Month: November 1766

1766 November 1 (Saturday).  This morning Mrs. Rice came to look of the Shop, as thinking I had given Encouragement that they Should come.  Whereas, by his yielding to what I had said to him of the Inconveniencys, and his informing me that Miss Dilly Fays was empty, I concluded the Matter was over.  N.B. I had a most unusually troublesome and distressing Dream last night or this morning — which makes me full of apprehensions respecting new Afflictions and Tryals — but I would treat it as a Dream.  The Lord grant me Firmness and Stability of Mind and Heart!  P.M. Mr. Daniel Steward and his sister Mary here, from Marlborough.  John brings from Lt. Bakers two Barrells of Cyder of my own Fruit.

1766 November 2 (Sunday).  Read Isa. 41 and Joh. 10 to v. 18.  Preached Sermon on 2 Cor. 10.4 a. and p.m. to page 17.  For though I had prepared part of one sermon on Prov. 23.15 yet, through So many interruptions, I could not finish it.  Mrs. Nurse (Williams Wife) and Mrs. Twitchell (Thomas’s Wife) dined with us.

1766 November 3 (Monday).  Mr. Hutchinson and his son, going to Cambridge are with us at Breakfast; as also Mr. Lawson Buckminster.  My Wife and I at the Funeral of Mr. John Fessendens little son William.  We were at Capt. Maynards after and hear that Major Taplin is down from Cohoss.  At Eve Mr. Cushing here, and Sups with us, but goes home.

1766 November 4 (Tuesday).  John is much taken off Day to Day — has a grievous pain in his Stomach.  P.M. my Wife and I attend the Private Meeting at old Deacon Forbes’s.  Mr. Fish preaches.  His Text was Mat. 14.30.  May God grant it may have an abiding Impression on us!  Mr. Timothy Warrin’s Wife turns in to our House to warm her, as we came back.  She desires to hear what I had writ of her Testimony about Mrs. Andrews and my Conversation at Mrs. Newtons.  I read it, and She said it was true.

1766 November 5 (Wednesday).  Considering that Frown of God upon us in the present strife about Mrs. Andrews, jejun. and prec. [secreta?] etc.  Mr. Israel Walker here about buying or selling an Odd Ox: but I do not trade with him: he dines here.  At Eve Capt. Wood.  Mr. Forbes also from Brookfield.  We expected his Wife but she came not.  He lodges here, but his Horse is kept by Capt. Woods.

