Category: Diary

1744 September 11 (Tuesday).  Mr. Coollidge went away to Lieutenant Tainters.  I walk’d, though not with Mr. Coollidge to Lieutenants and din’d there.  At Eve Mr. Coollidge with Lieutenant for Watertown.  At Eve Eli Forbush here at my House having wrote the Dealings of God with his soul, he gave it to me.  Mr. Cook was here after him and gave account of his Experiences and what he thought to be his Conversion; but when we were upon the most serious Concerns, and without any Sign of Provocation that I know if, except that I made no Difference between persons of our Country or another, he bitterly told me that he had been more abus’d by me, and by my wife and Children than ever he had been abus’d in All his Life, which with other Things I remember he Said to me nigh about those Times which he says he Experienc’d made me fear whether he who brought forth so Contrary Fruits to the Spirit had that glorious Spirit.  After I had administered some Reproof and Reason’d with him and told him I Should made a minute of this he left me, and O that God would please to shew him his Errors and forgive them!  N.B. Bekky Hicks to Day to Cambridge on my mare.  Thomas at his Fathers.

1744 September 12 (Wednesday).  Visited Captain Forbush[1] but the Doctor being there, and it appearing later than I thought for I did not make any long stay.  Brother Samuel Breck was there also with Dr. Gott.  Dr. Breck din’d with us.  P.M. I rode over to Lieutenant Holloways (favour’d with Neighbour Ebenezer Maynards Horse) to Catechizing.  Had 27 Boys and 17 Girls.  Lieutenant Holloway[2]gone to Brookfield.  Call’d at Mr. Tim Fays after the Exercises.  Rainy return home at Thomas at his Fathers Still.

[1]Samuel Forbush.

[2]William Holloway of the north side of Westborough.

1744 September 13 (Thursday).  Captain Forbush grows worse.  Sent for me.  I went immediately — found him very low.  I dealt very plainly and as thorowly as I could with him.  O that I had Sooner and Continually, both with him and all others!

1744 September 14 (Friday).  Visited Captain Forbush.  Find him with but little hopes respecting his Spiritual State — but begging the Mercy of God.  We could make no New Cyder.  Neighbour Pratt[1] kindly offer’d to Send me a Barrell and did so.

[1]John Pratt.

1744 September 15 (Saturday).  Unusual Great Frosts from Night to Night.

1744 September 16 (Sunday).  Matt. 16.26.  Repeat’d sermon on Rev. 20.12 from 2 Cor. 5.10.  O that the Lord would make His Sabbaths Days of true Spiritual Rest and Joy to my Soul!

1744 September 17 (Monday).  Thomas Clearing.  Mrs. Patty Ward[1] (Colonel Nahums Daughter) here.  She and Molly rode to Marlborough.  P.M. I visited old Mrs. Goodenow who lay very Sick.  She gave me an Excellent Testimony of the Grace of God in her and the Evidences of a regular and thorow work from her early Age; of which may God have the Glory!  And may we all pattern after her!  Her children also testify that this had been the Substance of her Conversation among them all along through her Life.  N.B. I hear that David Crosby and 5 others break Jayl.

[1]Of Shrewsbury.

1744 September 18 (Tuesday).  Thomas thrash’d rye.  Samuel Baker here to be examin’d a.m.  I visited Mr. Gibson of Hopkinton who lyes very bad, and Mr. Barrett gone to Boston to his Brother Mr. Thornton Barretts Funeral.  In my way I was at Mr. Bowmans.[1]  Dr. Crawford return’d with me.  N.B. Mrs. Thankfull Maynard here to be Examin’d.  Molly return’d from Marlborough.

[1]James Bowman of Westborough.

1744 September 19 (Wednesday).  Rode up to Worcester.  Mr. Welds Case against Rachel Wheeler was try’d at Superior Court; but only as to the Libel, and did not go into the proof of the Facts — and was committed to a Jury — but they could not agree.  So that it was put off to another Year.  I din’d at Colonel Chandlers.[1]  P.M. I was at Mr. Eatons, where were Mr. Hall and Mr. Prentice and their Wives.  In the Eve I was at Mr. John Chandlers, where was Mr. Johonnot[2] of Boston.  While I was there a Messenger with Candle and Lanthorn to have me lodge at Colonel Chandlers, where were Several of the Judges — which I embrac’d.

