Author: Anthony Vaver

September 3, 1728

1728 September 3 (Tuesday).  Mr. Weld rode with me to Framingham, expecting an Association.  It was very rainy and very troublesome getting there; and yet we were disappointed through Mr. Swifts mistake.  He had told his Family that the Association would be there next week; and so he went to Sudbury to the Council upon the Difficulties at Leicester.  Mr. Cushing was thus disappointed with us, and we rode away to Colonel Buckminsters[1] and lodged there.

[1]Joseph Buckminster, Sr. of Framingham.  Temple, Framingham, p. 490

September 4, 1728

1728 September 4 (Wednesday).  This morning after breakfast we rode from Colonel Buckminsters to Marlborough and din’d at Mr. Woods.[1]  Thence Mr. Weld and I went first to Mr. Brecks door but he being gone to the foresaid council we went with Mr. Park[2] to his Lodgings.  With Mr. Park there was Sir Kent,[3] Schoolmaster at Framingham.  Near Sunset we parted and I Came home.  On the Road home I had many Reflections upon My Life Past, the unusefullness and unprofitableness of it.  I was griev’d at my taking no better notice of the divine Dealings with me.  I was jealous of my Self and Suspected whether there was not some undue End in taking the accounts in this Book, Seeing this Design had no better Success.  I would humbly hope that the Glory of God and my Spiritual Emolument has and shall determine me in the writing this Journal.  I was full of Enquiry how I should best Spend the Morrow to the Glory of the God of my Life and my highest Advantage.  I resolv’d in the Fear and by the Grace of God to Separate the Day to Seeking the Face of God, and Enquiring out as under the divine Influence, the best Methods for the Conduct of the Future part of my Life, Respecting my whole Behaviour, and proceedings, in my Secret Walk, in my Studies, in my ministrations, and my Several Relations.  And the Spirit of God purifie, Sanctifie, Assist and direct me, and grant his Blessing upon me in the Prosecution of this my Purpose!

 

N.B. See for the 5th Day, the Beginning of the Book entitled Some Remarkable Passages, etc.[4]

 

[Entries for September, 1728, end at this point.  There is then a blank page in the diary, and then the following undated entry:]

 

Several gracious Promises of God.  Ps. 32.8.  I will instruct thee, and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine Eyes.

 

Zech. 10.12.  And I will Strengthen them in the Lord, and they Shall walk up and down in the name of the Lord.

 

September 5th [1728] (Wednesday).  At Westborough.[5]

 

This being my Birth Day it may be a most proper Season to look back upon my Life Past, that I may See what account I may give unto the Great Judge of all the Earth.  What penitence and Contrition I ought to express for the many Sins of my Conversation in the world the Twenty-five years that I have liv’d in it, and What Praises I owe to the God of my Life for the innumerable and unspeakable Benefits he has most bountifully (though most undeservedly) bestowed upon me.  I deem it suitable also and prudent to take this Time especially to renew my Covenant with my God, which I solemnly entered into before Him on September 5 in the year 1719.  Furthermore it is most proper now to be anew proposing methods of future Conduct, that the future part of my Life may be more profitable, and fruitfull than the former has ever been.

 

Accordingly I committed my Self to God in a solemn address, and besought his direction and assistance in the Several parts of this important work above mention’d.  And then I proceeded to look into my Life past where I discern’d innumerable articles that require deep Repentance — among the rest my Sad misimprovement of my Time in my Youth, as appears by the papers that give an account of the past of my Conversation.  It must be Judg’d from the Said Papers that my Course of Life has been full of Impertinencies, except I was to Live Some Centuries.  Then indeed it might prove more Excusable to take my methods to know men and Things (as my pretence was); or it had perhaps been laudable to Spend a Month or some Small part of ones whole Life in this manner.  I consum’d a great part of my Time.  I Endeavour’d to affect my Self with Grief herefore and proceeded with Exercises of fervent Devotion, Reading the Divine Oracles and Serious Meditations, I carried on the Day till 3 p.m., when Mr. Wheeler came, and I went with him to Captain Fays to the Private Meeting.  I went in while the Captain was at Prayer.   Our Exercise was upon Col. 3.4.  Christ who in our Life.  I chose this because I would have Christ to be my Life, and I would be quickened and instructed at this season to live to him.  God give me Grace to do so!  I spent the day throughout as a Day of Devotion, and I beseech God to accept me herein.  But I was not able to go through all my Proposal about Searching out the Suitable methods of future Conduct.  These I deferr’d to the first opportunity I may have therefor.  Nor did I draw out in writing what I could remember of the mercies of God to me and my Family, But I propos’d to do [so] as Speedily as my Circumstances will favour me.  My Covenant with God was not solemnly renewed in that express manner I had propos’d but read over and anew consented to.  But a reason of its not being So expressly renewed might be my apprehending it convenient to transcribe a Covenant Somewhat more Correct, which I would Solemnly Sign before God (having some regard to the Directions of Mr. Alliene,[6] in his sure Guide to Heaven, Dis:x, p. 127, Edition at London anno 1705, in that affair).

 

O Glorious God in Trinity, I pray Thee be my covenant God!

 

I do now Solemnly Take Thee, O ETERNAL FATHER, to be my God, my Father, my Friend, and my only Portion.  I take Thee O ETERNAL SON, to be my God, my only Mediator and Redeemer.

 

I take Thee O ETERNAL SPIRIT to be my God, my Guide, my Sanctifyer and Comforter.

 

And I Sacredly Devote and Dedicate my Self wholly, Soul and Body, all the Powers and Faculties, all the Members and organs of Each, to Thee, the one onely living and true God, to be Thy Servant, Renouncing all my Sins and Lusts my Self, the world, the Flesh and the Devil, and humbly beseeching the Pardon of all the Violations of all my Former Covenants and Obligations, with all my other Iniquities, through Jesus Christ, I consecrate my Self to THEE alone.  And Promise, by thy Grace, to perform the Duties of my holy Christian Profession, and to Discharge my ministerial work.  To ratifie which, I subscribe, with my Heart and Hand, humbly, and I trust, Sincerely, Ebenezer Parkman.  Westborough November 24, 1729.  Renew’d January 1, 1730 and This Transcript made January 3.

 

Some Rules for my Conduct in my Religious, Ministerial, Civil, Domestic, and Relative Life.

 

  1. I would that my Eyes and Heart by carry’d to God at first Waking; That every Morning when I awaken I may be Still with God, as God is Still with me.

 

  1. That nothing be undertaken which may defer my early sett, Solemn Morning Devotions to God, that I may be sure to begin the Day with God, set out in his Fear, and Spend it to his Glory.

 

  1. When I rise from Dinner Let the first Opportunity be laid hold of for a solemn Address to God.

 

  1. Let there be some Serious Reflections in the Evening and a solemn Address to God — closing my Eyes with recommending my Self to the Lord my Keeper, who is the Great Keeper of Israel, who never slumbers nor sleeps.

[1]Benjamin Woods.

[2]Probably John Park of Framingham.

[3]Benjamin Kent (Harvard 1727).  Sibley, VIII, 220-230.

[4]Another name for his Natalitia.

[5]The entry for Sept. 5 is entirely in his Natalitia.

[6]Richard Alleine, Heaven Opened, Or a Brief and Plain Discovery of the Riches of Gods Coventn of Grace (Boston, 1699).

