Category: Diary

1761 May 17 (Sunday).  Read Ps. 17 and Eph. 2.  Preached a.m. on Rom. 13.13.  P.M. on Mat. 12.33.34.35.  Deacon Miles and his Sister Miles (Josephs wife) dined with us.  P.M. Mrs. Allen, her sons and Negro Boy here.  There being no preacher at Shrewsbury.

1761 May 18 (Monday).  I had Mr. Beetons Horse and Visited Mr. Moses Parkers Wife and prayed with the Family.  My wife and I dined (by invitation) at Mr. Hills on spare Rib.  N.B. old Capt. Clark of Framinghams Wife Dead.

1761 May 19 (Tuesday).  I finished my Convention Sermon a.m. if Such a Thing may be said to be finished, which needs continual Alterations.

1761 May 20 (Wednesday).  Alexander attempts Somewhat of Shearing.  P.M. Mr. Artemas Bruce finishes.  I rode on his mare to See the Widow Whitney and Mr. Ebenezer Miller, both of them Languishing.  N.B. Mrs. Maynard Sends John for her Aunt, who goes to her Groaning.

1761 May 21 (Thursday).  Mrs. Maynard has a Son.  Rev. Ebenezer Martyn of No. 4 here.

1761 May 22 (Friday).  Town Meet to choose a Representative.  Capt. Eager chose.  Send to Mr. Martyn to change next Sabbath and at Night have his Consent by a note from him.  Mr. Ithamar Bellows brought me 20£ old Tenor.  Brother Breck waits upon Mr. Williams, from Springfield hither.  They lodge here.

1761 May 23 (Saturday).  Mr. Williams leaves us for Boston.  Mr. Breck goes to Marlborough and Returns here before night.  N.B. Mr. Martyn having Sent me a Line last Eve that he consented to my proposal to Change next sabbath, I Sent Alexander to him with a Line to inform him that Mr. Breck was here etc.  But that I would rather go over and preach for him than that he Should be disappointed.  He sent me a Line which shewed him, though quite unreasonably, vexed.  For I dont know at what.

1761 May 24 (Sunday).  Read Ps. 10 to v. 27 and Eph. 3.  Mr. Breck a.m. on Luk. 13.24.  P.M. on Mat. 5.47, what do ye more than others.

1761 May 25 (Monday).  Mr. Breck and I set out for Boston.  I visited Mr. Joseph Joslin who is very bad and it is doubtfull whether I shall ever See him again.  Prayed with him before I left him.  Refreshed me at Mr. Stones.  Overtook Mr. Breck at Coll. Buckminsters about noon.  We rode together to Boston.  I went to Mr. Procters at the Alms House and prayed with the members in the Hall.  Put up at Brother Samuels and lodged there.

1761 May 26 (Tuesday).  A.M. Visited my Brother and other Relatives at the North End: and dined at my Brothers.  Visited Mrs. Breck in her Widowhood.  P.M. was at Capt. Storer’s Funeral.  Lodged at Brother Samuel’s.

1761 May 27 (Wednesday).  Mr. Benjamin Stevens preached on 2 Cor. 3.17, latter part.  Governor Barnard not well; and was not at Meeting.  Dined with the Lt. Governor and Council etc. in Concert Hall.  After which I repaired with the Ministers to Dr. Sewals.  Dr. Sewal Moderator of the Convention.  Mr. Williams of Longmeadow prayed.  Mr. Mather chose scribe and to preach next Year.  Mr. Lowel Second.  Visit Mr. Foxcroft.  My Evening at Cousen Winters where I lodged.

