Category: Diary

1770 August 9 (Thursday).  Ride to Mr. Mellens, and break fast there.  He is repairing his House.  Proceed to Mr. Gardners at Leominster, and dine there.  P.M. he is so good as to ride with me to Fitchbourg, but Mr. Payson was gone to Bradford.  Called at Capt. Cowdin’s where was his Mother (Daughter of my old Neighbour Mr. Samuel Clark).  I took leave of Mr. Gardner there, and hastened to Ashby: and found all well at My Sons.  My Daughter Cushing also there.  Lodged at Williams and in good Comfort.  D.G.

1770 August 10 (Friday).  Accompanyed my Daughter Cushing home to Ashburnham.  Mr. Cushing busy with workmen, getting in Hay.  Dined there.  P.M. returned at Eve to Ashby and lodged there.  N.B. In going to Ashburnham was kindly entertained by Mr. Hole.

1770 August 11 (Saturday).  Visited divers of Williams Neighbours Barrett, Abraham Taylor and Brown.  Dined at Mr. Barretts — and returned to my Sons.

1770 August 12 (Sunday).  Preached at Ashby on Col. 1.21 a. and p.m.  Baptiz’d Henry, of Henry and Katharine Sellenheim, and Elizabeth of Job and Eizabeth Colman.  May the Lord pardon, accept and bless!

1770 August 13 (Monday).  William went out with me to View my 37 Acre Lott.  Bid Adieu to Ashby and rode to Ashburnham.  Mrs. Hole very generous as I passed their Road.  Dined at Mr. Cushings.  P.M. Visit Mrs. Winchester, Mr. and Mrs. Cushing with me.  Return thence at Eve to Mr. Cushings.

1770 August 14 (Tuesday).  Read part of the Auction.  Dined and then we [marginal notation: Mr. Cushing and his Wife, with me] rode to Winchendon; and it being rainy, we lodged at Mr. Browns.

1770 August 15 (Wednesday).  We parted with Mr. Brown and Family, and returned to Ashburnham.  We rode to Capt. Wilders and (though he was gone to Boston) Mrs. Wilder was apprized of our Coming and prepared.  We dined handsomely; Mrs. Winchester and her Daughter Harris there also.  P.M. took leave, and came (Mr. Cushing piloting through the Woods) to Fitchbourg.  Then Leominster.  Mr. Payson was so good as to conduct me; and we came the way by Mr. Swans at Leominster.  Called there and saw Mrs. Swan (who had heretofore been bed-rid many Years) came to the Door, though like the Apparition of a Ghost; and told me she had a Daughter who has kept her Bed for 8 Months.  Proceeded to Mr. Gardners and lodged there.  Mr. Payson, who came with me thus far, returned home.

1770 August 16 (Thursday).  Came from Mr. Gardners Somewhat late in the Morning.  He was So good as to accompany me part of the Way to Lancaster.  Called at Mr. Greens (Dr. Peter’s Father).  Dined at Mr. Harringtons, who acquainted me with the proceedings at Bolton and with Mr. Goss’s present Case under Confinement to his Bed, by Lameness.  N.B. Dr. Wait has the Care of him.  The brief Story of Dr. Wait.  Called at Mr. Josh. Townsends by reason of what has occurred lately relative to Dr. Nat. Martyn, who has lately absconded.  His wife and two Children at Mr. Townsends.  Thought it my Duty to visit Mr. Goss under his complicated Troubles and Disasters.  Returned home by Mr. Whitneys, where I called.  Arrived, D.G., in safety.

1770 August 17 (Friday).  P.M. Mr. Whitney and his wife came to see us.  Mr. Loyd and Cousen Hannah Bradshaw from Boston here and lodged with us.  Alexander and Breck have been here, while I was gone.  Mr. Abraham Wood preached for me on the 12th.

1770 August 18 (Saturday).  Wrote by Mr. Loyd to Ebenezer on Billys urgency for money to help him pay for his Concord Place.  Delivered Mr. Loyd four Dollars on my own account with him.

1770 August 19 (Sunday).  Rode over to Northborough, and preached on Rom. 13.13 a. and p.m. on Drunkenness to page 72.  I returned at Eve.  O that God would please to add His Blessing to my poor Endeavours.  Mr. Whitney preached here on Rom. 10.8 to 13.

1770 August 20 (Monday).  Joseph went home at Eve of the 18 and does not return to work.  Miss Molly Pratt here with her Relation.

1770 August 21 (Tuesday).  Rode to Ministers Meeting at Mr. Lorings.  N.B. Mr. Whitney of Northborough my Company great part of the way.  Heard that one Mr. Muzzy was Struck Dead by the Lightning last Evening and the House being near, I went to see the Corps and Sympathize with the Family.  O that we also might be ready!  Mr. Loring gave us at his House a Concio on James 2.3, “If ye shall fulfill the royal Law — ye shall do well.”  N.B. I had prayed before it.  Mr. Gardner, to our Joy and profit, was with us.  My son Cushing was also there.  I returned with Mr. Stone, as far as his House and lodged there: he having requested me to preach his Lecture tomorrow.

