Month: October 1772

1772 October 1 (Thursday).  Rode to Shrewsbury Lecture.  In my way called at Mr. Samuel Fays, and read to him a Petition which he had desired me to draw for him.  He likes it well, and desires this may be read publickly.  Dined at Mr. Sumners.  I preached the Lecture on 1 Joh. 1.3 to page 13.  Returning had Dr. Crosby’s Company.  N.B. He says Coll. Whitcomb speaking to him of great Genius’s becoming crazy, he said, “there is our Deacon Baker, the sensiblest man we have, is sometimes so out, that he can’t follow his Business”; and this the Doctor also confirmed.  Called again at Mr. S. Fays to see when he would sign his Petition?  In Answer thereto, he desired me to sign it for him — and called old Mr. James Maynard to witness to it; and he accordingly took due notice of it.  Came home in safety.  Thanks be to God for it!

1772 October 2 (Friday).  Breck from Boston.  My Sister in law, Miss Lydia Champney, with my Son Baldwin, and little Eli Forbes came.  Also Mr. D. Hitchcock and Wife.  They all lodge here.

1772 October 3 (Saturday).  The Company leave us for Brookfield.

1772 October 4 (Sunday).  Read Isa. 64.  Preached on Hos. 4.18.19.  Mr. Waters dined here.  P.M. Read 1 Pet. 4.  Preached on Luk. 8.18, using from page 12 and of Sermon on Continuation of p. 12 to p. 7 of said Continuation [sic].  Read Mr. Samuel Fays Petition for a Contribution.

1772 October 5 (Monday).  Lt. Hezekiah Ward of Grafton here requesting Copy of Votes of the late Church Meeting at Grafton, Sept. 21, which I gave him.  At Evening I sent the Bundle of Papers relative to Grafton Affairs, to Mr. Hutchinson by Miss Molly Taylor with a Letter that I Should not go up there on Wednesday.  My son Cushing and his Wife came from Boston and last from Waltham, where they kept sabbath.  They lodge here.

1772 October 6 (Tuesday).  Another Letter from Mr. Hutchinson, praying me to attend the meeting tomorrow.  I have told Lt. Ward and Capt. Brooks that I had appointed to go to Sudbury concerning Mr. Lorings Papers.  Was at Lt. Bakers.  He shews me a Letter to him from Bolton, containing Lists of Church members there.  P.M. Mr. Cushing and his wife attend the Family Meeting at Mrs. Newtons.  And he preaches on Act. 8.39, last Clause.  At Eve Capt. Brigham and Dr. Hawes came in and acquaint me with the Desire of many persons that if there shall be a Contribution for Mr. Samuel Fay, it may be delivered to the Care of some fit Person or Persons.  The Deacons were named etc. etc.

1772 October 7 (Wednesday).  Mr. Cushing and his Wife leave us early to go to Shrewsbury and thence home.  Had designed to go to Mr. Stones about Mr. Lorings Papers, but it rained, and afterwards proved stormy.  I pity the miserable Condition of poor Grafton.  May the Lord extend Compassion to them!  The storm is so great that it is doubtful whether either Mr. Hall or Mr. Maccarty can be with them.  Read in Dr. Appleton of being led by the Spirit, his Six Discourses.  At Eve Deacon Wood makes me a visit.  The chief Thing he came about seems to be to let me know that the People will not be willing to contribute to Mr. Fay unless it be committed to the  Care of Some suitable Person or Persons to dispose of it for the Familys Good.

1772 October 8 (Thursday).  It is a more than ordinary rainy time.  It seems to be in judgment.  Men have a great deal of Business to do, but cannot do it.  My own man in particular.  I am reading Expositors on Hos. 5.

1772 October 9 (Friday).  Mrs. Hawes brought her aged Mother to see us.  They drink Tea with us.  Still the distressing Rains and the Cloudy Weather continue; except that sometimes the Sun has broke out, and there is much less wet to day.  It is feared the Indian Corn will suffer in the Field; moulding in the Husk.  At Evening came Mr. Jonathan Child to forward his owning the Covenant, but I was obliged to delay it, and lent him Bishop Beveridge’s private Thoughts.

