Category: Diary

1767 April 17 (Friday).  Capt. Wood and Mr. Phinehas Hardy view Mr. Bradish’s Cedar Swamps for me.  At Eve Squire Whipple here and Supped with me.

1767 April 18 (Saturday).  Mr. Zebulon Rice here to talk about the Andrews and Warrin Trouble.  He seems moderate and for Peace.

1767 April 19 (Sunday).  Read Isa. 52.  Preached on Joh. 15.5.  It took up my whole Time of Studying to prepare it; but though it was large, I did not divide it.  P.M. read Joh. 17, and for the sermon preached on Prov. 15.8, but, with additions, delivered the Exercise on Mal. 3.14, from p. 53 to the End, with intermixed Additions.  At the Close of the Exercises I appointed the Lords supper and the Lecture thus, “The Time arrives when according to the Custom of this Church, I must appoint the Lords supper; and although there have been Some Disquietment and some Desire to have it deferred, if it could be conveniently; but there has been no formal Request.  But it can’t be put off without much inconvenience.  Therefore I have thought it my Duty stedfastly to attend to this great Work.  Accordingly I propose by divine Leave” etc.  N.B. Deacon Forbes and his Daughter Kendal dined here, as did a Stranger, one Mr. Thomas Shapley of Thompson in Killingly.  In the Eve read in Mr. Bolton a few pages.

1767 April 20 (Monday).  Wrote to Billy by Mr. Joseph Perry of Ashburnham.  Mr. Jonas Bradish here, and I trade with him for two Lots of Cedar Swamp, lying one of them within (as he says) about 40 Rods of his House; containing about an acre and half; for 10£ old Tenor.  The other is part of Moskito Swamp containing about 9 Acres, 6 acres of which is Cedar, the rest Ash etc. for 25£ old tenor.  Richard Temple comes from Framingham to live with me four months for 55£ old Tenor.  Mr. Whitney here at Evening and has a fervent mind for peace.  Advises me to go to Mr. A. my Self and know what will satisfie him etc.  Capt. Maynard here and we Settle the Interest to this Day.  And he gives me a [illegible] note for it, viz. £144.15.0 old Tenor.

1767 April 21 (Tuesday).  Mr. Whitney having told me last night that Capt. Wood, old Mr. Rice and others, understood me to affirm to them that all the paper was true (which to affirm, contradicts the Agreement with Warrin) I first went up to them and told them carefully how I was to be understood: and gave Capt. Wood in writing, how I would have it stand.  Then rode down to Mr. Andrews, but there was little success.  His Demands were high.  I offered to leave our Difference to Three judicious Men: but he refused my Offer.  I mentioned Coming with two Brethren.  He said I might come with two, or with Every One.  I offered again (Mr. Seth Woods was by) reasonable and Christian satisfaction and then left him to go to Ministers Meeting.  Called at Mr. Edmund Brighams.  Rode in the Rain through Marlborough.  Called at Capt. Barnards — arrived at Mr. Goss’s seasonably to dine.  There were Mr. Loring, Martyn, Smith and Steward.  I could not say much of my Difficultys as the Circumstances of my Case now were: but asked their Sympathy and prayers.  Lodged at Mr. Goss’s with Mr. Loring.

1767 April 22 (Wednesday).  I preached the Lecture on Heb. 12.25.  O that God would please to add His Blessing!  My own Strength is mere Weakness.  I am weak and feeble in Body, and much exercised in mind.  P.M. Mr. Martyn and I return.  I arrived at home Safely.  D.G.  Temple and John have been plowing.

