Author: Anthony Vaver

March 9, 1745

1745 March 9 (Saturday).  Captain Maynard, who came up from Boston last Night, brings Me Brother Samuels Mournfull Letter of the Death of his Wife,[1] on Monday Eve last, about 6 o’clock.  The Lord Awaken all of us to a due Sense of his holy Will!  May He be very gracious to those more immediately Suffering under So Sore a Bereavement.  And may we all be quicken’d to and assisted in all due preparation for our own Decease!  Sister Dorcas had been long languishing and wasting, and much Confin’d from Publick Ordinances but I have learnt Nothing of the State of her Mind.  N.B. Small pox Said to have been at Boston.

[1]Dorcas (Bowes) Parkman died March 14, 1745.

March 10, 1745

1745 March 10 (Sunday).  Greatly Unprepar’d for public Service (as I am any Sabbaths) — go to my work but very dully; my mind crowded with the Composing of my sermon.  Preach’d a.m. on John 27.3, but could not do justice to so grand and important a Subject.  P.M. Repeat’d the remainder on Isa. 5.4.  Mr. Jenison din’d with us, as did old Mrs. Byles[1] and old Mrs. Whipple,[2] and Mrs. Rebecca Tainter of Watertown.  Exceeding high Winds.

[1]Widow of Captain Joseph Byles.

[2]Mrs. Francis Whipple.

March 11, 1745

1745 March 11 (Monday).  A Letter at Eve by Captain Maynard from Mr. Smith[1] of Marlborough again requesting me to preach his Lecture.  N.B. Benjamin Whipple[2] and Nathan Maynard[3] here to desire that Some Neighbouring Minister might preach to their Society, which I very freely consented to.

[1]Rev. Aaron Smith.

[2]Son of Francis Whipple of Westborough.

[3]Son of David Maynard, an early resident.

March 12, 1745

1745 March 12 (Tuesday).  I rode a.m. to Mr. Grouts, by whom I sent a Letter to Brother Samuel Parkman, Mr. Winchesters, Mr. Thomas Whitneys and Mr. Eleazer Pratts.  Din’d at Home.  Mr. Jonas Warrin here again on his Examination.  See the Eighth Day.  My Wife ill and in Pain from Day to Day, yet keeps about for the most Part.  We are waiting the Will of the Sovereign God.

March 13, 1745

1745 March 13 (Wednesday).  A Storm of Snow.  My Wife grows very bad.  No possibility of gratifying Mr. Smith in his Lecture: nor does he indeed Deserve it, having Twice Disappointed me, by engaging me to preach, without appointing the Lecture or Sending me Word, So that I went, once part of the way, and the other time wholly to the House expecting to preach, but behold!  there was no Lecture appointed.  But I am ready to forgive the Injury; and was very much upon going to Day were it not for my wife’s Circumstances — and the Storm.  Yet I wrote a Letter to give him word and Committed it to Captain Maynard for Conveyance.  My Wife gave us the Alarm.  I hasted to old Mr. Maynards and got Nathan to go for Mrs. Forbush,[1] who was brought.  Nathan went also for Divers other Women.  We got as many together as were needed, before or by 12 o’Clock.  By Gods Power and Mercy my wife was deliver’d of her Third but my Sixth Daughter, being my Ninth Living Child about 1/2 past 2 o’clock.  The Glory be to God!  May We who are the Instruments of its Natural be under God, of its Spiritual Birth!  And may the Lord yet magnifie his Mercy to His Handmaid and recover her to Health and Strength again!  Nor We be unmindfull of God’s Goodness or of our Obligations to Him therefor!  The Women assisting to Mrs. Forbush were the following — viz. old Mrs. Whipple, Mrs. Rogers, Mrs. Maynard, Mrs. How, Captain Samuel Forbushs and Lieutenant Aaron Forbush Wife’s.  Our Eating was over before Night — prayer also — and Thomme began to carry Home the Women, though some of them tarry’d in the Evening whilst others were returning.  But Granny Forbush tarry’d all Night.

[1]Widow of Thomas Forbush. She often served as midwife.

March 15, 1745

1745 March 15 (Friday).  Brother Hicks (who has been at Cambridge Some time and whom we concluded to have gone Home) return’d, and brings the Sorrowful News that my Honoured Father in Law Mr. Samuel Champney departed this Life on the eight instant and was bury’d on the thirteenth.  May we mark the perfect man and behold the upright, for the End of this Man in peace!  O what an heavenly mind; what Hours together Spent with God, what a Contempt of the World, what Concern for the true Interests of Religion and of the Land, what value for the truely Godly and pious — was discernible in this worthy Person, above most!  May I, and all nearly related have Grace to imitate his Excellent Example in those Respects!

