Category: Diary

December 20, 1767

1767 December 20 (Sunday).  Preached at Southborough on Ps. 1.6 a. and p.m.  Mr. Stone here a. and p.m. on Mat. 23.37.  We both returned to our respective homes at Eve, though it was very Cold, and I feared I Should even suffer the sad Effects of the Frost before I could reach my House.  May God be praised for His great Goodness in Supporting Me!  And O that the divine Blessing may accompany each of our Labours this Day, to His Glory and the highest Good of the Souls of Men.  N.B. saw at Mr. Stones Mr. Jos. Emmersons Account of his late excellent Father,[1] of Malden, and can’t but esteem it highly, So far as I could read of it.

[1] Joseph Emerson (1724-1775), An Extract from a Late Sermon om the Death of the Reverend Mr. Joseph Emerson… (Boston, 1767).  EVANS 10,608.

December 21, 1767

1767 December 21 (Monday).  The Town Met, and one Article was to consider a Paper which the Select Men have received from the Select Men of the Town of Boston, with their late Votes respecting the necessity of preventing the unnecessary Importations from Great Britain, and recommending our own Manufactures, Oeconomy, Industry and Frugality etc.  As it was very Cold many of the Inhabitants came in here, and Shewing me what their Business was, the select men, Town Clerk, Constable and others requested me to draw up what was proper for them to Vote in Complyance with what they had received.  This therefore I did and when they repaired to the Meeting House, they readily and unanimously approved of [as?] I Suppose voted to be sent to Boston.  I am entertained with Several Things in my Reading, viz. famous Mr. Rutherfords Letters — London Magazine.

December 22, 1767

1767 December 22 (Tuesday).  Send a Kegg by Mr. Morse to Boston for Molasses.  Nathan Kenny here informs me of his taking administration of his Fathers Estate, and has commenced a Law-suit against his uncle’s Widow, and wants assistance especially in drawing an Account etc.  This I gratifye him in — but for Advice etc., refer him to Squire Whipple.  My reading similar to Yesterday, besides my Ordinary Customs.

December 24, 1767

1767 December 24 (Thursday).  Neighbour John Wood and Thomas Arnold came and killed an Hog for me — that which I bought December 2 last Year of Mr. John Brigham.  Rev. Mr. Putnam calls at the Door and gives me a Letter from Mr. Moore at Cambridge dated the 21 and 23 in which he informs me of a sad Riot at College one Night last week, by 3 Scholers and 4 young fellows from Boston etc. etc.  Tis matter of great Grief — May God grant ‘em Repentance and Forgiveness, through the great Redeemer!  Towards Eve I rode to Mr. Benjamin How who is building the Chimneys at the Work House, to get him to rebuild my sleigh.  Call at Dr. Hawes — where Mr. Stockwell is at Work as a shooe-Maker.  At Eve Mr. Wood is so kind as to come again and cut out my Pork.  It weighs but one pound short of 15 score.  Mr. Thomas Whitney brings from Samuel a Loaf of Sugar.  I suppose it comes from Capt. Bradford.  Weighs 8 1/2 lb.  Mr. Daniel Forbes here and wants to talk with me — but I find that the Chief is to bear a message to me, which was, “to know whether a Number of Brethren (such as the Brighams, Capt. Fay, Gale etc.) might not come here next Monday night to see whether something can’t be done about those Churches down yonder that don’t do their Duty to Mr. Cleavelands Church.”  Thus infatuated are my dear Brethren about this affair!  And seem as earnest, after all the Tryals we have made so fruitless and vain, yet to go on as if we were now but newly begun.  I told him they might come, but it might be better to think of a Council.

December 25, 1767

1767 December 25 (Friday).  Mr. Isaac Morse of the Gore (by Worcester) brought me divers Letters — one from Samuel exculpating himself in part and in part relating and owning somewhat that occurred of late at Cambridge, but seems very sorrowful etc.  May God forgive him and guard him for the future!  He brings me Dr. Chauncys Remarks on the Bishops of Landaff and Gloucester.  Also the Volume of Magazines for the Year 1765 bound by Mr. McAlpine.

December 28, 1767

1767 December 28 (Monday).  Capt. Jamison here p.m. and drinks Labrador Tea with us.  At Eve expected Mr. Daniel Forbes and Several others, but they came not:  neither did any Word come to me from him why he did not come, till it was well nigh ten o’Clock, and my Brethren that I had asked to come, and had come (viz. Mr. Edwards Whipple and Lt. Baker) had left me.  But when I had come up and was going to sup and to Bed, came Cornet Brigham to bear me this Message, that though they had not come to night, yet that they designed to come tomorrow night.  I was troubled at their having thus dealt with me — but submitted.  But presently, late as it was, came in Capt. Brigham and Mr. Gale; Mr. Andrews also was with them.  May god be gracious to me, and enable me to conduct with Meekness and Wisdom through all!

