Category: Diary

1773 September 7 (Tuesday).  Mr. Hall of Sutton and his son Joseph dined here.  I preached p.m. at Mr. Joseph Grouts because of his Son Josephs languishment, on Isa. 54.13 to page 9 and the addition of the Exhortation in p. 19: which may God graciously bless!  At Eve came Capt. Wilder, his Brother and Sister from Providence, who have been burying their poor Brother Nahum in the very glory of Life.  O how great a Change!  How awful the Thought!  May God Sanctifie this Dispensation to all nearly concerned especially!  To Young Men.

1773 September 8 (Wednesday).  Breck goes to Worcester.  Hath sued two Men.  But not [till — illegible].  Mr. Jonathan Child dined here.  N.B. Hannah Forbush junior (Daughter of Mr. Ebenezer) came to work in the Family.  Mrs. P______________ remaining poorly Still, and my Daughter Hannah not firm.  Sophy is at Brecks Shop.  N.B. have received a Book I have long desired, viz. “Remarkable Passages in the Life of a Private Gentleman.”

1773 September 9 (Thursday).  Lieut. Ward of Grafton here; and was Smooth.  Sermonizing.  I am So near to compleating my 70th year, that I have my Thoughts running Chiefly upon the words in Ps. 90.10.

1773 September 10 (Friday).  Next Lords Day, if I shall live to it, will be the last sabbath of my 70th Year.  My Mind is very closely exercised hereupon.  May the Lord help me in preparing for it!  Both my Sermons, and the Frame of my Spirit.  Sophy droops.

1773 September 11 (Saturday).  Mr. Samuel Salsbury of Boston, Merchant, at Breakfast here.  P.M. whilst I was much engaged in my preparations for the Sabbath, especially as it will be a peculiar Sabbath to me, came Mr. P. Whitney, desiring we might Change tomorrow.  I have no way to avoid it: but must keep my preparations to another Week.  He informs me of his Necessity, and I could not deny.  He has been at the Court at Worcester to hear the Tryal of Mr. Goss’s Case, who has obtained, against the Town of Bolton, but the latter have appealed.

1773 September 12 (Sunday).  Through the great Goodness and Astonishing Long Suffering of God I am favoured with this morning!  It was rainy, and I thought I Should Stay at home, but towards nine o’Clock Mr. Whitney came.  I rode over, and preached at Northborough a. and p.m. on Isa. 6.9.10 to page 32.  I Baptized Samuel, Son of John and [blank] Gamwell, the woman being a member of the Church.  After Exercises called to See the Widows Martyn in my way back; and drank Tea there: and went in also to see Capt. Maynard, who has been confined for Some days.  My Care has been to keep this Sabbath, the Last Sabbath of 70 Years!  as not knowing but it may be the last I shall ever have.  But alas have brokenly and imperfectly!  Each returned at Evening.  Mr. Whitney preached on Rom. 6.23 a. and p.m.  May the Lord add His Efficacious Blessing to each!

1773 September 13 (Monday).  Visit at Mr. Springs, his Mother Whitmore being come to see her Daughter.  My Daughter Sophy is laid by with sickness.  Was much engaged in reading Mr. Lorings Diary etc. etc.  At Eve came Mr. Water [s?] who has been for about a Week keeping School at the South school-House.  He speaks much of the flourishing State of Dartmouth College.

1773 September 14 (Tuesday).  Visit Lt. Harrington who is Lame.  Visit old Mrs. Grow who is exercised with fainting Fitts, falls, and is greatly bruised.  Prayed with her and Mrs. Steward etc.  Discoursed, exhorted — and returned to dine at Lt. Harringtons.  Discoursed with him and urged — prayed with him and his Family.  In returning call at Mr. Joseph Harringtons.  He shews himself greatly dissatisfyed with me about Bolton Matters.  Mentions two things, viz. my Signing with the Association against those Brethren who were against Mr. Goss, and forbidding the two young women (Miss Suse and Miss Persis Baker) whereas I kindly besought them as to their coming to the Communion with us.  I answered him with regard to both of them.  But he plainly told me what I Said did not satisfy him a Jot.  He lent me the second Treatise of Neighbour.  May the Lord sanctifie to me this Trouble, and grant me Grace to improve it!  Prepare me for what is before me and conduct me through it!  When I came home, Mrs. Esther Belknap (wife of Joseph) was here and examined.

1773 September 15 (Wednesday).  Employed chiefly in preparing for, and suitably improving this important Season, viz. Closing my 70th and beginning my 71st Year.

