Category: Diary

1750 June 18 (Monday).  Mr. Martyn here.  He rode with me to my new Knoll.  At Eve he carry’d Molly over to his House as to tarry a few Days with them.  Joseph half-hilling p.m.

1750 June 19 (Tuesday).  Mr. Haven rode with me to old Mr. Fays.  We din’d there.  Took up Mr. Fay into my Chair to see how he could bear to ride in one.  Mr. Haven and I rode to Mr. Winchesters — would have had Prudy ride in the Chair, but she was too Weak.  We return’d to Mr. Moses Brighams Raising of his Barn, and were well entertain’d there.  Mr. Ebenezer Rice undertakes to get me the 4 Beams of my intended House, and Mr. William Pierce to hew the 4 Girts (which are wanting).  Mr. Daniel Hardy finding the Timbers.

 

1750 June 20 (Wednesday).  Mr. Noah How hoed here at half hilling.

1750 June 21 (Thursday).  Ebenezer did so much as to mow the Garden and foreyard a.m.  I rode to Mr. Martyns — din’d there.  Thunder storm arose and detain’d me an Hour or Two.  Brought Molly home.  Mr. Martyn came with me.  Lecture to young men was appointed to be at 4 p.m. but we were 34 Minutes after, when we began being hinder’d by the Storm.  Mr. Martyn preach’d on Josh. 24.21.  N.B. I rode out at Eve by Express Desire to a woman (one of the Members of the Church who has try’d to hang herself) this Day.  A most astonishing power which the Devil has among us!

1750 June 22 (Friday).  [No entry.]

1750 June 23 (Saturday).  I had agreed with Mr. Martyn to change with him tomorrow, but Mr. Stone coming here and desiring to Change I sent him to Mr. Martyn that he might Supply my place at the North Side, and I rode to Soutborough.

1750 June 24 (Sunday).  I preach’d at Southborough on Prov. 14.9, and p.m. on Mat. 16.26 to page 15, and baptiz’d Miriam, of Manasseh and Dinah Stow.  At Eve return’d home.  Mr. Martyn preach’d for me on Regeneration from John 3.5.

1750 June 25 (Monday).  Funeral of Joseph Rice’s Child.  N.B. At the House of Mourning heard the astonishing account of the fearful Judgment of God on Robert Woodberry of Beverly, who having in his Lifetime been us’d to profane Cursing, and wishing persons might go to Hell and blare like a Calf especially would often curse his worthy Mother in this Manner — and carry’d it very basely and cruelly to his Wife, sicken’d and dy’d, and when the Corps had lain a Suitable Time to be laid out, a horrible Sound broke forth from the Corps, blaring like a Calf.  This Story is Said to be sufficiently attested to be credited.  After the Funeral I visited old Captain Forbush who has been ill of late; and he receiv’d my advice to him affectionately and gratefully.  N.B. William rode to Marlborough with Lucy and brought up Mrs. Sally Gott.

1750 June 26 (Tuesday).  Mr. Martyn and his Spouse here and din’d with us.  Towards Eve my Wife undertakes the Weaning of little Breck; and to accomplish it the better, she and Sally rode to Worcester.  When I was preparing to go to bed, came Mr. William Rogers and desir’d me to go to Mr. David Brigham, whom I found past Speaking.  He Expir’d while I was there between 11 and 12 o’Clock.  A serious man and I hope dy’d in Christ.  He was taken ill on the Sabbath a.m. at meeting.  Twas thought to be the Effect of the great Cold that goes about.  He was So comfortable this Day that p.m. the Sun about Two Hours high, he walk’d into the other room; yet a little after sunsett was not able to Speak any more, nor understand any Thing.  So Sudden was the Summons.  I return’d home about midnight.

1750 June 27 (Wednesday).  It rain’d all Day.  Ebenezer and Joseph fixing up the New Cart with Ladders.

1750 June 28 (Thursday).  Rode with Mr. Eliezer Rice and his Wife to Mr. Brighams and had discourse with her referring to her Temptations.  Attended the Funeral of Mr. David Brigham there being now but 3 of the first 12 members who were in the Foundation of this Church, Surviving.  May be truely sensible of our hastening into the Eternal World, who commonly are So extremely fond of this!  And O that our practices and Experiences might bear some proposition to our high and Sacred Professions!  After Funeral I rode over to Mr. Martyns.  Captain Eager and Lieutenant Holloway and Mr. Jacob Rice in Company.  My Wife and Mrs. Sally Gott came from Worcester to Mr. Martyns after we had din’d, but Seasonably for Lecture.  I preach’d on Hos. 6.6.  I desir’d the Knowledge of God more than Burnt Offerings.

