Month: January 1752

1752 January 1 (Wednesday).  Through the amazing Patience and Longsuffering of God, I am permitted to begin another New Year.  Blessed be His glorious Name!  May God be pleased to continue his great Mercy and Goodness, choose out our Changes for us, and prepare both me and mine for all His holy Will!  This last Night and this Morning were intense Cold.  I think I scarce ever was more sensible of the frostiness of the Air at any Time whatsoever.  The Lord extend his pity to the poor, and whoever are in Distress at this so uncommon season!  Ebenezer came over with a side of Beef, being part of our Chamberlin Cow.  Mr. Whitney[1] was here and said something of the Difficulty last Lords Day, showing himself to be one of those who was in some measure dissatisfyed about the Sudbury affair; but after hearing what I had to say, he was so easy as to say no more about it.

[1]Nathaniel Whitney, a selectman of Westborough.

1752 January 2 (Thursday).  At Deacon Newton’s[1] a.m.  The Deacon did not begin with me, but I with him about the uneasiness in the Church about the Sudbury affair; and being the private Meeting was to be at his House this Afternoon I would have him tell the Brethren when they are there — that I was perswaded they mistook my Design that Sabbath, but however, since I now know their minds, and that their inclination was to have had opportunity to pass a vote — if it were to do again, I would not do as I did.  Least the Deacon should mistake my meaning I sent Billy with a note — at Eve came the Deacon, as if I had unraveled by my paper what I had spoke by word of mouth.  With him came Captain Baker, Lieutenant Tainter, Lieutenant Bruce,[2] Mr. Francis Whipple, Mr. Daniel Hardy, and after them Lieutenant Bruce and Mr. Batheric.[3]  By what they said I was so convinced of my omitting to deliver some things concerning my Conference with Captain Richardson etc. that I believed my Conduct at that Time when I dismissed the Church appeared exceptional and as if I bore upon their privilege.  I told ‘em it must needs be through such omissions that I was sorry — they all listened satisfyed but I had a night of oppressing Thought, and sinking Faintness at my Heart, which was very distressing.  Mr. Isaac Harrington here to tell me my piggs were at Mr. Thomas Axtell’s.

[1]Josiah Newton.

[2]Abijah Bruce.

[3]David Batherick.

1752 January 3 (Friday).  It was still exceeding Cold.  Messrs. Harrington, Jonathan Forbush and Eleazer Whitney brought each of them a Load of wood, as they went to the meadows for Hay.  Judge Ward[1] dined here and Zachary Hicks who lodged at t’other House was here also.

[1]Justice Nahum Ward of the Worcester County Court of Common Pleas.

1752 January 4  (Saturday). Cold.  Ebenezer to Mr. Thomas Axtell’s with a Whirry and brought home my piggs which had been so long lost; he having shut them up and fed them as his own.

1752 January 5 (Sunday).  Read Numb. 29.  Preached on Job 33.27.  P.M. read 1 Cor. 3 and preached on 1 Cor. 2.2.  Church stayed on the Holliston letter.  I spoke somewhat for their Satisfaction and they voted smoothly.  Had a night of Deep Concern about my Spirit and Eternal Condition.

1752 January 6 (Monday).  A variety of Interruptions.  Sent Billy to Ebenezer that he may improve the sledding.  Mr. Beeton here and very helpfull.  At Eve Batherick and Bumpso.

1752 January 7 (Tuesday).  A.M. at the other House — Mr. Daniel Bond of Watertown with Ebenezer.  Ebenezer has Mr. Barns’s Cattle and Sled and sledds Loggs to the saw-mill.  P.M. Parish met and one article, but at no motion of mine, is my wood for the year Currant passes in the Negative.  Messrs. Samuel and Daniel Hardy a Load of wood [illegible].  Lieutenant Tainter dined here; and was very helpful to get me an Horse for my Journey to Holliston.  Had his Mare which he had delivered to Justice Baker for him; and he provided him another.  I rode to Hopkinton and lodged at Mr. Barrett’s.[1]

[1]Samuel Barrett.

