1747 October 1 (Thursday). Very rainy Morning. Troubled with our Hoggs, which have one Time after another got in upon the Heaps of Apples. Read Dr. Watts’s Ruin and Recovery[1] — borrow’d of the Reverend Mr. Davis.[2]
[1]Isaac Watts seems not to have published a separate work under this title. It appeared, however, in his Discourses, Essays, and Tracts on Various Subjects, VI (London, 1753), 177-320.
[2]Joseph Davis of Holden.
1747 October 2 (Friday). Ebenezer carted 2 Load of Apples over to Mr. Hows Mill.
1747 October 3 (Saturday). Was greatly interrupted by my meddling with the Little House yesterday and to Day.
1747 October 4 (Sunday). A.M. on Matt. 13.52. P.M. repeated sermon on Isa. 26.9. Many Grafton people at meeting; no preacher there. N.B. My great Distresses last night and this morning on account of my Negligence and unpreparedness. But the Lord be merciful to my unrighteousness and remember not against me my Transgressions. O may the Blood of the Great Sacrifice be accepted to make atonement. N.B. Captain Maynard here in the morning and informs me that his son is sick — and that my Daughter Molly is ill at Boston.
1747 October 5 (Monday). Visited Stephen Maynard and was at Mr. Hows. Ebenezer making Cyder there. Timothy Warrin here and by paying the money for my Oxen took upon his Bond. Lieutenant Tainter return’d a Blanket which Captain Maynard borrow’d for Stephen when a Soldier. The Morning very Cold.
1747 October 6 (Tuesday). Conceiving it somewhat probably that I may be call’d to give the Right Hand to Mr. Wellman tomorrow I took a little time to prepare a few Hints. Lieutenant Tainter here and cut a young Calf, and din’d here. Tells us that he heard at Watertown that Mr. Stearns[1] of Lunenbourgh is Dead. Mr. Stone and his Delegates here in their way to Sutton, but I was not ready to go with them nor had I design’d to go so soon in the Day, my Circumstances being very pressing and difficult at this Time. Hir’d Thomas Rogers to help in picking Apples. Ebenezer got out 5 Barrells and a part of a Barrell at Mr. Hows Mill. One Barrell sold to Mr. Chamberlin and 1/2 Barrell I sent to old Mrs. Crouch, widow and Blind. 4 Barrells and Some Water Cyder, were put into the Cellar. Dr. Gott here p.m. Just at Evening (I suppose Sundown) I set out on my Journey alone. Reach’d to Captain Lelands, and lodg’d there. N.B. Mr. Isaac Glezon[2] of Framingham there.
[1]The Reverend David Stearns.
[2]Gleason.
1747 October 7 (Wednesday). We were Somewhat disturb’d by a Crew of Indians with a Violin last night while we were o’Bed. But through Divine Mercy I rose well and rode (alone) to Mr. Samuel Brecks in North Sutton. Mr. Turners[1] Church in Rehoboth did not come. But the following Churches came, viz. of Oxford, first in Sutton, first in Westborough, of Uxbridge, second in Lynn, Southborough, Worcester, Wilmington. Reverend Campbell was chose Moderator and I was Chosen Scribe. N.B. My Brethren Williams and Miller satisfy’d themselves about joining with the first Church in Sutton, by discoursing with Mr. Campbell. Mr. Wellman was somewhat carefully examin’d yet gave the Council good Satisfaction, both praying and delivering part of a sermon before the Council also. In the public Assembly Mr. Chase[2] deliver’d a very good sermon on Rev. 1.20, those words, the angels of the Churches. N.B. Mr. Stone was appoint’d to pray after the Charge, but he not sitting in the pulpit, the Moderator did himself, but (an unusual thing) he did not lay on Hands in said last prayer, and therefore none of us did. Soon after supper (at which Mr. Webb pray’d, and Mr. Stone in returning Thanks omitted to mention what he had receiv’d) we mounted to come home. Called at my Cousen Fullers, and at Captain Lelands.[3] My Family in Peace. Blessed be God. N.B. Ebenezer at Ordination and supp’d at Mr. Hollands. N.B. We hear again from Lunenbourg that Mr. Stearns is not Dead.
