Category: Diary

1769 August 24 (Thursday).  Wrote to Master John Eliot, and sent therewith the Life of the renowned Eliot, per Enoch Rice.  Visit Mr. Moses Brigham; dined there: Prayed with him.  Meet Mr. Phineas Hardy in the Road as I was endeavoring to go to the Widow Persis Warrin, to talk with her about Sending her son Moses to live at Ashby.  Rode back with Mr. Hardy to Mr. Beetons, Mr. Phinehas Maynards, Capt. Maynards, etc.  The last has commenced Inn-holder.  Between 9 and 10 o’Clock at Night came Mr. Timothy Ruggles from Rochester with Letters from Mrs. P______, Mr. Moore, and Suse, who is not yet o’ Bed, and praying I would defer my Journey there, till first or second Week in September.  He lodges here.  The Letters dated yesterday.

1769 August 25 (Friday).  Mr. Ruggles goes on his Journey to New Rutland.  Mr. Moses Harrington returns from Boston, but no Letter from Rochester by him.  Mr. Sumner and Dr. Crosby from Boston.  The former brought from Mrs. Holbrook the Laboratory for which I gave, and he paid one Dollar, for Mr. John Potter at Brookfield.  Dr. Crosby brought from my Son Samuel Letters relative to his going into Mr. Barns’s Employ.  He brings also a Letter from my Brother, which respects the Settlement made with us the [Heirs?] etc. last Commencement Time.  He likewise brings me a pair of black Leather Breeches from Mr. Freeman.

1769 August 26 (Saturday).  Mr. Joseph Willard of Mendon here.  I lent him Ductor Histor. Vol. 1.

1769 August 27 (Sunday).  Read Lam. 3, latter part.  Delivered an Exercise on Tit. 1.1, but made use chiefly of my Discourse on Gal. 5.6, latter part of it.  Old Mrs. Fessenden dined here.  P.M. Read 1 Cor. 15.26 to the End.  Preached chiefly on v. 50.  O that God would vouchsafe a Blessing!

1769 August 28 (Monday).  Mr. Tainter and his Wife wait upon their Father and Mother Wood from Summers, here.  They all dine with us.  I was going out upon various Affairs, but Squire Whipple, considering how lonely I must needs be (and yet I ought to have it to say, Nunquam minus Solus eris, quam enin Solus eris:), made me a kind, friendly Visit and brought his Daughter Eliza to See Sarah.  I made a Business of talking over the Affair of Mrs. Bruce’s Petition, but he said little about it.  I had read him the Case of Sarah Green, as I took it from her Mothers mouth, which he said he could subscribe to.

1769 August 29 (Tuesday).  A.M. at Deacon Woods, but hastily returned to Send to Ashby by Neighbour Arnold.  Mr. P. Whitney, Miss Mary Sherman and her sister dined here.  Mr. Whitney buys Dr. Hawes Chaise 106£ old Tenor.  Richard Temple’s Sister Phebe here.  Wrote to Samuel about his going to Mr. Barns’s Store etc.  Sent by Mr. Daniel Nurse.  And to Mr. William Gray about the Feathers.  Sent by Mr. Phinehas Hardy.

1769 August 30 (Wednesday).  Write various Letters to my Brother, etc.  P.M. Brother Hicks made me a Visit.  Lodged here.  Mr. Hardy brought Return from Mr. Gray, who Still makes Mistake — now about the Quantity etc.

1769 August 31 (Thursday).  Catechized 55 Boys.  Brother Hicks dines with me.  P.M. he leaves us.  Sophy was drooping yesterday, and is to Day, but is better.  P.M. Catechized 20 Girls.  Rode to Capt. Maynards to See our Cousen Witt, who is there, and not well.  Read a Discourse entitled, “The Baptism of Infants a reasonable service,” by the Author of the Dissenting Gentlemans Answer to the Rev. Mr. Whites three Letters.

1769 September 1 (Friday).  Sophy is better.  I wrote to Mr. Barns of Marlborough concerning my Consent to my Son Samuels going to Northfield, that it was on Condition that I be not any Way exposed by it; but wholly indemnifyed.  Mrs. Tainter Sends an Horse for Sarah and she goes there, dines, and returns at Evening.  Neighbour Daniel Adams comes in at Eve, and I Suppose to acquaint me that his Wife, who was long weakly, low and dying, is brought to bed, and has a Daughter, to their great Joy.  Both Mother and Child in an hopefull Way.  Would bring it to Baptism next Sabbath.

1769 September 2 (Saturday).  [No entry.]

1769 September 3 (Sunday).  Read Ezek. 1.  Preached on 1 Cor. 15.50 and though it was long, and I was obliged to speak fast, I could not divide it, nor would it do for two Exercises.  But the Things are vast and important.  May my own Heart be deeply impressed with them.  P.M. delivered another Exercise on Tit. 1.1., improving mainly from p. 13 to 20 of Sermon on Gal. 5.6.