March 17, 1745

1745 March 17 (Sunday).  A.M. Preparatory to the Solemnity of Dedicating my young Child I preach’d on Ps. 51.15 and p.m. on Gen. 17.7.  It was baptiz’d by the Name of Susanna.  God grant his Covenant may be with me and mine.  Messrs. Winchester of Brookline sons of old Captain — din’d here.  Mr. Jenison not at Meeting.  Mr. Martin[1] preaches to the North Precinct.

[1]John Martyn, later the first minister of Northborough, 1746-1767.

March 19, 1745

1745 March 19 (Tuesday).  Mr. Cushing here and din’d with me.  N.B. The Committees of Each Precinct running the precinct Line.  Captain Robert Goddard of Sutton, the Surveyor.  P.M. I went to Deacon Tomlins,[1] who is under much Affliction and under many Temptations by reason of his being included in the North Precinct Line.  I had much, and Earnest Discourse with the Deacon against the Baptists, whilst he entertain’d favourable Thoughts of their Tenets.  I gave him affectionate Caution in such a Day of Temptation, and Strong Exhortation to Steadfastness, etc.  His son Mr. Elisha Newton there — who was my Company to Bezaliel Eagers.  In returning Mr. Ithamar Bellows with me.  At Eve Captain Maynard brought Captain Goddard to see me, who tarried all Night.

[1]Isaac Tomlin of Westborough.

March 20, 1745

1745 March 20 (Wednesday).  Captain Goddard return’d to his work, in running the Line.  I rode over to Visit Mr. Barrett[1] — in my way I call’d at Mr. William Pierce’s[2] — Understanding that Mr. Dunlop had gone away clandestinely to Ship for Cape Breton.  I visited his wife who was in great Distress for her Husband and two Sons.  I din’d at Mr. Barretts.  I return’d him his Henry vol. 5.[3]  N.B. Major Jones there.  In returning I call’d at Mr. Tainters where I view’d a Chaise which he had bought with a View to me, but I conceiv’d it too much worn, yet determin’d nothing.

[1]Rev. Samuel Barrett of Hopkinton.

[2]Of Westborough.

[3]Matthew Henry, Exposition of the Old and New Testaments (London, 1710), 5 vols.

March 22, 1745

1745 March 22 (Friday).  Could not get to writing my preparations for the Sabbath till this Morning, to any purpose; and then with too many Burdens, Cares and Avocations.  Heavy Showers and extreme high Winds.  I was not a little concern’d on the account of Such of the forces as have sail’d for Canso,[1] the place of Rendezvous.

[1]In northeastern Nova Scotia, opposite the shore of Cape Breton Island.

March 25, 1745

1745 March 25 (Monday).  In the Morning walk’d with Mr. Jenison to Merchant Rices.  Was at Captain Bakers[1] — and at Abner and Deacon Newton’s.  This Last Consider’d me on account of the Towns being so long prevented being assess’d, and so the Rates for my Sallery and Support suspended — he paid me 5£ old Tenor.  N.B. One David Dunsmore of Wrentham here.  Bought a very large Deer Skin of him.  P.M. Mr. Thomas Goodenow and Mr. Elijah Rice’s wife here.  In the Eve Mrs. Hephzibah Maynard.  Heard that Mr. Seth Rice is so oppress’d with being forc’d into the North Precinct that he has mov’d his Family and stock out of it, and Deacon Tomlin is also preparing to build in this Parish.

[1]Edward Baker of Westborough.

March 27, 1745

1745 March 27 (Wednesday).  Rode to Mr. Samuel Fays to see his Wife again who is in her Confinement and expecting the Hours of Travail.  Proceeded to Mr. Gershom Brighams and din’d at Mr. Joseph Knowltons: with whom I agreed to take his Son Nathan (who is about 11 Years of Age) for a Twelve Month, feeding, Clothing and instructing him.  In returning home Colonel Williams[1] of Marlborough in pursuit of a maid, overtook me, but could not visit his sister.  N.B. Precinct Meeting to choose Precinct Officers.  Mr. Belknap here with Me most of the afternoon. At Eve rain’d very hard.  Mr. John Stow here.  His Horse left him and tarried all Night.

[1]Abraham Williams.

