Month: May 1748

1748 May 1 (Sunday).  Mr. Wilson preached for me.  A.M. on Mat. 16.26.  P.M. 1 Thess. 4.14.  He returned to Hopkinton at eve.

1748 May 2 (Monday).  Joseph Bowker came to work for me for 4 months, Wages 50£, Old Tenor.  Ebenezer and he brought my Cow (with her Calf) that had been kept at Lieutenant Tainter’s.  I walked over to Mr. Whipples.  N.B. Mr. Silas Walker of Nichewog there.  Mr. Whipple was so kind as to lend me his Horse to ride to Mr. Joseph Knowltons.  I visited his Wife and pray’d with her.  Visited Elijah Bellows[1] Sick of a Fever and pray’d with him.  A Thunder Storm arose and kept me there and at Mr. Whipples till it was late in the Evening.

[1]A son of Eleazer Bellows.

1748 May 3 (Tuesday).  Sent 8 Cattle by the Whipples etc. to Nitchewag, under the Care of Mr. Silas Wheeler.  Captain Warrin sent his sons Nahum and Jonathan with two Yoke of Oxen and Hay to keep ‘em, to plough for me.  Sent by Captain Maynard to Boston.  P.M. my Team also ploughing.  N.B. Mr. Jonathan Green[1] here, and desires me from his Mother Wheeler to take the Care of getting the Bible given by Mr. Wheeler to our Church, let it Cost more or less; he tells me he has money lying by him for that use.

[1]Green’s wife, Sibyl or Sibil, was the daughter of the late Joseph Wheeler.

1748 May 4 (Wednesday).  Lieutenant Ward here.  Mr. Whitney also.  N.B. Had very free Talk and with some Earnestness about the Backwardness of people throughout the Land to Support their Ministers.  Mr. Martyn came with his wife to see us — and din’d with us — Spent the p.m. here and went home at Eve.  I griev’d that so little was Said of the State of Religion in our own Flocks.  He brought me Mrs. Wheelers earnest Request to visit her.

1748 May 5 (Thursday).  Joseph and Ebenezer are ploughing and mending Fence.  The Weather from Day to Day so Cloudy and cold and sometimes Rains that we declin’d planting Indian Corn.  A.M. Visited Mr. Eliezer Rice’s Wife, who now grows better.

1748 May 6 (Friday).  The Weather forbids planting Still.  My Hay I think is now wholly done but had some Kindly from old Mr. Maynards.  Lieutenant Holloway here — we talk’d of his sister Wheeler who is at Lancaster still.

1748 May 7 (Saturday).  We planted some of the Ground.  Isaac Amsdens Child dy’d in bed with them Suddenly last night.

1748 May 8 (Sunday).  On Mat. 14.28 to 31.  P.M. on Heb. 9.27.  John Rogers and his wife restor’d to Charity,[1] and his wife Baptized.  O that God would keep alive the Impressions made this Day; and might they be Saving!  Heard Mrs. Wheeler is better.  Gave public Notice of the Funeral of Isaac Amsdens Child to be tomorrow morning 8 o’clock.  N.B. I wrote to Mr. Martyn at noon, and sent it this Eve after meeting by Mr. James Ball to let him know of this Funeral — we having agreed to go tomorrow morning over to Lancaster to see Mrs. Wheeler before she dyes; but now I may not hinder his going, though I be prevented myself by the Funeral aforesaid (Though I fear whether some Evil mayn’t come of it, that I have written upon the Lords Day.)

[1]In the church records Parkman noted “John Rogers and Elizabeth his Wife offered their humble Confessions of the Sin of Fornication, and were restor’d—the Latter own’d the Covenant and, was baptiz’d herself and then their Children Persis and John were also baptiz’d.”

1748 May 9 (Monday).  Funeral of Isaac Amsdens Child at 8 a.m.  After Prayer there rode over to Mr. Martyns who was not gone to Lancaster.  I din’d there, and p.m. I return’d home, he concluding to go over to see Mrs. Wheeler tomorrow morning.

1748 May 10 (Tuesday).  Read the Chief part of the Independent Advertisers[1] that have come out.  Borrow’d of Mr. Martyn.[2]

[1]A weekly paper established Jan. 4, 1748, in Boston by Gamaliel Rogers and Daniel Fowle.  It continued to be issued through Dec. 5, 1749.

[2]The Reverend Mr. John Martyn of the north precinct of Westborough.

1748 May 11 (Wednesday).  Preach’d Mr. Stone’s Lecture at Southborough on Song 2.4.  Visited old Mr. Johnson, and was exceeding plain with him.  Return’d home at Evening.