April 15, 1729

1729 April 15. [1]  About five months agoe I set down some account of the more remarkable Mercies of God to Me in the Course of His Providence in and Since that my memorable dangerous Sickness when I was a Young School Boy; Having made Some (though I confess very imperfect) Record of what went before, in a little Book bearing Date August 24, 1719, and Several other Dates from thence, but in a great deal of Confusion, and with too many other marks of my puerility, when I Scribbl’d them however honest and upright my intention was to have Some Remembrances of those (to me) important Things by me; Having of late experienc’d So much of the divine Goodness as gives me new and the greatest Reason forever to esteem and admire the various Expressions thereof to me, and every way to manifest my greatfull Returns to my unspeakable Benefactor for what He has, in infinite Tenderness done for Me, I have here transcrib’d a Sort of Catalogue or Memorandum of those abovesaid Mercies to God to Me, have carry’d it along with what I have received Since.

 

Divine Benignity and Providence

 

  1. Recovery from a very Dangerous Fit of Sickness, and of near, if not altogether 4 Months Continuance, at the Time of the Meazles rageing in this Country. I was taken in October — had a Fever, then the Meazles — then languished as aforesaid.  But the Lord was gracious and redeemed my Life from Destruction.

 

  1. My being Sent, and my admission into, Harvard College, in the Year 1717. Examin’d July 8, admitted July 11, and went up to dwell at Cambridge August 13.  Under Mr. Leveret,[2] president, and Mr. Robie,[3] my Tutor.

 

  1. The good measure of Health, and the Prosperity enjoy’d while I liv’d at College.

 

  1. The Honours of Bachelor of Arts, conferr’d in the Year 1721, July 5.

 

  1. What acceptance I met with (the Same year) in keeping School at Newton, and Preservation from the Infection of the Small Pox, by which many of my Friends were remov’d into the Eternal World.

 

  1. My Brother Elias’s[4] Kindness and Bounty when he took me to Board in His House and allow’d good and pleasant accomodattions there, in April 7th, 1722 and continuing the same for Near a Year and half, that is, till my more frequently going into the country to preach, which was July 27, 173 at Hopkington (or rather August 2 at Worcester) more occasionally, and afterwards (August 21) at Westborough more constantly, during the latter part of which Time, I did also reside at Times at Cambridge, where I kept a Chamber with Mr. Edward Hunting.[5] Indeed from the time of my first preaching at Wrentham (which was April 14, 1723) or before I was not constantly at Boston, but divided a part of my Time at Cambridge.  Nevertheless I account that near a year and half I was at my Brothers, because thither I went as to my home when I was at Boston and kept my Library, etc. there, and had a Chamber Study and entertainment occasionally there, for the space of Two years I suppose.

 

  1. My admission into the New North Church and the assistance in my preparation therefor, March 31, 1723.

 

  1. The Assistance God was pleased to grant me, and what Acceptance I (undeservedly) met with in my Preaching, which began first of all (as abovesaid) at Wrentham, April 14, 1723. My Text was 1 Cor. 3.11.  “Other Foundation can no man lay.”

 

  1. The Honour of a Second Degree at Harvard College, viz. of Master of Arts, conferr’d July 1, 1724.

 

  1. The Blessing afforded me by my Marriage July 7, 1724 to Miss Mary Champney, Daughter of Mr. Samuel Champney at Cambridge, at which the Reverend Mr. Appleton,[6] with gracefull Solemnity officiated. And here I would Bless God for his wondrous Grace in restraining me from the Sin of Fornication, and carrying me through so many Temptations as Those pass’d in the Time of Courtship.

 

  1. The Distinguishing Honours, and gracious Presence of God, at my Ordination, October 28th in the same year 1724. N.B. The Reverend Mr. Dorr[7] open’d the solemnity with prayer.  The Reverend Mr. Prentice[8] preach’d on 2 Cor. 2.16.  Reverend Mr. William Williams of Weston pray’d and gather’d the Church.  Mr. Prentice gave the charge.  Reverend Mr. Loring[9] of Sudbury the Right Hand.  Sung Ps. 69.17 to 21.

 

  1. Recovery from the illness that debarr’d Me the public Exercises, immediately after my ordination, Two Dayes of Service.

 

  1. I look upon those Kindnesses receiv’d from my Westborough Nei[gh]bours, as the Favours of Providence to me and my Family, and do return Thanks to God for them.

 

  1. Gods appearing for my Wife in her hour of Peril and giving us a Daughter (which was Mary) September 14, 1725.

 

  1. Three weeks after her lying in my wife had a very Sore Breast, which broke twice, and brought us into a great Affliction. I would thankfully remember the Deliverance out of that Grievous Trouble.

 

  1. My Fathers recovery out of dangerous Sickness in January 1725/6, I would always number amongst Gods mercies to Me, and particularly because I then look’d upon my Self very unprepar’d to entertain his Death, as I ought.

 

  1. My Wife’s Restoration and Recovery from her great pains and illness (Laps-uteri) July 1726, under the Care of the Reverend Mr. Barrett[10] and Mrs. Whitcomb. This is to be remembered as a Special appearance of God for us.

 

  1. The Lords Compassion in healing My Daughter when very ill. July 3, 1727, is to be observ’d by Me.

 

  1. Deliverance to my Wife when in Travel [sic] the Second Time, and giving me a Son, August 20, 1727. This I call’d Ebenezer, Saying with Gratitude Hitherto hath the Lord helped.

 

  1. I would record the Salvation vouchsaf’d us in the Time of the uncommon Thunder, Lightning and Wind in this Month, August (1727).

 

  1. Still greater and more memorable Salvations in the Great Earthquake, and I would that more Special Notice be taken of it because I would lay those Threatenings in Divine Providence, with the awakenings of His word publickly delivered the Day before; which compleating the Third year Since the gathering our Church and my own ordination, I preach’d on Luke 13.7.

 

  1. The Goodness of God to me in the time of uneasiness touching Mr. Josiah Newton and preventing Divisions among us. April 4, 1728.

 

  1. Recovery of my Son out of Sickness which he Labour’d of in the Months of September and October, of this Year 1728.

 

  1. My Recovery from my Ague in November, Seizing Me the 7th at Night and continuing to the 15th a great part of the time in much Extremity.

 

  1. Healing my Son in December in the Same Year.

 

  1. I would put into this Account the Favour of my Library, So much larger than (considering my Circumstances) I might have expected it to be, Though I would humbly wait for the Divine Goodness in further Additions to it still, but especially beg for Grace to improve it to the Glory of God.

 

  1. I would reckon also the Comforts pour’d on in from my Farms. But I pray God to preserve me from Worldly mindedness and Covetousness which may prove to the Detriment of my Spirituall State, and to my Studies and Ministrations.  And thereby not a little to the Dishonor of God, and the Holy Ministry, and to the Disservice of the Interests of Religion.  To that I would be not a little concerned on this Score.

 

  1. I must ever remember with hearty gratitude My Recovery out of Dangerous Sickness, weakness and Pains that I was brought low with in March 1729. I was first of all Seiz’d February 11 and kept from public Service the 16th, But was So well on the 23rd as to go to Meeting again.  I was again disorder’d on the 28th and March 1, was faint and feeble the 2d, yet ventur’d to meeting and preach’d all Day and had extremity of pain in my Limbs, and oppression in my Stomach.  The nights after the 7th and 8th I had such fits my Physician call’d my Distemper and Rheumatic Fever as were not without Difficulty to be born; and I fear’d a 3d would be more than Nature Could resist.  The 9th I had, through the omnipotent Mercy of God, a instigation, and escaped the Danger.  I was in the beginning of my illness under the Care of Reverend Mr. Barrett and afterwards of Dr. Roby.[11]  However I was under Confinement and in Weakness, in Pain and [illegible] for weeks after.  April 6.  I went to meeting part of the Day, the 13th all Day.  On the 20th I preach’d in the forenoon but could not undertake more than to baptize a child, in the afternoon.

