Tuesday, 16 February 1971

[Top panel: finished roll of film—Debbie   NT: Matt 15   OT: Ezekiel 18-19]

Up about 9:00 to answer the phone; then back to bed, Θ. Up about 9:30. Shaved, had breakfast. It was as if my week were just beginning—my morning was like Monday. I.e., I wrote my weekly letter to Mrs. Myers—sent her 5 photos. Also wrote an article for the Eagle. The mail man brought a package for Debbie—we knew it was coming—mother mentioned it in a recent letter. It was a red teddy bear. I took a couple of photos of Debbie with it. It was for Valentines day—but it was appropriate that arrived on the day that she was 2½ years old. About 11:20 I set off on errands, to the post office, then to the Eagle office, then to Ed Nutting’s office—picked up movie screen—took it to our church for use tomorrow evening, Also changed the wayside pulpit, announcing Jesus Christ Superstar being played next Sunday evening. Got home to eat lunch. After Bonnie went to work Debbie went to her room and slept most of the afternoon. I made bread, worked at my desk, re-read chapter 6 of the COCU Plan of Union. Debbie has an eye infection—her eye has a boo-boo as she says. After Bonnie got home we had supper, she brought medicine. We applied the eye drops, much against Debbie’s will. Watched CBS news. Then 7:30–9:30 I was leading the COCU group at the congregational church. Got home shortly after 10:00. Debbie has been ill—vomiting—we speculate it might have been the apple cider served at breakfast. I reviewed my Qumran lecture; had snack  OBLO 11:50.

Wednesday, 17 February 1971

Up about 8 o’clock. One of the first things I did was to go to the church to turn on the heat—for making banners and for the Wesleyan Fellowship meeting in the evening. After I got home I shaved, and then we all had breakfast together. After eating I gradually got everything in order for going to the church to make banners. Also got the roll of film ready for sending to Mail-A-Way. The latter part of the morning was spent at the church cutting the paper, making the designs. Home about noon. Had lunch, then went back to the church about 12:50. Three of my sunday school class girls showed up. We all worked on the banners. But it really was time wasted, because I just wasn’t satisfied with the banners. Was making 2 sets of two, and neither pleased me. So about 3:00 I have up, cleaned up the mess and headed home. I was extremely weary. Bonnie was already on the verge of a nap. I read a while in Newsweek, but then napped too. The phone got me up about 4:30—but I tried again after that—not much luck, so I did some reading. NT reading: Matt 16; OT: Ezekiel 20. Relaxed, dressed for the evening. At 6:45 picked up Virginia Bate for babysitting, then Bonnie + I went to the church for the Wesleyan Fellowship. After eating and a business meeting I showed my Dead Sea Scroll slides. Home about 10:30. Bonnie gave me a HAIRCUT. Then I bathed. OBLO  12:20 Θ.

Thursday, 18 February 1971

[Top panel: NT: Matt, 17-20   OT: Ezekiel 21]

Up about 8:00; shaved, had breakfast. Left the house shortly before 9:00. Went to the Granite Savings Bank for 2 rolls of nickels, caught the 9:20 train to Boston. Arrived at BU shortly after 11:00. Had a conference with Beck—went over several questions. He gave me a revised reading list for the second exam—one which he and Richardson have worked out together. But he stipulated that this new list does not supercede the list given to me some time ago. However I shall certainly make use of it in preparing for the exam. I left Beck about 12:00. Then was able to catch Richardson for a few minutes while he ate lunch on the run. I asked him about Song of Solomon for a possible dissertation topic. He pointed out that Marvin Pope is working on a massive volume for the Anchor Bible—thus it might be dangerous for me to enter this area. But he liked the idea of my choosing a pericope [1] and writing on the history of its interpretation. Did xeroxing after seeing him. About 2 o’clock had lunch at a small place on Commonwealth Ave. Ran into Larry Carter in book store—we had a nice chat. Back to BU—finished xeroxing, caught 4:10 train home, arrived Rockport about 5:30. Had supper—relaxed before 7:30–10 o’clock meeting of the Joint Church Committee at St. Mary’s. When I got home about 10:00 Paul was on the phone with Bonnie. We chatted for about 15 min. Relaxed, had snack. Bathed about 11:45. Read briefly. OBLO 12:22.

