Category: Diary

1760 October 19 (Sunday).  In much Weakness of Mind, and difficulty with my own Heart.  I poorly undertake and go through the Services of the Day.  Read Job 38 to v. 22, 2 Cor. 2.  Preached all Day upon Ps. 1.2.  And earnestly beg the Grace that I may learn and practise the Art of Divine Meditation.

1760 October 20 (Monday).  It was my Design to have got in my Corn last Thursday, but Deacon Tainter and Capt. Wood advised to let it alone till this Day; I therefore did so.  To Day Mr. Tainter brought a Load of Wood and brought in the Corn from the Island, being 4 Load.  Capt. Wood and Mr. Zebulun Rice came in the afternoon and help’d in Cutting it up etc.  At Eve came Mr. Grout with his young Horse for me to ride to Ministers Meeting.

1760 October 21 (Tuesday).  I rode to Stow, to Ministers Meeting.  I Stopped at Mr. Smiths, who is not well enough to go.  Master Fessenden came there, to me, and was my Company from Marlborough.  I Supposed he was going with Design to be examined — but I said nothing to him about it to Day.  There were but few at Mr. Gardners.  Mr. Loring (who went home at Eve), Mr. Davis and Mr. Mellen.  I prayed before the Concio; which was by Mr. Gardner on 2 Kings 13.20.

1760 October 22 (Wednesday).  Mr. Loring returned to the Association and Mr. Smith came.  Mr. Fessenden was backward about Examination, but at length asked to be.  He was [also?] interrogated concerning his Joining with the Church — he said he had with Mr. Martyns.  (It was last Lords Day.)  He (at Mr. Mellens motion) construed some Verses in the Greek Testament.  Mr. Gardner enquired what Books he had read, in Divinity.  He answered Willards Body, part of Charnock’s works — etc. etc.  He delivered a large Confession of his Faith.  Mr. Loring asked him whether he did really and uprightly believe thus, and whether these Should be the Subjects of his Preaching?  He answered yes, he did design thus.  He also was desired by me to let the Association See something of his Ability in sermonizing and he produced a sermon on [blank] and read the principal Heads of it.  Upon these Examinations he was approbated.  The public Lecture was by Mr. Davis on Prov. 4.23.  P.M. I rode to Concord.  Visited Mrs. Bliss — her Husband was gone to Boston.  She herself had been sick.  My Business being chiefly with Master Minot and therefore I put up there.  Supped at the Doctors.  N.B. They have News that Mrs. Monis dyed last night.  I was requested to abbreviate an Inscription for the Grave-stone of the late excellent Mrs. Minot.

1760 October 23 (Thursday).  Mr. Minot prepares a Quit Claim for Capt. Adams to sign of his Right to what he sold to Mr. Jon Parks late of Pomfret.  I also left with him 50/ old Tenor for Capt. Daniel Taylor of Townshend, with a Letter to him.  I then hastened to Marlborough.  Dined at Mr. Smiths, and preached his Lecture (as he had requested yesterday).  My Text was 2 Cor. 10.4.  Arrived safely at Home in the Evening.  To God be Glory!  Mr. Fessenden here.  N.B. I received yesterday his Promise to preach for me next Lords Day; but he told me a Man had been with him to desire him to preach at the North End because Mr. Martyn was gone to Cambridge to the Funeral of Mrs. Monis, and would not return to preach himself but the people would be without, if Mr. Fessenden should not go.  I therefore consented to his going there; and engaged him to preach for me the Lords Day following.

1760 October 24 (Friday).  Was at Squire Bakers.  N.B. his son had swapped away the Mare he had of me, but the Squire represented the Affair of my Trading with his son as if I had sold her to his Son as a good Saddle Horse, whereas they found her to be fit for no mans Use: And that many Neighbours had known that She was used to bad Tricks.  But I answered that his son had been made acquainted with what she was; and that I was not to blame in it; that I wished also that his son had not done any thing about her.  For She had for Some Time done very well with us as to the Saddle — My wife, Daughters and little Boys being well able to manage her with out Trouble or Difficulty.  Bought and Paid for a stuff Gown of Mr. Hill, 7 yards at 14/ old Tenor per yard.  P.M. Mrs. Hill to visit my wife.  Evening Mr. Ebenezer Chamberlin.  Alexander and Breck go to Deacon Bonds to Husking.