1761 May 28 (Thursday).  My Concern about to days Service was great but not distressing or especially overwhelming.  I early committed the whole Affair to God imploring Remission of my Great Offences former and later.  Fervently besought the gracious Presence of the Spirit of God to purge and purifie me, especially to deliver me from the sinful Fear of Man and raise up in me the true Fear of God; and to Save me from Seeking my own Glory; to help me to seek sincerely the Glory of God and to Enable me to aim At the Approbation of the most High rather than human Applause.  O might I have the Grace of holy Faith and humble but firm Trust in God who is able to Carry me through.  Thus I cryed to God most high, to God that performeth all Things for me: And Said, What Time I am afraid I will trust in Thee!  The Convention were late by reason of preparing Addresses, particularly to the King and to the Governor.  It was almost half after 11 when we went to Meeting.  Through divine Favor I had good presence of mind.  Preached on 2 Cor. 5.14, former part, For the Love of Christ constraineth us.  Preached just an Hour.  Dined at Dr. Sewals.  My Friend Mr. Edmund Quincy there.  The Contribution was £139.18.0 Old Tenor.  P.M. at the Convention I was appointed one of the Committee to wait on the Governor with the Address.  The Others were Dr. Sewal, Chauncy, Mayhew, Messrs. Barnard, Appleton, Storer, Bridge, Stevens and [blank].  The Governor received us very agreeably, and returned an Obliging answer.  At Eve at Mr. Mathers.  Lodged at Cousen Winters.

1761 May 29 (Friday).  At the North End a.m.  Dined with Dr. Mayhew.  Undertook my Journey p.m.  Rode to Mr. Nathaniel Williams at Weston and lodged there

1761 May 30 (Saturday).  Pursue my Journey.  On my Way heard Mr. Joseph Joslin is dead and buryed.  Arrived Safe and home about 1 o’Clock p.m.  Alexander went home with Mr. Abraham Temple of Grafton’s Horse, which I had rid to Boston.  Whilst I was gone Alexander and Breck mowed Bushes at the Island.  On the 27th Brother Champney and his wife came here late in the Night, lodged here, and on the 28th went to Brookfield.

1761 May 31 (Sunday).  Read Ps. 18 from v. 27 and Eph. 4.  Repeated sermon on Gal. 1.15.16.  When it pleased God to reveal His son in me.  May God grant His almighty Grace to us; and that we may have the Comfortable Evidence of it!  At Eve read Religious History of Miss Alice Prince.

1764 June 14 (Thursday).  My Wife went to Southborough — to Mr. Stones and Capt. Wards.  I held a Catechetical Exercise — began at Qu. 47; what is forbidden in the 1st Commandment?  Begin next time at Qu. 51, what is forbidden in the 2d Commandment?  But 19 Young Women attended.  N.B. There was a shower just about 3 o’Clock, the Time of Going.

1764 June 15 (Friday).  In the Morning I visited Mrs. Hills.  I Spake with much plainness to her, for She seems to be too insensible.  Prayed with her.  Was deeply concerned about the Circumstances of my Neighbour Nurse.  He is absent; but his mother acquaints me with the writ served upon him for a large Sum of Money by Mr. Wilkes of [Middleton?], by which She and the rest are in great affliction.  My wife went to Mr. Mich. Martyns Shop.

1764 June 18 (Monday).  Visited at Capt. Jonathan Fays, two of his Children being sick — prayed there.  Thence to Mr. Phinehas Hardys, his wife languishing — prayed there — drank Tea there also.  Mr. Hicks desired me to go in and see his wife, which I did.  Mr. Hutchinson from Concord came in — I asked him to pray, which he did.  Mr. Art. Bruce and Richard Barns junior hoed with John — had Mr. Nurse’s Horse.

1764 June 16 (Saturday).  Mr. Hutchinson going to Concord, calls here in his New Chair.  Deacon Tainter kills a Calf for me.

1764 June 17 (Sunday).  Read Prov. 10.16.  Preached on v. 20, 21.  P.M. read Mat. 19.  Preached on Ch. 16.13-16.  My son Ebenezer and his wife were dismissed to the Church in Brookfield of which Mr. Forbes is Pastor.  And appointed next Lords Day for Contribution to the relief of Mr. Jason Badcock.

1764 June 19 (Tuesday).  Richard helps John again — Mr. Ebenezer Maynards Horse.  I went to Ministers Meeting at Marlborough.  The Lord bless such Seasons to me!  But alas!  How dull was I, especially at the Time of Concio — to my Grief and Shame.  The Lord forgive!  When I return home my wife tells me old Mrs. Prentice, and her Daughters Cushing and Curtis were here to Day: and with them Rev. Mr. Ezra Weld and his Wife.