[1]John Chandler, Jr., of Worcester.

[2]Daniel Johonnot, a Huguenot refugee, was a distiller and merchant in Boston.  See NEHGR 6 (1852): 357-60.

1744 September 20 (Thursday).  The Trial of Edward Fitz Patrick, for Murthering Daniel Campbel of Rutland in March last.  Mr. Campbel of Oxford pray’d at the opening the Court.  The Trial began at 11 a.m. and lasted till 4 or 5 p.m.  The ministers din’d with the Court at Captain Haywards.  At Eve the Jury brought in their Verdict, Guilty.  After Spending some Time in the Eve at Colonel Chandlers with the Judges etc., Mr. Campbell and I were Conducted by Mr. Sheriff Curtis to the high sheriffs, Captain Flaggs,[1] where we lodg’d.  Thomas at Worcester to Day.

[1]Benjamin Flagg of Worcester.

1744 September 21 (Friday).  We understand that the Prisoner took on much last Night when he had his Irons put on again.  Mr. Campbell and I visited him before his Sentence.  I receiv’d the Judges Request to pray with the Court.  Judge Dudley[1] pronounc’d the sentence of Death upon him.[2]  He Confess’d that what the Justice (Chandler) and the Minister (Mr. Burr) had Said (namely of his Confession in the Jayl at his first Committment) was true, though he Stood to it that the Rutland men testify’d was, Two words to one, wrong.  Din’d at Colonel Chandlers, and returned home.  Returning home heard that old Mrs. Goodenow was Dead, and this Day to be bury’d.  Mr. Cushing was gone to the Funeral.  I also hastened, waited at Ensign Rice’s, and went to the Grave as the Corps pass’d to it.  May God Sanctifie this Breach upon us!

[1]Paul Dudley of the Superior Court of Judicature.

[2]Edward Fitzpatrick was sentenced to be executed Oct. 18, 1744.  He was the first to be executed for murder in Worcester County.  Jonas Reed, A History of Rutland (Worcester,1836), 183-84.

1744 September 22 (Saturday).  Mr. Gibson of Hopkinton I hear is Dead.  I rode to Shrewsbury and Mr. Cushing to Westborough.  N.B. Major Keys acquaints me that the Flagg of Truce from Cape Breton is detain’d by the Governour and that we are short of Ammunition.

1744 September 23 (Sunday).  I preach’d at Shrewsbury on Rom. 8.7.  Mr. Cushing at Westborough on Rom. 6.23 and on Ps. 76.7.  I return’d home at Eve, as did Mr. Cushing also.

1744 September 24 (Monday).  Visited Mr. Thurston a.m. and found him very bad.  Mr. Gamel p.m. who is very ill likewise.

1744 September 25 (Tuesday).  Visited old Mr. Samuel Fay.  Was at Mr. Grouts and Winchesters.  P.M. Catechized young Women.  Exercise on Ps. 25.7.

1744 September 26 (Wednesday).  Sent for to visit Mr. Thurston again who grows worse, and is very Delirious.  Yet it was Evident his soul was much engag’d in deep self Abasements.  Cry’d out Ashes and Muck — rottenness etc.

1744 September 27 (Thursday).  Thomas made Cyder yesterday and to Day.

1744 September 28 (Friday).  Thomas fetch’d 3 Barrells of Cyder from Mr. Grout and one from Mr. Miller.  P.M. gathering Corn.  Mr. Patteshall here in his way to Sutton.  He lodg’d here.

1744 September 29 (Saturday).  Old Mr. Thurston came and acquaint’d Me that his son Joseph dy’d last night.

1744 September 30 (Sunday).  On 2 Cor. 5.10.  Repeated several parts of Sermon on Rev. 20.12.  Old Mr. Thurston din’d with me.  N.B. Mrs. Beeman sick and pray’d for.

1744 October 1 (Monday).  The Funeral of Mr. Joseph Thurston, a man well spoken of for his Seriousness and Graciousness.  He leaves a Widow and six Children among us.  Help Lord! the Godly man ceaseth etc.  Deacon Whipple of Ipswich Hamlet here.  At Eve Mr. Patteshall again; Mr. Turell and Two Messengers going to the Council at Grafton, viz. Captain Brooks and Mr. Tufts[1] — and they all 4 lodged here.  Nei[gh]bours Young Men came and Husk’d.

