Category: Diary

1778 October 20 (Tuesday).  Mr. Conklin and his Lady pursue their Journey.  The Association met here, viz. Messrs. Stone (and his wife), Smith, Whitney, Newell, and a youn[g] preacher, Mr. [blank] Stearns of Leominster.  They having chose Me Moderator — and I prayed — read them on Consideration of Some very contr. pleadings at the late superior Court, some Collections from Cotton of the Keys.  Shewing the Power of the presbytery and priv. of the Brethren etc.

 

Mr. Whitney asks Advice respecting the New erected Bolton Parish, and whether this Mr. Stearns mayn’t with our Approbation Preach to them.  They advised him to.  Mr. Newell layd before us the Conduct of a Member of the Church of Stow, scil. Charles Whitney at a late Church Meeting — with regard to Coll. Wood.  He was directed what Method to take.  Next Association to be at Mr. Stone’s, next Month.  N.B. Brecks Bounty in Rum and Wine etc. on this Occasion.  And my Kinswoman Miss Beckky Cowell presented an handsome Pair of Mittens.

1778 October 21 (Wednesday).  Young Benjamin Brown came from Sutton this Morn, and after Breakfast my Kinswomen and their little Boy (Ezra Brown) set out for Stoneham.  Mr. Seth Brigham here and asks both Mrs. P________________ and me to be at his Fathers tomorrow p.m. when he desires to be marryed.  Mr. Sumner came, dined here and preached my Lecture from Ps. 122.8.9.  Which may God succeed!  At Eve came Sophy from Ashburnham with Sir Brigham.

1778 October 22 (Thursday).  About 3 in the morning we were alarmed by Breck; Suse being in Travel.  About Sunrise a little Daughter was born; and both Mother and Child in an hopeful State.  All Glory to God the Deliverer!  May His Goodness be perfected!  The Company of Women, with Dr. Ball broke fast here — with Mr. B. Bradshaw, who with Cousen [illegible] Brigham dined here also.  P.M. rode to Mr. Gershom Brighams and Solemnized the Marriage of his son Seth to Ruth Palmer.  As I went, I called to see a Child of Mr. Joseph Green junior and Prayed there.  In returning Mr. [blank] Hancock wait’d upon me to lead back the Horse I rode upon.

1778 October 23 (Friday).  Mr. Mellen of Chauxit here and dined with us, as did our sister Brigham, and my Son Alexander from New-Marlborough.  The People had a Town Meeting in which they are to reconsider a Vote of Apr. 27th last concerning the singers sitting in the Meeting House: Now it is recommended to [them?] to sit, the Males up Front Gallery on the Mens Side, and the Females in the Front Gallery on the Women’s.  I am sadly prevented studying by Company.  This Evening again by Messrs. Samuel Forbush and Hannaniah Parker.  Alexander lodges here.

1778 October 24 (Saturday).  Alexander leaves us to go as far as Ashburnham.

1778 October 25 (Sunday).  Preached another Sermon on Luk. 22.15.  Administered the Lords supper.  Mrs. Maynard dined here; as did Sir Fay.  P.M. on Consideration of the Baptism of Brecks Child, I preached on Gal. 3.14.  The Child was called Hannah-Breck.  At Eve went down to Brecks, and have our Evening Exercise there.  May God graciously accept us in these various Solemnitys!  And May the Blessing of Abraham descend on us through Christ!  N.B. The singers chiefly are in the Front to day, and Sing again.

1778 October 26 (Monday).  I walked to Dr. Hawes and borrow his Horse for Elias to go to Deacon Browns at Framingham for Cloth to make him an homespun Suit.  He goes; and N.B. he pays £4.10 L.M. for Dressing.  Mr. Eleazer Bradshaw the Hatter, dines here.  Mr. Kendall Visits us but returns to Grafton.  Sir Brigham — Elijah and Eli and my Kinsman Loyd at Tea.  Sir Fay Singing here this Evening.  Also Mr. Abraham Batchelors Wife came with her Mother Wood to See us.  Sir Fay and Brigham Stay into Evening and Sing.  The latter lodges here.

1778 October 27 (Tuesday).  Mr. Lemuel Badcock dines here.  P.M. Aged Squire Tyler calls to see me in his way to his Brother James Maynards.

