April 1, 1745

1745 April 1 (Monday).  The School moves over to Lieutenant Holloways.  Trouble in my neighbourhood respecting Sheep hurt by Doggs.  As Ewe and Lamb of mine in all likelihood kill’d.  Had we purpos’d to go to Cambridge but the Weather So Stormy in the Morning (Rain and Snow) that I was prevented.  N.B. Mr. Jenison seems to be in some Frett on account of his missing the Employment of preaching on the North Side.  Towards Night Thomas Winchester came, went to Work about the Fences and thereby began another half year with me, for the same Wages as last.  N.B. Mr. Thomas Billings here.

April 2, 1745

1745 April 2 (Tuesday).  I rode into my Neighbourhood to Captain Bakers, whom I improv’d to bring up Sundry Things for me from Boston: Whitewashing Lime, Sugar and Corks, Lime juice, etc. to Captain Fays, Mr. James Fays, Mr. Winchesters — and got him to go up to Brother Hicks for me.  At Eve Silas Pratt here.

April 4, 1745

1745 April 4 (Thursday).  Publick Fast on occasion of the Enterprize and Expedition against Cape Breton.[1]  I preach’d on Joel 2.12.13.  P.M. Repeat’d on 2 Cor. 6.2.  Behold now, etc.  O that God would accept this Fast and give Success or prepare us for what He may please to order out to be the Event!  Mr. James Fay left me his mare at Eve for my Journey.  My Wife got down to supper with us.

[1]Gov. William Shirley issued a proclamation, Mar. 28, 1745, setting Apr. 4, 1745, as a day of general fasting and prayer throughout Massachusetts in connection with the forthcoming expedition against Louisbourg, Cape Breton. See Boston Weekly News-Letter, Mar. 25, 1745.

April 5, 1745

1745 April 5 (Friday).  At 4 in the morning just when the Day broke I Set out for Cambridge and arriv’d there at 1/2 after 10. Din’d with my poor, afflicted, Bereaved Mother in Law, whom God graciously Sustains!  P.M. at Mr. Remingtons[1] with Brother Hicks.  But though we were both of us come down on purpose to attend the Business of Settling Father Champney’s Estate yet no word would the Judge Speak upon any such Head.  We were driven to the Shift of attending upon what might be done by Mr. Danforth[2] and were sent to Him.  But it happen’d also that Mr. Danforth was not at Home nor in Town.  I was forc’d again to go to Boston to him if I would speak with him.  Brother Hicks Stay’d at Cambridge and I rode to Boston, put up at Mr. Larkins[3] of Charlestown.  Visited my aged Mother, who through the tender mercy of God is yet in a measure of Comfort.  N.B. Mr. Danforth I could not find this Evening.  Mr. Whitefield preaching at Dr. Sewalls[4] but I could not wait upon the Exercise.  Supp’d at Brother Alexanders but lodg’d at Sister Bettys with my Kinsman.  Mrs. Sally Hill I conclude is a Bed but my Kinsman persists in opposition — will not marry her, being otherwise engag’d, viz. to Mrs. Nabby White.  I am full of Grief for his ruin’d state but can’t help him.  His Troubles still more and more retard and impede his engaging in Business, and he is as backward and undetermin’d as ever.  N.B. Captain Hope, of New York, lodges there.

[1]Jonathan Remington, a Judge of the Superior Court, died Sept. 30, 1745. Paige, Cambridge, 639-640.

[2]Samuel Danforth of Cambridge.

[3]Edward Larkins.

[4]Rev. Joseph Sewall of the Old South Church.

April 6, 1745

1745 April 6 (Saturday).  After much Enquiry I found Mr. Danforth and receiv’d his Advice and Directions.  A Variety of Things hinder’d my getting to Cambridge much before Noon.  Brother Hicks and I din’d with Mother Champney and Sett out at least half after one, if it was not even Two o’Clock, and through God’s great Mercy we were safe at my House before the Day light was gone.  N.B. No news yet from our Fleet.  Mr. Whitefield expounds every Morning at Boston, as well as preaches very frequently as heretofore.  The Divisions on that occasion, I think, hotter than ever.  The Lord have Mercy on us for his great Name’s Sake.  William Pierce[1] work’d with Thomas yesterday, putting up the remainder of the Stone Wall at the Lower Orchard.

[1]William Pierce, Jr., of Westborough.

