Month: October 1745

1745 October 1 (Tuesday).  Fast at Hopkinton on account of the sorrowful Divisions and Separations among them.  Mr. Loring and Mr. Hall there, but Mr. Messinger,[1] who was sent to also, did not come. I began with Prayer a.m. and Mr. Hall preach’d on Mat. 6.12.  Mr. Loring p.m. both pray’d and preach’d.  His Sermon on Mat. 5.4.  May it please God to accept this Day!  and have Compassion on his People!  We all lodg’d at Mr. Barretts.  N.B. Mr. Commissary Price held a Lecture among his people to Day also; and I had reason to suppose that Mr. Joseph Wheeler of Westborough was with Mr. Price and solliciting him to preach a Lecture at his House.

[1]Rev. Henry Messenger of Wrentham.

1745 October 2 (Wednesday).  We were desirous to return home, but the Church being, by agreement together for a Conference, importun’d us urgently to tarry and be present with them at the Meeting House and Mr. Loring open’d their meeting with prayer.  Their Conference rose to no purpose.  We left them and they soon dispers’d.  We din’d and parted.  I return’d home (having Lieutenant Aaron Forbushs Horse upon this Journey) though very much griev’d that such a season for reconcilement was lost.  At my House found Elihu Lyman[1] of Northampton (a young graduate of Yale College) and with him Mrs. Esther Edwards, on a Journey to Boston. And by and by came also Mr. Sergeant of Stockbridge and his wife, on their return home from Boston.

[1]Elihu Lyman (YC 1745). DYG 2:49-50.

1745 October 3 (Thursday).  Our Company went off.  N.B. Mary Graves, now Garfield, here confessing her Fornication and desiring a Line to Mr. Cushing if I was willing she should Make her public Humilliation there, Seeing She had dwelt in Shrewsbury about 3 years: which I consented to.  P.M. Mr. Francis Whipple here.  He in Conversation inform’d me that this Precincts Committee were to meet tomorrow Evening.

1745 October 4 (Friday).  I wrote to the Precincts Committee that when they call a Meeting again they may insert a Clause relating to the Precincts hearing my answer to their Messages of February last.

1745 October 5 (Saturday).  Last Night Mr. Daniel Warrin of our North precinct brought a sad message of Dr. Gotts Wife being at the Point of Death and his Desire to see me.  I therefore left my Study and Preparations and rode to Marlborough, where was a sorrowful sight.  Mrs. Gott was alive and sometimes seem’d to have some Understanding but was hardly able to Speak a Sentence: and but Rarely so much as a Yes.  I stay’d and din’d there, and at the Doctors Desire pray’d with Mrs. Gott, but the Doctor was hurry’d up to Westborough to Mr. George Smiths wife, and to Mr. Jacob Rice — the last being sick and very bad of the Distemper.  N.B. Captain Ward of Worcester at the Doctors Mr. Chandlers wife being very bad of a Nervous Fever.  P.M. I was at Reverend Mr. Smiths — and in my return Home was at Mr. Matthias Rice’s where Benoni Baily was Sick of the Common Distemper.

1745 October 6 (Sunday).  I preach’d on the Subject of Taking away the Vail, but us’d the 16th and part of the 17th verse [of 2 Cor. 3] for my Text: and by Reason of my many hindrances was forc’d to use Some parts of my Sermons on Col. 1.21, from page 14.  Lydia Cutting din’d with us.  N.B. Old Mrs. Cheney[1] of Cambridge here, after Exercises.

[1]Mrs. Benjamin Cheney.

1745 October 7 (Monday).  I Catechiz’d at the South End, at the School House — upward of 40 Children.  Mrs. Tainter[1] kindly ask’d me to Dinner, which I readily accepted of.  N.B. Mr. Tainter[2] of Grafton there and Mr. Nathanial Whitney.  Finishing the Subscriptions among us for Mr. Edwards of Northampton on Religious Affections.  When I came home I found Sir Williams[3] from Sudbury here, and afterwards came Brother Hicks.  The latter lodg’d here.

[1]Mrs. Simon Tainter.

[2]Simon Tainter, Jr., who had lived in Westborough.

[3]Abraham Williams (HC 1744).

1745 October 8 (Tuesday).  My wife rode to Marlborough p.m. to see Mrs. Gott, who is yet alive.  Ebenezer and Nathan Knowlton (with some help of Ebenezer Maynard) made a Load of Cyder.  Lieutenant Hezekiah Ward of Southborough here.  Finish’d Missons Voiages into Italy.[1] — After reading out Lowman on the Revelations.[2]  I have for some time been reading his paraphrase of such of the Notes as can be profitable, in my Family.

[1]Francois Mission, A New Voyage to Italy (2 vols.; London, 1695).

[2]Moses Lowman, A Paraphrase and Notes on the Revelation of St. John (London, 1737).

1745 October 9 (Wednesday).  Mr. Charles Roberts of Sutton, came for a Load of Cyder, for which he promis’d to pay me in six weeks.

