Category: Diary

1750 July 23 (Monday).  Mr. Haven rode with Mr. Davis; the latter going to Boston, the former to his Fathers at Framingham.  N.B. Anna Bradish here on Examination in order to her joining with the Church.  Ebenezer and Joseph mowing and raking Hay at the Meadow.  P.M. Mr. Edward Bass and his Cousen Henshaw from Leicester here.

1750 July 24 (Tuesday).  Was called to Visit Mr. Abner Newton, who lies in a delirious State.  Joseph brought home one Load of Hay which they mowed at Mr. Rice’s, and 2 Load of Meadow Hay.  I read Prideaux’s Life of Mahomet.[1]

[1]Humphrey Prideaux, Life of Mahomet; with a Discourse for the Vindicating Christianity from the Charges of Imposture (London, 1697).  Several other editions were printed, but none in America.

1750 July 25 (Wednesday).  Read Stackhouse’s Abridgment of Burnets History of his own times.[1]  A.M. Joseph brought home 2 Load more of Meadow Hay.  N.B. my wife, accompany’d by Mrs. Hephzibah Maynard and Mr. Eliezer Rice’s Wife rode to Mr. Abraham Knowltons and Mr. Joseph Miles’s; and sent her side Saddle with immediate success to be Mended by Peter Butler, in Shrewsbury.  P.M. Molly and Lucy went to the Funeral of Prudence Winchester, who dy’d yesterday Morning.  Mr. Winchester and his wife sent for me but I could not go.  Colonel William Ward lodg’d here.

[1]Thomas Stackhouse, An Abridgement of Bishop Burnet’s Own Times (London 1724).

1750 July 26 (Thursday).  Visited Mr. Abner Newton who is exceeding bad Still and incapable to Converse with me.  Neighbour Eliezer Rice and his son reaped my Wheat a.m. and Ebenezer and Joseph mow’d etc. for him.

1750 July 27 (Friday).  Ebenezer and Joseph work at the Meadow — but p.m., Ebenezer came and got in part of the Wheat.

1750 July 28 (Saturday).  Joseph brought home 2 Load of the Meadow Hay.  He got in the Wheat likewise.  P.M. Mr. Haven came from Framingham.  Rain Setts in p.m. so that they were beat off from work at the Meadow.

1750 July 29 (Sunday).  Rain, Thunder and Lightning.  Read Exod. 31 and though I have prepar’d a sufficient Number of pages on the subject I have in Hand, viz. the Beginning of the Sabbath, yet not having compleated the whole of what I design upon that Argument I thought it best to defer delivering any part of it; and the Instances of suicide in this Country, a. and p.m. increasing (to my Knowledge and Observation) Mrs. Rice also still under very great Temptations and strange assaults, I preach’d from Luke 11.4, latter part, repeating mainly my Expositions of Mat. 6.13 former part with alterations and additions.  Read P.M. John 8 to number 25.  N.B. it rain’d so exceeding hard that my Wife and a Number of my Family besides tarried at the Meeting House.  But Esq. Baker invited Mr. Haven to dine with me at the House — which he did.  By the Evening there fell so much Rain that there was a great Flood.  But through the Merciful preservation of God no hurt done among us by the Lightning.

1750 July 30 (Monday).  Anna Bradish further Examin’d by me.  Mr. Jonas Warrin of Upton came and invited Mr. Haven to preach at Upton which he consents to do after some Time.  Though it rain’d hard I rode over the See Mr. Abner Newton who was near his End.  N.B. terrible Struggles.  Convulsive Motions and Groans.  May God grant me to be ready for my own Turn!

1750 July 31 (Tuesday).  News came in the Morning that Mr. Newton dy’d about Midnight, last.  Ebenezer and Joseph to the Meadow.  Visited Neighbour Benjamin Hows sick Child.

1750 August 1 (Wednesday).  We have Still so much to do at the Meadow that Joseph Bruce, though his Time agreed to be out, yet at Ebenezers Desire, I detain to work for me.  Mr. Abner Newton was buryed.  A large Funeral.  He dy’d in the middst of his Days, being in his 42nd Year.  I hope he dy’d in Christ, and in him I have lost a very valuable and generous Friend.  The Lord Sanctify it to Me and to the Neighbourhood, who Seem sensibly to feel the Loss.  Mrs. Newton requested that my Wife and I would return to her House after burying which we did and Supped with the Mourners, Bearers and the other Friends.

1750 August 2 (Thursday).  Bruce helps us: also Mr. John Rogers with his Team helping us get home Hay from the Meadow.  But by means of the late great Rains the Meadow was So soft that they were mir’d and much worried; they made but Two turns in the whole Day.  That is, they brought home in all to Day by both Teams 4 Load.  I rode over to See Mr. Woods and Oake, and talk with them about my Bricks for my intended House.  They excuse themselves and plead themselves wholly off; So that I give the Affair up with them.  I din’d at Mr. Martyns.  He tells me Ensign Bartlet spake with a Post who last Night went down the Road for Boston, and gives an Account that a Number of Indians are designing to fall upon our Frontiers.  Rains, thunders and Lightens before I came yet home; but soon increases to a terrible storm.  A very sad, catching Time for Haying.  But the Earth brings forth in Great Plenty.