April 7, 1745

1745 April 7 (Sunday).  I Repeat’d on 2 Cor. 6.2.  I receiv’d a bitter and ungrateful Letter from Mr. William Jenison.[1]  Am sorry especially that I should be disturb’d with it on the Lords Day. The Lord grant me a patient and forgiving Spirit!  Brother Hicks who lodg’d here, din’d with me as did Mrs. Tainter[2] and Mrs. Patience Woods.[3]  At Eve Brother Hicks rode home, and Mr. Belcher Hancock,[4] who had preach’d at North Sutton, came, and lodged here.

[1]Jenison was bitter because the Marlborough Association would not recommend him to fill the pulpit of the north precinct of Westborough.

[2]Mrs. Simon Tainter.

[3]Mrs. Solomon Woods.

[4](HC 1727), tutor at Harvard College. SHG 8:137-140.

April 9, 1745

1745 April 9 (Tuesday).  Return’d some Answer to Mr. Jenisons late tart Letter, and sent it by Benjamin Lull, junior.  Such Contention fills me with Trouble — but the Lord preserve and restrain me!  By and By Mr. Jenison (not having receiv’d the Letter) came to my House about the Time that the Ministers began to assemble to the Association, which met here to Day.  The Gentlemen that came were, Mr. Loring, who was Moderator.  Messrs. Cushing, Gardner,[1] Barrett, Stone, Smith, Goss,[2] and Davis.[3]  Mr. Martyn was also here present. Mr. Stone deliver’d a Concio on 2 Cor. 12.2.  At Eve Mr. Martyn deliver’d a large Confession of Faith.  Debates upon his being approbated.  Mr. Gardner made objection.  N.B. Mr. Barrett told us that a Westborough man, he could not tell who, but he thinks one that was griev’d by the Line of the Precincts or in the Name of Deacon Tomlin was over at Hopkinton to enquire of his Brother Morris[4] after Mr. Commissary Price,[5] in order to joining with the Church of England there.  N.B. Mr. Jenison and I some Warm Contest in presence of Messrs. Cushing, Stone and Smith with reference to my Discourse with him January 1 and afterwards my Conversation with Mr. Matthias Rice on February 23.  Mr. Jenison went away dissatisfy’d, but I requested him to come tomorrow (not only to Lecture but) to dine with us.  N.B. Captain Maynard took 2 Horses, 3 at old Mr. Maynards[6] — and one at Mr. Hows,[7] and 3 Gentlemen, Mr. Goss, Mr. Davis and Mr. Martyn lodg’d at Captain Maynards.

[1]Rev. John Gardner of Stow.

[2]Thomas Goss (HC 1737), minister at Bolton, 1741-1771. SHG 10:175-185.

[3]Rev. Joseph Davis (HC 1740), minister at Holden, 1742-1773. SHG 10:478-481.

[4]Theophilus Morris, a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, was an Anglican missionary who had settled at West Haven, Conn., 1740-1742.

[5]Roger Price was the rector of King’s Chapel in Boston until Nov. 21, 1746. He later founded the Anglican Church in Hopkinton. See Henry W. Foote, Annals of King’s Chapel (Boston, 1882-1896), 2 vols.

[6]David Maynard.

[7]Hezekiah How.

April 10, 1745

1745 April 10 (Wednesday).  Resum’d the Conference about Mr. Martyn.  Mr. Gardner and he were advis’d to retire together.  They did so and came in reconcil’d. Deo soli gloria!  Mr. Davis preach’d the public Lecture on Ps. 51.17.  Mr. Jenison at meeting and I invited him again to Dinner, and he came.  P.M. We have further Debate, and were more successful and pacify’d.  The Gentlemen who were with us, were of the opinion he had better wave his preaching any where, while he was in his present Circumstances though they also told him they Should not pretend to lay an Embargo (as he himself had phras’d it) or Barr him from it.  I gave him my Distinction between the Common privileges of Christians and those more public and special acts of Preaching, etc., and I told him I would have him come to the Sacrament next Sabbath.  He answered me that he could not Say whether he Should or not, but yet went away more compos’d.  N.B. I had offer’d him that if he would withdraw his Letter to me he might burn my Reply to him.  To return to the Association — Mr. Martyn was further interrogated with regard to his disuse of the Tongues, the Sciences etc.  In a word, he was approbated by a Certificate sign’d by every member.  Old Mr. Axtell[1] here but we could do nothing for him.

[1]Thomas Axtell of Marlborough had been a concern to the Marlborough Association before.  Allen, Worcester Association, 19.