 

  1. I would Set it down among the Divine Mercies that after the Difficulties, weakness, pains in my Stomach, faintness, etc., on my Journey to Boston June 2d, 3, 4 which put me and my Relatives into great Fears and Concern. I was carry’d through and brought home to my Family June 6, though continuing in much feebleness and in Fear and Care about the Event.  I would record my Thanks also that I found my Son So recovered from the illness he had been for some time labouring under, and that he was much afflicted by, when I went from home.

[Editor’s Note: Parkman appears to have added the last four items at a later date.]

  1. July 3, 1729. The Salvation of God was Seen, and my Wife brought forth a Second Son, and upon Consideration of God repeating his Blessing in this kind, as well as my having an ancestor of that Name, I call’d him Thomas.

 

  1. August 18. The Goodness of God was manifested to us and to my little Daughter Mary in preserving her when She had Sadly wander’d away, and was a long time lost in the Swamp; and directing a Young Man (David Maynard, Jr.) to her Deliverance.

 

  1. February 17, 1729/30. In my great Weakness, the Reverend Mr. Campbell[12] of Oxford visited me, and persuaded me to ride.  We rode to Marlborough and then proceeded to Cambridge.  My Wife also went with me but it was, above all, a kind and merciful God who sustain’d me.  The Glory to His Name!  The 19th Day was Fast at Westborough on my account.

 

N.B. The affectionate Regard which the Reverend Mr. Breck[13] show’d me in the Exercises at the Fast which was kept at Westborough on the foresaid occasion:  in particular in his Sermon which was from that Text Phil. 2.27.  “For indeed he was sick” etc.  Reverend Cushing[14] also assisted in the Fast.

 

  1. Deliverance to my Wife when Travailing with my Second Daughter, Sept, 20, 1731. On account of the Singular Love and Affection, and numberless[15] kind Regards of my Wife’s sister, Miss Lydia Champney, we Thought fit to call this Child by her name, Lydia.

[1]All of the material for April 1729 is found in the Natalitia.

[2]John Leverett (Harvard 1680).

[3]Thomas Robie (Harvard 1708).

[4]Elias Parkman of Boston.

[5]Edward Hunting (Harvard 1725).  Sibley, VII, 542-543.

[6]Reverend Nathaniel Appleton.

[7]Joseph Dorr of Mendon.

[8]John Prentice of Lancaster.

[9]Israel Loring.

[10]Samuel Barrett of Hopkinton.

[11]Ebenezer Roby (Harvard 1719), a physician of Sudbury.  Sibley, VI, 336-339.

[12]John Campbell.

[13]Robert Breck of Marlborough.

[14]Job Cushing of Shrewsbury.

[15][Walett transcribed this a “memberless.”]

May 14, 1729

[1729 May 14.  Parkman was in Framingham at the home of the Rev. John Swift (1679-1745).  The following is inscribed in a bound volume of manuscript sermons by the Rev. Samuel Parris (1653-1720) at the Connecticut Historical Society:]

 

“The Gift of Mr. Noyes Parris (son of the author) to Ebenr. Parkman at the Rev. Mr. Swifts May 14, 1729. Inscribed on front fly leaf: This book was given to Jona Moore by his Father in Law the Rev. Mr. Ebr. Parkman of Westborough, & by the said Moore is now given to his daughter in law Janna Parkman Barstow, Granddaughter of the said Rev. Ebenezer Parkman, witness Jona Moore May 4, 1812. Inscribed on verso of fly leaf: Presented by S.P. Barstow to Rev. Thomas Robbins by Mrs. Barstow of New York, Aug. 1838.”

 

[Noyes Parris (1699-before 1748), Harvard 1721, was one of Parkman’s classmates.  Sibley’s Harvard Graduates, 6:527-28.  Shipton, 528, notes Parris’s gift of the sermons to Parkman.]

July 8, 1729

1729 July 8.[1]  I have warnings from God by my Infirmities, that I must remove from my Temporal Possessions (and I had them from God but for Temporal).  This Clay Tabernacle I now inhabit Cracks and threatens me that it must Dissolve, ‘tis but Earthenware, and it doth not Sound whole.  A Little matter will dash it to pieces.

 

Now what do I know about any Right I have to an Eternal Inheritance, to a Building of God, an house not made with Hands Eternal in the Heavens, wherein I may spend an Happy Immortality, Since I am upon the Move.

 

[1]All of the material for July 1729 is to be found in the Natalitia

September 4, 1729

1729 September 4.[1]  How Shall I best employ my Self to Day?  It being the last Day of my 26th Year.

 

Answer 1.  In Solemnly Praising God for his mercies throughout my Life, particularly in the Course of this Year.

 

  1. In humbling my Self for my Sins especially those of this Year.

 

  1. In preparing my Self for Tomorrow’s Business. Reading over what I have heretofore done, and what others have transacted, on Such Dayes, etc.  All which may be well assisted (perhaps) by waiting upon the Exercises of the private Meeting at Mr. David Brighams to Day (when I am very much importun’d to be present).  But (alas) the weakness of my Body, and the Confusion of my mind at Seeing So much Business to do, and So Slender Ability to accomplish it!  But besides, Providence calls me to Work for others, as well as for my Self to Day.  I must attend to what may fit me there fore, and then Return to my private Concerns.  The Grace of God enable me, under my Infirmities, and magnifie His Power through my Weakness!

[1]All entries for Sept. 1729 are from the Natalitia.

September 5, 1729

1729 September 5.  1.  Bless God for the Light and Liberties of This Morning, and petition Direction and assistance in Such an Observation of the Day as may be most for the Divine Glory, and my Souls Comfort.

