Category: Diary

1767 November 13 (Friday).  Temple finishes swingling my last years Flax, which being so much rotted, wastes away exceedingly.  P.M. John and he plow in Rye at the Cook field.  Mr. Beeton in great Trouble requests me to go to his Children — Nanny and little William grow worse.  I went, instructed, warned, charged and prayed there.  Hear that Pierpoint Parker grows worse.  Miss Hephzibah Ward (at Parkers) taken — and it is feared some other Children are.  An awful Providence!  May the Lord shew Mercy!  We Send for the Marsh Rosemary, from Cambridge or Brookline.

1767 November 14 (Saturday).  By reason of the Storm Temple leaves me.  Weighs his Flax which he has dressed — it was but 19 lb. and 3/4.  Asks 52/6 for his work; that is, these 5 Days; part of which was employed in breaking Flax, plowing etc.

1767 November 15 (Sunday).  Read Jer. 9.  Preached on 2 Pet. 1, latter part of v. 3.  With some proper Alterations used sermon on Rom. 8.28 from p. 33 to 40.  Old Mrs. Beeman and Temple dined here.  P.M. read Act 13 from v. 26.  Preached on Eccl. 12.1: A sermon which I have composed on the Sorrowful Occasion of the present sickness and repeated Deaths.  At Eve I went to Mr. Parker to see Pierpont, who remains low and dangerously ill.

1767 November 16 (Monday).  Lt. Baker and Mr. Jamison here a.m.  I agree with the former to get me my Years wood for 50£ old Tenor and I have expressly mentioned our keeping 3 Fires, and to have constant Supply for them.  Sell him also 7 sheep for 14£ O.T.  P.M. visit at Mr. Beetons whose Daughter Anna is still sick, but better — but Thomas grows worse; and little Billy very bad and in a Dangerous state.  At Mr. Parkers, his Pierpont a sorrowful Spectacle.  Miss Hephzibah Ward ill there also.  Prayed with Each Family.  N.B. Received 31£ of Mr. Nathan Maynard to Day.

1767 November 17 (Tuesday).  Capt. Maynard came to call me to Mr. Beetons to see his little William but though I hastened, he dyed before I got there.  The House in great Mourning.  I prayed with them.  Capt. invited me to breakfast there.  I complyed — and thence to Mr. Parkers and prayed with them.  Visited Mr. Edmund Brighams Child which is supposed to have the Distemper.  Dined, after I had prayed, there.  Thence went to Ensign Snows — to Beemans — William Woods — a Girl sick at this last place.  N.B. Mr. Frost had sowed some Rye and John and Nathan Maynard junior plowed it in, at the Island.  John Waits on his Mother to Mr. Parkers to watch there.

1767 November 18 (Wednesday).  Am very much taken up with visiting the Sick, and attending on the Dead: for this Day I attend Buryal of little William Beeton and at Eve carry my Daughter Sarah to watch at Mr. Parkers — but when we arrived there, Pierpont had expired.  Prayed with them and we both returned.  The Lord extend His Pity to that distressed House!  My Son Baldwin came, in his Journey to Boston.  N.B. Lt. Baker brings up a Load of my Wood, from my swamp.

1767 November 19 (Thursday).  By Reason of the storm my son Baldwin tarrys and dines with us.  But p.m. leaves us for Sudbury.  I delivered him £7.10 old Tenor to lay out for a great Coat for John.  Catechized at the Meeting House, but the weather was so tedious, had but 13 Boys; and but six Girls besides my own — but 21 in all, a. and p.m.  Can attend this Evening to my Preparations.

