Category: Diary

1757 September 23 (Friday).  Part of this Day also.  My wife’s Leg grows bad.

1757 September 24 (Saturday).  Mr. Joshua Winter and his Wife (from Boston Yesterday) came to see us, and dined with us.  They lodged last night at Brother Baldwins at Sudbury.  N.B. This morning Coll. Tim. Brighams Wife dyed.  She was taken (as is Supposed) with an Apoplexy last Evening and continued till about 2 this Morning.  They Sent Jonathan Johnson to me to desire me to attend her Funeral next Tuesday.  Such a sudden Death administers Solemn Warning to all survivors.  May God grant us all the Grace needful that we may make a fit improvement of it!  And get ready our selves!

1757 September 25 (Sunday).  My Kinsman Winter and his Wife here.  Read 1 Chron. 10.  Preached on Jer. 8.6.  P.M. read Luk. 4.  Preached on Prov. 13.21.  Evil pursueth sinners.  Used part of Sermon on Isa. 33.14.  Used viz. from page 15 to 26, Top.  N.B. I did not discover till next morning, that I had ever repeated pages 15 and 16 before.  Though it be set down upon the Cover, yet I did not See it.  N.B. Mr. Nathan Stone junior our present School-Master, dined here.  N.B. I stopped the Church to desire their minds about my going to preach at Cumberland the 3d Sabbath of the next Month.  It was voted, I think, unanimously.  I did also put the Church in Mind of two Other Articles, viz. the Affair of Sister Judith Bellows; and the Ordination of Deacons, both which articles I might reasonably have expected that Some or other of the Church would have Spoke about at Some time or other; but having waited for that in Vain I was now obliged to desire them to ripen their Thoughts that we might do Something to Effect.  I am much troubled with Soreness in my Eyes.

1757 September 26 (Monday).  Mr. Winter and his Wife p.m. ride to Deacon Tainters; I went with them but my Wife confined with her lameness: Which increases.

1757 September 27 (Tuesday).  My Kinsman Winter and his Wife left us.  I rode down to Southborough.  Dined at Mr. Stones as did Mr. Smith.  I prayed at the Funeral of Coll. Brighams Wife.  An affecting Occasion!  May the Impression last!  I returned home at Eve — part of the Way Esq. Baker and his Wife Company.

1757 September 28 (Wednesday).  Mrs. Tainter yesterday brought and applyed a Tobacco Ointment to my Wife’s Legg — but it is no better.  I am also troubled still with sore Eyes, the Effect of a Cold which hangs about me.  Mr. Ebenezer Forbush brought me 11£ O.T.  N.B. Mr. Nathan Stone junior called at his leaving our School, and returning Home.

1757 September 29 (Thursday).  I finished my transcript of Discourse on Ezek. 22.30, but now I can’t send it.  At Eve visit Joseph Baker who has Rheumatism.  Alexander has an Ague.  Mr. Batherick brought home 6 Barrells of Cyder.  Had a Quarter of Beef of Mr. Jonah Warren — weighed about 104.  Dr. Chase bleeds my wife.

1757 September 30 (Friday).  Old Mr. Maynard Sends for me, thinking he is near his End.  I went, but did not find as I feared.  He was able to Converse.  I dealt freely with him — and prayed with him.  Went to Lt. Maynards upon the unavoidably necessary Affair of Disposing of my Old Place.  Borrowed an Horse there.  I rode over to see Mr. Jacob Rice who lies Sick of a Fever — he and his Wife being still of our Church.  Returned to Lt. Maynards at about 2 p.m.  Eat there.  Bought 200 of Boards of him which Mr. Gashit brought home.  My Wife in great smart her Leg growing Worse.  My mind much exercised for my son Ebenezer.  Mr. Batherick and Noah How here — Mr. Gashitt.  They all eat here.  Alexander thrashes.

1757 October 1 (Saturday).  Last night and this Morning much exercised with Cares — not Succeeding in Endeavours to provide for my son, by selling my old Place.  But Would humbly beg the Grace to enable me to commit my Way to God and rely upon Him to sustain and provide for me and mine.

1757 October 2 (Sunday).  Read 1 Chron. 11.  Preached on Prov. 13.21.  Used some further parts of Sermon on Isa. 33.14, viz. p. 26 (which was used only in the former part of the page and but glances of the rest), part of page 36, then to page 40.  P.M. read Luk. 4 and preached the first Sermon which is writ on Prov. 13.21.  N.B. Old Mr. Maynard dyed at Eve.  I went to him and Prayed with him just before he departed — Aetatis 88.

Written from a rough paper of hints [i.e., October 3-9].

 

1757 October 3 (Monday).  Sett out late for Brookfield.  Called at Capt. Stearns’s at Worcester, and at Mr. Robarts’s at Leicester.  Mr. Nathaniel Harrington of Weston my Company great part of the Journey.  Arrived at my Son Baldwins at Eve.  Lodged at my son Forbush’s.