1778 October 28 (Wednesday).  Elias takes great Pains to get an Horse to go to Worster [sic], in Vain.  I read and made Collections from Dr. Chauncys seasonable Sermon on Josh. 7.13.  Suse has an ill turn.

1778 October 29 (Thursday).  Catechized a.m. 35 Boys, p.m. 30 Girls.  May a gracious God accept and succeed these Endeavours!  Elias obtains Mr. Ebenezer Maynards Horse to go to Wor’ster to buy Trimming for his Cloths.  For 2 yds. of Shalloon he gives Eight Dollars.  Dear Suse grows worse — have Fever etc.

1778 October 30 (Friday).  She is better.  Thanks to God!  Sister Champney much indisposed: especially in the Nights.  She tells me she gets up 7-10 times in a Night: but is more comfortable in the Mornings.

1778 October 31 (Saturday).  Stephen Maynard has been up to New Braintree, to the Ordination of Mr. Daniel Foster, which was on Thursday: not on Wednesday, by reason of Difficulty concerning his Opinions.  There were 12 Churches; but two of them would not Act.

 

Mr. Jonas Bradish came with earnest Desire to have me let him speak to the Church tomorrow that the Way may be made clear for him to have his Children baptized at Winchendon where he has been dwelling these seven years, yet has lived in Neglect of his Duty, till he has now no less than Six Children that are not baptized.  I told him he must needs be humble and sorry for his so sinful Delay.  He said he would draw up Something to be laid before the Church tomorrow, and which he would give me seasonably before Meeting.

 

I bespoke also his coming here on Monday that he might go and Shew me the Bounds of the Land which he some Years ago, laid out for me; and he promised me that he would.  I went over these Things again, that they might not be misunderstood, nor forgot, nor any ways fail: and to them he repeated his engagements to do as had been said; and that I might depend upon it.  With these Assurances he left me: and I retired to my Study, and to my Sabbath Preparations.

 

Thus Ends the Month of October.  The Lord forgive whatever Guilt has been contracted in it — and [all?] my other Offences, for Jesus Sake!  Amen.

1778 November 1 (Sunday).  I bless God for the Light and Privileges of another of the blessed Days of the Son of Man.  May I be in the Spirit of the Lord’s Day!  I preached a.m. with some Fervency once more on Ps. 92.7 and beseech God to grant Success!

 

Mrs. Ruth Godfry with her little Son dined  here.  P.M. I went on in Repeating Sermon on Gal. 3.14, which it is with God alone to render effectual!  May He graciously vouchsafe it!

 

N.B. The Singers more generally sat today in the Front, and some no. stood up.  Mr. Lemuel Badcock was among them.  We were not so happy as to have any singing in my Family today — not in the Evening.  Mr. Jonas Bradish did not come to me in any part of the Day, notwithstanding all that he said yesterday.  I am sorry he gives no more reason of that conduct.

1778 November 2 (Monday).  No Mr. Bradish here today neither,  although he assured me he would come today, on the Account of showing me some Bounds.  Perhaps the weather might hinder that Business, but I think to have come and conferred with me on the Several affairs depending.  Dr. Hawes acquaints me with his Mother’s Death and that he is going to her Funeral.  Improving this opportunity I write to Mr. Moore and send it to Man’s at Wrentham for Conveyance.

1778 November 3 (Tuesday).  Mr. Bradish came, but gives me no reason to think he is at all sensible of any Guilt or Blame on account of the Neglect of his Duty.  And as to Bounds of the Land which he laid out for me, he says he has been there and the Land being now cleared, the monuments are all gone, and it is impossible to find them.  Mr. Ezra Houghton of Chauxit came with a message from Mr. Mellen to request me to go up there, inasmuch as the Arbitrators on their Affairs were to meet, and he has sent to Mr. Stone likewise.  But I was obliged to deny.  I must be otherwise employed, it is too cold, I have no horse, and know I can’t get one etc. etc.  Mr. Houghton dined here — left me to go to Southborough.  Elias tries to get a horse to go to Cambridge, but in vain.  P.M. I preached at Mr. Tainter’s on Rev. 2.10.  Borrow Mr. Tainter’s Horse for Elias.  Deacon Wood rides home with me.  Mr. Potter has made Elias a coat.

