Author: Anthony Vaver

1745 April 11 (Thursday).  Nathan Knowlton came to live with me.  I visited old Deacon Tomlin who has not only rais’d him a New House in this Parish but this Day begins to move into it.  I am Sorry to find the Deacon Shaken in Mind — but is dispos’d to listen to any Defence of the Church of England, or Opinions of the Baptists.  I gave him earnest Cautions, Exhortations and Instructions, and then proceeded to Ensign Rice’s where I found a New Common Prayer Book and a New Book publish’d by the Society for Propagating the Gospel in Defence of the Church of England.  Ensign was not at Home.  I left my Counsel and Charge with his Wife and visited Neighbour Jeduthan How.  Went next over to Brother Seths, with whom I also Seriously discours’d — but I found him, through Grace, Stedfast.  I understand that his Brother Josiah is preparing to raise a New House in our parish — and being greatly Concern’d for him would not go home without seeing him, though he was far off, Carting Stones.  To my great Sorrow found him leaning to the Church.  He had been with Mr. Price at Boston, etc.  I discharg’d my Duty to him with Some fervency and left him — Committing this Cause to God.  I call’d at Mr. James Maynards and at Eve return’d home.

1745 April 12 (Friday).  Last night our Small Flock of Sheep Sett on by Doggs.  A principal Ewe lay Dead, and mostly Eat up: her Lamb left to be brought up by Hand.  A Weather also much bitt, that we much doubted of its Life.  Thomme not well, and the Weather wet and Cold so that we defer his going to Mr. Batchellors at Grafton.

1745 April 13 (Saturday).  Fowl Weather and Thomme not well.

1745 April 14 (Sunday).  The Communion, and a bright good Day, yet the Earth too Damp and Cold for my wife who has not as yet us’d herself to the air to go out to meeting.  I preach’d a.m. on John 17.3, and p.m. on Gal. 6.8.

1745 April 15 (Monday).  At 3 in the Morning Brother Hicks call’d me out of my Bed.  We Set out a little before Sun Rise (N.B. I had Neighbour Benjamin Hows Horse) upon our Journey to Cambridge — arrived before noon, din’d with Mother Champney, and went over to Mr. Danforth, Mr. Remington being incapable of any Business.  According to Mr. Danforths Directions in the Methods of our Proceeding to Settle the Estate of our Deceas’d Father (Champney) we made Choice of the following Gentlemen to be prizers of the personal Estate, viz. Deacon Samuel Sparhawk, Captain Benjamin Dana, and Mr. Thomas Dana and the Message hereof and of our Desire that they would attend upon that Business tomorrow, was carry’d to them.  At Mr. Morris’s.  N.B. Indignation and Contempt cast upon Mr. William Hobby[1] for his Vindication of Mr. Whitefield.[2]  My Son Thomas went to Live with Mr. Joseph Batchelour of Grafton, Weaver.  Ebenezer went up with him, in my absence upon my Journey to Cambridge.

[1]Minister of Reading.

[2]William Hobby, An Inquiry into the Itinerancy and the Conduct of the Rev. Mr. George Whitefield (Boston, 1745).

1745 April 16 (Tuesday).  The Prizers of the Personal Estate came, and view’d the Land, the House and Barn.  I din’d with them in Brother Champneys Room.  N.B. very unhappy Disagreements of Temper between Brother Champney and sister Lydia which had Subsisted for some Time, and were now foolishly and sinfully discover’d to my great Grief and Sorrow.  My Brother and I were together in the Chamber looking over Brother Champneys Long accounts.

1745 April 17 (Wednesday).  The Prizers of the Personal Estate at Mothers again, and Viewed Husbandry Tools, Wearing Apparell, Household Goods etc.  We din’d in Mothers Room to Day, and with more composedness among those of the House.  At Eve we laid Some Scheme respecting the Prizing the Real and made Choice of the following Gentlemen for that Purpose, viz. Captain Sharp, Captain Benjamin Dana (one of the other Committee of Prizers), Deacon Henry Prentice, Mr. Richard Gardner[1] and Mr. Thomas Sparhawk.

[1]Richard Gardner of Cambridge.