[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pericope

David’s diary, 18 February 1971

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/12/11/davids-diary-16-february-1971/

Monday, 1 February 1971

[Top panel: NT reading: Mark 13; OT reading: Ezekiel 1]

This was the big day. Up shortly before 8:00—feeling perfectly lousy. I had gone to bed last night about 1:00—but couldn’t get to sleep. Shortly before 2:00 I came downstairs to sleep. I certainly didn’t get much more than 5 hours sleep. Shaved after eating—dressed, prepared to leave. Caught the 9:20 train. Reviewed material, notes, all the way into Boston. I arrived at BU just about 11:10. I reviewed some more, plus read some brief articles. Then about 12:30 I went to the refectory and had lunch. Then at 1:00 I picked up the test. Had to write on four questions out of five. #1 on the documentary hypothesis. #2 on von Rad’s contributions to Deuteronomy; #3 on Ginsberg’s approach to Daniel; #4 on Lindblom’s treatment of ecstacy among the prophets. I took the full 4 hours which they allowed me, (instead of just 3 as is usually the case). It was a very fair exam—since largely these were the areas where my restudy had been directed. As soon as I finished the exam I left BU—caught the 5:50 train home. The clock of the Congregational church struck 7:00 just as I was walking home. Had supper. At about 7:30 Bonnie left for community chorus rehearsal—so I was left with Debbie for the evening. I was drained. Watched TV; paced the floor—the wind-down takes time. Bathed about 11:00; washed my filthy hair—had to sit under the dryer. OBLO c. 12:45.

Tuesday, 2 February 1971

[Top panel: NT reading: Mark 14; OT: Ezekiel 2]

Following the pattern of the last few nights, I wasn’t able to get to sleep. So I got up and read a while—finally about 2:30—went back to bed—downstairs, to avoid waking Bonnie. We were awakened about 8:30 by the phone. We didn’t get to it in time—I didn’t even try. Then about 9:00 it rang again—Terry Thomason, calling from Boston, returning Bonnie’s call (yesterday)—she had questions to ask him about tax forms. About 9:30 we had breakfast. In the morning I did some straightening in my study, shaved, wrote my weekly letter to Mrs. Myers. About 11:30 I went to the Post office, then to the building center—bought the materials to build the doll house for Debbie. Home about noon, ate lunch; then at 12:30 picked up Virginia. She stayed with Debbie while I took Bonnie to work, then made some calls: on Barbara Olson and her father Joseph Tarvis—who is elderly and ill. Also saw Mary Jane—for whom I’m to fill out a recommendation form. From there I went to see Charles O’Reilly—whose wife I buried just a few days ago. We had a very nice visit—he appears to be well read—after discussing his own personal adjustments, the conversation wandered into politics—we think very much alike. Went to see Rip Hannibal briefly. Home about 3:30. Prepared for C.O.C.U. group tonight; prepared supper. Read I.F. Stone. Jim Bussey was with us for supper; he brought Bonnie home from the hospital. He left about 7:00. C.O.C.U. 7:30–9:30—small group. Then relaxed, read. Bathed OBLO midnight.

Wednesday, 3 February 1971

[Top panel:  NT: Mark 15-16; Ezekiel 3]

Up before 9:30 after Θ. After having breakfast I worked at my desk—a big backlog of papers. Bonnie went off with Carol Lewis to do some shopping—Debbie stayed here with me—watched Sesame Street—a regular morning routine. Late in the morning I shaved—just about noon I prepared an article for the Gloucester Daily Times re: Mac White’s visit this Sunday. Bonnie got home before 12:30. We had lunch, then I headed for Gloucester. Got to Jim’s shortly after 1:00. John Dunnach was supposed to arrive for a meeting re: arranging this Sunday’s Annual Charge Conference. He never showed up. But Merle Steva (the Baptist minister in Gloucester who’s shortly moving to Colorado) was there teaching Jim how to smoke a pipe! He stayed most of the hour and we had a nice chat, but then after he left Jim and I did some planning. I went from there to the Times office, then stopped in Gloucester to leave some slides off at the camera shop to be made into prints. Headed home, tended to getting the proposed budget mimeographed for the Board meeting tonight. Relaxed briefly before preparing supper. After supper went down to the church, chatted with the boys who have the rock band—several of the older folks object to their running up the heat bill. Shortly after I got home Dr. Beck called to say that I’d passed the exam! Administrative Board 7:30–9:30. Called Beck to arrange an appointment. Puttered in study. Straightened up.