1778 November 4 (Wednesday).  Elias, on Mr. Tainter’s Horse returned to Cambridge.  I gave him 14 dollars, my newest Shooes, a variety of cloatheing, half a large cheese etc. etc.  May God incline his Heart to Religion and Learning!

1778 November 5 (Thursday).  Mr. Winslow Packard of Pelham brings Mr. Rob. Abercrombie’s Salutation and the gift of Mr. Ebenezer Erskines Sermon on Ps. 118.22 and on Isa. 9.6 with the true state of the Process against him: To which is added a number of Sermons of the same eminent man, from various Texts.  The book is very acceptable to me and I am very thankful for it.

1778 November 6 (Friday).  Mr. Amariah Frost junior was here and dined with us.  I perceive that he has lately married Miss Esther Messinger of Wrentham, his first cousin.  Mr. Caldwell of Sutton brought the Horse which Elias rode and gratis.  Toward night (being earnestly sent for) I went to see Mrs. Sarah (wife of Mr. Ebenezer Maynard) who was very ill of Dysentery etc.  Prayed with her and the Family.  N.B. A letter from Elias by Caldwell.

1778 November 7 (Saturday).  A letter from my friend Quincy at Medfield, dated Sept. 17 and Oct. 1 ult.  We hear that Nanny Beeton is in such Insanity as to go from her Brother John’s in the Night, and wandered up to Sutton.  Word is left here from those at whose House she is to her Father, who is accordingly going after her to bring her home.

1778 November 8 (Sunday).  So kind and gracious is God that we are permitted to see the light and enjoy the privileges of this day, which begins the 55th year since the founding this church and my Ordination.  While I bless God for His long Suffering, I would humble myself for my unfaithfulness and unprofitableness, imploring pardoning Mercy through the great Redeemer, and Grace to help me, and that may be sufficient for me for the Future.  Preached on II Pet. 1.12.13.  P.M. on v. 14 with proper alterations of the last, which had been delivered before.  N.B. Several gentlemen were at meeting, p.m. which I suppose came from the Arbitration at Chauxit.

1778 November 9 (Monday).  Mr. Timothy Whitney was here to trade with me about my Oxen.  Mr. Isaac Parker, where they have been kept, having refused to give what one after another judged they were worth,  viz. Eighty Pounds L.M.  P.M. Visit Mr. Ebenezer Maynard’s wife and prayed with her.  Visit old Mrs. Kelly and prayed there.  N.B. Nanny Beeton seems composed.  Mr. Robert Wilson and his wife (who was Patty Dunlap, grown hugely fat) were there.  I rode to Mr. Hannaniah Parker’s to enquire after wood, for we are reduced.  At eve Mr. Andrews here to desire me to marry him tomorrow.

1778 November 10 (Tuesday).  Mr. Timothy Whitney has got my oxen and pays me 40£ L.M., and gives me his Horse for 40£ more in three months with interest.  N.B. Old Mr. Thomas Whitney is present and promises his son shall fulfill the Engagement, and Breck was witness.  Sophy to Concord.  Mr. Thomas Kendal having left Grafton, comes and takes what things he left here, dines with us, and goes for Framingham.

 

P.M. Went to Widow Baker’s, according to Mr. Andrews’ Request.  I married them, supped and we sing Watts’ Ps. 128.  6 Dol.

1778 November 11 (Wednesday).  This day as I suppose is the Time appointed for the Ordination of Mr. Ripley of Concord, but it’s Rainy and by Noon a very Severe Storm of Wind and Rain.  Through Divine Favour we had wood brought yesterday by two of Capt. Maynard’s sons.  He had sent none (that I know of) till now.  But now we feel the Good of it; and are thankful.

