Diary of Ebenezer Parkman, 1724

1724 January 1 (Wednesday). To Day it was very Stormy or I should have (according to appointment) visited Mr. Breck.

1724 January 2 (Thursday). Fair Pleasant Weather invited me to Visit Mr. Breck. I rode my Landlords horse. The Conversation was very instructing and very Pleasant. We Sat up very late discoursing of many Things miscellaneously. I read Edifying Letters of the Jesuits, Missioners to the East Indies; after I was a bed.

1724 January 3 (Friday). Mr. Breck oblig’d me to offer the morning Sacrifice. After Sundry Colloquys we took a Walk to Merchant Woods’.1 I borrow’d the Spectator of him (volume 9). I din’d at Mr. Breck’s. After a Dinner, a Pipe, and Some Discourse, of Mr. Ickyl’s2 Seat at Stow, of Westborough, etc., I repair’d home.

1724 January 4 (Saturday). I prepar’d (partly) for Sabbath. In the Afternoon came Mr. Elmer3 and Mr. Goddard4 of Shrewsbury as they were passing to Sherborn. Mr. Elmer invited me in Mr. Barrett’s Name to meet Mr. Barrett and the Company with his Wife, down at Framingham next Wednesday.

1724 January 5 (Sunday). I preach’d at Westborough all Day. My Text was Math. 28.6. In the Evening I was visited by Mr. Thomas Forbush.5

1724 January 6 (Monday). Town Meeting. In the Evening Captain Fay and Mr. Oliver Ward6 with Mr. Daniel How were with me. Mr. Eliot and I nominated. Messrs. Baker7 and Holoway8 committee.

1724 January 7 (Tuesday). I rode home, p.m., with Mr. Elmer who came to See me this morning. Upon Seeing Mrs. Elmer in lonely and dejected Circumstances I made many Reflections concerning my own Manner of Living in Future Times, etc. I went to Mr. Cushings9 to See his Library and Discourse about Dr. Manton’s Works, 5 Volumes,10 which he had talk’d of Selling to Me. I rode back to Mr. Elmers, and (though by this Time it was very Dark) I rode home alone.

1724 January 8 (Wednesday). In the Morning came the Committee to treat with a Minister, to acquaint me that the Town had nominated Mr. Eliot with me in order to Choose one of us Minister for This Place. I was moved with the Thought and manifested to them the Sense I had of the Weightiness of the Affair, And in Truth I was at a Stand (though I did not express any extraordinary hesitation) considering My incapacite on Every head. But my Eyes and my Heart were directed to the Father of Lights from whom descends every Grace Sufficient that I might be endow’d and prepar’d in Some measure for which his providence might call me. Mr. Cushing by this Time was come and waited for me below. The Committee retir’d and I prepar’d to Ride. Mr. Cushing and I rode to Mr. Whoods to gain Intelligence. We were directed to Mr. Swifts. We rode down and got there about Dark. The Company was not arrived till 8 o’Clock. Mr. Barrett and his Wife, Two Fathers, Brother Thornton Barrett11 and Sister Greaves.12 Mr. Tilestone13 and Son James14 were there. Mr. Tylestone informed me of the Death of Uncle Clough15 and Mr. John Mountfort16 at Boston. We Sup’d very plentifully and for Rarity had a Pea-Hen roasted. I lodg’d there with Mr. Tilestone and Mr. Thornton Barrett.

1724 January 9 (Thursday). In the Morning Mr. Swift oblig’d me to pray, and to return Thanks after Breakfast. Mr. Morris and Deacon Barrat17 went Back to Boston. By the Deacon I convey’d a Letter to John Hicks18 for me. Between 12 and 1 o’Clock we Set out from Mr. Swift’s for Hopkinton. We stop’d at the Tavern (Maynards)19 where there was a great Number of Hopkinton People, and at Mr. Jones’s20 we stop’d also. Colonel How21 was in the Company and with great Ceremony congratulated me. We rode together on the Journey to Hopkinton, and he Gave me to Understand that he had been at Westborough at his Son Agar’s where he was informed how Affairs were carry’d on. And the Colonel told me of the Opposition Mr. Thomas Ward22 endeavour’d to raise, of which I believe more may be Said hereafter. At Hopkinton there were very plentiful Provisions made, And there were many People. In the Evening we Sang a Psalm, the 128 by Mr. Deming23 and Sundry Psalm Tunes. I had a great Deal of Discourse with Mr. Barret, of the Country, etc. Mr. Deming, Mr. Cushing and I rode home with Mr. Whood. Mr. Deming pray’d. Mr. Cushing and I lodg’d together.

