During the second month of this year, 1881, the elder Mrs. Wright who had resided in Oulton more than thirty years, died on the 13th of February, at the advanced age of 86 years. During the third month of this year, the elder Mrs. Susan Farman died, on the 9th day of March, aged 79 years, having resided in Oulton fifty years. “The Lord’s portion is his people.”
During the fourth month another of my elder neighbours was called away, Francis Harper, having resided in Oulton about forty years, a quiet, good, honest, and honourable man; served his generation by the will of God, fell on sleep March the 15th. Another neighbour, Mrs. Elizabeth Reynolds, wife of Thomas, who with her husband were the only unbroken pair that were living as paired when I was married, all the other pairs were broken or swept away. Mrs. Reynolds died on the 2nd of April, aged 76 years.
Next, here is a record of an honourable marriage, which is worthy of note, April 7th, at the Congregational Chapel, Beccles, by the Pastor, J. Calvert, assisted by S. B. Driver, pastor of the Congregational Chapel, Lowestoft, Mr. M. Hinde, of Lowestoft, to Louisa, daughter of the late James Read, farmer and valuer of Laxfield, Suffolk.
The Earl of Beaconsfield, a distinguished statesman, who had filled the high and honourable office of Prime Minister of England, and confidential adviser of Her Majesty, died in London, April 19th, at the age of 75 years, a large profusion of flowers being dropt upon his tomb.
Appendix.
In the year 1877, the Pakefield Friendly Society came to an end, having fought its way fifty-two years, and having survived the Vicar of Lowestoft fourteen years. Mr. Cunningham had from the first taken a deep interest in that institution, and greatly contributed to its prosperity.
I was proposed and accepted as one of its stewards in 1840, and continued to serve the office until its dissolution (37 years), the funds then being distributed among the members in sums ranging from £2 12s. 8d., to £20 13s. 8d., about 155 members partaking of this final benefit, although I am not sure they were all satisfied, yet the various awards were carried out very fair and impartially. As to myself I received a present from the directors, through Mr. Seppings, the secretary and that Gentleman also made me a money present. I resolved therewith to buy some books in remembrance of the above Society, that I might read them in days to come, among others I purchased “Goldsmith’s Vicar of Wakefield,” and on reading it came across some of the chapters which I remembered to have read nearly sixty years before, and do not recollect meeting with the book in all that long interval, although I had seen it advertised. I thought I would one day catch hold of it. The above work is said to be “a domestic epic.” Its hero is a country parson, simple and pious in his way, a little vain of his learning, and a little proud of his fine family. Domestic joys and cares surround the parsonage, then in turn comes sorrow and suffering, storms from the outer world invade its holiness and trouble its peace. Then comes sorrow and suffering, and we behold the hero, like the patriarchal prince of the land of Uz, when the Lord “put forth is hand and touched all that he had,” meeting each new affliction with meekness patience and resignation; rising from each trial with renewed reliance upon God, until the lowest depth of his earthly suffering becomes the highest elevation of his moral strength, preminently conspicious by the indwelling and powerful influence of God’s Holy Spirit,
“This is the grace that lives and sings,
When other comforts cease.”
I remember in early life in the year 1816, at the time I attended school, a great festival was held in commemoration of the triumph of Waterloo. I carried home from school an invitation card to my parents, which ran thus (after naming) “you are invited to appear at the table at one o’clock on — day next, perfectly neat, with your family, and bring your half-pint mug, plate, knife and fork.”
The invitations were well received, the festival was truly appreciated, the plum puddings and other good things were greatly enjoyed, a long length of painted calico extended from one large tree to another, with these mottoes in large letters, “Peace to Europe,” “Glory to God,” “Deliverance to Mankind.” I remember also to have had a printed paper exhibited in front of my cap with the ominous words “Peace and Plenty.”