April 11, 1745

1745 April 11 (Thursday).  Nathan Knowlton came to live with me.  I visited old Deacon Tomlin who has not only rais’d him a New House in this Parish but this Day begins to move into it.  I am Sorry to find the Deacon Shaken in Mind — but is dispos’d to listen to any Defence of the Church of England, or Opinions of the Baptists.  I gave him earnest Cautions, Exhortations and Instructions, and then proceeded to Ensign Rice’s where I found a New Common Prayer Book and a New Book publish’d by the Society for Propagating the Gospel in Defence of the Church of England.  Ensign was not at Home.  I left my Counsel and Charge with his Wife and visited Neighbour Jeduthan How.  Went next over to Brother Seths, with whom I also Seriously discours’d — but I found him, through Grace, Stedfast.  I understand that his Brother Josiah is preparing to raise a New House in our parish — and being greatly Concern’d for him would not go home without seeing him, though he was far off, Carting Stones.  To my great Sorrow found him leaning to the Church.  He had been with Mr. Price at Boston, etc.  I discharg’d my Duty to him with Some fervency and left him — Committing this Cause to God.  I call’d at Mr. James Maynards and at Eve return’d home.

April 12, 1745

1745 April 12 (Friday).  Last night our Small Flock of Sheep Sett on by Doggs.  A principal Ewe lay Dead, and mostly Eat up: her Lamb left to be brought up by Hand.  A Weather also much bitt, that we much doubted of its Life.  Thomme not well, and the Weather wet and Cold so that we defer his going to Mr. Batchellors at Grafton.

April 15, 1745

1745 April 15 (Monday).  At 3 in the Morning Brother Hicks call’d me out of my Bed.  We Set out a little before Sun Rise (N.B. I had Neighbour Benjamin Hows Horse) upon our Journey to Cambridge — arrived before noon, din’d with Mother Champney, and went over to Mr. Danforth, Mr. Remington being incapable of any Business.  According to Mr. Danforths Directions in the Methods of our Proceeding to Settle the Estate of our Deceas’d Father (Champney) we made Choice of the following Gentlemen to be prizers of the personal Estate, viz. Deacon Samuel Sparhawk, Captain Benjamin Dana, and Mr. Thomas Dana and the Message hereof and of our Desire that they would attend upon that Business tomorrow, was carry’d to them.  At Mr. Morris’s.  N.B. Indignation and Contempt cast upon Mr. William Hobby[1] for his Vindication of Mr. Whitefield.[2]  My Son Thomas went to Live with Mr. Joseph Batchelour of Grafton, Weaver.  Ebenezer went up with him, in my absence upon my Journey to Cambridge.

[1]Minister of Reading.

[2]William Hobby, An Inquiry into the Itinerancy and the Conduct of the Rev. Mr. George Whitefield (Boston, 1745).

April 16, 1745

1745 April 16 (Tuesday).  The Prizers of the Personal Estate came, and view’d the Land, the House and Barn.  I din’d with them in Brother Champneys Room.  N.B. very unhappy Disagreements of Temper between Brother Champney and sister Lydia which had Subsisted for some Time, and were now foolishly and sinfully discover’d to my great Grief and Sorrow.  My Brother and I were together in the Chamber looking over Brother Champneys Long accounts.

April 17, 1745

1745 April 17 (Wednesday).  The Prizers of the Personal Estate at Mothers again, and Viewed Husbandry Tools, Wearing Apparell, Household Goods etc.  We din’d in Mothers Room to Day, and with more composedness among those of the House.  At Eve we laid Some Scheme respecting the Prizing the Real and made Choice of the following Gentlemen for that Purpose, viz. Captain Sharp, Captain Benjamin Dana (one of the other Committee of Prizers), Deacon Henry Prentice, Mr. Richard Gardner[1] and Mr. Thomas Sparhawk.

[1]Richard Gardner of Cambridge.

April 18, 1745

1745 April 18 (Thursday).  Word was carry’d to Each of the last Mention’d Gentlemen; I was at Mr. Gardners and at Captain Sharps.[1]  Broke fast at Mrs. Keggells at Boston.  Visited my Aged and honor’d Mother.  Had so many difficult Affairs upon Me that I could not go to Lecture.  Sad News came to Boston to Day by an Express from Captain Knowls at St. Kitts directed to Commodore Warrin who is gone to Cape Briton of 7 or 8 French Men of War and 28 Transports arrived at Martinece, bound we know not whither.  Din’d at Brother Williams.[2]  N.B. Our Dear Kinsman Elias[3] was unemploy’d yet, but Seems now to be about resolving — the Lord rouse him — for human Help is Vain!  I hastened to Cambridge at Eve in prosecution of our affairs there, Though to my great perplexity I miss’d of Mr. Danforth at Boston.

[1]Captain Robert Sharp of Brookline.

[2]William Parkman of Boston.

[3]Parkman’s nephew, the son of Elias Parkman (d. 1741).