1766 November 6 (Thursday).  Mr. Forbes leaves us to go to Boston.  P.M. Mrs. Rebecca Warrin here, and Mr. Cushing writes her Evidence about the Discourse which Mr. Andrews and I had at the Widow Newtons Aug. 2, 1763.  John is about again.  Attended the Church Meeting, which was by Adjournment because Mrs. Andrews was not present — but She was now not only Absent, but designedly, and gone a Journey, as Several members (Brother Gale, Brother Belknap etc.) testifyed.  The meeting was opened with prayer and I read part of Ch. X of the Platform etc., viz. from [section?] 7 to the End.  Then I laid before the Church divers Things concerning the Excellency and Necessity of Order, and of unity.  Mentioned several Maxims and observations to be attended to in Church-proceedings etc.  After which proposed our Business at this Meeting, but resented this womans Behavior in so imposing upon the Church.  I took the Opportunity to exhibit to the Church, the very beginning of this Contest — supporting what I asserted by the Testimony of Mrs. Rebecca Warrin, wife of Mr. Timothy Warrin, which was read.  And was confirmed by the Testimony of Squire Whipple who said that he heard the same words at the Same Time.  I laid before the Church somewhat of the Pains I had for a long time, taken with those persons, by Visits, Letters etc., the ungrateful and hard Treatment I met with from them and observed how Cruel it would be for any of the Church to support and encourage them in it.  I marked the Inconsistency and absurdity of this persons putting in this Request for Communion with us, when, she at the same time, declared to divers Members that She was not in Charity with the Pastor.  Deacon Tainter and Mr. David Maynard testifyed to her saying “She did not believe I had a Spark of Grace in me; She could never see the Signs of any”; or to that Purpose.  Again, I could not but observe to the Church (besides the foresaid Imposition) this Conduct of hers in not coming to Meeting to Day, seeing She knew the Meeting was adjourned on purpose that she might be here, and a messenger was sent her to acquaint her with it that She might not fail to come.  Besides, it was Suggested, how necessary it was that a Person Petitioning, Should be present to Answer diverse Questions which might be put with much Reason – some of which Questions were mention’d, to Shew the expediency of her being here.  After some time, Our Debates slid into the Case of the Society from whence she came — and the irregular proceedings of it.  N.B. when it was asserted that the Church of the Hamlet had Communion with them, Mr. Wigglesworth’s long Letter was read, for the main part; and his sons Testimony given me in writing last month was read also.  Some Members (as Capt. Brigham, Brother Daniel Forb. and Brother Chamberlin) spake in Defence of Cleavelands late Preaching — but I endeavoured to convince them of the Disorder and Irregularity of this Practice.  [Here a Greek word or two.] 1 Pet. 4.15.  To bring Things to a Close, it was moved and Seconded that the Petition be dismissed.  Squire Whipple offered a written Vote which would have been, probably, more effectual; and it was read: but the former was repeatedly urged, and was Voted pritty generally.  The Other Article of the Meeting was mentioned and somewhat spoke to, but it was late.  I prayed and gave the Blessing.  Thus we went through this Affair without much Heat; May we be preserved from all further Disturbance about this Woman!  And may God be praised and glorifyed for ever!  Mr. Cushing, his Sister Bridget, Miss Mary Stone at Tea — and afterwards came in Mr. Hutchinson.  In the Evening Squire Barnard and Mr. Holland from Sutton, with Letters Missive for a Council there; but I refused to go, or take the Letter.

1766 November 7 (Friday).  Mrs. Nurse is very poorly.  I visit her.  Squire Barnard dines here in returning from Mr. Stone.  Reckon with Mrs. Johnson.  At Eve Mr. John Maynard with his Wife’s Confession.  Mr. Cushing begins a Singing Meeting at the Whipple School House.

1766 November 8 (Saturday).  All Praise be given to God who has preserved this Church and Me the unw[orthy?] Pastor, this Day two and forty years.  O that I might be duely affected with the divine Goodness, which has endured us with much Longsuffering!  May I be deeply humbled for my barrenness and unprofitableness!  Quickened more and more in the Lords Work;  and be duely prepared for the Coming of the Lord!  Deacon Tainter cutt and carted a Load of Wood from Mr. Moses Brigham’s Lot: and gave it.  He dined here.  John carrys two Baggs of soft Corn for my steer that [is] fatting at Mr. Jonathan Grout.  Deacon carrys two Baggs more.  At Eve Mr. Forbes came from Boston.  He brought me a Letter from Venerable Mr. Chipman of Beverly — In which he Certifies me concerning the Separate society at Chebacco and Mr. Cleavelands Conduct — and another Letter added to it and Confirming it, subscribed by my old Friend Mr. Champney of Beverly also.

1766 November 9 (Sunday).  Read Isa. 42.  Mr. Forbes preached on Jam. 1.8.  His Father and sister Kendal dined here.  P.M. read Joh. 10 from v. 19 to the End of the Chapter.  Mr. Forbes on 2 Tim. 2.19, latter part.  May the Blessing of God accompany these Exercises!  Mr. Cushing both dined and supped here.  He also lodges here.

1766 November 10 (Monday).  Mr. Forb. visits his aged uncle.  I visit Mrs. Nurse.  Mr. Forb. goes to his own Fathers and lodges there.

1766 November 11 (Tuesday).  Visit Mrs. Nurse.  Nathan Kenny helps John in getting out Muck — chiefly from the Door.  P.M. my Wife and I rode to Mrs. Grow’s to attend Mr. Forbes’s Exercises there.  He preaches there on Ps. 92.14.  After Meeting we visit Lt. Harrington — prayed there – were handsomely entertained by them.

