Scrap of Paper in “Nine Sermons Against Sin”

On a scrap of paper in “Nine Sermons Against Sin” (at the American Antiquarian Society), Parkman wrote an addition to the sermon, using the back of a note that had been given to him asking for a contribution from the church.  It’s a nice bit of ephemera: while the church records and Parkman’s diary have many references to charitable contributions (requested, given and/or denied), this may be unique.

–Prof. Ross W. Beales, Jr.

Roman Numerals for 610-612, 615, 618-619, 621-623

“Nine Sermons Against Sin”

610: Dec. 29 a.m. 1751

611: Jan. 5 a.m. 1752

612: Feb. 2 a.m.

615: Feb. 23 p.m. 1752

618: Mar. 8 a.m. 1752

619: Mar. 15 a.m. 1752

621-622: Mar. 29 a.m. 1752

623: Apr. 5 a.m. 1752

Aug. 29 p.m. 1762

Note: Parkman used a scrap of paper for an addition to the sermon.  On the back is the following letter (since the paper has been cut to fit the sermon, the date and author of the letter are not extant): “It having pleased the Sovereign God, in a very Sore and distressing manner to frown upon me and my Children who lately dwelt with me, in taking away from us our Dwelling House by Fire, which broke out at Midnight between the 17th and 18th Day Instant, and so Suddenly prevailed, after the Discovery of it, that although we escap’d with our Lives (to God be all hearty Praise and Thanks) yet we have lost the Chief of our Goods, Cloths, Stores etc.: and were able to Save but little: By which means we are reduced to a miserable and destitute State and Condition.  I do gratefully acknowledge the Kindness of the People of God among whom we live; but yet find it needfull, and think it my Duty to address several Neighbouring Towns for Relief and therefore as I have the Place of my Birth, So I humbly beg Leave to lay our distressed Circumstances before you, among whom I lived thro a great part of my Youth full Life; for whom therefore I would retain  proper Respect, and especially the Church into which I was admitted.”