Category: Diary

1767 May 22 (Friday).  Visit at Capt. Fays on consideration of the sorrowful Burning of their old House, it having been very useful to them and much was lost in it.  Visit Mrs. Pratt (Eleazers wife) who is sick of a Fever.  Was at Mr. William Nurse’s to see Master Cushing and dined at Mr. Joseph Grouts with him.  P.M. at Capt. Jonathan Fays; visit also Mrs. Rachel Hardy, Mrs. Twitchell etc.  When I returned at Evening found Brother Breck, and his Son Robert here.  They lodged with us.  N.B. Mrs. Maynard invites Brother to dine there tomorrow.

1767 May 23 (Saturday).  Cousin Robert to Boston.  Dined at Capt. Maynards with Brother Breck.  Capt. was not there.  P.M. Capt. brought me £60.15.  My son Ebenezer came from Brookfield and my Son Alexander from Framingham.  Hear that Brother Harrington was bury’d yesterday.

1767 May 24 (Sunday).  Read Isa. 56 and Joh. 21.  Mr. Breck preached on Prov. 1.20 to 23.  Which may we savingly profit by!

1767 May 25 (Monday).  Mr. Nathan Maynard here and pays me in Cash and Notes 71£ old Tenor.  Mr. Breck and Ebenezer Set out for Boston and Watertown.  Mr. Bucknam journeying to see his dying Daughter Clark at Rutland, calls here.  I undertook my Journey to Boston.  Dine at Mr. Joseph Brighams in Marlborough.  Called at Coll. Williams and committed to him the Affair of a small plat of Land to be laid before the Proprietors at their Meeting to Day, and which Plat Mr. Bradish is to deliver.  Was at Mr. Smiths — at Mrs. Baldwins in Sudbury — visit Mrs. Lock (Joshua’s wife) in her Distress.  Lodged at Mr. Bridge’s.

1767 May 26 (Tuesday).  Proceed to Mr. Adams’s at Roxbury and dine there.  Mr. Rand of Kingston and Mr. Hooker of Northampton.  At Boston, visit Cousen Procter at the Alms House — but they have resigned that Trust and begin to move.  Brother Samuel is gone to Cases.  Deacon Sayward, from York and his Wife lodge at Brothers.  My Son Samuel grown wonderfully, in Stature and Thickness.  Mr. Loyd very kindly puts up my Horse.  I lodged there.

1767 May 27 (Wednesday).  Mr. Ebenezer Bridge preached the Election sermon on Deut. 33.29.  I dined in Fanuel-Hall.  P.M. attended the Convention.  Mr. Appleton Moderator and Prayed.  A Plan was laid before the Convention by the Committee appointed for that purpose a year or two before, for a Fund for the Support of Ministers Widows and Children.  This takes up the Time chiefly.  N.B. I have taken Opportunity to talk with divers Ministers about what is best for us in Westborough to do about Mrs. Andrews.  All advise to admitt her as all Circumstances are; bearing Testimony against the Disorders in Chebacco.  Visit my Relations.  Lodge at Brother P________s.

1767 May 28 (Thursday).  At Mr. Eliots and talk with him and Sundry others, Messrs. Diman, Checkley, Tucker — upon the Andrews Affair.  They advise as above.  Attend the Convention.  Mr. Eliot preached on Jam. 5.19.20.  The Collection amounted to [blank].  Dined at Mr. Pembertons.  P.M. attended the Convention.  N.B. the Corporation for the Fund yesterday was voted to be 15 Lay and 15 Clergymen: to Day 5 More of Each are added; so that the whole Number is enlarged now to 40.  Mr. Pemberton Prayed at the Conclusion.  At Mr. Meins and McAlpines.  Engage the latter to bind for me Popes Letters, and Brainards Journal.  Visit Mr. Foxcroft and divers Friends.  Sup and Lodge at Brother Samuels.  Breck also is come from Ashby and lodges there.