1750 June 29 (Friday).  Mr. Goodhue came from Hopkinton Requesting me to visit his Brother Jeremy who lies very bad at his House; (yet is, at Madam Dench’s, where he has hired).  I accordingly went.  Din’d with Mrs. Barrett.  Found Jeremy not altogether so bad as I fear’d.  Talk’d with Mrs. Dench about her Mothers Apparition to Mr. Cutting a Gentleman from Barbadoes in Boston.  At Eve returning home and calling at Mr. Barretts (who was not come home yet) had some Conversation with Mrs. Price (Commissarys Lady).  Met Mr. Barrett on the Road — could not get from Hopkinton till some time after sunsett and therefore was late home; but safe.  Blessed be God!

1750 June 30 (Saturday).  Ebenezer and Joseph mowing Day by Day Except that Ebenezer was at Times indispos’d.  N.B. Colonel Chandler and his Lady here, in their Journey from Boston to Worcester.  By the various accidents and avocations of this Week have been exceedingly interrupted and impeded in my Studys and Preparations for the Sabbath.

1750 July 1 (Sunday).  Read Exod. 2.8 to verse 29, and Preach’d on Rom. 6.13.  Yield yourself to God — repeating what I had heretofore compos’d and deliver’d on that Subject.  My Wife and I din’d at Esq. Bakers.  P.M. read John 6 to number 34, and in preaching did the remainder of the forenoon Discourse.

1750 July 2 (Monday).  Joseph plough’d for Hilling.  Ebenezer much indispos’d and works but little.  P.M. My Wife and I in the Chair and Mr. Haven on my Young Horse undertake a Journey, designing for Boston as Soon as with Convenience we can get there.  A Thunder Storm came up, and we were Stopp’d at Mr. Elisha Wards till near Sunsett.  Proceeded as far as Mr. Stones at Southborough and lodg’d there.

1750 July 3 (Tuesday).  Rode to Framingham and broke fast at Mr. Joseph Havens.[1]  We call’d at Colonel Bakers.  Another storm came up by that Time we arriv’d at Mr. Benjamin Hastings at Watertown.  We din’d there, and proceeded to Cambridge.  I tarried and lodg’d at sister Lydia Champneys.  Mr. Haven waited on my Wife to Boston and brought back the Chair to me.  Kept my Mare at Brother Champney’s.

[1]Selectman and Representative of Framingham.

1750 July 4 (Wednesday).  This being Commencement I contracted Some acquaintance with Two of the Young Batchellours who were ingenious and Sober Men.  Sir Fish[1] and Sir True,[2] but I was entertain’d chiefly at Sir Cotton’s[3] (where I broke Fast) and at Sir Gardner’s.[4]  Was Sent for by the Corporation to give my Testimony concerning Mr. Hutchinson of Grafton.  N.B. Sir Dudley’s[5] Oration was pronounc’d, but very indifferently.  Din’d at Mr. Monis,[6] for the Sake of Mr. Martyn as well as to honor my old Master.  Conversation very much turns upon Mr. Edwards Dismission from Northampton.  P.M. the President in his Oration exceedingly laments the miserable State to which Learning and the Ministry are reduc’d — by means of the Niggardliness of people.  Complains of his own Miserable Circumstances.  N.B. Lodg’d at the Same place and Mr. Haven with me.

[1]Elisha Fish (Harvard 1750) became the second minister of the First Church in Upton, 1750-1793.  Sibley, XII, 550-556.

[2]Henry True (Harvard 1750) became the first minister of Hampstead, N.H., 1752-1782.  Sibley, XII, 588-592.

[3]Nathaniel Cotton (Harvard 1750) taught school at Weston, served as a military-chaplain in Nova Scotia, turned Anglican, and was made “chaplain and minister” of Pensacola, West Florida.  Sibley, XII, 540-543.

[4]Henry Gardner (Harvard 1750), the son of the Reverend Henry Gardner of Stow, became the first Treasurer of the State of Mass.  Sibley, XII, 558-560.

[5]Thomas Dudley (Harvard 1750), son of the Honorable William Dudley of Roxbury.  Sibley, XII, 543-544.

[6]Judah Monis, the Hebrew tutor at Harvard, was the brother-in-law of the Reverend John Martyn of Northborough.

