Category: Diary

1758 January 6 (Friday).  Sent Billy to Capt. Eagers to try to Send Money to Brookfield both to Ebenezer and to Baldwin — but in Vain, except that my Letters to them were left.  At Eve gave my old Mare to Lt. Rolf.

1758 January 7 (Saturday).  Sent Breck with the old Mare to Lt. Rolf.  Mr. Batherick, who takes Care of the New Horse comes on purpose to acquaint me with the Character the Horse has for a breachy and troublesome Creature.  Neighbour Barney Newton has brought up Word that my dear Brother is living, and like to recover.  Mr. Tim Warren here with Wood, and tells me a grievous Story of his Disquietment with the School-Mistress, Mrs. Mary — but I am not willing to take any further notice of it at present, though, it Seems, it makes a great Noise in their Neighbourhood.  N.B. Mr. Cornelius Biglow junior here to acquaint me he is going to carry Mrs. Grace Barns 50£.  And I wrote to her by him.

1758 January 8 (Sunday).  Read 1 Chron. 24.1-19 and gave a general Account of the rest without reading it.  Preached a.m. on 2 Cor. v. 4.  P.M. read Luk. 12 from v. 31.  Preached on 1 Cor. 1, former part of v. 23 and latter part of v. 24.  Used chiefly Sermon on this latter v. made in 1746/7.

1758 January 9 (Monday).  I have Still Ensign Willards Horse in keeping; and rode him to Mr. Tim Warrins where I left him, and took a Young Mare of his to ride upon Trial to Marlborough.  Went to the Widow Barn’s, and hired money of her, viz. the 50£ Old Tenor of which I wrote to her on the 7th.  When I returned home Mr. Joseph Gilbert of Brookfield came with an Horse he led down (viz. Mr. Forbush’s) to wait upon Mrs. Lydia Champney — whereas She has not been conducted here yet.

1758 January 10 (Tuesday).  I delivered to Mr. Joseph Gilbert 56£ 5 S. in one parcell: 50£ in another — both old Tenor for my son Ebenezer and 10 Dollars more for my son Baldwin.  When he left us, he left Mr. Forbush’s Horse here, for Thomas to go to Boston and wait upon Miss Lydia Champney.  I rode to Mrs. Mary Stewards, and dined there — to Mrs. Dunlops and engaged Mrs. Patty to nurse my Wife.  Visit old Mrs. Wood who is confined by reason of a Fall from her Horse.  Visit Mrs. Miller who is also Sick.  Returned in the Evening in a snow Storm.

1758 January 11 (Wednesday).  Sent back to Capt. Wood the Young Horse which he bought of Ensign Willard of Grafton; having understood that he was too breachy for me to keep.  Mr. Smith of Marlborough came up to See us though it rained — and knew not of our Lecture.  Mr. Stone and his Brother Thatcher came also.  They dined with us.  Mr. Thatcher preached on Luke 13.3.  This Lecture was appointed as a Special — on Account of the peculiar Situation of our Public Affairs both in Europe and America: For we may now apprehend the states and Powers which have the management of our public Affairs, are engaged in their Consultations; on which the important Events of the Ensuing Year will, under God, depend.  We ought therefore to wait upon God in the way of Devotion and Endeavours of Reformation.  And To be sure it is not unapposite in me to promote these Things, when my lately printed Discourse is about this Time more generally in the Hands of people.  May God Himself be pleased to quicken and assist and Succeed me a poor worthless insufficient Creature!  And prosper his Ministers and all His Servants engaged in this great Work!  Particularly what we heard this Day in the Serious, pungent Sermon delivered by his Servant Thatcher!  The Rain prevented the Ministers returning home till past nine at night.  Mr. Thatchers Horse had broke away to Southborough.  He therefore rode Mr. Smiths, and Mr. Smith lodged here.

1758 January 12 (Thursday).  Thomas obtained Mr. Benjamin Tainters mare, and on Mr. Forbushs Horse Sat out for Cambridge or Boston to wait on Miss Lydia Champney up here.  I was very much engaged in my preparations.  Billy is cyphering.  The Lesser Boys write.  Sarah begins to cypher.  My wife in daily Pain.

1758 January 13 (Friday).  I was glad to See Mr. LeBlanc and his Son Joseph (from Cambridge) who made us a Visit and dined here, but it was so great an Interruption through the principal part of the Day that I could heartily wish that they had taken another Time.  Old judge Ward, also came.  Billy undertakes Something of building a Stable in the Barn.