  1. Let the Exercises of the Family (although not formally or noticeably by others) contribute as much as may be to the Holy Business of this Day.
  2. Thankfully review the Divine Mercie to me and mine through my Life past, particularly Such as we have receiv’d in the Course of this Year, and Solemnly offer unto God the Praise. Read and Sung Ps. 145 in Tate’s Version.
  3. Bewail my Iniquities before God.
    1. Sin, in General: its
      1. Turpitude, Vileness, and Offensiveness especially to God most Holy and glorious
      2. Fatal Consequences.
    2. In Particular:
        1. The Sin of my Nature, and thereby
          1. The Weakness and Darkness of my Intellectual Powers;
          2. The Perverseness and Corruptness of my Elective Powers.
        2. The Foolishness and wickedness of my Childhood and youth
          1. 1. Falseness.  Ps. 58.3.  Brother William, Mr. Fl. [?], Mr. L.[?]
          2. Thievishness, apples, corn.
        3. The Vainness, Impurity and Impiety of my Youth and more Mature age.
          1. The Vainness in
            1. Dress
            2. Company
            3. Studies:  Romances and Tales;Poems and Playes.
            4. Waste of Time.  Impertinence. Walking about Town, etc. See my Journals No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
          2. The Impurity.
            1. Heart uncleanness and adulterie, through The Eye –- Pictures, etc; The Ear — Songs, etc.
            2. Wantonness in Carriage and Actions in various Instances and Respecting which I have Great Cause Exceedingly to bewail.
          3. Impiety.
            1. Restraining Prayer sometimes.
            2. Superficial performance of that and other Duties and formal attendance upon ordinances, The Word,Sacraments, etc.
            3. Unaffectedness at Providences, Mercys — publick, private
              1.   Public Calamities.
              2.   Personal Sufferings.
              3.   Domestic and Relative Evils, Deaths, Sickness, etc. My Father, Mother, etc., etc.
          4. Unfaithfullness of my whole Life unto
            1.   God, under
              1. My Baptismal Covenant.
              2. My Covenant of September 15, 1719.
              3. My Profession Engagements, March 31, 1723
              4. My Marriage Covenants.  July 7, 1724 and September 1, 1737.
              5. My Ordination Vows, October 28, 1724, O.S.
              6. My frequent, especially September 5, Pretences and daily Devotions (which are so many Engagements) to Walk with God.
              7. Special Providences, as
                1. Mercies: Deliverances and Recoveries, to me, my wife, children and other Relatives – and to my Friends.
                2. Afflictions.  Sickness and pains: my own, my Wife’s my childrens.
            2. Man, unto
              1. Parents, Brothers, Sisters.
              2. Acquaintance and Friends.
              3. Christians in Communion with me.
              4. Wife
              5. Children and Servants.
              6. People of Westborough and other Congregations where I have preach’d.
              7. Neighbours.
          5. My self, as to (1) My Outward, (2) and (3) Spiritual and Eternal Interests.  My Unfaithfullness, Impiety, etc. of my more mature Life may be further set down in this form following.
            1.   My Hypocrisie and Insincerity.
            2.   My Slender, partial Obedience.
            3.   Neglect of Divine Dealings with me
            4.   Covetousness, Love of the World and Disrelish of Divine Things.
            5.   Disquietness, Discontent and Envying.
            6.   Slothfullness and Idleness. Unseasonable Sermonizing.
            7.   Forbearing to reprove Sin, through Fear, Favour.
            8.   Unsabbatical Behaviour.
            9.   Equivocating.
            10.   Eating and Drinking more than answer’d the Ends to be propos’d therein and what I count Exceeding Christian Laws therein.
            11.   Breaking out to angry Resentments.
            12.   Vain Glory, Self Conceit and Self Dependence.
            13.   Detractions.
            14.   Unbelief.

         

        The Fifth Thing on this Day was that which next followeth, and which was in this Form.

         

        5.[1]  Whereas it hath pleased the Almighty Author of my Being and the God of my Life out of his abundant mercy and Grace, to permit my Lot in a Land of Gospel Light, my Birth of Religious Parents, my Dedication to Him Early by Baptism, and my Education not only in the Nurture and instruction of the Lord, but with some peculiar happy Circumstances, both to fit me for and Engage me to His Service and Glory.  Since also I have openly profess’d my Self a Disciple of Christ and in a Sacred manner bound my Self to the Strict observance of His Divine Commands, and have been Moreover, with utmost Solemnity Consecrated and Set apart to Him and his peculiar work.  To all which the Dispensations of his Providence of Grace have been added and conspir’d together to affect me with my indispensable obligations to Fidelity to Him.  But inasmuch as by too many Evidences it appears that without the special Restraints and Assistances of Divine Grace, my natural Corruption proves many times prevalent over all my Professions and Resolutions and even my most Sacred Ties; that I may do whatever in me lies for the [illegible] thereof, and that I may be the better defended against future Assaults and Temptations (Yet without Relying on any other Endeavours of Mine, but only upon the Mediation and Merits of my Blessed Lord Jesus Christ and the Aid of His Spirit) I would, as the best revealed Expedient, in Sacred Form Renew my Covenant with God and Solemnly Sign this Instrument.  [N.B. The then design’d Instrument is that in page 2, but it was not drawn out till some time after this, though I now renew’d my Covenant Dedication.]

         

        [1]This additional entry for Sept. 5, 1729 is also from the Natalitia.

November 24, 1729

Westborough November 24, 1729

A Solemn Covenant was drawn out fair and in all Seriousness (as I was able) sign’d and ratify’d before God. The Form was that in page 2.

1729 December 5. It is a Day of great Darkness and Distress with both me and my Family. My own Weakness and Infirmitys increasing daily upon me and trouble of my heart greatly enlarged by my Disorders mocking the force of all Medical methods with me hitherto. My Wife also, under much Indisposition and trouble with her Breast. The Children likewise afflicted with Cold and very peevish under their uneasineses. But Especially Maro at the Point of Death. The waves and Billows roll and roar out of the Deeps. I would Cry: Lord hear my Voice! Let not the Water floods overflow us, neither let the Deep Swallow us up!

December 6, 1729

1729 December 6. The Hand of God is still heavier upon us. Exceeding weak, low and faint, my Self, almost ready to lie down under my prevailing Infirmities. But when both my Flesh and Heart fail, God is still the Strength of my Heart, and my Portion for Ever. But Dark as it has been with us it is become much Darker at or about the Sun setting. The Sun of Maro’s Life Sat. The First Death in my Family! God enable me to See His Sovereign Mind, and Comport with his holy Will!

As my Servant is Summon’d to go before, So God only knows whether his Master is not Shortly to follow after; and so the former to prove as an Harbinger to the latter. O that the whole Family may be getting ready, in another Sort than ever heretofore! But Especially O that God would enable Me to Live apace, Seeing I am Dying apace; to give Diligance, to work with my might, and to stand Waiting all the few Dayes of my appointed time, till God shall call; that when I hear the Summons, I may, with Serenity, Say, Speak Lord, thy Servant heareth, may Depart in Peace, and See the Salvation of God!

While God is Stripping me of Outward Enjoyments I humbly trust God will let me have more of Himself and bestow more of Spiritual, invaluable Blessings.

Every Comfort is that to us, that God makes it, and is so long with us as He pleases to Continue it.

December 31, 1729

Conclusion of the Year 1729

It is Said in Psalm 55.19. “Because they have no Changes, therefore they Fear not God.” (By which it obviously appears to be intimated, that Changes are very usefull and proper, nay very needfull means to excite the Fear of God.) I would then, from these words, Infer 1. That they are to be well observ’d and esteem’d as they are Such excellent means of Grace and God is to be praised for them. 2. Such persons fall under a no less Severe, than just Reprehension, who, although they have Changes, yet fear not God, and 3. It is matter of Melancholly Consideration whom those that meet with many Changes, have notwithstanding, but Slender Effects wrought upon them, by So powerfull means and but little more (if any) of the Fear of God excited in them thereby.

Reflections

I have pass’d through many Changes, Especially this Last Year has been a Year of Changes. I would Humbly and Devoutly take notice of the Hand of God in them. I would humbly acknowledge and revere the Sovereignty and Majesty, and adore and magnifie the Righteousness and Holiness, the Wisdom and Goodness of God therein. I would humbly submit and resign my Self to his Sovereign and all wise Disposal with Satisfaction, remembering that I am in my Faithfull Creator’s and Compassionate Redeemer’s Hands, and I would, with Religions Fear and Care, Enquire after the holy Ends and Designs of God in his Several Visitations; and would give my Self to all Endeavours ([two Greek words]) to answer the Divine Demands. But before I proceed any further I would Look back with Shame and Sorrow on the Provocations offered to God, to punish and afflict me, as He has, in the various Sufferings I have been brought into, and would with Regret and Grief Observe the but faint Influence I have permitted My Changes to have upon me, and that there are so few Signs of the true Fear of God in me. And Finally would Earnestly beseech God to accompany all his Methods with me, with his Almighty Grace, that they may not fail, hence forward, to produce both his own Glory and my spiritual and Eternal Good. And Oh that the more and the Greater Changes I pass through the more I may fear, and glorifie God whom alone I am to acknowledge in them.