1752 January 7 (Tuesday).  A.M. at the other House — Mr. Daniel Bond of Watertown with Ebenezer.  Ebenezer has Mr. Barns’s Cattle and Sled and sledds Loggs to the saw-mill.  P.M. Parish met and one article, but at no motion of mine, is my wood for the year Currant passes in the Negative.  Messrs. Samuel and Daniel Hardy a Load of wood [illegible].  Lieutenant Tainter dined here; and was very helpful to get me an Horse for my Journey to Holliston.  Had his Mare which he had delivered to Justice Baker for him; and he provided him another.  I rode to Hopkinton and lodged at Mr. Barrett’s.[1]

[1]Samuel Barrett.

1752 January 9 (Thursday).  In the Council, we still go on in hearing the partys till Evening, but adjourned at noon to Mr. Mellen’s where we dined and spent the afternoon, and began our Debates and Votes of Council there in the Evening.  I was very faint and worn.

1752 January 10 (Friday).  We proceeded in our Debating, but we understood that by means of some unseasonable Discovery of the votes of the Council last night, Deacon Mellen was much dissatisfyed, and at Eve he came into the Council and indecently vented his Disgust and was sharply rebuked for it.  My spirits were roused with this, but in general I was much worried and waited.  Mr. Bucknam and I lodged together at Captain Littlefield’s throughout the time of the Council.

1752 January 11 (Saturday).  The Council has been very unanimous.  Finish our Result and publish it before Dinner.  The Church and the other partys retire while we dined.  Return and manifest their Gratitude and acceptance.  Except Mr. Mellen who desires a little Time to think of the first articles.  We return home — calling at Mr. Barrett’s a short space where I was informed that as to the Fast at Lieutenant John Woods (to which I was desired to come and assist) Yesterday, Mr. Stone[1] of Southborough preached, and they had but one Exercise.

[1]Nathan Stone.

1752 January 12 (Sunday).  Read Numb. 30, and 1 Cor. 4.  Preached on John 12.35.  Acquainted the Church in the face of the Congregation that I was not prepared to lay before ‘em what the Council at Holliston had done, but I hoped I should be enabled by another Lords Day — for I had not an whole copy of the Result, but expect one from Mr. Bridge[1] of Framingham.

[1]Matthew Bridge.

1752 January 13 (Monday).  A very Cold, Windy Day — feel very poorly — faint and weak.  An ill Night.

1752 January 14 (Tuesday).  My daughters Molly and Lucy were last Wednesday at Mr. Martyns, and heard their Disgust at my not having been to see ‘em for so long time.  They pitched upon to Day for us to go, and they would stay at home for us — but though it was a most agreeable Day and fine slaying, yet I was so very ill that I could by no means go.  Mrs. Parkman and Molly went.  I grew so ill, so faint, feverish, etc. that I sent for Dr. Chase,[1] who came.  N.B. The Vagrant Baker dined here: and I gave him some friendly admonition, he seemed to thank me and to take it kindly.  Mr. Thomas Axtell of Grafton here about his keeping of my piggs.  He leaves it to Mr. Phinehas Hardy to judge between us.

[1]Thomas Chase, Westborough’s young physician.

1752 January 15 (Wednesday).  I had a Night of Sleep, and yet had a Morning and Forenoon of Sinking Faintness and Illness.  Sir Forbush from Waltham dined with me, and I dined somewhat agreeably.  P.M. a little better, yet am exceeding low.  At Eve marry’d Ebenezer Miller,[1] but through much Difficulty.

[1]Ebenezer Miller of Upton married Hannah How.

1752 January 16 (Thursday).  Another Comfortable Night (through Divine Mercy) yet very faint Morning.  I perceive I go down Hill apace.  Though Dr. Chase is very faithful and very generous, yet he is young and I am not content without further advice.  Sent for Neighbour Pratt, that he might go to Dr. Scammell;[1] he came but could not go for the Doctor.  He went to Deacon Newton and he consented and went.  He returned at Evening without him, but brought a portion of Rhubarb corrected with oyl of Cinnamon.  Memorandum.  I consumed Number 1.2.3.4.5.6. of Journals from February 19, 1719 through to April 1723 containing numberless puerilities and better destroyed than preserved.[2]  As Mr. Jonah Warrin brought a Load of Wood on the seventh at Evening and on the eleventh Day Mr. Sam Harrington another, this Day Mr. Samuel Hardy and James Miller junior brought each of them a load as they went to the meadows for hay.  At Eve Dr. Chase here and advises to take the Rhubarb ut Supr.  N.B. Forbush receiv’d a call from Brookfield and is here at Eve.