1770 August 22 (Wednesday).  Went with Mr. Stone a.m. to Capt. [Solomon Wards?] at whose shop I bought Cloth etc. for a Coat for my Son Elias.  Then called at Coll. Brighams.  Dined at Mr. Stones p.m. and preached his Lecture on Joh. 14.6.  Mr. Stone lent me divers MSS of his late old Mr. Lord of Chatham, viz. some of his Diary — a Sermon on 1 Cor. 55 and Josiah Osgoods Journal of an Expedition under the Command of Col. James Moore, General.  I rode to Mr. Ebenezer Chamberlins to get a Taylor (Miss Lydia).  Called to see Mrs. Bruce and her Baby, which Seems to languish, as her Twins did, before they dyed.

1770 August 23 (Thursday).  Miss Molly Pratt here with her Relation (of her own writing and) a very ample, Serious, Pathetick one.  Mr. Levi Warrin brings me a Letter from the Elders of the Church in Medway 2d Precinct, concerning his Wife.  Read the Narrative of the Boston Massacre, and the Depositions.

1770 August 24 (Friday).  Deacon Wood went to Mr. Samuel Sherman about Flower for himself and Me.  Miss Lydia Chamberlin at work here on my little Boys Coat.  My Son Cushing, in his way from Boston, calls and breaks fast here; but does not Stay to dine.  I am closely engaged, but do little.

1770 August 25 (Saturday).  Miss Lydia Chamberlin finishes by about 5 o’Clock.  Asks 9/ for making my Boys Coat.  Much the Cheapest way of getting the work done.  Elias goes home with her, very Manfully.

1770 August 26 (Sunday).  Read Ezek. 26.  Preached on Phil. 1.6.  Mrs. Fessenden dined here.  She tells me her son Johns wife is in an ill State, and tis feared whether She will soon be better.  P.M. read Phil. 2.  Preached on Ps. 139 v. 1.17.23.24, or indeed the whole Psalm.  2 Exercises in One.  In the Close of the Service propounded Mary Pratt; and appointed a Lecture to young people at the request of the society of young men.

1770 August 27 (Monday).  My little Son Elias left us to go to his Brother Cushing’s.  He went with John Arnold in his Waggon to Fitchbourg — and then Mr. Payson is to help him up to Ashburnham.  Brookfield Elias goes to Mr. Samuel Sherman for Flower.  He brings an Hh. for which I am to give 5£ old Tenor of which the Boy carried one Dollar.  P.M. came Mr. Loyd and his wife from Brookfield.  He had been detained there by Indisposition and fowl Weather.  They lodge here.

1770 August 28 (Tuesday).  Mr. Loyd and his Wife leave us to go to Boston.

1770 August 29 (Wednesday).  Mr. Richard Pratt of Worcester and his Wife and Child here.  They dine here.  P.M. came one Mr. John Bond of Windham, aged 76, comes in, with his Daughter, Mrs. Rachel Dains, with two Children, who are come from Royalstown in the Eastern Country, and out of great straits.

1770 August 30 (Thursday).  Master Hezekiah Taylor here; dines etc.  I preach’d a Lecture to the Society of Young Men, on Luk. VI.25 with much addition and Enlargement of what I delivered formerly on that Text.  Sir Taylor desires to board here.  Neighbour Zebulun Rice calls here.  At Eve Sent by Mr. Francis Whipple, to Mr. Nathaniel Balch, Hatter in Boston, 5 Dollars.  Send also by the same to Mr. John Rogers in Newtown, Sir Taylors Watch; and a Dollar to pay for the mending the Chain etc.  Mrs. Eunice Rice in Travail Pains: Mrs. P________ is Sent for, and is gone all Night.  Mr. Benjamin Fisk and Hannah Maynard (Daughter of Mr. David) were marryed.

1770 August 31 (Friday).  Mr. Hall of Sutton, from Cambridge, calls here.  His Son Joseph is admitted into College.  By what Mr. Hall says from Concord, my Son William is moving there this Week.  [Marginal notation: It was on the 28th.]

1770 September 1 (Saturday).  Poor Jonas Kenny in straights for money, being strained upon by divers.

1770 September 2 (Sunday).  Read Ezek. 27.  Gave Expository Observations which I have writ, and which unavoidably take up considerable Time.  Preached a.m. on Phil. 1.6.  Mrs. Fessenden dined here.  N.B. poor woman!  She looses her sight.  P.M. read Phil. 3 and by reason of my spending my Time on my forenoon sermon and Exposition was obliged to preach what I had delivered before.  It was on 1 Joh. 2.15 but in delivering, altered it in many places.  I thought it very Suitable to the present Times.  I went through almost two sermons, but could not deliver so much as I would ha’ been glad to.  May the Lord accept and bless my poor, weak Endeavours and pardon my great Defects!  At Eve read Some of Mr. Lords MSS, and I hope to my Benefit.  It serves to humble and Shame, and quicken me.