David’s Diary, 3 February 1971

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/12/04/davids-diary-february-1-1971/

Friday, 29 January 1971

Up about 9:30 after Θ. Bonnie has been saying of late that she can feel the baby moving. This morning she placed my hand on her abdomen and I felt it to[o]—for the first time—right in the palm of my hand. Had breakfast as soon as I got up, then got to work reading: in Ginsberg. Finished before noon. Then began rereading, from start to finish, the whole of Daniel. Got two chapters done when we stopped for lunch. After eating Debbie played in her room, Bonnie left for work. I continued reading in Daniel. Dozed briefly in the chair. Finished Daniel mid-afternoon, then began reading Eissfeldts section on the book. Didn’t get this finished before Bonnie arrived home. We had supper. Then I had about 45 minutes to read before the news. Finished Eissfeldt on Daniel, turned to Weiser’s brief treatment of same. 6:30–7:30 watched CBS news, etc. Then back to the reading—this time D.W. Thomas’ article in OT + Modern Study on textual criticism. I then turned to reviewing Arthur Jeffrey’s articles in IB Vol 1 on Canon and text of OT. I compiled a list of the witnesses to the canon which he gives—such was asked on the first exam on Oct 1. Stopped at 9:30 to watch The Odd Couple. After this was over I returned to Jeffrey’s article, and this occupied me for the rest of the evening. I also compiled a study schedule for the next two days, reviewing the major areas that I’ve been studying for the last few months. OT reading: Daniel; NT: Mark 10-11. no bath; OBLO c. 12:30.

Saturday, 30 January 1971

[Top panel: NT reading Mark 12]

Had trouble getting to sleep last night—was awake off and on—consequently had trouble making it out of bed—wasn’t up til about 9:30. Shaved—two days worth—also: the can of shave cream which I started last July finally gave out! Had breakfast. Then when the mail came—was occupied with a letter—finally—from Gary Myers, and I.F. Stone’s Bi-Weekly. Also I used what was left of the morning to sift through all the papers on my desk and locate study notes—everything else I stacked in one huge pile. Finally before noon I began reading the article in OT + Modern Study on Wisdom. I was called to lunch before I got very far in this, so finished it after eating. Late in the afternoon the Lewises brought Chris over, they went for a drive with friends. I devoted most of my afternoon to reviewing Deuteronomy, i.e., Wright’s article in the IB and von Rad’s Studies in D, which I began before getting supper. Then the early part of the evening I spent with it. From 8:00 to 9:00 I prepared the bulletins for tomorrows service. I have spent an absolute minimum of time this weekend on church. At 9:00 I turned to Wisdom again, ie., read Blank’s article on Wisdom in IDB, then his article on Proverbs. Then bathed. Began review of Daniel material—D.N. Freedman’s brief article on Prayer of Nabonidus, Jeffrey’s  Intro in IB, then Eissfeldts section in his Intro. But I ran out of steam before taking up that monster Ginsberg—it’ll have to be squeezed in sometime tomorrow. OBLO  c. 12:50.

Sunday, 31 January 1971

[NT reading—count my ss lesson! Mark 6]

Up shortly after 8:00—feeling lousy. My night again was a bad one—I’m just too worked up about this exam. Shaved, had breakfast, prepared to greet my class: 4 girls came—we read Mark 6 and part of 7. Went to the church about 10:30 (Bonnie substitute taught in the Joint Sunday School this morning). Only about 25 in church—colds and flu seem to have taken their toll. I preached a sermon that I’d grabbed out of the file earlier in the week—on fear. My delivery wasn’t too hot—I was just so weary. I came home as soon as the service was over—began fixing lunch. I needed some rest. Stretched out, but sleep didn’t come. Θ. Got back to studying about 2:00. Allowed myself one distraction. Watched the launch of Apollo 14 to the moon about 4 o’clock. Before the launch I had read the article on the historical books in OTMS, and reviewed Daniel after the launch and before supper. Then after eating I worked on several areas which took the whole evening: Prophets, Pentateuchal criticism, then Psalms. It’s a very discouraging and frustrating process. The material is so massive, there’s so much I don’t know. Thus it’s also frightening [1] and depressing—because there are so many legitimate questions that I would be at a loss to answer. I’m no more optimistic about passing this exam [than] I was the first—although I do think I am better prepared in some areas. I bathed about 11:30, but then got back to reviewing on Psalms. Finally gave up about 1:10.

[1] No wonder I preached on fear that morning!