1760 October 25 (Saturday).  Mr. Daniel Forb. dines here.  N.B. He brings a News Paper in which is advertized a blue Great Coat with Velvet Cape, lent about last Election time and Supposed to be left at some Friends House; which it is desired may be returned to the owner.  This I suppose is Mr. Eliots and which he supposed he had lent to me — the Evening after I had preached for him — but I know nothing in the World of it.  P.M. Mr. Fessenden here going over to the North End to preach there tomorrow.  N.B. In private Conversation (Since in his late Examination the Ministers omitted it) I asked him whether he could uprightly and sincerely Declare that as far as he knew himself he had reason to hope his End and Aim in undertaking to preach was not Carnal, but the Glory of God and to promote the Salvation of Men.  He answered affirmatively.

1760 October 26 (Sunday).  Dr. Ball, late in the morning, called at the Door, to desire me to visit Neighbour Seth Morse’s Child, which he thought would dye before Noon or to come when meeting was over.  I had no Horse; and it was too late; I went not.  Read Job 38 from v. 22 and 2 Cor. 3.  Preached a.m. on Ps. 1.2, latter part.  P.M. repeated parts of Several Sermons on the Humiliation and Exaltation of Christ from Rev. 1.18 from page 139 to 152 omitting pages 141, 2, 3, 4, and then from page 153 to page 159, omitting what is inserted in the Bottoms of pages 154, 5, 6, 7.  N.B. One Mr. Everton of Douglass, dined here: as did Mrs. Eunice Cook (Wife of Mr. Cornelius Cook) of Wrentham; who desires She may be dismissed to the Church where She lives; which was done this afternoon.  N.B. Mr. Thomas Twitchell had neglected to come to me, either last Week or the Week before with his Relation; and had omitted it to Day.  And his Admission had been deferred one Sabbath already; neither could it be put off without great Inconvenience any longer; Therefore at noon I Sent for him — he came — I was obliged to take from his Mouth a few principal Things, and recollecting as well as I could what had passed in the Several Times of his Examination, I wrote something for him, which was his Relation to the Church.  He and Joseph Grout, Mrs. Sarah Grout and Miss Rebecca Hardy were admitted into the Church.  I also baptized a Child of Mr. Elijah Rice’s.  Appointed the Communion and preparatory Lecture.  After all these Services walked on foot to Mr. Morse’s to See their Child, which I prayed with — and then rode home to my Family Exercises.  May God pardon my Defects, accept of my Endeavors, and add His Blessing to the Means of Grace for Jesus Sake!

1760 October 27 (Monday).  My Sons thrash Rye.  Mr. Abraham Beemans Wife here to be examined.  At Eve visit Mr. Williams who is ill of a Fever.

1760 October 28 (Tuesday).  Was engaged Strictly in preparing a Sermon for Shrewsbury Fast.  Mrs. Eunice Cook here in the Evening with her sister Hardy, received her Dismission.

1760 October 29 (Wednesday).  Fast at Shrewsbury.  I rode up on Mr. Pratts Mare and which got away from me at Eve — So that I was obliged to ride down a Creature of Mrs. Cushings — and Samuel Willard (Son of Mr. Daniel Willard) rode with me home, to carry back the Horse I rode upon, and he lodged here.  Mr. Morse Somewhat unexpectedly came to Mrs. Cushings, and he preached in the Forenoon and prayed in the Afternoon.  His Text was 1 Cor. 12 ult.  Mr. Stone prayed before his sermon.  P.M. I preached on Mat. 14.12.  N.B. as I went I was very much Surprized and troubled to See people at Work on Such a Day as this.  Particularly at the Blacksmiths — and Others in Other Business.  These Indecencies I could not but, with some Severe Resentment reprove.  After the Exercises the two Deacons and Mr. Ebenezer Keyes came to us at Mrs. Cushings, thanked us, and requested Directions, if we had any particular to give them other than had been given, in their present Circumstances.  N.B. Mr. Maccarty and his Wife rode by us as we went to Meeting p.m.  And they returned upwards again at Evening without Coming to Meeting.  Besides that they also hindered Mrs. Allen (as I Suppose) from Coming.  For there, I conclude, they went; and Mrs. Allen was absent.  I think it a great Impropriety that people professing Religion, but especially Ministers, Should act in this Manner — So much out of Character; upon Such Occasions as these.