1769 September 4 (Monday).  Visit Mr. Moses Brigham again and pray with him.  Engage Lieut. Baker and Neighbour Newton to plow my North Field.  Visit the Wife of Mr. Joseph Green junr. who is sick, and pray with her.  P.M. The Artillery Company trains.  They send for me, and I prayed with them.  Mrs. Maynard and her Sister [Davis?] visit us, and drink Tea.  Mrs. Hawes here also.

1769 September 5 (Tuesday).  Rose early enough to view the Comet.  It appeared nigh Orion’s Shoulder, and with a great Stream from the Nucleus to the West: longer, I think, then ever I saw.  Undertook my Journey to Rochester to wait on Mrs. P______ home.  Got to Mr. Barretts before their Breakfast or prayer.  Mr. Samuel Barrett of Boston and two sisters there.  Rode by Mr. Isaac Lorings, by Mr. Aaron Ponds, and Hill’s in Medway.  Dined at Mr. Timothy Haws’s in Wrentham.  Visit Mr. Bean and Mrs. Simpson, [reach?] Mr. Palmers, at Norton and lodge there.

1769 September 6 (Wednesday).  Sat out from Mr. Palmers and got to Taunton unhappily at a Time when the great Bridge was taken up, and was obliged to go ‘round by the Ware-Bridge.  But had been kindly received and entertained by Robert Luscomb Esq.  Was also generously entertained at [blank] Dean’s, Taverner, where Oated and dined (gratis).  Stopped a While at Mr. Turners, minister of Middleborough and Taunton-Precinct.  Missed my Road and go by Mr. Thomas Wests Meeting House.  Go to See him.  Arrive at Mr. Moore’s after sun setting.  Find that my Daughter had been delivered on Aug. 29 about half after nine a.m.  Was baptized Sept. 3, Susanna-Parkman.  The Mother and Child in great Comfort.  Blessed be God therefor!  [blot] Mrs. P______ was not there at my first arrival: Mr. Moore and She had gone the Day before to Sandwich to visit her Kinsman Williams.  After a while they came in; and it was matter of Praise to God that we have this Opportunity to rejoice together.  D.G. Plurim.

1769 September 7 (Thursday).  At Mr. Moore’s hearing and relating etc.  P.M. attend the Funeral of one Mrs. [blank] a Stranger, who dyed at their Neighbour Claps.

1769 September 8 (Friday).  Mr. M and I rode to Dartmouth to Mr. Samuel West’s.  His Wife was delivered of a Daughter on the 5th.  We dined there.  P.M. Rain.  The Storm increased.  We lodge at Mr. Wests.  N.B. his Explanations of prophecys in Daniel and Revelations.  He writes [the?] Signs and delivers them to me.

1769 September 9 (Saturday).  Mr. Moore and I ride to the Head of the River.  I talk with Mr. Swift the Sadler about his taking John, but it doth not succeed.  Returning from Dartmouth we dine at Mr. Church’s.  Call at Mr. John Winslows, and at Capt. White’s.  Hear that Mr. Ivory Hovey’s of Matapoisset Troubles continue.

1769 September 10 (Sunday).  Preached a. and p.m. at Rochester on Luk. 19.10.  “For the son of Man” etc.  May God grant it may be savingly profitable!  At Eve came Messrs. Perry and Bassett to See me.

1769 September 11 (Monday).  Mr. Perry and his Wife invite us to dine at their House.  We went accordingly and Mrs. P______ went also p.m. and Mrs. Ellis etc.

1769 September 12 (Tuesday).  Visit Mr. Seth Haskell; and likewise Ebenezer Haskell a.m.  P.M. Preached Mr. Moore’s Lecture on 2 Cor. 5.20.  N.B. Mr. [blank] Clap and his Wife, disquieted with Mr. Moore about their making Confession of Fornication, consult me.  I advise to use the Term.

1769 September 13 (Wednesday).  Mr. Moore, Mrs. P______ and I, Sat out together for Taunton: Call at Capt. Whites, (who has generously kept my Horse).  I provide Mr. Moore an Horse (@ 20/) to draw the Chaise which my Wife rides in, of one Mr. Freeman.  We refreshed at Mr. Turners, of Middleborough.  Dined at Deacon Luscombe’s: where were Dr. McKinstry etc.  Parted with Mr. Moore there.  Arrive at Mr. Palmers before Night (where were Mr. Campbil and Wife of Easton).  We lodged there.

1769 September 14 (Thursday).  Continue our Journey to Wrentham.  Call at Mrs. Simpsons.  We unhappily mistook a New Road we went in toward Medway, to be wrong when it was the right; and our returning cost us a great deal of Time.  At length got to Mr. Bucknams and dined there: borrowed of him Dr. Stillingfleets Origines Sacrae.  Called at Mr. Locks.  Mr. Lock ill of a Fever.  Lodge at Col. Buckminsters.  N.B. Letters from Mr. Keggell, in England to his Mother.