David’s diary, 31 January 1971

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/12/03/davids-diary-january-29-1971/

Monday, 25 January 1971

Up about 9:15. Had breakfast, shaved. Wrote my weekly letter to Mrs. Myers. Did a little desk work. The mail man arrived with a post card from Gary Myers! Finally some response out of him—he’s sick, and as soon as he’s well will write more. The post card was a thick one—heavier than cardboard, with a picture of Mae West, circa 1934! I had mentioned her in my letter to him. I went to the P.O., stopped briefly at the church, came home, read in C.O.C.U. Plan of Union until noon—got the assignment read for tonight. We then had lunch. Bonnie left for work, Debbie went to her room. She dragged out a bag full of clothes that Bonnie has never put on her, and spent the afternoon trying on clothes—had a real ball. [1] At one point I also built a house for her. She emptied all of the blocks out onto the floor, and we put them all onto the building. I worked on the prophets part of the afternoon, then turned to Qumran. I was occupied with [it], Cross and Milik, until supper. I had supper ready when Bonnie got home. We ate, relaxed, watched CBS news, etc, prepared to greet to C.O.C.U. group, which arrived about 7:30. It was over by 9:30. Bonnie had gone to Community Chorus Rehearsal for the evening. I studied until she got home and after—read Micah. Then did my daily scripture reading: NT I John 4-5, II John, III John; OT: Ezra 1 + 2—names, names, names! No bath. Began reading in Nielsen on Micah 4-5. OBLO , c. 12:30.

Tuesday, 26 January 1971

Up about 9:30. Had breakfast, turned to reading—in Nielsen’s section on Micah—continued my reading from last night. When I finished this I turned to reviewing Zephaniah. We had lunch at noon, Bonnie left for work, Debbie went to play in her room. I shaved, had a phone conversation with Sarah Orne—then finally got to studying—finished up with Zephaniah. Then turned to reading further on Qumran, i.e., in Milik’s little book and Frank Cross’ Ancient Library. These two volumes occupied me until it was time to be putting supper together. Read through the paper when it came. Bonnie arrived home, we had supper. 6:00-6:30 read in Milik, then watched CBS news. Debbie knows who Walter Cronkite is. We’ve been trying to acquaint her with “Walter.” She also knows “Soupy” [2]—on What’s My Line?  CBS news reported renewed attempts by the military to get around Congress’ ban on ground troops in Cambodia. I prepared for the meeting at 8:00: Finance Committee: Kay Patriquin, Roger Smith, Homer Orne, Jean Crowell, Jack Wicky, Sydney Gamage were in attendance. No raise in salary—but the church will be assuming all of the medical insurance bill that we pay monthly—so in effect a raise of over $100—big deal! After the meeting was over (c.10:00)—I had to push Jean Crowell out of the icy driveway—studied. Read Nahum—and commentaries. Read NT: Jude; OT: Ezra 3 + 4; bathed OBLO c. 12:30. Θ

Wednesday, 27 January 1971

Up by about 9:30. Had breakfast. Turned to reading in Habakkuk and commentaries. When the mail came I spent some time looking through Newsweek. Shaved before having lunch at noon. After eating I returned to reading. Bonnie went shopping about 2:00 while I read—Debbie was playing in her room. After finishing the review of Habakkuk I turned to reading in Milik’s book on Qumran. Bonnie got home about 4:00—at which time I had to go to Ornes. The statistical reports for 1970 have to be in by the 31^st, so I had to take time to get them filled out. I returned home shortly after 5:00. Fixed supper. Relaxed. Just as we were preparing for supper we discovered that the female guppy had delivered: we have 6 live babies. We transferred the mother back to the main tank—immediately the babies came out of hiding. After supper watched CBS news, etc. Then turned again to studying after doing some phone calling that had to be done. This time I began work on Daniel—rereading Jeffrey’s introduction in the IB. As the date for the retake of the exam approaches I have mixed feelings—fear, dread, despair because of the mass of the material—yet at times I have high hopes that I’ll be able to pass. I now feel confident that I could have passed the exact same exam that I took on Oct 1—but the whole new set of questions is another story! Bathed about 11:30. NT reading: Mk 6-8; OT: Hab; Joel; OBLO c. 12:30.