1760 October 30 (Thursday).  Mr. Fessenden was to preach my Lecture if I could get no Body else.  I could get no Body else; but neither could I have any Help from him: for though I wrote to him my Dependence, he made Return that he was not well and had taken physick.  A.M. Went to Neighbour Morse’s, whose Child is dead.  Visited Mr. Elijah Rice’s Wife; who has been delivered and yet lives, and has some liveliness.  I preached on Ps. 119.77, using Sermon on Prov. 3.17 from p. 13 to 21.  The more, probably, at Meeting, from Expectation of Mr. Fessenden.  N.B. Mr. Ebenezer Chamberlin brought me a Barrell and half of Cyder and a Bushel Bagg of Apples.  Also a Bag from Mr. Belknap.

1760 October 31 (Friday).  Attended upon the Burying of Neighbour Seth Morse’s Child.  While I was gone, Coll. Buckminster and his Wife here from Brookfield.  N.B. Mr. Fessenden here and tarrys to Night.  N.B. My wife made me a gown of Plad and striped Stuff — 7 yards of Each.  The plad from Boston, 22/6 per yard — the Stuff from Mr. Hills, 14/ per yard.  The whole, £12.15.8 Old Tenor.  N.B. A Quarter of Beef from Seth Miller, @ 1/6 per pound.  Weighed 117 Pound.

1760 November 1 (Saturday).  Master Fessenden here with us not well.  His two Brothers here in their Journey to Rutland.  I visit Mrs. Rolf at her Desire, to see her little Boy who has an extraordinary Swelling upon his Head.  Master Fessenden dines here.  Deacon Tainter brings Wood and a Barrel of Cyder.

1760 November 2 (Sunday).  Read Job 39, 2 Cor. 4.  Preached on Song 6 ult.  Administered the Lords Supper.  Mrs. Dolly Rice dined here.  P.M. Text Rev. 1.18.  N.B. Used all I prepared in the forenoon, though as many pages as ordinarily might serve for two Exercises; but it could not be divided.  But Chiefly, I had many Services last week, and relyed upon Mr. Fessenden to preach, but by his illness was unable to.  The Lord accept of my (as I hope) Sincere Endeavors!

1760 November 3 (Monday).  Mr. Daniel Forb. works for me, in underpining my House — and gives it.  I Catechized a. and p.m. at the Meeting House.  P.M. Mr. Martyn comes to desire me to preach for him next Sabbath, if Mr. Fessenden for me.

1760 November 4 (Tuesday).  Mr. Daniel Forbush underpining a.m.  N.B. I visit Mr. Nathan Maynards Child which is sick.  P.M. preach at Mrs. Grouts on 2 Cor. 4.16 to p. 15.  Was obliged to borrow an Horse at Capt. Woods.  Returned with him:  N.B. his wife having been confined some time, and chid me smartly for not visiting her, I tarried a little while the forepart of the Evening.

1760 November 5 (Wednesday).  Walked to Deacon Tainters.  Breakfast there.  N.B. A famous Training at Capt. Stephen Sadlers at Upton.  N.B. Young Mrs. Tainter shews me a Dream which so impressed her that She had writ it out: and wanted my Judgment of it.  I visited Abner Warrin.  When I returned home, received a 2d Letter from Mr. Hutchinson.  P.M. Persis Rice comes from Abner Warrins, to assist my wife in making a Plad Gown out of one I had left off.  At Night Daniel Forb. junior depending on it that I had seen Abner Whipple whom he had got to Come from Marlborough to testifie in the behalf of Said Daniel and against Jonathan How but though Abner had been here yet I had not seen him, for I was from Home.

