Category: Diary

1767 October 9 (Friday).  Richard lodged here, last night.  We reckoned.  I owe him for both the last turn here, and this; both which amount to 12 Dayes (he throwing in two pieces of Days), @ 13/6 per Day £8.2.0.  I payd him four pounds and ten shillings: there remains due to Richard £3.12.0 Old Tenor.  P.M. Deacon Wood, Lt. Baker, Neighbour Zebulun Rice, Lt. Baker [sic], Mr. Nathan Maynard, Neighbour Seth Morse (who brought a large Cheese) and a Number more (between 30 and 40 in all) got in and husked out my Corn.  The Crop proved but indifferent.  For entertainment Mrs. P. instead of the usual hot Supper, baked Applepyes and agreeable Cakes, which with Cheese proved an Acceptable [Reflection?] to the Company.  N.B. Master Jamison here likewise.  We sung part of the 4th Ps.  Mr. Seth Morse set the Tune.

1767 October 10 (Saturday).  R. Temple and Jonas Kenny came from Mr. Nurse’s and pitched up the Husks.  John carrys up the Hog Corn.  Am called to Capt. Forbush, but he expired before I got there.  Prayed with the Survivers.  I rode to Southborough (at Mr. Stone’s Request), and he hither.

1767 October 11 (Sunday).  Preached at Southborough on 2 Thess. 111.1 a. and p.m.  Mr. Stone went home at Eve.  I lodged at Southborough.

1767 October 12 (Monday).  I rode to Marlborough to see Mr. Smith — dined at Squire Brighams.  Mr. Smith was not at home — called at Coll. Williams where I hear that though Brother Breck has been ill, he is recovering.  Returned home.  N.B. I rode Dr. Hawes Horse, he having mine to go to Ashburnham.

1767 October 13 (Tuesday).  Am reading Mr. Joseph Fish on Mat. 16.18, a useful piece.  P.M. Attended, and prayed at, the Funeral of old Capt. Samuel Forbush in his 92d year.

1767 October 14 (Wednesday).  I had a plad and Calamanco Gown, of Mr. Moores buying, which cost me £13.15 old Tenor and Suse has made it.  It may be the last.  God grant I may be clothed with the Righteousness of Christ — that I may be ready to put off my Garment of Mortality, and to be enrobed with Glory.  P.M. Miss Kezia Adams from Ashby — and lodges here.  Mr. Joseph Harrington at Eve, is Examined — and I am to propound him.

1767 October 15 (Thursday).  A shock of an Earthquake about 11 a.m.  I rode to Mr. Joseph Harrington’s (his Wife being in such Circumstances that She could not well come here): examined her — at least in part.  Dined there.  P.M. after further Discourse with her, left her that She might take further Pains with her self.  I called at Mr. Whitneys to see Miss Love, who is got about again — went to Capt. Jonathan Fay’s, about Cyder.  Visit old Mrs. Byles, and prayed with her.  When I returned at Eve, was informed that Mr. Peter Whitney had been here.  He has brought a Letter from the Church and people of Northborough, desiring assistance in his Ordination.  Miss Kezia dined here and then returned to Medfield.

1767 October 16 (Friday).  Mr. Townsends (Smith’s) Shop on Fire this morning about 2 o’Clock — but was timely discovered and put out.

1767 October 17 (Saturday).  Mr. Tainter was lately at Brother Brecks at Springfield, says Brother Breck is so ill as to keep his Room, yet is somewhat better than he had been.  John with my Oxen and Deacon Woods and his plough, and Henry Marble (from Mr. Barnabas Newtons) to drive, plows in the hither Part of the Island Field.  Mr. John Woods kills a Lamb for me, out of the Flock which Lt. Baker keeps for me.

1767 October 18 (Sunday).  Read Jer. 5.  Preached on Ps. 86.5 a. and p.m.  P.M. read Act. 4.  May God forgive what has been amiss; and graciously vouchsafe His Concurrence and Blessing to what was agreeable to His Will!

1767 October 19 (Monday).  Mr. Woodward of Weston and Master Cushing here p.m.  At Eve I was at Mr. Williams, Mr. Pratts and Mr. N. Maynards.  Received 14£.  When I returned Deacon Wood made me a Visit.

1767 October 20 (Tuesday).  Mr. Jacob Rice came from his F’s, and accompanyed me to Hopkinton, it being Ministers Meeting there.  Mr. Loring came there, but was taken ill — was disordered in his stomach, vertiginous etc.  Mr. Rice was examined — delivered an Exercise on Rom. 6.14.  I lodge with Mr. Loring at Mr. Barretts.  John brought 53 posts from the ministerial Lot, got out by Mr. Phinehas Maynard.

