Month: November 1767

1767 November 1 (Sunday).  Read Jer. 7.  Preached a.m. on Ps. 86.5.  Mrs. Maynard dines here.  P.M. read Act. 12.  Preached on Gal. 1.15, last Clause.  In the Exercise went on with the Repetition of another part of Discourse on Rom. 8.28 from p. 18 to the End of p. 27.  Admitted Joseph and Ruth Harrington.  Read the Petition of Judith Bellows for a Contribution.  Gave Warning to people respecting the Ordination next Wednesday, their Behavior etc.

1767 November 2 (Monday).  Town Meet on the Affair of my Support.  They Vote only 500£.  Will not provide my Wood.  ‘Tis tryed many Times in vain.  Some (as I was Informed) would have cutt me down to my bare sallery, without any Support or Wood — to such a pitch has their unreasonable and causeless Resentment arisen.  Mr. Cushing dined here.  At Eve Mr. Moore.  The former preached yesterday at Southborough, the latter at Marlborough.

1767 November 3 (Tuesday).  Mr. Moore and I rode to Shrewsbury Association Fast for reviving Family Government and Religion.  Mr. Bowman a.m. on Prov. 22.6, “train up a Child” etc.  P.M. Mr. Buckminster prayed and Mr. Conklin preached on Eph. 6.18.  Praying always with all Prayer.  I prayed at the Close.  May God accept the Offerings and seal Instruction!  When we returned at Eve, found Capt. Clarke of Hopkinton and Miss Patty, here.  Also my Cousen Thomas Barrett and they lodged here.

1767 November 4 (Wednesday).  Ordination of Mr. Peter Whitney.  Mrs. P________ rode over with me.  Deacons Bond and Wood attended.  The Pastors, except Mr. Stone, and Delegates, met at Mrs. Martyns.  I was chose Moderator and prayed.  Mr. Smith was chose Scribe.  The Chief Debate in Council was, whether Mr. Whitneys Confession after it had been read among us, Should be read in public.  It was put to a Vote and there appeared 21 against, and 20 for.  So that it was not read.  The Concourse was so exceeding great that it was much feared the Meeting House was like to give way.  [Steps?] abroad proposed to be erected — but we ventured in.  Mr. Morse began with Prayer.  Mr. Whitney Preached a good sermon on Mat. 28.19.20.  The Charge with the Prayer preceding was my Part: Mr. Bridge of Chelmsford prayed after it.  Mr. Smith gave the Right Hand — and so ordered his speech as to receive Mr. Whitneys Return of the Right Hand to him.  This was wholly new to me.  Sang Ps. 122.  Mr. Morse sat the Tune.  Before the Blessing I spake to the people concerning the Props of the Gallerys — and concerning Conduct after the solemnity in public.  After supper Subscriptions for printing the sermon etc.  Capt. Clark and Miss Patty, Cousin Barrett, Mr. Moore, his sister Sarah and his Cousin Miss Ruth Moore, lodged here.  May God grant an happy Issue!  And may I retain, and have increased Impression upon my own Heart!

1767 November 5 (Thursday).  Some of our Company left us, viz. Messrs. Moore and Barrett for Cambridge; Capt. Clarke and Daughter to Hopkinton.  The young Misses, Moores, dine at Capt. Maynards after which they visit at Lt. Bakers.  Messrs. Biglow of Paxton, Willard (from Haverhil) dined here; and had with them one Swan, an House Carpenter.  At Eve the foresaid Misses return and Lodge here.  John fetches a Barrell Cyder from Mr. Phinehas Hardy’s.

1767 November 6 (Friday).  They leave us, after Breakfast to go to Oxford.  Cousin Samuel Trask, who breakfasts with us, accompanys them I suppose, to Sutton.  Mr. Aaron Nurse here hooping several Casks.  Sarah who went to Mr. Richard Martyns before Ordination is brought home.  John goes to Mr. Jonathan Grouts, and brings a Barrell of Cyder.  At Eve, came Mr. Jonathan How to call me to Mr. Hannaniah Parkers, one of their little sons being nigh to Death.  I went; the Man was gone to Southborough.  The Woman was much distressed.  All five of the Children were ill with Fever and Canker.  Little Winslow was exceeding low, but was reviv’d from the dying Symptoms it had been under.  I prayed.  Mr. Parker came home.  Coll. Ezra Taylor overtook me, as I returned — he informed me that Mr. Frink’s Application to the Quarter sessions for his Sallery since his Dismission, fell through.