1760 November 6 (Thursday).  Cousen Maynard dined here with us.  P.M. Mr. Ol. Carter from Leominster.  He has agreed with Mr. Fessenden for 3 Days preaching; and wants me to go one of them to administer the Sacrament but I refuse.  Dr. Wilson of Hopkinton visits me.  But I was forced to leave him to go to the Catechetical Exercise to Young Women.  30 attended.  Preached to them from Rom. 5.12, from page 9th to p. 16.  N.B. Rhoda, Sarah and Hezekiah, Children of Ensign Jeduthun Fay, came here after Catechizing and want to be baptized.  I kindly treated, and instructed them.  N.B. Moses Wheelock comes to the shop.

1760 November 7 (Friday).  Mr. Parker came to have me send some Body to thrash with him.  Mrs. P__________ p.m. walked to Mr. Hill’s and visited Several Neighbours.  A Thing Somewhat unusual for her to do.  At Eve Mr. Fessenden and Deacon Tainter.

1760 November 8 (Saturday).  This Day completes the 36th Year of Gods Patience with this Church; and with Me, Since my Ordination, To which I was this Day too inadvertent, even until Evening — though some Time ago I thought of it, and marked it in my Almanack that I might the better remember it.  But now at Evening I desire to be deeply humbled and take Shame to myself for my great Negligence and unprofitableness — which O that God would in His infinite Mercy Pardon and forgive through the Blood of Jesus Christ!  And O that I might be quickened and Sanctifyed by His good Spirit of Grace, and made useful and Serviceable while I remain — and finally, Save my own Soul and them that hear me!  N.B. Mr. Joseph Bowman here.  Carrys two Deeds of Mr. Lulls (viz. of Mr. Jonathan Parks to Lull) to Cambridge to be recorded.

1760 November 9 (Sunday).  The Day was very uncomfortable, rainy and stormy, yet to gratifie Mr. Martyn I rode over to the North End.  Stopped at Young Mr. Martyns and accepted of their Invitation to breakfast with them though I had taken something at Home.  I preached a. and p.m. on Mat. 16.24.  Took young Mr. Martyn to Dinner with me at his Fathers.  His Father, Mother and Brother (Richard) being all gone to Cambridge.  After exercises was well refreshed at his House again.  I returned home at Evening.  Mr. Fessenden had preached for me.  A.M. on [blank], p.m. on Mat. 5.4.  He lodges here.

1760 November 10 (Monday).  I was greatly oppressed with my heavy and many Burdens and Cares.  Sometimes almost overwhelmed.  From the abundance of my Heart, my Mouth overflowed at Table, when at Dinner.  May God be Pleased to forgive what was displeasing to Him and help me by His almighty Grace!  P.M. Mr. Silas Warrin of Grafton brings me 52 pounds of Cheese, for which I am to give him 2/6 old tenor per pound.  I finished Mr. Clarks Vindication of Summer Morning Conversation.  N.B. Alexander thrashes Rye with Mr. Parker at the old Barn.

1760 November 11 (Tuesday).  So he does to Day.  Breck thrashes at home both Yesterday and to Day.  I Sent for Deacon Tainters old Stallion, upon his Offer to ride him and use him for his keeping.  I rode up to Mr. Phinehas Hardys and dined there, in my way to Mr. Elijah Rice’s, whose wife I visit in her very low Condition; but expresses her self as a good Christian, with a good Hope through Grace, and gives her Testimony to Religion.  I prayed with her, and took Solemn Leave of her.  Visit at Moses Warrins, Samuel Hardys and old Mr. Samuel Fays.  At Eve Mr. Daniel Forb. points part of the Underpinning in my Cellar.  Mr. Benjamin Tainter one Load of Wood to Day.  N.B. I have heard of the great unkindness and Injustice (as I conceive) of a certain Neighbour of mine, in trying to Discourage Mr. William Torrey in buying my old Place, by greatly disparaging it.  This was my principal Parishioner.  May God convince him, and forgive him!

1760 November 12 (Wednesday).  Wrote to my Brother Parkman of the Disaster of the Looking-Glass and to desire him to send me another Barrell of Flower.  Sorrowful Tidings of the Death of Miss Nabby Winter!  May God Sanctify it to the Distressed Parents, and to my dear Sarah, who is much wounded by this grievous Stroke!  Mr. Forb. from Brookfield with his Neece Hannah.  They, and her sister Rebecca, dine with us.  P.M. he visits his own Father.  N.B. Breck helps Mr. Parker Winnow.  I receive 8 Bushell of Rye (Spring Rye) for my part.  Alexander winnows at home.