1770 September 3 (Monday).  I visited Mr. Biglow in his Sickness: find him to his Bed: and to my Surprize, his Wife with him, She having for some time retir’d from him to Upton.  My Time was chiefly taken up in hearing this unhappy Couple contest and complain of each other.  May the Lord pity, awaken and pardon them.  And O that they might be reconciled!  I prayed with them (on my own Motion) and may my poor Endeavours be blessed to them!  Joseph has borrowed a Net and Set it in the Beeton Field.  He incloses 18.  P.M. Mr. Hutchinson made us a Visit, and Spent the Afternoon here.  Shews me the Papers which have passed between him and his ‘grieved Brethren and Neighbours in Grafton.  He also relates somewhat of the Character and Conduct of Mr. Ely, settled at Summers among the Separates.

1770 September 4 (Tuesday).  Read Mr. Shower’s excellent Discourse on a Sacramental Question concerning Assurance.  Shewing therein that persons may come to the Lord’s Table who labour under Doubts and Fears, but have reason to hope they are Sincere, though they are not certain of it.  Also went on in perusing Mr. Lords MSS.

1770 September 5 (Wednesday).  Not quite so well as usual, yet through Divine Goodness, am able to be at my Business in sermonizing.  At Eve a Letter from Mr. Sumner that the Canker is prevailing among them, that they have agreed to have a Fast next Tuesday, and ask my Help.  Sir Bradshaw and his sister, and Miss Nabby Foster came from Brookfield; came late — and lodged here.

1770 September 6 (Thursday).  Sir Bradshaw etc. leave us to go to Boston.  Mr. Hutchinson came and dined with me.  He also preached my Lecture on Rev. 5.6, an excellent and useful Discourse!  May God grant a Blessing upon it!  O might I be savingly united to, interested in and an happy partaker of the Benefits purchased and bestowed by this glorious Lamb!  Mr. Hutchinson tells me he has writ to Mr. Tainter about Mr. Ely, Separate Minister at Summers.  My Wife is poorly, is much pained.

1770 September 7 (Friday).  My Wife is no better — but is rather worse.  Lt. John Martyn and his Wife Call here.  P.M. old Mrs. Baker and her Daughter-in-law Visit Mrs. P________.  I am closely engaged in my preparations.

1770 September 8 (Saturday).  At my Wife’s Desire I went to Dr. Haws for her, being no easier.  And he came.  Administers Physick to her.

1770 September 9 (Sunday).  Read Ezek. 25.  Preached a. and p.m. on 1 Pet. 1.8.  Admitted Mary Pratt (Daughter of Mr. Hezekiah Pratt).  Her Relation was long, and very Pathetick.  It was writ by her self.  I wish it may be blessed to the Hearers.  Administered both the Sacraments.  It was after 5 o’Clock when we had done.  O that we might not loose the Benefit of these Exercises!  Thought we have not Seen Christ with our bodily Eyes, yet may we See Him by Faith, and both believe in and truely love him, and rejoice with that Spiritual and unspeakable Joy which has been this Day exhibited!  Read p.m. Phil. 4.  Deacon Bond and Cousen Maynard dined with me.  My Wife is confined with Pain and Illness.  Dr. Hawes visited her in the Morning and at Evening.  May the Lord Shew Compassion and Prepare us for His holy Will!  Received a Letter from Sarah — she says Elias is easy.

1770 September 10 (Monday).  My Son William came — tells me he has removed his Family to Concord — and is now come from thence.  He expected here to have received Money from his Brother Ebenezer — but it was not come.  I lent him Six Dollars (and which I borrowed of Lt. Baker).  Towards Evening he sat out for home again.

1770 September 11 (Tuesday).  Mr. Daniel Forbes returned the foresaid Six Dollars to Lt. Baker for me, as they both informed me that it was Settled between them for Me.  I rode to the Exercises at Shrewsbury, it being a Day of Humiliation and Supplication there, on account of the Terrible Distemper, the Canker, among them.  Mr. Sumner began with prayer.  Mr. Maccarty preached a seasonable sermon on Job 2.10, “What!  shall we receive Good at the Hands of God, and Shall we not receive Evil?”  P.M. Mr. Hutchinson prayed.  (Mr. Morse was there, but could not be perswaded to perform any thing in publick.)  I preach’d on Rev. 6.8.  “And I looked, and behold a Pale Horse!” etc.  O that God would pardon Me, accept and Succeed my poor Attempts!  And that our Devotions this Day might be to His Glory, and the End answered through Jesus Christ!  In returning home called at Mr. Abbots, who had buryed three Children in a little more than 4 Days.  At Deacon Maynards who was in great Gloominess — and at his Fathers, where had been some Breaches.  Mr. Daniel Forbes and his Wife my Company from thence in their Way home.  Mrs. P________ is better, but yet is confined, and the Doctor daily visits her.

1770 September 12 (Wednesday).  Begin to read Dr. Owen of Spiritual mindedness.  Mr. Beeton here and gives me a Barrel of early Cyder.