April 19, 1745

1745 April 19 (Friday).  Mr. Danforth was come up to Cambridge last night,  So that this morning we went on with our Business; and Three of the Prizers, viz. Captain Sharp, Messrs. Gardner and Sparhawk were Sworn.  Brother Hicks and I endeavour’d to Expedite Matters by Measuring the Land as we were able, but having no Compass, we only carry’d the Chain upon the Lines, and deferr’d the exact Calculating to such Time as we could have a Surveyer.  We din’d in Mother’s Room.  N.B. Captain Dana came at the Beginning of the work, which was Somewhat after 11 o’Clock a.m.  Deacon Prentice came at 3 p.m.  At Eve the Gentlemen endeavour’d to persuade Brother Champney to Apply himself to the work of the Season.

April 20, 1745

1745 April 20 (Saturday).  Brother Champney refusing to take the Administration, Brother Hicks appear’d willing — and I left my Consent, bid farewell and rode home.  N.B. refresh’d me at Goodenows Tavern in Sudbury, kept now by one Mountgomery.  N.B. Company’d some part of the way by Mr. Thomas Marsh[1] who is going to preach at Worcester.  Found my Family well about 5 p.m.  Gr. D.

[1]Marsh was a deacon of the First Church at Mansfield, Conn. He was uneducated but was ordained by the Separatist Church in Mansfield, July 1, 1746.

April 21, 1745

1745 April 21 (Sunday).  My Wife at Meeting again; the Lords Name be prais’d!  Preach’d on Heb. 13.17, and p.m. on Gal. 6.8.  Stopp’d the Church at noon.  N.B. p.m. Dr. Gott came to sermon but went out as Soon as it was over.  (See Church Records[1] for Stopping the Church at Noon.)

[1]“At Noon the Church was Stop’d to acquaint them with the Desire of Brother Samuel Fay junior to have not only his newborn Infant baptiz’d but a Child of about a year and half old, which had been neglected in this Time of their Great Trouble and Affliction, for which he was Sorry, and desir’d the Compassion of the Church which was freely extended to him and May God please to overlook the Sin of this Neglect. Accordingly p.m. Hannah and Ebenezer, of Samuel and Deliverance Fay baptized.” Westborough church records, April 21, 1745.

April 23, 1745

1745 April 23 (Tuesday).  Brother Hicks came up from Cambridge who tells me he has given Bonds for administering on Father Champneys Estate.  I catechiz’d at the South Part of the Town, at the School-House.  This was the first Time of my doing this.  N.B. 51 Children.  After Catechizing I visited the Widow Woods.  N.B. I went there on foot, but rode Lieutenant Tainters Horse back.  I had also din’d at his House.

April 25, 1745

1745 April 25 (Thursday).  Mr. Bacon[1] of Ashuelot here.  Mr. Stone preach’d a Lecture to our Young Men from 1 Sam. 2.26.  After Meeting came a Messenger from Framingham (one of the Hemingways) with the Sorrowfull Tidings of the Death of the Reverend and Worthy Mr. Swift[2] of Framingham, Who is March last finish’d his 66th Year.  A man of good Abilitys, natural and acquir’d — of a Sprightly Genius and delighting in Learning; a Valuable Pastor and an entertaining preacher, of great Goodness, affability and Courtesy and therefore Easy of access and pleasant to Converse with, was very Hospitable to all and none more affectionate to his Friends.  He nevertheless met with much ill treatment among some of his ungrateful people, rigid Sticklers for the Church Discipline of Lay Elders, and disorderly New Lights, the Latter of which had even set up a Meeting House on purpose for Itineracy.  The Troubles he was Exercis’d with in both his Flock and Family (of very different kinds indeed) might justly be conceiv’d to have given great advantage to his bodily Disorders which had prevail’d ever since he had an Apoplectick Shock a few Years past.  Yesterday Morning When his End approach’d he had unusual appetite and would fain have some Cheese for his Breakfast, but that was conceiv’d hurtfull, and therefore they perswaded him to accept of Chocolat and a Toast.  Whilst they were feeding with These he dy’d away at once, and reviv’d no more.  Help Lord the Godly Man Ceaseth!  The Righteous fall from among the Children of Men!  When Such Usefull Men are taken away alas how weak are we!  We have lost much of our Strength and our Glory when any of the Pillars Fall, the Fabrick shakes.  Yet with God is the residue of the Spirit.  May he grant us his almighty Influences that We may dispatch our Work and get ready for our own Summons, and raise up Successors and give Pastors after his own Heart!