[1]David Turner (Harvard 1718), minister of Rehoboth, 1721-1757. Sibley, VI, 287.
[2]The Reverend Stephen Chase of Lynnfield.
[3]James Leland of Sutton.
1747 October 8 (Thursday). Rainy. Ebenezer made some Cyder at old Mr. Maynards but was beat off by the weather from proceeding. Miserable Mrs. Wakefield[1] I suppose hang’d, this afternoon at Cambridge.
[1]Elizabeth Wakefield was hanged “for the Murder of her spurious Offspring.” Boston Weekly News-Letter, Oct. 15, 1747.
1747 October 9 (Friday). [No entry.]
1747 October 10 (Saturday). [No entry.]
1747 October 11 (Sunday). (Being the Lords Day) in the morning came a Chair and who should be in it but Mr. Cowell and his wife (my Niece) who having tir’d their Horse yesterday were forc’d to Lodge at Wards in Marlborough. I preach’d on Jer. 8.4.5. P.M. on Ch. 3.22. Return O backsliding Children etc. Repeating Sermon on the Ps. 28.5 from page 25 nigh the bottom to page 33.
1747 October 12 (Monday). In the morning I rode to Lieutenant Tainters, who had kill’d a mutton and they put up a side of it in my portmantle. I brought it home. Had a Quarter of Beef of Mr. Jonah Warrin. Price of both the Mutton and Beef 12 d. Mr. Joseph Batchellor brought home a piece of 21 yards of part Callimanco and part pladd for me a Gown, and for Lucy another. P.M. I visited and pray’d with Jesse Maynards youngest Daughter, Sick at his Fathers. My Kinsman Cowell and his wife and Cousen Sarah Tyley rode over to Mr. Ebenezer Rice’s, and my Wife was also of the Company, and she went as far as to Captain Fays, with design to provide some Salt Pork against Ministers Meeting. Our own Pork (notwithstanding we laid up So much) being almost out.
1747 October 13 (Tuesday). Mr. Cowell and his Wife went away, for Boston. The Association met at my House, viz. Mr. Loring, Cushing, Barrett, Martyn, Stone, Seccomb, Smith, Morse, Davis, and Wellman. See the Records of the Association. N.B. Jesse Maynards Child dy’d last night. Mrs. Jerusha Wood very low. While we were at Supper a messenger came for me to go and see her. I found her drawing near to Death, yet she was very desirous of Life, but with resignation to the will of God. She had not assurance, but seem’d to have a well-grounded Hope. She dy’d before morning.
1747 October 14 (Wednesday). Some Difficulty about my having desir’d Mr. Loring to preach my Lecture today, it being Mr. Marsh’s Turn (as they would have it) — especially Mr. Smith was warm, Mr. Morse and Mr. Davis also in behalf of Mr. Marsh. In opposition to them I declared my resolution against him. A vote was passed (which was to my great Satisfaction) that Mr. Loring should preach today. Accordingly he preached. His Text Ezek. 36.26. An excellent Discourse — many much affected — God grant the Impressions may continue and be ripened! After Lecture and Dinner and some Time in Conversation the ministers went home. N.B. Jesse Maynards Child bury’d from his Fathers; Mr. Martyn officiated (for I could not leave the ministers nor my work as Clerk, but was oblig’d to Stay at Home). At evening I went down there — another of the Same Children taken sick.