1767 November 20 (Friday).  Neighbour Jonathan Hows Wife and Children, and Grace Lock who lives with them being ill, as I apprehended from his Discourse with me, and his repeated Desire that I would go to see them, I made them a Visit — but found them much better than I expected.  At their Request I prayed with them.  Was also at Mr. Beetons to see Thomas who had a bad night, but was better this morning.  Dined at home, but p.m. abroad again, and my Wife with me to attend upon the Funeral of Pierpont Parker.  A wide Breach — 3 out of 5 in so few Dayes!  The Lord support my poor distressed Neighbours and teach them true gracious submission and Resignation.  My Daughters, at my Return from the Burial, acquaint Me that Mr. Jonah Warren has been here, and informed of the uncommon Conduct of one McC____ll____ch of U______n towards his Wife, Children — and Dog.  If it be true, is very shocking: and one might earnestly wish it might be duely Enquired into and if found to be true, properly punished.  Tis reported at Evening that Squire Whipple has sent him to Goal.

1767 November 21 (Saturday).  Neighbour Newton kindly sows Rye and John plows it in.  Received last night a Letter from Samuel that he has agreed with Mr. Loyd to live with him a Year, and he is to give him Two hundred Pounds — I suppose old Tenor besides his Diet, washing, mending and Lodging.

1767 November 22 (Sunday).  So great a Storm I omitted Reading publickly: Fewer Old, but more of young people attended, than I expected.  A.M. preached on Eccl. XII.1, latter part.  P.M. went on with the Effects of Effectual Calling from 2 Pet. 1.3, latter part with a new Introduction etc. but the main of the Exercise was Repetition from sermon on Rom. 8.28 from p. 40 to 46 or 7.  Propounded Eli Whitney and his wife, and read the proclamation for Thanksgiving, but by reason of the fewness of the people at meeting this stormy Day, I put off the Contribution for Mrs. Bellows until next Lords Day.

1767 November 23 (Monday).  Read Dr. Burnetts Theory Vol. 2.  Am more and more affected with the Authors surprizing stretch of Genius — but most with the very solemn Subject.  N.B. Lt. Baker brings a Load of Wood with my Cattle in his Team; it being difficult stirring in the snow.  This Day he begins his Year of getting my Wood.  N.B. Lt. Baker tells me Mr. Beeton refused to let him go through the place which I sold to Capt. Maynard, although I have reserved the Liberty of Passage through it, for Team or Teams: and it is expressed in my Deed to Maynard.  This may breed Trouble.

1767 November 24 (Tuesday).  Was obliged to leave my study, and go up to the Shops, Wheelocks and Woods, to buy John a stout Jacket for his Winter Business.  N.B. Dined at Lt. Bakers, with Master Jamison.  At Eve send for 2 yards and 1/2 Kersey from Mr. John Woods, and must give 35/ per yard.  Pay him £4.1.0.  My son Baldwin came from Boston last Saturday — to Day hither.  He has bought Three yards of Broad Cloth for a Great Coat for John.  Gave at Vendue 51/ per yards.  He also bought Buttons 17/.  He lodged here.

1767 November 25 (Wednesday).  Paid my son B. £1 old Tenor.  Have given him in all £8.10.0 for the Cloth and Buttons.  He goes to Brookfield.  I am much affected with Dr. Burnetts Theory — on the last Conflagration.  May God grant an abiding Impression, and suitable Improvement.  John is so indisposed that I was obliged at Evening to go to the Barn.

1767 November 26 (Thursday).  John abroad again.  He fetches half a Quarter of sugar which John Maynard has brought up for Me from Boston.  Am grievously exercised with Pain in my Back, by a Cold I have taken — but especially I was taken with a Pain in my Breast, about noon, which for a little space was very strong, and I was obliged to knock for help.  It pleased God to relieve me after a little While, to my great Joy.  To His Name be Glory.  Am taken up pritty much with Variety of Papers from England, as well as our own News Prints.  Divers of them sent me by Mr. Moore and Mr. Mein.  I write to Mr. Mein, to Samuel and to Mr. McAlpine, by Lt. Baker, who with Mr. Jamison, goes to Boston.  Payd John £4 for his two sheep which I have sold to Lt. Baker; and John trades with Jonas Kenny for two and a Lamb to be received next Fall, but Mr. Moses Nurse gives the Note to Me of what John is to receive for his money.