March 28, 1745

1745 March 28 (Thursday).  Mr. Stow finds not his Horse.  I went to Mr. Barns and obtain’d of him to wait upon Mr. Stow with his Horse — to Marlborough, but he chose to go o’foot.  Windy and Cold.  P.M. I visited Mr. Daniel Forbush’s wife, who had been long Confin’d — but Somewhat to my surprise found She was brought to Bed, and has a fine son.  Visited Mr. Millers[1] son Solomon whose Leg was lately broke by a Log.  Was at Mr. James Fays who went with me to see Mr. Timothy Warrin who had a few Days Since, a Fit of Nervous Convulsions: and had another ill Turn last Night.

[1]James Miller.

April 1, 1745

1745 April 1 (Monday).  The School moves over to Lieutenant Holloways.  Trouble in my neighbourhood respecting Sheep hurt by Doggs.  As Ewe and Lamb of mine in all likelihood kill’d.  Had we purpos’d to go to Cambridge but the Weather So Stormy in the Morning (Rain and Snow) that I was prevented.  N.B. Mr. Jenison seems to be in some Frett on account of his missing the Employment of preaching on the North Side.  Towards Night Thomas Winchester came, went to Work about the Fences and thereby began another half year with me, for the same Wages as last.  N.B. Mr. Thomas Billings here.

April 2, 1745

1745 April 2 (Tuesday).  I rode into my Neighbourhood to Captain Bakers, whom I improv’d to bring up Sundry Things for me from Boston: Whitewashing Lime, Sugar and Corks, Lime juice, etc. to Captain Fays, Mr. James Fays, Mr. Winchesters — and got him to go up to Brother Hicks for me.  At Eve Silas Pratt here.

April 4, 1745

1745 April 4 (Thursday).  Publick Fast on occasion of the Enterprize and Expedition against Cape Breton.[1]  I preach’d on Joel 2.12.13.  P.M. Repeat’d on 2 Cor. 6.2.  Behold now, etc.  O that God would accept this Fast and give Success or prepare us for what He may please to order out to be the Event!  Mr. James Fay left me his mare at Eve for my Journey.  My Wife got down to supper with us.

[1]Gov. William Shirley issued a proclamation, Mar. 28, 1745, setting Apr. 4, 1745, as a day of general fasting and prayer throughout Massachusetts in connection with the forthcoming expedition against Louisbourg, Cape Breton. See Boston Weekly News-Letter, Mar. 25, 1745.

April 5, 1745

1745 April 5 (Friday).  At 4 in the morning just when the Day broke I Set out for Cambridge and arriv’d there at 1/2 after 10. Din’d with my poor, afflicted, Bereaved Mother in Law, whom God graciously Sustains!  P.M. at Mr. Remingtons[1] with Brother Hicks.  But though we were both of us come down on purpose to attend the Business of Settling Father Champney’s Estate yet no word would the Judge Speak upon any such Head.  We were driven to the Shift of attending upon what might be done by Mr. Danforth[2] and were sent to Him.  But it happen’d also that Mr. Danforth was not at Home nor in Town.  I was forc’d again to go to Boston to him if I would speak with him.  Brother Hicks Stay’d at Cambridge and I rode to Boston, put up at Mr. Larkins[3] of Charlestown.  Visited my aged Mother, who through the tender mercy of God is yet in a measure of Comfort.  N.B. Mr. Danforth I could not find this Evening.  Mr. Whitefield preaching at Dr. Sewalls[4] but I could not wait upon the Exercise.  Supp’d at Brother Alexanders but lodg’d at Sister Bettys with my Kinsman.  Mrs. Sally Hill I conclude is a Bed but my Kinsman persists in opposition — will not marry her, being otherwise engag’d, viz. to Mrs. Nabby White.  I am full of Grief for his ruin’d state but can’t help him.  His Troubles still more and more retard and impede his engaging in Business, and he is as backward and undetermin’d as ever.  N.B. Captain Hope, of New York, lodges there.

[1]Jonathan Remington, a Judge of the Superior Court, died Sept. 30, 1745. Paige, Cambridge, 639-640.

[2]Samuel Danforth of Cambridge.

[3]Edward Larkins.

[4]Rev. Joseph Sewall of the Old South Church.

April 6, 1745

1745 April 6 (Saturday).  After much Enquiry I found Mr. Danforth and receiv’d his Advice and Directions.  A Variety of Things hinder’d my getting to Cambridge much before Noon.  Brother Hicks and I din’d with Mother Champney and Sett out at least half after one, if it was not even Two o’Clock, and through God’s great Mercy we were safe at my House before the Day light was gone.  N.B. No news yet from our Fleet.  Mr. Whitefield expounds every Morning at Boston, as well as preaches very frequently as heretofore.  The Divisions on that occasion, I think, hotter than ever.  The Lord have Mercy on us for his great Name’s Sake.  William Pierce[1] work’d with Thomas yesterday, putting up the remainder of the Stone Wall at the Lower Orchard.