1724 January 10 (Friday). In the Morning I was appointed to go back to Mr. How’s (upon Mr. Cushing’s Horse) to Bring Madame Graves in Company with Mr. Barrett and Madame, Old Mr. How24 and his Wife. We din’d at Mr. Whoods Upon roast Goose, roast Pea hen, Bak’d Stuff’d Venison, Beef, Pork, etc. After Dinner we Smoak’d a Pipe, read Governor Shute’s25 Memorial to the King and Mr. Cushing and I rode home. This Eve I visited Old Mr. Rice.26 Ensign Newton27 was with him. I borrow’d an Horse of him for my Service to Marlborough and to Stow. I returned Mr. Pratt’s28 Horse, which I had Us’d through all these Frolicks, by his young Son. In the Morning I rode to Marlborough. After Dinner (upon Roast Beef) with Mr. Breck, and our Concerting Measures upon Changing, Mr. Breck rode away for Westborough.

1724 January 11 [?] (Sunday). I preach’d all Day at Marlborough from 1 Sam. 16.7. In the Evening Mr. Breck returned.

1724 January 12 (Monday). In the Forenoon Mr. Breck and I rode to Stow to Mr. Gardners29 and over to See Mr. Ickyls Seat. We arrived again at Marlborough about Seven, Evening.

1724 January 13 (Tuesday). [No entry.].

1724 February 28 (Saturday). I receiv’d the Vote of the Town of Westborough in which I am call’d to the great and arduous Work of the Gospel Ministry among them.30

1724 June 5 (Friday). Answer’d the Town of Westborough in the Affirmative, relying upon their Christian Goodness and Generosity (Since they Shew such fervent Affection to me) to maintain and Support me among them, according to which this Office they call me to shall require.

1724 July 1 (Wednesday). Commencement. Happen’d to be the Day I receiv’d my Master’s Degree.31

1724 August 1 (Saturday). I prepar’d for the Sabbath. Mr. John Prat came to Me concerning my Hay. He had bargain’d with me to take it by the Halves. But his Business now was to tell me that he had found that was like to be but about 7 Loads and he thought I had better profit all for my own Spending. He said he had got Two loads of it in Cock for me. I Should be welcome to his Labour therein and he would help Me in Mowing another Day if I could procure him Company. I was very thankful to his kind Disposition and determin’d to accept. About nine this Evening we had an Alarm all over Town but heard no Cause.

1724 August 2 (Sunday). I preach’d all Day. My Text: Acts 2.37.38.

1724 August 3 (Monday). Rainy Weather. I went out to get Men to Mow and Make my Hay. I was at Mr. Rice’s. His son Beriah32 agreed. At Mr. Prats his Son agreed, and the old Man himself engag’d to See to the Making. This was very kind. But I got Mr. Clark33 to help him. I was at Mr. Aaron Forbushes34 and Bakers. Returning home I was caught in the Rain and was very Wet. Went into Mr. Prats to Dry and get a Coat. Thence home. The Next Day I was at the

1724 August 4 (Tuesday). Fast at Hopkington [sic] in order to Ordination. Mr. Baker a.m., Mr. Dor35 and Mr. Swift p.m. They Read a Paper of Meeting to Pray and Confer, etc. N.B. We met in Mr. Barrett’s New House. Immediately after Exercises I rode away for Cambridge and got down about Eleven. N.B. Mr. Hobby36 speaker at Hopkinton.

1724 August 5 (Wednesday). Brother Hinds37 [Hicks?] talked very hot about Living at Westborough.

1724 August 6 (Thursday). I rode round to Boston but did not get there till Lecture was over. The News was Malden Emerson’s38 House was Burnt last Friday Night. Four Men taken at Rutland, 3 kill’d and one Captur’d.39 There was one more wounded. I rode up to Cambridge to Night though it rain’d all the way.