1745 April 18 (Thursday).  Word was carry’d to Each of the last Mention’d Gentlemen; I was at Mr. Gardners and at Captain Sharps.[1]  Broke fast at Mrs. Keggells at Boston.  Visited my Aged and honor’d Mother.  Had so many difficult Affairs upon Me that I could not go to Lecture.  Sad News came to Boston to Day by an Express from Captain Knowls at St. Kitts directed to Commodore Warrin who is gone to Cape Briton of 7 or 8 French Men of War and 28 Transports arrived at Martinece, bound we know not whither.  Din’d at Brother Williams.[2]  N.B. Our Dear Kinsman Elias[3] was unemploy’d yet, but Seems now to be about resolving — the Lord rouse him — for human Help is Vain!  I hastened to Cambridge at Eve in prosecution of our affairs there, Though to my great perplexity I miss’d of Mr. Danforth at Boston.

[1]Captain Robert Sharp of Brookline.

[2]William Parkman of Boston.

[3]Parkman’s nephew, the son of Elias Parkman (d. 1741).

1745 April 19 (Friday).  Mr. Danforth was come up to Cambridge last night,  So that this morning we went on with our Business; and Three of the Prizers, viz. Captain Sharp, Messrs. Gardner and Sparhawk were Sworn.  Brother Hicks and I endeavour’d to Expedite Matters by Measuring the Land as we were able, but having no Compass, we only carry’d the Chain upon the Lines, and deferr’d the exact Calculating to such Time as we could have a Surveyer.  We din’d in Mother’s Room.  N.B. Captain Dana came at the Beginning of the work, which was Somewhat after 11 o’Clock a.m.  Deacon Prentice came at 3 p.m.  At Eve the Gentlemen endeavour’d to persuade Brother Champney to Apply himself to the work of the Season.

1745 April 20 (Saturday).  Brother Champney refusing to take the Administration, Brother Hicks appear’d willing — and I left my Consent, bid farewell and rode home.  N.B. refresh’d me at Goodenows Tavern in Sudbury, kept now by one Mountgomery.  N.B. Company’d some part of the way by Mr. Thomas Marsh[1] who is going to preach at Worcester.  Found my Family well about 5 p.m.  Gr. D.

[1]Marsh was a deacon of the First Church at Mansfield, Conn. He was uneducated but was ordained by the Separatist Church in Mansfield, July 1, 1746.

1745 April 21 (Sunday).  My Wife at Meeting again; the Lords Name be prais’d!  Preach’d on Heb. 13.17, and p.m. on Gal. 6.8.  Stopp’d the Church at noon.  N.B. p.m. Dr. Gott came to sermon but went out as Soon as it was over.  (See Church Records[1] for Stopping the Church at Noon.)

[1]“At Noon the Church was Stop’d to acquaint them with the Desire of Brother Samuel Fay junior to have not only his newborn Infant baptiz’d but a Child of about a year and half old, which had been neglected in this Time of their Great Trouble and Affliction, for which he was Sorry, and desir’d the Compassion of the Church which was freely extended to him and May God please to overlook the Sin of this Neglect. Accordingly p.m. Hannah and Ebenezer, of Samuel and Deliverance Fay baptized.” Westborough church records, April 21, 1745.

1745 April 22 (Monday).  Ephraim Bruce[1] Examin’d a.m.  Recon’d also with Deacon Newton.[2]  N.B. Deacon Tomlin here requesting a few Lines to be drawn by way of Petition to the North precinct.  N.B. Edward Whipple’s Wife Examin’d.

[1]Son of Abijah Bruce.

[2]Josiah Newton.

1745 April 23 (Tuesday).  Brother Hicks came up from Cambridge who tells me he has given Bonds for administering on Father Champneys Estate.  I catechiz’d at the South Part of the Town, at the School-House.  This was the first Time of my doing this.  N.B. 51 Children.  After Catechizing I visited the Widow Woods.  N.B. I went there on foot, but rode Lieutenant Tainters Horse back.  I had also din’d at his House.

1745 April 24 (Wednesday).  Mr. Charles Bruce and his Wife here to be Examin’d.  P.M. Ephraims Wife[1] also.  Found her humble and penitent for her Youthful Sins and Follys.

[1]Mrs. Ephraim Bruce.