1764 June 20 (Wednesday).  Was very much indisposed and could not go over to Capt. Maynards about our Affair.  Wrote to him to come here.  For Bruce was here in great Warmth against both Beeton and Captain and afraid lest Beeton Should buy and enter into Possession of the House.  Mr. Fessenden came.  Mr. Bowman at Eve.  N.B. Richard worked till Dinner.

1764 June 21 (Thursday).  Capt. Maynard came and told me that by reason of Bruce’s settness and stiffness against Beeton he was wholly unable to go on with his Bargain with him; and was likely to miss of the Benefit of his Money.  Captain came to complete our Business.  My Part was in Readiness; but he wants I Should trie to perswade Bruce to condescend to let Beeton at least set up his shop at the Corner of the Garden — he was also in great Haste so that we once more defer — viz. till next Monday.  Mr. Beeton here.  I ask the Reason why he was not willing to buy the Place of me as well [torn] Capt. Maynard?  He answers that he heard that I did not want to Sell my Place to him.  I told him it was true, and that I did not want to Sell it to any but such as had like Taste for what I had done there, as I had etc. etc.  Mr. Bruce came to desire me to renew our Agreement, which I did — by signing and Sealing as before.  Beeton and Bruce upon the Affair of Beetons living in the House this Summer and the Winter ensuing.  Coll. Buckminster and his Lady here and dined with us.  They returned to Framingham.

1764 June 23 (Saturday).  Mr. Fessenden goes again to Dunstable.  Messrs. Hall and Hutchinson returning from a Fast at Concord, dined here.  N.B. John brought me 16£ old Tenor from Mr. Batherick.  Neighbour Moses Nurse here about Some of his Difficultys.

1764 June 24 (Sunday).  Read a.m. Prov. 11.  Preached on Jer. 8.6, mid Clause.  Mrs. Maynard dined here.  P.M. read Mat. 20.  Preached on Prov. XI.24.25.  Had a Contribution for Mr. Jason Badcock.

1764 June 25 (Monday).  Visit Mrs. Hills and pray with her.  Lydia David works here.  P.M. Capt. Maynard and I finished our Affair.  My wife and I signed the Deed of my old place to him, and he Signed Six Notes of Hand to me, of three hundred thirty three pounds, six shillings and Eight pence Lawful money; Including First, £13.6.8, the price of the Meadow, which he gives me Deed of: Secondly, he is to give me up my Note of Hand to his wife of 6£ 13.4, so that the first Note is of 40£ to be paid Sept. 1 next; this is the first payment — the Second Note is of £60, to be paid Apr. 2, 1765.  The third of 60£ Apr. 2, 1766 with Interest for one Year.  The Fourth for 60£ to be paid Apr. 2, 1767, with Interest for two Years, the fifth of 60£ to be paid 1768 with Interest for three Years.  The Sixth for £33.6.8 to be paid Apr. 2, 1769, with Interest for four Years.  A memorandum was also signed by us and witnessed, that the respective partys agreed that the writings Should bear Date from Apr. 2 last.  Samuel Taylor and Silas Hill were witnesses.  Mr. Beeton was present; and I told both Capt. Maynard and Mr. Beeton that I should reserve a certain large pine in the Hill and Timber for a Corn Barn.  Thus have I disposed of my Place and House; and may God forgive what is amiss [torn] but all may be to the divine Glory!  May I have Right to an inheritance incorruptible etc. and a Building of God an House not made with Hands, Eternal in the Heavens!

1764 June 26 (Tuesday).  Deacon Tainter here and assisted in counting the Contribution.  There was of Silver £15.19.10.2, of Copper £8.7.6.  In all £24.7.4.2 old Tenor — which may God accept and bless!  N.B. John Kelly is here again for what he Claims as due to him on my Son Thomas’s Account.  Mr. Sumner came to see me.  Mr. Sherman of Woburn only called at the Door — his wife and Brother in Company and Lady in the Chaise.

