Shooter's Hill, June 7.
Cavell (Vol. i., p. 473.).—To cast cavells, i.e. to cast lots, is in constant every-day use in Northumberland. The Teutonic derivation given is correct.
W.
To endeavour Ourselves—The Homilies.—Perhaps your correspondents G. P. (Vol. i., p 125.), and C. I. R. (Vol. i., p. 285) may, from the following passages, conclude that "ourselves", is the object of the verb "endeavour."
"He did this to this intent, 'that the whole clergy, in the mean space, might apply themselves to prayer, not doubting but that all his loving subjects would occupy themselves to God's honour, and so endeavour themselves that they may be more ready,'" &c. &c.—Heylin, Hist. of the Reform. from an Act passed in Edward VI.'s Reign, 1548.
"Let us endeavour ourselves, both inwardly in our hearts, and also outwardly with our bodies, diligently to exercise this godly exercise of fasting."—Homily on Fasting (end).
"Only show yourselves thankful in your lives, determine with yourselves to refuse and avoid all such things in your conversation as should offend his eyes of mercy. Endeavour yourselves that way to rise up again, which way ye fell into the well or pit of sin."—Hom. on the Resur. (near the end).
"From henceforth let us endeavour ourselves to walk in a new life."—Hom. of Repentance, Pt. 2. (end).
There are many other similar passages in the "Homilies". I have also noticed the following Latimer's Sermons:—
"The devil, with no less diligence, endeavoureth himself to let and stop our prayers."—Vol. i. p. 829. Parker Soc. edit.
"Every patron, when he doth not diligently endeavor himself to place a good and godly man in his benefice, shall make answer before God."—Vol. ii. p. 28.
"Let them endeavour themselves." [I have forgotten the reference in this case, but it is in vol. i.]
"How much, then, should we endeavour ourselves to make ready towards this day, when it shall not be a money matter, but a soul matter." (ii. p. 62)
As I am engaged on a work on the "Homilies," I should feel very grateful for any allusions to them in writers between 1600 and 1650, and for any notices of their being read in churches during that period. Can any of your readers inform me where the fullest account may be found of the state of preaching in England prior to the Reformation?
Thomas Cox.
Preston, May 25. 1850.