1757 October 4 (Tuesday).  Happy among my Children who (through divine Favour) are generally comfortable.  Dined at my son Baldwins.  P.M. went with my son Ebenezer and Forb. to take some View of the Farm of the late Mr. Jonathan Gilbert.  Capt. Witt and Dr. Gott had been to see me a.m.: but [missing?] of me I went to them at Eve.  Lodged at Mr. Forb.

1757 October 5 (Wednesday).  Mr. Forb. and I rode up to Ware River to Mr. Lulls: dining at Deacon Cutlers as we went.  Mr. Lull signed another Deed of the 62 and the 35 Acre Lotts in Townshend, but would not come to a Composition of our Affairs, as I endeavoured, though I made him large offers.  At Eve we supped at Deacon Cutlers — and Esq. Ayres with us, whom I had obtained to ride up to Deacon Cutlers in hopes to have had need of him to take the Acknowledgement of another Deed from Lull but I could not perswade Lull to go there.  N.B. the Esq. asked nothing for his pains.

1757 October 6 (Thursday).  I went again into the Gilbert Affair — dined at my son Ebenezers.  N.B. My Children at Each Family dined with me both yesterday and to Day (except Billy).  P.M. preached a Lecture there, on Ps. 119.126.  After Lecture at Baldw. with Lt. Thomas Gilbert, there, about his Brothers place.  N.B. Mr. Kendal from Suffield, and Mrs. Bowker, heretofore Sarah Tainter, lodged at Mr. Forb. last night.

1757 October 7 (Friday).  At Mr. Forb. (where I have lodged every night) and at Ebenezers where we prepare some Agreements about the Gilbert Place and include Thomas Hardy likewise.  My Daughter Baldwin indisposed and dejected.  It was 11 a.m. before I took leave.  Mr. Forb. rides with me as far as Capt. Wolcotts that we may have some discourse with him, the Grand Juror, about the School (which Ebenezer has undertaken to keep).  Capt. Wolcott proposes to accompany me on my Journey to the lower part of Worcester, but does not overtake me, till I had dined at Mr. Eatons in Spencer.  I heedlessly overshot Mr. Roberts at Leicester.  Mr. Maccarty not at Home.  We were invited in by Coll. Chandler; where we drank Tea and hastened on our Journey.  Lodged at Mr. Cushings.

1757 October 8 (Saturday).  Returned home.  All Well (D.G.) except my Wife, whose Lameness is much increased since I left her.  N.B. Thomas took Care of gathering my Corn at the Island and getting it in.  For they had Mr. Zebulon Rices and Mr. Nurse’s Teams.  They had also an Husking last night; about 10 or 12 persons here.

1757 October 9  (Sunday).  I was not able to prepare for to Days Exercises by reason of my unavoidable Journeys last Week, and the Circumstances of Yesterday.  Read 1 Chron. 12.  Preached on Heb. 13.20.  That Clause — “that brought again from the Dead our Lord Jesus” — and administered the Lords Supper.  Mrs. Tainter and her Daughters Forbush and Bowker and her sister Harrington dined here.  P.M. repeated sermon on Gen. 25.8 on Occasion of the Death of old Mr. David Maynard who was buryed on Tuesday last, Mr. Martyn praying with the people at the Funeral.  N.B. Old Mr. Kelly was buryed on Monday the 3 instant but without a minister.

1757 October 10 (Monday).  P.M. Visited Old Mrs. How and old Mrs. Maynard, who are both Sick.  At Evening Sent my Manuscript of sermon on Ezek. XXII.30 to Mr. Kneeland, by Mr. Moses Brigham with a Letter to Mr. Cooper to inspect the press.  My Wife continues very lame.  May God sanctifie this great Affliction!

1757 October 11 (Tuesday).  Went to the Association at Mr. Martyns — few there — and lodged there.  Mr. Cushing, Stone, Morse and Davis all that came.  Mr. Morse has troubles with his people about his sallery.  Mr. Davis has a fit.  The last tells me my Cousen Betty Parkman is come up in her Fathers Chair with Mrs. Allen (Captain’s Wife, of Shrewsbury).

1757 October 12 (Wednesday).  Mr. Davis preached on 1 Cor. 15 ult.  My Wife came over with Cousen Betty Parkman and dined at Mr. Martyns.  When we returned home, Mrs. Allen was come from Shrewsbury and Mrs. Baldwin of that Neighbourhood with her.  I visited Old Mrs. Maynard again, who grows worse.  I doubt of her Life — yet she is herself full of Hopes.

1757 October 13 (Thursday).  My Kinswoman, Miss Betty Still with us.

1757 October 14 (Friday).  She has my Mare to go to Boston and leaves her Fathers Horse.  My son Thomas goes with his Her [sic] as far as Coll. Williams at Marlborough where Mrs. Allen was to meet her to proceed on their Journey down.  I made another Visit to Old Mrs. Maynard and I dealt somewhat plainly with her, She being somewhat better for Conversation than when I saw her last: but yet in a low Condition.  May God pardon my Defects and bless and prosper my weak Endeavours.  Sat out late in the Afternoon upon my Brothers Horse, for Cumberland.  Stopt at LeBlanc’s and gave Ammon 2 Dollars: called at Deacon Bradish’s in Upton and took him with me to go to Mr. Fish, where I lodged.