1745 April 25 (Thursday).  Mr. Bacon[1] of Ashuelot here.  Mr. Stone preach’d a Lecture to our Young Men from 1 Sam. 2.26.  After Meeting came a Messenger from Framingham (one of the Hemingways) with the Sorrowfull Tidings of the Death of the Reverend and Worthy Mr. Swift[2] of Framingham, Who is March last finish’d his 66th Year.  A man of good Abilitys, natural and acquir’d — of a Sprightly Genius and delighting in Learning; a Valuable Pastor and an entertaining preacher, of great Goodness, affability and Courtesy and therefore Easy of access and pleasant to Converse with, was very Hospitable to all and none more affectionate to his Friends.  He nevertheless met with much ill treatment among some of his ungrateful people, rigid Sticklers for the Church Discipline of Lay Elders, and disorderly New Lights, the Latter of which had even set up a Meeting House on purpose for Itineracy.  The Troubles he was Exercis’d with in both his Flock and Family (of very different kinds indeed) might justly be conceiv’d to have given great advantage to his bodily Disorders which had prevail’d ever since he had an Apoplectick Shock a few Years past.  Yesterday Morning When his End approach’d he had unusual appetite and would fain have some Cheese for his Breakfast, but that was conceiv’d hurtfull, and therefore they perswaded him to accept of Chocolat and a Toast.  Whilst they were feeding with These he dy’d away at once, and reviv’d no more.  Help Lord the Godly Man Ceaseth!  The Righteous fall from among the Children of Men!  When Such Usefull Men are taken away alas how weak are we!  We have lost much of our Strength and our Glory when any of the Pillars Fall, the Fabrick shakes.  Yet with God is the residue of the Spirit.  May he grant us his almighty Influences that We may dispatch our Work and get ready for our own Summons, and raise up Successors and give Pastors after his own Heart!

[1]Rev. Jacob Bacon (HC 1731) was minister of Keene, N.H. (Upper Ashuelot), 1737-1747. SHG 9:18-21.

[2]John Swift.

1745 April 26 (Friday).  In the Morning I rode up to Mr. Samuel Fay junior whose Young Child is to be bury’d to day.  He was not at home.  I pray’d with his wife and told them who were there of the reason of my withdraw.  Mr. Cushing came to my House with whom and Mr. Stone I (on Mr. Pratts Horse) rode to Framingham to the Funeral of Reverend Mr. Swift.  The Coffin not being ready we waited till 6 o’Clock before the Corps mov’d.  Mr. Loring, Mr. Cushing, Mr. Gardner and Mr. Cook,[1] Mr. Stone and I were Pall Bearers.  The Deacons etc. were under Bearers, the Brethren of Church walking before the Corps, Mr. Loring having pray’d before moving.  It was a very mournful Time!  There was So much mist and rain as made it uncomfortable, but Care was taken that all the Circumstances of the Funeral were very decent.  The Grave was brick’d So high as to cover the Coffin with large flat Stones — and there was provision for a Monument.  We Supp’d at the Sorrowfull Widows.  Mr. Loring, Gardner and Peabody[2] retir’d to draw up a Character.[3]  Mr. Cushing and I rode home with Mr. Stone and lodged there.

[1]Rev. William Cooke of Wayland.

[2]Rev. Oliver Peabody of Natick.

[3]A notice of Swift’s death appeared in the Boston Evening Post, May 13, 1745; reprinted in William Barry, A History of Framingham, Massachusetts… (1847), 112.

1745 April 27 (Saturday).  I came home, Mr. Cushing accompanying me.  Could have little Time for my Preparations for the Sabbath having Ebenezer to hear.  John Oake here.  John Oake told me that his Aunt Holloway was to do a message to me, viz. that the people over there desir’d me to go over next Tuesday to the raising their Meeting House, and they would have me be with them at 8 in the Morning to pray with them — and his aunt not coming he did the message by her Order.  I told him I was in Some difficulty for want of an Horse, my mare having lately foal’d.  N.B. Thomas gone from my business from Thursday noon to Saturday night.

1745 April 28 (Sunday).  With Some omissions, alterations etc. I repeated Sermon 2 Kings 2.14.  P.M. preach’d on Numb. 27.16.17.  Appointed the Catechetical Exercise to be next Wednesday.

1745 April 29 (Monday).  At Deacon Newtons and other Houses in that Neighbourhood in preparing for Thomas’s Journey tomorrow to get Lime.  Letter from Mr. Stone that his Lecture is next Wednesday.  I sent word round the Parish that the young women’s Catechizing must be on Thursday.  Mr. Breck[1] and his wife din’d with us.

[1]Rev. Robert Breck of Springfield, Parkman’s brother-in-law.

