September 20, 1750

1750 September 20 (Thursday).  Waited on my Brother and Mr. Holland as far as Marlborough.  Din’d at justice Brighams.[1]  In returning call’d to see Eliphalet Adams and his wife, and at divers of their near Neighbours — having heard that Said Adams was to have a Separate-preacher to be at his House on Some Date appoint’d and preach there.  I therefore warn’d and Caution’d them against so great Evil; and found them ready to Comply (verbally) with my Counsel: and Adams assur’d me there was not a direct appointment though something had been Said to one Joseph Ward, late of Marlborough about Mr. Hovey[2] of Mill River his coming, but now promis’d me he Should not come.  At Night very Cold.  My son Thomas came up from Concord.

[1]Charles Brigham of Marlborough was a Justice of the Peace.

[2]Samuel Hovey, an uneducated preacher, was ordained minister of the Baptist Church in the Mill River precinct of Mendon in 1749.