1772 October 10 (Saturday).  Mr. Stone writes me that Mr. Nathan Loring has brought him his Fathers Diary.

1772 October 11 (Sunday).  Read Hosea 5 and preached a.m. on the first 4 verses.  Dined here Mrs. Spring.  P.M. Read 1 Pet. 5.  In preaching went on with the Continuation of page 12 of Sermon on 2 Cor. 2.16 from p. 7 to p. 11, but had Luk. 8.18 for the Text, as that was most suitable.  N.B. I  was not aware that I had repeated them before now.  N.B. The writing being Small, I was obliged to use spectacles and therefore borrowed Deacon Woods for this afternoon.  I perceive my Eyes are not as heretofore.  The Lord sanctifie this Token of my Decay, to me.

1772 October 12 (Monday).  I rode to Grafton and a.m. attended the Church Meeting as Moderator again: and prayed.  Rev. Messrs. Hall and Maccarty there also.  The aggrieved Brethrens Paper of Sept. 7th, by Desire, was read.  Question put whether it should be sustained?  It passed in the Negative.  And by the Church’s Consent it was returned.  N.B. Mr. Isaac Harrington affirmed to the Church that I, at the first Church Meeting, did read a Letter or what I said was a Letter, from Mr. Hutchinson and which was not the Same with that Copy which I sent — or the Original which I at another Meeting afterwards read as Mr. Hutchinsons and that there were 20 persons besides which could testify the same.  See on Sept. 21.  I urged for Dissolution of the Meeting.  Put it to a Vote — but they would not vote it.  I repeated it — but still there was no Vote.  The Meeting was adjourned to this Day fortnight, 9 o’Clock precisely.  N.B. The aggrieved desire they may have a Friendly Conference with Mr. Hutchinson at his House next Thursday at his House, and he to invite such as he pleases of his Brethren.  He consents.  N.B. Mr. John Sherman, after Meeting, tells me he has been disquieted with me these 17 Years — and relates what I know nothing of — could remember nothing in the world about it.  But asked his pardon if it were so.  Dined at Mr. Hutchinsons.  Return home.  One Mr. Ebenezer Tufts of Medford my Company part of the Way.  Says Mr. Turell is not able to preach.  Master Waters here — and lodges.

1772 October 13 (Tuesday).  Visit old Mr. Stretton at Lt. Harringtons.  Dine there.  Visit Ensign Miller.  Return to Harringtons and Examine Nathan Fay — and his Wife.  Visit at Mr. Ebenezer Millers.  When I came home here was old Mrs. Dunlop, who came to See her sister Kelley; and She lodges here.

1772 October 14 (Wednesday).  I rode to Southborough, my Daughter Hannah with me.  We dined at Mr. Stone’s.  I preached the Lecture on 1 Pet. 1.8.  O that God would add His Blessing.  I am in hopes I felt something of the Sweetness of the word of God.  But have abundant Reason to be deeply humbled for my low Experiences.  O how gracious it is in God to order it so that such as we, who never saw the Lord Jesus Christ, may yet so believe and love, as that we may rejoice with the exceeding Joy of the Saints, which is unspeakable and full of Glory!  Mr. Stone delivers me Nine Books of F. Lorings Diary.  In returning home, it being cold, we called at Dr. Hawes’s.  N.B. The Doctor, having took Licence, has begun to Retail.

1772 October 15 (Thursday).  Began to read the Diary aforesaid.  Letter from Rochester of the 5th.  Mr. Hall of Sutton here.  Nathan Fay here at Eve, on the Affair of his Examination.  Capt. Maynard and Mr. Timothy Warrin have made a Visit to Mr. Samuel Fay, and they turn in here to desire me to acquaint the Congregation that Mr. Fay will be Satisfyed with the Collections being put into the Hands of the Deacons, that the improving of it may be under their Care; and that he shall take it kindly if the people contribute to him of whatsoever they think best.