1745 April 30 (Tuesday).  The Morning Rainy.  The Deacon Newton brought his Cart and Ox and Hoggsheads for Lime yet Thomas declin’d going whilst it was So Wet.  I kept the Deacons Oxen till the Weather was better.  No body from the North Side to bring me an Horse or accompany me over to the raising the meeting House there.  Nor any one person of the Multitude who pass’d by my House from the South, so much as call’d to See whether I were to go or could go or no.  Mr. Patteshall[1] (who had preach’d at Worcester last Sabbath) din’d here.  P.M. I rode over to the North side on my own Mare, notwithstanding the inconvenience of it, and the misting, uncomfortable Weather.  For though I mislik’d many Things in their Conduct there, yet I found not enough to warrant my proclaiming War against them as my refusing to go to Day would do.  I found Mr. Cushing and Mr. Morse there.  Afterwards came Mr. Martin and Mr. Goss.  The raising began about 10 a.m. and was finish’d about 4 p.m. without Hurt, through the Great Mercy and Goodness of God.  To him be the Glory!  At their Request I pray’d after the work was finish’d, and we Sung Ps. 127, first Stanza, Ps. 125, first half Stanza and Ps. 128 beginning.  Their Entertainment was in the Frame.  The people brought their provisions in great Plenty.[2]  Mr. Cushing crav’d and Mr. Martyn return’d.  A number of us were at Captain Eagers[3] after supper.  In returning home Captain Baker in Company and we had some earnest arguings all the way, but kept and parted in peace.

[1]Richard Patteshall (HC 1735), a Boston schoolmaster, preached at many places. He bitterly opposed the New Lights and attacked William Hobby for his defense of George Whitefield. Richard Patteshall, Pride Humbled, or, Mr. Hobby Chastised (Boston, 1745). SHG 9:558-560.

[2]Precinct records add “Allowed Jotham Bartlett £2 10 shillings for 2 barrells of cider  for the raising.”

[3]James Eager.

1745 May 1 (Wednesday).  I preach’d Mr. Stones Lecture on John 14.21.  Rode Mr. Charles Bruce’s Horse.  Ebenezer went afishing at the great Pond this Evening, this being almost the very beginning of their Fishing this Season.

1745 May 2 (Thursday).  I held my Catechetical Exercise again — and preach’d to the Young Women on Ps. 25.7.

1745 May 3 (Friday).  Mr. Whitefield preach’d at Mill-River in Mendon the first instant.

1745 May 4 (Saturday).  Mr. Belcher Hancock came and din’d with me, perswaded me to go in his Stead to North Sutton.  Had Lieutenant Aaron Forbush’s Horse.  Got up to my Lodging, at Lieutenant Isaac Barnards just as the sun was Setting.  N.B. Met my son Thomas going home.

1745 May 5 (Sunday).  Preach’d at North Sutton at the House of Mr. Singletary[1] by the Great Pond on Eph. 3.8, last Clause, a. and p.m.  Din’d at the Same House, and my Kinswoman Mrs. Susanna Fuller with me.  After Exercises and refreshments I rode to Mr. Halls which was nigher than my Landlord Barnards and lodg’d there.  N.B. One Mr. Sears of Millford on Rye in Connecticutt there in the Evening.

[1]John Singletary had come from Haverhill. Benedict and Tracy, Sutton, 726-727.

1745 May 6 (Monday).  Rode back.  Went to Mr. Batchellors at Grafton though Thomme was gone to Westborough on a Visit.  Very hot Day.  Din’d at Mr. Prentice’s.  Mrs. Prentice (I find) was very much in Raptures last Night, and was Somewhat full, at times, to Day.  At Westborough understood that from Mr. Hancock yesterday Mr. Whitney and wife with others sent over to hear Mr. Martyn,[1] not being able to bear Mr. Hancocks Doctrine.

[1]John Martyn of the north precinct.

1745 May 7 (Tuesday).  Thomme return’d to his master Batchellours.  Captain Forbush’s wife here to be Examin’d.  Ephraim Bruce towards Eve.  Sent Mr. Eaton of Leicester his Bolton by Robert Horn junior.

1745 May 8 (Wednesday).  Neighbour Edwards Whipple here to be Examin’d previous to his joining with the Church.  Nigh Eve came Mr. Bacon of Ashuelot and lodged here.  N.B. About supper receiv’d a Letter dated yesterday from Mr. Smith of Marlborough to preach his Lecture next Wednesday — it being difficult to determine what Wednesday he Means.

