlborough.  N.B. The Child weans without Trouble.

July 15, 1744

1744 July 15 (Sunday).  A. and p.m. on Joel 3.13, former part.  N.B. A very fervent Address to old People.  N.B. Mr. Coollidge comes in commonly after the public Exercises and this Evening seems somewhat affected and awaken’d.  The Lord grant these awakening Things may be a quickening to us all to improve our Golden Opportunity and Advantages!

July 18, 1744

1744 July 18 (Wednesday).  I went to Mr. Francis Whipples to take him with me to Mendon but he could not go.  I proceeded to Lieutenant Tainters to see poor Jonathan who is very low in his Wasting and Consumption and not like to continue, yet Say, but little only that he is pritty much in the Dark, yet would hope in the Mercy of God.  After prayer and Some Instructions I rode to Mendon.  Mr. Webb[1] of Uxbridge and his wife, and Mr. Prentice[2] of Holliston at Mr. Dor’s.  Mr. Prentice could not Stay to Lecture.  I preach’d on Luke 16.23.  O that after as many Times preaching this Sermon and I hope not altogether without Success to others I might obtain Grace from God to become truely Serious and Considerate myself!  Rode back with Captain Tyler as far as to his House, and it rain’d so that I was oblig’d to lodge there all Night.

[1]Rev. Nathan Webb (HC 1725), minister of Uxbridge, 1731-1772.  SHG 7:617-19.

[2]Rev. Joshua Prentice (HC 1738).  SHG 10:312-14.

July 19, 1744

1744 July 19 (Thursday).  Very heavy Rains early in the Morning but clear’d off so afterwards that I return’d home.  Captain Tyler being so good as to accompany me part of the way as far as Mr. Matthew Tafts.  N.B. I call’d also at Mr. Freelands[1] in Hopkinton.  P.M. I preach’d on [sic] Preparatory Lecture from Ps. 24.4.5.  N.B. Mr. Coollidge here after meeting and I perceiv’d him to be free and ready in Classical Learning, except in Tullys Orations etc. but upon several Occasions Dropping very Dark sentences about himself.  Scil. his own Spiritual and Eternal State and Condition which were very terrible to hear — nor could he receive any Reply, Direction nor Encouragement that I could give him.

[1]Thomas Freeland.

July 20, 1744

1744 July 20 (Friday).  Thomas Carted home the last Load of the Meadow Hay.  P.M. a very Considerable Thunder Storm but we and ours mercifully preserv’d.  D.G.  May we have, and ever Maintain the true, holy filial Fear of God and be Cur’d of a slavish Dread which keeps us in Bondage and gives Torment!  For Blessed is the man that (truely) feareth alwayes!

July 23, 1744

1744 July 23 (Monday).  Thomas mow’d at Lieutenant Tainters for Mr. Dunlops reaping Rye this Same Day for me.  My Wife rode with me to see Mr. Samuel Fay, junior, his Wife who has lain confin’d for nigh 11 months, and Jonathan Tainter who is in a deep Consumption.  We were also at Mr. Charles Rice’s.[1]

[1]One of the original settlers of Westborough.

July 24, 1744

1744 July 24 (Tuesday).  The last of our Home Cutt Hay got into the Barn.  Thomas Reap’d Rye the rest of the Day.  I Catechiz’d a. and p.m.  Very Faint and weak.  Brother Hicks return’d from Cambridge.  Read Dr. Peter Kings Biographic Ecclesiastica.[1]  Very Hot.  Thomas to Worcester middle of p.m.

[1]Lord King (1669-1733) was a nephew of John Locke.

July 29, 1744

1744 July 29 (Sunday).  On Matt. 13.39, a. and p.m.  Deacon Forbush,[1] who had requested me to preach at his home next Thursday, told me of his Brother Tainters[2] request for the Sake of his son Jonathan to move the Place of the Lecture by the Consent of the Brethren of the Meeting to his House, Jonathan being not like to go abroad again or long to continue; and upon their Consulting Such Brethren of the Meeting as they could light of and obtaining Consent thereto, I appointed the Lecture accordingly to be at said Tainters on the next Thursday 4 p.m. and likewise propounded the Desires of his Daughter Sarah to join in full Communion with the Church.

[1]Jonathan Forbush.

[2]Simon Tainter.

July 31, 1744

1744 July 31 (Tuesday).  Thomas work’d at Mr. Beemans.  P.M. Mr. Jonathan Forbush came suddenly to call me to see his poor Brother Jonathan Tainter.  I found him very low, but had his reason and could Speak a few words at a Time softly yet somewhat Audibly.  He had no such direct Evidence as to give him much Comfort, but yet he hop’d and desir’d; and Hopes and Desires were the Chief of what I could get from him.  Many were gather’d there.  I pray’d with him, after what moving and Instructing Exhortations I could give both to him and the by-Standers.  About sun setting I left him.  N.B. Mrs. Dunlop rode with me part of the way back and she was under much Spiritual Trouble.  N.B. Hannah Forbush (the Deacons youngest Daughter) in distressing Concern.  I call’d in at Mr. Williams to see Mr. Coollidge as I return’d.  My wife inform’d me that Mr. Andrew Boardman[1] and Sister Williams[2] had bin to visit me.

[1]The schoolmaster of Hopkinton.

[2]Mrs. Abraham Williams of Marlborough.