Category: Diary

1767 February 6 (Friday).  Dr. Throop leaves us to go to Oxford.  Two Hicks’s of Sutton dine here.  At Eve Billy and his Wife came from Townshend.

1767 February 7 (Saturday).  Billy and his Wife go to Medfield.  At Eve my Son Baldwin and Daughter Parkman.  Alexander Oliver also going up to Brookfield with them.  Have by B. a true Account of the Fire.  Brother Samuel and Loyd escaped.

1767 February 8 (Sunday).  Read Isa. 46.  Preached again on 2 Tim. 1.13.  My son Baldwin and Alexander Oliver with us, but Eliza dined at Deacon Bonds.  P.M. read Joh. 12 from v. 27.  Preached on Prov. 23.5 on Occasion of the late Fire at Boston.  At Eve read in Mr. Bolton.

1767 February 9 (Monday).  My son B and Daughter P______ and young Oliver sett out for Home.  I rode in the Sleigh with them as far as Capt. Maynards – but return and dine at home.  Lediards Duke of Marlborough.

1767 February 10 (Tuesday).  Mr. Ammiel Weeks of Brookfield dines with us.  But I [am?] remembering the Wormwood and the Gall; and my Soul is humbled within me.

1767 February 11 (Wednesday).  Brother Hicks is here going to Cambridge to see what his Costs are; having lost his Case at the Superior Court.  I visit old Mrs. Woods– and I take up my note of Hand given the Widow Newton, by a note upon Capt. Maynard.  At Eve Mr. Hutchinson calls here as he goes home.

1767 February 12 (Thursday).  Mr. Josiah Drury of Grafton comes to desire me to go to Mr. John Prentice’s, to attend the Funeral of his Child, a new-born Infant.  The Reason of sending here was, Mr. Hutchinson was obliged to attend another Funeral to Day, viz. of Mr. Eleazer Flag junior.  And seeing my Horse was gone (to Medfield) Mr. Drury went and borrowed an Horse (Mr. Silas Hill brought me his) and p.m. I went.  In returning called at Major Willards and at Cousen Winchesters, She being in deep sorrows by the Death of her Daughter Mary, and her self also sick of a Fever.  Prayed with her.  When I came home, found that Persis Fay was come to live with us, and I made her Welcome.  All of us endeavor to make it agreeable to her.

1767 February 13 (Friday).  Although it is cold and Slippery, all four of the Children are fond of going to School from Day to Day.  At Eve Deacon Tainter brings his Daughter Baker and her Daughter [Persis?].  Asks my Judgment about Mr. Mellens Book, there being great diversity of Opinion about it.  But did [not] give my Sentiments for I had not read it.  Billy and his Wife came from Medfield.

1767 February 14 (Saturday).  Sent my Mare over to Capt. Maynards to be kept there till Billy has Occasion for her again.

1767 February 15 (Sunday).  Read Isa. 47.  Preached a.m. on Joh. 14.1 — Ye Believe in God — from whence I am carrying on my plan on the Principles of Religion.  N.B. improved a Catechetical Exercise (with many alterations and Additions) from p. 29 to 35.  P.M. Read Joh. 13 to v. 19.  Preached on Eph. 5.15.  Dr. Crosby and his Wife dined with us.

1767 February 16 (Monday).  Visit Mr. Jonas Bradish’s Wife who is very bad of a nervous Fever.  N.B. [illegible] there and prayed with her.  P.M. Brother Hicks here from Cambridge and Boston.  He brings me a Letter from Mr. Toppan of Manchester.  My mare from Capt. Maynards.

1767 February 17 (Tuesday).  Though Cold, Billy and his Wife sat out for Townshend.  They ride Single.  John is gone before them to bring back my Mare.  After they went away, we regretted that we suffered them to set out in so Smart Weather.  Sam. Brigham comes from Capt. Maynards to take Care of my Cattle while John is gone.  P.M. Mr. Mellen and Wife, and Mr. [blank] Richardson and wife call here in going to Hopkinton.  I wrote to Mr. Toppan of Manchester, in Reply to his which I received Yesterday.