1769 September 15 (Friday).  Coll. lends me Mr. Bollans Book on Continued Corruption etc.  Breakfast at Mr. Stone’s.  Arrive at home in safety a.m. and Find all well, both of my House and Neighbourhood.  Blessed be God for His great Goodness!  But am informed that the Pulpit was Vacant last Sabbath, though Mr. Morse of Shrewsbury came (instead of Mr. Edward Goddard) to preach, but was so Pained in his Face that he returned home.  A very Sorrowful Occurrence happened about or a little before noon at Lt. Bakers.  His little Daughter Lydia, of 16 months, fell into a Tub of Whey, and was suffocated.  I hastened up.  Tobacco Smoke was blown up into her.  I ordered Salt and she was covered over with it, but all means were ineffectual.  I prayed with them.  Sarah informs me that Alexander and two of his Sturbridge Neighbours with their Wives were here on Monday last week, and lodged.  He went to Framingham.  That Mrs. Allen of Shrewsbury was here lately; and had taken Mr. Henry on the Evang. and Acts with her.  Mrs. Cushing came with her: and they brought Dorcas Bradford to tarry with us.  Cousen Thomas Barrett waits upon sister Lydia Champney here.  Mr. Joseph Perry of Ashburnham, here.

1769 September 16 (Saturday).  Sister Champney and her Nephew leave us to go to Brookfield.  They ride in a Chaise which he has made for Mr. Forbes.  P.M. Mrs. Cotton of Hopkinton came to see us, and tarrys with us.

1769 September 17 (Sunday).  Read Ezek. 2.  Preached on Ps. 144.3.4.  Cousen Witt dined here.  P.M. read 2 Cor.  Preached on the Same Text and Subject as a.m. but used some parts of sermon on Sam. 4.14.

1769 September 18 (Monday).  At 9 a.m. attended the Funeral of Lydia Baker.  Mr. Ezra Beeman here to Summons me to Court.  Went to Dr. Ball and got his Chaise for Sarah to go to Boston.  Went to Mr. Whitneys; but he was not at home.

1769 September 19 (Tuesday).  Sarah and John go to Boston.  I had received Money from Capt. Maynard by the Hand of John Arnold, which I gave to Sarah.  60£ old Tenor.  At Deacon Woods, who is summoned to Court also.

1769 September 20 (Wednesday).  Deacon Woods and I rode to Worcester.  Dined at the Tavern by the Court-House, with Mr. Beeman.  Rev. Mr. Lawrence of Lincoln, Mr. Morse etc. dined there likewise.  Attended the Court p.m.  Such waste of Time is very uneasy to me.  Mr. Lawrence and I rode to Capt. Curtis’s for Lodging and were very kindly received and generously entertained.  Mr. Whitney preached my Lecture.

1769 September 21 (Thursday).  We ride into Town again, and attend Court.  Mr. Maccarty invites us to dine with him — we went accordingly.  The Cause does not come on to Day.  We waste our Time too Sorrowfully!  Partly at Court, and partly at the Tavern (Bigolows).  At Eve we return to Capt. Curtis’s, as last night; and are made Welcome there.

1769 September 22 (Friday).  Returned to Court.  Two Criminals were brought to the Bar for Stealing and pleaded Guilty.  Mr. Beemans Case was called; a Number of Witnesses were sworn.  Mr. Lawrence and I were Sworn together.  I gave my Testimony as near as I could according to what I had, with all Care, Written.  I dined at Mr. Maccartys again.  P.M. Mr. Beeman gave up, and bore the Costs.  He paid me 8/ L.M.  N.B. Informed that Mr. Ammiel Weeks of Brookfield is Dead.  Deacon Wood and I rode home together as we went.

1769 September 23 (Saturday).  Sarah comes home, with John from Boston.  A Letter from Samuel Shews him disquieted with my having writ my Letter to Mr. Barns, that I must be indemnifyed.

1769 September 24 (Sunday).  Read Ezek. 3.  Preached on 1 Cor. 11.23.  N.B. used sermon on that Text Omitting the Introduction and proceeded to page 10.  Administered the Lords supper.  Mrs. Maynard and Mrs. Wilson of New Braintee dined here.  P.M. Read 2 Cor. 2.  Preached on Jer. 2.37, which may God Succeed!

1769 September 25 (Monday).  Mr. Nathaniel Harrington began to keep our School last Week.

1769 September 26 (Tuesday).  Visit Mr. Moses Brigham and pray with him.  Went to Mr. Nathaniel Whitneys, and saw the Chairs which he has made for Sarah.  Called at Mr. Joseph Harringtons where master Nat. lodges.  Wrote to Samuel by Mrs. Lyon of Grafton.  Mr. Bowman of Oxford and Lady going to Boston.

1769 September 27 (Wednesday).  Rode to Northborough.  Dined at Mr. Whitneys.  Preached his Lecture on Prov. 4.18. to page 16.  Borrowed his Henry on the Prophets.