Thursday, 28 January 1971 

[Top panel:  called Dr. Beck]

Up shortly after 9:00. After breakfast I had to tend to some church business. I had to prepare the final copies of 3 reports to be sent to the conference—also send out letters to members of the administrative board re: meeting next week and annual meeting. This occupied me til almost noon. Then shaved; we had our lunch. After eating I went to the Post Office to mail my morning’s work, then went to Richdales for milk. When I got back Bonnie and Debbie left—they went to see Carol Lewis. Sue Lee was also joining the party with daughter Diane. I began working on Review—rereading for the most part—Ginsberg book on Daniel. Shortly after 2:00 Margaret Reilley arrived, as planned, to help me with a French article by Milik on Prayer of Nabonidus found in Cave 4. We—rather she—translated the article aloud. We worked through it together. When she left about 3:30 I returned to work on Ginsberg. Bonnie and Debbie arrived home—and soon both of them settled to napping or relaxing. I continued with Ginsberg until about 5:15. Then we put supper together. Finished by about 6:30. Watched CBS news, etc. Then I studied for an hour before Ironside, after which I returned to Daniel. During the noon hour today I called Dr. Beck at BU—to confirm that I’m planning to take the exam Monday. He said it was all ready. I’ll be allowed 4 hours instead of 3. Must write on #1—then 4 out of 5. I’m getting more and more nervous! Worked on Ginsberg til about 11:30. Relaxed, bathed: OT reading: [???] 1,2,5,7,etc.; MT: Mark 9; OBLO 12:35

[1] The earliest record of a strong interest in costumes!

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soupy_Sales

David’s diary, 28 January 1971

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/12/02/davids-diary-january-25-1971/

Wednesday, 13 January 1971

Up at 7:00. Read in the Letter to the Hebrews, chapters 1 + 2, then Numbers 16-19. Shaved, had breakfast. While doing my reading the funeral director called: Mrs. Francis O’Reilly died—very suddenly—only 61. Collapsed while shopping yesterday. I called Sarah Orne for her to pass the word to W.S.C.S. members. After eating breakfast, I dressed and prepared to leave for Boston. Left Rockport about 9:20. Got to Boston with no problem. Stopped at the BU bookstore for a copy of Playboy, then went to pick up registration materials; by about 10:50 I was at Beck’s office. We had a productive session—at 11:45 we went to the Faculty Dining room and had lunch together—discussing quite a few OT issues. After leaving Beck, I completed the registration procedures, left BU about 2:00. Went to Sears, picked up the pile of merchandise which we’d ordered yesterday. Then I headed for the Copley Square area—finally found a parking place. Went to the Bishop’s office, to get photos of himself + resumés—in connection with his visit to Rockport in March. Stopped to browse at Cokesbury and another bookstore—but then headed for home. Stopped at A.G. hospital, about 4:30 to see Joseph Tarvis. Home just about 5:00. We fixed supper—read in Playboy, watched CBS news. About 7:15 I went to see the O’Reilly family. Home about 8:00—watched the last half of Storefront Lawyers. 8:30–9:30 at Town hall re: Project NUVA fund request. Home again, relaxed, read in Newsweek, snacked, bathed; OBLO c. 11:30  Θ.

Thursday, 14 January 1971 

Up at 7:00. Read Hebrews 3-5, Numbers 20-24. Shaved, had breakfast. Shortly after 9:00 I went down to Richdales for milk. When I got home I stretched out for a short while—I didn’t get enough sleep last night. At 10 o’clock I went to St. Mary’s for a meeting with Bamforth and Nutting, re: C.O.C.U. study groups which are being launched. Was home by 11:00. Didn’t have ambition to do much of anything, read in Playboy for a while. At noon I went to pick up Virginia Bate. She had lunch with us then stayed with Debbie while we went to Gloucester. We did some grocery shopping at Stop + Shop. Then went to Dr. Stelluto’s office for Bonnie’s appointment. Drue was there, so the pregnancy is no longer a secret. We brought Drue back to Rockport. Got here shortly before 3:00. There was a[n] urgent message to call Mrs. Favreau—I did—she wanted me to come over immediately. I took Virginia home, then went to see her. It was about her marriage, i.e., she’s very upset because her husband’s asking for a divorce. I left her about 4:00—came home, changed, went to the funeral home to see the O’Reillys. Home at 5:00. Fixed supper. Bonnie feeling lousy. Watched CBS news, etc. No ambition—very weary. I did write part of a long letter to Gary Myers [1]—hope I’ll get some response. Watched The Odd Couple. Prepared for bed. OBLO c. 10:20.