[1]Samuel Scannell, the physician of Milford.

[2]It is regrettable that Parkman destroyed these early years of the diary, kept while he was at Harvard College and before he accepted the call to Westborough.

1752 January 17 (Friday).  Was not quite so faint.  Took the rhubarb, it worked once.  Dr. Chase here, Mr. Isaac Harrington.  Billy to Horns mill.  At eve Captain Eager.  A more comfortable Day in general (through Divine Goodness.)

1752 January 18 (Saturday).  Exceeding low and faint at first waking which was long before Day and continued so till I got up, and some time in the morning about 11 a.m. came Dr. Scammell.  He says I have no Hectick, advises to Bitters and nutritious Diet, but forbids all Volatiles.  I sent for Dr. Chase but he was gone out of town.  Dr. Scammel to Colonel Nahum Wards and returned p.m.  Captain Maynard[1] visited me.  Mr. Jacob Cushing[2] came to assist me tomorrow and lodged here.  In general I was better through the Day than I expected.  D.G.

[1]Parkman’s old friend, Captain John Maynard.

[2]Jacob (Harvard 1748), the son of the Reverend Job Cushing of Shrewsbury, became the minister of Waltham in 1752.  Ward, Shrewsbury, p. 254.

1752 January 19 (Sunday).  A bright Day, but too Cold and searching for me to go abroad.  Mr. Jacob Cushing preached for me, a. and p.m. on Job 22.24.  He read Numb. 31 and 1 Cor. 5.  I was in some Comfort — yet weak and feeble.  Mr. Cushing went to the other House with my Children to lodge there.

1752 January 20 (Monday).  Somewhat stormy in some parts of the Day; yet such the goodness of Brother Stone that he came to see me in my lowly, feeble state.  Dined here, he also prayed with me.  At Eve Captain Eager[1] and afterwards Justice Baker,[2] Mr. Hastings[3] of Watertown and his wife and others to see me.  Was very feverish, weak and faint.  N.B. Justice Baker prayed with me — the Lord accept the offering!

[1]James Eager of the north precinct.

[2]Edward Baker of Westborough was a justice of the peace.

[3]Joseph Hastings, a selectman.

1752 January 21 (Tuesday).  Through God’s great Mercy I had a considerable comfortable Day.  Mr. Bridge of Framingham here.  P.M. my wife and I rode out to Deacon Newtons and to the Widow Newtons.  Felt so comfortable that I greatly rejoiced.  The Glory to God.  May I obtain the Grace suitably to improve it!

1752 January 22 (Wednesday).  Mr. Francis Whipple a large load of wood.  N.B. Mr. Williams here.  P.M. Mr. John Martyn junior and his sister, my son Ebenezer and Daughters Molly and Lucy here.  I rode out again as far as Mr. Claffands.  N.B. Lieutenant Tainter carry’d to Boston a Calf for me which he killed the Eve before last.  Was not in general so well as yesterday.  May I wait the Will of God!  N.B. Dr. Smith[1] and Granny Forbush[2] here.

[1]Joshua Smith, the physician of Shrewsbury.

[2]The widow of Deacon Thomas Newton.  [Additional note: Walett meant to describe her as the widow Thomas Forbush.]

1752 January 23 (Thursday).  Cold Snowy Day.  Mr. Martyn, Mr. Cushing and his wife visited me and dined with us.  Mr. Ebenezer Chamberlin brought a Load of Wood.  Mr. Pratt very kind.  Mr. Cushing prayed with me.  I had had but a poor night and forenoon, but was better p.m. and Eve.  D.G.

1752 January 24 (Friday).  A stormy Day — snowing all Day.  Through the divine Goodness I enjoyed much comfort.  O for grace to improve my Strength to divine Glory!  for I find myself extremely prone to wax cool again though I have been deeply Concerned and very fervent.  At Eve Lieutenant Tainter from Boston where he had marketed a poor calf for me — brought me Madera for Bitters.

1752 January 25 (Saturday).  Had another good Day (through the great Mercy of God!).  P.M. Mr. David Maynard[1] brought Dr. Samuel Gardner[2] (the School-Master) to board here.

[1]Parkman’s old friend, one of the original settlers of Westborough.

[2](Harvard 1746).  Gardner, the son of the Reverend John Gardner of Stow, kept school at various places before settling as a physician in Milton.  Sibley, XII, 27.