1745 May 9 (Thursday).  Mr. Bacon upon his journey home and I rode to Mr. Nathan Balls to see his son Ebenezer who was in a Languishing State.  N.B. Mr. Wheeler and Mr. Ball told me that their Northernmost part, being disappointed by their Brethren of the Precinct, were proposing to unite with a Number of Familys in Bolton and build Still another Meeting House.  N.B. Ephraim Bruce’s wife here.  P.M. her Brother Charles’s wife.  At Eve Edwards Whipple’s wife — all in order to their enjoying public privileges.  N.B. Mrs. Winchester here at Eve.

1745 May 10 (Friday).  My Wife to Marlborough on Nathan Maynards Mare to visit Mrs. Breck of Springfield.

1745 May 11 (Saturday).  Captain Maynard (in his Team) brought me up 14£ Sugar and my Kegg of 3 Gallons of Rum from Boston.  P.M. Mr. Millen[1] here.  He discover’d to me that it was by him that I sent Mr. Loring his Hubbards Absence of the Comforter.[2]  At Eve came Brother Samuel Parkman from Hopkinton, bound up to Bolton and thence to Hartford.  N.B. Ebenezer went to Lieutenant Tainters for his Chaise and brought it.

[1]Rev. John Mellen of Sterling.

[2]Nehemiah Hobart, The Absence of the Comforter Described and Lamented (New London, 1717).

1745 May 12 (Sunday).  I preach’d on John 17.3, a. and p.m.  Propounded Edwards Whipple and wife for Church Communion.  Charles Bruce and his wife for public Humiliation and owning the Covenant.

1745 May 13 (Monday).  My Brother went on his Journey.  I went divers places for an Horse to go down to Cambridge but in Vain, particularly was at Jesse Brighams, Thomas Goodeno, Matthias Rice’s, and to Mr. Beeman’s.  Sister Hicks at our House at Evening from Sutton.

1745 May 14 (Tuesday).  Try’d Jonas Brighams Horse in the Chaise, but he was too furious — broke Whipple-Tree and threw me out, but without Hurt.  D.G.  But he was a good Horse in the saddle.  I rode him to Cambridge.  I stop’d at Colonel Wards to Condole under his great Afflictions.  Stopp’d also at Mr. Pattersons in Sudbury with my wife’s Kinsman Williams,[1] the school master there.  Yet got to Cambridge Some time before Night.  Mother Champney has had a very ill Turn and though much better than She was, especially last Friday, yet is very Weak and low.

[1]Abraham Williams, Jr. (HC 1744), of Marlborough. He later became the fifth minister of the First Congregational Church, Sandwich, Mass., 1749-1784. SHG 11:498-502.

1745 May 15 (Wednesday).  In the Morning I went over to College — was with Mr. Mayhew[1] particularly.  But I return’d over to Mothers.  Mr. Winthrop improv’d to Survey Father Champneys Lands, to prepare the Work for the Prizers, who all came.  I din’d with them.  N.B. Brother Champney now reports he did not take the Administration instead of Hicks.  I rode to Boston Early — broke fast at my Honor’d Mother’s (who is in much Comfort, except her Trouble about her Negro, Pito, who gives her much Trouble).  My Kinsman Elias (to my great Grief) is Still at home, unactive, Slothfull, disheartened and as far from engaging in any Business as ever.  Mr. Checkley[2] the Public Lecture on John 4.14.  After I din’d at Brother Alexander’s.  I visited Dr. Sewal, and there came in Dr. Chauncey,[3] and afterward Mr. Gee.  Mr. Whitefield the Subject, almost everywhere.  Dr. Wigglesworths[4] Letter to him came out to Day.  When I return’d to Mother Champneys at Evening the Prizers having done their Work, were gone home.  At home, Mr. Devotion of Windham, his wife and wife’s sister Visited my Family; came at Eve and Lodg’d.

[1]Jonathan Mayhew (HC 1744), minister of the West Church of Boston, 1747-1766. SHG 11:440-472.

[2]Rev. Samuel Checkley of the New South Church, Boston.

[3]Rev. Charles Chauncy of the First Church, Boston.

[4]Edward Wigglesworth, A Letter to the Reverend Mr. George Whitefield, by Way of a Reply to his Answer to the College Testimony against him and  his Conduct (Boston, 1745).