Friday, 15 January 1971

Up at 7:00. Read Hebrews 6-8, Numbers 25-30. Shaved. Bonnie and Debbie appeared on the scene, we had breakfast. After eating I finished the letter to Gary Myers which I’d started last night. When it was finished I went to the Post Office. Then stopped at the church to change the wayside pulpit. Shortly after I arrived home the mail came—letters from Bonnie’s mother and from David Watson. We had lunch just about noon. At 12:30 I went to Millbrook Park and picked up Miss Bachmann—a neighbor of Virginia Bate—who we had arranged as sitter for Debbie, since Virginia had other commitments. Took Bonnie to work, then came back home, after getting gas changed clothes. Just as I was preparing to leave the house, part of the metal frame of my glasses broke—the left lens was left hanging by just one screw. But it held. 2:00-3:00 was the funeral and committal service for Mrs. Francis O’Reilly. Came home by 3:00. Changed, took Miss Bachmann home, stopped in to see Amie—Virginia’s aunt—took her some roses from the funeral. Virginia had just arrived home. I left Debbie with them while I went to Dr. Clapp’s office. Then spent 4:00-4:45 with them, picked up Bonnie, came home, fixed supper. Was very exhausted—watched CBS news, etc. Much of the evening I felt very lousy. Upset stomach, distress in my bowels. Plus my head cold is much worse. So nothing much was accomplished on anything. Bathed, OBLO 11:40.

Saturday, 16 January 1971

[Top panel: pictures of Debbie at Patriquins; 2 years 5 months old today; Hebrews 9-10; Numbers 31-36 end]

The head cold broke up my routine—I needed the rest, so I didn’t get up at 7:00—stayed in bed until after 9:00. Wasn’t feeling too ambitious. Shaved, then sat at my desk for a while. My main preoccupation today, of course, had to be the sermon. I made some headway at that before lunch, but really not much until after. A couple of times I had to stretch out to regain my strength. I did make decent progress in the afternoon. Mid afternoon Bonnie decided to go to Gloucester, for groceries, cash—and to Busseys to pick up some more of the things that we’re buying from them. While she was gone I finished the sermon, then worked on the bulletins—also got those finished before she got home. She got here about 5:45. We had supper quickly—a roast—then about 6:45 took Debbie down to Patriquins. We went to Gloucester to see the movie “Joe.” A good but rather depressing film about Joe—a “typical” (?) American—at least typical of some Americans. The film was entirely honest as far as language was concerned: the word “fuck” was heard as frequently as the word “God” is heard at a Billy Graham rally. Plus nudity and sex—which increased the feeling of authenticity. How chilling it is to reflect that there are probably far too many Joes around. Got back to Patriquins by 9:15—visited for a while—took some photos of Debbie—but then came home. finished polished draft of sermon; prepared service, bathed, worked, OBLO 12:35.

[1] My roommate at Indiana University.

David’s diary, 16 January 1971

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/11/28/davids-diary-january-13-1971/

Thursday, 31 December 1970

Up shortly after 8:00; had a cup of coffee while reading St. Paul—then began in Eissfeldt. When Bonnie and Debbie got up I had breakfast with them. Then shaved. One of the things that I had to do was fill out a long personality test for John Stuart—Ph.D., connected with Cape Ann Family + Child Center. More than 200 forced choice questions, so it took a while. The mail man brought letters from Paul + Marty, and the Kings, who seem to be doing well. Before lunch I finished the personality test. Immediately after lunch Bonnie left to do shopping—grocery mainly. I helped her unload the car when she got home. While she was gone I was occupied at my desk, writing letters—to Bob Waugh [1] and to Planned Parenthood/World Population. After Bonnie got back with the groceries she set off for Beverly—bought $23 worth of aquarium supplies! —including new fish: algae eaters, catfish, 2 moon fish, 2 guppies. I got some reading done before she arrived home—then was occupied with the aquariums. Then studied briefly again before supper. After eating watched CBS news. Bonnie went off on errands, I read, then 8:30–1:000 TV (Ironside + Odd Couple)  Then snacked and studied more—mainly on Holiness Code. At 11 o’clock watched news for weather report—big snow coming; watched Johnny Carson New Year’s celebration; 104 year old guest (!); bathed; OBLO c. 1:05

1971

 [There are four pages of the 1971 diary, before 1 January, titled “Reflections”]

1971 will be a very important year—perhaps for many reasons—but certainly on the personal level. Foremost in my mind at the present time are the exams—the whole future depends on them—i.e., my passing them. And 1971 will tell the story on those. By the end of this year I should be devoting most of my time to dissertation research. If I pass the retake exam on Feb. 1, hopefully I can take the second exam by conference time, the third by the end of the summer; the fourth—the Hebrew—in the fall. But things have been thrown off greatly in the past year—so who knows what will happen. My great wish right now is to be able to pass the Feb. 1 exam—as much as anything to be able to regain some confidence. I do have my moments of doubt about ever getting my Ph.D.—my interview with Richardson following the first exam was pretty severe—and most of what he said was quite right. But if I pass the Feb. 1 exam at least I’ll be reassured that I can pass—not to pass a “qualifying” exam naturally means that the candidate doesn’t qualify. So my spirits as well as my career academically will be moved along by a pass.