1747 October 15 (Thursday). Ebenezer undertakes to make some more Cyder but was so beat off again by the Rain that he could only Squeeze out a part of a Cheese, three Barrells though Neighbour John Rogers helped him part of the afternoon. Mrs. Jerusha Ward[1] was bury’d — I attended through twas raining, and the storm prevailed very much at Evening; and in the Night. Fast at Grafton. They send to Messrs. Martyn and Hall, Eaton[2] and Frost.[3]
[1][Additional note: Was this the Jerusha Wood whose death Parkman noted on Oct. 13?]
[2]The Reverend Joshua Eaton of Spencer.
[3]The Reverend Amariah Frost of Milford.
1747 October 16 (Friday). Was at Neighbour Pratts, and Maynards about the making Cyder — send Ebenezer again to go on with it and went to Mr. Batchellor and got him to rig up my Casks — visited Neighbour Stephen Maynard who is ill yet. Proves a bright though windy Day. Am griev’d at my interruptions, but cannot, I think, avoid them.
1747 October 17 (Saturday). Ebenezer proceeds in gathering and laying up winter Apples. I went to the Funeral of Mr. Timothy Warrins youngest Child. The Third Funeral this week, but yet tis not a Sickly Time among us. P.M. came Mr. Stephen Frost[1] of Cambridge going to Grafton if he could not obtain of any Body to Change with him. I was oblig’d to deny him, my particular Circumstances being such that I could not go. Yet there are so many Exceptions made there against the ministers and preachers that go there that tis pity ordained ministers can’t go in their stead, to instruct and direct them in this difficult Time! And by means of the Continual Interruptions and hindrances this week, every Day of it, I needed to change. My Soul is often bowed down with my Burthens — not being able to take Care of my Family without more impediments to my Studys and even to my whole Ministerial work then ought to be suffered.
[1](Harvard 1739). A schoolmaster of Lancaster and an occasional preacher. Sibley, X, 369.
1747 October 18 (Sunday). A.M. I went on with the Subject with Mat. 24.25. P.M. repeated a Number of Articles in the 4 Applicatory Head in sermon on Ps. 28.5, viz. from page 33 and onward to the End of the particulars respecting Reformation of Life and Conversation, but with various alterations which I had not Time to write down there in. O that God would please to overlook my many Defects and give His blessing to my weak Endeavours! At Eve read the two first Judge Hale’s Letters to his Children. I would learn of him to concern my self for the highest Good of mine.
1747 October 19 (Monday). Lowery and Sometimes Showered and looked like a rainy Day and therefore Ebenezer deferred making Cyder to Day. Yet afterwards it held up, and I was Sorry we did not go on because the mill at old Mr. Maynards is left for me when others are depending. Neighbour Pratt in particular, and because I want to go to Boston this week with Cousen Sarah Tyley. P.M. I went over to Mr. Martyn — but both he and his wife were gone over to Bolton.
1747 October 20 (Tuesday). Mr. Ebenezer Chamberlin Collector here and brought me £17.1/ of old Tenor. A Cold Time for Ebenezer who makes Cyder to Day. At eve Mr. Goddard of Leicester here, with his Brother Benjamin. N.B. Our Neighbour Nathaniel Whitney here also.
1747 October 21 (Wednesday). Bright Day. Ebenezer making Cyder at Old Mr. Maynards Mill. This Day I Suppose the Council meets at Narragansett number 2, by reason of the Difficultys there with Reverend Elisha Marsh. The Lord be with them and grant all needed Wisdom and Understanding, Counsel and Fear of God. And may there be an happy Event!
1747 October 22 (Thursday). Cousen Sarah Tyley and I set out for Boston. The occasion of going to Day rather than next Monday, as I designed, was this, Mr. Jesse Maynard brought a message last night from Mr. Martyn, that I Should have his Chair if I could not do without, but that he had rather not lend it. I concluded (charitably) that it must be because of feebleness of the Wheels; but if otherwise, and it was but half granted it was better not to accept of it: and another reason is I foresee I shall want to be at home next Wednesday. We called at Mr. Ebenezer Chamberlins, who being Collector, had money to pay me. We called also at Captain Goddards. N.B. his Chaise was gone down and not returned, but he readily lent it to me if I lit of it. Molly was at Mother Champneys and pritty well. Cousen Sarah and I proceeded to Boston, to her mothers — But I lodg’d and my horse kept at Brother Alexander’s.[1]
[1]Parkman’s brother, Alexander.