1767 November 7 (Saturday).  Mr. Ebenezer Maynard came to desire me to go to Mr. Parkers.  P.M. notwithstanding it was so great an interruption to my Studys, I went.  Little Winslow dyed in the morning, and Harvey grew worse.  I prayed — and hearing that Patty Beeton was ill, I went to see her, and found her very bad.  Her Throat much swelled and much Canker, So that She was greatly distressed.  I gave her Instruction and solemn Charge.  But they did not ask me to pray — The Man was hurryed in the shop, being near night and persons there who belonged to Upton with Team etc.  Did what I could to prepare my Self for the Sabbath — a very distressing Time to my Neighbours!  The Lord extend His Pity and Mercy towards us, and prepare us for His Sovereign Will!

1767 November 8 (Sunday).  Read Jer. 8.  Preached on Ps. 34.8.  Old Mr. Stratton of Waltham dined here.  P.M. read Act. 13 to v. 26 and delivered another Exercise, from the same Text, on Effectual Calling, using the Discourse on Rom. [3?].28 from p. 28 to 33.  Funeral tomorrow 10 a.m.

1767 November 9 (Monday).  Between 3 and 4 o’Clock in the Morning, came Mr. Thomas Frost and called me up to go to Mr. Parker, for it was feared that little Harvey was dying.  I arose and went — the Child was sensible — I prayed — returned about Break of day.  Attended Winslows Burial, and before that Time Harvey dyed.  P.M. adjournment of Town Meeting.  They refuse to grant money for a legal School.  A Sad Spirit prevails, against Government, Ministry, Learning.  Some are so bent upon finding Fault, that my going into the meeting House at Northborough Ordination has given great Displeasure; and this was because upon hearing that the Gallerys gave way I declared that if it was so, I would not go in — and again said I would not go in (taking it as beforesaid) yet I sent in Lt. Martyn and others, to See how the Case verily was — which Shews the Matter was not absolutely determined — In the mean time, Rev. Mr. Whitney (who was to preach) was consulted.  He said he was not able to preach abroad.  Mr. Martyn, and others, returned and said they had examined the Timbers, Joists and the Supports — and declared they were safe and secure — that the Supporter which had given way, and was the Cause of the Alarm, was well fastened — and that the Report of the joists and the Beam, was not true — upon which I was hurried in; and the Throng pressed in — so that I was obliged to go in against my Inclination — committing the Matter to God, our Great Preserver!  So that I could not be charged with any unfairness in any of this Conduct, and it must be owing only to prejudice and ill will that Such fault is found with me for it.  May the Lord guard and help me under such unreasonable and injurious Treatment!  This is the last Day of Mr. Jamison’s School.

1767 November 10 (Tuesday).  I attended the Funeral of Patty Beeton.  Deacon Wood and Mr. David Maynard killed an Ox for me.  The Weight of the Quarters, was 583 lb.  And the Hide was 86.  The Butchers dined with me and Deacon Wood asked me to be at his House on Thursday next, to dine there at one o’Clock: but did not say any Thing of the Occasion.  P.M. rode though rainy to visit Mr. Phinehas Hardy, who lately fell from his Cart, and was sadly lamed.  Went also to see his Aged Mother.  Prayed there, and returned at Evening.  N.B. Mr. Eli Whitney had been here in the Day about his own and his Wife’s joining with the Church.

1767 November 11 (Wednesday).  Mrs. Elizabeth Whitney here a.m. was examined; and dined here.  P.M. I went to the Funeral of little Harvey Parker.  Lt. Ward and Mr. James Parker were there.  Richard Temple who by Reason of the Rain, could do but little about my Flax (having cutt out my Beef last Evening), Salted it a.m. and it clearing away p.m. he went to Swingling.

1767 November 12 (Thursday).  Mr. Whitney and Mr. Cushing; and Mr. P________ and I, with my Daughters Sarah and Suse, wait upon Deacon Wood and Mrs. Johnson, to solemnize their marriage.  Mr. Barrett prays before the Covenant and Mr. Whitney after.  Sung Ps. 115, 2d Meeter, and latter part.  A great Company, and plentifull provisions.  May God grant it may be an Abiding Joy!  Mrs. Cushing and her Daughter (as well as Son) with us and lodge here.  Nanny Beeton I hear is ill.

1767 November 13 (Friday).  Temple finishes swingling my last years Flax, which being so much rotted, wastes away exceedingly.  P.M. John and he plow in Rye at the Cook field.  Mr. Beeton in great Trouble requests me to go to his Children — Nanny and little William grow worse.  I went, instructed, warned, charged and prayed there.  Hear that Pierpoint Parker grows worse.  Miss Hephzibah Ward (at Parkers) taken — and it is feared some other Children are.  An awful Providence!  May the Lord shew Mercy!  We Send for the Marsh Rosemary, from Cambridge or Brookline.