1767 May 29 (Friday).  To Roxbury — dined at Mr. Adams’s and preached his Lecture on Heb. 12.25.  Prosecuted my Journey — lodged at Mr. John Stearns’s at Watertown.  Mr. Thomas Harrington there, etc. etc.

1767 May 30 (Saturday).  Journey home.  In my way call at Mr. Nat. Williams who lends me a Number of his Fathers sermons.  At Mr. N. Goddards and at Mr. Woodwards.  Dine at Mr. Browns (Alexander returned home yesterday).  At Coll. Buckminsters and at Mr. Stones.  Arrive safe and the Family in Peace (except Suse’s indispositions).  To God be all Glory!  Am informed that Squire Adams was here in his return from Ashby — lodged here last Night and went home to day.

1767 May 31 (Sunday).  Read Isa. 57 and Act. 1.  Repeated a. and p.m. on Rom. 8.7.  Mr. Cushing dined here; as did Widow Cook and her Daughter Hill.  Mr. Cushing gave me the Report of the Committee on the Andrews Affair.

1767 June 1 (Monday).  Visit and pray with Mrs. Ruth Chamberlin sick and low.  Mr. Moore here from Mendon.  Breck returns here from Boston.  [Mrs. P________ informs me that on the 26th ult. Mr. Putnam of Pomfret was here: on the 27th Ebenezer returned home with 5 Cattle: 28 Temple returned to my work: and 29 Ebenezer went home to Brookfield.]

1767 June 2 (Tuesday).  Breck returns to Ashby and takes with him a Cow and two Young Creatures.  Jonas Kenny goes with him and drives Mr. Nurse’s Cattle to Billy.  Mr. Moore carrys Suse to Boston.  P.M. Our Church Meeting on Mrs. Andrews Case.  Previous to the Opening the Meeting had some free Conference with those Brethren who were come — in which I challenged the Liberty to be at least a Member and a Voter, and to be as free as they; that is, that As I invaded none of their Consciences, they might not invade mine: and not be thought hard of, if I did not see things in the same Light which they did, and did vote differently from them: that if I did not act according to my Authority yet I must not be faulted if I acted according to my Right as a Brother.  Nay, since I am the oldest Member in the Church some respect should rather be shewn me, than that any should abridge my Liberty.  This I spoke with reference to the Conduct of Brother Jonas Brigham, and others who I conceive abetted him last meeting.  Some other Things I said also in order to promote peace and Harmony among us at this so very critical Time.  Then we proceeded.  The Report of the Committee was read 2 or three times.  Some amendments were made: and then it was voted.  We voted also for a Deacon and Capt. Wood was chose.  After Meeting a Number of Brethren came to my House, viz. Mr. Belknap, Cornet Brigham, Capt. Brigham, Mr. Batheric and Mr. Gale.  The last, at parting, said they thought they would come in to Shew me Respect and Friendship.  N.B. As I moved to have two Brethren appointed to wait on Capt. Wood to inform him of what the Church had done — so it was moved that two might go to Mrs. Andrews to acquaint her etc. — which lest there Should be Oppositions and Misconstruction again, I gave way to, though it seemed such a strange overdoing.

1767 June 3 (Wednesday).  A Letter from Mr. Sumner to preach his Lecture to day turned my Course from otherwhere; and though I took my Mare from the Plow I went: dined there, and preached on Heb. 12.25, with some Additions.  Returned at Eve.

1767 June 4 (Thursday).  Carryed Elias to board at Mr. Ebenezer Millers, where the School is kept.  Visit Mrs. Hardy, who is very low.  She desires me to Speak several Things to her Mates, the young People of Westborough, which I took minutes of.  Visit the Neighbourhood beyond, especially Mrs. Twitchel, and prayed with her.  Returned to Mrs. Hardy, and pray with her.  Mrs. Hardy dies this night.

1767 June 5 (Friday).  Old Mr. Morse of Hopkinton being very low, requests I would visit him.  Went — discoursed and prayed with him.  Mr. Jonah Warrin there and returned with me.  Mr. Forbes from Sutton Council.  He goes to See his Aged F. and lodges there.