[1]John Tufts (HC 1708) of Amesbury, formerly the minister at West Newbury.  SHG 5:457-61.

1744 October 2 (Tuesday).  A.M. Mr. Emmerson of Malden and his Messengers, viz. Mr. Brainerd and Mr. Shute.[1]  They all left us before Dinner and Mr. Patteshall rode with me to Mr. Beemans — and thence he went for Marlborough.  The Judges Saltonstall[2] and Sewall[3] din’d with me.  Mr. Zebulon Rice lay’d the Floor of my new Study.

[1]Daniel Shute (HC 1743) of Malden, later minister of the Second Congregational Church of Hingham, 1746-1802.  SHG 11:304-09.

[2]Richard Saltonstall, justice of the Superior Court of Judicature.

[3]Stephen Sewall (HC 1721), justice of the Superior Court of Judicature.  SHG 6:561-67.

1744 October 3 (Wednesday).  I rode to Grafton Council (as an Auditor).  Thomas Winchester at Grafton.  Mr. Patteshall came into Captain Fays while I was there and was my Company up.  We were at the Forenoon public Hearing but not at the Reading over Articles of Complaint.  They heard but 11 of 23 Articles to Day and in the Evening.  I lodg’d at Captain Willards.[1]

[1]Benjamin Willard.

1744 October 4 (Thursday).  I rode to Worcester and din’d with Mr. Burr, where also din’d Captain Flagg.  Mr. Burr asked Me to Change with him next Sabbath, but I freely told him it would Stir up great uneasiness among my people.  He ask’d me to Preach the Execution sermon but I was oblig’d to deny him because of my design’d Journey to Boston.  I visited the Prisoner, found him in a bad frame — dwelling upon his deplorable Condition but taking no Care to help himself, nor suitably betaking himself to God for Help.  Unforgiving, Sour, very Sparing of Speech — not Confessing his Sin — refusing to say anything about it, but that We might think as we would — reflecting on his Trial.  But I most solemnly Call’d him to Repentence and Confession, reprov’d, Charg’d him, pray’d with him and left him.  Justice Brigham my Company to Grafton and to Westborough.  Thomas at his Fathers.

1744 October 5 (Friday).  George Reed came with a Message from Grafton from Drury and Hardy to go up.  I rode up and p.m. the Council took under Consideration the aggrieved Brethrens Complaint of Reverend Mr. Prentice’s Disgust at my sermon on their Fast in September 1743, and I was Desir’d to produce my Notes.  At their request I read the disquieting Prayer — and after a Short Debate withdrew.  At Eve Mr. Hall preach’d a Lecture (while the Council were in their Debates in private) on Job 22.21, a very savoury and usefull sermon.  The Lord graciously bless it to my Spiritual Profit!  Return’d home Mr. James Fay and wife being in Company.

1744 October 6 (Saturday).  The good and Learned Moderator of the Council, Reverend Mr. Wigglesworth came to me with Mr. Francis Whipple who waited on him — to preach for me tomorrow.

1744 October 7 (Sunday).  Mr. Wigglesworth a.m. on Jer. 8.20.  The Very Text and the Very Day on which I purpos’d myself to preach, that I might follow my summer sermons with the most solemn and awakening Warnings.  But the Lord in his Providence has order’d wisest and best, that these should be dispers’d [dispens’d?] by So Superiour a messenger.  P.M. on Mat. 11.12.  O that God would follow both sermons with an efficacious Blessing!

1744 October 8 (Monday).  Mr. Wigglesworth return’d to the Council.  Training Day, but I was overlook’d, and it suited me very well, not to be disturb’d, being in my Preparations for my Journey.  Ebenezer went to Grafton and brought Madam Sartels Chaise.  Mr. Millen[1] from Chauxit here, with his Call to settle there.  Mr. Matthias Rice kindly lent me £50 old Tenor, for which I gave him a Bond.

[1]Rev. John Mellen of Sterling.