1767 November 14 (Saturday).  By reason of the Storm Temple leaves me.  Weighs his Flax which he has dressed — it was but 19 lb. and 3/4.  Asks 52/6 for his work; that is, these 5 Days; part of which was employed in breaking Flax, plowing etc.

1767 November 15 (Sunday).  Read Jer. 9.  Preached on 2 Pet. 1, latter part of v. 3.  With some proper Alterations used sermon on Rom. 8.28 from p. 33 to 40.  Old Mrs. Beeman and Temple dined here.  P.M. read Act 13 from v. 26.  Preached on Eccl. 12.1: A sermon which I have composed on the Sorrowful Occasion of the present sickness and repeated Deaths.  At Eve I went to Mr. Parker to see Pierpont, who remains low and dangerously ill.

1767 November 16 (Monday).  Lt. Baker and Mr. Jamison here a.m.  I agree with the former to get me my Years wood for 50£ old Tenor and I have expressly mentioned our keeping 3 Fires, and to have constant Supply for them.  Sell him also 7 sheep for 14£ O.T.  P.M. visit at Mr. Beetons whose Daughter Anna is still sick, but better — but Thomas grows worse; and little Billy very bad and in a Dangerous state.  At Mr. Parkers, his Pierpont a sorrowful Spectacle.  Miss Hephzibah Ward ill there also.  Prayed with Each Family.  N.B. Received 31£ of Mr. Nathan Maynard to Day.

1767 November 17 (Tuesday).  Capt. Maynard came to call me to Mr. Beetons to see his little William but though I hastened, he dyed before I got there.  The House in great Mourning.  I prayed with them.  Capt. invited me to breakfast there.  I complyed — and thence to Mr. Parkers and prayed with them.  Visited Mr. Edmund Brighams Child which is supposed to have the Distemper.  Dined, after I had prayed, there.  Thence went to Ensign Snows — to Beemans — William Woods — a Girl sick at this last place.  N.B. Mr. Frost had sowed some Rye and John and Nathan Maynard junior plowed it in, at the Island.  John Waits on his Mother to Mr. Parkers to watch there.

1767 November 18 (Wednesday).  Am very much taken up with visiting the Sick, and attending on the Dead: for this Day I attend Buryal of little William Beeton and at Eve carry my Daughter Sarah to watch at Mr. Parkers — but when we arrived there, Pierpont had expired.  Prayed with them and we both returned.  The Lord extend His Pity to that distressed House!  My Son Baldwin came, in his Journey to Boston.  N.B. Lt. Baker brings up a Load of my Wood, from my swamp.

1767 November 19 (Thursday).  By Reason of the storm my son Baldwin tarrys and dines with us.  But p.m. leaves us for Sudbury.  I delivered him £7.10 old Tenor to lay out for a great Coat for John.  Catechized at the Meeting House, but the weather was so tedious, had but 13 Boys; and but six Girls besides my own — but 21 in all, a. and p.m.  Can attend this Evening to my Preparations.

1767 November 20 (Friday).  Neighbour Jonathan Hows Wife and Children, and Grace Lock who lives with them being ill, as I apprehended from his Discourse with me, and his repeated Desire that I would go to see them, I made them a Visit — but found them much better than I expected.  At their Request I prayed with them.  Was also at Mr. Beetons to see Thomas who had a bad night, but was better this morning.  Dined at home, but p.m. abroad again, and my Wife with me to attend upon the Funeral of Pierpont Parker.  A wide Breach — 3 out of 5 in so few Dayes!  The Lord support my poor distressed Neighbours and teach them true gracious submission and Resignation.  My Daughters, at my Return from the Burial, acquaint Me that Mr. Jonah Warren has been here, and informed of the uncommon Conduct of one McC____ll____ch of U______n towards his Wife, Children — and Dog.  If it be true, is very shocking: and one might earnestly wish it might be duely Enquired into and if found to be true, properly punished.  Tis reported at Evening that Squire Whipple has sent him to Goal.

1767 November 21 (Saturday).  Neighbour Newton kindly sows Rye and John plows it in.  Received last night a Letter from Samuel that he has agreed with Mr. Loyd to live with him a Year, and he is to give him Two hundred Pounds — I suppose old Tenor besides his Diet, washing, mending and Lodging.