1750 August 3 (Friday).  Bruce works this one Day more for us.

1750 August 4 (Saturday).  Bruce works for Neighbour Eliezer Rice.  Much letting Weather.  He return’d at Eve.  He returns at Eve and keeps Sabbath here.

1750 August 5 (Sunday).  Read Exod. 32.  Preached a. and p.m. on Exod. 20.8.  The Beginning of the Sabbath my wife and I rode up to Esq. Bakers and din’d there.  It was Showery as it is almost every Day.  I have heard that divers persons were So Tenacious heretofore of their opinion that the Sabbath begins in the Morning, that they were very impatient at but the Expectation, Shall I Should mention the Contrary.  But I leave it unto God.  P.M. read John 8 latter part.

1750 August 6 (Monday).  Joseph Bruce left us.  I am indebted to him 42£ 8/ old Tenor.  P.M. Mr. Haven rode to Framingham.  Neighbour Robert Cooks Wife here to be further Examin’d in order to owning the Covenant.  Mr. Nathaniel Adams of Worcester here.  Mr. Francis Whipple made me a Visit and tarried into Evening.

1750 August 7 (Tuesday).  Forbush goes home, having lodg’d here.

1750 August 8 (Wednesday).  Rode to Mr. Cornelius Biglo to induce him to undertake to provide stones for my Chimney but I try in Vain.  Ebenezer worked for Neighbour John Rogers a.m. and Rogers for him with his Team p.m.  They brought home the Two last Loads of Hay from the Ministerial Meadow.  N.B. Molly to Mr. Martyn alone.

1750 August 9 (Thursday).  Ebenezer mows at home.  Molly and Lucy rode in the Chair to Mr. Twitchells.  Mrs. Cook here about her son Roberts Affair.  I gave myself to my Study (as much as I well could) the whole Day.

1750 August 10 (Friday).  Mr. Chapin of Grafton here with a Question: What is the meaning of St. Paul to the Corinthians, 1 Ep. 7.14, last Clause.  What kind of Holiness is that?  Federal — or to more Legitimacy?  P.M. Mr. Haven returns from Framingham.

1750 August 11 (Saturday).  Hot: and has been so for several Days: but today it is remarkably so.

1750 August 12 (Sunday).  Another very hot Day: but some Showers, with Thunder at Evening.  A.M. read Exod. 33 of which I gave Some brief Expository Hints and preach’d on Exod. 20.8.9.  The Sanctification of the sabbath in which Exercise I was somewhat long, but it was not sufficient to divide — and yet it had taken up my Time very much, to prepare this one Exercise, as I had many authors to consult upon it.  Mr. Haven (by express Invitation) din’d with me at the Esquire’s.  P.M. read John 9 and briefly expounded.  And considering what a Day of Temptation it has been, and remains with a Member of our Church before mention’d, I repeated my Expositions on Mat. number 11.31.32, both the Exercises in one.  For though the Exercise was longer and more worrying to me, yet it gave the more complete View of the Subject.  But what will avail without the divine Concurrence?  May God therefore add His Blessing.  N.B. I gave the Congregation Notice of the Association Fast to be (God willing) next Tuesday at Marlborough.

1750 August 13 (Monday).  Very Hot a.m.  P.M. Clouds gather’d.  Mr. Haven and I help’d Ebenezer get in Hay.  Mr. Haven help’d in a second Load.  Old Mr. Dodge came to see me, and walk’d with me to see Captain Maynard.

1750 August 14 (Tuesday).  Association Fast at Marlborough (and I suppose at Rutland at the same Time).  A pritty Hot Day, but Rain at Night.  The Exercises were carry’d on thus, Mr. Smith pray’d (but I was so unhappy by several accidents on the Road as to miss of it, and arriv’d in singing Time, at meeting), Mr. Goss[1] preach’d from Mat. 11.23.  P.M. Mr. Gardner[2] pray’d — and Mr. Loring[3] preach’d on Hos. 9.14, last Clause.  May the Lord accept the Offerings and Bless His Holy Word to our, and his peoples highest Good.  Advis’d with the Association about Robert Cooks Case.  Mr. Martyn my Company part of the Way in returning Home; but after he left me, Rainy and Dark, but not too late for my Family.

[1]The Reverend Thomas Goss of Bolton.

[2]The Reverend John Gardner of Stow.

[3]The Reverend Israel Loring of Sudbury.

1750 August 15 (Wednesday).  Rode to Mr. Ebenezer Rice’s and Lieutenant Tainters to forward the getting Timber for my House together — din’d at Lieutenants.  Sent by him to Boston for divers Things — but next to No Money to be had any where.  Mr. Bowman carrys the Two Plaits to the place.  Was with Mr. Jonathan Forbush at his mill looking over the stuff — viz. Board and slitwork.  At Eve when I return’d I understood that Mr. Martyn and his Spouse had been here — whereas I did not expect ‘em till Friday.  Jeduthun Baldwin here to acquaint me with his Circumstances and when he can come to work for me.  He lodg’d here.

