Category: Diary

1773 May 16 (Sunday).  Read Hos. 11.  My Son Moore preached on Rom. 1.18.  P.M. Read the Epistle of Jude.  Mr. Moore preached on 2 Tim. 2.10.  And repeated at Evening.  O that it might be to saving Effect!

1773 May 17 (Monday).  Mr. Moore setts out for Ashburnham.  I visited Old Mr. William Nurse who desired prayers yesterday for himself and son in Law Stacy.  Called to see the Widow Brigham.  Left my Horse there, to be pastured by Mr. Nathan Fay, who lives there.

1773 May 18 (Tuesday).  This morning Elias of Brookfield with his Horse Load of Rye (4 Bushels) left us, and Jonathan Maynard with 5 of my Cattle to go to Brookfield to be pastured at my Son Baldwins.  Mrs. Lucy Maynard (wife of Mr. Nathan Maynard) after 13 years Suffering of Pain and illness, and in the 45th Year of her Age, dies, about noon, hopefully in Christ.  A Pattern of Patience and Meekness.  May God sanctifie this Breach!  P.M. I visited Mr. Stacy of Hopkinton; in a low Condition of Mind and Body.  Discoursed and prayed with him.  A very Sorrowful Spectacle!  Visited also at Mr. Daniel Adams’s, Mr. Jonah Warrins etc.  N.B. Mr. Whitman of Hartford and a Daughter, Mr. [H?]insdell of Windsor — and Capt. Bull of Hartford, journeying to Boston, were here in the morning at Breakfast with us.

1773 May 19 (Wednesday).  Mr. Hancock and Wheeler, Taylors, at work here, making a black Coat and Jacket for me.  P.M. Mr. Whitney, his wife and Child, from Northborough, make us a Visit.

1773 May 20 (Thursday).  Hancock a.m., Wheeler a. and p.m. finish their Work and paid for it.  P.M. Mrs. Maynards Funeral.  Cousen Maynard, Dr. Hawes and his Wife were here after the Burying.  Mr. H. Parker Sends me 40£ old Tenor.

1773 May 21 (Friday).  Hear that poor Mr. Samuel Stacy dyed Yesterday — and unhappy [Man?] in a very despairing Frame: but as he was under hypocondriack Affections, and he was Sometimes, at least partly, delirious, a Judgment cannot be made concerning him.  My Kinsman Bradshaw from Western and dined here.  He is journeying to Brookfield.  P.M. Cousen Maynard came with her sister Miss Betty Gott, waited on by Mr. Daniel Gilbert of Brookfield.  N.B. This afternoon was a session of the Meeting House Committee, who Enquire into the Conduct of Henry Marble, who stole some of their Rum.  I hear he was brought to Confession and Humiliation.

1773 May 22 (Saturday).  Hear that Rev. Mr. Solomon Prentice of Grafton expired this Morning.  May God Sanctifie this to me for my Awakening and Quickening.  P.M. Came Brother Breck of Springfield.  He tarrys with us.

1773 May 23 (Sunday).  Mr. Breck preached for me on Gen. 22.11.12.  This Chapter I read and p.m. read [blank].  Mr. Breck preached on Gen. 4.3.4.5.  This Evening I marryed Joseph Keene, a transient person, to Mary Painter, a transient also; both of them from old England.  Mr. Breck and my neighbour, Mrs. Spring, were present.

1773 May 24 (Monday).  Mr. Breck and I sat out for Boston: but he went through Framingham.  I went to Sudbury, and dined at Mr. Daniel Lorings.  Gathered up a Number of Manuscript Books of his Grandfathers, and left my Desire that his Father would Convey them to me — which he promised.  Called at Mr. Jacob Biglows, at Mr. Bridge’s, at Dr. Robys, at Mr. Woodwards, where I lodged.

1773 May 25 (Tuesday).  Arrived at Cambridge.  Visit Brother Champney at the widow Prentice’s.  Waited on Judge Danforth concerning my Guardianship of my first Children.  He directs me either to bring the Receipts from them, or make out an Account which he will allow and give a [illegible] Dined at Barretts.  Called at Mr. Adams’s at Roxbury.  Called at My Kinsman Baileys at Boston, and Saw Cousen Winter at his House — understand they are marryed — but I manifested Dissatisfaction with it.  At my Sons — at Cousen Bradfords — at the Sale of Sir Francis Barnards Library.  Bought Origines Sacrae, folio and Sir Thomas Moores Eutopia.[1]  Lodge at my Son’s.