1767 June 6 (Saturday).  Mr. Forbes here, and urges that if he stays to preach for me, then I must go and try to get Mr. Maccarty to go to Leicester, and Mr. Conkling must go to Brookfield.  Mr. Joseph Bruce is going up with the Messages.  I consent and Write by him to Mr. Maccarty.  Mr. Forbes also procures me Mr. Ebenezer Forbes Horse.  P.M. We attended Mrs. Hardys Funeral; Mr. Forbes being her Pastor, prayed.  From thence went up to Worcester; Squire Goddard of Sutton accompanys from Mr. Sumners.  Met Dr. Throop and my Daughter Sarah from Brookfield.  Mr. Maccarty consents, but ‘tis not his Custom to go the Evening before.  Lodge there.

1767 June 7 (Sunday).  Mr. Maccarty to Leicester.  I preached at Worcester a.m. on Luk. 12.19.20.  P.M. on Dan. 5.25.  N.B. Read each Chapter publickly.  At Eve Mr. Maccarty returned.  I lodged there.

1767 June 8 (Monday).  At Mr. Swans — who mends my Watch-Case, and does it gratis.  At Capt. Curtis’s, Mr. Sumners, Mrs. Cushings — dined at Capt. Allens — and being repeatedly desired, I called at Mr. Moses Hastings’s, he being exceeding low and distressed, in both mind and Body.  Prayed with him; but despair of Seeing him again.  Mr. Forbes to Boston: Dr. Throop to Providence.

1767 June 9 (Tuesday).  Attend the Burying of Mr. B. Tainter’s premature Infant.

1767 June 10 (Wednesday).  Mr. Smith from Marlborough makes me a Visit, not knowing of the Lecture.  He is not well-pleased with what we have Done, in our Church, respecting Mrs. Andrews’s Admission.  He gives me a Letter from himself about Capt. Jonathan Goodenow, who is complained of by Robert Baker.  Mr. Stone preached my Lecture on Gal. 1.4.  Mr. Ebenezer Garfield of Shrewsbury acquaints me with the Death of Mr. Hastings, whom I was with on the 8th and the Widows desire that I would go up to the Funeral tomorrow.  Mr. Moore and Suse return from Boston.  Master Cushing also [returned?] — tarry, Sups and lodges here.

1767 June 11 (Thursday).  Elias goes to board at Mr. Joseph Harringtons (with Stephen and Gott Maynard) to go to School at Mr. Ebenezer Millers.  Rode to Shrewsbury.  Dined at Dr. Crosbys.  At the Funeral of Mr. Moses Hastings, and prayed.  In returning, was at Mr. J. Knowltons and at Mr. Samuel Fays.  Mrs. P. preparing for her Journey.

1767 June 12 (Friday).  At Sunrise Mrs. P. in Mr. Wheelocks Chair, sets out, John waiting upon her, for Ashby.  Mr. Moore returns to Oxford.  Mr. Forbes from Boston late at Night.

1767 June 13 (Saturday).  Rev. Mr. James Moreton of Blanford dined here.  P.M. Dr. Hawes carrys me to Mr. Andrews’s.  I went upon supposition that She designed, by vertue of the late vote of the Church, to come to the Communion.  But when she came to understand what the Church had done about her by my Reading the Vote of the Church, etc. She would not accept of it; nor did She give any Reason to suppose She would come tomorrow.  Copys of the Vote of the Church in appointing a Committee and of the Report of that Committee were given them.  But She did not appear willing to come to Communion tomorrow notwithstanding all I did to mollifie and Compose her.  I told her I was come to make her a Visit as a Pastor would to a Communicant before the supper; and as I had told the Church that I would take a Time (if I could) to examine into her Knowledge and soundness in the Faith, so this was my present Errand, and would have her take it in good Part.  This Conduct of theirs I fear will give me new Trouble, as I doubt not those who are prejudiced against me, and deeply engaged in their Defence, will lay even this also to me, as if I were the Cause of her not coming.  But tis well I had Some Body (Dr. Hawes) with me, to bear Witness of what was said.  N.B. My son Forbes had come last night after we were in Bed and asleep, from Boston at 4 p.m. yesterday — acquaints me that the Court has employed him in the Affair of educating four Children of the Onida Indians from Six to Ten years old, upon the Warren Benefaction.  He also desires me to write to Mr. Mein on his Behalf to Send Magazines to him by Me.  He left us for home.