1748 May 12 (Thursday).  My wife and I rode to Sutton and din’d at my Cousen Fullers,[1] and Trasks.[2]  Preach’d the Lecture on Rom. 6.13.  After Lecture Mr. Wellman rode with us first to Mr. Singleterrys,[3] where we were kindly entertain’d and refresh’d, and then to Mr. Halls[4] — where was Mr. Aaron Hutchinson (of Connecticut) Preacher at Grafton, who had preach’d the Lecture this Day for Mr. Hall.  We all lodg’d at Mr. Halls.  N.B. Mr. Hall had had a Church Meeting on account of the Separatists among them.

[1]Jonathan Fuller.

[2]Samuel Trask had come with Jonathan Fuller to Sutton from Salem.

[3]Amos Singletary was a justice of the peace and a representative of Sutton.

[4]The Reverend Mr. David Hall of Sutton.

1748 May 13 (Friday).  Mr. Hall and his Wife, Mr. Wellman and Mr. Hutchinson went with us down to Brother Hicks, who also came to show us the way to his House.  We all din’d there.  In the Afternoon Brother Hicks and his wife mounted and rode with us as far as to Deacon Hall’s,[1] whither we all went.  My Spouse and I parted from the rest of the Company at Deacon Halls and we rode, with Mr. Hutchinson accompanying to Deacon Whipples[2] in Grafton, where this Gentleman lodges.  Our Conversation was chiefly on the Melancholly Subject of the Separations — both at Sutton and at Grafton.  Mr. Hutchinson show’d the Ministers who were together today his Credentials — sign’d by the Clerk of the South Association in Hartford.  We Stopp’d at Winchesters so long as to Eat.  We found our Habitation in Peace.  D.G.  In special our little Alexander who has been weaning ever since Monday Night.

[1]Percival Hall was a founder of the Sutton Church.  He was a representative of Sutton.

[2]James Whipple.

1748 May 14 (Saturday).  Joseph and Ebenezer building Stone Wall on the South side of the Road before and below the Barns.  The Face of the Creation is Wonderfully beautify’d and forward.  Might the work of Grace flourish in my Soul no less!

1748 May 15 (Sunday).  On Mat. 11 the 31 verse ad finem.  P.M. Hos. 6.3.

1748 May 16 (Monday).  I rode to Lancaster to see Mrs. Wheeler.  Mr. James Ball went with me.  I visited Judge Wilder likewise.  Was at Madam Prentice’s[1] but she was gone to Boston.  Expected to see Mr. Abraham Williams who preaches there, but he was gone to Leominster.  Was at Dr. Stanton Prentice’s.  He gave me an imperfect Scudders daily walk.[2]  Return’d home at Night.  Found the Missionary Strong at my House, both he and Mr. Spencer had been at Boston.  They had been to the Commissioners to acquaint ‘em that there was no Encouragement to go up with Mr. John Brainerd to the Indians on Susquehannah River.  He lodg’d here.

[1]The widow of the Reverend Mr. John Prentice.

[2]Henry Scudder, The Christian’s Daily Walk in Holy Security and Peace (London, 1637).  There were many English editions.

1748 May 17 (Tuesday).  Mr. Strong left us to go to Northampton.  Town Meeting to choose a Representative, but they conclude not to send.  N.B. Mr. James Ball and Mr. Jacob Rice pay their part to the old Arrears, and paid nigh double in denomination.  At Eve came Mr. Cotton[1] of New Town.

[1]The Reverend Mr. John Cotton of Newton.

1748 May 18 (Wednesday).  Mr. Cotton left us.

1748 May 19 (Thursday).  Rainy.  Mr. Cushing preach’d my Lecture on John 6.51.  N.B. I was Sleepy at Meeting, the Lord forgive this sin!

1748 May 20 (Friday).  At Mr. Whipplles with my wife at the Raising of his Barn.

1748 May 21 (Saturday).  [No entry.]

1748 May 22 (Sunday).  Sacrament.  A.M. on Song 1.12.  P.M. Repeated on John 5.6.  Took in all the paragraph.

1748 May 23 (Monday).  Was at Deacon Newtons — din’d there.  Mr. Buckminster here p.m.

1748 May 24 (Tuesday).  In the Morning I asked in Honourable Joseph Pyncheon and the Reverend Mr. Jones,[1] who broke fast with me and I set out with them on my Journey to Cambridge, but I turn’d away to Mr. Ebenezer Chamberlins the Collector.  N.B. Thunder stop’d me at Mr. Mixtows[2] in Southborough.  Call’d at Captain Buckminsters[3] in Framingham.  N.B. Din’d at Wolsoms with Colonel Ward, Dr. Pyncheon and Mr. Jones.  Rode to College with Colonel Ward.  Lodg’d at Mother Champneys who lives at Brother Barretts House in Cambridge Town old — left my Horse with Brother Champney.