1767 April 23 (Thursday).  Mr. Daniel Forbes here — very ready to help forward peace.  My Heart very full of Trouble, apprehensive of the Event of the Meeting to Day.  Hear that Mr. Eliezer Rice of Shrewsbury, dyed yesterday.  Mr. Fish and his wife came and dined with us.  He preached my Lecture on Heb. 13.1.  A very Seasonable, useful Sermon and I hope it had some good Effect upon us.  After Lecture I stayed the Church to read the Warren agreement.  Begun with prayer — read the Agreement and I added something about my reading the paper.  The Church voted acceptance and Satisfaction included in a Vote to have the Communion.  Deacon Bond asked a Question upon my Answering which, Mr. W. went out, and took his Wife with him.  I mentioned to the Church the Electing another Deacon — and that they would urge the members of other Churches, who dwell among us, to get their Dismissions.  Finally, we broke up in some Pleasant Harmony.  To God be Glory!  But Mr. Warrin after Meeting is extremely uneasy, and talks unbecomingly.  N.B. Capt. Brigham consents to go with some other Brother to A______’s and See of they can mollifie him: and I agree (God willing) to go this Day Sennight.  I ask Mr. Fish to go then with Me; who consents.  As the Vote at Meeting abovesaid was so general (except Capt. Brigham, and I am not certain of any other who did not vote or consent), we were very chearful and amicable afterward compared with what I feared.  But God has granted us this Favour!  Glory to His Name!  May He still restrain, preserve and deliver us!

1767 April 24 (Friday).  I am full of Apprehensions about Mr. W’s ungoverned Anger; but I keep to my Study — except while Deacon [Miles?  Mirdy?] visited me.

1767 April 25 (Saturday).  I am but poorly from Day to Day.  Sweat o’ Nights.  Am the worse in Body by the Exercise of my Mind.  P.M. Mr. Cushing came, and is very warm from Mrs. Andrews.  He prays — advises — urges — to be at Peace, and let her come to Communion if possible some way or other — but she will not make up without this.

1767 April 26 (Sunday).  By Reason of Mr. Cushings coming yesterday and taking up so much Time upon that Affair; I could not prepare the designed afternoon Sermon: for I found, I was too faint and feeble to follow it late and early as it would require, to finish it.  Read Isa. 53.  Delivered an Exercise on Rev. 5.9 by help of Some parts of Sermon on Eph. 1.7, viz. from page 8 to 22 omitting Several intervening.  Mr. Martyn is ill, and several of his Family and Flock were at meeting here.  Administered the Lords supper.  Messrs. John and Michael Martyn, Mr. Cushing and Mrs. Maynard dined here.  P.M. read Joh. 18.  Preached on 1 Pet. 2.9, former part.  At Eve repeated as usual, in the Family, part of the Exercise of the Day.

1767 April 27 (Monday).  Had Neighbour Newtons Horse to visit the Sick, particularly his sister Hardy, and prayed with her: Mr. Thomas Twitchels Wife and prayed there.  N.B. Called at Mr. Elijah Rice’s.  Proceeded to Mr. Daniel Millers and dined there.  To Mr. Thurstons, Mrs. Grows.  Called at Lt. Harringtons for Flax seed.  At Mr. Kendals who is very low — prayed with him.  Went to see old Mr. Seth Morse at Hopkinton.  Discoursed and prayed with him.  Returned before Night, and drank Tea at home.  School moves to the West part of the Town.

1767 April 28 (Tuesday).  Walk to Mr. Bradishs — dined there — viewed one of the Lotts, the least.  Agree with him for the least and 4 Acres and 6 Rod of Moskito Swamp — for 24£ old Tenor.

1767 April 29 (Wednesday).  Miss Mary Bradish here and says Mr. Martyn has a bad fever.  I would fain visit, but am not able for want of an Horse.  Mr. Timothy Warrin here and very uneasy — says I have broke the Agreement etc.  Tells me he did save a Copy of the Paper, whereas I thought all was burnt.  This I judge to be very disingenuous.  Talks of having his Wife sworn before squire Taylor.  Mr. Wheelock here, and nails a sacking of [Bedstead?] etc.  P.M. Mr. Hutchinson and Capt. Brooks from Council at Newbury.  Messenger from Mr. Michael Martyn to have me go over.  They fear his Father will not live out the Night.  Mr. Wheelock lends his Horse and I went.  Found Mr. Martyn extreme bad — just knew me and called me by my name, but has been delirious ever since yesterday noon.  A most sorrowful House!  Dr. Dexter at night — gives him over.  We prayed.  I went to Bed.