1744 October 9 (Tuesday).  My Wife and I with our little son William rode to Sudbury in Madam Sartels Chaise.  We got down about 12.  It was the Time of the Ministers Meeting at Mr. Cooks.[1]  While dinner was preparing I borrow’d Mr. Lorings Horse and rode to Mr. Farrars[2] at Concord and paid him £50 old Tenor and return’d to Ministers Meeting.  I read (for my Concio) the former part of my sermon on Heb. 13.17.

[1]Rev. William Cooke of Wayland.

[2]Deacon Samuel Farrar.  See Shattuck, Concord, 370.

1744 October 10 (Wednesday).  We rode to Mr. Foxcrofts[1] and my Deeds from Mr. Lull were enter’d to be recorded.  Proceeded to Boston.  My aged Mother much more Comfortable than for a long Time.  Blessed be God.  We din’d with her.  N.B. The Sorrowful Shocking News by Brother Samuel of Cousen Elias’s[2] Fall into uncleanness with Mrs. Sally Hill.  The Lord Sanctifie this sore Trial for our deep humbling!  P.M. I was at Dr. Sewals.  We lodg’d at Brother Samuels.

[1]Rev. Thomas Foxcroft.

[2]SHG 10:223-24.

1744 October 11 (Thursday).  Mr. Byles Lecture on Tit. 2.13, middle Sentence.  Din’d at Brother Alexanders.  P.M. at Mrs. Bennetts, where was Mr. Mather.[1]  At Eve at Mr. Webbs[2]and at Mr. Eliots[3] — in these last visits, upon poor Parkmans Case.  Lodg’d again at Brother Samuels.

[1]Rev. Samuel Mather.

[2]Rev. John Webb.

[3]Rev. Andrew Eliot (HC 1737), minister of the New North Church in Boston, 1741-1772.  SHG 10:128-61.

1744 October 12 (Friday).  We purpos’d to have gone to Cambridge but the rainy Weather prevented.  I attempted to go over the Ferry, but the Rain increasing I prevail’d with the Ferryman to sett me ashore, as also Colonel Minot of Concord.[1]  He walk’d up with me and broke fast at Brother Samuels.  At Secretary Willards.[2]  P.M. at Mr. Gee’s.[3]  So rainy that I concluded to stay over the Sabbath and engag’d to preach for Mr. Gee.  At Eve waited on Mr. Wilsteads[4] Lecture.  On Mat. 16.26.  Lodg’d at Sister Bettys.  N.B. Mr. John Jarvis dy’d nigh a month agoe.

[1]James Minott was Concord’s representative in the General Court.  Shattuck, Concord, 380.

[2]Josiah Willard, Secretary of the Province.

[3]Rev. Joshua Gee of Boston.

[4]Rev. William Welsteed (HC 1716), minister of the New Brick Church,1728-1753.  SHG 6:153-58.

1744 October 13 (Saturday).  The Morning was So bright (tho windy) that I hasten’d to Mr. Gees to dissolve the above Obligation of preaching for him and tripp’d to Cambridge to my Horse (our Chaise having been left at Charlestown) and endeavour’d to Come up to my own Flock; but by loosing one pair of Gold Buttons out of my Sleave, and other Impediments I made it sundown before I got to David Hows[1] — and was much Chill’d with the Cold of the Night.  Stopp’d at Mr. Smiths of Marlborough and lodged there.

[1]Proprietor of the Wayside Inn.

1744 October 14 (Sunday).  Lords Day Morning, rose early and was more Comfortable.  Rode up Home and preach’d all Day, repeating (with alterations and additions) Sermon on Mat. 26.41.  This I was prevail’d with to do though I had preach’d ‘em once or Twice before, because they were so seasonable after Grafton Council — and suitable for us likewise seeing Such a Trying Time is before us, next week, when the General Courts Report on our Northside People’s Petition is propos’d to be made.  A Thin Congregation many having thought I would not return from Boston so soon.

1744 October 15 (Monday).  Rode to Cambridge, partly in Company with Mr. Smith of Marlborough.  We din’d at Mr. Woolsons at Weston.  No Buttons found.  I set up Notifications.  So Early at Cambridge that I walk’d from thence to Boston, in Company with one Mr. Shaw shingler, of Boston South end.  Lodg’d at Brother Samuels.