1750 July 5 (Thursday).  I rode Early to Boston.  Mr. Barnard[1] of Marblehead preach’d the Lecture on 1 Tim. 3.16.  I din’d at My Kinsman Oliver,[2] who has a son (Alexander) lately born.  But Sorrowful accounts of the Conduct of Jonathan Coarser[3] in his Life Time, towards his Wife; and of his Miserable End.  N.B. Her sister Lydia is embarking to go to her Husband (Mr. David) at Chebucta.  At Eve Mrs. Harris, Widow of Captain William Harris was at Brother Samuels with Brother William who is publish’d to her.  N.B. Revd. Mr. Gay[4] of Hingham was with us at supper.  It was indeed expected that my Brother would have been marry’d this Evening to the Said Lady but by means of one of her sons going to sea She would not get ready.  My Wife and I lodg’d at Brother Samuel’s, My Horse at Mr. Stoddards, my Chair at Mr. Eaton’s.

[1]The Reverend John Barnard.

[2]The Reverend Parkman’s niece, Esther Parkman, had married Edward Oliver.

[3]The Reverend Parkman’s niece, Elizabeth Tyley, had married John Coarsa.

[4]The Reverend Ebenezer Gay.

1750 July 6 (Friday).  Mr. Oliver went with Me to one Mr. Maxwell’s in Kings Street where I bought Two Cheeses, one Gloucester (of old England), the other Rhode-Island, both weighing 32£ at 3/ old Tenor per pound.  We din’d at Judge Dudleys,[1] baited at old Mr. Livermores in Weston, called at Colonel Buckminsters[2] at Framingham and lodg’d at Mr. Joseph Havens.  N.B. an exceeding violent storm of Hail etc. on the fourth, p.m.

[1]Paul Dudley, justice of the Superior Court of Judicature.

[2]Colonel Joseph Buckminster, Jr., a prominent office-holder.  Temple, Framingham, p. 490.

1750 July 7 (Saturday).  Mr. Samuel Haven returns with us to our House.  In our way Call’d at Mr. Reeds; and Mrs. Whatnot gives me an account of Mrs. Pierpoints Troubles about Mr. Curtis,[1] the preacher who is there with them.  Stopp’d at Mr. Nichols’s: din’d at Mr. Stones and return’d in Safety, finding my Family well.  Blessed be God!  Ebenezer and Joseph have finish’d the hilling of Indian Corn this Week — having had Mr. David Maynard junior’s Horse to plough.

[1]Jeremiah Curtis (Yale 1724) was the minster of Southington (Third church of Farmington).  He was a zealous Old-Light and alienated his parish which dismissed him in 1755.  Dexter, Biographical Sketches, pp. 300-301.

1750 July 8 (Sunday).  An hot Day.  Mr. Martyn and I Chang’d.  He preach’d on John 3.5.  I preach’d to his people on 1 John 3.3 and 1 Tim. 6.12.  He read Exod. 28 from number 29 and John 6 from number 34, as I also read in his Course for him.  Each return’d Eve.

1750 July 9 (Monday).  Prudence Winchester being Very low and like to dye, Sends for Me and I went.  Found a wonderful Change in her, and hope it is a Saving.  All last night indeed She was in terrible Distress, but this Morning had gracious Discoveries of the mercy and Graciousness of God to her.  Ebenezer and Joseph mowing.  Manning lodg’d here.

1750 July 10 (Tuesday).  Mr. Martyn and his wife, with me and mine, visited Mr. Barrett at Hopkinton.

1750 July 11 (Wednesday).  Tended Hay as I was able.  Near Night rode over to Mr. Woods about my Bricks fearing I shall be disappointed of them.  And went to Mr. Martyns.

1750 July 12 (Thursday).  A.M. did something at the Hay.  P.M. preach’d the Lecture before Sacrament on Luke 24.46 to page 11.  After Lecture I rode to Grafton and supp’d with Mr. Hutchinson who to Day brought home his Spouse.  Of ministers there was only Mr. Cushing, of Ladys none besides Mrs. Betty Hall, and the Town people to wait on them.  I lodg’d there.  Ebenezer and Joseph reap Rye and did not go to Lecture.

1750 July 13 (Friday).  Hot weather from Day to Day.  In returning home, Mr. Hutchinson with me, as far as to Winchesters where we call’d to see Prudence, and he pray’d with her.  N.B. Her Consolation not without some Darkness and Difficulty.  N.B. Mr. Haven lodg’d at Deacon Forbush’s last Night.  Ebenezer and Joseph, besides what they do about the Hay, reaped and got in part of the Rye.  It has been, now for Some Time a wondrous growing Season.  Might our Hearts be as fruitful and flourishing!