[1]Rev. Jacob Bacon (HC 1731) was minister of Keene, N.H. (Upper Ashuelot), 1737-1747. SHG 9:18-21.

[2]John Swift.

April 26, 1745

1745 April 26 (Friday).  In the Morning I rode up to Mr. Samuel Fay junior whose Young Child is to be bury’d to day.  He was not at home.  I pray’d with his wife and told them who were there of the reason of my withdraw.  Mr. Cushing came to my House with whom and Mr. Stone I (on Mr. Pratts Horse) rode to Framingham to the Funeral of Reverend Mr. Swift.  The Coffin not being ready we waited till 6 o’Clock before the Corps mov’d.  Mr. Loring, Mr. Cushing, Mr. Gardner and Mr. Cook,[1] Mr. Stone and I were Pall Bearers.  The Deacons etc. were under Bearers, the Brethren of Church walking before the Corps, Mr. Loring having pray’d before moving.  It was a very mournful Time!  There was So much mist and rain as made it uncomfortable, but Care was taken that all the Circumstances of the Funeral were very decent.  The Grave was brick’d So high as to cover the Coffin with large flat Stones — and there was provision for a Monument.  We Supp’d at the Sorrowfull Widows.  Mr. Loring, Gardner and Peabody[2] retir’d to draw up a Character.[3]  Mr. Cushing and I rode home with Mr. Stone and lodged there.

[1]Rev. William Cooke of Wayland.

[2]Rev. Oliver Peabody of Natick.

[3]A notice of Swift’s death appeared in the Boston Evening Post, May 13, 1745; reprinted in William Barry, A History of Framingham, Massachusetts… (1847), 112.

April 27, 1745

1745 April 27 (Saturday).  I came home, Mr. Cushing accompanying me.  Could have little Time for my Preparations for the Sabbath having Ebenezer to hear.  John Oake here.  John Oake told me that his Aunt Holloway was to do a message to me, viz. that the people over there desir’d me to go over next Tuesday to the raising their Meeting House, and they would have me be with them at 8 in the Morning to pray with them — and his aunt not coming he did the message by her Order.  I told him I was in Some difficulty for want of an Horse, my mare having lately foal’d.  N.B. Thomas gone from my business from Thursday noon to Saturday night.

April 29, 1745

1745 April 29 (Monday).  At Deacon Newtons and other Houses in that Neighbourhood in preparing for Thomas’s Journey tomorrow to get Lime.  Letter from Mr. Stone that his Lecture is next Wednesday.  I sent word round the Parish that the young women’s Catechizing must be on Thursday.  Mr. Breck[1] and his wife din’d with us.

[1]Rev. Robert Breck of Springfield, Parkman’s brother-in-law.

April 30, 1745

1745 April 30 (Tuesday).  The Morning Rainy.  The Deacon Newton brought his Cart and Ox and Hoggsheads for Lime yet Thomas declin’d going whilst it was So Wet.  I kept the Deacons Oxen till the Weather was better.  No body from the North Side to bring me an Horse or accompany me over to the raising the meeting House there.  Nor any one person of the Multitude who pass’d by my House from the South, so much as call’d to See whether I were to go or could go or no.  Mr. Patteshall[1] (who had preach’d at Worcester last Sabbath) din’d here.  P.M. I rode over to the North side on my own Mare, notwithstanding the inconvenience of it, and the misting, uncomfortable Weather.  For though I mislik’d many Things in their Conduct there, yet I found not enough to warrant my proclaiming War against them as my refusing to go to Day would do.  I found Mr. Cushing and Mr. Morse there.  Afterwards came Mr. Martin and Mr. Goss.  The raising began about 10 a.m. and was finish’d about 4 p.m. without Hurt, through the Great Mercy and Goodness of God.  To him be the Glory!  At their Request I pray’d after the work was finish’d, and we Sung Ps. 127, first Stanza, Ps. 125, first half Stanza and Ps. 128 beginning.  Their Entertainment was in the Frame.  The people brought their provisions in great Plenty.[2]  Mr. Cushing crav’d and Mr. Martyn return’d.  A number of us were at Captain Eagers[3] after supper.  In returning home Captain Baker in Company and we had some earnest arguings all the way, but kept and parted in peace.

[1]Richard Patteshall (HC 1735), a Boston schoolmaster, preached at many places. He bitterly opposed the New Lights and attacked William Hobby for his defense of George Whitefield. Richard Patteshall, Pride Humbled, or, Mr. Hobby Chastised (Boston, 1745). SHG 9:558-560.

[2]Precinct records add “Allowed Jotham Bartlett £2 10 shillings for 2 barrells of cider  for the raising.”

[3]James Eager.