1767 November 22 (Sunday).  So great a Storm I omitted Reading publickly: Fewer Old, but more of young people attended, than I expected.  A.M. preached on Eccl. XII.1, latter part.  P.M. went on with the Effects of Effectual Calling from 2 Pet. 1.3, latter part with a new Introduction etc. but the main of the Exercise was Repetition from sermon on Rom. 8.28 from p. 40 to 46 or 7.  Propounded Eli Whitney and his wife, and read the proclamation for Thanksgiving, but by reason of the fewness of the people at meeting this stormy Day, I put off the Contribution for Mrs. Bellows until next Lords Day.

1767 November 23 (Monday).  Read Dr. Burnetts Theory Vol. 2.  Am more and more affected with the Authors surprizing stretch of Genius — but most with the very solemn Subject.  N.B. Lt. Baker brings a Load of Wood with my Cattle in his Team; it being difficult stirring in the snow.  This Day he begins his Year of getting my Wood.  N.B. Lt. Baker tells me Mr. Beeton refused to let him go through the place which I sold to Capt. Maynard, although I have reserved the Liberty of Passage through it, for Team or Teams: and it is expressed in my Deed to Maynard.  This may breed Trouble.

1767 November 24 (Tuesday).  Was obliged to leave my study, and go up to the Shops, Wheelocks and Woods, to buy John a stout Jacket for his Winter Business.  N.B. Dined at Lt. Bakers, with Master Jamison.  At Eve send for 2 yards and 1/2 Kersey from Mr. John Woods, and must give 35/ per yard.  Pay him £4.1.0.  My son Baldwin came from Boston last Saturday — to Day hither.  He has bought Three yards of Broad Cloth for a Great Coat for John.  Gave at Vendue 51/ per yards.  He also bought Buttons 17/.  He lodged here.

1767 November 25 (Wednesday).  Paid my son B. £1 old Tenor.  Have given him in all £8.10.0 for the Cloth and Buttons.  He goes to Brookfield.  I am much affected with Dr. Burnetts Theory — on the last Conflagration.  May God grant an abiding Impression, and suitable Improvement.  John is so indisposed that I was obliged at Evening to go to the Barn.

1767 November 26 (Thursday).  John abroad again.  He fetches half a Quarter of sugar which John Maynard has brought up for Me from Boston.  Am grievously exercised with Pain in my Back, by a Cold I have taken — but especially I was taken with a Pain in my Breast, about noon, which for a little space was very strong, and I was obliged to knock for help.  It pleased God to relieve me after a little While, to my great Joy.  To His Name be Glory.  Am taken up pritty much with Variety of Papers from England, as well as our own News Prints.  Divers of them sent me by Mr. Moore and Mr. Mein.  I write to Mr. Mein, to Samuel and to Mr. McAlpine, by Lt. Baker, who with Mr. Jamison, goes to Boston.  Payd John £4 for his two sheep which I have sold to Lt. Baker; and John trades with Jonas Kenny for two and a Lamb to be received next Fall, but Mr. Moses Nurse gives the Note to Me of what John is to receive for his money.

1767 November 27 (Friday).  I am still under the Grievance of my pained Back.  Yet, through the divine Goodness I can follow my studys: which I would esteem a great Favour.

1767 November 28 (Saturday).  Richard Temple came from Ashby.  Dined here — stays and I set him to rebuild my Hovel.  I do not get rid of my Pains, but have respite.  Am in my preparations.

1767 November 29 (Sunday).  Read Jer. 10.  Preached on Prov. 23.26.  May God be graciously pleased to add His special Blessing!  Mr. William Nurse’s Wife, and Mrs. Maynard dined here.  P.M. by Reason of the work before us, and the Shortness of the Day, was obliged to omitt Reading.  Preached on 2 Pet. 1.3.  Go on with the Improvement of the Subject of last Sabbath p.m. from Rom. 8.23 from p. 46 to 52.  We had a Contribution for Mrs. Judith Bellows.  Mr. Solomon Bakers youngest Daughter being very bad in the forenoon, of the Throat Distemper, at noon came here for some Wine and desired that I would go over there at Evening.  But after Meeting received a Message from him that the Child was Dead.  It was taken ill but last Thursday.  So swift the Dispatch!

1767 November 30 (Monday).  Temple having tarried here over the Sabbath, breaks Flax.  Capt. Jamison sends me a Card to invite me to his Lodging at 5 this Evening.  Signed St. Andrews, but I was under previous Engagement as I wrote in my Return to him, by Mr. Eli Whitney’s wife, who was here with her Relation, and dined with us.  At Eve the Deacons were here to count the Money contributed, and find it to be £14.8.0 old Tenor.  Deacon Wood went to Capt. Jamison: Deacon Bond tarried and talked about the Andrews Affair, and of a Petition for another Church-Meeting.