January 3, 1728

1728 January 3 (Wednesday).  Reading Mr. Foxcrofts Sermon on the Earthquake (preach’d by him before the Court).[1]  I was mov’d I hope rather with justifiable emulation and ambition than Envy.  But verily I was much Excited most of the Day to reflect on the progress and advancement he and Some few other persons of distinguish’d Characters had gain’d in both Piety and Learning.  I could but draw up a Resolution that though my powers are small yet according to my Measures I would by the Grace of Christ, lead a Religious, Serviceable and contented Life, with Diligence and industry laying in what Store of Knowledge, and especially Striving after as many Divine Virtues to adorn and accomplish me, as I may be able.

 

Lieutenant Forbush[2] came to me in the Evening who among other things, Speaking of Samuell Hardy’s Case[3] Express’d himself so as Convinced me I should meet with some Trouble in managing it.

[1]Thomas Foxcroft, The Voice of the Lord, from the Deep Places of the Earth (Boston, 1727).

[2]Samuel Forbush of Westborough.

[3]The Westborough Church Records, Feb. 11, 1728 contain the following details. “Another Affair was also brought before the Church at this meeting.  The Pastor took their Advice in what would be most warrantable and Regular to be done in the Case of Samuel Hardy and his wife who desir’d baptism for their Child born Three Dayes within Seven Months after the parents’ Marriage.  No opposition was made to proceeding to grant the Privilege, the Circumstances of the fright it was declar’d the mother was in, occasioning as was believed the hasty birth, together with their Serious Declaration that they were innocent, being all the Satisfaction the Church could have in a Case of this Nature.”  Parson Parkman may not have been convinced that this was the right decision.  At any rate he brought this matter before the Marlborough Association where the advice given was that the child “be baptized.”  Allen, Worcester Association, p. 12.  Finally, on April 28, 1728, the Reverend Mr. Parkman baptized Elizabeth, the daughter of Daniel and Tabitha Hardy.