Category: Diary

1758 September 9 (Saturday).  Thomas waits upon our Cousen Brigham and her son, to her Father Brighams at Marlborough.  Mr. John Mead here, with divers interruptions and Vanitys.  N.B. We this morning finished Dr. Dodridge’s IIId Volume of Family Expositor.

1758 September 10 (Sunday).  So many and distracting the avocations of the last Week, I could make but one sermon, taking the Pains with it as my Desire and my Custom of writing is.  Nor do I know how to alter it.  Read 2 Chron. 22, Joh. 10.  Preached a.m. on Song 5.1.  Admitted Hannah (wife on Ebenezer) Miller into the Church.  Administered the Lord’s Supper.  The Deacons wives, and Mrs. Hitty Rice (wife of Lt. Eliezer) dined here.  P.M. repeated the last part of sermon on Eph. 3.10.  Read proclamation for Thanksgiving.  N.B. in the forenoon, having forgot Mrs. Millers Relation and the Covenant I took my Hatt, while the Congregation were singing, came home and got them and returned before they had done.  Yet I sat ‘em but 2 staves.  N.B. My Frame of Heart was much too dull and insensible at first, and my preparation too Slighty; yet it Pleased God (as I hope) to quicken me.  Thanks and praise to Him!  Whilst I need to be deeply humbled before Him for my great Defects, which the Lord pardon!

1758 September 11 (Monday).  Began Dr. Dodridge’s 4th volume of Family Expositor.  Which may God accompany with His Special Blessing!  Esquire Tyler of Mendon here.  I wrote to Capt. Maynard in the Army.  Deacon Tainter dines here.  Alexander begins to cutt stalks.  Cornet Sherman and Mr. Aaron Hardy are come back from Visiting their sons at the Lake.

1758 September 12 (Tuesday).  Received two Letters from Billy, one of Aug. 25, the other of the 28th.  Several Women from Hopkinton make a visit here to Day, to my sad Interruption.  They are Mrs. Crossman, widow Nicols and Mrs. Gibbs.  George Crossman also here, who has lately returned from the Lake, and Saw Billy well, just before he came away.

1758 September 13 (Wednesday).  Deacon Tainter observably carefull to have me supplyed with fresh meat, etc.

1758 September 14 (Thursday).  Day of public Prayer and Thanksgiving on Account of the Reduction of Cape Briton and its Dependencies; and the present Critical State of our publick Affairs relating to the War.  I preached on those words in Ps. 2.11 — rejoice with Trembling.  Was not successfull in any of my Invitations or Endeavours to have Strangers or Widows dine with us.  Mr. Ebenezer Rice, his wife and divers Children ill.

1758 September 15 (Friday).  Visit Mr. E. Rice.  N.B. a great Addition to his Trouble is Mr. Thomas Frosts Cattle break in upon the Apples and Rowing.  I went to him, and he promised to take effectual Care of them.  P.M. Coll. Timothy Brigham was here and desires me to go with him to Mr. James Maynards on the Difficult Affair of the Difference between John and his wife but I did not think it wise to go.  He returned at Night here, to me, Supped with me, and gave me Some Account of his Discourse with John: and what he (himself) proposed to do if John did not come to See him.  P.M. Capt. Daniel Barns of Marlborough here in his Journey to Cornet Sherman who has been to the Lake lately (as aforesaid), Capt. Barns having two Sons in the Service.  In the Evening Charles Brigham Esq. here, and I paid him 50£ old Tenor for the Mare I bought of him Feb. 20th and gave him a Note of 26/8 L.M.  which was the remainder.  N.B. I have Striven a great deal to get help in ploughing, mowing, rowing etc. but in Vain.  Went to Mr. Williams’s this Evening to get help there, but in Vain.  So it has pleased the Sovereign God.

1758 September 16 (Saturday).  Jejun. and Prec.  I perceived Some Company were come to See us.  But I did not dare to go down to them lest the work of this important Day Should be obstructed.  I afterwards perceived that they were Mrs. My wife’s Kinswomen, the widow Brigham and Miss Betty Gott.  Abel Chase junior here at Evening with a Letter from Mr. Welman etc. desiring a Council.

1758 September 17 (Sunday).  Mr. Martyn preached here on 2 Cor. 3.13-16.  I for him on Joh. 14.[ blot] a. and p.m.  We, both of us, returned at Eve.  N.B. Capt. Bezaleal Eager delivered me a Letter from Mr. Bellamy with a packet — containing [three Greek words], which I had lent him.

1758 September 18 (Monday).  I Sent by Mr. Ephraim Bruce, to Lt. Rice and to Billy in the army.  Mr. Bruce goes to bring home Jonas Bradish.  I visited the Hows at each House — and other where.  P.M. I went [southward?] to raise a Team to plough the Field behind the Meeting House.  Was at Monsieur LeBlanc’s, and at Joseph Bruce’s.  Towards Eve I rode to Marlborough to See General Amhirst’s Army of 4500 — they had pitched their Tents some Time before I got there; but I went to them and walked among them.  Lodged at Mr. Smith’s, as did Mr. Buckminster.  Likewise two field Officers, viz. Coll. Townshend (Son of L. Viscount Townshend) and Major Richardson.  Heard the Sorrowfull News of the Death of Mr. Porter of Sherbourn and that he is to be buryed to Day.

