Category: Diary

1766 September 19 (Friday).  [No entry.]

1766 September 20 (Saturday).  Mr. Pierce and his son William having worked till noon, we reckoned and the Father having worked 4 1/2 Days and his son 3 1/2 at 18/ — They both go to finishing the wall, gratis this afternoon.  A.M. I went to Mr. Beetons for some Beef.  Visit Mr. Nathan Maynards Wife and prayed there.  Went also to Mr. David Maynards to Speak to him about going with me to Mrs. Andrews, if she would accept a proposal which I purposed to make to her.  To which he consented.  And I desired him to go to Mr. Solomon Baker to go also.  And apprize Squire Whipple that I Should be glad to have him near at Hand, if I should have Occasion for him, to be sworn before him, respecting any thing I had writ, or should assert.  Which he said he would.  The Time I proposed to be next Tuesday 2 p.m.  To these he agreed.  When I came home I prepared a line to Mrs. Andrews, and sent John to her, with it.  Then I rode to Hopkinton and Mr. Barrett came here.

1766 September 21 (Sunday).  I preached at Hopkinton on Rom. 7.9 a. and p.m. and baptized Sarah-Watts, Daughter of Richard Kelly: and Sarah, Daughter of Gilbert Dench.  At Eve I rode to Capt. Clarks to see my Daughter, who grows better (through the Goodness of God), called at Dr. Wilsons, and came home.  Mr. Barrett preached a. and p.m. on Ps. 17.15 and returned at Eve.  Mrs. Tainter, Miss Betty Gott and Miss Peggy Fessenden dined here.

1766 September 22 (Monday).  Mr. John Marrit dined with me.  Wrote to Mrs. P. by Nathan Kenny, who with widow Williams and Jonas Kenny, go to Stafford.  P.M. Mr. Ezekiel Smiths wife here, Examined and approved.

1766 September 23 (Tuesday).  Having received a Line from Mr. Andrews that they consented to my Proposal, Walked to Mr. David Maynard and Mr. Solomon Baker to get them to come to my House, to Meet Mr. Andrews and his wife, and such Brethren as they Should bring.  I went also to Squire Whipple’s, that I might have him either to bear Testimony or take mine, if the Case Should require it.  He said he would be at Mrs. Johnson’s.  Mr. and Mrs. A. came and Capt. Jonas Brigham and Mr. N. Whitney with them.  Also Messrs. Maynard and Baker here: I proposed that Mrs. A. should first exhibit her Complaint, which it seems is very bitter against me: To which I would make Reply: and then the Brethren having heard us, on both sides, they must use their best Endeavours to reconcile us.  Mr. Andrews began.  He attempted the story of the Beginning of their Conversing with me: but sadly mixed Things that occurred some time after — by which mixing, the story was Set in a Strange Light.  Mrs. A. helped it along.  The Complaint seems to be briefly This, that when She first came into the Town, she asked me to let her Communicate, but I would not: and that She desired me to lay her Request before the Church, but I would not.  After a great deal of Jarr and Difficulty by reason of Interruptions, I undertook to deliver a Narrative (about 8 pages) of the very first Visit I made them and what occurred afterward, that it might be seen how Mrs. A. had asked — and what kind of Denial I gave her; and whether I ever gave her the least Ground of Offence.  Although Messrs. Maynard and Baker, I think very hardly Spoke at all, openly or Audibly to us, Capt. Brigham and Mr. Whitney, did abundantly especially the former, as if they were their Advocates, instead of Peace makers between us.  In brief, although on each part we professed to be for Peace, yet we unhappily broke up without Reconcilement to my great Grief and sorrow.  They did indeed desire to throw up all — and they wanted that my papers might be burnt.  But I was not willing to accept of their Offer, unless they would give some sign of their being Sensible of the Wrong they had done me — namely by being so causelessly and so deeply affronted with me, which they have manifested by continual Revilings, Staying at Home, etc.  Capt. Brigham and Mr. Whitney ought not to have come upon this Occasion, because they were Such Men as are excepted against in my Letter of Proposal of this Meeting: for they were men that had so shewn their Judgments before — as witness what was said by both of them with great Zeal, on the 15th at Eve.  Yet I thought I would try them.  Memorandum.  I did not pretend to meddle with the other part of the Case, viz. relating to the Society which she comes from.  It had been well if we could have made up what lay only between us two only.  Capt. B. and Mr. W. would have it that We had both of us been to blame.  I entreated them to tell me wherein I had.  They answered In my calling them Separates.  I replyed, that I was Sufficiently warranted in using that Term, for it was what the Books that were printed about them frequently used, and what they were called in the Letters from the Ministers who had writ about them and what I had my Self found ‘em to be.  Again, in saying at Mr. Andrews’s the Night Mr. C. was there that he was a troublesome man among the Neighbours.  I replyed, that That was (drawn out I might say) upon my Defence (when he boasted so much of his being a very peaceable, quiet Man among us).  And I [ins?]ed in several Things which I had been credibly enough certifyed of.  Briefly, I did not think that these were so blameworthy Articles as to bring me upon a par with them, and to such a Degree as to cut me off from that Christian Satisfaction which was due to me from them.  They would lump and drop all now, without their being in the least sensible that they had done me any Wrong.  And yet I would heartily go as far as can be just in coalescing and comprimising — being very weary of the Contest.  N.B. Mr. A. did not go away near so warm as she did: so that there was more hope of him than of her.  Mr. A. told me Mr. C. was coming up again, would preach at his House, and he hoped I would come and hear him.  I answered that as they were some of his people and they would not put them Selves nor theirs under my Care (for I had about the same time been inviting them to Meeting and to send their Children to Catechizing and they positively refused) it might not be very improper, if he preached anywhere.  (However, I Should be afraid of the Evil Consequence of it among my Neighbours.)