1767 April 30 (Thursday).  Was called up between one and two.  He expired about 1/2 after two.  Surprizing, Shocking providence!  He was taken ill but last Friday — dressed to go to Meeting last Lords Day — but was notable.  He was delirious by Tuesday noon and continued so (as was conceived) till he dyed.  May we be deeply humbled under the mighty Hand of God!  In the Morning I returned home.  Mr. Fish came — dined with me.  I Sent John to Capt. Wood, and to Mr. Edwards Whipple to go down to Mr. Andrews’s.  P.M. Mr. Fish and I accompanyed by Mr. Cushing and Mr. Whipple, rode down to Mr. Andrews’s.  There were and came soon, a considerable Number — viz. Mr. Whitney, Deacon Bond, Messrs. Daniel Forbes and Gale, the two Brighams, Mr. Batherick, Capt. B. Fay, Capt. Wood.  Mr. Fish (at my proposal before the Company and at my Desire, though I think he had mentioned it on the way) prayed — for we were retired into the Chamber.  And then many endeavours were used for accommodation and reconcilement.  Mr. Andrews gave up the matter of my Saying he was Quarrelsome.  The Complaint against me, for not answering her Request to lay her Case before the Church, I pleaded against, I suppose with Success, nor would I take any Blame to my Self about it.  I think the Brethren were, finally, easy on that Head.  As to the Paper of Mrs. Warrins Testimony, I told them first, that if there was harm to Mrs. A. by that, it could not be laid to me but to Mrs. W. because that which related to Mrs. A. in it, She retained and it was still in its full Strength.  But however, Since it came to me so lame, as appeared afterwards although I could not know at the Time of it, I said I was sorry I read it.  And with regard to my taking minutes of Conversations, I was willing, since there were three very noticeable ones that were in loose Papers — viz. That which was at Mr. A. when Mr. Cleaveland was there; One out before my Yard, and one at Old Capt. Forbushs — if that would give any satisfaction — or however, I would destroy them and I accordingly Put them into the Fire.  For some time there was very little Hope — but at length Mr. A. and his wife came, one after the other and with joining Hands endeavoured to join Hearts and mutually forgave — and it was written and signed by all three — and each party had one.  Upon which we gave praise to God singing part of 133 Ps.  Mr. Timothy Warrin was there, and I besought him to be easy and that we also might wholly make up.  He answered he would, if the Brethren that were there would not say that I had broke the Agreement by what I had said to some of them and by what I said to Deacon Bond in the late Church meeting.  No one Answered to him at all, though he spake loud, and I think twice.  But yet he did not comply — but wanted I should talk with his wife, whereas it is questionable whether he would allow his wife to discourse, or to be, without him.  Before I left them I told the Brethren that If the Church Should desire to come together to see or Enquire what their Duty was with regard to other Churches and Ministers I would not hinder it: but must pray that as I was not willing to bind their Consciences, so I would not have them to bind mine.  I would do whatever should be consistent with Church Order and a good Conscience, but they might not expect me to go any further.  Thus I left the House in peace.  They had entertained us handsomely, and Mr. Fish and Mr. Cushing tarried there; the Brethren that were more Zealous laid hold of the present Opportunity and improved the Help of those Gentlemen to draw up a Request for a Church meeting which seven of them signed.  Capt. Wood and Mr. Whipple rode home with me.  I rejoice so much has been obtained, and so considerable a stop put to Evil — but it is with trembling, through Fear of what may follow in the Church.  God only is our Refuge and Help.  To Him I desire humbly to look!

1767 May 1 (Friday).  Busy in preparing, as I was requested, to preach at Northborough.  Mr. Fish and Cushing return from Andrews’s, and bring me a Letter from those Brethren respecting a Church-Meeting.

