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.