1772 October 16 (Friday).  I read the latter part of the Book of indian Dialogues, to the two aged women here, a.m.  But Mrs. Dunlop leaves us — and that in a very gracious and affectionate manner.  May the Lord be with her Spirit and may her fervent prayers at parting be graciously and abundantly answered!  Sophy to Shrewsbury.  P.M. Cousen Sally Brigham with her Sister Maynard came to See us.  Forwarding my preparations.

1772 October 17 (Saturday).  [No entry.]

1772 October 18 (Sunday).  Read Isa. 65.  Preached on Hosea V.1-4.  Mr. Waters dined here.  P.M. Read 2 Pet. Ch. 1.  Went on with the Subject from Luk. 8.18 and finished the Repetition of that Continuation of page 12 of Sermon on 2 Cor. 2.16 and in the Close delivered some Quickenings and Directions in the Duty of Charitable Contributions.  After Sermon we had a Contribution  for Mr. Samuel Fay.  I fear it is but small.  Many Persons have manifested great Dissatisfaction with him for what they have understood of his Conduct towards his Wife and Children — but I hope he is more humble and meek, now he is brought into so great Straits and Difficultys.  May the Lord pity and re[lieve?] him — blessing to him what has been Collected this Day for him!  The Lord pardon us wherein we have been deficient and accept graciously our Offering, be it more or less!

1772 October 19 (Monday).  Deacon Wood informs me that there is great Trouble at Ensign Jeduthun Fay’s: That his son came earnestly to him this morning to desire him to go to their House — that he found Mrs. Fay in a distressed Condition by Reason of the great Confusions and Contests in the Family arising from their different sentiments in Religion.  A number of Neighbours, about 30 old and young, came about 9 or 10 o’Clock to husk my Corn.  I committed the whole matter of their Refreshments and their Dinner to them, to have every thing relating thereto when and as they Should please.  Accordingly They had Liquor and Bread and Cheese to their Satisfaction, but they did not choose to have the dinner till they had done husking the Corn, which was carted.  A Load was left in the Field.  This they could not meddle with because what was brought held them till sunsett.  I went out to them not less than three times to entreat to have their Food, and See that they had Drink enough.  But yet two, Mr. Tainter and Mr. Biglow, appeared offended and I was told that some went away — but a Number returned again and stayed to eat with us.  The abovementioned were also pacifyed.  The Two Deacons (especialy Deacon Wood), together with other elderly Men, conducted the Affair.  The Corn was very Moist, having been greatly Soaked by the late great Rains.

1772 October 20 (Tuesday).  The Ministers Meeting here, but only Messrs. Smith and Goss of the Association here.  Mr. Fitch came, but did not speak of joining with us.  I was chose Moderator but Mr. Goss prayed.  Capt. Ezekiel How of Sudbury brought me a Letter from the Church of the West side to desire Assistance in the Ordination of Mr. Jacob Biglow, their Pastor. This Day an Ecclesiastical Council, I suppose, are met at Holden on Account of Some imprudent (if no worse) Conduct of Mr. Davis — to our great Astonishment!  O that God would please to sanctifie these dark, sorrowful Dispensations to excite Self-search, deep Humilliation and  Vigilant Circumspection!

1772 October 21 (Wednesday).  Distressing Rains.  Am reading Mr. Lorings Diary.  Am deeply abased.  O how worthless I am!  How short I fall!  Mr. Daniel Forbes here with a Message from Mr. Hutchinson to entreat me not to fail to attend at the Church meeting there.  Mr. Forbes informs me Mrs. Fay (Ensigns Wife) had Fitts last night at Mr. Nurse’s: but she is got home to day.