1767 October 21 (Wednesday).  N.B. Mr. Lorings Discourse while in the Chamber concerning Evidences of Grace.  Mr. Bridge of Sudbury preached the Lecture on Mat. 13.39, “the Harvest is the End of the World.”  Dr. Wilson dined with us.  N.B. I last night paid him 4 Dollars.  Mr. Rice my Company home — met my Son and Daughter Forbes who with their Eli came last night.  Sarah is gone to Boston With Mr. Wood and Mr. Jamison though in a Chair by her self to bring up Polly Forbes.

1767 October 22 (Thursday).  Mr. More and Miss Beckky Hill from Boston; Miss Bridget Cushing and her Brother Jobs Daughter, Mr. Forb. Wife and son dined here.  Mr. Forb. preached my Lecture on 1 Cor. 11.28.  May God grant success to this seasonable sermon!  Miss Bridget and her neece went home, but the rest lodged here.

1767 October 23 (Friday).  Mr. Moore and Miss Beckky leave us to go to Worcester and Oxford.  My Daughter Sarah has been to Boston to bring up Polly Forbes, and they are come.  At Eve Mr. Zebulun Rice here, and is very full of Disquietment about Deacon Wood’s marriage to Mrs. Johnson.  Mr. Forbes and his wife go to the South and return to us at Evening.

1767 October 24 (Saturday).  They go to Northborough.  By many Avocations, by the Various Exercises of this Week, Company, etc. I am very much prevented preparing my sermons.  Am disappointed also of the Help I hoped for.  Could get but one sermon ready; and that not seasonably.  The Lord pity and pardon and assist me!

1767 October 25 (Sunday).  Mr. Forbes preaches at Northborough for Mr. Moore who engages for Brookfield.  I read Jer. 6.  Preached on Ps. 86.5 and administered the Lords supper.  All the members who have Shewn Disquietment were there.  P.M. I omitted reading.  Carry’d on the Discourse on 1 Pet. 2.9, but from 2 Tim. 1.9 and using part of the Discourse on Rom. 8.28, page 5 to p. 18.  N.B. Mrs. Maynard and my grand Daughter and little grandson, Forbes, dined with us, as these latter also lodge here.  At Eve their Parents return hither from Northborough.  My son Forbes has (in part) inform’d me of the great Troubles he meets with among some of his people, particularly from Lt. Joseph Stone, and Rufus Putnam.  We have reason mutually to Sympathize — the Lord be with us under these bitter Tryals!  N.B. Mr. F. Yesterday acquainted me with his F’s Desire that he would preach at their House (fearing he shall never have another Opportunity), but Mr. Forbes wants to return on Tuesday; therefore I appoint it on Monday 2 p.m.

1767 October 26 (Monday).  A.M. attend the Funeral of the infant Child of John Kelly in Northborough and prayed.  After Dinner I attend the Exercise at Brother Forbes’s.  (Mr. Forbes and his Daughter go with me in a Chaise.)  He preached from 2 K. 20.1, a very profitable sermon.  May God bless it to us all.  At Eve Mr. Jacob Rice of Northborough here and asks me and Mrs. P________ to afford our Company at his Wedding tomorrow.  Received a Cask with Pewter brought up from Boston by Mr. Nurse.

1767 October 27 (Tuesday).  Mr. Forbes, his Wife and Children leave us.  He rides my mare and the rest ride in a Chaise.  After Dinner Mrs. P. and I rode to Miss Hannah Maynards and Solemnized her Marriage in her own Room to Mr. Jacob Rice.  Thence we rode over to his House in Northborough.  Mr. David Maynard and his Brother Nathan — and Capt. Maynard and his Wife, were the rest of the Company.  Supped there and returned in the fore part of the Evening safely.  D.G.

1767 October 28 (Wednesday).  The Divisions among us and other Reasons induce to jej. and prec. [illegible].

1767 October 29 (Thursday).  John has brought home with my Oxen, 6 Bushels Turnips from Mr. Elijah Hardys at 7/6 but one Bushel is given: and one Barrel Cyder from Capt. Jonathan Fays (gratis).  Mr. Moore came at Eve.

1767 October 30 (Friday).  Mr. Moore dines here, and at Tea p.m., then goes to Marlborough.  Lieut. Baker kills another Sheep for me.  Mr. Joseph Harrington and his Wife here at Evening with their Relations.  John has (with my Oxen and Deacon Wood’s) fetched home from Ministerial Lot 500 Posts; being the rest that Mr. Phinehas Maynard has got out for me.  Deacon Wood raises (what I am told is) a Bake-House.