1767 February 18 (Wednesday).  Walked up to Capt. Wood’s to get Samuel Hardy junior to come to work for me in getting out Flax.  N.B. He, his Wife and 3 Children were lately brought into Town by the Select men of Marlborough.  Mr. Daniel Forbes dines here and pays me 60£ old Tenor.  P.M. Visit Mrs. Bradish and pray with her.  Call to see Lt. Forbush.  At Home find Mr. Samuel Fay and his wife, also Mr. Cushing who supps with us; and lodges here.

1767 February 19 (Thursday).  Capt. Maynard and his Wife and Child.  He brings me 4 Bushels Wheat.  At my Study all Day, but bring little to pass.  At Eve John returns from Townshend and informs me that they got up safely, though it was verily a Cold Journey to ‘em.

1767 February 20 (Friday).  Jonas Kenny brought home my Oxen unexpectedly, but the Roads are so very Slippery that they can’t work.  Send a Load of Ashes to Capt. Wood.  P.M. One of Mr. Phinehas Hardys sons came to request me to go up to his Brother Noahs Wife (Rachel), who is at their House; She fearing she is near her End.  I broke off from my Studys (though I was exceeding busy, and to my great Obstruction), went to her, talked with her, examined her — prayed with her, and old Mrs. Byles present, who is this Month 93 years old.

1767 February 21 (Saturday).  Received an Odd Letter from Mr. Hutchinson inviting me to hear an exposition of his at Mr. Nurse’s next Monday Evening – To which I wrote him an answer and lodged it at Mrs. Johnsons for Conveyance.  Mr. Nathan Maynard brought 30 L.

1767 February 22 (Sunday).  Read Isa. 48 and some expository Observations formed the forenoon Exercise, there being many Things well worthy our Attention.  Mr. Cushing dined with us — p.m. read Joh. 13 from v. 20 to the End.  Preached on Rom. 1.20.  After Introduction, and Connecting this Discourse with such as have been lately delivered on the Great subject of Believing in God, I used some part of what was formerly delivered on this Text, and then some part of a Catechetical Exercise.  At Eve read in Mr. Bolton.  O that my Soul might have deep and lively Impressions!

1767 February 23 (Monday).  A.M. visit and pray with poor Mrs. Bradish.  P.M. Visit at Mr. [Thomas?] Whitneys – then Mr. Artemas Bruce’s Wife, newly lain in, and very low — prayed with her.  Was at Mr. Ezekiel Smiths.  Called at Mr. Nurse’s; and find that in Truth there is to be a meeting there; yet they none of them have spoke a word to me of it.  When I Enquired how it was that they did not consult me, that we might agree in it?  They answered that Mr. Hutchinson was to take the Care of it.  When I saw their Simplicity, I thought it was better to overlook the undesigned Neglect than to make any more words about it, with them.  But when Mr. Hutchinson came, I told him this was not a prudent Method, and if it Should be known among People, it might do disservice, whilst we pretended to walk orderly.  As my Letter of last Saturday, was not Sent to him, but I had got it again, at his urgent Request I gave it him– and by word of mouth mentioned my Remarks upon his Letter, especially his Saying, “I am no Cleaveland.”  I tarried the Exercise, and prayed before Sermon, or rather Exposition — which was on Josh. 3.  They sung three Times.  Finished at half after Eight.  They obliged me to Stay and drink Tea.  It was late when I got home.

1767 February 24 (Tuesday).  I was chiefly employed with Lediards Duke of Marlborough.

1767 February 25 (Wednesday).  Visit Old Mr. Seth Morse and his Wife at their son Barachias’s.  Was also at Deacon Forbes’s — at Mr. Thomas Bonds, who gives me a Barrell of Cyder (which he values at 45/).  Called at old Mr. Warrins where I bought 17 lbs. and 1/2 of Tallow at 3/.  N.B. Mr. Timothy Warrin rides home with me.  He finds fault with Mr. Frosts Book lately published, in several respects.