1750 July 14 (Saturday).  My Incumbrances and Cares, my Indispositions of Body and Distress of Mind So grievous and pressing when I discern my Preparations to be short of what they ought to be, that at Night I was much distress’d.

1750 July 15 (Sunday).  Administered the Sacred Ordinance of the Supper — And as to the Common Exercises of the Lords Day Read Exod. 29, and preach’d on Eph. 1.3.  P.M. read John 7 and for the Sermon, though I had by me a considerable Preparation upon the Subject I have begun Scil. of the Fourth Commandment yet the Argument not being finish’d, I chose not to deliver it till I could in one View, at least the Same Day; and considering likewise that the Subject I was upon last Lecture Day was so much more suitable for the Day, I therefore went on with that, and repeated from Luke 24.46.  N.B. Mr. Haven, invited by Esq. Baker, din’d there with us (viz. with my wife, Daughter Molly and I).  O that we might have both a suitable apprehension of the Sufferings of Christ and have fellowship with him therein, that we may be also Blessed with all Spiritual Blessings in heavenly Things in Christ Jesus!

1750 July 16 (Monday).  Forbush[1] begins to keep School at Mr. Eliezer Rice’s, and lodges here.  Catechiz’d at Mr. Joslins.  Carry’d my Wife with me and visited all that Neighbourhood except old Mr. Garfield; dining at Mr. Chamberlins.  We were also well entertain’d at Mr. Joslins after the Exercise.  May God add his Blessing to my weak Endeavours to promote His Kingdom and enable me rightly to improve the Benefits which I receive from his people!

[1]Eli Forbes.

1750 July 16 (Monday).  Forbush[1] begins to keep School at Mr. Eliezer Rice’s, and lodges here.  Catechiz’d at Mr. Joslins.  Carry’d my Wife with me and visited all that Neighbourhood except old Mr. Garfield; dining at Mr. Chamberlins.  We were also well entertain’d at Mr. Joslins after the Exercise.  May God add his Blessing to my weak Endeavours to promote His Kingdom and enable me rightly to improve the Benefits which I receive from his people!

[1]Eli Forbes.

1750 July 18 (Wednesday).  Mr. Haven was examin’d and approbated by the Association.  P.M. We return’d home, but N.B. Mr. Morse’s both yesterdays and to Days Conduct towards me with reference to Mr. Marsh[1] of Narraganset Number 2 who Mr. Morse Says will not come to this Association because I am of it: and acquaints us that Mr. Marsh Spoke further to my dishonour.  To which I reply’d I fear too warmly that His reproaches instead of being to my Dishonour I esteem’d Commendation, his Invectives Panegyrics.  N.B. visited Captain Maynard who is confin’d by illness.

[1]Elisha Marsh (Harvard 1738), minister of the First Congregational Church of Westminster, then a frontier plantation known as Narragansett No. 2.  Marsh was a liberal in theology and he opposed New-Light fanaticism.  Parkman had moved to prevent Marsh from preaching at a Marlborough Association meeting in Aug., 1747, and thereafter Marsh refused to attend Association meetings.  Sibley, X, 300-306.

1750 July 19 (Thursday).  Visited Mr. Eliezer Rice’s wife and carry’d Mr. Hows works, folio, Volume 2.  Visited Mrs. Beeman who by a fall from an Horse, broke her Legg and is confin’d.  Ebenezer and Joseph mow’d a.m. some Grass which Mr. Eliezer Rice lets us have.

1750 July 20 (Friday).  They go and mow in the ministerial meadow.

1750 July 21 (Saturday).  Mr. Stone, at Ministers Meeting, had desir’d me to change with him the next ensuing Lords Day, inasmmuch as he was going a Journey further; whereupon I depended on his coming here; but he went to Holden, and sent Mr. Davis[1] to preach for him.  I rode therefore to Southborough.

[1]The Reverend Joseph Davis of Holden.

1750 July 22 (Sunday).  Preach’d at Southborough a.m. on Mat. 16.26 the remainder of the Discourse which I began there the last time I preach’d there, and p.m. on Hebr. 9.27 former part.  N.B. Judge Ward[1] din’d with me and with me after the Exercises.  N.B. I baptiz’d Two Children; Ruth, of Jonathan Newton; and Stephen, of Isaac Johnson.  Return’d home in the Evening.  Mr. Davis preach’d for me on Mat. 13.30 or number 40 and over.

[1]Justice William Ward of the Court of Common Pleas, Worcester County.