1778 November 12 (Thursday).  Was at Deacon’s [sic] Woods and with Squire Baker, providing a team to plough my Orchard.  I dined at Breck’s, and p.m. at Mr. Nathan Maynard’s, Bond’s and Warren’s.  Master Elijah Brigham returns with Sophy from Concord, and informs that yesterday, Mr. Ripley was ordained.  Rev. Josiah Bridge of Sudbury began with prayer.  Mr. Haven of Dedham preached on [blank].  Mr. Ebenezer Bridge of Chelmsford prayed before the charge and delivered it.  Mr. Dana of Barre prayed after the charge, Mr. Clark of Lexington gave the Right Hand of Fellowship.  May God graciously accept their Work and their Offerings, and may the Ordained be Strong in the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ!

 

Mr. Johnathan Child kindly brings me a Barrell of Cyder.  The Cyder is gratis.  I gave him a Dollar for bringing it.

 

Mr. Ben How mends the Oven.

1778 November 13 (Friday).  Old Mr. Nathan Maynard came with a yoke of oxen.  Ben Wood with a yoke and my Tim. fetches a yoke of Squire’s and his plough, and they plough the Orchard, and a while at the Island.  Several loads of Wood were brought me: which is a great Comfort to me.  I desire to thank God therefor.  At eve, Mr. Jonas Bond of Sutton and his daughter here.  They are returning home.  They ask Sister Lydia to go up and stay awhile among them.

1778 November 14 (Saturday).  Mr. Joseph Farrar here going again to preach at Grafton.  The weather is now grown so cold and the feed gone, we give the cattle dry meat and house the Cows and Calves.

1778 November 15 (Sunday).  On consideration of the New Year with this Church (which commenced last Sabbath) I went on a.m. with 2 Pet. 1.14 and p.m. I put them in mind of what had been, and what still is, the subject of our preaching: viz: The Gospel of Christ from 1 Cor. XV.1.

 

Sr. Brigham (Elijah) dined here.  He delivers me a letter from Dr. Crosby who is in the Army, at Woodbury.

1778 November 16 (Monday).  On this day was the Town Meeting, to Consider my Support, and by reason of the extraordinariness of the Depression of the Medium of Commerce, and being persuaded that many persons were unknowing to my Circumstances and Some were desirous I would say something to inform them, probably Also if I did not send my mind to them, nor go to the Meeting, would make an Handle of that, and resist, say they did not know that I desired anything, what should they impose it for?  Therefore I sent them a paper (which see) drawn with as much wisdom and Care as I could.  But it had not the Success that might reasonably be expected, except with regard to the Wood, which they provided for handsomely.  But as to sallery, they voted only £300 where every one asks in Lawful Money what they used to in old Tenor.  Batherick was here at evening, and seemed very sorry the Town had done no more.  Parkman Bradshaw came from Brookfield, and informs that his brother Benjamin grows worse.  He lodged here.

1778 November 17 (Tuesday).  Bradshaw leaves us to go to Cambridge, Boston etc.  Wrote by him to my Daughter-in-law Sally.  I attended the Association at Southborough.  Messrs. Smith, Goss, Bridge and Whitney there.  A committee from Mr. Goss’s Church to ask advice about the gathering of a Church in the south part of Bolton.  I returned home at eve.  Henry Marble has been here in my Absence.

1778 November 18 (Wednesday).  It was so fowl weather was disappointed as to killing a fat cow as designed.

1778 November 19 (Thursday).  I preached at Mr. Gale’s to his aged Parents on 2 Cor. 4.16.[1]  May God be pleased to grant Success!  In returning called to see Mrs. Mallet etc.

[1][“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.”]

1778 November 20 (Friday).  Messrs. Newton and Thad Warrin came and killed a fat cow for me.  Mr. Levi Frisby of Ipswich called and dined here.  Bradshaw returned and lodged here.

1778 November 21 (Saturday).  He left us for Brookfield.  Mr. Joseph Harrington came to see me and talked about the late Grant of the Town and about the Singing.  He brought an extraordinary Present of Butter!  P.M. Mr. Caleb Harrington came kindly and cut out and Salted my Beef.  I desire to praise God for all His Favour!

1778 November 22 (Sunday).  Preached a.m. on 1 Cor. 15.2.  P.M. repeated sermon on James 1.22 which may God graciously accept and Bless!  Not a large Assembly by reason of the rough, cold weather.

1778 November 23 (Monday).  I visited Mr. Ebenezer Maynard’s wife who is still sick and prayed.  P.M. Mr. Henry Marble makes me a Visit.