1767 November 27 (Friday).  I am still under the Grievance of my pained Back.  Yet, through the divine Goodness I can follow my studys: which I would esteem a great Favour.

1767 November 28 (Saturday).  Richard Temple came from Ashby.  Dined here — stays and I set him to rebuild my Hovel.  I do not get rid of my Pains, but have respite.  Am in my preparations.

1767 November 29 (Sunday).  Read Jer. 10.  Preached on Prov. 23.26.  May God be graciously pleased to add His special Blessing!  Mr. William Nurse’s Wife, and Mrs. Maynard dined here.  P.M. by Reason of the work before us, and the Shortness of the Day, was obliged to omitt Reading.  Preached on 2 Pet. 1.3.  Go on with the Improvement of the Subject of last Sabbath p.m. from Rom. 8.23 from p. 46 to 52.  We had a Contribution for Mrs. Judith Bellows.  Mr. Solomon Bakers youngest Daughter being very bad in the forenoon, of the Throat Distemper, at noon came here for some Wine and desired that I would go over there at Evening.  But after Meeting received a Message from him that the Child was Dead.  It was taken ill but last Thursday.  So swift the Dispatch!

1767 November 30 (Monday).  Temple having tarried here over the Sabbath, breaks Flax.  Capt. Jamison sends me a Card to invite me to his Lodging at 5 this Evening.  Signed St. Andrews, but I was under previous Engagement as I wrote in my Return to him, by Mr. Eli Whitney’s wife, who was here with her Relation, and dined with us.  At Eve the Deacons were here to count the Money contributed, and find it to be £14.8.0 old Tenor.  Deacon Wood went to Capt. Jamison: Deacon Bond tarried and talked about the Andrews Affair, and of a Petition for another Church-Meeting.

1767 December 1 (Tuesday).  Richard Temple dresses Flax a.m. but breaks off because of unfit Weather.  P.M. Mrs. P________ and I attend the Burying of Mr. Solomon Bakers youngest Daughter.  At Eve came my son William with his Wife and Child from Ashby.  Informs me of the Sudden Deaths of Rev. Mr. Winchester of Ashburnham, and Rev. Mr. Whitemore of Suncook.  That the last dyed in the Pulpit.  May it please God to quicken me to be ever ready!  And repair the Breaches made on the Flocks and Familys!

1767 December 2 (Wednesday).  Billy is not well — he and his, tarry with us, and defer their going to Medfield till after Thanksgiving.  John Maynard here at Eve, and Supps with us — relates Particulars of Thomas Cooks being taken, Examined and let go from Harringtons at Waltham plain: the Said Maynard being there present.

1767 December 3 (Thursday).  Publick Thanksgiving.  Preached on Ps. 64.4.  After Sermon I gave Solemn Caution respecting the Behaviour at Table and in the Evening.  Especially Young Persons, etc.  My Daughter in Law is earnest to go as far as Medway this Evening but I disswaded — and my son was not well.  They therefore tarry.  N.B. I have received from Mr. Mein at Boston, Eight Magazines for Mr. Forbes: with a Letter for me concerning the Boston Chronicle That I am entered a subscription for it etc.

1767 December 4 (Friday).  John gets my Mare Shod at Mr. Beetons for Billy to go to Medfield and Boston.  The storm of snow prevented their Journeying in the morning as they designed, and got up a great while before Day.  But having dined, though it still snowed, both Billy and his Wife with the Child in her Arms, Set out, first for Medway — and then Purposing to go to her Fathers.  I keep one of his Horses whilst he is gone with mine.

1767 December 5 (Saturday).  [No entry.]

1767 December 6 (Sunday).  Omitt Reading.  Preached on Ps. 34.8.  Took in the Whitneys and administered the Lords Supper.  Mrs. Maynard dined here.  P.M. Preached with proper Alterations etc. on Prov. 13.21.  At Eve was sent for by Mr. Solomon Baker to visit his surviving Daughter, Sarah (in her 8th year), who is thought to be nigh Death by the Throat Distemper.  I went — found her low indeed — prayed with them in their Distresses.  She was taken ill but a Day or two before, and now can hardly fetch a Breath.