[1]Isaac Jones (Yale 1742), the minister of Warren, Mass., 1747-1784.  Dexter, Biographical Sketches, p. 715.

[2]Benjamin Mixter or Mixer.

[3]Thomas, son of the late Colonel Joseph Buckminster.

1748 May 25 (Wednesday).  Rode to Boston.  Mr. Lewis[1] of Pembrook preach’d to the General Assembly on Isa. 22.21.  Din’d at Brother Samuels.  At Convention p.m.  N.B. Mr. Williams[2] of Weston Moderator.  No Boston ministers at Dr. Sewals but Mr. Byles[3] only: who was therefore chosen Clerk.  A Letter from Major Abbot[4] of Providence born by Deacon Belknap, to desire further assistance from the Convention, in supporting preaching among them.  I heard the very heavy Tidings of the Death of the Reverend and worthy Mr. Joshua Gee, Senior Pastor of the Old North, a minister of primitive Stamp.  Alme Deus!  Tales prefice ubique Gregi.  I went to see Dr. Parkmans Wife who remains in Very low and weak Condition, but is not worse.  I lodg’d there with them.

[1]Daniel Lewes (Harvard 1707), the minister of Pembroke, 1712-1751.  Sibley, V, 334-337.

[2]The Reverend Mr. William Williams.

[3]Mather Byles of the Hollis Street Church.

[4]Daniel Abbott, Jr., of Providence.

1748 May 26 (Thursday).  At Convention Dr. Wigglesworth[1] preach’d on Eph. 4.11.12.  The Collection amounted to nigh 300£ Old Tenor.  I din’d at Mr. Wellsteads.[2]  Mr. Solomon Williams[3] and President Clap[4] give me account of Mr. Aaron Hutchinson now at Grafton.  Mr. Chase’s Sermon at Mr. Wellmans Ordination is now come out of the Press.[5]  Bought Brother Alexanders Hatt for 8£ Old Tenor.  Reverend Mr. Gee bury’d.  Dr. Sewall pray’d’ before the Corps were mov’d.  I walk’d with Mr. Lowel[6] of Newbury.  Ministers, except the associated ministers of the Town had not Gloves: Yet the Church and Congregation gather’d plentifully to bear the Charge but it was very much expended on the numerous Family.  After I had some free and warm Discourse with Mr. Loring, and hope I have Some Special Interest in his prayers.  N.B. Something was Said by Dr. Parkman about my preaching to his wife this Eve — but he went to Dorchester to see his Child (had my Horse in Captain Whites Chair).  Nobody spoke to me at Evening about it and I was very deeply engag’d in my mind about some other Things, So that twas too late to begin an Exercise.  Captain White and his Lady were there, and I lodg’d there.

[1]Edward Wigglesworth, D.D., the Harvard professor.

[2]The Reverend Mr. William Welsteed of the New Brick Church.

[3](Harvard 1719).  The minister of Lebanon, Conn., 1749-1769.  Sibley, VI, 352-361.

[4]Thomas Clap (Harvard 1722), the President of Yale College, 1740-1764.  Sibley, VII, 27-50.

[5]Stephen Chase, The Angel of the Churches (Boston, 1748).

[6]The Reverend Mr. John Lowell.

1748 May 27 (Friday).  Mr. Kneeland[1] told me I Should not need to say anything to his Brother Green[2] about paying for the Journal, for I was not (he said) in the pay List.  Was at Rogers and Fowls and receiv’d several Favours from Mr. Rogers.  Din’d with sister Rebecca[3] and my Neece Mrs. Oliver.  Bought my Brothers Hatt for 8£ Old Tenor and they presented me with my Fathers Cane, of Whales Tooth.  Had Mr. Peam Cowells Chair for my Neece (Betty Parkman) who was ready to ride with me.  We rode as far as to Mr. Cottons at Newtown.  There we were kindly entertain’d and lodg’d.  Mr. Jones of Western there.

[1]Samuel Kneeland, the printer of Boston.

[2]Bartholomew Green and Kneeland were the publishers of The Boston Gazette and Weekly Journal.

[3]Parkman’s sister-in-law, Mrs. Alexander Parkman.

1748 May 28 (Saturday).  We pursued our Journey.  I was sometimes very sick at my Stomach by means, as I suppose, of drinking Tea (I believe Green) for Breakfast.  We call’d at Dr. Robys[1] and were refresh’d.  I grew better.  It being a very hot Season (as it has been also all this Week) we stopp’d at Mr. Darlings, and din’d, and rested Two Hours I believe.  Got Home in season and Safety, Blessed be God!  My Family also in peace.