[1]William Pierce, Jr., of Westborough.

April 7, 1745

1745 April 7 (Sunday).  I Repeat’d on 2 Cor. 6.2.  I receiv’d a bitter and ungrateful Letter from Mr. William Jenison.[1]  Am sorry especially that I should be disturb’d with it on the Lords Day. The Lord grant me a patient and forgiving Spirit!  Brother Hicks who lodg’d here, din’d with me as did Mrs. Tainter[2] and Mrs. Patience Woods.[3]  At Eve Brother Hicks rode home, and Mr. Belcher Hancock,[4] who had preach’d at North Sutton, came, and lodged here.

[1]Jenison was bitter because the Marlborough Association would not recommend him to fill the pulpit of the north precinct of Westborough.

[2]Mrs. Simon Tainter.

[3]Mrs. Solomon Woods.

[4](HC 1727), tutor at Harvard College. SHG 8:137-140.

April 9, 1745

1745 April 9 (Tuesday).  Return’d some Answer to Mr. Jenisons late tart Letter, and sent it by Benjamin Lull, junior.  Such Contention fills me with Trouble — but the Lord preserve and restrain me!  By and By Mr. Jenison (not having receiv’d the Letter) came to my House about the Time that the Ministers began to assemble to the Association, which met here to Day.  The Gentlemen that came were, Mr. Loring, who was Moderator.  Messrs. Cushing, Gardner,[1] Barrett, Stone, Smith, Goss,[2] and Davis.[3]  Mr. Martyn was also here present. Mr. Stone deliver’d a Concio on 2 Cor. 12.2.  At Eve Mr. Martyn deliver’d a large Confession of Faith.  Debates upon his being approbated.  Mr. Gardner made objection.  N.B. Mr. Barrett told us that a Westborough man, he could not tell who, but he thinks one that was griev’d by the Line of the Precincts or in the Name of Deacon Tomlin was over at Hopkinton to enquire of his Brother Morris[4] after Mr. Commissary Price,[5] in order to joining with the Church of England there.  N.B. Mr. Jenison and I some Warm Contest in presence of Messrs. Cushing, Stone and Smith with reference to my Discourse with him January 1 and afterwards my Conversation with Mr. Matthias Rice on February 23.  Mr. Jenison went away dissatisfy’d, but I requested him to come tomorrow (not only to Lecture but) to dine with us.  N.B. Captain Maynard took 2 Horses, 3 at old Mr. Maynards[6] — and one at Mr. Hows,[7] and 3 Gentlemen, Mr. Goss, Mr. Davis and Mr. Martyn lodg’d at Captain Maynards.

[1]Rev. John Gardner of Stow.

[2]Thomas Goss (HC 1737), minister at Bolton, 1741-1771. SHG 10:175-185.

[3]Rev. Joseph Davis (HC 1740), minister at Holden, 1742-1773. SHG 10:478-481.

[4]Theophilus Morris, a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, was an Anglican missionary who had settled at West Haven, Conn., 1740-1742.

[5]Roger Price was the rector of King’s Chapel in Boston until Nov. 21, 1746. He later founded the Anglican Church in Hopkinton. See Henry W. Foote, Annals of King’s Chapel (Boston, 1882-1896), 2 vols.

[6]David Maynard.

[7]Hezekiah How.

April 10, 1745

1745 April 10 (Wednesday).  Resum’d the Conference about Mr. Martyn.  Mr. Gardner and he were advis’d to retire together.  They did so and came in reconcil’d. Deo soli gloria!  Mr. Davis preach’d the public Lecture on Ps. 51.17.  Mr. Jenison at meeting and I invited him again to Dinner, and he came.  P.M. We have further Debate, and were more successful and pacify’d.  The Gentlemen who were with us, were of the opinion he had better wave his preaching any where, while he was in his present Circumstances though they also told him they Should not pretend to lay an Embargo (as he himself had phras’d it) or Barr him from it.  I gave him my Distinction between the Common privileges of Christians and those more public and special acts of Preaching, etc., and I told him I would have him come to the Sacrament next Sabbath.  He answered me that he could not Say whether he Should or not, but yet went away more compos’d.  N.B. I had offer’d him that if he would withdraw his Letter to me he might burn my Reply to him.  To return to the Association — Mr. Martyn was further interrogated with regard to his disuse of the Tongues, the Sciences etc.  In a word, he was approbated by a Certificate sign’d by every member.  Old Mr. Axtell[1] here but we could do nothing for him.

[1]Thomas Axtell of Marlborough had been a concern to the Marlborough Association before.  Allen, Worcester Association, 19.