Category: Diary

1772 November 20 (Friday).  Suse has had fine rest last night: the best night she has had Since her sickness.  We were greatly encouraged to undertake our Journey home.  We rose early, and Sat out before Sun rise.  Arrived at Taunton a little after noon.  Congratulated Squire Luscombe on the Birth of a son yesterday, and his wife wondrously Comfortable: but we dined at Mr. Barnums.  P.M. pursued our Design for Wrentham, and, Oating at one Fairbanks’s, in Norton, arrived at Mrs. Simson’s in the Evening.  Her son Messenger and I made a visit at Mr. Beans, but returned and lodged at Mr. Messengers.  N.B. Mrs. Simpsons constant Custom to read the Bible out in a Year, or in less time than that.

1772 November 21 (Saturday).  Rose early.  Mounted before Mrs. Simpson was up.  Rode to Mr. Bucknams and broke fast there, acquainting with the joyful Tidings of their Daughter Luscombe’s safe Deliverance etc.  We went to Mr. Joseph Lovells and he accompanyed us through the chief Difficultys in the perplexed Road to Holliston.  Dined at Mr. Prentice’s; who has received the sad news of the Death of his only Brother Caleb at Cambridge.  P.M. to Mr. Fitch’s, at Hopkinton, and changed Horses.  N.B. mine has been to Boston, so that Mr. Fitch demands nothing for his.  Called to see Brother Barrett, but he was not capable to Converse, though he seemed earnestly to try, and put his Arm over my Neck repeatedly to pull me to him.  It was sorrowful to part from him.  As we got near home heard of Mr. Hutchinsons Dismission last Wednesday: Squire John Woods wife of Colrain, her being under a Mortification and that Deacon Wood and Capt. Fay are gone up; and that Neighbour Thomas Arnold was grievously hurt by a Fall from his Horse at Grafton.  At Eve we arrived here in Peace and Safety.  Our Family well — Blessed be the name of our kind and merciful Preserver!  who has carryed us through this tedious Journey.

 

N.B. I am informed that my Son John returned to Brookfield on the 11th.  My Son Cushing here from Ordination on the 12th.  And that Breck went to Boston on the 13th and came home at Evening the 14th.  That Mr. Jonathan Barns supplyed the Pulpit on the 15th.

1772 November 22 (Sunday).  I went early in the Morning to see Neighbour Arnold, who lay in a Miserable state, but has not lost his Eye which was much bruised.  He has his Senses.  Prayed with him and admonished and exhorted etc.  I omitted publick Reading.  Repeated a. and p.m. with Additions sermon on 2 Cor. 4.16.  Master Waters dined with us.  We desired public prayers for our Daughter Moore.  Deacon Woods wife desired prayers for her Daughter in Law at Colrain.

1772 November 23 (Monday).  Two of the School masters, Waters and Smith, here at Eve.  The latter lodged here.  Mr. Bradshaw and Ebenezer Tertius arrived from Brookfield and lodged.

1772 November 24 (Tuesday).  They left us to go to Cambridge.  I visited Mr. Ithamar Bellows’s wife — prayed — dined there.

1772 November 25 (Wednesday).  Mr. Lorings Diary No. 4.  What Strong Motives to imitation of So excellent Example, arise from hence!  But it fills me with shame and Grief for my own unprofitableness.  Lt. Baker has been bountiful — in fatting a Cow and bringing her back from his Pasture — in allowing me the use of his Cyder Mill etc. in making [6?] Barrells of Cyder, gratis — with other kindnesses — for which may God reward him!  especially in Spirituals — but I am much grieved that my whole drove of Cattle (16) have lain a great deal, when they were turned out a Days, on his Clover etc. to his great Hurt.  May God forgive the wrong and Ingratitude in this!  I admire his Patience and Meekness, in freely overlooking it.  Read Burroughs on Hos. 5.6

1772 November 26 (Thursday).  Master Waters has Mr. Thomas Bonds Horse and Chaise, and goes with Sophy to Fitchbourgh, Mr. Payson brings home his wife to Day, and Mr. Cushing is to take Sophy there to transport her to Ashburnham.  But it is a wet Day and the Roads are very dirty.  P.M. came my dear son Moores Brother Ebenezer and brings a Sorrowful letter of the 24th at Evening and yesterday Morning that our dear Susa grew bad again last Friday with Fever and Cough, and that the Case is now judged nigh desperate: yet that there is great Consolation in the middst of Grief, as “She can view Death without being afraid with any great amazement.  She is sensible of her Danger, and yet talks of her Dissolution with Calmness, and is more and more reconciled to the Thoughts of it every Day.”  Blessed be God for His abundant Grace!  We hear Mrs. Wood (squire John’s Wife) of Colrain, is dead.  Went up to see the Deacon upon his Return, but he was not at home.  He was here at Eve and brought me a Letter from Rev. Mr. McClallan, giving her an Excellent Character.  May the Lord support us in our sorrows and Distresses!  And prepare each of us for His Sovereign Will!  Mrs. Wood (the Deacon tells me) dyed somewhat Suddenly, of a Mortification in her Arm, which arose from the Scratch of a Nail a few Days before: but the Mortification was not perceived till the Day before that on which she expired.