1773 September 16 (Thursday).  Dies Separat. Devot. Gratul. Humill. and prec. [quiby?] addit. Jejun.  At Eve came Rev. Mr. William Gordon and Lady from New Haven, in their Journey home to Roxbury; and lodge here.  Old Mrs. Kelly goes to Capt. Maynards.

1773 September 17 (Friday).  Mr. Gordon informs me that Mr. Ely of Sommers is very much rejected by the ministers, and that it is not likely the Council will meet, or if they do, will accept of Him.  He heard so much of it among the Ministers at Commencement (and especially mentioned President Doggett) that he believes there will not be ordination.  They go on their Journey home.  Mr. Bass here a.m.  Discourse of the late Pamphlets published about Church Government[1] and Seems not to like the proceedings at Bolton.  Joseph Belknap was here and was examined in order to joining with the Church.  Finish a Letter to Mr. Bowman of Oxford (at his Request) concerning Mr. Ely’s Ordination at Somers.

[1]Bass may have been referring to John Wise (1652-1725), The Churches Quarrel Espoused: Or, a Reply in Satyre to Certain Proposals Made, in Answer to This Question, What Further Steops Are to Be  Taken That the Councils May Have Due Constitution and Efficacy in Supporting, Preserving and Well-Ordering the Interest of the Churches in the Country (2d ed.; Boston, 1715).  Evans 1795.  This was reprinted as part of Wise, A Vindication of the Government of New-England Churches… (Boston, 1772).

1773 September 18 (Saturday).  Sent it by Samuel Campbel (son of Squire).

1773 September 19 (Sunday).  My Mind has been, through the Grace of God, exceedingly engaged and wrought on, considering my advancement in Age.  And now desire most unfeignedly and with all my best Powers, to bless the Lord that I am permitted to see the Light of this Morning, and to begin another Year of Sabbaths!  O that I might Spend this, and every one I may be indulged with, in the best manner!  I hope my Soul is Set in this.  Read publickly the XCth Psalm.  Preached a. and p.m. on v. 10.  P.M. Read Ps. CXLV.  I bless God I have Some lively Sense of my Situation in Life: but wish it was more impressive and effectual.  May God graciously afford His almighty influences!

1773 September 20 (Monday).  Went to Lt. Bakers.  Borrowed the Letter which was Sent him some time agoe from Capt. Silas Bailey and Mr. James Goddard of Bolton.  P.M. Mrs. Whitmore (Mrs. Springs mother) made us a Visit.  Mr. Joshua Johnson of Bolton was here with another Message from Mr. Goss praying that I would not fail to go to Worcester tomorrow, inasmuch as the Lawyers of the Opposite Party would oblige him to prove his Ordination, the Churches Choice and his Acceptance; and ‘tis Said I was Clerk or Scribe at that time.

1773 September 21 (Tuesday).  Had Mr. Haskills Chaise and Deacon Woods Horse to go up to Worcester with Elias who is Summoned to Court, to give Evidence in Ensign Fay’s Case against Mr. Manasseh Smith.  I went to Court and heard the Chief Justice’s Charge to the Grand Jury.  Mr. Maccarty prayed.  I dined with him.  Elias with Ensign Fay.  P.M. at Mr. Samuel Bridge’s.  Also visit Mr. Richard Pratt, who took Care of my Horse and Chaise, and kindly invites to Lodge etc.  Elias goes there, lodges.  I at Mr. Maccarty’s.

1773 September 22 (Wednesday).  Neither of the Causes, neither Fays, nor Bolton people’s against Mr. Goss, being at all likely to come on, We rode up to Leicester, to my Son Alexander.  Dined there.  At Eve came there Messrs. Eli and Abel Con [i?] t, my Daughters Uncles and lodge there, as we also did.  N.B. Mr. Conklin called in, discoursed of the Somers Affair.

1773 September 23 (Thursday).  We returned to Worcester.  Was at Mr. Maccartys.  Dined at Mr. Bridge’s, with young Mr. Hutchinson, the school Master.  P.M. at Mr. [Pains?] where was Coll. Worthington, who informs me Mr. Breck is just upon his marriage with Mrs. Dor of Hartford.  I was at Mr. Putnams, Dr. Willards, at Judge Chandlers.  The Cause between Ensign Fay and Master Smith was tryed.  Elias was not Sworn.  I attended part of the Time.  After Court at Eve retired to Mr. Maccartys — had a faint turn, while I was there, and at the Smelling of the Supper — but through divine Favour recovered, and at length Eat of the Food prepared.  May it be a memento to me!  Lodged at the Same Place.