1745 October 10 (Thursday).  In the Morning I rode up to Shrewsbury Fast, which was on occasion of the Mortal Sickness among them (the Fever and Flux).  Mr. Hall was to have been there but he came not.  My part was to perform the forenoon service since I could not be there in the afternoon.  I preach’d on 1 Pet. 5.6.  At noon I took leave, Mr. Morse being with Mr. Cushing.  I hasted to Mr. Francis Whipples in Westborough and preach’d at the Private Meeting there on Isa. 66.2.

1745 October 11 (Friday).  Ebenezer with the help of Neighbour Ebenezer Maynard makes Cyder.

1745 October 12 (Saturday).  Ebenezer got home the Cyder. [blank] Barrells.  N.B. Mrs. Gott dy’d last night.

1745 October 13 (Sunday).  On Cor. 3.16.17.  John 13.17.  N.B. Under the former repeated sermon on Col. 1.21, page 25 to 31.

1745 October 14 (Monday).  Early to Mr. Grouts to look at some Beef — he came to look of one of my own Cows to pass his Judgment.  I took his advice and determin’d on my own.  My Wife and I rode to Mrs. Gotts Funeral.  Mr. Smith though at the Funeral, was not well and could not Pray.  I was oblig’d (though it was so sudden) to pray.  We return’d at Eve.  N.B. Captain Hapgood[1] of Shrewsbury bury’d to Day also.  N.B. Colonel Ward said, of Captain Hapgoods repenting that he had talk’d so much against New Light People etc.

[1]Thomas Hapgood d. Oct. 5, 1745. Ward, Shrewsbury 306.

1745 October 15 (Tuesday).  I rode to Association at Stow.  As I went I call’d at Mr. Matthias Rice’s (Mr. Francis Whipple being with me) and borrowed £8 Old Tenor of Mrs. Rice otherwise my Journey to Boston must have been stop’d, for though I had £10 in my Pocket, my occasions call’d for as much more.  From Marlborough I had Mr. Smiths Company to Stow.  Besides us Mr. Prentice, Loring, Barrett,[1] Stone, Seccomb, Swift[2] and Goss there.  Mr. Swifts Concio though Short, yet pritty well done.  Mr. Ephraim Allen came with a Letter from our North Precinct to Messrs. Prentice and Cushing and Me, desiring us to Consult the Association what they had best do about Candidates for them, Seeing the Committee which they had chose to wait upon those Gentlemen as the Precinct had nominated would not go: and whether they might proceed to Call Mr. Martyn?  The Association did not Care to do nor Say any thing till they had receiv’d Satisfaction from Mr. Martyn respecting his Sermon at Bolton, and he not being now present the affair was deferr’d till tomorrow morning.

[1]Rev. Samuel Barrett of Hopkinton.

[2]Rev. John Swift, Jr., of Acton.

1745 October 16 (Wednesday).  Mr. Martyn came and after some Debate he receded from the sentiments deliver’d in his sermon at Bolton, and sign’d a Paper drawn up to that Purpose, and upon that the Association wrote a Letter to our North precinct they had nothing to say why they might not proceed with respect to Mr. Martyn if the Committee etc. refus’d to wait upon the other Candidates nominated.  N.B. Mr. Smith who was to have preach’d the Public Lecture was not well, and requested Mr. Loring to preach for him; which was accepted, and he preach’d from those words [blank] Pet. [blank] The Precious Blood of Christ.  It was so late before we broke up that it was night by that I got to Mr. Lorings; and Mr. Seccomb being my Company in My Journey to Weston he induc’d me to lodge at his Father Williams.[1]  But Mr. Williams was gone to Hatfield.  Thomas Winchester Made Cyder a Day and Half, and gott in Corn a Day and half.

[1]The Rev. William Williams of Weston was father-in-law of the Rev. Mr. Seccomb.

1745 October 17 (Thursday).  Proceeded on my Journey to Cambridge.  N.B. Contest between sister Lydia and Brother Hicks, the administrators.  I refus’d to engage in it: and hasten’d to Boston, but ‘twas too late for Lecture.  My Brother Samuel gone to Plymouth.  My Mother wondrously Sustain’d by God and Comfortable.  Blessed be God for this great Favour!  but my sister Esther very low and confin’d to her Bed.  I din’d at Judge Sewals[1] where was also his Brother Mitchel Sewal, and after Dinner Dr. Chauncy and Mr. Rand came.  At Sister Eliza’s who (with her Daughter) was sick.  Lodg’d there with Parkman.  My Mare at Mrs. Keggells.[2]  N.B. The Negro that murder’d his Mistress at Mendon, was hanged, and Mr. Campbell preach’d the Lecture at Worcester.

[1]Stephen Sewall (HC 1721), Justice of the Superior Court of Judicature, later Chief Justice of Massachusetts. SHG 6:561-567.

[2]Mrs. Abel Keggell, Mrs. Parkman’s cousin.

1745 October 18 (Friday).  At Mr. Webbs.  Din’d with Mr. Eliot.  P.M. gratify’d my Curiosity at the Chiming of the Ring of Bells at Dr. Cutlers[1] Church — view’d the Bells — the Organs, Vestry etc.  At Eve at Brother Alexanders.  Took Solemn leave of sister Esther commending her to the Infinite Mercy and Grace of God, and return’d to Cambridge in good season.