1750 August 16 (Thursday).  I rode out again about stuff — went to Hopkinton to Mr. Joseph Woods mill, and to Deacon Burnaps — din’d at the Deacons.  Was at Kellys and Pierce’s.  Ebenezer Carted Boards from Mr. Forbush’s Mill.  600 of Oake Boards of what I have of Mr. Forbush and 220 which I have of Mr. Daniel Miller and [blank] which I have of Mr. Samuel Harrington.  I was at Mr. Ebenezer Rice’s as I return’d home, to get stuff for window Frames.  N.B. Mr. Daniel Forbush brought a long, oake Cill.

1750 August 17 (Friday).  Rode to Mr. Timothy Warrins to try for white Pine Boards — was at Mr. Beamans, whose wife is still confin’d by her broken Legg.  Mr. Jonathan Forbush here and we reckon’d — what I had of him of Boards and slittwork comes to 9£ old Tenor.  He desir’d and I gave him a note for 4£ and he gave me the other 5£ which was his Proportion according to the Rates (he says) towards what he thinks the precinct ought to do more than the have done towards my Building etc.

1750 August 18 (Saturday).  Ebenezer got in the last of the Hay at home; and this finishes this part of his toilfull work at home.

1750 August 19 (Sunday).  Mr. Samuel Haven began to preach.  He preach’d for me all Day, on Colloss. 3.4.  May God Bless his labour and make him an able Minister of the New Testatment!  He and I din’d at Esq. Bakers; my wife and the rest of my Family went home.

1750 August 20 (Monday).  Am now concern’d to set forward my Building; rode to Deacon Matthias Rice’s to Speak with Jeduthun Baldwin.  I din’d at the Deacons.  P.M. Jeduthun came to my House to look of Stuff for window Frames, but which would not do.  Great Rains.

1750 August 21 (Tuesday).  Measur’d out the House plot, in order to having the Cellar dugg.  N.B. this was done by the motion of Samuel Bumpso.  P.M. at the Funeral of Neighbour Benjamin Hows Child.[1]  At Eve came Mr. Edwards of Northampton, together with Revd. Mr. Tuthil of Bedford[2] in the upper County, and Mrs. Martha Edwards, sister of Mr. Edwards of Northampton and they lodg’d here.  N.B. Mrs. Edwards extremely lame.

[1]Elizabeth How died Aug. 19, 1750.

[2]Moses Tuttle (Yale 1745) was the minister of Granville, Mass. (then called the plantation of Bedford), 1747-1754.  Dexter, Biographical Sketches, II, 66-69.

1750 August 22 (Wednesday).  It rain’d most of the Day.  Yet the Company chose to proceed on their Journey.  Mrs. Edwards left her Horse, and I supply’d her with my Mare.  Ebenezer went with Mrs. Edwards lame Beast to Mr. Barns’s for his Advice and Counsel, as last Night Mr. Tuthil went to Captain Maynards for his.  P.M. I preach’d the Lecture on Isa. 1.18.  I was peculiarly fervent; and could not but be so — do earnestly beg it may be bless’d to my own Soul, and to all the Audience; especialy to Mrs. Hitty Rice who was at meeting.  At Night Mrs. Edwards Mare (as it ought to have been writ before) is so bad that we fear whether she will live till morning.

1750 August 23 (Thursday).  Lieutenant Tainter came over, at my Request, to see Mrs. Edwards’s Mare.  Mr. Pratt came likewise to see her: I sent also for Captain Maynard who came, and tis concluded that She is hipp’d.  Mr. Martyn having gone to Boston and left the Care of his Lecture with me I rode over — din’d there, and preach’d his Lecture on Isa. 1.18.  Nigh Sunsett Mr. Martyn came home.  As I return’d I visited the Two widows Tomlin.

1750 August 24 (Friday).  Mrs. Edwards Mare notwithstanding our bathing, etc. I think Swells more and more.  N.B. Neighbour John Rogers made Cyder at my Mill.  At Eve came my Kinsman Mr. Daniel Needham from Norwich, having been Sick a long Time and Still remaining in a very feeble and weak State.

1750 August 25 (Saturday).  Ebenezer making Cyder for ourselves.

1750 August 26 (Sunday).  Read Exod. 35.  Preach’d on Eph. 1.3.  Administer’d the Lords Supper.  Mr. Haven and I din’d at the Justice’s, my Kinsman and wife went home.  Molly din’d at Deacon Newtons.  P.M. read John 11 to number 30 and I preach’d on 1 Pet. 4.6, but us’d the Discourse on Eph. 5.14 from page 11 to 27.  N.B. at Eve my Kinsmans Spiritual Conversation which may God be pleas’d to Bless, as well as what has Perform’d in the Day!  N.B. Mrs. Edwards mare put into Captain Mainards Pasture.