[1]Possibly the 1753 Philadelphia edition, Thomas More, The Common-Wealth of Utopia.  Containing a Learned and Pleasant Discourse of the Best State of a Publick Weal, As It Is Found in the New Island Called Utopia (Philadelphia, 1753).

1773 May 26 (Wednesday).  Attended the Election Sermon preached by Mr. Charles Turner of Duxbury[1] from Rom. 13.4.  “For he is the Minister of God to thee for Good” — a Sermon much applauded by all who were for Liberty.  I dined in Concert Hall, not knowing that the Commissioners were there.  After Dinner I went to Mr. Surcombs, who is his Chaise waited on me to the School House where the Convention usually (of late years) Met.  But not discerning any Body nigh, thought they did not meet, I passed away, concluding there was and would be, none: For which Reason I did not Attend with them.  At Mr. Shaws at Evening — Supped there.  Visit Mr. Quincy.  Several of my Children there also, viz. Mr. Forbes and his Wife, Mr. Moore (my Daughter Baldwin was at Mr. Bailys), besides Samuel and his Sally.  It was dark and rainy returning to our Lodging.

[1]Charles Turner (1732-1813), A Sermon Preached before His Excellency Thomas Hutchinson, Esq; Governor: The Honorable His Majesty’s Council, and the Honorable House of Representatives, of the Province of the Massachusetts-Bay in New-England, May 26th, 1773.  Being the Anniversary of the Election of His Majesty’s Council for Said Province (Boston, 1773).  Evans 13,053.

1773 May 27 (Thursday).  Attended the Convention (which was at the school House) from whence we proceeded to the public Exercises at the Old South.  Dr. Pemberton Moderator.  Mr. Edward Barnard preached from Gal. 6.7.8.  The Collection amounted to [blank].  I dined at Dr. Eliots.  P.M. met with the Ministers, who seemed to meet together with one accord, to consider the present state of Ministers and Churches — moved hereto by the sorrowful Aspects at Bolton.  A greater Number of Ministers at this Convention than usual.  “Upon a Motion made and seconded, the Question was put, whether it is the Opinion of this Convention that the state of the Churches in this Province, with respect to Church Order and Discipline is Such as to require the Attention of this Convention?”  Passed Affirmatively Nem. Con.  Question put — Whether the Convention will now choose a Committee to make diligent Enquiry into the Sense and meaning of the Platform of Church Discipline and the general Practice of our Fathers and of the Churches in this Land from their Days with respect to Church Order — They to lay the Result of their Enquirys before the Convention at their next Meeting.  Passed affirmatively.  Nemine Contr.  The Committee chosen, Dr. Chauncy, Dr. Pemberton, Dr. Eliot, President Locke, Dr. Cooper, Messrs. Cook of Notomy, Adams of Roxbury, Professor Wigglesworth, Dr. Appleton, Messrs. Rogers of Littleton, Chandler of Rowley, P________, Shute, Barnard of Salem, Gorden.  I prayed at the Conclusion, when the Convention was adjourned to the Day after Commencement, 9 a.m. at the Same place.  Was at Mr. Mathers after the meeting.  Borrowed of him Cotton of the Keyes and other Tracts.  4to.  At Mr. Quincys — Mr. Cranch’s.  Paid him two Dollars for mending my Watch — but he gave me Dr. Brays Bibliotheca paroch. [1]  N.B. I bought out of Governor Barnards Library Stillingfl. Orig. Sacr. and Mori Eutopia.  We, My Children abovesaid and Lucy as well as I, Supped at my Son Samuels where were Brother Shaw, his Wife and Friend, Mrs. Pidgeon of Newtown.

[1]Thomas Bray (1656-1730), DNB?