1772 October 22 (Thursday).  Catechetical Exercise.  22 Young Women.  Preached to them on the Nature of God.  Gave at the End (besides the former uses) a close application according to the present state — a Number of our young people having been guilty of Fornication.  May the Lord grant them the Grace of unfeigned Repentance and Reformation and Others be admonished and Cautioned!  Mrs. Wilson of New Brantry, and Mrs. Caryl here to see their Aunt.  Hear that Mrs. Fay abovesaid has a Fever; and is insane.  Wrote by Josiah Newton to Mr. Jacob Biglow at Waltham, that I did not know him etc.   Received a Letter from Rochester of the 18, and that on the 19th 6 o’Clock a.m. my Daughter Moore was in Travel; has women about 2 Hours.  May the Omnipresent and All sufficient God be with her as the Matter may require!  Though I hope by this time she has happily experienced Deliverance.  Capt. Jonas Brigham here, and very Curteous.

1772 October 23 (Friday).  Ventured to make a Visit to Mrs. Fay.  Found the Ensign not well, but his Wife delirious.  Their Daughter, Mrs. Rhoda Maynard, much overcome.  I conversed as I could, but was not asked to pray.  However, Several of the Young Persons Said they hoped I would not forget them.  Dr. Ball there and informs me that the Council at Holden is over, and that Mr. Davis is dismissed.  A Most sorrowful Dispensation!  May God grant me Grace to make proper Reflections!  and O that Others, that I, may be kept from falling, and dishonouring our holy Office.  Old Mr. Arnold was here Yesterday and to day, urging me to go again to the Church Meeting at Grafton.  And towards Evening came Mr. Hutchinson himself.  He desires he may find in me a Father and a Friend.  Discovers to me what he purposes; and prays me not to deny his Request of my attending their Meeting this once more.  After much importunity and reasoning with me upon it, I can’t withstand — but do Consent to go.  He has been at Holden and attended on the Council; heard the Accusations, the Speeches and Result.  I don’t understand that he was charged with any Gross Act: but So much was found, that it was evident all his Usefulness there, was over.  Therefore Mr. Davis asked a Dismission; is accordingly dismissed; but by his humble Address is restored to the Charity of the Church, and if he shall behave well, after 3 Months (during which Time he is suspended from Preaching), he may be again recommended to Service in the Churches.  The Lord Pity him and give him Repentance unto Life!  And O that God would graciously compassionate our state who remain in the Ministry!  We know not what to think or say.  We are confounded, and Cast our Selves into the Dust.  Horror hath taken hold of me, because men forsake the divine Law!  Ezra Ripley from College came.  Lodged here.

1772 October 24 (Saturday).  Ripley to Brookfield.  Dr. Crosby came in kindly to inform me of what had been done at Holden, and Shew me the Result.  He was one of the Delegates and took a Copy of it.  This also he is Obliging enough to give me.  He informs of a Court held to day at Squire Whipple on Account of a Number of rude Fellows at Shrewsbury who there abused a poor Woman said to be one Widow Goff.  Charles Brigham Esq. was here beseeching me to attend the Church Meeting at Grafton next Monday.

1772 October 25 (Sunday).  Read Isa. 66.  Preached on Amos 5.5.  Master Waters and Ruth Bellows dined here.  P.M. Read 2 Pet. 2.  Preached a sermon I heretofore delivered, on Isa. 55.8.  N.B. The Children of Jeduthun Fay desire prayers for their Mother.  I hear there are two School masters in Town besides Waters.