1767 December 7 (Monday).  Lt. Baker brings the sad news that Sarah Baker dyed between 3 and 4 this Morning.  Mr. Stone and Smith made me a Visit and dine here.  They very much advise to our having a Council here to Vindicate my Character which they think grievously suffers in the world, by reason of the unjust Reproches which fall upon me.  They leave me towards Eve — Mr. Smith goes to Shrewsbury, and I ride as far as Mr. Nathan Maynards whose son Nathan is ill.  I prayed with him, and returned.  He is in his 17th Year.

1767 December 8 (Tuesday).  I visited Ann Maynard (Mr. Davids Daughter, in her 20th) sick of the Throat Distemper.  Dined there.  Prayed with them, as their Daughter was so bad as to be confined to her Bed, and has had strong Fever.  From thence I went to Mr. Solomon Bakers and prayed at the Funeral of his other little Daughter — a sore Breach!  After the burying Lt. J. Martyn here.  He presents me with an Hebrew Pamphlet.  Rev. Mr. Morse of Shrewsbury here.  Reckon with him for his Boarding and Doctering Suse.  Says 3 Dollars will suffice.  He also advises me to call a Council, whether the Church will or no — there being so great Clamour abroad, as he thinks necessitates it.

1767 December 9 (Wednesday).  Visit Mr. Kendal who languishes.  Deacon Forbes somewhat better.  I prayed there.  N.B. Mrs. Maynard had come to see us and dined here.  Billy and his wife and Child returned from Medfield.  Capt. Benjamin Fay came at Evening and brought to me a Petition for a Church Meeting, signed by 21 Members, desiring the Church would reconsider their late Votes.

1767 December 10 (Thursday).  Before Day Billy etc. set out for Ashby.  Mrs. Mor[se?] sends for me to visit her Child that is Sick of the Throat Distemper.  Went — dined there — the Doctors, Wilson and Hawes there.  We prayed together, the Child being very ill.  The Father is gone to Marblehead.  No body moves for a Fast.  I therefore spent the chief part of the Day in Exercises of Humiliation and supplication since we are under such awful Tokens of the divine Displeasure, both by the Mortal sickness and the grievous Dissentions among us.  O that we might have some proper Awakening sense of our sins and of Gods holy Judgment!  At Eve John and Richard bring an Hive of Bees which Mr. Parker makes me a present of.

1767 December 11 (Friday).  Am writing on Prov. 23.26.

1767 December 12 (Saturday).  Was employed in Sermonizing lest I Should be disappointed of the Help which I expected.  I am writing on the Same subject — viz. Prov. 23.26.  But before night came Mr. Cushing from Shrewsbury to my assistance agreeable to Word he had sent me per Mr. Tainter.  He lodges here.

1767 December 13 (Sunday).  I prayed first a.m., and last p.m.  Omitted public Reading.  Mr. Cushing preached a.m. on 2 Cor. 9.15, p.m. on Joh. 9.4.  May God be pleased to add His special Blessing!  Stopped the Church at Eve and read the Petition of 21 Members for a Church Meeting to reconsider the Votes of the Church concerning Mrs. Andrews and appoint next Wednesday, 1 o’Clock p.m.  Mr. Cushing, at night, returns to Shrewsbury because of his School.

1767 December 14 (Monday).  My Mind is not a little exercised upon the afflictive Providences of God upon us in the unhappy Divisions; and the Throat Distemper.  But ‘tis hoped Mr. Seth Morse’s Child is better.  ‘Tis so bad Weather that I can’t well visit as I designed.  At Eve came Mr. More in the Snow storm.  He informs that his royal Highness the Duke of York, [marginal notation: Prince Edward Augustus was born March 25. 1739.] the Kings eldest Brother, dyed lately in Italy.  We may “not put our Trust in Princes etc. in whom there is no Help — His Breath goeth forth etc. in that very Day his Thoughts Perish.”  He was upon his Tour etc.

