Category: Diary

1760 July 6 (Sunday).  Was obliged to exert my Self in my preparation.  But though I was much concerned, I was greatly assisted and Succeeded both in Public and private.  I would praise God for His undeserved Goodness, but desire to be humbled for my own great Defects — for as many avocations as I had last week, yet a great deal of the Time which I had, might have been improved much better.  May God forgive me and make me sensible of the worth of Precious Time!  Though Time may not be spent Viciously, and though it may profitably, yet there are different kinds and Degrees of Profit.  Read Job 27 and 1 Cor. 11.  Preached a. and p.m. on Joh. 3.19.  Old Mrs. Phillips dined here.  A worthy, Serious Woman!

1760 July 7 (Monday).  Silas Frost mows by the Garden.  P.M. Young Mrs. Baker and her sisters, Miss Lavinia and Molly make a Visit here and 4 or 5 more young persons for the Sake of the Currants.  I kept as close as I could to my Study.  Miss Betty Johnson Still here.

1760 July 8 (Tuesday).  Coll. Weeks here and dined with us.  Tells me Deacon Forb. is at Upton and very ill.  An exceeding hot Day.  At Eve the Marriage of James Bowman junior and Mary Gashit.  My Sons got in part of the Hay in the Lot by the Garden.  Miss Betty leaves us in the Morning and I pay her for her work; and 2/ old Tenor over.

1760 July 9 (Wednesday).  Silas Frost works here.  He mows the West Pasture and behind the Meeting House and a while at the Island.  I visited at Mr. Solomon Bakers; but he had carryed his lame Leg to the Doctors so that I missed of him, though his wife was at home, and she Shewed me what She had prepared by way of Relation.  The Boys get in more Hay.  Mr. Hezekiah How came, with his son Daniel and a Team, for a Barrell of Cyder, which I let him have only upon Condition that he will let me have as good an one this time twelve Month with as good new Barrell as this.

1760 July 10 (Thursday).  Silas Frost mowed Baulks at the Island — p.m. in Bent Meadow.  Catechetical Exercise.  33 Young Women present.  I discoursed to them from Rom. 5.12.  One of Deacon Forb. Grand Children informed me that he was So low as to keep his Bed, and it was feared he would not go abroad again.  I therefore rode at Evening there.  Found the Deacon much better and sitting up, and could walk about — nay he went out abroad (in the Day) and would have gone to Meeting but they restrained him.  I lodged at Mr. Fisk’s — with Dr. [Dean?].

1760 July 11 (Friday).  Returned home a.m.  My sons have Mr. Williams’ Team.  And get in the Hay West of the Meeting House, and on the back of it.  Mr. Jonathan Cook here and wants to have his Child baptized.  Refer him to Mr. Martyn — the way not being wholly clear without a Certificat from him.  P.M. Mrs. Sarah Grout here to discourse with me in order to joining with the Church.  Can do very little in my Study.

1760 July 12 (Saturday).  Full of perplexity about my Hay, at the Island and Bent Meadow.  Am obliged to go about among the Neighbours for a Team — to Mr. Zebulun Rice, Capt. Wood, Neighbour Barny, Mr. Nurse, and Mr. Williams — at last, have Mr. Nathan Maynards Cart, Mr. Williams oxen, [Neighbour Aaron?] Nurse to do the work: but not in person, Nathan Kenny actually goes and Mr. Nurse hoes for him.  My Sheep missing, and add New Trouble.

1760 July 13 (Sunday).  Read Job 28 and 1 Cor. XII.  Preached a.m. on [Joh.?] 3.18, latter part.  P.M. Was obliged to repeat sermon on 2 Cor. 3.18, adding an Address to the young men who are going out to War.  N.B. Dr. Crosbie dined here.