1773 September 24 (Friday).  Understood that the Jury brought in their Verdict for Mr. Smith, upon which I prepared to return home.  Mr. Goss informs me that his Cause will be deferred to next April.  Called at Capt. Curtis’s: and at Mr. Sumners.  Arrived in Safety at my own House.  The Praise to God!  At Eve came Mr. Marsh, Tutor from Weathersfield where he has a Call: and lodges here.

1773 September 25 (Saturday).  Mr. Marsh goes to Cambridge.  Mr. Hutchinson going to Concord, dines here.  Mr. Nathan Townsend is examined in order to his joining with the Church.  Every Day of the Week I have, unhappily, Avocations.

1773 September 26 (Sunday).  Have made some Preparations but could not compleat them, and therefore was obliged to have recourse to what I formerly delivered: and therein I had what with Some Alterations and Additions were exceeding pertinent to what was preached last Lord’s Day — and very fit to follow upon those Exercises.  Therefore having read Amos 7, and given some expository Glances upon it, I preached on Ps. XC, v. 12, “So teach us” etc.  And which may a gracious God be pleased to accompany with His Almighty Spirit!  Mr. Cornelius Waters dined with us.  P.M. Read Ps. 142 and 143 and went on with the Discourse on Ps. 90.12 to page 15.  I earnestly request I may my Self in a peculiar manner be savingly benefitted hereby, as well as my Hearers!  Nathan Townsend and his Wife were propounded.  I bless God the Hearts of Such a Number of my People have been of late so much wrought on.  May they all be truely Sincere and upright, and walk accordingly!  At Night came John from Providence — from Wrentham to Day, and not well.  I had sent him my Horse by Mr. Dupec.

1773 September 27 (Monday).  John is poorly and can’t go to Oxford as expected.  Mr. Lorings Diary.  A Town Meeting, to See if the Town would not consent to Some Alterations to be made in the Situation of the Pews proposed to be built before the foreseats below, and to take away the great Pew that is next to the Pulpit before, and above the Deacons Seat.  Also to dispose of Pew-places, at the Wall, in the Galleries.  The former of these things the Town did nothing of: the latter was accomplished.  They were sold at Capt. Woods at Night.  Henry Barns Esq. here.

1773 September 28 (Tuesday).  In the Morning my son Alexander came with my Speckled Cow, and 2 quarters and head and [Ploock?] of the Calf.  But Alexander not well: worried with driving the Cow in the Night.  P.M. He and John go away together, one to Leicester; the other to Oxford to work at Mr. William Watson’s.  O that God might be the Guardian of them both!  Mr. Hall of Sutton here, and dines.  He is again going to Boston.  He gives me some Account of his Conduct at the Association last week at Mr. Chaplins: when he prayed before the sermon, and Mr. Walley after.  Master Waters at Eve — supps and lodges here.

1773 September 29 (Wednesday).  Mr. Morse Treasurer pay £34.15.8 and has a Receipt for it.  Rode to Shrewsbury, to an Association Lecture.  Mr. Bowman prayed.  Mr. Curtis of [Charlton?] preached a profitable sermon on Ps. 149.9.  Mr. Conklin prayed after sermon.  May God grant His Blessing!  Dined at Mr. Sumners.  Mr. Nathan Goddard was approbated as Schoolmaster.  Mr. Sumner, Mr. Whitney and I signed the Certificate.  Memorandum.  The Lord was pleased to remember His people, in a Time of distressing Drought and sent a Plentiful Rain.  Praise to His glorious Name!  Supped at Mr. Sumners, but lodged  at sister Cushings, and Mr. Davis of Holden with me.

1773 September 30 (Thursday).  Though rainy and stormy yet I returned home, and dined here.  P.M. Reading and studys various.  But how Swift my Time flys!  Another Month gone!  Lord make me know etc.!

1773 October 1 (Friday).  Blessed be God who upholds me from one Month to another.  May I have Wisdom and Grace Suitably to improve my Time; this rich Talent!  Mrs. Prudence Rice, Wife of Mr. Elijah, from Hennecker, and her sister Miss Lydia Hardy, dined here.  Cousen Maynard made us a Visit.  Mr. Joseph Belknap brings his and his Wife’s Relation.  At Eve Neighbour Newton with his Oxen, assist in plowing, and a Number of Neighbours in levelling the Knoll at the back of the House.  But Breck went to Lancaster.

1773 October 2 (Saturday).  [No entry.]

1773 October 3 (Sunday).  Read Amos XIII.  Preached on Ps. 55.22 a. and p.m.  N.B. Mrs. Lucy Maynard, when she drew nigh to Death, desired I would preach on this Text.  P.M. Read the 55th Ps.  N.B. Mrs. Prudence Rice dined with me.  Mr. Benjamin Webb, who keeps School in Town, here after Meeting.  Supped with me.