1767 December 15 (Tuesday).  Exceeding high Gusts before Day.  Reading London Magazine and universal Magazine brought from Mr. Woodward of Weston by Mr. Moore.  Wrote a Letter to my young Kinsman Bradshaw at College.  Many Serious Reflections upon the Troubles in Town: and am endeavouring to prepare for the meeting tomorrow — in special if the Church Shall not only reconsider the Votes that have been already passed about Mrs. A.  But if they Shall vote to receive her to Communion without Proper Limitations, I am determined to propose the Calling a Council, to look into the Case, examine the Churches Proceedings and my own Conduct therein, and give us their Judgment and Advice thereupon.

1767 December 16 (Wednesday).  Mr. Moore with us still.  Mr. Cushing came from Shrewsbury (where he keeps school) in order to his attending upon the Church Meeting.  They both dine with us.  The Church met according to Appointment.  After Prayer the Petition for the Meeting being read — and the Report of the Committee — the voting of which and the previous vote of the Church to appoint that Committee being debated upon, it was objected by Mr. Cushing and Squire Whipple, that inasmuch as that Vote (of the Report) contained a Grant to Mrs. A. it could not be re-considered without her Consent, or except there was proof that she refused to accept of it.  This last was made Clear.  I was my self a Witness of it, and several others (Deacon Bond I think was one) said the like.  After it was long talked upon, and repeated urging that it might be put to Vote, and that both those votes referred to Should be reconsidered and disannulled; when it was also promised that the Church should have the Copys of both of them returned to the Church — it was tryed and it passed unanimously (I believe, universally) in the Affirmative.  After which I very Seriously addressed the Church, to the following Purpose, viz. That notwithstanding I had endeavoured to conduct in Integrity and Uprightness among them yet I had good Reason to fear I have been grossly Mis-represented in divers Neighbouring Towns, I now did desire that if any of them had any Exception, or any Complaint to make as if I had been unfaithfull, or had Mis-represented Things at any Time to them, in my conducting these Affairs which we had been upon, or in whatsoever matter relative thereto, I now desired, and did Challenge, any one upon it, that it might be made known, that if it could be made to appear, I might suitably humble my self and make satisfaction for it, and was ready to do it?  Or if it was otherwise, I might be properly Vindicated; and that they might be, as requisite, the Guardians of my Character.  To this No Reply was made; although the Demand was repeated; Except what Capt. Jonas Brigham observed, viz. that he thought my signing with others against the 2d Church and Minister in Sutton, was not, he thought, according to Platform.  To which I answered immediately that my so subscribing was to Advice which was given in Defence of the Platform against a New Form of Discipline, where they had there set up; but which they had since, themselves, renounced; and had submitted to the Cambridge Platform.  We then prayed, and the meeting concluded with the Blessing.  After the Blessing, Mr. Daniel Forbes, intimated that he should be glad of Liberty, upon proper Opportunity for it, to have some Private Conversation with me, with some others, which I freely consented to.  Thus this Meeting went over.  Mr. Cushing came home with me; but returned this Eve to Shrewsbury.  Richard Temple worked for me in swingling Flax.  John assisted in Breaking.  Mr. Moore lodges here.

1767 December 17 (Thursday).  Mr. Moore dines and takes Leave, for Cambridge.  I visit Mr. Phinehas Hardy — and his Mother and prayed with them.  Visit also Ensign Jeduthun Fay and his Wife, whose Father Shattuck lately dyed.  He was upward of 80 and had been for 15 Years in a weak and languishing Condition.  N.B. I saw, at Lt. Bakers, to Day, two Andover Men whose names were Holts, who were ready to Affirm that the Ministers and Churches there would not hold Communion with Mr. Cleaveland of Chebacco, nor with his people.