I have been thrice at Holwood and conversed with Mr. Pitt every time, but it is only on farming. No wonder. Reading Baxter’s ‘Serious Call to a Holy Life,’ which I have done with great pleasure, and have begun it a second time. I think it an admirable performance. Charity and a universal intention to please God in everything are recommended with great ability.
I have forgotten to add a word about my new habitation. It is an admirable house, and Mrs. Young’s only apprehension was the plan of Cragg, the first clerk, having apartments in it; but when it came to be debated, Lord Carrington procured it entirely to me, with an allowance of 90l. a year for a porter, maid, coals, &c. Upon the whole it is an arrangement which is equal in all to 100l. a year to me, and in comfort, saving me the trouble of thrice a year seeking lodgings, as good as a hundred more.
I am thankful to God for it, and may He give me His grace not to apply to ill uses the favour of His providence.
July 14th!!!—This day twelvemonth it pleased God to take to Himself my ever dear and beloved child. In the evening at the Hall, my wife and self, children, and Miss Griffith joined in prayer.
[The remainder of the diary, chiefly detailing morbid religious introspection, is not of sufficient interest to include.]
Notes from Memorandum-book
March.—A dinner for fifteen poor children, 11s. 10d.[[190]]
Another dinner for thirty-seven children, 16s. 6d.
Another dinner for forty-seven children, 1l. 6s. 6d.
April.—This month seven dinners to about forty-eight children each time.