Author: Anthony Vaver

June 21, 1736

1736 June 21 (Monday).  My House very much like a Boat adrift — by means of my sore Bereavement and the Circumstances of my Friends and Relations below, which keep them at a Distance from me; and by means of Deborahs indispositions and heartlessness.  Hot, drie Season.  David with the Team [drawing?] stones upon the South side.

June 22, 1736

1736 June 22 (Tuesday).  David Carting Rails from Ministerial Swamp which Lieut. Holloway etc. got for me in the Spring.  He found many both Posts and Rails were burnt and utterly marred by the Fires in the Spring.  N.B. <word crossed out> By Information Capt. Forbush Set the fires there.  It proves a great Damage to me.

June 26, 1736

1736 June 26 (Saturday).  Mr. Thomas Prentice[1] of Lancaster made me a visit to keep sabbath with me.  I was in great Expectation of his Brother Swan with him but he did not come.

[1]Thomas Prentice, bapt. Sept. 3, 1709 or 1710, son of Rev. John and Mary Prentice of Lancaster; d. Nov. 14, 1775.  C. J. F. Binney, The History and Genealogy of the Prentice, or Prentiss Family, in New England, etc., from 1631 to 1883 (Boston, 1883), 169.

June 27, 1736

1736 June 27 (Sunday).  1 Cor. 14.15 a.m.  Isa. 58.13.14 p.m. and from this Latter Text I repeated my first Sermon of the Discourse on Lev. 19.30.  N.B. A great Number of Persons have been with me of late, and to day 8 were propounded, and Six more in preparitory State to propounding; and these are besides the 6 that were admitted on June 3[1] and 6,[2] and besides the 3 propounded on June 20.  In all there have been 23 that have been admitted, propounded and that have made offers in this month, to come.  Glory and Honor and Praise unto God the Great Author of this Favour.

[1]See June 3, above.

[2]Sarah, wife of Thomas Billing, was admitted on June 6, 1736 (WCR, 41).

June 29, 1736

1736 June 29 (Tuesday).  No ministers came.  An hot Day.  Church Meeting — see church Records.[1]  Got through our Bus[i]ness in great Peace and Satisfaction.  Besides the Affairs that are upon Record, I made Enquiry of the Church Committee of their Doings with Brother Samuel Fay[2] and his Daughter Tabitha, and reinjoined them to look after that Matter and bring it to Some issue.  Brother Townsend[3] was confirmed a Member, Some having doubted as was pretended, whether he was a Member, being he was not formally declar’d So at his admission.  Discoursed also of Contrabutions for Bapt. Bason etc. 

[1]On June 29, the church considered two matters.  First, the church voted to comply with the request of the Rutland church to “advise and Direct them under their grievous Difficultys” at an ecclesiastical council on July 13 and selected Joseph Wheeler to attend with Parkman.  Second, the church voted its satisfaction with the reasons given by Peres Rice for his failure to join the church of Sutton, to which he had been dismissed; their satisfaction was dependent on Rice’s joining the church in Sutton or in whatever town he might live in (WCR, 41-42).

[2]On March 19, 1734, “Sister Tabitha Fay’s Case was laid before the Church’s Consideration She having been absent from Communion for a Year or Two, or more – being withheld by her husband, Mr. Samuel Fay, on account of our Singing: It was also referred to Consideration whether the Church ought not to fulfill their Duty towards the Said Samuel Fay and Daughter Tabitha Member[s?] of the Church in Marlborough, and though residing with us yet abstaining Year after Year from Communion with us.  The Church Voted that a Committee from the Church Should [33-34] be Sent to the Said Family to Labour with them for a Composition, especially to express the Watch and Care of the church over our Sister Mrs. Fay – The Committee appointed and Sent were Deacon Tomlin, Brother Jonathan Forbes and Brother Joseph Wheeler” (WCR, 33-34).

[3]On July 27, 1735, “Joshua Townsend made Profession of Christianity, was admitted into the Catholic Church and was baptized.  He was also admitted into our Communion” (WCR, 37).