1766 September 24 (Wednesday).  I felt poorly — owing to a Cold I suppose taken last Night Standing abroad with Capt. Brigham.  Yet Visit old Capt. Forbes.  Mr. David Hills on behalf of his Brother Benjamin asks prayer and Visit.

1766 September 25 (Thursday).  Rev. Mr. Bowen of Boston brings Polly Forbes, in the Rain.  I am still poorly, but am refreshed by hearing that Mrs. P. got well to Stafford last Friday.  My Son Ebenezer waited upon her, and tarried there till Monday; but then, leaving her there, returned to Brookfield.  The long Sweep-Pole at the upper Well, broke down.  Mr. B. Tainter supposes that nigh 100 lbs. of Meat was Stole out of his Cellar the night before last.

1766 September 26 (Friday).  Caleb goes to Mr. Nurse’s to get a Well-Sweep, but without Success.  Mr. Simon Tainter of Sutton, and his Wife here.  By them I return to Mr. Welman, his Henry Vol. 1 and to Mr. Taynter I return his Pamphlet relating to turning to the Church of England.  Capt. Clark of Hopkinton was So good as to come to see me; and dined with us.  Mr. Solomon Millers Wife came and brought her Relation.  And because of her Deafness I read over the Church-Covenant to her, loud and into her Ear, so as that She declared before two Witnesses, that She understood it, and freely consented to it.  Deacon Tainter from Boston, brought me 1/8 of hundred of Sugar from Mr. Loyd; and 4 large Oranges from my Son Samuel.  N.B. Deacon again declared that he heard Mrs. Andrews say “I don’t believe that Mr. P. has a spark of Grace in him, for I never could see any.”  Deacon repeated and I wrote the words from his Mouth.  The Occasion of this was, She t’other Night stiffly denyed it.  O how my Heart grieves for this bitter Contention, and Sad Contradiction!

1766 September 27 (Saturday).  Mr. Ezekiel Smith here and Examined.

1766 September 28 (Sunday).  Read Isa. 37.  Preached a. and p.m. on Isa. 54.13.  P.M. read Joh. 7.  Widow Smith and Mrs. Maynard dined here.  Mr. Moore from Shrewsbury at Evening and lodged here.

1766 September 29 (Monday).  Mr. Hardy and Lieut. Hezekiah Ward had agreed to leave their dispute about my 5 acres of Chauncy Swamp to Arbitration of Capt. Ephraim Brigham of Marlborough, Capt. Maynard and Mr. Timothy Warrin.  They all came here.  The first dined here.  They all went and viewed; and considered the Antient Platt etc.  At Eve they drew up their Judgment and signed it — by which the Land was awarded to me, and Mr. Hardy signed as consenting to it.  Mrs. Lydia Brigham, heretofore Green, here, Penitent.  Mr. Silas Biglow returns from the Eastward.