1752 January 26 (Sunday).  Mr. Jacob Cushing going yesterday to Southborough that to Day he might preach for Mr. Stone.  Mr. Stone was so kind as to come up this morning and preached all Day for me, two seasonable sermons on Isa. 27.9, and I had the Liberty to the House of the Lord again for which I would praise his Name with rejoicing.  Mr. Stone read a.m. Numb. 3.  I read p.m. 1 Cor. 6.  N.B. Judge Ward was at Meeting here.  He and widow Child[1] (besides the above mentioned) dined with us, who (with my own Family, all of them together) make a considerable Company.  Mr. Stone returned to Southborough this Evening — the Lord graciously reward him for his Labor of Love and bless his endeavors among us!  especially to me who am now immediately concerned in it.

[1]Mrs. Jonas Child of Westborough.

1752 January 27 (Monday).  The School begins at Mr. Hezekiah Pratt’s, and Billy and Sarah attend it.  Mr. James Miller junior brings a Load of Wood.

1752 January 28 (Tuesday).  Brother Hicks and his son John here.  They are going down to Cambridge to old Mr. Hicks’s[1] Funeral.  Mr. Whitney here with 10 chairs which he has bottomed for me, Two arm chairs and 8 others.  Mr. Eliezer Rice here, he desires to discourse with me and asks Mr. Whitney to go along with us.  He asks a Church Meeting again and I immediately grant it.  I say all I can safely to him for reconcilement.  He says there is nobody that takes any care of his Soul, (referring, I suppose, to his absenting himself from meeting without anybody minding it, for which reasons might be given).  N.B. He asked whether we should not strive to forget as well as forgive — when there had been nothing ripened so far as forgiveness.  I asked him whether he was sorry for his passed Conduct and would endeavour after true affectionate regarded to me hence forward?  but he made me no answer to it.  He goes away temperately.  My Daughter Molly came and lodged here in order to my riding abroad with her Mother to Marlborough if I be able — but the weather proves too rough and Cold.

[1]Zechariah Hicks, a carpenter of Cambridge, died Jan. 27, 1752, aged 94.  He was the father of John Hicks of Sutton.  Paige, Cambridge, p. 580.

1752 January 29 (Wednesday).  This Day 16 year Was a most gloomy time when I lost my former wife.  I would remember the wormwood and the gall, and my soul has reasons to be humbled within me.  But how gracious God has been in preserving and sparing me so long!  May God grant me His Grace to enable me to improve his long suffering!  Mr. Smith[1] came from Marlborough to see me, and brings a young lady with him, one Mrs. Lydia Coit of Boston.  Their coming prevented our going abroad to Day also.  They dined here and tarryed till nigh night when it snowed and the storm increased.  At Eve Mr. Williams and Mr. Batherick here.  N.B. the errand which the latter acquaints me with from Daniel Bond of Watertown concerning Mrs. Elizabeth Harrington.  Ebenezer here likewise.  N.B. Messrs. Daniel and Jonathan Forbush, Martin Pratt, and Elijah Rice, brought each of them a load of wood, and Mr. Edwards Whipple ditto.

[1]The Reverend Aaron Smith.  The matter concerned the future marriage of Elizabeth and Ebenezer, Jr.

1752 January 30 (Thursday).  Messrs. Charles Bruce and Eleazer Whitney, each a Load of Wood, Mr. Edwards Whipple came with his mare, and putting her into my slay drove my wife and me to his House, and we dined there.  I read Dr. Souths sermon on January 30, there.  Mr. Walker has made me a pair of Boots.  We went to Mr. Eliezer Rice’s, he was not at home, but I discoursed with his wife, she having lately lost her mother by sudden Death.  Ebenezer drove our slay home.

1752 January 31 (Friday).  Cold Weather, yet through God’s Goodness I am very comfortable and able to read and write again.  Dr. Gardner goes to Marlborough after school and I sent a message by him to Mr. Jacob Felton; and a letter from Mr. Josiah Swan[1] at Lancaster about Eusebius which I bought of his mother in his name some years ago.  Thus I finish the first month of this year, in which I have gone through both deep affliction and memorable mercy.  May God afford his Grace that I may walk in newness of life.

[1]Swan (Harvard 1733) had been the minister of Dunstable, 1738-1746.  He was now keeping school in Lancaster.  Sibley, IX, 331-332.