1724 August 7 (Friday). I rode to Framingham. Lodg’d at Mr. Jones’s.40 I visited Increase Ward.41

1724 August 8 (Saturday). In the Morning I rode to Hopkinton. Mrs. Spencer here still. I read severall fine Poems, etc.

1724 August 9 (Sunday). I preach’d at Hopkinton; Mr. Barrett at Westborough. My Text was Rev. 3.20, and John 15.14. N.B. The first (through forgetfullness) I preach’d the Second time in this place.

1724 August 10 (Monday). Mr. Barrett’s Wife and Mrs. Spencer rode with Me to White Hall.42 In the After noon we gathered Hazelnutts. Towards Evening rode home.

1724 August 11 (Tuesday). In My Study of King on Church.

1724 August 12 (Wednesday). Visited Landlord Maynard. He not at Home.

1724 August 13 (Thursday). I rode to Marlborough Lecture. Mr. Cushing preach’d. After Lecture Mr. Gardiner of Stow came to Mr. Brecks. Captain Fay43 and Mr. Prat rode home with me.

1724 August 14 (Friday). Read Martin Mar Prelate, and prepar’d for the Sabbath this and 15th Day.

1724 August 16 (Sunday). Preach’d all Day. Acts 2.37.38.

1724 August 17 (Monday). I rode to Cambridge through Framingham on Mr. Samuel Hardys44 Horse. Met Deacon Haven45 on the Roade. We Call’d at Captain Goddards and at Mr. Swifts. Here was Mr. Brintnal.46 I asked him to help me. I got down in the Evening.

1724 August 18 and 19 (Tuesday and Wednesday). It rain’d so I was detain’d at Cambridge.

1724 August 20 (Thursday). I rode to Boston. Mr. Sewall47 preach’d. He is Chosen president of Harvard College. In the after noon I was at Mr. Gee’s where were Mr. Thomas Foxcroft,48 Mr. Wigglesworth,49 Mr. Prince (Nathan),50 Mr. Turell51 and Mr. [blank], a Gentleman from the Bank. I return’d to Cambridge in the Evening.

1724 August 21 (Friday). I rode away for Westborough. Met Mrs. Martha Clark52 and Sister with Mrs. Lasten by riding to Newton. Farther on the Road I met Mr. Bartlett53 of Brookfield by whom I learnt Something Considerable of the Town. I stopt at Merchant Woods54 at Marlborough. He walked with me to Mr. Brecks.55 Mr. Breck I found ill. I lodged here. Early to Westborough in the morning (22) to prepare for the Sabbath.

1724 August 23 (Sunday). Preach’d all Day. Tit. 2.12. News that Captain Harmon56 had slain 5 or 6 Score Indians at Norridgewock with Sebastian Ralle57 the Old Jesuit and brought in his and 26 or 27 Scalps besides and Delivered Three Captives from the Enemy. Among those that were Slain of the Indians Bummageem was one. His wife and Two Sons were taken Captive and brought to York and Piscataqua. And in all we lost not a Man but an Indian, a Cape Fellow. Deo Opt. Max. Gloria Triumphi. Captain Harmon (it is storied) found an Iron Chest with the Jesuit which had many Letters in it, Some from Gentlemen at Boston (O Horrids) Betraying our Country.

1724 August 25 (Tuesday). I rode Early in the Morn to Marlborough. Mr. Breck ill yet. Then rode (with Deacon Peters) over to Stow to the Association58 at Mr. Gardners. A Thin Meeting, Mr. Swift and Cushing, Mr. Jenison,59 Mr. Barrett60 and Mr. Brintnall. Mr. Ickyl, etc. up at Stow.

1724 August 26 (Wednesday). Mr. Barrett Preach’d but Mr. Jenison prayed. Good entertainment, but no great Matter of Business done. I rode away with the Rest about 5 o’Clock p.m. Mr. Brintnall to preach for Me. I rode to Cambridge. Cousin Sarah Champney61 at Uncle Champneys.62 Between 10 and eleven o’Clock.