1747 October 23 (Friday). I made a few Visits, dispatched a little Business, dined at cousen Elias’s with Madam Delhonde,[1] bargained with my Kinsman for Pools Synopsis 3 last volumes for his Debt to me. Bought my Wife a plad Gown at brother Sam Parkmans (9 yards for 9£) and paid him for it and for everything else I had there. Was with Mr. Whipple at Mrs. Keggels at Eve, and hastened to Cambridge (though it rained somewhat) and lodged there. N.B. Ward of College with Molly.
[1]Wife of Louis Delhonde, the physician.
1747 October 24 (Saturday). It rained, yet I set out determining to ride as I could bear and as the storm Should permitt, though it were no further than the Next Town. Stop’d at Justice Harris’s in Watertown. Din’d at Mr. Cooks[1] in Sudbury — called at Mr. Darlings and reached home in some Comfort, though sometimes it rained hard, and was wet all the day. Found my Dwelling in Peace — though bad News round — for Mrs. Chamberlin (Johns wife) lost her Pocket Book in Boston with all her money of her Marketing (10 or 12£). But this was a Small thing compared with the accident at Grafton last Thursday, when Mr. Boynes was about to blow up a Rock in a Well of Mr. Charles Brighams the Train took fire by his picking of the Rock — Mr. Prentice’s son Solomon was greatly wounded and his Leg despaired of. Several others were much hurt yet one man who was in the well, along with Mr. Boynes escaped.
[1]The Reverend William Cooke of East Sudbury, which later became the town of Wayland.
1747 October 25 (Sunday). Mr. Martyn here in the morning going up to Grafton to preach there. Mr. Stephen Frost for him. N.B. News that Solomon Prentice is Dead. I preached a. and p.m. on Rev. 20.12, those words the Books were opened, and another Book was opened which was the Book of Life. At Eve Mr. Martyn returned and supped and lodged here. N.B. Mr. Prentice Sent me a message per Mr. Martyn to transcribe the Papers of the Council for him, but no word of his son’s Funeral nor Desire that I or any of mine would attend it.
1747 October 26 (Monday). Mr. Martyn left us before Noon. No rupture about his Chair. N.B. Mary Bradish here, about having a Sermon at her House when she first goes into it. But we agree that the Private Meeting which is appointed to be at her Fathers next week be at her House, which is close by, to avoid Superstition and Ostentation.
1747 October 27 (Tuesday). Ebenezer fetched Clay from Mr. Abner Newtons to mend my Chimney Back. Read various things — in particular read part of Mr. Jerimiah Borroughs of Gospel Remission.[1]
[1]Jeremiah Burroughs, Gospel Remission, or a Treatise Shewing that True Blessedness Consists in Pardon of Sin (London, 1668).
1747 October 28 (Wednesday). Took some Notice of the Lord’s long Patience towards me, and his Church here, these 23 years. O that God would forgive my great unprofitableness and quicken and assist me in all his Works! And O That I might observe how my precious Time wastes, and Eternity long Eternity hastens upon me! I felt but poorly in the Day, but had especially much indisposition of Body through the Night. Ebenezer dugg Potatoes. We are laying up for winter of every Store we can. O may we lay up in Time for Eternity!
1747 October 29 (Thursday). Much indisposed in Body, but I thank God my mind not greatly sunk.
1747 October 30 (Friday). Rain. As we have been blessed with a good Crop of Corn, so likewise of Turnips, which are now Cutting. Mr. Cushing on his Journey home in the Rain, here at Evening.
1747 October 31 (Saturday). Thomme came at Evening.