1760 July 14 (Monday).  In Some affliction by reason of our little Flock of Sheep Straying away.  They have been gone some Days, and we can’t hear of them.  P.M. I undertook my Journey to Commencement about 3 p.m. by reason of the great Heat.  Called at Mr. Stones, who was gone — at Mr. Bridge’s — neither was he at home: and his Wife not well, so that I saw neither of them.  I rode this Evening as far as Capt. Samuel Baldwins by 9 o’Clock and (designing to stir Early, went not to Mr. Wood[wards?]) but lodged there.

1760 July 15 (Tuesday).  Rose Early, and (Mr. Nichols of Brookfield with me to Watertown) I rode to Boston.  Breakfasted at Dr. Wheats.  Visited at the North End a.m.  Dined at Brother Samuels.  Mr. William Winter p.m. sent my mare to the Cunningham Pasture at the bottom of the Common.  Paid a Visit to Coll. Hanfield where was Coll. Leonard Jarvis, who constrained me to visit at his House, his Lady being under Indispositions — they treated me with much Civility.  Supped at Brothers with Capt. Bradford and his wife:  but lodged at my Kinsman Winters, who make me very Welcome — and it suits me well, because my Brother Samuels House has So many to lodge there.

1760 July 16 (Wednesday).  Rose early; took Horse; and with Mr. Maccarty from Roxbury, rode to Cambridge.  Put up at Master Fessendens.  Attended the publick Exercises a. and p.m.  Dined in the Hall.  At Sir Lowels, Dunbars and Livermore’s Chambers — At Master Monis’s — and Mr. Marrits — where I supped with Mr. Martyn and his wife, and their Sister Witt of Marlborough.  Lodged at Sister Barretts.  N.B. She is in a weak, feeble State yet — and her Case called for my Compassion and Charity.

1760 July 17 (Thursday).  I rose Early.  Master Fessenden and I broke fast at Dr. Wrights — with his wife.  The Doctor is gone to Sea in the King George.  Rode to Watertown to Lt. Whitneys, where I was kindly entertained.  N.B. Mr. Nathaniel Harringtons Wife buryed to Day.  Was with him to Condole his great Loss.  N.B. Bowman from College, Deacon Tainter, and Jacob Rice ride with me in Company to Coll. Buckminsters where we were all refreshed (on Free Cost).  I had a Comfortable Journey home, and found all in peace.  D.G.  N.B. My Sheep, which had strayed, had come to home in safety.  But Except Alexanders Lameness by running a Nail into his Foot.  And Mr. Moses Twitchell had not come to work as he had engaged, neither Yesterday nor to Day; to my great Disappointment.  Mr. Joseph Chaddock had sent a Letter of Smart Dunning for Thomas’s Debt to him, which Capt. Rolf had promised to discharge.

1760 July 18 (Friday).  P.M. Mr. Wellman of Sutton here.  Tells me he designs Next week to ask a Dismission from his people.  N.B. My Alexander much out of Health, and can do very little.

1760 July 19 (Saturday).  [No entry.]

1760 July 20 (Sunday).  Read Job 29 and 1 Cor. 13.  Preached on 2 Cor. 3.18.  P.M. Job 3.19.  Stopped the Church on the Affair of Mr. Samuel Fay junior and they voted to send a Committee to him — that they be 3 and that Brother Whitney, Daniel Forbush and Chamberlin be the Persons — their Errand being This, viz. to see what has made him withdraw from his Duty as he had done.

1760 July 21 (Monday).  Mr. Moses Twitchell came to work for me.  He mowes my Newton Meadow.  Capt. Maynard here p.m. with a Quarter of Veal, etc.

1760 July 22 (Tuesday).  The Committee here in the morning, they having been to Mr. Fays — and brought me their Report.  Mr. Twitchell works.  Mr. Hezekiah Pratt with his Team carts in to my Barn two load of Meadow Hay.  At night Mr. Foster of Berwick — Supps here but returns back to his Sister Twitchell.