1724 August 27 (Thursday). Not very Well. I could not go to Boston.

1724 August 28 (Friday). I rode to Framingham; preach’d. The Text was John 15.14. Deacon Robie lodged with me.

1724 August 29 (Saturday). Mr. Brintnall came. We rode to Captain Goddards and to Westborough.

1724 August 30 (Sunday). Mr. Brintnall preach’d for Me but he would not pray at all Save after the forenoon Sermon. He said he was indisposed. Indians at Northhampton and Westfield.

1724 August 31 (Monday). Workmen about the Chamber.

1724 September 1 (Tuesday). Those that were Members of the Committee63 met at Mr. Pratts.

1724 September 2 (Wednesday). In the Morning I rode with My Landlord64 over to Hopkinton to Mr. Barrett’s Ordination. We met in Mr. Barretts New House. Mr. Appleton65 Pray’d First; Mr. Webb of Boston Preach’d; Mr. Dor then pray’d; Mr. Swift gave the Charge; Mr. Brown66 of Reading the right Hand of Fellowship; and Elder Lyman67 Set the Psalm. We din’d handsomely. Mr. Cushing, Mr. Thornton Barrett,68 Cousin Charles Coffin and I all Lodg’d at Mr. Woods. N.B. Mr. Webb, discourse in the Evening, of the Doctors of the Church. Viz. Tillotson, Scott, etc.

1724 September 3 (Thursday). Mr. T. Fowle and Mrs. Spencer came over to us at Woods. We had a good Dinner. Mr. Cushing and I carried the Ladies home to Mr. Barretts and return’d to My Lodging at Westborough. Mr. Cushing Lodg’d with Me.

1724 September 4 (Friday). Mr. Cushing went home p.m. The Members of the Church, with those that had offered themselves to join, Came to See me and acquainted Me with their Meeting last Tuesday, with their most happy Union; and to See what I thought necessary further to be done. Our Consultation lasted til sundown. We concluded with a Prayer.

1724 September 5 (Saturday). I prepar’d for the Sabbath. O My own Inconstancy and instability in these unsettled Times!—when Steadiness is so much demanded.

1724 September 6 (Sunday). I preach’d from Luke 10.42 and James 1.22.

1724 October 1 (Thursday). Dr. Mather69 preach’d the Lecture, which was upon the Death of Gurdon Saltonstall, Governour of Connecticut. Mr. Green70 was in Town but I could not come to Speak to him. I waited upon Mr. Webb71 at Mr. Bromfields72 for the covenant of our Church at Boston. Just at Night my consort and I went over to Charleston. She was very much affrighted indeed, But Mr. and Mrs. Appleton73 were in the Boat. My Horse was put up at Boylstons.74 We visited Mrs. Larkin.75 I came up to Cambridge, though a little late.

1724 October 2 (Friday). I came up to Westborough. I din’d at Mr. Williams’76 (Weston). I asked him to preach my Ordination Sermon. He made Some Provisos. I left him now by 3/4 past 3, But got up to Mr. Brecks by Daylight in. He was very ill. He invited me to tarry with him tonight, but I had appointed to meet our Church at my Lodging and therefore left him. In riding thence home I met with a Sad Mischance. My Cloak (and van Mastericht wrapt in it) broke from my Portmanteau as it was buckled behind me. And it was very dark, but Still I thought it best to alight and look back for it. (I was not so far as Captain Wards.) I did so; and keeping my horse in my hand, with my Eyes near the Ground, and Swinging my Cane for 3/4 of a Mile back, I at length found it. I therefore did not get home till the people were gone. I got a very bad Cold and Sore Throat, But

1724 October 3 (Saturday). I prepar’d for the Sabbath And

1724 October 4 (Sunday). preach’d all Day from Josh. 24.15.

1724 October 5 (Monday). In the Afternoon the Church Members met together.

1724 October 6 (Tuesday). I had my Landlords Horse to Ride to Marlboro to See Mr. Breck. I acquainted him with our Management and with Mr. Rice77 and his Concern, etc. Mr. Breck said he did not Expect that he should be with us, however he had no thought of any such thing as Excepting against Mr. Rice. I call’d in at Merchant Amsdens.78 Here were Captain Willard79 of Sutton. Mr. Bailey80 of Lancaster and Mr. Wilder.81 N.B. Captain Willardconcerning Mr. Cushing and I. I rode to Mr. Samuel Hows82 in my way to Mr. Swifts. I lodg’d at Mr. Swifts.83