1758 September 19 (Tuesday).  We rose extreme early, waked by the Officers waiters.  Mr. Smith, Buckminster and I, walked to the Camp before the Day broke: tarryed and saw them Striking their Tents and Marching.  They were Rangers, advanced Guard of Royal Scotts, Royal, [Lascells?], Fraziers, and Webbs Regiments.  Broke fast at Mr. Smiths.  Mr. Humphrey of Poquaog came likewise.  I returned home, and gave my Horse to Thomas and Sarah who rode up the Road to See the Army, as they march to Worcester.  I walked to Mr. Joslins to Catechizing — had a Number of Young Men and Young Women attending — great and Small 35.  At the Request of the more adult, and of the people of the House we sung.  It was part of Ps. 34.11-16.  Rode home on Mr. Joslyns Horse.  Visited Father Bradish going and returning.

1758 September 20 (Wednesday).  Mr. Jonah Warrin with a Yoke of Oxen, Abiel Chamberlin Sent by Mr. Tainter with 2 Yoke of Oxen, with Mr. Ebenezer Rice’s Oxen ploughed my Field at the back of the Meeting House.  Capt. Wood helped a.m.  John and Mary Melanchon (French persons from Lancaster) dined here.

1758 September 21 (Thursday).  Mr. Warrin and Chamberlin with like Team as yesterday ploughed again.  I rode to the South — dined at Mr. Martyn Pratts.  Visit Mrs. Dunlop, the Twitchells — Bowmans.  N.B. had further Discourse with Lydia — now Mrs. Matthis, in order to her making a profession.

1758 September 22 (Friday).  Mr. Gardner of Stow here, returning from Windham.  P.M. attended the buryal of Mr. Ebenezer Maynards Child, Joel.  Mr. Francis Whipple and his Wife here after the Funeral.  Ensign Harrington having driven up two Heiffers of mine to his son Samuels at New Braintry, in the Spring, now brought ‘em back to me, charging nothing for his Pains in either.  Asked 20/ old tenor for his son.  N.B. Mr. Edwards Whipple brought me two Books, of Edwards on the Doctrine of Original Sin from Mr. Kneeland printer in Boston.

1758 September 23 (Saturday).  P.M. Seth Woods and [Reuben?] Bellows gave me a Short lift in mowing Rowing.

1758 September 24 (Sunday).  Read 2 Chron. 23, Joh. 11.  Preached on Eph. 4.1 a.m. and p.m. repeated with Some Additions and Alterations Sermon on Coloss. 1.7 on Occasion of the much lamented Death of the Rev. Mr. Samuel Porter of Sherbourn; which may God Sanctifie to our Saving Good!

1758 September 25 (Monday).  Seth Woods and Reuben Bellows worked for me; mowing Bushes and a little Rowing.  Read Edwards on Original Sin.

1758 September 26 (Tuesday).  Seth Woods and Reuben Bellows on the Bushes and old Mr. Dunlop thrashing Rye.  Much troubled with Cattle etc. breaking into my Corn at the Island.  At Eve Thomas Eustis, Carpenter at Capt. Allens, here.

1758 September 27 (Wednesday).  Seth Woods and Reuben Bellows (who lodged here last night) on the Bushes still.  At Times I am on the Life of Czar Peter Vol. 3.

1758 September 28 (Thursday).  Mr. Francis Whipple and his wife having Some time ago invited and engaged us to visit poor languishing Silas Knowlton, Son of Mr. Abraham Knowlton, my Wife and I rode there to Day.  Visit Several Familys upon the way — dine at Mr. Knowltons — return at Eve.  Found Mrs. Lydia Mathews, lately Lydia Bowman, here on Examination and lodges with us.

1758 September 29 (Friday).  Whilst I was closely engaged in my preparations came my Kinsman and Friend Mr. Joshua Winter, with his Wife, whom I greatly rejoiced to see so restored again after her deep illness and Weakness.

1758 September 30 (Saturday).  It was not a little difficult to attend to my Studys when there is Company in the House, yet, Mr. Winter repeatedly entreating he might be no interruption to me, I applyed my Self diligently to my Work.

1758 October 1 (Sunday).  Read 2 Chron. 24 and John 12.  Preached a. and p.m. on Eph. 4.1.  May a gracious God enable us to conform to these Instructions and admonitions!  Mr. Winter and his Wife kept Sabbath with us.

1758 October 2 (Monday).  My Kinsfolks ride up to Capt. Allens in Shrewsbury, and my Wife and I wait upon them there.  After dinner at Capt. Allens Mr. Winter and [sic] rode up to Mr. Cushings.  We all returned here at Evening.