1766 September 30 (Tuesday).  I rode to Grafton to visit Mr. Benjamin Hills in his Languishment.  Dined there; prayed with him.  Visit Solomon Prentice junior who is recovering from his grievous Scald.  Called at Mr. Hutchinsons but he was gone to Ministers Meeting at Mill-river.  N.B. am informed by Mrs. Hutchinson that Messrs. Hutchinson, Conklin and Chaplin with their Delegates formed a Council last week at New Rutland, as Mr. Frinks and his Partys Desire, but that they chiefly advised them to Agree with the Church.  While I was gone Mr. Moore takes Suse and Polly Forbes in a Chaise and goes to Marlborough.  They return at Evening and Mr. Steward with them.  They lodge here.

1766 October 1 (Wednesday).  I got Mr. Wheelocks Chaise and rode to Hopkinton for my Daughter Sarah.  Mr. Stewart and Mr. Moore go with me.  They dine at Mr. Barretts.  I proceeded to Capt. Clarks and dined there.  Made up Accounts there for Sarahs Board at their House a Month.  Besides Several Presents which we both have made them.  But they have been very civil, obliging and genteel.  Mrs. Cotton and Miss Patty Clark, are so good as to ride with us home in another Chair.  So that with the Gentlemen who are our Company, Sarah is decently escorted home.  They all lodged here.  Joseph Joslyn also, with a young Man, whose name in Adams, a Freshman, came here, but went to Mr. Daniel Warrins, to lodge.  Per Jonas Kenny at Eve a Letter of Sept. 25 from Mrs. P. at Stafford.

1766 October 2 (Thursday).  Our Company tarryed and dined.  Here dined with us likewise Mr. Sherman of Bedford.  P.M. They all left us.  N.B. Wrote to Billy and sent it to Cuttings at Waltham for Conveyance.  At Eve Thomas Arnold says he is going to Leominster.  Therefore I write again to Billy; about my preaching there: and concerning my Cattle; and Breck and Samuels Sheep.  When they must be brought home; or what be done with them.  Young Men begin to Meet on Thursday Evenings again.  Very few, only Three, come.

1766 October 3 (Friday).  A.M. Sophy carrys her Neece over to her grand father Forbes’.  Mrs. Jones, Wife of Mr. Elisha Jones of Pittsfield, accidentally calls here — and dines with us.  At Eve I was at Capt. Woods and bought a Deer skin for a Pair of Breeches for John.  Get Mrs. Johnson to make them.  When I came home received a Letter signed Eunice Andrews requesting a Church Meeting to see She may have transient Communion with us.

1766 October 4 (Saturday).  Received a Letter from my Son Ebenezer dated Sept. 29 of his waiting upon his Mother to Stafford etc.  P.M. Mr. David Maynard here.  We conferr on the Present situation of Andrews Affair.  Mrs. Kendal brought home Polly Forbes.

1766 October 5 (Sunday).  Read a.m. Isa. 38.  Preached a third time on Isa. 54.13.  Mr. Onthank of Southborough (Mr. Stone being gone to the Cape) and Miss Betty Gott, dined with us.  Read p.m. John 8 to v. 30.  And by reason of the many Engagements and avocations of last week, was obliged to repeat the Expository Exercise on Mat. 13.31.32.33 and 44.  Propounded Francis Whipple junior and Ezekiel Smith and his Wife.  Stopped the Brethren and read the Letter from Mrs. Andrews dated Oct. 2 and appointed a Church Meeting for that and some other Things which may then be mentioned to them to be, God willing, on next Friday come sen’night.

1766 October 6 (Monday).  Read part of Chrysal Vol. 1.  But my mind is principally engaged upon far more interesting subjects.

1766 October 7 (Tuesday).  A.M. with Lt. Baker — he is anxious about the Event of the Andrews Matter.  I find the uneasiness gains Ground, to my great sorrow.  P.M. Preached at Deacon Tainters on Mat. 25.10, midmost Clause.  Visit and pray with Mrs. Grow.  Deacon Tainter carrys a Letter to Mr. Silas Biglow to preach for me next Lords Day.