1767 May 2 (Saturday).  Mr. Barrett dined with us.  My Wife rode with me, Capt. Wood carryed Sarah, and Mr. Cushing Susanna to The Funeral of Mr. Martyn.  A woful Day!  Mr. Loring and Mr. Gardner, Mr. Barrett and I, Mr. Stone and Mr. Goss, were Pall Bearers.  The Corps was carryed into the Meeting-House.  Mr. Gardner Prayed.  Mr. Loring Stayed to preach and I am, as is fittest, to take my turn in Course: notwithstanding what had been desired of me, for next Sabbath.  Mr. Barthol. Kneeland assists about the Character and takes the Care of the Printing it.  Mr. Steward comes home with me — and lodges here.

1767 May 3 (Sunday).  Read Isa. 54.  Mr. Steward preached on Joh. 3.19 a. and p.m.  P.M. I read Joh. 19.  Mr. Cushing dined with us.

1767 May 4 (Monday).  Mr. Steward to Marlborough.  Read Visitor Vol. 2.

1767 May 5 (Tuesday).  Preached at the Widow Newtons on Ps. 119.136.  Few attended!  I returned home soon, without staying to Eat.  My Heart very heavy.  May the Lord look upon me, pardon, and prepare for His Will!

1767 May 6 (Wednesday).  I rode, though twas somewhat rainy, to Upton; dined at Mr. Fish’s.  Preached the Lecture on 1 Cor. 11.20.  Which may God bless!  Saw the Sorrowful Effects of the late riotous Rage in breaking the Windows, Sashes etc., of the Meeting House there.  I rode to Mendon to See Venerable Mr. Dorr who is now much confined by his Infirmitys and by sickness.  Mr. Fish accompanyed me, but returned home; but I lodged at Mr. Dor’s.  Our Conversation was very much upon the great Difficultys now subsisting in each of our Parishes.  But chiefly whether we shall hold Communion with Mr. Cleavelands, against so many Testimonys born by a great Number the [sic] Pastors of that Neighbourhood, and our own?

1767 May 7 (Thursday).  Took leave of Mr. Dorr.  His Sage Mot to me was, that “the present dark Cloud on our Ecclesiastical State portends some very remarkable Event to be coming.”  Called at Mr. Fish’s, who rode with me part of the way from thence homeward; but I said no word further about our Andrews Affair.  Dined at Deacon Bradishs, where his Mother now lives.  Arrived in safety, and my Tabernacle in peace.  D.G.  Mrs. P________ goes with me to Mr. Solomon Bakers — solemnize his Marriage to Miss Hannah Hardy.  Sup there, with a Number of grave Neighbours and their wives, as well as young people.

1767 May 8 (Friday).  Am preparing my Funeral Sermon (or adding to what I had prepared) for my late Brother Marytn.  Mr. Moore p.m. from North-Shrewsbury.  He tells me Mr. Frink has So conducted towards his Friends that they have, in a Body, left him.

1767 May 9 (Saturday).  Mr. Moore.  Mr. Barrett in his Way to Northborough.  Mr. Steward going to Hopkinton.  Returned Mr. Steward his Visitor Vol. 2.  Master Cushing is going to Southborough, his Brother and Sister Stone being there.  Mr. Moore to Marlborough.  Sarah has my Mare and rides with Mr. John Forbes to Brookfield.

1767 May 10 (Sunday).  Read Isa. 55 and preached a. and p.m. on 2 Tim. 4.6.7.8.  Read p.m. Joh. 20.  After the Exercises I stayed the Church and read to them a Letter from Seven Brethren requesting a Church Meeting to consider whether Mrs. Andrews shall be admitted to transient Communion.  N.B. Richard Temple’s Brother Josiah, and old Mrs. Morse dined here.

