1770 November 8 (Thursday). This Day 46 years agoe, the Church here was gathered, and I was ordained the pastor. Whilst I would praise and bless the Lord for His Long suffering and for His great Mercy towards [sic] I have great Reason to be deeply humble on Consideration of my Sinfulness, slothfulness, and unprofitableness. Jej. priv. But ah how brokenly, dully, and formally all was managed! O that God would pardon and accept — through Jesus Christ! P.M. and Evening Sad interruption. Dr. Crosby came to see me — acquaints me that Capt. Nathaniel Allen of Shrewsbury is dead: and was buryed last Saturday.[1] May God be gracious to the poor Widow! Dr. Crosbys Wife also came. N.B. The Doctor carryed away 3 Volumes of Dr. Smellie, belonging to Dr. Joslin. Mr. Daniel Forbes also came and to my sorrow took up much of the Evening in his objecting against Levi Warrins admission without an Acknowledgment. Deacon Wood came and cutt out and Salted up the Beef which I lately bought of Mr. Morse. Lt. Harrington was here and helped.
[1]“On Thursday the first of this Instant departed this Life, Capt. NATHANIEL ALLEN, of this Place: a noted Merchant of the City of London, was formerly a noted Merchant in the Town of Boston, but spent the last thirteen Years of his Life in this Town, where he was universally respected for his Integrity and Uprightness in his Dealings, as well as for his Charity and Benevolence, especially to the Poor and Distressed. His Remains were interred this Day with the greatest Decency.” Boston Post-Boy, Nov. 3, 1770, Issue 687, p. [1], with a byline of Shrewsbury, Nov. 3, 1770.