February 16, 1752

1752 February 16 (Sunday).  Mr. Martyn[1] and I had agreed to change if it was not foul weather or very cold, but it proved so very sharp a morning and was so very slippery that I despaired of his coming out; and therefore although I depended much upon changing I did not venture to go, but turned my mare home that my children might come in the slay to Meeting.  However in case Mr. Martyn should be o’mind to come I remember 1.)  We had agreed that if it looked doubtful whether the other would set out, yet he that was so disposed should stir early and give the other sufficient time.  2.) I know I could take his horse and ride as far as my other house and there take one of my own.  (And Thirdly) I put myself into all the preparation I well could by reading over my Notes which I designed to deliver to his people, skirting, etc. but we were all of us sure, by what he has said in times past, that it was too slippery for him to ride.  Yet at more than half after nine o’clock, Mr. Martyn came — and understanding that I was not dressed, nor did expect to go, he was so moved that if I had not used, not only entreatys but force, he would have gone back.  I took his horse as I had purposed and rode to my other house, where I left him and took Ebenezer’s mare and proceeded to the north side.  Got to Meeting in good Season and broke off in season likewise.  A.M. read the chapter of my text, viz. Jer. 31.18.19.20 which I preached on both parts of the Day.  P.M. read 1 Cor. 4.  Baptized Eli son of Thomas and Persis Goodenow.  I tarried not a great while after Meeting before I returned to my other house, for I was much afraid of the evening cold.  Mr. Martyn and Dr. Gardner came to me there; and after some refreshment we parted — but it proved a very sorrowful day to me to see Mr. Martyn so extremely raised for I did not in the least refuse to go; nor was it so late but that I got there in proper season and although he found me at home, yet there was much reason for it, it was also the first time that he had ever come to me thus; whereas I have time after time been at his house before he was in any readiness at all, yet I showed no resentment.  No, not when he was lingered and delayed so long that he has made it altogether too late, quite!!, when he began the Divine Service for me.  But I fear what this will prove the beginning of!  Deus avertat omen!

[1]John Martyn of Northborough.