1767 June 14 (Sunday).  A.M. Read Isa. 58.  Preached on 1 Thess. 14.14 and at the Close delivered what the late Mrs. Rachel Hardy desired I would just before her expiring.  Administered the Lords supper.  Neither Mr. nor Mrs. Andrews at Meeting.  Mr. Daniel Forbes assisted in distributing the Elements.  Mr. Cushing and Mrs. Maynard dined here.  Several Widows were invited (Mrs. Judith Bellows, Mrs. Tryphena Bowker) but did not come.  Mr. Artemas Bruce’s Wife here at noon, and ill.  P.M. read Act. 2.  Delivered the latter part of sermon on Rom. 8.7 and with some peculiar Pathos.  May God be pleased to accompany with His special Blessing!  After Meeting Spake with Mr. Gershom Fay concerning the People of Northborough’s proceedings in Order to their Re-settlement.

1767 June 15 (Monday).  Mr. Gale in the Morning here, and tells me, that the Andrews’s Seem to be disturbed; but he adds he does not know what they can expect more to be done for the woman.  Catechized at the meeting House a. and p.m.  52 Boys, 21 Girls.  At Eve Mr. Andrews here.  Eats with me.  I add the Dates on the Copys of the Church Vote and Report.  I told him I thought he had no Reason to be angry either with me or the Church, because we did more for his wife than many of the Pastors and Churches in the Neighbourhood of Chebacco would do, in admitting her if She had moved into one of the neighbouring Towns there.  He was moderate.  John returned from Ashby.

1767 June 16 (Tuesday).  Received of Mr. Nathan Maynard 16£ old Tenor.  On Mr. Cushings Horse I rode over to Harvard Association.  At Mr. Goss’s were Brothers Smith and Stone.  We rode by the way of Dr. Martyns to see him — and the fine Farms at Still River Corner.  After Dinner (at Mr. Wheelers) and having gone through the Association Exercise, we complyed with an Invitation of Mr. Bromfields and spouse (at the Seccomb House) to drink Tea with them.  N.B. Mr. Steward and Mr. Peter Whitney, preacher at Northborough, with us.  I lodged at Mr. Wheelers.  He was valetudinary.

1767 June 17 (Wednesday).  Attended the Lecture preached by Mr. Smith on Joh. 3.16.  Mr. Bromfield and Lady with us at Dinner.  In returning stopped at Bolton Lecture.  Mr. Whitney preached on [blank].  This made me so late I was obliged to tarry over night at Northborough and lodged with Mr. Whitney at Mrs. Martyns — but she was at Concord.  N.B. Mr. Kneeland of Boston there.

1767 June 18 (Thursday).  Mr. Michael Martyn sent me yesterday a Ream of Paper which he bought for me at Boston, and for it I have paid him 6£ old Tenor.  At my Return, found at my House my Daughters Parkman and Baldwin.  One had been to Watertown, the other at Dr. Balls.  Here were also Masters Cushing and Biglow, who lodged here last Night.  Held a Catechetical Exercise, but by reason of the Rain etc. only four Young Women attended.  Sarah was not well; and Suse at Mr. Morse’s at Shrewsbury, and could not therefore be here.