December 29, 1767

1767 December 29 (Tuesday).  Mr. Edward Goddard begins to keep School.  Lodged at Mr. Andrews’s.  Though it was Cold I sat out to make some needful Visits.  Visit Lt. Thomas Forbush, who expressed his Desire that there might be no more Meetings upon Mrs. A’s Affair.  Call’d at Mr. Bathericks, but he not being at home, told his Wife of the designed Meeting tonight etc.  Visit Mr. Parker and wife under their sore Bereavement.  Called at Mr. Beetons, but did not light.  Dined at Capt. Maynards — but he was gone to Boston.  P.M. Called at Mr. David Maynards to see whether he designed to come to night; and found he was determined to.  Visit Mr. Solomon Baker in his sorrows.  Was at Squire Whipple’s, and his Brother Edwards’s.  Called at Lieutenant Bakers and Deacon Woods.  At Eve came Mr. Daniel Forb., Capt. B. Fay, Capt. Brigham and Mr. Gale.  And 7 Brethren that I had desired — viz. the Squire and Deacon, Messrs. Maynard, Whipple, Batherick, Joseph Baker, and John Wood.  The Conversation was chiefly about Mr. Cleaveland and his people.  They in Vindication.  I with the other Brethren on the Contrary, and shewing from his Book that some Number of Churches in that Neighbourhood disowned them — that therefore We at this Distance may with great Reason suspect they are not right; and since we have also had the Testimony of so many Ministers from those parts, against them, may with good Ground, wave admitting any Member of theirs, here, to Communion with us.  Capt. Brigham mentioned my having beat up a Challenge at the Close of the last Church Meeting.  I answered I did not know what he meant by beating up a Challenge — but this I did then, and would now make this offer, that if any of them, or any body else, had any Thing to lay to my Charge, I was ready to answer it; and I did repeatedly challenge, and demand it.  But there was no thing alleged, nor pretended to be mentioned, there upon, that I remember; although there was much Debate of innumerable Things relative to the Platform and Members breaking Order etc.  However, the Evening was Spent without shewing what was their particular aim in having this Conference — but it seemed to be in general to Manifest uneasiness at what had been done; and their Desire that the Church would still do something or other.  Thus they broke up, and Seven went off — but Capt. Brigham and Mr. Gale tarried for a Copy of the Vote at the late Church Meeting, to reconsider etc., which they wanted in order to their getting those Copys which Mr. A. has.  With these Brethren tarried also Mr. Daniel Forb. and Mr. Batherick.  This tarrying gave new Opportunity for them to break forth anew, and insisted upon my consenting to another Church Meeting and to put the Vote whether the Woman Shall have leave to Come or no.  I expostulated.  It did but enrage.  I told ‘em at length that I would consider of it.  Thus we finished this troublesome Conversation.  But O that God would pardon us for His Name’s Sake!

December 30, 1767

1767 December 30 (Wednesday).  Mr. Tainter comes with his Wife in a Sleigh and two Horses, and having dined with us, we rode to Mr. Stone’s at Southborough.  Mr. Stone was gone, with Mr. Smith, to Mr. Morse’s, there being at this Time a Council there upon the Case of old Mrs. Bush.  At length Mr. Stone returned, and I had some Opportunity to confer with him upon my own Troubles.  In returning home, it being Cold and Mr. Hemingway (the Carpenter) with us, they drove in to Mr. Andrews’s and after, that we all went in to Mr. Timothy Warrins to See old Mrs. Tainter.  In coming home the Cold was very tedious; but, through divine Goodness, we arrived in safety.

December 31, 1767

1767 December 31 (Thursday).  Exceeding Cold.  Spent the Day as I could in abstinence and Devotional Exercises; in Reflections on the Year past; in Humiliations and reading such passages of the Sacred Scriptures as were proper, and Mr. How on Phil. 1.23 and also Dr. Jer. Taylors Contemplations.  May the Lord Pity, Pardon and Accept through the alone Mediator, Jesus Christ!  At night came Mr. Daniel Nurse with News Papers etc. from Boston; but the Cold so severe he is almost froze.  But now thus closes up this Year also!  O that I might be found ready for that all-important Day, and that most weighty Moment, when this frail Life shall Close!  And then, instead of these Revolutions, instead of a New Year’s succeeding; Eternity, boundless Eternity, Shall succeed!

January 15, 1768

[January 1768]  This Eve came Mr. Forbes and Lt. John Wit with him from Brookfield and lodged here.  My Daughter Forbes not recovered, but better.

 

1768 January 15 (Friday).  Mr. F. and Lt. Wit leave us for Boston.  Delivered Mr. F. nine Dollars to be delivered to Mrs. Winter to get a Riding Hood for Mrs. P________.  P.M. The Deacons were to have come at 1 o’Clock to go with me to Mrs. Andrews with the Churchs vote — but they did not come till too late for me to go — it was Cold and would bring me into Evening.  Rev. Mr. Whitney came also.  I prayed ‘em to excuse me, at least for to Day (offered to go some other Day).  They went without me.  They returned latish in the Evening and informed that it was accepted, for which we were much rejoiced.  The Praise be to God!  May there be a right understanding and stedfastness!  [P.M.?] Hannah Flagg came to Spin for us and lodges here.  Am reading Hermippus redivivus.  Old Mr. Jonah Warrin here.  Reckoned with him and paid him.  Mr. Nathan Maynard here and he pays me 10£ old Tenor.