1766 October 8 (Wednesday).  Undertook a Journey to Brookfield, provided I dont meet with Mrs. P________ on the way, to wait on her home.  Carryed my grand Daughter Mary Forbes with me (in Lt. Bakers Chair).  Break fast at Mr. Sumners.  Dined at Mr. Conklins.  Called at Mr. Eatons.  Arrived at Mr. Forbes’ about sunset.  My Wife was not come from Stafford — but in a little Time she appeared — was brought by Mr. Rob. Watson in Mr. Forbes’s Chaise.  We lodged at Mr. Forbes’s.  Glory to God for His Preserving and restoring Goodness!  Mrs. P. is, in her apprehension, better for going to the famous Spring.  John went ‘o foot to Townshend for my Cattle.

1766 October 9 (Thursday).  We dined at my Son Parkman’s.  He is badly affected with pains in his Leggs, by which he is much taken off.  What a Flock of Children surround us: they have Seven.  May the Lord command his Blessing on Every one!  And make them rich Blessings in their Generation!  P.M. Visit Mrs. Gilbert: and proceed to Capt. W[ill?].  We lodge at my Son Baldwins.  He flourishes in earthly Emoluments and his Wife is healthier.  May God bless them and theirs, with highest Spiritual Blessings.

1766 October 10 (Friday).  Visit at Mr. Hardys.  We dine at our son Baldwins.  Each of my Children being together, and Dr. Throop entertains us with vocal and instrumental musick after Dinner.  We were at the Potash to see the Melting off.  We again lodge there.

1766 October 11 (Saturday).  We take leave.  Broke fast at Mr. Forbes.  Stopped at Sergeants.  Took a way Bit as we rode — till we got to Mr. Maccartys — where we were well refreshed though it was late for Dinner.  It was dark when we got home.  Mr. Biglow here to preach for me.  Therefore lodges here.

1766 October 12 (Sunday).  Read Isa. 39.  Mr. Biglow a. and p.m.  His Text a.m. Rom. 1.16.  P.M. 1 Cor. 3.11.  May God grant His Blessing on him and us.  Read p.m. Joh. 8 from v. 30 to the End.  Mr. Cushing and Master Joseph Willard dined, were at Tea and Supper with us.  Mrs. Maynard and Mrs. Bowker of Simsbury, dined here also.

1766 October 13 (Monday).  Mr. Biglow left us.  I visit old Mrs. Byles — dined there.  Visit at Neighbour Elijah Rice’s, Twitchells, Elijah Hardys, Ensign Millers — but especially old Mrs. Grow and prayed with her — and Lt. Harrington confined by a bad Fall yesterday and prayed with him.  N.B. Caleb bestirred himself and Neighbours came, cutt up, Carted in and husked out my Indian Corn.  51 Hands at supper.  N.B. when I named and read part of the 4th Psalm to be sung, Neighbour Batherick Struck — but it was a Tune I knew not.  He sung almost wholly alone throughout the whole Singing.  For which I was very sorry.  When he had done, he told me it was Plimouth.  Visit Mrs. Haws — run away with by their wild Mare, Scared, thrown out of the Chair and hurt.  Prayed with her.

1766 October 14 (Tuesday).  James Haven from Lt. Baker, helps Caleb in carrying the remainder of the Corn — and getting the Husks into the Barn.  N.B. 134 Baskets of good Corn.  John came from Townshend with the Steers and Heiffers — and Letter.  Capt. Francis Miller of Hopkinton and Capt. Bowen his Friend, on a Journey to Pitts-Field, dined here.  Dr. S. Wigglesworth from Ipswich Hamlet, calls here.  Signs a Testimony concerning Mr. Cleavelands Church.  Mr. Fesssenden here: newly returned from Walpole of New Hampshire.  He also signs a Testimony concerning Mr. Cleaveland and his Church.  Miss Peggy Fessenden and Cousen Betty Gott here.  At Tea, Sup and lodge here.

1766 October 15 (Wednesday).  Cousen Betty to Mrs. Johnsons.  Miss Peggy here till Evening when her Brother came for her.  N.B. a Letter from Brother Breck, of his being in a way of Recovery — and that he has heard of his son Daniel.  D.G.  Mr. Hutchinson of Grafton here, and his son, returning from Cambridge.  It is the Vacancy, according to their new Customs at College.