1773 May 28 (Friday).  Was at Mr. Scolleys Yesterday to Speak with [torn] Melvill concerning an English Eutopia, which She promises to lend me.  This morning attend another Sale of Books at Mr. Russels Auction and bought Voiages into the Levant, Lives of Wickliff etc. and Clarks Caesars Commentaries.  Visited my Cousen Corser at Capt. Jonathan [Clarks?].  Being invited, with my Children to dine at my Brother Shaws, we went (except Mr. Moore, who sat out on his Journey home); we were there entertained with great Decency; Several of their Friends also present; Particularly the aged Mrs. Burt, and Mrs. Pidgeon of Newtown.  N.B. I have visited Mr. Lathrop.  We discourse of the Sad State of Boston.  Lodged every night at my Sons.  Bought of him an handsome Sealskin Trunk for his Mother for only 3 Dollars.

[1773 May 29?  (Saturday)].  Called at Proctors and Baileys; at both which heard their sorrowful complaints of my Brothers Condition, as if my [torn]ter was too incapable of taking Care of him.  Returned home.  In my way called at Mr. Adams (Roxbury) [torn] refreshed.  At little Cambridge Mr. Thomas Jackson, Taverner ([who?] marryed Miss Suse Dana) invited me to dine, which accept.  Mr. Cushings Waltham.  At Mr. Wheelers in Sudbury to look [torn] his Division of his F. Lorings Books and Papers.  At Mr. [torn] edge’s, where was his son (who is to preach at Marlborough tomorrow).  Arrived safely, though late, and found my Family well.  All Thanks [torn]raise to God!  Mr. Forbes and his Wife here, but their sister Lucy [torn] were obliged to leave at Coll. Brighams at Southborough.

1773 May 30 (Sunday).  Read Hos. 12.  Mr. Forbes preached on Gal. 5.5 a. and p.m.  [Torn] God be graciously pleased to add His almighty Influences and [torn] the Exercises Savingly Beneficial!  N.B. p.m. read the [torn] wherein was the Text.  Sad News from Brookfield of the dying State [torn]evi Rice.  A message is come to Mr. Forbes to hasten home.  [Torn]y God be with the Distressed, and be a present Help in time of Trouble!

1773 May 31 (Monday).  Breck goes with a Chaise to Southborough and brings my poor Daughter Baldwin, who is weak in Body, and Sunk in Spirits.  O that a gracious God would extend His Pity to her!  P.M. Mr. Forbes and his Wife, with their distressed Sister, leave us to go as far as Worcester, or Leicester [torn] they can: Riding and Diverting Objects being best for her.  N.B. Mrs. P____________ informs me that while I was gone last week came Mr. Leonard of Woodstock and Miss [blank] Jarvis of [torn]ston, in the Journey to Boston.  [Torn] has put up shutters in our dining [torn]

1773 June 1 (Tuesday).  Am informed that Mr. Fish with Delegates and others, are gone over to Bolton; but did not favor me with their Company.  Breck to Boston.

1773 June 2 (Wednesday).  Was very hoarse with a Cold, yet attempted to go to the Family Meeting at Mr. Daniel Forbes’s, and preached, though with Difficulty, on Mat. 21.10 from p. 61 to the End of p. 68.  Old Mrs. Woods and Mrs. Grow present.  May the Lord accept us, and bless His people and the means of Grace among us.

1773 June 3 (Thursday).  Am deeply concerned about Bolton: And the rather because those who are Most Set and determined are gone before hand, that they may be Sure to accomplish the work.  The Lord grant Light and Truth, Righteousness and Peace!  Read variously.  N.B. Dr. Dunsmoor of Lunenburg and one Mr. David Spaffard of Townshend here in the morning With Design to buy my Lots of an hundred Acres in Townshend.  They came up to my Terms of £500 old Tenor and I gave a Deed to Mr. Spaffard, of it; and for it he paid me [torn] down, and two Notes of Hand, one for 125£ to be [torn] at or before the 3d of October next, the other of 250£ [torn] be paid on or before this time 12 months, with Interest [torn] paid.  The Doctor assures me repeatedly that Spaffard [torn] a responsible Man, and to be depended upon.  Read Calcotts Disquisition of the Principles and Pro[torn] of Free Masons.[1]

[1]Willens Calcott, A Candid Disquisition of the Principles and Practices of the Most Antient and Honourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons, Together with Some Strictures on the Origin, Nature, and Design of That Institution (Boston, 1772).  Evans 12,345.