1760 July 23 (Wednesday).  My Lecture at 10 a.m. preached by Mr. Stone from Joh. 6.[5?].  Stopped the Church to hear the Report of the Committee from Mr. Fay.  It was read.  In the Debates of the Church upon the Case N.B. Squire Baker was of Opinion that all his faultiness which was before his Coming to the Communion must be obliterated, that is, although he has been faulty heretofore, yet if the Church have admitted him to Communion Since, that Cancells it.  This was easily answered.  Brother Batherick was for proceeding, and admitting the man to privilege upon these Reasons brought by the Committee.  Brother Moses Warrin was on the other Hand.  Finally Vote to Suspend this Affair for a While farther.  N.B. I wanted to return home because Mr. Stone had brought his Wife and the Widow of [blank] Prince late of Boston deceased.  And they dined here.  Mr. Fessenden p.m.  Mr. Twitchell worked here.  At Deacon Tainters Motion a Number of Hands came and cutt down my Field of Rye, back of the Meeting House.  A Sett before Meeting and another sett after.  They were Deacon Tainter, his son and servant, Mr. Daniel Forb., Thomas Twitchell, and Joseph Harrington, also Lieutenant Harrington — these before meeting.  P.M. were Joseph Harrington, Tainters young man, viz. John Ball, Noah Hardy, Adam Rice, John Wood and a Young man with him.  A great Kindness, we treated them as well as I could.  May God reward them!

1760 July 24 (Thursday).  Mr. Twitchell mowes and Alex with him, the last that I pretend to get, of Meadow Hay.  Mrs. Philips here, and in some Spiritual Trouble.

1760 July 25 (Friday).  Foggy morning.  Mr. Twitchell came, but not till between 10 and 11 a.m.  He and the Boys are getting up the Hay.  He works an Hour and half in the Night in binding Rye.  Mr. Solomon Baker here with his Relation.  Mrs. Biglow, wife of Cornelius junior here, about her joining to the Church.

1760 July 26 (Saturday).  Mr. Twitchell works till towards Noon in getting in Rye.  Silas Frost came to hoe, without my Sending for or expecting him, and when we could not attend to plough for him.  He therefore offers to return home and I consent.

1760 July 27 (Sunday).  Read Job 30 and 1 Cor. 14 to v. 20.  Preached on Song 6.12.  Administered the Sacrament after admitting Mr. Solomon Baker and his wife into the Church.  Mr. Nevers of Hollis, dines here.  P.M. Miss Betty Gott from Springfield, at Meeting.  I Preached on [blank].

1760 July 28 (Monday).  I prepare to Send by Capt. Rolf, to Albany, for Thomme’s Wages.  Squire Baker takes the Acknowledgment of the Power of Attorney.  Silas Frost hoes for me; the Boys with him in Hilling.  I read Mr. Samuel Moody against Mr. Bellamy.  Visit at Mr. Warrins; and was at Deacon Bonds for Rye.

1760 July 29 (Tuesday).  Read Bellamy against Moody.  P.M. Mrs. Maynard and her Sister Betty — the latter tarrys over night.  At Eve I was faint and sick — cast — and being unloaded, am more easy — but weak.  Letter from Mr. Barrett to preach on Thursday.

1760 July 30 (Wednesday).  Have had but poor Sleep, yet rise early and Somewhat Comfortable.  D.G.  I undertake to go to Southborough and my Wife rides in the Chair with me (drawn by Capt. Woods Horse: N.B. Mr. Daniel Adams has my Mare to go to Boston).  We dine at Mr. Stones.  Mrs. Prince there.  I preached the Lecture there, on Eph. 1.7.  Very few at meeting.  Rain, after great Drought.  We return at Eve.  God was graciously pleased to carry me through — though I was but too dull and lifeless — but He is able to give success to weakest Means.  O that I might have Redemption through that precious Blood!  N.B. Mrs. Maynard goes to Marlborough in her Chair.  Miss Betty goes with her; and my Suse rides her Horse with them.