1772 November 27 (Friday).  Capt. Silas Bailey and Mr. Nathaniel Longley of Bolton came here and offered me a Letter, which I prayed them not to leave.  After frequently testifying against their Disorders — till I was weak and faint, they left me without leaving the Letter.  A Stranger enquires the way — says he was cast away at St. Martyns in the great Hurricane; that his Name is Joseph Graham — and that Mr. Graham of Woodbury, in Connecticut, is his uncle etc.

1772 November 28 (Saturday).  My Son Baldwin returning from Boston, calls here in his way home.  Master Waters returns  at night from Ashburnham, having landed and left Sophy Safe there.  He brings me two Volumes of Dictionary of Arts and Sciences, from Mr. Cushing.

1772 November 29 (Sunday).  Preached a.m. on Hos. 5.6.  Mr. Waters dined here.  P.M. finished the Repetition of Sermon on 2 Cor. 4.16, occasioned partly by the Death of Mrs. Martha Wood, wife of John Wood Esq.  At Eve read in my Family Mr. Mitchel’s sermon 5 on the Glorys of heaven.  O that God would please to grant His special Blessing on all these awakening Exercises, to my own soul, and the Souls of others!

1772 November 30 (Monday).  Visit the widow Judith Bellows, to get her son Reuben to live with me.  And Mr. Ithamar Bellows’s wife, in her low Languishment, and prayed there.  At Eve Nathan Fay.  Reckoned with him and gave him a Note to Joseph McCulloch for Six pounds  old Tenor for his Work for me, being nigh a fortnights time with me.

1772 December 1 (Tuesday).  Reuben Bellows came and offered to live with me this Winter at 3 Dollars per month — to come next Monday Morning, if I Send him no word to the Contrary.

1772 December 2 (Wednesday).  Daniel Hardy (Mr. Phinehas’ son) to See whether he is to come and live with me the ensuing months.  Asks 8£ per Month.  I acquaint him with Reuben’s offer; and give up Expectations from Daniel, depending on Reuben.  At Evening came Alexander, his Wife and Child.

1772 December 3 (Thursday).  Public Thanksgiving.  Preached (long) on Prov. 3.9.10.  It is my earnest prayer that God would please to affect us all with this Subject; and that we may So improve this Solemnity that we may give Glory to our Great Benefactor.  May I in particular be properly excited, heartily acknowledging, praising, extolling and thanking Him for all He has done and bestowed — and may all I enjoy or may yet be indulged with, be devoted to the Honour and Glory of God!

1772 December 4 (Friday).  Alexander wants assistance towards his Payment to be made the 14th of this Month in Southgate Purchase.  He, his Wife and Child, leave us to go home.  Miss Patty Fish here to Visit us p.m. but leaves us at Even.  N.B. Mr. Nathan Fay brings his wife to be further Examined — and I consent to their being propounded next Lords Day.  Mr. Nathaniel Whitney junior of Grafton here to talk with me about the present state of their Church — brings me the Reasons of 16 (as he tells me the Number is) against the Dissolution of Mr. Hutchinsons pastoral Relation: and the Result of the late Council, which is very favourable to Mr. Hutchinson and corrective of the opposing Party.  Mr. Whitney aforesaid dined here.

1772 December 5 (Saturday).  Mrs. Mary Drury (who was Mary Pratt) with a Letter from Mr. Webster of Temple, desiring a Certificat of her Dismission, he having mislaid what I gave him at Commencement.  I had depended upon Changing tomorrow and had Sent to both Mr. Stone and Mr. Whitney, but both have sent me their Return, that they cannot.  Tomorrow is to be the Communion at Southborough and Mr. Whitney has agreed to change with Mr. Morse.  I set my self to do what I can.

1772 December 6 (Sunday).  Preached a.m. on Hos. 5, v. 6 and 7.  P.M. repeated sermon on Prov. 3.6.  Which Exercises I pray may be awakening and instructive!  Mrs. Maynard dined here.

1772 December 7 (Monday).  Rode to see Mrs. Bellows, who is very low, and in danger of Death and prayed with her.  Dined there etc.  Reuben Bellows came at 3 Dollars per Month.  N.B. The Town Met to see whether the Meeting House may be enlarged.  It passed in the Negative.  At Eve Mr. Cook the Miller here a long Time; and at Close of the Day Mr. Elijah Rice — gave him a Dismission to Hennecker.

1772 December 8 (Tuesday).  Rev. Messrs. Frost and Fish call here in their way to Bolton.  Read the Explanation of Saybrook Platform, brought me by Mr. Fish.

1772 December 9 (Wednesday).  Reckoned with my Son Breck; and we settled and ballanced.  Wrote to Mr. Moore in my uncertainty about his Wife.  Sent it By Mr. Henry Bass.