January 8, 1736

1736 January 8 (Thursday).[1]  …and Sanctifie his sickness to him, and to all our Youth; that both the Word and Providences of God may be very awakening to them — nay unto all!!  Upon these Heads our publick Prayers were very fervent and importunate.  It was full upon my mind, what a singular favour it would be from Heaven if we might be only threatned, and the End of God answered by the Youth being awakened and Reformed without Gods breaking forth to Destroy us: that is, if the Mighty Power and Goodness of God Should So Sanctifie the Extream Sickness of Stephen Maynard[2] as that both he and others might have the Spiritual Benefit of his being Smitten, and yet his Life Spared.

[1]The first extant page begins with an incomplete entry for January 8.  On January 8, 1736, Parkman preached on 1 Pet. 5:6, “being Public Fast, on account of the Unusual, Mortal Distemper at the Eastward more especially Seizing young persons – N.B. Stephen Maynard of this Town very ill, and we fear of that Distemper.”  1 Peter 5:6, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that her may exalt you in due time.”  Sermon 838-839, Parkman Family Papers (American Antiquarian Society), Box 1, Folder 3.

[2]Stephen, son of Capt. John and Hepzibah Maynard, was bapt. Nov. 20, 1720; MVR, 124.

January 9, 1736

1736 January 9 (Friday).  Bright, Cold Morning.  I visited Stephen Maynard, whom instead of finding a Corps, as was most generally Expected, I perceived was the most strangely altered for the better — his Swelling gone down, his breathing Easy, his Fever low, had Slept well, and the Doctor said he began to Mend while we were at Meeting yesterday in the Afternoon.  Glory be to the Omnipotent and most Gracious God!  Mr. Jonathan Forbush[1] here in the Evening.  Mr. Abner Newton and his wife[2] here — the Latter to be Examined in order to joining to the Church.  Mr. Hezekiah Maynard[3] here also.

[1]Jonathan Forbes or Forbush (1684-1768) “was one of the first to change the name to Forbes”; Walett, 42, n. 18.  He and his wife Hannah were admitted into the Westborough church by dismissal from the church in Marlborough, Apr. 2, 1727; he was elected deacon, June 8, July 13, 1738 (WCR 5, 49-50).

[2]Abner Newton mar. Vashti Eager, Mar. 29, 1731; WVR, 188.  The WVRs, 79, list the birth of their first child, Sarah, on July 19, 1722, but this is undoubtedly in error.  Abner and Vashti Newton had confessed to breaking the Seventh Commandment and owned the covenant, Feb. 3, 1734 (WCR, 33).  She was admitted to the church, Feb. 22, 1736 (WCR, 39). 

[3]Hezekiah, son of John, Jr., and Lidiah Maynard of Marlborough, b. June 17, 1708 (MVR, 125).

January 10, 1736

1736 January 10 (Saturday).  Fine, bright, moderate Weather.  Mr. Eliezer How[1] of Marlborough here to take Counsel respecting his joining to the Church.  Mr. Stephen Fay’s Wife[2] also here upon a like account.  At Eve Mr. Caleb Rice[3] of Marlborough here.

[1]Eleazer How of Marlborough also met with Parkman on June 9 and was admitted to the church, July 11, 1736 (WCR, 43).  The son of Eleazer How, he had been baptized at the Marlborough church, Apr. 11, 1708 (MVR, 98).  On Apr. 29, 1733, Lemuel, the son of Eleazar Junior and Hephzibah How of Marlborough, was baptized, “she being a member of the Church of Christ in Marlborough” (WCR, 32).

[2]Stephen Fay mar. Ruth Child, Mar. 7, 1734.  She was admitted to the church on June 3, 1736; he was admitted on July 18, 1736; and their son John (b. Dec. 23, 1734) was bapt. Aug. 15, 1736 (WCR, 41, 43).  At the time of her admission to the church, Ruth Fay was pregnant with their second child, Jonas, b. Jan. 28, 1737 (WVR, 40).

[3]Caleb Rice (1712-1759), Harvard 1730, son of Deacon Caleb and Mary (Ward) Rice of Marlborough; ordained at Sturbridge, Sept. 29, 1736.  SHG, 8:774-75.

January 12, 1736

1736 January 12 (Monday).  Ebenezer ill about Day-break.  Continues much indisposed with a Fever and Cough.  Mr. Thomas Brigham[1]came to ask me to the Funeral of Mr. Jabez Rice’s infant Child.[2]  Mr. Caleb Rice rode down there with us.  But I rode but little way with the people, I returned because of my son’s illness.  I called at Mr. El: Beemans.[3]  Deborah[4] and Sarah Ward rode up to their Fathers.  The same 12th Day Ensign Maynard[5] brought home a side of Pork, weight 109, from Mr. Hezekiah Maynard of Marlborough.

[1]Either Thomas, son of John and Sarah Brigham, b. May 6, 1687, or Thomas, son of Nathan and Elizabeth Brigham, b. Feb. 22, 1695 (MVR, 46).

[2]Jabez, son of Caleb and Mary Rice, b. Feb. 2, 1702, mar. Hannah Brigham, June 7, 1732 (MVR, 156, 301).  The MVR do not record the birth of a child before 1737.

[3]Eleazer Beeman (d. Nov. 7, 1750) and his wife Hannah (d. Sept. 8, 1782, at the age of 90 (WVR, 228, and EP Diary, Sept. 8, 1782) owned the covenant, Sept. 10, 1727 (WCR, 6), and their son Abraham was bapt.  Both joined the church on Oct. 18, 1741 (WCR, 61).  Parkman listed Beaman among the first inhabitants of Westborough (WCR, flyleaf).

[4]Deborah and Sarah Ward were daughters of Oliver Ward.  Along with their sisters Hannah and Submit, they had owned the covenant and were baptized, May 5, 1734 (WCR, 34).

[5]Stephen Maynard of Westborough.

January 14, 1736

1736 January 14 (Wednesday).  I rode to Marlborough to Dr. Gott’s[1] but he was gone to Sudbury.  Dined at Coll. Woods.[2]  Mr. Rice and Mr. Richardson[3] (preacher at Marlborough) came to the Colonel’s.  They rode to Mr. Stone’s,[4] I rode to Dr. Matthews[5] — but could not git him to go up.  I returned finding Ebenezer coughing Still.  I tended him all night.  N.B. Mr. Daniel Maynard[6] brought me an Hog, of 164 weight which I bargained for some time agoe.  Ebenezer Coughs almost incessantly.

[1]Benjamin Gott of Marlborough (1706-1751) mar. Sarah Breck (1711-1740), Jan. 20, 1728 or Feb. 13, 1729 (MVR, 258).  Sarah’s sister Hannah mar. Ebenezer Parkman, Sept. 1, 1737 (WVR, 194).

[2]Col. Benjamin Woods of Marlborough.

[3]Either Isaac Richardson (1705-1748), Harvard 1726, an itinerant schoolmaster and occasional preacher (SHG 8:92-95); or Jabez Richardson (1708-1759), Harvard 1730, itinerant preacher and Woburn schoolmaster (SHG 8:778).