1773 October 4 (Monday).  In the morning came Capt. Samuel Wilder of Ashburnham, Mr. Levi Wilder of Lancaster, and Miss Polly Cook of Providence, who had been at Lancaster; all in their way to Mendon, and Breck goes with them.  P.M. Mrs. Beeton to See her Mother who is much exercised with Rheumatism.  Miss Hannah Fish drinks Tea with us.  At Eve the Committee of the Church who visited Mrs. Eunice Rice, met here.  Viz. Deacon Bond, Mr. Nathaniel Whitney and Capt. Benjamin Fay.  They draw up, 2 of them Sign the Return of what was done; and they leave the Paper for the Church.  N.B. [Last?] Eve Mr. Joseph Harrington lent me again the Second Neighbour but injoining to return it by Elias when he goes next to School.

1773 October 5 (Tuesday).  Mr. Joseph Harrington calls at Brecks Shop and takes his Book: for though it is so gross and outrageous there are not wanting those who (unhappy men!) too greedily Swallow the Strange stuff which it contains.  May the Lord be pleased to convince and forgive  the injurious Author, or authors of it, and those who are infected with the Contagion it contains!  And may I have Grace Patiently and Meekly to bear the groundless Reflections upon me and numbers of other Ministers, which are slandered therein!  P.M. I rode with Dr. Hawes to Mr. Artemas Bruce’s to see his Sick Child, and prayed there.  In returning took Opportunity to talk with the Doctor about his and his Wife’s joining with the Church.  My Kinsman Bradshaw from Brookfield here and lodges.  Breck has returned from Mendon from the Vendue of the Wilder goods.  Lucy Fay marryed to David Mathews.

1773 October 6 (Wednesday).  Mr. Bradshaw to Boston and carryed for me 2d and Third Vols. of Burroughs on Hosea to Dr. Samuel Mathers.  Mr. Sumner came and dined with me.  Preached my Lecture on Cant. 1.7.  May a gracious God add His Blessing!  Stayed the Church at the Request of the Deacons, who wanted to acquaint the Church, and did so, with the Legacy which the late Deacon Tainter left the Church, of 50£ Old Tenor and which was let out to his son Benjamin Tainter, now the Time of the Note being up, they want the Church Should direct what they would have done with it; but don’t desire the Church to act anything upon it immediately.  They choose it should be deferred to next Lecture Day.  Mr. Waters here after Meeting — and tarrys here over night.  Squire (or Capt.) Samuel Wilder returning from  Mendon, came and lodged here.

1773 October 7 (Thursday).  Several letters from Mr. Moore.  The Dates, Sept. 27, 28, 30, and Oct. 4 by the way of Boston.  P.M. Mr. Solomon Bakers Wife makes us a Visit: also her Sister Tabitha Brigham from FitzWilliam here.  Dr. Samuel Curtis of Marlborough came in.  By him I returned the Life of Dr. South to his Mother Woods.  Mr. Nathan Townsend here with his Relation.  Mr. Ballard, Capt. Larnard and one of their Neighbours who had been a long Journey to Kenebeck, call in as they are returning home to Oxford.

1773 October 8 (Friday).  Mrs. Townsend here, about her Relation.  Mr. Joseph Belknap and his Wife came upon the like Affair.  Deacon Merriam to desire me to administer the Communion at Grafton on the 17th Day.

1773 October 9 (Saturday).  Mr. Mellen and his Wife in returning home, call here; acquaint me with the Result of the late Council there, and the non acceptance of both Church and Precinct.  Mr. Gillam Bass dined here with Breck.  Rev. Mr. Joseph Willard goes to Southborough to change with Mr. Stone.

1773 October 10 (Sunday).  Read Amos 9.  Preached on Ps. 55.22, which may God bless to our divine Consolation!  Admitted Joseph and Esther Belknap, and Nathan and Sarah Townsend.  Administered the Lord’s Supper.  Omitted Reading p.m.  Preached on Mat. 6.12, to page 10 to the bottom, but with many omissions and alterations.  At Eve came Mr. Willard of Mendon and lodged here.  N.B. He gave me some Account of Mr. Balch, late of the South Parish in Mendon, and the unfitness of his leaving them.

1773 October 11 (Monday).  Mr. Willard returned home.  Mr. Stone of Southborough came from Mendon, but from Mr. Frost’s Parish where he kept sabbath.  Mr. Sprague of Boston (Doctor’s Son) preached for Mr. Willard.  Memorandum.  Mr. Stone received of me Mr. Lorings loose folio leaves of Collections on the Bible; except on the Revelations which I detain a while.