[1]Ebenezer Roby, the physician of Sudbury.

1748 May 29 (Sunday).  I repeated a. and p.m. on Acts 1.7.  In prosecution of my Scheme on the last Judgement and now consider’d the Time when etc.

1748 May 30 (Monday).  This Day the Parish met upon adjournment Concerning my Support among them.  They pass’d a vote in the following words viz. Voted and granted to the Reverend Mr. Parkman our minister the Sum of one Hundred and fifty Two pounds ten shillings old Tenor — This with what they had heretofore granted was to make up 400£ Old Tenor — for his Support this Currant Year, provided Mr. Parkman will give the said precinct a full Discharge from the Time said Precinct began their Contract with him for his Service in the Work of the ministry among them untill the fifth Day of June 1748.  Josiah Newton Moderator.  And then sent Two persons, viz. Mr. Samuel Williams and [blank] to desire me to go up to the meeting House that they might Speak with me personally.  Upon which I went up.  When the opportunity was prepared for me to speak, I desir’d the precinct, in order to my fulfilling the Condition abovesaid to give me (according to what was inserted in the Warrant for this meeting) some direct and plain answer to my reasonable Request last December (for so long this affair had been depending, which request was) that they would explain their Expression in their Votes of February [blank] 1744/5, wherein they Say that they will give me 55£ New Tenor Money so called etc.  Upon my making this motion Several seem’d to be disgust’d; and even some that I suppose were friendly and were the means of obtaining to Day’s vote, and some were ready to throw it up, or would have it re-consider’d.  We had Some warm debate about that Explanation which the then Moderator (Deacon Newton) and the Clerk (Mr. Francis Whipple) had given me (by desire) that Evening after the Vote was made.  N.B. When the Paper I had lately given the present Committee of the precinct (who were appointed to treat with me) was referr’d to and the words were recited from it which (as I conceive) the said Moderator and Clerk in February 1744/5 deliver’d me as the meaning of the vote which had been pass’d that Day, immediately Captain Warrin was in a great Heat, and express’d himself indecently — saying that That was a Corrupt Thing, pointing said to Paper.  I therefore referr’d to myself to the very words of the Moderator and Mr. Whipple — but though they said much the same things as heretofore in showing the Interpretation of the foremention’d voted, yet they now add that they did not hereby intend that the Precinct would keep up the Value of money according to Gold or silver; but that it Should be according to the Determination of the Court.  And when they had said this divers others struck in, and Insisted that That was the true intent and meaning.  Whereupon I reply’d that being Sensible I could recover nothing but what was written in the Votes how ambiguous Soever, I desir’d it might be wav’d for the present (for it was almost dark and the people seem’d uneasy that they might go home) and I would have the precinct to take a Time to settle our agreement; and concerning their Vote of today for supply this year Currant, I openly declar’d that I accepted of it upon the Condition therein inserted, and that I could do no otherwise, through the Necessity of my Case.  No sooner was this Spoke, than new Displeasures arose — but I went to a window and wrote what I had said (viz. My Consent to the vote upon the Conditions therein express’d) on the paper of the Vote itself.  Then the Moderator dissolv’d the Meeting.  N.B. When I propos’d Corn and other Necessarys of Life to be a standard, if they did not like to have Gold and Silver, Brother Williams answer’d that then if there Should come ever so dreadful a Scarcity and if Corn Should be many pounds a Bushel I would have it of them to the full notwithstanding.  I was griev’d at this answer and I hope my Reply was satisfying.  N.B. Lieutenant Tainter and Mr. Eliezer Rice in a Contest, about something which the former affirms I said.  Scil. that (on Consideration of the Difference among the people) I was ready to throw up the Precincts Votes without any Ifs and and’s.  Where as I told him it was upon Supposition that they would do Something else as good in the Stead thereof.  It was a grief to me to find there were so many Disquietments and I was especially Sorry that when the people had granted as much as I expected (if it went not so much as was properly due) that I must accept it in such a manner as looks to them unkind and as if I was Still bearing upon them.  Weeding Corn over.

1748 May 31 (Tuesday).  Cousen Betty and I rode to Captain Bakers, to Deacon Newtons and to Lieutenant Tainters.  We din’d (upon Lieutenants Invitations yesterday) at the House of this Latter, for I catechiz’d at the South School House.  At Eve in returning Home I overturn’d the Chair between old Mr. Maynards and my own House.  Dr. Breck and his Brother Cooley here while I was gone to Catechizing.