1971 also means the enlargement of the family, the new baby being due about July 1. So here are things competing for my time: we’re planning to attend parenthood classes so that I’ll be “qualified” (!) to be in the delivery room. So there goes one evening a week—also—as far as an activity consuming time is concerned—when the garden starts up again in the spring, I’ll be the main worker for our family, since Bonnie will be further along with the pregnancy. We have some names picked out—or rather, one: Daniel Josiah, if it’s a boy—but no girls’ names yet. I’ve suggested Rachel Sarah so that the initials would be RSY!

Another exciting event in 1971 is the homecoming of Bonnie’s folks from Penang—we’re looking forward to that very much—and I’m sure they are too. Debbie is going to be very confused about just who “grandma” and “grandpa” are. The terms apply to my folks and we also called Grandma + Emil that—so here another set is arriving this summer. 1971 will also means a significant year in Debbie’s development—by Jan 1, 1972 she should be talking rather fluently.

June 1971 will also be my last appointment to the Rockport church. When we came here in Nov. 1967 we really didn’t dream that we’d be here until June or Sept of 1972—almost 5 years it will be. It has been a most helpful experience—but I’ll be glad when it’s over. I’m preparing for something else—I have been since 1968—so I’ll be glad to move on to that “something else.” I’ve calculated that I have about 75 sermons to go! Unless, as has been suggested—Nutting, Bamforth and I can work out some pulpit exchange for the summer. A very staggering thought: 75 more sermons to prepare!

Besides learning a lot more about the OT in 1971 (I’d better!) I also want to deepen my knowledge of St. Paul (although not necessarily my appreciation). I’ve already started rereading his letters—for 1971 I should read them all through several times, in RSV, NEB, TEV—a little each day. After all, I may be having to teach St. Paul next year! His writings leave me very cold—there is a glimmer here and there, a gem—a beautiful phrase or thought—but largely it is useless. Christ for St. Paul was a man, with a specific biography. I prefer to think of the “Christ principle” or the “Christ Process”—its happening all the time, in all generations and ages. Pope John XXIII,  Martin Luther King was a modern “Christ” —an anointed one—and perhaps he and many other people in history have been greater Christs than Jesus was—we know so little about Jesus really—and some of the things that we do know aren’t very complimentary. I think that we need to outgrow “Jesus exclusivism”—which of course is what St. Paul represents. Theism is very beautiful, but it can be so flawed by narrow creeds and doctrines. Theism shouldn’t be the exclusive possession of the followers of Jesus Christ—that is, contrary to the New Testament, there is not only [one] way to God through Jesus Christ, whatever that may mean. God is approachable, accessible on a much wider basis. “What does the Lord of you—but to do justice, to love mercy—to walk humbly with your God” [2]—there’s more truth to this than John 3:16. [3] The God of infinite and eternal compassion does not react to (does not deal with) the world and to people in the narrow ways which the Bible sometimes assumes. (e.g. John 14:6 [4])

1971 should also hold the key to our course as a nation; i.e., by this time next year we should have a better idea as to Nixon’s chances of being re-elected. So many pieces of evidence have appeared to confirm Chet Huntley’s analysis of Nixon (later denied!) as very shallow. At a time when we need brilliant and outstanding leadership—our president is one whose friends include Agnew, Mitchell, Billy Graham, Bob Hope  (and whose appointees include Haynworth + Carswell!); he refuses to disassociate himself from J. Edgar Hoover’s labeling of ML King as a liar (Dec 1970 news conference); he brags about $10 Billion over several years for anti-pollution—and supports the SST [5]; he “Vietnamizes” a war he has the power to STOP—to save face—maintain our pride—he maintains our involvement—withdrawing so slowly—how many will die because of his vanity and stupidity? Surely the country will be ready for an alternative—in 1971 we will discover who the Democrats have to offer.

[1] A friend from my days at Indiana University.

[2] Micah 6:8

[3] “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only ^abegotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not  perish, but have eternal life.”