June 30, 1736

1736 June 30 (Wednesday).  I was favoured with Ensign Maynards Mare to ride up to Leicester.  Called at Mr. Cushing’s — at Coll. Chandler’s — Colonel at Court.  Only Mr. Cushing, Mr. Bridgham and I, of ordained Ministers besides the Council.  We waited long for Refreshment for our Selves and Horses, but yet in vain.  We rode up to Mr. Parsons’s, and had our Horses put out there.  Meeting began after Two.  Mr. Webb[1] of Uxbridge prayed.  Mr. Barrett preached on 1 Pet. 4.11.  Mr. Prince gave the Charge to Mr. Goddard[2] and he gave a Charge to the Church likewise.  Mr. Gee[3] the Right hand.  There was but a small assembly.  Mr. Cushing and I were invited Nominatim and in the Assembly, to the Entertainment; Mr. Bridgham was there, but he was invited to Mr. Larkin’s.  N.B. stiff Congregationalism by Capt. Goddard at Deacon Southgate’s[4] at Supper, against Mr. Campbell of Oxford, and against all the Ministers.  When we rode to Wor’ster and to Shrewsbury Mr. John Smith, merchant in Boston, in Company.  He had been lately with Dr. Watts,[5] in England — at Oxford, etc.  I purposed to have lodged at Mr. Cushings, but the Rain parted us from him at Wor’ster; and when we came to his house afterwards, late in the Eve they were very fast — upon which I came home and Mr. Bridgham with me — far beyond all my Expectation to have Performed this Journey, out and back, in the Same Day.

[1]Nathan Webb (1705-1772), Harvard 1725, minister at Uxbridge, 1731-1772; SHG, 7:617-19.

[2]David Goddard )1706-1754), Harvard 1731, minister at Leicester, 1736-1754; SHG, 9:40-43.

[3]Joshua Gee (1698-1748), Harvard 1717, minister of Boston’s Second Church, 1723-1748.  SHG, 6:175-83.

[4]James Southgate of Leicester; Worthley, Inventory, 319.

[5]Isaac Watts (1674-1748).

July 5, 1736

1736 July 5 (Monday).  I rode up to Mrs. Hannah Brecks, and bought Two well fleshed Piggs, at 16/ per.  David Batherick according to my Order came down with Panniers to transport the Piggs in.  Mr. Caleb Rice and Mr. Diman were my Company in my Journey as far as Weston; as was likewise Mr. Joseph Rice[1] Representative for the Town of Marlborough.  I turned from the Company to Mr. William Williams and dined There.  N.B. Our Discourse of his Denyal to go to Rutland.  Mr. Seccomb of Harvard there.  I had his Company to Waterton.  To F. Champneys.  Mrs. Susan Champney came at Evening from Boston.

[1]Joseph Rice served as Marlborough’s representative to the General Court, 1733-1736, 1739 (Hudson, History of Marlborough, 284).

July 6, 1736

1736 July 6 (Tuesday).  I rode to Boston.  My Honored and dear Parent [mother] in Excellent Health and Comfort through the Great Goodness of God.  But Brother Samuels Son and Daughter (both of them) very much out of Health and removed to Cambridge to Mr. More’s.  I Supped and lodged at Brother Elias’s.  My Horse at Mr. Larkins at Charleston.

July 7, 1736

1736 July 7 (Wednesday).  Commencement.  I rode up to Cambridge in the Morning.  I traded with Mr. Lambson at Neck of Land, for Two pair Grave Stones.  Divers young Ladies and Gentlemen at F. Champneys.  Mrs. Sarah Mountfort with her Brother — Mrs. Betty Ellis and Mr. Thomas Goldthwait — and some others.  I walked over with them.  N.B. At Noon in the Hall, the President[1] would have room Made for the Representatives, and directed many up into the Library, where there was no room for them.  But I kept my Scituation in the Hall.  P.M. N.B. The unusual Opposition, and Contest between the Corporation and Overseers respecting Mr. Hartshorne’s[2] having his Degree.  I lodged at F. Champneys.  A very Public Commencement and a great deal of Company.  But Hartshorne, and the Governours[3] hasty withdraw from the middst of the Public Exercise, the Grand Subject of all Talk.

[1]Benjamin Wadsworth (1670-1637, Harvard 1690; SHG, 83-91.

[2]Ebenezer Hartshorn, Harvard 1732.  Hartshorn left Harvard during his sophomore year and later appealed, ultimately successfully, to receive his M.A.  SHG, 9:164-66.

[3]Governor Jonathan Belcher (1682-1757), Harvard 1698; SHG, 4:434-49.

July 8, 1736

1736 July 8 (Thursday).  Commencement Entertainments and Company hold Strong to Day.  Very many People from Boston to Day.  I din’d with my old Friend Mrs. Winslow at her sons Chamber — Sir Winslow[1] — Mr. John Winslow from Plymouth there.  But the Colonel was confined by great Indispositions.  P.M. I Set out from F. Champneys.  Overtook <word crossed out> Mr. Stone of Southborough and Mr. C. Rice in Waterton.  It was about 5 o’Clock.  Mr. Rice and I proceeded up to Marlborough this Evening and I lodged with him.  N.B. we got to Marlborough at about 11 at night.