1766 October 16 (Thursday).  I Seriously considered our Present state and Circumstances in this place; Considering especially the Troubles by Mrs. Andrews whose Request is to be laid before the Church tomorrow, and the great Duty of Communicating next Lords Day, I endeavoured to Spend this Day in Retirement, as far as my other Dutys would allow.  Nigh sunsetting came Mr. Adams of Roxbury, from Sturbridge and lodged here.

1766 October 17 (Friday).  Mr. Adams left us in the forenoon.  Mr. Sumner, his wife, and Miss Bridget came — and dined here.  Mr. Sumner preached my Lecture on Joh. 8.36, “If the son shall make you free etc.”  We had a Church Meeting after Lecture as appointed on the 5th but Mrs. Andrews not being there, on whose Account we met, we adjourned to the first Thursday in November — and Brother Gale was desired to notifie her.  Though we did not proceed to the Business of the Day, I took the Opportunity to Open several Things to the Church, the want of the Knowledge of which, may have made many persons fall into great mistakes about this Controversie.  I took this Opportunity to rebuke all such as listened to a Slanderous Suggestion, that the Reason why the ministers were so much against Mr. Cleaveland was, they could not bear to See that he so much out-shined them, and People esteemed him so much higher than them.  A great deal of Company here after Lecture of different Sorts.  A Number at Tea etc.  Mr. Ezekiel Smith and his wife with their Relations.  Mr. Cushing and Mr. Willard at Tea and tarried to supper.

1766 October 18 (Saturday).  Mr. John Wood here.  Says Capt. Brigham had a great deal of Dispute at their House last night upon the Andrews Affair.  Messrs. Smith of Marlborough and Williams of Sandwich Came (unhappily for my studys) to See me to Day, and dined and tarryed till near Night.  After them came Breck and Mr. John Lock from Townshend.  After them came Mr. Robert Blake of Wrentham with a Letter from the agrieved Brethren of the 2d Church, to have me etc. attend a Council there on the 29th — but I was obliged to deny him, having engaged to go to Townshend and to be there about that Time.  I returned him his Letter again.  Caleb nigh Evening goes to Shrewsbury to see his sister.

1766 October 19 (Sunday).  Read Isa. 40.  Preached on 2 Cor. 13.5.  Administered the Sacrament — and See other administrations in Church Records.  Mr. Blake, Mr. [Moreton] (of Athol) and his Wife, Mr. Cushing and Miss Mary Steward, dined here.  P.M. Read Joh. 9.  Repeated with Alterations and Additions sermon on Rom. 13, first part of v. 14, it being most Seasonable at this Day.

1766 October 20 (Monday).  Squire Whipple brings me 14£ 7/6 old Tenor to be delivered to Billy, it being Mr. Jonas Bradish’s Debt to him.

1766 October 21 (Tuesday).  Attended the Association — and as Several Members, Squire Whipple, Mr. Belknap, Mr. D. Maynard, of this Church had manifested their Desire that I would ask the Mind of the Association concerning Mr. Cleaveland and his Church, and I had told the Church at the late meeting, of my thinking to do it, nor did any body Say one word to the Contrary (I might therefore call it a kind of Silential Vote) So I put the Question to them whether we should hold Communion with them or No?  They answer No: and they Signed it.  Lodged at Mr. Stones, with Mr. Barrett.

1766 October 22 (Wednesday).  Still at the Association.  Lecture by Mr. Martyn on Luk. 10.42, a very useful Discourse, especially as to people’s coming to Lecture.  Returned home p.m.  Messrs. Cushing and Biglow here — and lodge here.

1766 October 23 (Thursday).  Dr. Wigglesworth of Ipswich Hamlet calls.  Calebs Time is out, and having given him two Notes — one of 30£, the other of £7.10, besides what Cash I paid him, he left us, having behaved well, whilst he lived with us.  N.B. I gave Caleb Winch 20£ Old Tenor.  I sat out on my Journey for Townshend.  Called at Mr. Martyns — Mr. Fessenden there.  Dined late at Mr. Harrington’s in Lancaster.  Arrived at Mrs. Stearns’s at Lunenburg where I was kindly received, entertained and lodged.  N.B. a great Entertainment at Dr. Taylors on Occasion of bringing home his Wife — but I was a stranger, and not at it.