1767 October 31 (Saturday).  Mr. Forbes Sends my Mare from Brookfield by Antipas Bruce (son of Joseph).  Deacon Livermore here and Seems to be under much Anxiety about the settling Mr. Whitney.  Says he understands he has been questioned about his Principles; though he hears nothing but that he is of Sober Life.

1767 November 1 (Sunday).  Read Jer. 7.  Preached a.m. on Ps. 86.5.  Mrs. Maynard dines here.  P.M. read Act. 12.  Preached on Gal. 1.15, last Clause.  In the Exercise went on with the Repetition of another part of Discourse on Rom. 8.28 from p. 18 to the End of p. 27.  Admitted Joseph and Ruth Harrington.  Read the Petition of Judith Bellows for a Contribution.  Gave Warning to people respecting the Ordination next Wednesday, their Behavior etc.

1767 November 2 (Monday).  Town Meet on the Affair of my Support.  They Vote only 500£.  Will not provide my Wood.  ‘Tis tryed many Times in vain.  Some (as I was Informed) would have cutt me down to my bare sallery, without any Support or Wood — to such a pitch has their unreasonable and causeless Resentment arisen.  Mr. Cushing dined here.  At Eve Mr. Moore.  The former preached yesterday at Southborough, the latter at Marlborough.

1767 November 3 (Tuesday).  Mr. Moore and I rode to Shrewsbury Association Fast for reviving Family Government and Religion.  Mr. Bowman a.m. on Prov. 22.6, “train up a Child” etc.  P.M. Mr. Buckminster prayed and Mr. Conklin preached on Eph. 6.18.  Praying always with all Prayer.  I prayed at the Close.  May God accept the Offerings and seal Instruction!  When we returned at Eve, found Capt. Clarke of Hopkinton and Miss Patty, here.  Also my Cousen Thomas Barrett and they lodged here.

1767 November 4 (Wednesday).  Ordination of Mr. Peter Whitney.  Mrs. P________ rode over with me.  Deacons Bond and Wood attended.  The Pastors, except Mr. Stone, and Delegates, met at Mrs. Martyns.  I was chose Moderator and prayed.  Mr. Smith was chose Scribe.  The Chief Debate in Council was, whether Mr. Whitneys Confession after it had been read among us, Should be read in public.  It was put to a Vote and there appeared 21 against, and 20 for.  So that it was not read.  The Concourse was so exceeding great that it was much feared the Meeting House was like to give way.  [Steps?] abroad proposed to be erected — but we ventured in.  Mr. Morse began with Prayer.  Mr. Whitney Preached a good sermon on Mat. 28.19.20.  The Charge with the Prayer preceding was my Part: Mr. Bridge of Chelmsford prayed after it.  Mr. Smith gave the Right Hand — and so ordered his speech as to receive Mr. Whitneys Return of the Right Hand to him.  This was wholly new to me.  Sang Ps. 122.  Mr. Morse sat the Tune.  Before the Blessing I spake to the people concerning the Props of the Gallerys — and concerning Conduct after the solemnity in public.  After supper Subscriptions for printing the sermon etc.  Capt. Clark and Miss Patty, Cousin Barrett, Mr. Moore, his sister Sarah and his Cousin Miss Ruth Moore, lodged here.  May God grant an happy Issue!  And may I retain, and have increased Impression upon my own Heart!

1767 November 5 (Thursday).  Some of our Company left us, viz. Messrs. Moore and Barrett for Cambridge; Capt. Clarke and Daughter to Hopkinton.  The young Misses, Moores, dine at Capt. Maynards after which they visit at Lt. Bakers.  Messrs. Biglow of Paxton, Willard (from Haverhil) dined here; and had with them one Swan, an House Carpenter.  At Eve the foresaid Misses return and Lodge here.  John fetches a Barrell Cyder from Mr. Phinehas Hardy’s.

1767 November 6 (Friday).  They leave us, after Breakfast to go to Oxford.  Cousin Samuel Trask, who breakfasts with us, accompanys them I suppose, to Sutton.  Mr. Aaron Nurse here hooping several Casks.  Sarah who went to Mr. Richard Martyns before Ordination is brought home.  John goes to Mr. Jonathan Grouts, and brings a Barrell of Cyder.  At Eve, came Mr. Jonathan How to call me to Mr. Hannaniah Parkers, one of their little sons being nigh to Death.  I went; the Man was gone to Southborough.  The Woman was much distressed.  All five of the Children were ill with Fever and Canker.  Little Winslow was exceeding low, but was reviv’d from the dying Symptoms it had been under.  I prayed.  Mr. Parker came home.  Coll. Ezra Taylor overtook me, as I returned — he informed me that Mr. Frink’s Application to the Quarter sessions for his Sallery since his Dismission, fell through.