1764 June 27 (Wednesday).  Having visited Mrs. Hills, Went with Mr. Bowman to the Funeral of old Mrs. Green — and thence to Mr. Martyns Lecture.  I prayed and Mr. Bowman preached.  Text [blank].  N.B. at Dinner there, were Miss Mary Bradish, Mrs. Polly Holyoke, and a Number more of Young Ladys from Marlborough.  Miss Patty Smith etc. etc.  Mr. Martyn presented me a Valuable Wigg which was Mr. Monis’s.  A Storm of Thunder and Rain hastened us home.

1764 June 28 (Thursday).  Jonas Kenny mowes the Garden Walks.  Mrs. Martyn and her son Richard, Miss Polly Holyoke, Miss Patty Smith, Suse Low, Polly Williams made us a Visit.  Mrs. Maynard also made us a Visit to day and brought o’ Foot her little Robert Breck.  Master Ebenezer Goss likewise here.  All the former dined.  All of them drank Tea here.  Mrs. Martyn brought the above mentioned Wigg.  N.B. Mr. Eleazer Pratts wife very ill.  I was sent for and went to her — find her somewhat more in Darkness than in time past: yet trusting in the Lord.

1764 June 29 (Friday).  Reading a Valuable MS. of old Mr. Oxenbridge — his plea for the Dumb Indians.  Visit Mrs. Hill.  She rides out in an Horse-Litter — and lives through it.  Visit and pray with her.  They talk (but it seems idle) of undertaking a Journey with her tomorrow.

1764 June 30 (Saturday).  At Mr. Hills request I went up to see his wife before She Setts out on her Journey to Providence, for, though She can very hardly lift up her head, or Speak, yet She has prevailed with her Husband to undertake in this unaccountable Manner.  I prayed, at his Desire, but she hardly Spake to me.  I suppose I said too much against her irrational attempt.  But they are gone.  Capt. B. Fay and Mr. Wheelock with them.  P.M. we got in a little Hay.  Mr. Stone came.  I went to Southborough.

1764 July 1 (Sunday).  Preached at Southborough a. and p.m. on Heb. 4.9 to p. 26 exclusive.  Was somewhat faint a.m.  Tryed to use a burning Glass p.m.  Mr. Stone for me on Ps. 9.20 a. and p.m.  He returned home; but I tarried and lodged there.  He tells me Mrs. P________ invited Mrs. Andros (who has not been to hear me a great while, but was at Meeting to Day) to dine — but She chose to stay at the Meeting House.

1764 July 2 (Monday).  Mr. Stone and I rode to Capt. Taylors — but he was gone to Roxbury.  We went to see the New House he was building.  I dined at Mr. Stones.  P.M. in returning visit Mrs. Bent, also Mr. Isaac Johnson — his wife Lame — and her sister Miss Ruth Thomas confined by weakness — prayed with them.  Called to see Mr. William Woods family at Mrs. Gales — the widow Adams in Disquietment with me, for what I knew nothing of, viz. her sending to me, some years agoe, and I would not go to her.  Joseph Gambel (she says) was the Messenger.  We made up the matter before we part.  Call at Lt. Bruce’s.  Breck mowed.

1764 July 3 (Tuesday).  Eli Medcalf works here in ashing the Corn.  Breck mowes.  P.M. at Private Meeting at Deacon Tainters preached on Prov. 18.10.

1764 July 4 (Wednesday).  Deacon Tainter came with an Horse and ploug[h]ed my Field and dined with us.  P.M. Capt. Wood, Messrs. Zebulon Rice, Kendal and B. Tainter hoed for me.  At night Miss Mary Bradish; and she lodged here.  Mr. Philemon Stacy, going to market, is stopped here till late in the Night by the storm.  N.B. Mrs. Hills dyed at Upton yesterday.  Several Neighbours of the Hoeers, got in 7 Cocks of Hay.  Lt. Graves of Cold spring here; and his Wife.  Uneasiness with Mr. Forward continues.