1766 November 12 (Wednesday).  Mr. Forbes here at Breakfast at [sic] sets out on his Journey home.  Visit Mrs. Nurse.  Ride up to Capt. Jonathan Fays.  Dine there.  Visit Mr. William Nurse and pray with him and his Family.  Call to see Mrs. Pratt (Mr. Eleazers wife).  Nathan Kenny works a.m., Jonas p.m. in getting out muck.

1766 November 13 (Thursday).  Catechetical Exercise.  It was a Cold Day: but 17 Young women attended.  John went to Capt. Jonathan Fays and brought one Barrell of Cyder and a Bag of Turnips, both which he presented me.  The Young Society come and desire a Sermon.

1766 November 14 (Friday).  Very uncommon Weather.  Such high Winds, but Southerly — the Earth Open still.  John Went with a Team to Mr. Edwards Whipple, and brought me two posts for a Fence about the Well, on the northerly and westerly sides of it.  And which Posts Mr. Whipple is so good as to give me.  At Night though a great Rain, John goes to the Singing Meeting at the Whipple School House.

1766 November 15 (Saturday).  Had of Mr. Morse half a Quarter of Beef.  Weighed 37 lb.  We are much at a Loss about wood; Mr. Tainters year being up, and the Town has not met to agree with another.  But Deacon Tainter brings a Load and takes John with him to go and cut another which he brings from the high Way.  Deacon Bond here and shews me what the Court has done this Session; especially as to Compensation to the sufferers etc. in the late Times.

1766 November 16 (Sunday).  Read Isa. 43 and (as I have frequently) delivered a written Exposition of it.  In preaching, delivered the Remainder of sermon on 2 Cor. 10.4, Designing to reserve the second Sermon on Prov. 23.15 to be delivered to the Young Men next Thursday, which if they had not asked for a sermon to them I purposed to have composed; and to have preached to Day: But I therefore (having read p.m. Joh. 11 to v. 28) preached the first on that Text, in the afternoon, which would have been otherwise the forenoon Exercise.  Mr. Cushing dined with us.  Read Mr. Bolton in the Evening.

1766 November 17 (Monday).  A snow storm.  The Town met upon the Affair of my Supplys: But I know not what they have done.  Am reading Dr. Burnets Theory.  In some Difficulty about our Cattle, because the Barn was not in order to receive them and the Hay Covered with other stores.

1766 November 18 (Tuesday).  Wrote to Messrs. Chipman and Champney of Beverly, gratefully acknowledging the Receipt of their Favours which I received on the 8th.  A.M. Visit at Mrs. Nurse’s.  She thinks she has lost the sight of one Eye.  Mr. Aaron is ill.  Moses was so unhappy as to loose out of his Waggon a Bag with l/8 of hundred of sugar which he had bought for me.  Visit at Neighbour Pratts.  P.M. John went with my mare and a whirry to Lt. Harringtons, and brought a Barrell of Cyder from thence.  Mr. Temple here at Eve.  He is come from Framingham.  His Discourse was somewhat observable concerning his Joining with the Church.  Says he intends to make a Recantation etc. etc.

1766 November 19 (Wednesday).  Am preparing a sermon for the young people.  Dr. Throop from the Medical Association at Marlborough Shews me their Articles.  14 have subscribed them.  He dines with us.  At Eve was at Mr. Zebulun Rice’s.  His Brother Adonijah moves out of this Neighbourhood, to the House which was Mr. Elisha Wards.

1766 November 20 (Thursday).  Preached a Lecture to the young society and other Young people from Prov. 23.15.  A very thin Assembly, especially but few Heads of Family.  It is much to be lamented!  Mr. Cushing at Eve.  Having Sent my Watch to Mr. Moses Peck, at Boston, by Mr. Samuel Bigglow, Mr. Cushing lends me his.  He supps here.