1758 October 3 (Tuesday).  I rode to Sutton Council on Mr. Welmans Affair with his Brethren.  Mr. Winter and his Wife return to Boston.  Deacons Tainter and Bond accompany me to Mr. Welmans, where we dined.  Besides all the Pastors and Delegates, who were all there this session, Mr. Maccarty, who was moderator of the Church Meeting just after the last Council, was there.  P.M. went to the Meeting House; the withdrawing Brethren as well as the Standing part of the Church, there.  Lodged at Mr. Welmans.

1758 October 4 (Wednesday).  Matters are very difficult — a.m. labouring with the contending Partys.  As Mr. Wellman Shew’d what he had done towards Pacification and exhibited a Paper of Offers which he had made to them So they in their Turn exhibit proposals — but they are rejected by the other Side.  P.M. Mr. Welman produces his Grievances etc.  And we go into the Hearing, and at his House (to which we were adjourned in the Evening).  I lodged at Mr. Welmans.  All is dark and Sad.

1758 October 5 (Thursday).  Nothing can be darker and more sad — the Partys extremely stiff and resolute against one another.  Mr. Welman and his Brethren urging that we do what we came for, and give them a Result: the aggrieved making Offers of a mutual Council, which if rejected, tis thought probable many of the precinct will hear him no more.  Thus we have things when we first meet one another in sadness this morning.  Our Hearts aking, our Eyes often to Heaven for the divine Compassion.  When we were also recollecting what God had done Sometimes heretofore; and to Support our Spirits observing that it was darkest just before morning — Ensign Goddard and Mr. Daniel Greenwood came with new Proposals and Offers (Perhaps Some of the withdrawing Partys late extraordinary Conduct, being likely to be Severely animadverted upon, might be a Stimulus) in which they are willing to bear the intire Charge of a mutual Council if they may have one.  Mr. W. and Ensign Barnard etc. will agree to having a mutual Council, if this Council may be one half, the aggrieved Brethren adding as many Churches hereto, and if they will bear half the Charge of this Council and of that proposed.  We ripen this Scheme, and it proves Successful thus far.  N.B. Rev. Messrs. Hall, Maccarty, John Brown, and Phipps dine with us.  I at night rode to my Kinsman Trasks to See his aged mother Fuller: and lodged there.

1758 October 6 (Friday).  Letters missive were drawn (from an original of my draughting) and Signed by the Partys respectively.  Then the Council was adjourned to Tuesday the 7th Day of November next a.m. and to the House of Mr. Samuel Buck junior.  N.B. Mr. Dorr and his son, Mr. Smith of Marlborough and Mr. Johnson of Mendon, and I, dined at Mr. Hutchinsons in Grafton.  When I came home find Sophy and Hannah have the Fever and Ague.  Silas Rice (son of Lt. Eliezer) is come from the Camp and brought a Letter of Sept. 19 from my son William.

1758 October 7 (Saturday).  Do my utmost to prepare one Sermon though I can no more for the approching Sabbath.  My temporal Affairs must Shift as they can.

1758 October 8 (Sunday).  Read 2 Chron. 25 and Joh. 13.  Repeated a.m. on Rom. 10.4.  Preached p.m. on Rom. 12.2.  Sang a.m. on Ps. 80.15-19.  Gave the Church in the hearing of the Assembly, some Account of Sutton Affairs.  Appointed a Lecture to young men to be next Thursday, 2 p.m.

1758 October 9 (Monday).  Mr. Ephraim Bruce returned last eve, from the Lake, with Jonas Bradish.  Brings me a Letter from Billy of Sept. 28.  And one from Mr. (who writes himself) Forbes, of Sept. 8 and another from him of Sept. 25.  N.B. Mr. Daniel Hardy comes here with fresh Claim of part of the Land, Lt. Ward took up for me in the Swamp to the North East.  N.B. Mr. Putnam of Pomfret, going down to See his Father at North Reading, who is Sick, calls (in the Rain) and takes a Lodging here.  He appears a Serious, modest, agreeable Gentleman.

1758 October 10 (Tuesday).  Mr. Putnam, though it Rains, pursues his Journey.

1758 October 11 (Wednesday).  Rode to Mr. Ephraim Bruce to Enquire of Affairs at the Camp.  There I saw Jonas Bradish and I design’d a visit to Mrs. Adams, but found her at Bruce’s.  N.B. Mr. Benoni Shurtleff is going to the Camp, for Capt. Aaron Fay who is an Invalid.  I wrote by him to Billy and Sent him a Dollar.  P.M. Mr. Joseph Miles of Shrewsbury here; he being in a very gloomy State.  His Wife is with him.  They have News that their Father, old Deacon Miles of Concord is dead.  May not only Relatives, but all survivors make a right use of Such a Providence!  My little Hannah, having the Fever and Ague, turns Yellow also.  Sophy also grows worse.

1758 October 12 (Thursday).  After Dinner but before Lecture came Mrs. Martyn to see us.  After Lecture her Daughter in Law, and Grandson Edward came but neither of them went to Lecture.  It was to young people from Mat. 6.5.  N.B. repeated an Exposition with Alterations and Additions.  N.B. But few people at Meeting.  Am grieved at it.

1758 October 13 (Friday).  My son Samuel taken ill, with vomiting and Shaking — soon after is better and runs about again.