[1]Edward Winslow (1714-1784), Harvard 1736.  SHG, 10:100-09.

July 12, 1736

1736 July 12 (Monday).  I had tackled my Horse and was ready to Mount to go to Marlborough when Mr. Baxter and Deacon Barber,[1] of Medfield came to my House.  I laid aside my Intentions and waited upon my Company.  They dined with me.  P.M. Mr. Stone and Coll. Ward Came — all upon the Journey to Rutland.  I Sent to Lieut. Bakers and to Mr. Tainters for an Horse, but in Vain.  At last I set out with them and rode to Shrewsbury where I tarried to get my Horse shod but the Company proceeded to Rutland.  I lodged at Mr. Cushings.

[1]Capt. Samuel Barber was elected deacon of the Medfield church in 1710; George Barber was elected deacon in 1721 (Worthley, Inventiory, 360).

July 13, 1736

1736 July 13 (Tuesday).  Mr. Wheeler (appointed to be the Delegate of our Church) and Lieutenant Holloway came to Mr. Cushings and we proceeded on our Journey to Rutland and got up some little while before Noon.  When Mr. Hall of Sutton and that Churchs delegates were come we chose Mr. Baxter Moderator of this Council: And they were pleased to choose me Clerk, but I requested that <word crossed out> Mr. Hall might be elected Clerk also to assist me.  Which was done.  And then we proceeded to the Meeting House.  See the Minutes of the Council.

July 14, 1736

1736 July 14 (Wednesday).  Various Hearings of Mr. Frinks Grievances and Peoples Answers.  But most of all the Affair of Capt. Wright[1] etc. took up our Time to Day, in public and private.  We were So happy as to See the Great Bone of this Snarling Contention removed Scil: The Quarrel between Capt. Wright and his wife and Capt. Stevens and his Wife.[2]  The Two former gave Confessions, and the last, but Capt. Stevens was cleared by a vote of the Church.  But the great Trouble of Mr. F’s remove remained.

[1]Rev. Thomas Frink mar. Isabell, daughter of Capt. Samuel and Mary Wright.  Capt. Wright was a leading figure in the founding of Rutland and its church, having served as the town’s first moderator, town clerk, clerk of the market, and one of its first selectmen, as well as the first signatory on the church’s covenant; Jonas Reed, A History of Rutland, Worcester County, Massachusetts, from Is Earliest Settlement, with a Biography of its First Settlers (Worcester, MA: Mirick & Bartlett, 1836), History of Rutland, 27, 78.

[2]Probably Joseph and Prudence Stevens.  Like Samuel Wright, Stevens was a leading figure in Rutland as well as a deacon in the church.  See Reed, History of Rutland, 101-102.

July 15, 1736

1736 July 15 (Thursday).  Various hearings of [these?] Complaints of Mr. Frink, and the Peoples Defence.  [Finish?] Brethrens Affair [Fentons?] Case issued in the Church, with the Assistance of Rev. Mr. Hall and Coll. William Ward — but the Council was adjourned to Mr. F______’s House and there kept upon Business.  <Word crossed out.>  The Council in great Perplexity and Distress in the Evening at the Prospect of the Desperate State of this Flock.  We dealt plainly and freely with Mr. F________ when we were favoured with opportunity.  When the Brethren came to us to have the hearing of the particulars under the Sixth Article of Mr. F_____s Complaint, they were exceedingly [illegible]d and impatient with Mr. F.  Were heartily willing to throw all the matter into the Arms of the Council; for it became evident that Mr. F. made a most lame, trifling Defence — and more and more exposed himself the more he undertook to Defend or prove any Thing.  Divers of the Church resolved not to hear Mr. F. again.  Matters at a Dreadful Extremity.  The Brethren would by no means hear of our Dissolving — and we could not adjourn without we provided other preaching for them until we should meet again etc. 11 or 12 o’Clock when the Church was adjourned.  We were not able to [illegible] –adjourned the Council (in great Distress of Heart) to tomorrow Morning Six o’Clock.