1758 January 14 (Saturday).  Billy at the Stable — putts up the Rack and boards up the Partitions.  Thomas returns from Boston (having lodged at Framingham last night) but with an Empty Horse as he went, his Aunt Lydia being too ill to ride.  But if She had been ever so well had sent word to Brookfield that She could not ride on Horseback.

1758 January 15 (Sunday).  A Cold Day.  Read 1 Chron. 25.8 or 9 v. and gave account of the rest, making Some Remarks on what was read.  P.M. read Luk. 13.  Preached a. and p.m. on Prov. 1.28.  And may God be pleased to add his Blessing!  At Eve my wife in much pain — drinks an infusion of wild Cherry Tree Bark.

1758 January 16 (Monday).  Billy finishes at the Stable a.m.  A great Snow Storm, But through Gods Goodness we are favoured with Health and with all Necessarys and many of the Comforts of Life.  All Hearty Thanks to Him.  May it please God to appear for all that are in Distress, and that are indigent at this Time!

1758 January 17 (Tuesday).  Stormy Still and there having been rain sometimes as well as Snow, the Snow is very compact and close.  Capt. Taplin here to desire me, in Mr. Stones Name, to preach a Special Lecture at Southborough tomorrow.  Billy cyphering.  N.B. The Storm goes over.

1758 January 18 (Wednesday).  I rode on my son Forb.’s Horse to Southborough and preached on Jer. 7.2.  N.B. This a further carrying on the Subject of my printed Discourse: not having preached at Southborough I think, since I delivered that.  I returned at Eve and yet it was exceeding bad travelling by reason of the Snow.

1758 January 19 (Thursday).  Rode to Grafton to See an Horse of Mr. Nat. Flagg.  Dined at Mr. Hutchinsons.  Visited DuGas, the French mans Family.  And Mr. Hutchinson and I visited Mr. Prentice.  Mr. Flagg (being Sent for) brought his Horse, and Charles Brigham Esq. came with a Mare of his to be sold.  Supped at Winchesters and returned home.  N.B. visit widow Grout and Mr. Jonathan Fay.

 

1758 January 20 (Friday).  This important Day for Studying was greatly interrupted by both Mrs. Tainters who came to make Cake and Biskitt for my Wife.  Deacon Tainter and his Daughter Warrin here at Evening.  Their Kindness and service very acceptable had this been at another Time.  Judge Ward was also here.

1758 January 21 (Saturday).  At Eve came Dr. Gott and William Wood from Brookfield who bring me Letters from my Son Ebenezer who tells me he has received the Money which was sent by Joseph Gilbert; that he has bargained for the Gilbert place and received a Deed of it.  I was greatly perplexed about my preparations and obliged to give up my attempts on the 2d Sermon.  Went to bed in much sorrow and Grief under So unsupportable a Burden.  Was grievously exercised in my Sleep — especially in a Dream of the assaults of Satan.  N.B. My Wife in great pain.

1758 January 22 (Sunday).  Another Snow storm, and Cold.  Read part of Ch. 26 of 1 Chron.  Preached on Rom. 8.28.  Those words especially — The Called according to His purpose.  P.M. read Luk. 14 and preached on 2 Pet. 2.4 of Evil Angels.  Used the sermon on Ps. 2.6 in the Discourses of the Government of Christ begun on Isa. 9.6.  O that God would pardon my great Defects, and accept and Bless my broken and imperfect Endeavours!

1758 January 23 (Monday).  Snow storm continues — a very difficult and distressing Time about Hay.  Finished the Earl of Orrery’s Life of Dean Swift.  Capt. Wood here at Eve and Supps with me.  N.B. Took some View of the Moons Eclipse, in my Telescope.  I would magnifie the Works of God which men behold!  Cold Night.

1758 January 24 (Tuesday).  Mr. Zebulun Rice works here, laying the West part of my Kitchin Chamber Floor.  Mr. Robert Cook here with a Confession.  They both dined here.  At Night Mr. Rice took his Brother Forb.’s Horse home — for I have kept him now a Fortnight.  My wife still greatly exercised with Pains.