[4]Nathan Stone (1708-1781), Harvard 1726, minister of Southborough, 1730-1781.  SHG, 8:99-105.

[5]John Matthews, physician of Southborough.  On Dec. 19, 1739, Parkman noted that “Dr. Matthews of Southborough, who had been a very usefull Man among the sick for some years, deceas’d, being upward of Eighty years old.”

[6]Daniel Maynard of Marlborough, son of John, Jr., and Lydia Maynard, b. Mar. 16, 1692 (MVR, 125).

January 15, 1736

1736 January 15 (Thursday).  I Sent David Bavrick[1] to Dr. Gott, early in the morning But he could not come up to us: but sent some Remedys.  P.M. Dr. Matthews came to see Ebenezer who was very bad with both Cough and Fever.  N.B. Preces and Lacrymae— towards night he was much Easier and better.  We began to conceive Hopes.  Deborah tended him this Night.  What a present Help is God in Time of Trouble!  What an Hearer of Prayer!  etc.

[1]See March 26, 1736, for David Batherick’s (Parkman spelled the name four ways: Bathrick, Batherick, Baverick, and Bavrick) agreement to work for Parkman.  David Bathrick m. Lydia Maynard, May 12, 1742 (WVR, 120).  On Parkman’s workers, see Ross W. Beales, Jr., “The Reverend Ebenezer Parkman’s Farm Workers, Westborough, Massachusetts,1726-82,” Proceedings of the American Antiquarian Society 99 (1989), 121-49.

January 16, 1736

1736 January 16 (Friday).  Ebenezer continues very ill — but his Fever is abated although his Cough is still continual.  Fine pleasant Weather.  Dr. Gott visited us — fills us with Hopes.  Sister Hicks[1] watched.

[1]Parkman’s sister-in-law, Rebecca Champney, dau. of Samuel and Hannah Champney Hicks, b. Oct. 8, 1703 (CVR, 1:128), mar. John Hicks, May 8, 1721 (CVR, 2:71).

January 18, 1736

1736 January 18 (Sunday).  I preached on Act. 1.7.[1]  God grant us the Grace of Humility, Watchfulness and Diligence, of Fervency also and Prayerfullness, that we may be ready for our Lords Summons, since we know not when the Time will be!  Mr. Joseph Green[2] dined with us.  Ebenezer better still.

[1]Acts 1.7, “And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.”

[2]Joseph Green, Parkman’s neighbor.

January 19, 1736

1736 January 19 (Monday).  Rainy — but not Cold.  Almost all the Family indisposed — especially Lucy[1]— but Ebenezer So lively as to be about the Room currently — the Glory be to God our Healer!  At Eve Mr. Bradish,[2] Lieut. Baker,[3] Brother Hicks[4] and Mr. Townsend[5] here, upon the Affair of their Dissatisfaction with Brother Samuel Hardy.[6]  Lucy was So ill that I got up Several Times in the Night.

[1]Lucy, dau. of Ebenezer and Mary Parkman, b. Sept. 23, 1734 (WVR, 82).

[2]James Bradish was listed by Parkman among the first inhabitants of Westborough (WCR, flyleaf).

[3]Lt. Edward Baker was one of Westborough’s leading citizens, serving twelve years as moderator and twenty years as selectman; DeForest and Bates, History of Westborough, 465-66.

[4]John Hicks was husband of Rebecca (Champney) Hicks, Parkman’s sister-in-law.

[5]Probably schoolmaster Joshua Townsend, who joined the Westborough church, July 27, 1735 (WCR, 37).  Parkman listed Benjamin Townsend among the first inhabitants of Westborough (DeForest and Bates, History, 46), but Benjamin Townsend was not a church member.

[6]Samuel and Tabitha Hardy joined the Westborough church on Dec. 6, 1730.  On June 6, 1736, “Brother Samuel Hardy offered a Confession for his writing and so being instrumental in uttering forth, divers verses to the Defamation and Reproach of the Committee which the Town had improved to search out who Cut the Pulpit Cusheon, and to the Reproach of divers other persons….  This Confession was read, and he was restored” (WCR, 41).  On Nov. 23, 1735, “Mary Bradish offered a Confession for having composed a paper of Verses of a Scandalous and Calumniating Nature respecting the Committee appointed by the Town (some time since) to Search out who it was Cut the pulpit Cusheon, and tending to defame others also – she was very penitent – but there was some objection made by Several against reading Said Confession to Day, but the Church more generally insisting for it, and the chief objectors yielding, it was read and she was restored” (WCR, 38).  On Nov. 27, “Being Lecture Day Brother Jonathan Forbush offered an acknowledgment to the Church for having inserted unsuitable Expressions in the Resentments he Composed in answer to the injurious and defaming Verses before mentioned, (he being one of the Committee aforesaid) and altho he knew not the Author of Said Verses at the time of his answering them yet afterwards when he came to the knowledge thereof and perceived his own Miscarriage, he made her Satisfaction; and being it was known to divers more who were offended therewith he freely and humbly offered public Satisfaction also: and was accepted” (WCR, 38-39).

January 20, 1736

1736 January 20 (Tuesday).  I rose before Day on Account of little Lucy and rode to Marlborough but Dr. Gott not at home, nor to be seen till noon.  I was at Mr. Hoveys[1] (Schoolmaster) and at Mr. Brown’s[2] (a White Smith) to get my Desk [illegible]ey mended.  Dined with Master Hovey.  Visited Madam Breck.[3]  P.M. returned toward Eve.  The Child very ill; and my wife[4] also much indisposed.  Mr. Whipple,[5] and Mr. Abraham Knowlton[6] here in the Eve.

[1]Ivory Hovey (1714-1803), Harvard 1735, son of Capt. Ivory and Anne (Pingree) Hovey of Topsfield; minister of the Second, or West, Parish of Rochester (later the First Congregational Church of Mattapoisett), 1740-1768, and minister at the Manomet Church, Plymouth, 1770-1803.  SHG, 9:543-48.

[2]Probably James Brown of Marlborough.

[3]Elizabeth (Wainwright) Breck, widow of Rev. Robert Breck (1682-1731), Harvard 1700, minister of Marlborough, 1704-1731.  She d. on June 8, 1736; MVR, 346.  Parkman mar. their daughter Hannah, Sept. 1, 1737.  On Robert Breck, see SHG, 4:515-18.

[4]Mary or Molly (Champney) Parkman, bapt. May 21, 1699 (CVR, 1:126); m. Ebenezer Parkman, July 7, 1724 (CVR 2:71).

[5]Francis Whipple of Westborough.  He and his wife Abigail were dismissed to New Braintree, July 19, 1778 (WCR, 178).

[6]Abraham Knowlton of Shrewsbury.

January 21, 1736

1736 January 21 (Wednesday).  A sick House — Lucy very bad and my Wife taken very ill of a fever.  Mr. N. Stone visited me.  Dr. Gott here.  My wife took a vomit.  Jotham Maynard[1] very kind, in taking Care of the Creatures, Errands etc.  <Two words crossed out.>

[1]Jotham Maynard, b. May 29, 1714, son of David and Hannah Maynard (MVR, 125); mar. Abihail Allen, June 19, 1740 (WVR, 182).