July 16, 1736

1736 July 16 (Friday).  Mr. Stone and I had some brotherly, friendly Discourse with Mr. F.  When Mr. F. had left us a while and we went in to the Council — there was an hint as if Mr. F. began to see Things in another Light.  Presently we understood he was humbling himself before the Brethren up in the Chamber, and that they were [smitten?] with it and were in Tears with him.  It was presently proved to be so by his and their coming in Voluntarily before the Council and on both sides they were very free and full in their mutual Submissions and forgiveness.  The Council were put to it to know how to behave upon this Surprizing Occasion.  Our Bus[i]ness was to draw up Confessions for them both to sign, and to prepare our Result, as affairs now were, through the wondrous power and Goodness of God turned — We went to the House of God with great Joy and rejoicing.  Read the Confessions and Our Result.  Prayed and gave Glory to God and Sang Ps. 51.17 — to the End.  Mr. Frink made a brief Speech of Thanks etc. as did the Brethren.  The Moderator with a Short Speech closed all and Dissolved the Council.

Not to us, O Lord, Not to us, but unto Thy Name be the Glory.  And let thy Saints be Confirmed in their Faith and Trust in God who fulfills his Gracious Promise to his Church and to his Ministers.  Lo I am with you alwayes unto the End of the World![1]  We dined and received the personal gratefull acknowledgments of Some considerable number of the Brethren, who behaved with great Decency, even remarkably — upon this we all took leave, praising God who had succeeded us, and wishing them his Grace that they might be confirmed in Love, be established in Holiness and abound therein more and more.  It proved a rainy afternoon, but we kept along.  Stopped a little at Mr. Cushings.  Mr. Stone and Coll. Ward stopped but a little while at my House but Mr. Baxter and Deacon Barber tarried all night.

[1]Matthew 28.20: “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

July 18, 1736

1736 July 18 (Sunday).  Sacrament.  A.M. on Song 2.16.  P.M. Repeated Sermon 623 (on Lev. 19.30) from Isa. 58.13.14.  With the whole Service (there having been several admitted into the Church to Day, besides the usual Exercises)[1] I was much fatigued and Spent at Night.  Samuel Allen Sick of the Distemper, and he was prayed for.

[1]July 18, 1736: “Josiah Russell and Mercy his wife offered Confessions of the Sin of Violating the 7th Commandment and were restored and they were likewise admitted into our Communion: as were Noah Rice and Stephen Fay, at the Same Time.  Then the Sacrament of the L. Supper was administered” (WCR, 43).

July 21, 1736

1736 July 21 (Wednesday).  I visited Jesse Brigham and wife[1] — and Mr. Allens Family.  N.B. not only his son [Samuel?][2] but his Daughters Abiel[3] and Susan[4] were also sick but neither of them very bad.  P.M. I was hurried about for Hay because of a great Thunder Storm which began to come up when I was over at Mr. Allens.  After the Storm I rode down to Mr. Chamberlains[5] (where Mrs. Molly Cotton[6] was, and whom I had purposed to wait on, with Mrs. Hammond from Newton).  A very Decent Entertainment for me.  Every Thing very flourishing with them.  N.B. David Bathrick began at my Meadow.  While I was gone from home Mr. Burr[7] of Wor’ster came, as he was upon his Journey to Boston, and threw his Dependence upon me to preach his Lecture tomorrow.  I have been so much from home of Late that I Should have very much declined it if I could have seen him.

[1]Jesse Brigham married Bethyah Rice, June 4, 1734 (MVR,230).  She was b. Aug. 13, 1712, dau. of Jacob and Mary Rice of Marlborough (MVR, 153).  She was dismissed to the North precinct (Northborough), Aug. 17, 1746 (WCR, 77).  She d. Dec. 19, 1794, 83 y., 4 m., 3 d. (NVR, 129).

[2]Samuel Allen, son of Ephraim and Susanna Allen, b. Sept. 7, 1720.

[3]Also spelled Abihail.  She mar. Jotham Maynard, June 19, 1740.  WVR, 116.

[4]Susanna Allen, daughter of Ephraim and Susanna Allen, b. Aug. 31, 1723.

[5]Probably Ebenezer Chamberlain, who was admitted into Westborough church, having been dismissed from Newton, June 3, 1736.

[6]Mary (Gibbs) Cotton, dau. of Robert Gibbs, a Boston merchant, and wife of John Cotton (1693-1757), Harvard 1710, minister of Newton, 1714-1757.  SHG, 5:517-24.

[7]Isaac Burr (1697-1751), Yale 1717, minister of Worcester, 1725-1745, Windsor, Conn., 1747-1751. DYG, 1:163-65.

July 22, 1736

1736 July 22 (Thursday).  I rode to Mr. Cushings and perswaded him to afford me his Company to Wor’ster.  I preached on Mat. 24.44.  N.B. No Cusheon.  After Lecture we were refreshed at Mr. [blank] Ward’s and Coll. Chandler very handsomely invited us to his House.  We waited upon him there till the Edge of Evening and took Leave.  I lodged at Mr. Cushings.