[4] ‘Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supersonic_transport

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/11/22/davids-diary-december-31-1970/

Wednesday, 28 October 1970

Up a few minutes before 9:00—up too late really. I shaved hurriedly, then went to Rev. Bailey’s home—we 4 clergy (Bamforth, Nutting, Bailey and myself) had agreed to meet every now + then to discuss our beliefs. It proved to be an interesting morning—Bamforth had to leave early, but the rest of us stayed until after 12:00. I came home, we had lunch then I turned to working at my desk. Around 2 o’clock or so I went to visit John Wicky—he is home from the hospital now. I had a long chat with him and Bertha—ranging over a wide range of subjects. Came home, returned to my desk. I’m slowly getting things cleared away there, but there’s still much to do. Late in the afternoon I had a long phone conversation with D. S. Mac White. Bonnie went out to do shopping. When she returned home I helped her unload the car, then did some work on the kitchen cabinet doors before supper. After eating we watched CBS news. Then the evening followed the same pattern of many recent evenings—had the TV on and worked on getting doors on. I finished the bathroom doors, then got going on the painting of them. Got two done, then relaxed, watched TV. Helped clean up. Bathed, watched some of Johnny Carson. OBLO, c. 12:30.

Thursday, 29 October 1970

Up shortly before 8:00 after Θ, Shaved, had breakfast—I left town about 8:45—I had an appointment with Don McGaw in Lynn—got there about 9:32. My main concern in going to see him was to get suggestions, guidelines, advice on pre-marital counseling. I’ve never done it before, on any real basis, and it’s part of my professional life which is sadly underdeveloped. He was able to offer a lot of helpful suggestions. I wouldn’t know where to begin, and now I think I have some ideas. We went out to eat—got onto route 1—then he drove me back to his house to get my car—he hadn’t been thinking, or I’d have driven my car to the restaurant too, then I could have gone straight on into Boston. As it was about 10 min. late to my appointment with Richardson. It was quite an hour with him; I said probably no more than 10 sentences. He had the exam in front of him, and went through it from beginning to end, picking it apart; I haven’t the faintest notion when (or if) I’ll be prepared to write an exam to his satisfaction; he made bibliographical suggestions—and I spent some time in the library getting them together and xeroxing. Left Boston about 3:40—got home about 5:00 (stopped to buy a pecan pie), had supper, watched CBS news; went so see Bertha Wicky—whose brother-in-law died; came home; 8:00-10:30 at Patriquins watching Ironsides; came home, relaxed, bathed, OBLO c 11:45.

Friday, 30 October 1970

Up about 8:45 after Θ. Had breakfast, then spent some time puttering—hanging cabinet doors. Then shaved. About 11 o’clock I went over to Pigeon Cove, picked up a book from Sue Lee, Two Children by Choice; we’d loaned her the book, and I need it for preparing Sunday’s sermon. Then I went to see Mrs. Prindall, whose husband just died; I’ll be doing his funeral tomorrow. It was a short visit; I was home by about 11:30. Went through the mail—Carol Lewis was here with Chris. We all had lunch together. Bonnie left for work, then Carol left shortly thereafter. I had intended to get to work on the sermon, but was very tired; I napped until about 3:00. Then I decided to get more painting done; so I did the back (i.e. inside) of the cupboard above the sink. When I finished this I called Don McGaw to tell him that I won’t be going to conference tomorrow because of the funeral. Finally late in the afternoon I started on the sermon. But shortly after Bonnie got home we fixed supper. We caught only a few minutes here and there of CBS news because we discovered fungus on some of the fish and had to start the salt treatments. At 7:20 went to the Lewis’s for the evening; watched Sargent/White debate, played password, just talked, watched Nixon speech. Home about 12:15; treated fish; very weary; OBLO, 1:10.

Saturday, 31 October 1970

Up about 8:30 or 9:00. Had only juice for breakfast, and got to work on my sermon. There were interruptions and distractions, but I did make some progress. About 11 o’clock Bill McKinney was knocking at the door—he’s up from NYC for the weekend. We had a brief visit—Bonnie arrived home from errands with Debbie while he was here. Two books came in the mail. I worked further on the sermon, then shaved before eating. I made a little more progress on the sermon, and while I was preparing to go to the funeral, Wm and Cameron Sesto appeared at the door! I had to leave almost immediately for the funeral however. 2:00-3:00 was spent at the funeral home + cemetery—William Hanson Prindall, Bertha Wicky’s sister’s husband—90 years old. When I got home I returned to work on the sermon. We also were occupied off and on during the day with the fish—another died. Don’t know whether we’ll be able to save them or not. Wm + Cameron went out photographing part of the afternoon—but they had supper with us and left shortly thereafter. Then I spent the evening working on the sermon and preparing the service—the sermon is lengthy—so I eliminated some other items in the service. Finished up about 11:30. Bathed; OBLO c. 12:30.

David’s Diary, October 31, 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/26/davids-diary-october-28-1970/