1724 October 7 (Wednesday). Mr. Stone84 came to See Mr. Swift in the Morn. I inquir’d of Mr. Swift concerning a form of Letter to Send to Churches to request their Help in Ordination but was not satisfy’d. I rode to Mr. Jones’85 where I heard of Mrs. Barrett86 and the Death of her Child. She had been in Travail a long time and very hardly escaped herself. I rode up to Hopkinton and was in good Season for the funerall. A Sorrowful Time! I rode to Mr. Woods87 and lodg’d there.

1724 October 8 (Thursday). I return’d to Westborough. I call’d to see Mr. Increase Ward to discourse with him about his Entering into the Church, baptism, etc.

1724 October 9 (Friday). My Business about this time was reading Ordination Sermons and wherever the Minister’s Duty was Explain’d, Especially van Mastricht, De Ministaris Ecclesiastico.

1724 October 10 (Saturday). According to Mr. Barretts Desire I rode over to Hopkinton. On the road met Captain Fay and his Wife going to Mr. Woods.

1724 October 11 (Sunday). I preach’d at Hopkinton and Mr. Barrett at Westborough. My text, Heb. 12.1; James 1.22. Mr. Barrett went and return’d to Day. Mr. Fowles good Company Here.

1724 October 12 (Monday). I return’d to Westborough. Mrs. Wood88 at her house discours’d about Some Methods for the people in their provision for Ordination. In the Evening came a Committee to treat with my Landlord about providing, etc. There was much Caring about bringing up my Goods.

Memorandum. I formed Letters (by the Towns Desire) to be Sent to Severall Churches, (viz. Boston to Mr. Webb, Framingham Mr. Swift, Marlborough Mr. Breck, Lancaster Mr. Prentice89 and (a Letter from myself to ask him to preach), Sudbury Mr. Loring,90 and Mendon Mr. Dorr). These were drawn up on the 9th Day.

1724 October 13 (Tuesday). I read Sermons, etc. Mr. Edmund Rice91 with me in the Evening.

1724 October 14 (Wednesday). This Day I Solemnly Dedicated to Humiliation and Prayer to prepare myself (by the grace of God) for the Awful Time approaching.

1724 October 28 (Wednesday). This was truely the Greatest Day I ever Yet Saw—The Day of my Solemn Separation to the Work of the Gospel Ministry and my Ordination to the Pastorate in Westborough.

The Solemnity came on and proceeded in the manner following.

In Order to the gathering the Church, a Covenant was prepar’d before hand; read, and consider’d by the Candidates for Membership, and was Sign’d.

N.B. An Ecclesiastical Council was form’d, and they having got all Things ready (as they apprehended) proceeded to the Meeting House. N.B. Reverend Mr. Swift was Sent to, but he was detain’d by Sickness in his Family. Nevertheless the Church sent two Delegates, viz. Colonel Buckminster92 and Captain Goddard.93

Reverend Mr. Breck was also Sent to, but he was himself so ill (of the Strangury) that he could not attend. Those ministers being Absent, the Council, with Consent, Admitted and requested Reverend Mr. Williams of Weston to Assist.

Being come to the House of God, the Reverend Mr. Dorr of Mendon open’d the Solemnity with Prayer. The Reverend Mr. Prentice of Lancaster preach’d a Suitable Sermon from 2 Cor. 12.15. Afterwards The Reverend Mr. Williams of Weston aforesaid pray’d and gather’d the Church. There were 12 besides the Pastor Elect, who sign’d the Covenant and answered to their Names in the Assembly.

The Reverend Mr. Prentice gave the Solemn Charge.

The Reverend Mr. Loring of Sudbury the Right Hand of Fellowship.

The Ordain’d appointed the Psalm (part of the 68th) and gave the Blessing.

I wish Every Day throughout my Life, may bear a Suitable proportion to this Day! That I may be Strong in the Grace which is in Christ Jesus, and that I may grow then into the Glory of God and the Edification of His Church! Amen!94