1767 February 26 (Thursday).  Took Cold last night — but p.m. Visit and pray with Mrs. Bradish.  And would fain have gone to Mr. Andrews — but my Indisposition and the uncomfortable high Winds prevented.  In returning at Evening overtook Mr. Bunker Gay of Hensdell — took him in, but he would not tarry.  Mr. Thomas Whitney returns from Boston and brought up a Crate of 3 Dozen of Bottles — (but one broke).  Gave him 10/ old Tenor.  Mr. Daniel Nurse is with him and one Kennedy, who presents me a Compass Seal for my Watch.  Capt. Wood visits me.

1767 February 27 (Friday).  Went to Mr. Hezekiah Pratts to See Elizabeth Cutter, Daughter of Mr. Samuel Fays Wife, who was yesterday about noon, taken ill suddenly, and became stupid — continued so till about 9 o’Clock last night, but is, to day, So well as to go home in a sleigh.  Mrs. P. to Mr. Martyns.

1767 February 28 (Saturday).  My Daughter Susanna was Examined.

1767 March 1 (Sunday).  I rode over to Northborough and preached there, a.m. on Joh.  l4.6, p.m. on Rev. 1.7.  Read the Act against Cursing and Swearing.  This was by means of Mr. Tim. Fay, the District Clerk, who came and requested it and brought the Book for that purpose.  But after reading I remarked that the Minister’s Reading should be the Sabbath Succeeding the Choice of Town Officers.  Master Cushing there.  Mr. Martyn preached here a. and p.m. on Rom. 8.8.  N.B. Suse was propounded by Mr. Martyn.  I lodged at Mr. Martyns.

1767 March 2 (Monday).  Mr. Michael Martyn published to Miss Zilpa Eager yesterday.  He lent me 10 Months of Mrs. Matilda Wentworths Court Miscellany or Gentlemans and Lady’s Magazine.  I returned home.  Town-Meeting — I prayed with them.  N.B. Mr. Moore having preached yesterday at Shrewsbury came here at night, and is here with us.  Mr. Cushing at Eve, and Sups with us.  Mr. Moore tarrys.  Mr. Daniel Forbes Settles with me so far as respected my Note of Hand with Mrs. Elizabeth How of Marlborough.  He has now paid me two hundred pound.

1767 March 3 (Tuesday).  Mr. Moore after Dinner attends the private Meeting with me at Capt. Woods — where I preached on Ps.  119.136 to page 6.  By reason of the Rain he Still tarrys.

1767 March 4 (Wednesday).  Mr. Moore after Dinner returns to Oxford.  I read Mrs. Wentworths Court Miscellany or Magazine — but have not the first Numbers.  I begin with January 1766 which is No. VII.

1767 March 5 (Thursday).  I rode to Mr. Joseph Greens and dine there: but my chief Aim is to visit Elizabeth Cutter at Mr. Samuel Fays.  Went, but was a second Time defeated; for She this morning removed to her uncle Hastings’s in Shrewsbury, which though for the Benefit of the Girl, and to Mr. Fays relief, yet he is much disquieted about because She was removed without their giving him notice of.  It Seems they feared he would not have consented, although Necessity, and Mercy to the Girl, force them to take these steps.  Before Night I went down to Mr. Timothy Warrins to give him (which I did) a Copy of his Wife’s Testimony which I read in our Church Meeting last November about Mrs. Andrews etc.  N.B. He was pretty Sanguine, but I endeavoured to mollifie.  He had been with me a.m. to desire the Said Coppy, and Seam’d to be apprehensive of Some Difficulty, I know not what, arising from some Quarter: and said he was going to see about it.  And went away South, when he left me in the forenoon.  From his Door, I rode to Mr. Andrews’s, which was my principal Design, to make a Visit there; she having invited me repeatedly, when I saw her about a fortnight Since, at Mr. Bradish’s.  In this Visit they treated me kindly, and no word was uttered of our Difference.  Mr. Cushing, who lodged there, was present.  Mr. Timothy Warrin came there and asked me to call at his House, in the Name of his Wife, who he said wanted to Speak with me.  I did so; and told her, I was come at her Request; but she said nothing of special note; her Husband was not returned.  So all went over for this Time.