1773 June 4 (Friday).  The workmen at the Meeting House, as they did at moving [torn] compass of the front Door, So now taking down Wind[torn] disturb a very great multitude of Batts.

1773 June 5 (Saturday).  Breck and his Company (who had been out a fishing) returned.  Mr. Fish and his Delegates, together with the Mill-river D[torn] (without their Pastor: he went not) returning from Bolton, call here: Shew me their Result, and [torn] I am informed that they did not install Mr. Wall [torn] but that the Council is adjourned to August next.  N.B. Mr. Jewet of Rowley was Moderator but he and [Mr.?] Chandler (of Rowley also) left them before the fini[torn].

 

[Note: Here there is a gap in the manuscript from June 5 through June 14.]

1773 June 15 (Tuesday).  I rode to Ministers Meeting at Bolton by the Way of Marlborough.  Had Mr. Smith’s and Mr. Morse’s Company.  There were present Messrs. Stone of Southborough, Harrington, Mellen, Maccarty, Bridge of Sudbury, and Whitney of Northborough.  Nine of us besides Mr. Goss.  Being Moderator I prayed and Mr. Goss being Still under So great Difficultys, we advise him and his Brethren to call a Council to meet at the Same time that the aggrieved Council are to meet.  I was writ down for one to be Sent to, but I struck out my name.  In returning through Northborough had Mr. Whitneys Company, but did not tarry at his House.  At Home found that Capt. Maynard had brought a great Bundle of Court’s Journals, Laws, Sermon at Election, Governors Speeches and the Answers etc.

1773 June 16 (Wednesday).  Read Mr. Lorings Diary.

1773 June 17 (Thursday).  Catechized (after dining at home) at the South school-House.  Above forty Boys and Girls.  Afterward Visit at old Mr. Warrins.  In the Evening Thunder, Lightning and Rain.  After we were got to Sleep were alarmed by a Beggar who was of ill behavior and my Wife and Sophy requested I would not let him come in to the House, but I bid him go to the Barn, but he was high and Malpert — he went off.  I regretted it.  I wanted to take him in, but I had not convenience to lodge him and it would have disordered my House, by reason of the Fright that several were put into by him.  N.B. John waited on his Sister Hannah to Marlborough to get two Gowns made, viz. Taffety and Bengall.

1773 June 18 (Friday).  [No entry.]

1773 June 19 (Saturday).  Rode to Grafton.  Lodged at Mr. Andrew Adams’s.

1773 June 20 (Sunday).  Preached at Grafton a. and p.m. on Rev. 16.15.  “Behold I come as a Thief!  Blessed is he that watcheth” etc.  Mr. Taylor preached for me, a.m. on Mat. 11.28, p.m. on 1 Joh. 3.9.  After Meeting, by Desire visited Deacon Batchellors wife who was extreme low.  Prayed with her.  Returned home at night.

1773 June 21 (Monday).  Rode to Mr. Stone.  We rode to Marlborough — to Mr. Jonathan Lorings — principally to Father Gardners at Stow — found him low and weak, yet reviving a little [and?] he had rid out to Day.  His Wife was also poorly.  [illegible] there from thence we went to my Son Williams at Concord, and lodged there.