1767 May 11 (Monday).  I had writ by Mr. Moore to Mr. Smith, consider and also confer with Mr. Stone about my Case.  I hoped also to meet him at Southborough.  I expected also Mr. Barrett to go — but he did not come here last night (at least in season).  He lodged at Capt. Woods.  I went to him this morning but he went to Hopkinton.  I rode to Mr. Stones and dined there, in Company with Messrs. Smith, Steward, Moore, and Cushing, whose Mother and sister Bridget were with us.  Mr. Stone and Smith consult and advise etc. etc.  Called at Lt. Nathan Brighams.  Mr. Cushing takes Elias behind him, to carry him to Capt. Jonathan Fays to board and go to school.  My Hay being short, Mr. M________ takes Care of his Horse himself.

1767 May 12 (Tuesday).  Mr. Moore carrys Suse in a Chair to Mr. Morse’s at North Shrewsbury.  At Eve Daniel son of Mr. Phinehas Hardy came for me to visit his sister Rachel.  She thinks she is dying.  I went, conversed, prayed, returned.  Abigail Rice returned from Brookfield on my Mare.

1767 May 13 (Wednesday).  Mr. Zebulon Rice works for me a.m. and a little while p.m.  He puts up the Gate which Deacon Tainter made for me.  Am my Self employed upon the Court-Miscellany for last Year.  Mr. Moore and Suse.

1767 May 14 (Thursday).  Temple and John plant Indian Corn.  Court-Miscellany.  Mr. Moore left us.  Hear that my son Baldwins Case about the Road West of his House in Brookfield is to be tryed at Worcester to Day.  Mrs. Johnson here.  Says She hears her Husband is dead.  Suse took Physick, and is very ill with it.  Paul Biglows wife examined.

1767 May 15 (Friday).  Am sent for to go to Mr. Ebenezer Chamberlins junior — his Wife being in Travail and can’t be delivered — went — found she was delivered but the Child dead.  Prayed.  Dr. Ball accompanyed me back.  Deacon Mellen of Hopkinton (I hear) is to be buryed to Day.  N.B. Lt. Baker here — wants my Mare to go to Mendon or rather to Cumberland.  I complyed.  T. and J. finish planting Indian Corn.  P.M. Temple and John with the Oxen at Mr. Nurse’s.  Mr. Daniel Miller here and gives up all further Hope of my Oxen.  We are still at Times doing something about Gardening.

1767 May 16 (Saturday).  Mr. Steward comes to Supply my Place tomorrow.  He dined here.  P.M. I attended the Burial of Mr. Ebenezer Chamberlin junior’s Infant.  Mr. Daniel Mellen of Holliston has brought from Monadnock a Letter from Caleb Winch for Money.

1767 May 17 (Sunday).  My Mare is returned; but I rode Mr. Stewards Horse to Northborough and I preached there on 2 Tim. 14.6.7.8.  I remained over Night, that I might look over some Books and [papers?] etc.

1767 May 18 (Monday).  Returned home.  Visit Mr. Timothy Warrin and prayed there.  N.B. Mr. Stewards Text yesterday, a. and p.m., was 2 Pet. 2.15, “Yet [sic] have forsaken the right way.”  Town Meet and choose Capt. Maynard Representative.  Capt. Benjamin Fays old House burnt.  N.B. Sent a Letter etc. per Capt. Wood to Billy.  Received of Mr. Nathan Maynard Six Dollars.

1767 May 19 (Tuesday).  Church Meeting to See Whether Mrs. Andrews may be admitted or rather, what is this Churches Duty respecting the Society She is come from.  A Difficult Day!  Capt. Brigham very rough both in the Meeting House and afterwards when we came out.  But we were not ripe for a Vote to admitt her, thought it seemed to be the Expectation of Some Number of the Brethren that this was to be our next Business.  But Squire Whipple proposed that there might be a Committee chose who might draw up Something for the Church to Act upon.  This we came into, and we adjourned to this Day fortnight — and then also to choose a Deacon, instead of Deacon Tainter deceased.

1767 May 20 (Wednesday).  Suse has been worse ever since She took Physick, and evidently grows worse from Day to Day.

1767 May 21 (Thursday).  Temple and John digg Stones in the middle Pasture.  Elias goes to Capt. Jonathan Fays to board and go to School at Mr. William Nurse’s.