1767 March 6 (Friday).  Deacon Tainter came and killed an Hog for me (assisted by Jonas Kenny).  Weighed 221 lb.  Cornet Brigham here, with whom I settle Mrs. Beemans Affair of seven Dollars which she voluntarily lent me.  I have paid him in full thereof, and receive the Memorandum which I gave her of them.  Hear from Day to Day that Mrs. Bradish grows better.  To God be all Glory!  Towards Night the kind Deacon came, as he is wont, to cut out and salt up my Pork; which he with Dexterity and Despatch.

1767 March 7 (Saturday).  P.M. and Eve was much indisposed — but follow my Studys.

1767 March 8 (Sunday).  It was a very Stormy Day — snows fast and winds drive.  Few at meeting a.m., fewer p.m., for p.m. was not one woman in all the Gallerys, nor body of Seats.  Omitted Reading.  Preached on Isa. 48.17.  P.M. on Nahum 1.3 by reason of the Storm.  Deacon Tainter and his Cousin Jonas Hastings dined here.  P.M. read the Act against Cursing and Swearing.  At Eve read Mr. Bolton from p. 294 to page 308.  I was much wearied, and out of Case.  O that I might have Spiritual Revivings and Refreshments!

1767 March 9 (Monday).  Am reading the 3d volume of Dr. Edwards on the authority of the Scriptures.

1767 March 10 (Tuesday).  Have Mr. Silas Hill’s Horse to go up to Mr. Phinehas Hardys to see his Daughter in Law, Rachel, who languishes.  After I had din’d, conversed with her.  She seems to be in a good Frame — gives Thanks for Gods distinguishing Goodness to her — for her Birth, Education, the Benefits She had by what I Sometimes dropt in her F’s House, and what She met with at Catechizing etc.  She said, She was Sensible it was not likely She Should live; and She thought sometimes, She had rather Go, than continue here.  She was very thankful for my Visit, desired me to pray with her; which I did; and She desired I would visit her again while she remained.  I called to see old Mrs. Grout — and Moses Brigham, who are confined by their Phthisicks.

1767 March 11 (Wednesday).  Expected Mr. Martyn to preach my Lecture but he came not.  I was obliged to preach my Self.  Text Mal. 3.14, former part.  May the Lord confirm and encourage us in waiting upon Him in prayer and in special Ordinances!  Mr. Zechariah Hicks returned and dined here.  After Meeting Mr. Cushing here, and Mr. Batherick came.  The latter apprized me that a Number of Brethren had stopped at the Meeting House, with Mr. Timothy Warrin and his wife — and that they were very uneasy about her Testimony etc.  He asked Mr. Cushing whether she desired him to write it?  etc. etc.  I related how that matter was conducted (namely on the Day of the Church Meeting last Nov. 6).  Dr. Crosby here about Mr. Samuel Fay and his Daughter in Law — but I did not care to meddle in that Affair.  Squire Whipple also here, and Cousin Larkin Williams a[t] Tea with us.  Mr. Cushing at Supper and lodged here.  Much Searching of Heart on Account of the Trouble, so stirring up, respecting Mrs. Warrin.  May the Lord deliver us out of this snare!  I am grieved that it Should be at this Time, to discompose us.

1767 March 12 (Thursday).  Mr. Cushing to his School.  Deacon Tainter, as he goes to Boston, comes in and tells me the Brethren that were so disturbed went to Capt. Woods last Eve, and that there is great warmth.  May God Himself guard, direct and fortifie me against Such unreasonable plottings and attempts!  At Evening came Mr. Timothy Warrin greatly concerned about his Wife.  He tells me Mr. Cushing Said in the hearing of Several persons, that his Wife did not ask him to write her Testimony.  I told Mr. Warrin I was afraid that if he did not take heed, he would Spoil (that is distract) his wife.  At which he seemed startled and Said he was doing what he could to the Contrary.  This Evening Jonathan Champney was married to Damaris How.