1773 June 22 (Tuesday).  We rode together to Sudbury.  Called at Deacon Plymptons.  I wanted of him the Paper which the Deacon read to me in March last, was twelve month, as being Sealed up with the last Will and Testament of the Late Venerable Mr. Loring and in which he was pleased to Committ his Private Papers to us.  But the Deacon was gone to Court, he being one of the Representatives.  We then went to Mr. Nathan Lorings, where we were courteously received, and conducted up into the deceased’s Closet.  From thence I received of Mr. Loring one Folio (parchment covered) containing many Extracts from various Authors, also folio Leaves of Extracts on many Books of the Bible.  I have also a Small bound Book dated 1715 containing Rules for Prayer.  Also Ten Paper Books of Adversaria (marked Capitally), also a Bundle of various Copys of Covenants; Letters etc.  N.B. The Paper of the Contents mentions a Number of Abstracts, which are not there.  Furthermore, here is a Bundle of paper Books, which contains Prayers on various Occasions, in Number, 6 Books — Together with 8 Books of the following Titles, viz., Days of Prayer and Thanksgiving, Self-Examination etc. to my Spiritual State, Self-Examination by Marks of Growth etc., Covenants, Promises of the Covenant, Rules for the Sanctification of the Lords Day, Examples of Heavenly Meditation, The Order of Celebrating of the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ — and — of Baptism.  Besides these a Book entitled “Places where I have preached.”  I received also 12 Bundles of Letters, to and from different persons.  One of which contains Letters from a religious society of women in Boston.  O that I might be faithful in improving this Treasure.  N.B. Mr. Stone took Several others which I have not an Account of.  I borrowed of Mr. Loring Glanville’s Sadducismus triumphatus[1] and Dr. Increase Mather Mystery of Christ.[2]  We dined at Rev. Mr. Biglows.[3]  In my way home was requested to go in and See Mr. Thomas Biglows Daughter, Mrs. How in Consumption — and prayed with her.  Arrived safely.  Deo Laus!

[1]Joseph Glanvill, Saducismus Triumphatus: or, Full and Plain Evidence Concerning Witches and Apparitions.  In Two Parts.  The First Treating of Their Possibility, The Second of Their Real Existence (London, 1681).

[2]Increase Mather, The Mystery of Christ Opened and Applyed.  In Several Sermons, Concerning the Person, Office, and Glory of Jesus Christ (Boston, 1686).  Evans 416.

[3]Jacob Biglow (1743-1816), Harvard 1766; see SHG 16:324-25.

1773 June 23 (Wednesday).  Rode over to Northborough Lecture.  Dined at Mr. Whitneys.  Mr. Sumner preached on [blank].  May God forgive my Dulness and [unprofitableness?]!  Was detained there by heavy Showers till Evening when I returned.  At Evening came Mr. Seth Morse Treasurer who pays me, in Notes which I drew to Mr. Beeton, Constable, old Tenor £55.14.2, in Cash £164.5.0, in all £219.19.2 old Tenor.  May God grant me Grace to improve it in a right manner!

1773 June 24 (Thursday).  Reckoned with my Son Breck and paid him his Book Debt.  Having received from Mr. Woodward of Weston a Letter by Desire of Dr. Eliot of Boston, to inform me of the Meeting of the Committee of the Convention the first Wednesday of July at Dr. Chauncy’s at Boston, wrote part of an Answer to Dr. Eliot.  Catechized at the Grout School House.  49 Children of both Sexes.  After the Exercise was entertained at Mr. Jonathan Grouts.  May the Lord be graciously pleased to Succeed these Endeavours!  Conversed with aged Mrs. Grout.  N.B. Deacon Batchellor’s Wife, late of Grafton, dyed last Monday, O that I might prepare!

1773 June 25 (Friday).  Have a peculiar Favor in divine providence by a good Crop of Clover between the Garden and meeting House-Road.  Three of our common Loads between 60 and 70 Cocks.  D.G.  Engaged in my preparations.

1773 June 26 (Saturday).  An hot Season for Several Days.  To Day especially.  Cousen Needham returned from Boston.

1773 June 27 (Sunday).  Read Joel 1.  Could not get my new preparations ready — wanted to preach a preparatory sermon to Contribution and also to young people and especially against Fornication.  Took therefore Discourses on Prov. 10.10 with various Additions.  P.M. read Rev. 3.  Cornet Brigham acquaints me that he was yesterday at my Son Cushings at Ashburnham, and tells me my Daughter was o’ Bed.  Was delivered on the 24th of another Son.  Mother and Child in an hopeful State.  Blessed be God for His great Goodness!  May it be perfected!  Received a Letter from Dr. Eliot, of my Kinsman Needhams Case: also of the Committee of the Convention’s Meeting.

1773 June 28 (Monday).  The Town Met partly to See whether they would build a Steeple (a number of persons having Subscribed to give a Bell and Clock if the Town would prepare for them) but it passed in the Negative.  Visit Mr. Jonas Kennys Wife, ill of bilious Cholic.  Prayed with her.  Cousen Needham left us.