January 22, 1736

1736 January 22 (Thursday).  Capt. Eager[1] with his Team and Neighbour Nathaniel Oake[2] and his Team, Neighbour Ephraim Allen,[3] Jacob Rice, Caruth,[4] Russel,[5] Jesse Brigham,[6] Thomas Goodenow[7] and Jonathan Flagg[8] here and got me to the Door 19 Load of wood.  It was a valuable Kindness nor is it any ways to be thought light of, but it was at such a Season of our Illness and Engagedness to tend the ill and sick, that it was a Considerable Trouble at this Juncture.  I had sister Hicks to tend the Sick etc. a.m. and part p.m. and then Mrs. Hephzibah Maynard[9] p.m. and Eve and she watched also.  My wife very ill and keeps her Bed; but especially Lucy.  Thomme[10] did not get up to Day <word crossed out> his pains in his Ears but little abated — And he has no Stomach.  At Evening David to Dr. Gott.

[1]James Eager was b. in Marlborough, Sept. 21, 1686, son of William and Lidiah Eager (MVR, 65; d. June 7, 1755, a. 69 y. 8 m. 12 d. in Northborough (NVR, 133).

[2]Nathaniel Oake (or Oakes) was listed by Parkman among the first inhabitants of Westborough (WCR, flyleaf). 

[3]Ephraim Allen and his wife Susannah were admitted to the Westborough church on May 19, 1728.  He was dismissed to the north precinct, May 4, 1746 (WCR, 14-15, 75).

[4]Either John or William Caruth.

[5]Josiah Russell.

[6]Jesse Brigham and his wife Bethiah owned the covenant, Aug. 15, 1736.  Bethiah Brigham was admitted to the church, July 11, 1742, and dismissed to the north precinct, Aug. 21, 1746 (WCR,43, 63, 77).

[7]Thomas Goodenow mar. Persis Rice of Marlborough, Apr. 17, 1734 (WVR, 160).  Thomas and Persis Goodenow owned the covenant and their daughter Persis was bapt., May 18, 1735 (WCR, 37).

[8]Jonathan Flagg.  His wife Eunice was admitted into the church by dismissal from West Waterton, Oct. 1, 1732 (WCR, 31-32).

[9]Hephzibah Maynard, wife of John Maynard.  When Mrs. Maynard died, Parkman recalled her as a woman of remarkable Diligence and Skill in Family Affairs; and very compassionate and bountifull to the Poor; a Very Serviceable person in the Neighbourhood, and gave ready Assistance to all who Sought to her.  She was in a peculiar Manner liberal and helpful to Me and Mine at all times.”  (Parkman diary, Oct. 20, 1757).

[10]Thomas, son of Ebenezer and Mary Parkman, b. July 3, 1729 (WVR, 83).

January 23, 1736

1736 January 23 (Friday).  A Melancholly House!  My Wife has a Strong burning — and particularly Pluretic Fever, and Lucy very low, in great Danger.  Her pluretic Fever Strong, Cough Straining and in general exceeding weak and Distressed — but Thomme a little more Comfortable and got up to Day, though not yesterday.  Dr. Gott here — my wife was Blooded.  Brother Hicks’s Family ill also — Ruth[1] especialy — Doctor Blooded her.  Hands at work yesterday and to Day clearing the Road that goes South from my House.  A bleak Cold Wind, especialy p.m.  I was very much indisposed at Evening So as that I was not able to watch with my Wife and Child as I had designed but Mrs. Rogers[2] coming in and offering kindly, my wife accepted her offer to watch — but when she was to have returned from her Daughter Townsends[3] her Self, she sent Rebecca Ward[4] in her stead, who, being Such a stranger to the Child, made her So exceedingly uneasy that my wife was obliged to take her, which, cooling and worrying her, it prov’d an unspeakable Dammage to her.  But I was o’Bed, and knew it not at the time of it.

[1]Ruth Hicks, dau. of John and Rebecca Hicks, b. Sept. 19, 1723 (CVR, 1:349).

[2]Mercy Rogers, wife of Parkman’s neighbor, William Rogers.

[3]Susannah, wife of Benjamin Townsend (he was listed by Parkman among the first inhabitants of Westborough; WCR, flyleaf).

[4]Rebecca, dau. of Increase and Ruth Ward, b. Oct. 23, 1708 (MVR, 188).

January 24, 1736

1736 January 24 (Saturday).  My Wife very ill, by means of her being so exceedingly exposed last night with the Child — Fever upon her very bad — grows worse — p.m. sent David Baverick to Cambridge to inform our Relations <there?>, of my wife’s illness and of Brother Hicks’s Daughter Ruth’s, who was sick of the Same Fever: and to wait upon sister Ruth Champney[1] hither.  My Wife was in great Distresses in the Eve and night — is perswaded she Shall die of this Sickness.  She was in many Terrors at the Apprehension of the wrath of God [especially?] in the same night She told me she heard fine singing of Psalm Tunes, and Supposed it to be heavenly Musick.  About midnight she was So exceeding bad that I (having no body in the house but Deborah to assist us, and She taken up with the Young Child, I) ran to Ensign Maynards and requested him to go or Send to Marlborough forthwith to bring up Dr. Gott.  He sent Jotham; and Mrs. Maynard came up <word crossed out> to my Wife.  She fetched her Breath exceeding Short — and difficultly worried out the Night.

[1]Ruth Champney, dau. of Samuel and Hannah, b. Jan. 16, 1708 (CVR 1:128), sister of Mary Parkman, sister-in-law of Ebenezer Parkman.

January 25, 1736

1736 January 25 (Sunday).  In the Morning Dr. Gott came up to see my Wife.  She was considerably easier, cooler and better.  I could not go to Meeting, a.m.  I sent Dr. Colmans Parable of the Ten Virgins,[1] and directed to the Sermon on v. 6, which was read.  P.M. I was more composed and I went to worship.  Repeated a Sermon on Job 22.21.[2]  My wife in a more hopefull way.  Mr. Jonathan Forbush’s wife[3] staid with us.  The Doctor does not know but that the Fever is at the height.  We undertake to wean the Child.[4]

[1]Benjamin Colman, Practical Discourses upon the Parable of the Ten Virgins (London, 1707). Colman (1673-1747), Harvard 1691, was minister of Boston’s Brattle Square Church, 1699-1747.  SHG 4:120-37.

[2]Job 22.21, “Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.”

[3]Jonathan Firbush m. Hannah Holloway, ____, ___ [1705 or 1706]; she d. Nov. 17, 1756 (MVR, 252; Parkman diary, Nov. 18, 1756).  She served as a midwife (with Parkman first referring to her as “Granny,” Dec. 17, 1738).

[4]See Ross W. Beales, Jr., “Nursing and Weaning in an Eighteenth-Century New England Household,” in Peter Benes, ed., Families and Children (The Dublin Seminar for New England Folklife, Annual Proceedings, 1985; Boston: Boston University, 1987), 48-63.

January 26, 1736

1736 January 26 (Monday).  My Wife grows very restless again; Fever comes on.  Ensign Maynard to Dr. Gott, and brought him up.  She grew very bad.  Sister Ruth came up.  Mrs. Furbush went home.  The Doctor staid all night.  Sister Ruth and I sat up to Watch.  My wife was much put to it to get over the Night, yet through Divine Favour she did, and we were much Comforted with having the Doctor in the House with us.  The Doctor was of Opinion that the Fever had not Intermissions but Remissions only — thought that it was not at the height before, yet Surely it was at a Crisis now; nor would she, he believed have any more Such troublesome nights.  The Child Suddenly takes to Deborah!  I marked This!