1767 November 7 (Saturday).  Mr. Ebenezer Maynard came to desire me to go to Mr. Parkers.  P.M. notwithstanding it was so great an interruption to my Studys, I went.  Little Winslow dyed in the morning, and Harvey grew worse.  I prayed — and hearing that Patty Beeton was ill, I went to see her, and found her very bad.  Her Throat much swelled and much Canker, So that She was greatly distressed.  I gave her Instruction and solemn Charge.  But they did not ask me to pray — The Man was hurryed in the shop, being near night and persons there who belonged to Upton with Team etc.  Did what I could to prepare my Self for the Sabbath — a very distressing Time to my Neighbours!  The Lord extend His Pity and Mercy towards us, and prepare us for His Sovereign Will!

1767 November 8 (Sunday).  Read Jer. 8.  Preached on Ps. 34.8.  Old Mr. Stratton of Waltham dined here.  P.M. read Act. 13 to v. 26 and delivered another Exercise, from the same Text, on Effectual Calling, using the Discourse on Rom. [3?].28 from p. 28 to 33.  Funeral tomorrow 10 a.m.

1767 November 9 (Monday).  Between 3 and 4 o’Clock in the Morning, came Mr. Thomas Frost and called me up to go to Mr. Parker, for it was feared that little Harvey was dying.  I arose and went — the Child was sensible — I prayed — returned about Break of day.  Attended Winslows Burial, and before that Time Harvey dyed.  P.M. adjournment of Town Meeting.  They refuse to grant money for a legal School.  A Sad Spirit prevails, against Government, Ministry, Learning.  Some are so bent upon finding Fault, that my going into the meeting House at Northborough Ordination has given great Displeasure; and this was because upon hearing that the Gallerys gave way I declared that if it was so, I would not go in — and again said I would not go in (taking it as beforesaid) yet I sent in Lt. Martyn and others, to See how the Case verily was — which Shews the Matter was not absolutely determined — In the mean time, Rev. Mr. Whitney (who was to preach) was consulted.  He said he was not able to preach abroad.  Mr. Martyn, and others, returned and said they had examined the Timbers, Joists and the Supports — and declared they were safe and secure — that the Supporter which had given way, and was the Cause of the Alarm, was well fastened — and that the Report of the joists and the Beam, was not true — upon which I was hurried in; and the Throng pressed in — so that I was obliged to go in against my Inclination — committing the Matter to God, our Great Preserver!  So that I could not be charged with any unfairness in any of this Conduct, and it must be owing only to prejudice and ill will that Such fault is found with me for it.  May the Lord guard and help me under such unreasonable and injurious Treatment!  This is the last Day of Mr. Jamison’s School.

1767 November 10 (Tuesday).  I attended the Funeral of Patty Beeton.  Deacon Wood and Mr. David Maynard killed an Ox for me.  The Weight of the Quarters, was 583 lb.  And the Hide was 86.  The Butchers dined with me and Deacon Wood asked me to be at his House on Thursday next, to dine there at one o’Clock: but did not say any Thing of the Occasion.  P.M. rode though rainy to visit Mr. Phinehas Hardy, who lately fell from his Cart, and was sadly lamed.  Went also to see his Aged Mother.  Prayed there, and returned at Evening.  N.B. Mr. Eli Whitney had been here in the Day about his own and his Wife’s joining with the Church.

1767 November 11 (Wednesday).  Mrs. Elizabeth Whitney here a.m. was examined; and dined here.  P.M. I went to the Funeral of little Harvey Parker.  Lt. Ward and Mr. James Parker were there.  Richard Temple who by Reason of the Rain, could do but little about my Flax (having cutt out my Beef last Evening), Salted it a.m. and it clearing away p.m. he went to Swingling.

1767 November 12 (Thursday).  Mr. Whitney and Mr. Cushing; and Mr. P________ and I, with my Daughters Sarah and Suse, wait upon Deacon Wood and Mrs. Johnson, to solemnize their marriage.  Mr. Barrett prays before the Covenant and Mr. Whitney after.  Sung Ps. 115, 2d Meeter, and latter part.  A great Company, and plentifull provisions.  May God grant it may be an Abiding Joy!  Mrs. Cushing and her Daughter (as well as Son) with us and lodge here.  Nanny Beeton I hear is ill.