1758 January 25 (Wednesday).  Billy left us to go to Brookfield.  He rode up Mr. Forb.’s Horse.  His Company were Thomas Hardy and William Wood.  We had the sorrowful Tidings of the Death of Mrs. Margaret Miller, wife of Ensign James Miller.  She was heretofore the Wife of Mr. Nehemiah How of Grafton, who was carried away Captive from the great Meadows.  Her maiden Name was Willard, Daughter of Capt. Benjamin Willard.  A Woman of many Vertues.  Her Death is not only a great Loss to me and mine, but to all the Place.  May the god of all Grace Sanctifie it to me and mine, to the bereaved Ensign (who is under great Infirmitys by the Palsey) and to all the Relatives and Neighborhood!  Mr. Oliver Carter from Leominster dined here.  He wants Copys of Several Papers, brought into our Council, viz. Number 9 and 14.

1758 January 26 (Thursday).  [No entry.]

1758 January 27 (Friday).  I have been daily engaged in my preparations for the Sabbath and with some Success.  D.G.  I dined early and walked to Capt. Wood and rode with him in his Slay to Ensign Millers, to the Sorrowful Funeral of his Wife.  May God Sanctifie to us these His holy Dispensations that all Survivers may be in a suitable Readiness for His Sacred Will.  Received a Letter from Robert Cook.

1758 January 28 (Saturday).  Have heard from Boston that my dear Friends there are variously exercised.  My eldest Brother Still in a low Condition.  My Brother Samuel has marryed his Daughter Elizabeth to Mr. Job Bradford, Mariner.  P.M. Esq. Charles Brigham here with his mare — but a Bargain is still postpon’d.  My wife much exercised with pain and greatly distressed.

1758 January 29 (Sunday).  Read 1 Chron. 27 and p.m. Luk. 15.  Preached a. and p.m. on Rom. 8.28.  O that we might be truely apprehensive of the distinguishing Favor and Privilege of the External Call!  And may we be obedient to it!  Above all the Dispensers of Gods Word are under peculiar Obligations to conform thereto them Selves.  May God grant me the Grace that I may!  N.B. On drawing near the Time of Travel desired Prayers.  Granny Maynard dined with us — and was here at Evening and lodged here.  Robert Cook here at noon and delivers me another paper.  At Eve stopped the Church and read it to them — he being present.

1758 January 30 (Monday).  Mrs. Maynard here through out the Day and lodges here, Mrs. P________ being in much Pain and Distress.  P.M. Mr. Eleazar Whitney comes with a Whirrey and carrys me to Deacon Tainters where a Number of the Brethren Meet with Robert Cook to confer with him about his Confession.  There were present Deacon Forb. and his Son Daniel, Mr. Nathaniel Whitney, Lt. Jonas Brigham, Messrs. Samuel and David Hardy, Mr. Solomon Woods, Mr. David Maynard, Mr. Eleazar Whitney, besides Deacon Tainter and his son; Mr. William Pierce was also there.  Cook was Seemingly very earnest in asking Forgiveness yet when some particulars were mentioned he had always reserves and alleviations.  When I came home, Mrs. Maynard here, Capt. Wood and his Wife and Deacon Bond here; my Wife in great pain and yet not near her Delivery.

1758 January 31 (Tuesday).  Mrs. Maynard carryed away by Mr. Moses Brigham.  A Cold Day especially p.m.  At Eve Mr. Daniel Forb. and Mr. Solomon Woods here to ask my advice about a Case which they put; not suffering me to know either person or particulars.  My Wife full of pain, but not so much of travail pains — as of other kind.

1758 February 1 (Wednesday).  My Wife has had so very ill a Night I was up with her till one — got up again between 3 and 4 to wait on Mrs. Maynard who then returned from Mrs. Hitty Brigham.  It was the more tedious to me as it was So Severe a Season.  But we would Humbly put our Trust in God.  I returned to my Bed about 4 and rose at Sunrise — my Wife being Still in much the Same kind of pains, but they are both more smart and She is much more worn out and dispirited by means of them.  But Mrs. Maynard being here.  She (the Granny) will have some women brought to her help.  Accordingly Capt. Wood kindly brings his Wife; the widow Newton also being requested, comes.  They dine here.  And there is no great Difference with my Wife all Day.  We are waiting for thy Salvation, O Lord!  Women go home again at night except Mrs. Maynard.