1760 November 13 (Thursday).  Mr. Forb. comes from his Fathers, and goes his Journey to Cambridge and Boston — carrys his neece with him.  Went over to t’other House, and Mr. Parker and I divided the Hay in the Bays.  I went to Mr. Seth Rice’s to See his aged Mother.  Considering her long Confinement and great Infirmitys, I talked with her about a Sermon to her.  She was glad to hear it and did much Desire it.  I proposed it to Mr. Rice, but (poor man!) his answer was that he Should not concurr in it.  However, he said he would not oppose it.  Therefore his Mother, his Wife and I agreed to have an Exercise there, if providence permitt.  I visited at Mr. Phinehas Maynard’s and at Mr. Adonijah Rice’s.  The Man not at home.  The woman exceeding full of Complaints — especially of her Poverty.  She Read me a Paper of her writing one Lords Day.  When I came home heard the News of Mr. Cooks, of Sudbury, Death.  Alas!  How frequently these Breaches occurr!  May I take the Solemn Warning and Stand ready!

1760 November 14 (Friday).  My Son Baldwin, from Boston here — is going home with Quantitys of Goods in two Carts — being about to Set up Trading.  I have Deacon Tainters Horse here, but to day does Nothing.

1760 November 15 (Saturday).  Deacon Tainter brought Wood — but I dont know upon what foot.  Deacons Horse goes home.

1760 November 16 (Sunday).  Read Job 40, 2 Cor. 5.  Preached on Ps. 1.2, latter part.  P.M. on 2 Cor. 5.15, last Clause.  After Some Introduction I used Sermon on Rev. 1.18 from p. 169 to 176, with a loose Paper in p. 173.  Mrs. Sarah Smith, Widow, dined here.

1760 November 17 (Monday).  Had many Thoughts of going to Sudbury, to Mr. Cooks Funeral, but It is far down upon the Road to Boston, whither I ought to go if I had Money — but am not furnished; neither have I any Horse.  There are many Ministers nigher (I Suppose 15).  I am not sent for, So that it can’t be a Disappointment nor is there need of Me.  However, it proves too difficult Weather, Snow storm, for me to turn out and therefore I must discharge what Duty I can at Home.  Roger Bruce here at Daniel Forb.’s Desire to give me Opportunity to discourse with him about the Affair of Jonathan How, who, as they affirm had Spread an Evil Report of the Said Forbushs Wife, when She was Persis Crosby.

1760 November 18 (Tuesday).  Mrs. Rice (Elijah’s Wife) Sends for me.  They think She will not continue.  I rode on Neighbour Newtons Beast there.  Found her very low — but willing, and Choosing to die.  Prayed with her — and again took leave.  Mr. Moses Warrin asked me [to] dine there, which I did — and he rode with me home.  N.B. On Consideration of the Cause of Religion I would not send my first Draught of an Answer to Mr. Hutchinsons Second Letter.  I wrote a meek, moderate one.

1760 November 19 (Wednesday).  Mr. Joseph Baker puts his Horse into my sleigh, and drives to Mr. Martyns to visit aged Mr. Monis, who is newly come up from Cambridge to live there.  I dined there.  In returning at Eve called at Capt. Maynards and Mr. Parkers.  This Eve Mr. Forb. brought my good sister Barrett, from Cambridge here.

1760 November 20 (Thursday).  I visited and prayed with Abner Warrin.  Mr. Forb. preached for me a Lecture to Young people, and particularly to the young Society.  His Text Prov. 4.7.  N.B. Mr. Fessenden dined here.  Mr. Forb. and Sister Barret left us after Lecture and go on their Journey.

1760 November 21 (Friday).  Breck begins to learn Latin again.  P.M. Mrs. Rhoda Fay and At Eve her Brother Hezekiah to be examined.  N.B. I now take Deacon Tainters stallion.

1760 November 22 (Saturday).  Mrs. P__________ more apprehensive that her Time is near.  Mr. Elijah Rice comes with the heavy Tidings that his Wife is Dead –that She dyed yesterday about an Hour before Sun Setting — in her Senses, in Faith and Calmness.  May We dye as the righteous!  In order to which May we live as they!