1772 December 10 (Thursday).  Reckoned and settled with Mr. Silas Hill.  Towards Night Sent to Edes and Gill an Account of Squire Woods Wife and of her Death.  Her Father Fay came from Boston and brought me a Letter from my Son Moore at Rochester containing an Account of his dear Wife’s, My beloved Susanna’s Decease!  which occurred on Nov. 30 at 9 p.m. and that She was interred on the 2d instant.  It proves very shocking to me!  The Lord Sustain and direct me and mine, who Survive!  under Such a Weight of Sorrow!

1772 December 11 (Friday).  Jejun. and Suppl.  With my Sermon Meditations.  Pressed exceedingly with the weight of my Sorrows, my Work, and my preparations for the Communion.  On the whole, make broken work!  The Lord Pity and Pardon, for the Sake of the Great Redeemer who hath loved us (I hope Me) and given Himself for me.

1772 December 12 (Saturday).  Reuben talks as if discouraged, but I induced him to go on.  He went to Lt. Brighams.  Hear that Mr. Barrett dyed last night.  [Marginal notation: On the 12th Capt. Jonathan Fay here complaining of the Conduct of Several Church Members who had abused him etc. — but I persuaded him to wave it — and not disturb the Communion.]

1772 December 13 (Sunday).  Preached a.m. on Eph. 5.2.  Administered the Lords supper.  Deacon Bond dined here, as did Mrs. Dolly Rice.  P.M. preached on Suse’s Death, from Ps. 39.9, “I was dumb — because Thou didst it.”  A Message that Mr. Barrett is Dead, and to be buryed on Tuesday.

1772 December 14 (Monday).  Reuben returned from Southborough, and determines to do what he can, and promises he will not go away from me.  Deacon Wood came, and Mr. Tainter and Reuben to assist in killing an old, but fat, Cow.  I visit the widow [Hetty?] Brighams Daughter Polly, who is sick.  Prayed with them.  Called at Deacon Woods and Mr. Bass’s at Evening.

1772 December 15 (Tuesday).  Rode to Hopkinton and dined at the House of Mourning.  My dear Brother, the Rev. Mr. Samuel Barrett, was interred.  He finished his 72d year the Day before he expired.  Rev. Messrs. Bucknam, Stone, Smith, Frost and Fish were Bearers.  Mr. Fitch walked before the Corps with old Coll. Jones — and the rest of the Church before them.  The Corps was carryed into the Meeting House: where I prayed — too imperfectly — the Lord forgive the Defects and miscarriages of it.  I committed a Paper to Capt. Samuel Barrett of Boston, containing some Account and Character of the Deceased — having first read it to the Ministers, Dr. Wilson and Mr. Samuel Barrett of Boston.  I returned home at Eve, in Company with Deacon Wood and his Wife.  N.B. Neighbour Beeton overtook us — his Discourse was uncomfortable: Refusing to let me or mine cart through his Land to the Ministerial Lot, but by his pleasure as he would any other Neighbour, denying my Right of a Road or passage there.  The Deacon and his Wife, witnesses.

1772 December 16 (Wednesday).  Mr. David Maynard junior of Westminster dined here.  Wrote by him to Mr. Cushing of the Death of his Sister Moore, and sent Mr. Moores large Letter.  At Eve I wrote to Mr. Moore.

1772 December 17 (Thursday).  Cousen Maynard has been ill of a Fever, for several Days: has Sent an Horse for her Aunt.  Who is accordingly gone to See her.  Mrs. Kelly is poorly to Day.  At Evening Isaac Davis brings Mrs. Parkman home.  I called him to Repentance etc.  Master Smith here — returns the first Vol. of Mr. Richard Taylors Sermons and borrows the 2d.  Nathan Fay and his wife here with their Confession and Relations.  Elias Recites again.

1772 December 18 (Friday).  Elias goes to Mr. Smiths School.  I buy me a pair of Temple Spectacles; for my Sight is somewhat impaired.  They may assist me at times, though I do not use them constantly.  P.M. Visit and pray with Mrs. Bellows.  Call to See Mr. Samuel Hardy’s Wife, who has lately born him a Son.  The Doctors Company in returning.

1772 December 19 (Saturday).  Rode to Hopkinton and lodged at Mr. Fitch’s.  He came here.

1772 December 20 (Sunday).  I preached at Hopkinton on Occasion of Rev. Mr. Barretts Death, from Rev. 3.3, former part.  Remember how thou hast received and heard etc. a. and p.m.  Dined at Mr. Barretts — and returned there at Even and Lodged there.  I hope Some impression was made on my own Heart (may I long retain it!) by the Exercises of this Day.

1772 December 21 (Monday).  Returned home in Safety.  D.G.  But in my way was obliged to call at Lt. John Wood’s to See his Wife.  N.B. used great freedom with him concerning his Intemperance.  He seemed to take it well; thanked me; would beg of God he might take the Advice and reform etc.  Mr. How finishes Breck’s Chimney.  Elias goes to Mr. Smiths School Steddily.

1772 December 22 (Tuesday).  Read part of Theory of Mankind and Education.

1772 December 24 (Thursday).  The several News Papers Shew our Political state to be very Sorrowful.  The Day is very dark with us after the best Excuses and Palliations.  Mr. John Ball carrys his Wife home.  Breck (on my Horse), with many more on Horses and in Chaises, waits upon them to Northborough.