1758 February 2 (Thursday).  Mrs. Maynard returns home by the Help of Capt. Wood and his Slay; but comes back again at Eve.  My Wife was so comfortable that with her Consent I went to the private meeting at Deacon Bonds and preached on Ps. 51.11.  When I came home at Eve Capt. Wood and Neighbour Pratt had gathered women together there being hopeful prospect that all would soon be over.  But throughout the whole Night there was nothing further.  The Company were (besides Granny Maynard) Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Anna and Abigail Rice, widow Newton, Mrs. Pratt, Mrs. Hammond, Mrs. Beeton and Widow Thankful Rogers.  N.B. Esq. Charles Brigham here with his Mare.  I offer him sixty pounds, half to be paid the first of next September and the rest, this Day twelve month (without Interest).

1758 February 3 (Friday).  The women still with us without Effect: except Mrs. Rogers, who went away: and Capt. Wood brought his Wife: and then went with a message to Dr. Crosby for Advice and Medicines.  But yet no Effect nor success as to Travail Pains.  After Supper several women went home, viz. Mrs. Beeton — Capt. Wood carryed home his wife and widow Newton.  The rest tarryed.  Inexpressible Distraction in my studys, in the middst of so much Company; together with the Difficultys of the Storm.

1758 February 4 (Saturday).  The Company chiefly goes off early in the morning, my Wife remaining as She was.  At 9 or 10 a.m. Mrs. Maynard also rides home in Mr. Nurse’s Whirry: Mrs. Hammond only stays and helps us, and dines with us.  A variety of other Company Succeed the other.  Messrs. Ebenezer and Aaron Nurse; Mr. Hammond, Mr. Beeton, who mends my broken Key gratis — etc.  Deacon Tainter and Esq. Brigham with his Mare again — who goes away desiring still further Time to Consider my offers.

1758 February 5 (Sunday).  Mrs. Maynard having Returned last Eve and lodged here, is with us over the Sabbath.  My Wife so distressed with Pain desires continuance of publick Prayers for her.  Omitted public Reading a. and p.m.  Preached a.m. on Rom. 8.28.  P.M. delivered part of Sermon on Rev. 22.16 — the Bright and Morning Star.  Mrs. Hannah Maynard dined here.  After meeting Dr. Crosby (having been desired) came in to see my Wife.  In the Eve Mr. Edwards Whipple came to bring Some Medicines from the Doctor.  Mrs. Maynard Still lodges here.

1758 February 6 (Monday).  An exceeding Cold Season.  Mrs. Maynard with us.  My Wife’s Pains dont leave her.  At Eve my son Ebenezer and his Wife came to us from Brookfield.

1758 February 7 (Tuesday).  My Wife Still lingering.  Mrs. Maynard goes home.  P.M. Mrs. Harrington here.  Her Conversation Serious and spiritual.  At Eve came Deacon Tainter, his wife and Daughter in Law.  They Supped here.

1758 February 8 (Wednesday).  The Weather is much more moderate and pleasant.  But my poor Wife in great Pain and Distress.  P.M. She thinks greater than ever.  She seems almost discouraged: they are Still of Cramp kind.  But at Eve especially they were extremely great.  She knows not what to do with her Self, her anguishes so great.  Mrs. Whitney and Mrs. Abigail Forb. (my Neighbour Zebuluns Wife) here.[1]  In the Eve Capt. Fay.  I was in deep Concern for my dear Wife whose sufferings are inexpressible.  We prayed with some Fervency, resigning the sorrowfull Case to our most mercifull, Covenant God in Jesus Christ our Lord.  N.B. she told me a while after that her pains were altered, and She had Travail Pains upon her.  About midnight I sent Thomas for Mrs. Maynard again and a few Nighest Neighbours.  Mrs. Newton, Beeton, two Rice’s, Mrs. Baker, there being good Road to them.

[1]Zubulon Rice mar. Abigail Forbes, Jan. 7, 1737.   Parkman used her maiden name.

1758 February 9 (Thursday).  Time of prayer.  About forty minutes after two o’Clock a large fat Child was born!  Glory to God who appeared for her Help!  She is now in a comfortable State as is the Child also.  May we never forget the divine Benefits!  Inst. after Day all the women went off Home; except Mrs. Maynard and my Daughter Elizabeth who is happily here with us.  In the morning Exercise, we read Ps. 116 and Sung part of 139, v. 14 etc. in Tate and Brady’s version.  Mrs. Maynard went home a.m., my son Thomas waiting upon her with Capt. Woods Horse.  We had also Benefit by a Colt which Ebenezer rode from Brookfield.  At Eve Mr. Hammond brought our Nurse, Miss Martha Dunlop.