1760 July 31 (Thursday).  I ride my mare, newly come from Boston, to Hopkinton to preach Mr. Barretts Lecture.  When I came there, Mr. Loring unexpected by Mr. Barret, was before me.  I freely resigned to him.  Mr. Stone came also, at my Request lest I Should not be able to preach; or carry on the whole Exercise.  We all dined there.  Mrs. Barret much wrot down with the Gravel.  Mr. Loring preached on Joh. 16.7.  I returned at Eve.  N.B. the Church Meeting at Hopkinton about Deacon Benjamin Burnap; to see whether they will receive his Acknowledgment or no.

1760 August 1 (Friday).  My sons have got through their Hilling.  We have sowed two Bushels of Rye in that Field which we Call the Cook Field.  N.B. Messrs. Kidder and Tainter, from Sutton here and acquaint me how their Affairs go — that Mr. Welman has asked the Church to dismiss him: and that the Church, taking in the 13 who were Delinquents, have voted his Dismission.  And these men inform me that he can preach for me next Sabbath — or when it will best suit me.  I answer that it will be best on the 17th Day of this Month.  Mrs. Maynard and Suse return from Marlborough.

1760 August 2 (Saturday).  Was much troubled with faintness — and have been So at times ever since the Eve after the 29th last.

1760 August 3 (Sunday).  Read Job 31 and 1 Cor. 14 from v. 21.  Preached a.m. on Mat. 5.14 to page 6, for I Spent my Self in what I prepared on Dan. 5.25 p.m.  Which may God Succeed to me as well as Mine for Christs Sake!  O that when weighed I may not be found Wanting!  Master Bowman dined here.  N.B. Propounded the Desire of Sarah Biglow, wife of Cornelius Biglow junior to join in full Communion.

1760 August 4 (Monday).  Daniel Forbush junior here.  I direct him to be reconciled to Jonathan How.

1760 August 5 (Tuesday).  Though it was Showery I walked over to t’other House, to See the Hay Mr. Parker has got in.  He tells me that except a few Cocks lately got in, he finished haying, tomorrow will be a fortnight Since.  P.M. I preached at Squire Bakers, on Heb. 6.7 to page 10.  N.B. my Wife rode with me; and we were agreeably entertained after the Exercise.

1760 August 6 (Wednesday).  Dined at Mr. Moses Brighams.  P.M. at 4 of the Shrewsbury Houses above us, who chiefly attend with us.

1760 August 7 (Thursday).  Sorrowfull Tidings wound my Ears, nor less my Heart, that Brother Cushing of Shrewsbury is dead — dy’d suddenly in his Field gathering up Rye.  May God Sanctifie the awful Breach!  O that God would remember his bereaved Handmaid — the Children — but especially the Flock!  Which now it may be feared, will fall into various Divisions.  But may the great Shepherd guide and restrain and provide for them!

1760 August 8 (Friday).  Nathan Kenny got in my spring Rye, and dined here.

1760 August 9 (Saturday).  Favored with Mr. A. Nurse’s help in mending my old Chair, and with one of Neighbour Moses Nurse’s Horses my wife and I rode to the Funeral of Mr. Cushing.  We dined there.  I was urged by So many to undertake somewhat by way of Character of him, that I did it, though in a broken manner.  The Corps were carryed into the Meeting House, and Prayer was made by Mr. Loring.  He was the first Pall-bearer.  I walked with him: Mr. Martyn and Mr. Stone next.  Mr. Smith and Mr. Morse the other.  The under-bearers were Serjeant Taylor and Mr. Edward Goddard, and the two Deacons, Miles and Knowlton.  Coll. Ward and two more of the Church, as a Committee waited on the Bearers, to desire us to preach to ‘em in our turns — Mr. Swan being agreed with to supply our Pulpits.  Mr. Loring indeed could not consent for tomorrow, it being their Communion.  I could not because of my intended Journey on Monday Morning.  Mr. Stone offers to stay, and Mr. Swan goes to Southborough.  The Next sabbath is for Mr. Loring and the Next to that for Me.  I took sorrowful Leave.  May God Himself grant Support and Directions as the Day requires!  Called a little at Capt. Allens.  N.B. no less than Ten men and women from Worcester there.