1757 October 15 (Saturday).  Deacon Tainter came to Me at Mr. Fish’s, and he accompanys me on my Journey.  Dined at Mr. Dorrs.  P.M. we got to Cumberland.  Arrived at Mr. John Lovetts in good season, and Health.  D.G.  And lodged there.

1757 October 16 (Sunday).  I preached at Mr. John Lovetts in Cumberland a. and p.m. on Mat. 16.26 to a very mixed Assembly.  May God grant Success.  At Eve Deacon Tainter and I rode to Mr. Welds at Attleborough and lodged there.  N.B. great storm of Wind and Rain at Night.

1757 October 17 (Monday).  Bright morn.  Deacon and I, accompanyed by Mr. Weld some Miles, rode to Wrentham.  Visit Mr. Bean, but especially my old Friend Mrs. Messenger.  Dined in Wrentham precinct with Mr. John Carns (who preaches there) at the House of Deacon Thurston.  Called at Mr. Frost’s at Mill River: and in the Evening at Mr. Stephen Sadlers in Upton.  Arrived at home much worryed and spent.  Yet was in Bed but a little while before I was called up again to go to Old Mrs. Maynard who was dying — and expired before I got there.  Prayed there; and it being near midnight and indisposed, I lodged there also.  N.B. my Wife took physic — 6 Lockyers Pills — which work much upon her.  N.B. Rev. David Turner of Palmers River, lately dead.

1757 October 18 (Tuesday).  Returned home in the Morning –but have been so fatiegued, am fit for little all Day.  P.M. Mrs. Bond and Mrs. Harrington visit my wife in her Lameness: and She is also Rheumatic.

1757 October 19 (Wednesday).  Mr. Moses Twitchel came to burn up Bushes, which Should ha’ been done last Year, but he proves not well.  Thomas goes to Boston.  Rides his Uncle’s Horse.  P.M. I visit Hutchins (a transient young Man) who is dropsical: and bleeds at the Nose — and in a hazzardous Condition.  As I was returning from him, Mr. Thomas Stearns of Lunenbourg, but of the Church of Leominster Met Me, Deacon Gardner Wilder of the Same, being at my House also, to take Some Advice.  I chiefly advised them to wait upon Mr. Rogers when the Time Set by the Council was out, and Shew him all hearty Respect; and not to be hasty in applying to the Moderator for the Council to meet together again — but to do everything which might prevent Such imputations as there were before, of Suddenness and rashness.

1757 October 20 (Thursday).  I attended the Funeral of Old Mrs. Hephzibah Maynard.  She was 70 Years old last January — a woman of remarkable Diligence and Skill in Family Affairs; and very compassionate and bountifull to the Poor; a Very Serviceable person in the Neighbourhood, and gave ready Assistance to all who Sought to her.  She was in a peculiar Manner liberal and helpful to Me and Mine at all times.  She was also very Steddy and Constant in Attending the Publick worship and Ordinances.  And She told me She hoped She was in Christ: but it does not appear to me that She expected to dye by this Sickness; for though her illness increased upon her from time to time yet she cherished Hopes She Should get over it.  I wish I might learn to live, that I may be in continual readiness to dye — that I may be Willing, and look for it!  And might I be so sensible of the drying up of Streams, that my Dependence may be more on, and my Recourse to the Glorious and inexhaustible Fountain!

1757 October 21 (Friday).  We are still in much Affliction for want of Water — but especially by reason of my wife’s lameness; with which she is still confined, and at times in great smart.

1757 October 22 (Saturday).  My Kinsman Nathaniel Parkman and Brother Samuels Daughter Abigail came up from Boston to make us a Visit.

1757 October 23 (Sunday).  I read 1 Chron. 13 and on Occasion of Mrs. Maynards Death I preached on Prov. 31.10 and p.m. read Luk. 6.  On account of the Sorrowful News of the Hurricane which disperses our Fleet in the Eastward and the French taking Hanover, I repeated Sermon on Ps. 51.18.

1757 October 24 (Monday).  My Kinsman, and young Kinswoman still with us.  P.M. they take a Ride to t’other House.  They are in the Rain which every one besides is thankfull for.  At Eve the storm increases.

1757 October 25 (Tuesday).  The Rain detains them.  P.M. Cousen Nat and I take a ride to Widow Forbush’s, Deacon Tainters, Bonds, etc.  Ensign Harrington brings me 140 feet of Board and Some slabbs for Floor of my Kitchin Chamber.

1757 October 26 (Wednesday).  The Morning bright, our Kinsman etc. leave us.  I preached at the North precinct Lecture on Jer. 50.7.  N.B. but about 19 or 20 Men at Meeting.  Returned at Evening but as I returned visited Old Mrs. How, who is in a low and languishing Condition: I fear She’ll not go abroad again.  N.B. sent several Letters to Brookfield by Thomas Hardy.

1757 October 27 (Thursday).  Being repeatedly disappointed of Edes and Gills paper I Sent ‘em a Letter by Mr. Elisha Brigham.  Mrs. P____ in great Distress with her smarting Legg.