1767 June 19 (Friday).  My Daughters attempted to journey yesterday, but returned by reason of the Rain.  This morning they set out; but my Daughter Baldwin proposes only to Dr. Balls.  Eliza designs to go to Brookfield.  Mr. Daniel Mellen of Holliston here.  When he was here some time agoe, he Shewed me Caleb Winch’s Order for Eight Pounds Lawfull Money.  This Demand of Calebs, I paid accordingly to Rev. Mr. John Mellen of Lancaster, at Boston, at Mr. Gills, Merchant on May 27, in Trust for his Brother Daniel and had his Receipt.  Now Mr. Daniel Mellen delivers me the Order, and endorsed by him: but in his haste he forgets to take his Brother Johns Receipt of me, and leaves his Pocket Book behind.  P.M. Mr. William Goddard here, and takes up a great part of my Time in his Discourse of the many Difficultys he and his Daughter Houghton labour under with Regard to her Husband and the Church of Bolton.  N.B. Joseph Colman of Stafford here — sells Whetstones — when asked about Mr. Fosters Doctrines and about Separates among them answered me, “that his Business was to sell Whetstones,” with which Answer I was well pleased — and bought two of him.

1767 June 20 (Saturday).  [No entry.]

1767 June 21 (Sunday).  Read Isa. 59.  Preached on the Divine Attribute of Power.  The Text I used was Ps. 62.11 and although I was long, yet I could not divide the Exercise — and took an old sermon for p.m. (making various Additions and Alterations), viz. on John 17.4.  Read Act. 3.  Mr. Cushing dined with us.

1767 June 22 (Monday).  Mr. Daniel Miller brings with him his Brother Solomon, Neighbour Thurston, Sever, McCullock, Richard Kelly junior and James Miller junior.  And they Clear in my 5 acre Swamp.

1767 June 23 (Tuesday).  A.M. attend the Funeral of Mr. [blank] McAllisters infant Child.  Mr. Peter Whitney, from Northborough came to see me.  Capt. Jonathan Goodenow (to whom I had writ a Letter, by reason of a Complaint against him by Robert Baker of Marlborough sent me per Mr. Smith) came to see me.  They dined here.  P.M. I rode up to the widow Smiths, and at her son Ezekiels Request I preached there, as I had Publickly appointed last Lords Day.  My Text was Isa. 12.1.  N.B. Mr. Timothy Warrin was on the way as I went, and he soon fell upon the Affair of Mrs. Andrews; and not without Bitterness.  May God Sanctifie to Me these Troubles!

1767 June 24 (Wednesday).  I have heard so much of Mr. and Mrs. Andrews’s representing my Visit at their House on the 13th instant as being opposed to the Churchs proceedings, and as the Prevention of her Coming to the Communion although it was so remote from it, that I went down to Dr. Hawes, to talk with him about it; and he readily declared, that he saw not nor heard any Thing, of that Nature there.  P.M. I rode to Mr. Solomon Bakers and bought Cheese of him.  Visit Mrs. Lock.  Employ Mr. John Maynard to make shooes.  Visit at Mr. Temples — and thinking my Daughter Baldwin is at Dr. Balls, or to be heard of there, I went there; but she was gone home with her sister Parkman to Brookfield.  Went to Mr. Michael Martyns — where I hear from Suse at Mr. Morse’s.  Return in safety.  Mrs. Rebecca Warrin of Upton, here and lodged here.

1767 June 25 (Thursday).  Mr. Holland of Sutton here; wants the Copy of what the 3 Ministers Salter etc. drew up, on their Case.  But for the Reason I gave him, namely that I ought to have one for the service of the Association, he left it Still.  P.M. At Mr. Edwards Whipple’s Raising of an House.  Temple and John there.  N.B. I took occasion to talk a little with Mr. Zebulon Rice for his indiscreet talking, to my Defamation and Injury, to a number of persons together concerning my Visit to Mrs. Andrews.  One that was present, viz. Constantine Hardy, informed me that Mr. Rice represented the matter as if I went down there with Design to forbid, or at least to prevent that womens coming to the Communion and to tell her She must not now go to Chebacco Church any more.  I told Mr. Rice he did very wrong to proceed thus, for if he was affronted with me, he ought to have spoke to me first, and not to Others.  (“Debate thy Cause with thy Neighbour himself.”)