January 27, 1736

1736 January 27 (Tuesday).  The Doctor went home.  My Wife a pritty comfortable Day.  Hopes bloom that she will recover, by Divine Favour.  Mr. Cushing[1] visited us and prayed with us.  Jemima Lee watched with my wife, and Deborah with the Child in the Cradle.  Mrs. Parkman slept very sound and Seemingly very Comfortable — the Child also but a little Trouble, and I hope in a good way of Recovery.

[1]Job Cushing (1694-1760), Harvard 1714, minister of Shrewsbury, 1723-1760.  SHG 6:45-46. 

January 28, 1736

1736 January 28 (Wednesday).  I can’t but be of Opinion that my Wife’s Fever has regular Intermissions, for now it comes on again, and with considerable Force, but relying upon the Doctor’s Judgment I sent to him for Drugs and sent her Water;[1] but did not Send for him to come up, tho’ I repented Afterwards that I did not; for her Fever increased extreamly as the Day got up.  I Sent by Brother Hicks, whose Daughter Ruth lies also very ill yet.  Capt. Forbush very neighbourly and kind, and his wife here p.m.  The Doctor Sends word that he can’t but hope the worst is over, but it was far other wise — indeed whilst she Saw the Light of the Day, She Said it helped her to bear up under her Distresses; but O when the Dark of Night Should come — how terrible it would be!  In Truth, She had reason to fear it, for her Fever increased yet more and more upon her.  Jotham Maynard came to assist me <word crossed out> — and to go for Mrs. Forbush (Mr. Jonathan’s wife).  No sooner did the Evening come on, but my Dear spouse grew worse and I ran down to Mrs. (Hephzibah) Maynard — though it was stormy — she came up with me and Mrs. Forb. was come — my wife very low indeed!  Said she to me, My Dear, You Are bereaved!  About 9 o’Clock we applyed a Young Fowl to her Feet — but about 1/2 after Ten were obliged to take it off — and Death seemed after a while to be making advances.  She could not Swallow, but Spurted out whatever was given her.  I asked her whether She was wholly free from those Terrors she had on Saturday Night?  She answered not wholly free from them but She various ways expressed her Hopes — For upon my Saying that I trusted She was rejoicing in Hope of the Glory of God; She Replyed, she hoped So.  And when Brother Hicks came to see her (about midnight) and her Mouth was ever now and then in a Sort of Convulsive Shaking and quivering, she said to him, I am in the Jaws of Death.  I asked her whether she said the Joys of Death?  She told me she hoped so likewise.  At one Time, after great Stillness, she very solemnly said, Dust thou art — At another Time upon giving her Some Drops and Water to lay her parching Thirst, and my wishing that she might Drink of the River of the Water of Life; She answered presently, I long to be at it — She grew a little better again Sometime after midnight took her Medicines, Cordial etc. etc. Swallowed ‘em, and fell into a pleasant Nap, in which she slept for a Considerable Time.  But when she awaked again her Fever rose exceedingly, insomuch as she burnt inexpressibly.  (I had asked her whether she could give her Testimony to the Truth of the Christian Religion and to the Expediency and usefullness of waiting upon Ordinances.  Her answer was, that we could do no better.  And as I was at another time looking upon her in her dying Distresses and Saying “who would not be moved by this to improve Every Day and Every Hour” — She answered Every Moment.  At another Time I asked her to pray for me and the Children with this dying Breath.  She replyed I do — God be Mercifull to you, and to them, and to you all.  Several Times She said earnestly — Come, Lord Jesus, Come quickly; Why So long a coming?  Some of the last Things I heard her Say I think were — My Dear! — My Dear Lucy!)

[1]On the analysis of urine, see Parkman’s Commonplace Book (ms., Massachusetts Historical Society).

January 29, 1736

1736 January 29 (Thursday).  When the Fever came upon her so violently (as abovesaid) her Breath grew extreamly and extraordinary quick, and her heart beat wonderfully — at length one Breath (through extream quickness) was confounded into another, and that brought on her dying agonys; which were very bitter and dreadfull — in these she lay till about Six in the Morning; and then she departed![1]  Even the wife of my Covenant — the wife of my Bosom, — the wife of my youth, and the Desire of my Eyes, was taken away by the stroke of Death!  Mrs. Forbush and Mrs. Maynard layd her out.  P.M. Capt. Eager here.  Lieut. Holloway[2] and Mr. Francis Whipple went to Cambridge and Boston.  I Sent Letters to Lancaster, Sudbury, Shrewsbury, Hopkinton, and Southborough.  Mr. Prentice[3] of Grafton came in at Evening.  A most Melancholly House of Mourning! 

[1]Mary Parkman d. Jan. 29, 1736 (WVR, 250).

[2]Lt. William Holloway (d. Jan. 6, 1760, a. 70 y., 6 m., 21 d.; NVR, 139) of the north side of Westborough.  He and his wife Mary had owned the covenant at Marlborough; WCR, May 2, 1725.  Mary Holloway was admitted to the Westborough church, Sept. 8, 1728 (WCR, 18).  She d. Mar. 9, 1788, in 94th yr. (NVR 139).

[3]Solomon Prentice (1705-1773), Harvard 1727, minister of Grafton, 1731-1747, Easton, 1747-1755, and Hull, 1768-1772.  SHG, 8:248-57.

January 31, 1736

1736 January 31 (Saturday).  Capt. Warrin, Capt. Eager, etc. here.  Mr. Abijah Bruce[1] and his wife[2] here.  Being that Mr. Prentice[3] of Lancaster sends word that he can’t preach tomorrow Neighbour Bruce offered to go over to Hopkinton, which he did to entreat Mr. Barretts[4] help on the approaching Sabbath, but still it was ineffectuall.  At Eve, Father and Mother Champney,[5] Sister Lydia,[6] Brother Elias,[7] Samuel[8] and Alexander Parkman,[9] and Cousen Richard Champney[10] came up — The four last lodged at Ensign Maynards.

But Alas! for me and my bereaved House!  God be mercifull to me a Sinner!  Lord!  What wouldst thou have me to do?  Show me I pray thee wherefore thou Contendest with Me!  And turn from the Fierceness of thine Anger that we perish not!

[1]Abijah Bruce (1693-1774) m. Mary Woods, Jan. 14, 1719 (MVR, 234).  Habijah [sic] and Mary were admitted to the Westborough Church, June 8, 1729 (WCR, 19).

[2]Mary (Woods) Bruce (1687-1775) had owned the covenant in Marlborough. Habijah [sic] and Mary were admitted to the Westborough Church, June 8, 1729 (WCR, 19).

[3]John Prentice (1682-1748), Harvard 1700, minister of Lancaster, 1708-1748.  SHG 4:529-32.

[4]Samuel Barrett (1700-1772), Harvard 1721, minister of Hopkinton, 1724-1772.  SHG 6:428-32.

[5]Parkman’s father- and mother-in-law, Samuel and Hannah Champney of Cambridge.

[6]Lydia Champney, Mary Parkman’s sister, dau. of Samuel and Hannah Champney, b. Jan. 4, 1706 (CVR, 1:127).

[7]Parkman’s brother, Elias.

[8]Parkman’s brother, Samuel.

[9]Parkman’s brother, Alexander.

[10]Richard Champney, son of Daniel Champney, bapt. Nov. 23, 1707 (CVR, 1:126).