[1]Rev. Timothy Cutler, D.D., Anglican minister of Boston.

1745 October 19 (Saturday).  Return’d to Westborough.  Din’d at Mr. Cooks[1] at Sudbury, where was also Mr. Marsh[2] of College.  N.B. Thomas Winchester work’d for me last Tuesday and Wednesday in making Cyder and gathering Corn.  N.B. About 40 Barrells of Cyder this Year, 10 of them boyl’d.  30 now in Cellar.  Found my Family in Peace and Safety.  Blessed be God for all his Benefits!

[1]Rev. William Cooke of Wayland.

[2]Perez Marsh (HC 1748).

1745 October 20 (Sunday).  Repeated Sermon on Ps. 112.3, and O that God would make it the Day of his Power with us, and us his Willing People upon it!  The Sickness creeps in upon us in this Parish.  The Lord prepare us to meet with Him in the way of his Judgments!

1745 October 21 (Monday).  Visited Mr. Samuel Fay junior who lyes sick of the Distemper: and Mr. Gershom Brighams Family who have all been so sick of the Same, and has bury’d one Child whilst I was absent: Mrs. Brigham and the remaining Child, now sick.  Visited Abigail Knowlton who is sick also.

1745 October 22 (Tuesday).  I visited Mrs. Martha Warrin who lyes weak and low and some measure under the Distemper.

1745 October 23 (Wednesday).  My Wife and I were at the Funeral of Mr. Gershom Brighams other Child.  We visited Mr. Daniel Warrin of Shrewsbury who had several Convulsion Fitts of late, and was much concern’d.  We also visited Mr. Samuel Fay junior who (with Several of his Children Sick likewise but himself) lyes very bad.  When I came home found Mr. Mighel[1] here (See the Catalogue of Harvard Scholars 1704).  He had been at my house and lodg’d here while I was on my late Journey to Boston — and now lodg’d again.  Captain Warrin I understand has agreed with him to keep our School.

[1]Samuel Mighill (HC 1704), an itinerant schoolmaster. SHG 5:255-256.

1745 October 24 (Thursday).  Mr. Mighel din’d here: bought 3 Weathers of me for 5 shillings per Head and paid me for them.  P.M. I visited Susanna Ball who lies very bad of the Distemper, and Mrs. Wheeler who is ill of a plaister.  My Boys have been much employ’d in Husking — for I was dissatisfy’d with late night Huskings.

1745 October 26 (Saturday).  Ebenezer plough’d Stubble Hills and had Nathan Maynards Oxen with mine, Nathan having my Mare a.m. to grind Apples.  P.M. Deacon Thomas Greenwood of Newton here.

1745 October 27 (Sunday).  A.M. on Cor. 3.17 latter part.  P.M. on Ps. 2.8 on Occasion of the Return of our Ambassadors from the Treaty at Albany with the 6 Nations of Iroquois Indians.  I took Occasion also to Mention God’s wonderfull Mercy to Us, who were heretofore but a few generations back Heathen — but us in Special in this Place it being nigh Seven Times 3 Years that God has waited upon us, Since our first incorporating into a church state.  N.B. Mr. John Sparhawk[1] from Shrewsbury here: din’d and lodg’d here.

[1]The schoolmaster.

1745 October 28 (Monday).  I would thankfully mention the Loving Kindness of the Lord towards us in Sparing us untill this Day, now 21 years since the founding of this Church and my Ordination over it.  O may the Blood of Jesus Christ cleanse me from all sin!  and quicken me to new Care and Faithfullness.  The fore Part of the Day I spent Separately. P.M. I was oblig’d to wait upon Captain Maynard and his Company in Arms with whom I pray’d, and before night I eat [sic] at Captain Maynards House.  The Lord pardon my many Defects in my holy Ministry!  and quicken and assist me hence forward — that the Blood of Immortal Souls may not be laid to my Charge!

1745 October 29 (Tuesday).  Ebenezer clearing the back Yard of the Chips muck and manure which has lain in some Thickness from Year to Year there.  Wondrous pleasant and Moderate Weather for the Season.  Mrs. Anna Rice here.  We finish’d reading Mr. Lowman on the Revelation in the Family, and began the Bible again, at Evening.

1745 October 30 (Wednesday).  Wrote to Brother Sam Parkman by Mr. R. Banks.  Began the New Testament in the Morning Family Reading.

1745 October 31 (Thursday).  I was in Strong Expectation of Mr. Seccomb to preach a Lecture which I appointed for my Young Men, but he came not.  Mr. Cushing came and I prevail’d upon him to preach to them which he did from Rom. 7.9.  At Eve Deacon Andrew Rice of Marlborough and his wife here.  N.B. Mr. Aaron Hardy was here in the Morning for advice relating to his being dismiss’d from Grafton Church, they being ready to give him both Dismission and Recommendation notwithstanding his not being in good Terms with themselves.  I advis’d in the Negative.