1766 November 21 (Friday).  I borrow Dr. Haws Chair for my Daughters to ride to Southborough.  Was at Mr. Nurse’s.  Mr. Solomon Miller took my Oxen home, either for his Brother James or himself to keep them this Winter and Spring, with this Reserve that I may use them to pay Mr. Nurse the Ox Work that I owe him, and do my Spring work.  P.M. Caleb Winch came again.  Dines here, and goes to work at the Barn to clear it for thrashing, and thrashes Wheat.  P.M. Mr. James Maynard was here to desire the Liberty of the shop for a Sabbath Noon Retirement which I grant to him and to Mr. Benjamin How, for them and their Wives.  But they are first to repair the Glass, the Jaums and the Hearth.  At Eve came Capt. Ephraim Brigham, and returned me the Money as one of the Arbitrators chose by Lt. Ward and Mr. Hardy to judge of my 5 Acres etc.  See Sept. 29.  Deacon Tainter also came with a Load of Wood — and Mr. Jonathan Grout came about the Steer which he has fatting for me.  In the Evening likewise Sarah and Suse returned from Capt. Ward where they had bought them Selves Gowns of a sort of Silk Camblet.  For which I am indebted to him 25£ 5/ old Tenor.

1766 November 22 (Saturday).  Am exceedingly broken in my preparations by reason of the many Avocations and Interruptions Yesterday.  Am forced to apply my Self very closely to day.  Caleb is trashing Wheat.  Neighbour Nurse’s Family continue much afflicted.

1766 November 23 (Sunday).  Read Isa. 44 and made the Exposition of the fore part, especially the first 4 verses, the Exercise for the forenoon; improving the sermon on v. 5 to p. 7 with alterations.  Took Opportunity to admonish the people for their Negligence in attending the public Exercises; and particularly the late Lecture to young Persons.  Mrs. Maynard at Meeting and dines with us.  P.M. read Joh. 11 from v. 29 to the End.  Preach’d on Prov. 17.25.  Which may God Himself who alone can, be pleased to Succeed!  At Eve Read Mr. Bolton.

1766 November 24 (Monday).  Visit at Neighbour Nurse’s.  At Mr. Samuel Fays.  Dined and prayed there, their youngest Child being very ill; and divers others of them much exercised with the Whooping Cough.  Thence I rode to Grafton (being Sent for by the widow and Brother of the deceased and by Mr. Hutchinson who was obliged to go to Worcester) to attend the Funeral of our late Brother Mr. Benjamin Hills.  Mr. Hall of Sutton was also there.  I prayed at the House before Interment.  Was at Mr. Hutchinsons with Mr. Hall and Sir Willard who has lately begun to preach.  N.B. Mr. Hall shewed me a Letter from Mr. Cleaveland to him desiring him to favour the Admission of Mrs. Andrews to Communion with their Church.  Returning home I called at Mr. Winchesters, he being under a Tedious Lameness.  N.B. Caleb left us before Noon, to go into the Woods to look him a Place.

1766 November 25 (Tuesday).  Deacon Bond in Trouble about Preparing Wine for the Sacrament, being that he can neither go nor Send to Boston: Comes here for Advice.

1766 November 26 (Wednesday).  [No entry.]

1766 November 27 (Thursday).  Publick Thanksgiving.  Text Rev. 1, latter part of v. 5 and v. 6.  The Occasion of choosing this Text, see on the Sermon itself.  May the Lord smell in our Feast a sweet Odor, through the Merits of Christ!

1766 November 28 (Friday).  Mr. Joseph Green here and acquaints me with the Death of one of Mr. Samuel Fays Children, but not that which I went lately to see; but one that was a poor, weakly Child, distorted, and though 3 Years old, could not stand etc.  N.B. Yesterday Morning Deacon Bond came to ask me to put by the Communion but I was not willing — his plea being that he could not get wine.  I prayed him to try at Shrewsbury.  To Day he succeeded there, and brought it there.

1766 November 29 (Saturday).  Mr. Chamberlain sends a son with a Team — containing a Present of a Barrel of Cyder, 2 Baggs of Apples and several Bushels of Turnips.  He dined here.  P.M. attended the Burial of Mr. Fays Child.  Interruptions too uncomfortable for me in my preparations.  But I desire to resign to divine Providence.

1766 November 30 (Sunday).  Omitt Reading.  Delivered sermon on Luk. 23.33 with some Omissions etc.  Administered the Lords Supper.  P.M. on Rev. 1.5, latter part and v. 6.  Mr. Cushing and Mrs. Maynard dined.  Read Mr. Bolton at Evening.  The Lord pardon etc., and accept our Offerings!