January 19, 1768

1768 January 19 (Tuesday).  Read Miller’s Essay on the Management of Bees; published in the year 1760.  A.M. Walked to Dr. Hawes’, where Mr. B. How is building a sleigh, to get him to rebuild mine.  P.M. attend to the Eclipse, but it was too cloudy at times for accurate Observations.  Especially at the latter End.  Mr. Forbes returns from Boston.  His Account for his Mohawk Children allow’d in the General Court — but has not got his Money.  Bought of him 12 yards of Shirting, which he bought at Vendue, at 15/6 old Tenor and I paid him the Cash for it.  He informs me that young Mr. Checkley is lethargick, and is not like to continue.  May God be gracious to him, to his Family and Flock, and all concerned!  He also brought me a long, and agreeable Letter from my only Brother.  Made a Visit to old Mr. Williams who has been long confined.  Read Dr. Eliots Essays on Husbandry.  It contains many usefull [observations?] and Directions.  N.B. Capt. Jamison rode to Boston on the 14th [on an Horse?] of Lt. Bakers; and does not return.  The latter is gone after him, but neither does he return as expected.

January 25, 1768

1768 January 25 (Monday).  Deacon Wood provided me an Horse which I rather chose to ride than my own Beast — told me (as Squire Whipple had done) that both the Partys in the Contention at North Shrewsbury desired I would not fail to attend the Council there and came with the Horse for me to go.  I therefore went, though a storm of Snow.  Having waited as long as we could for Deacon Bond, the other Delegate, we stopped for him also at Lt. Bowkers.  Proceeded to Rev. Mr. Morse’s.  Thence we proceeded to Mr. Ezra Beemans where the Churches by the Pastors and Delegates, all met, except Deacon Bond, this Evening and safely, through the Goodness of God to us.

January 31, 1768

1768 January 31 (Sunday).  Mr. Smith rode over to the Town, to preach in Mr. Sumners stead, who rides to Westborough to preach for me.  I preached for Mr. Morse, a. and p.m. on Phil. 2.1-5.  May God grant Success!  N.B. A messenger comes into Meeting: Deacon Brooks, one of the Delegates of the Church of Lincoln, was Sent for, to return home; his wife being at the Point of Death: and he left us at noon.  At Eve Mr. Smith returned to us — and, Mr. Bush having invited us, we went to his House, and with a Number of Delegates, we Supped there.  But returned to Mr. Morse’s, and lodged again there.

February 1, 1768

1768 February 1 (Monday).  We repaired to Mr. Beemans — dined there.  Deacon Wood returned.  All the Council came together.  Went on p.m. to hearing the remaining Articles of Mr. Bush against Mr. Morse.  Some of the Council (by Desire) try again, to soften the dissatisfyed, and contending Partys to drop some of their Complaints, and for that End, we adjourned for a short space.  They have some success — but are obliged to return to our Arduous Task — adjourned — lodged as before.

February 2, 1768

1768 February 2 (Tuesday).  Continue in Hearing Mr. Bush against Mr. Morse; and finish the 3 Articles.  Then Mr. Morse against Mr. Bush — in 5 Articles.  Finished all the Hearing, about 4 o’Clock p.m. and then we proceeded to Read over our Minutes — a great Collection!  Many pages in Folio — I think more than 14.  We debate — and Vote.  Not all agreed in that important Article of the breaking the amicable Agreement last March the 26th.  Capt. Fuller and Mr. Putnam of Middleton dissent — to them is also joined Deacon Upham of Weston.  Lodged as above: but we could not get to Bed till midnight.

February 4, 1768

1768 February 4 (Thursday).  Ripen to Result.  Two Gentlemen forementioned Vote nothing after that which passed concerning Mr. B.’s breaking the agreement of March 26.  We compile the Result.  Read it at Evening to the Church and Partys, and a Vast Throng.  I prayed.  In Prayer Time there was a great Knocking.  The Beam which Support the Floor, cracked, and our Land-Lord was obliged to put up a stud to secure it.  Blessed be God for our Safety!  The Church voted Acceptance of our Result.  Mr. Morse also.  Mr. Bush did not.  Mr. Morse made his acknowledgment, and it was accepted by the Church.  Deacon Wood, when the Council adjourned without Day, left us in the Evening to go home if he could.  I lodged as I was wont.

February 5, 1768

1768 February 5 (Friday).  After Break fast we Parted.  Mr. Stone and I to Mr. Morse’s.  Made a Visit to old Mrs. Bush and her son — read the Result to them, but they would not consent.  Mr. Morse had signed a Confession, agreeable to the Result, and the like was drawn up for these Persons also; but they would not sign them.  Returned to Mr. Morse’s after Eating.  We rode to Northborough and visit Mrs. Martyn.  Thence home — and Blessed be God found my Tabernacle in Peace!  Breck here, from Ashby.  He came last night.  While I was gone to Shrewsbury dyed old Mrs. Rebecca Byles, who was within about a Month of 94 Years.  She expired January 28.