1772 October 26 (Monday).  According to my Promise to Mr. Hutchinson and in complyance with several Others who sollicited me, I went again to Grafton to the Church Meeting.  Messrs. Hall and Maccarty came also.  Mr. Hutchinson apprized us of his Design of asking a Dismission and shewed us a Paper which he designed to present us to be read to the Church.  But we went to the Meeting in the form which had been planned for this adjournment.  Mr. Hall began with Prayer.  I proposed the Business of the Meeting — but did not go far into either Article.  Mr. Hutchinson gave me his Paper exhibiting his Desire, which was read — I suppose to the Churchs Surprize.  But it being directed to us the Moderators we desired to have a little Space to conferr together and therefore adjourned to one p.m.  When we had dined and returned, having drawn up our Minds in a paper [which?] was read to the Church.  The Church (with reluctance indeed) voted that they conformed to it.  And as we therein advised to call a Council of five Churches to Conduct the solemn Affair of Dismission, So the Church Voted it and proceeded to nominate and vote them.  They were Westborough, 1st in Sutton, Worcester, 1st in Shrewsbury, and Mr. Leonards in Woodstock.  Mr. Hutchinson offered to have the Council at his House, but the Church chose a Committee both to Sign Letters Missive, and to take Care respecting Provision for the Council.  The Meeting was dissolved.  Mr. Maccarty prayed.  After meeting I talked with Mr. Isaac Harrington and told him how probably, his and his Neighbours great Mistake was made, viz. through their apprehending that I read Mr. Hutchinsons Letter to me, when I read the Record of the preceeding Meeting.  He went away Satisfyed.  Mr. Maccarty drew a Letter Missive, whereby to form the rest.  I gave Mr. Hutchinson solemn Charge to consider deeply and lay to Heart this awful Dispensation of divine Providence which he was himself so much the Cause of; and to labour to become truely and deeply humbled before God for all is [sic] Defects and Miscarriages, Such especialy as he had himself owned and acknowledged and that he might be verily Sincere — which if he was then he would not try to mitigate and palliate etc., for extenuating aggravates etc. etc.  Returned at Eve.  Mrs. P________ is poorly from Day to Day.  Complains of an heavy, distressing Load at her stomach: and many times reaching to Vomit.

1772 October 27 (Tuesday).  Employed chiefly in looking over and Correcting sermon Notes for the Brigham Lecture.  Mr. Stacy here.  [but?] is disappointed.  He wants me to marry him next day; when I must be at Marlborough.  At Night especially Mrs. P________ grew much indisposed and goes to bed before prayer.  She is greatly oppressed with an heavy load at her stomach, attended with sickishness, reaching to vomit etc.

1772 October 28 (Wednesday).  Mr. Fitch came.  Dined with me, and preached my Lecture on Rom. 3.24, “Being justifyed freely by His Grace” etc.  A good Discourse and Awakening.  The Lord make it profitable to us.  After Lecture our three Schoolmasters were here, viz. Mr. Manasseh Smith, Mr. [blank] Barnard, and Master Waters.

1772 October 29 (Thursday).  I rode to Marlborough.  Called at Coll. Williams.  Got a Copy of Record of my 13 Acres and 14 Rods.  Dined at Mr. Smiths.  Mr. Stone was there.  I preached the Brigham Lecture on Prov. 4.10.  Had a Letter from Mr. Jacob Biglow (instead of Seeing him there) by which I can have no hope of any Acquaintance with him till the Day of Ordination.  Mr. Smith takes advice relative to a Dismission.  When I came home, found my Son William here.  Sophy to Upton and brings Miss Hannah Fish to work here.  N.B. My Young Cattle were drove home from Coi’s Hill, by Neighbour Newton and Six yearlings of Son Baldwins.

1772 October 30 (Friday).  Phinehas Forbes, having filled up his Time with me, now leaves me.  I have him a promissory Note for 11£ lawful Money with Interest.  N.B. As soon as Phinehas was gone, Discovered my 3 Stacks of Husks were so wet as to take Dammage.  Neighbours Newton and Joseph Bond killed my Brown steer of 4 Years, being good Beef.

1772  October 31 (Saturday).  Yesterday being rainy could not have any thing done to Save my Stacks of Husks, though they Smoked visibly.  To Day (depending upon Mr. Jonathan Barns to preach for me), I went out, and prevailed with Mr. Moses Nurse and Mr. Thaddeus Warrin to come and pitch off the Stacks and Spread the Husks abroad, and ventured to let them lie so over the Sabbath, they being too wet to make up again.  Mr. Barns did not come.  I was much perplexed — but set my Self to get ready in Case he Should not.  My Son William returns to Concord and takes with him a 2 year old Steer and a fat Heiffer which I have Sold him.