Chapter III: Part 3

I was now busily engaged in preparing to build two cottages and a workshop, having taken in 10,000 bricks the previous autumn that they might be ready for spring work. Mr. Saml. Neslen, of Lowestoft, was my carpenter, and Mr. Thomas Swatman, Sen., my bricklayer, we went in for building in good earnest, as something must be accomplished in the way of building by the roadside near Mutford Bridge. My wife’s youngest sister was appointed to attend the school as governess, but it was soon found her nerves were not sufficiently strong, her rest was broken, which threatened to undermine her health, my wife was invited to attend for a time, and see how her sister went on, she did not become at all strong, and consequently my wife was permanently engaged as mistress of the school, and I was engaged in superintending the building of cottages destined to become our future residence. This year was noted for the great exhibition in Hyde Park, the world’s fair. I had several invitations to go to witness that large gathering, but my time and money was required in other directions, thinking that building might be the only one that I should have an opportunity of ever again being engaged in on my own account. The new rector soon felt at home in the parish, ready to speak a healing word and perform a kind act, when he heard the voice of sorrow from without, for he knew that “the sorry of the world worketh death.” He was desirous that his flock should “abound in every thing in faith, utterance, knowledge, and in all diligence, and also in love.”

During the summer my cottages and shop were completed, I gave up my former cottage and came to reside in one of them, which was light, and bright, and airy, and I thought it a great mark of Divine favour that this marvellous piece of work had been accomplished. Now again more than ever the boot trade engrossed my attention: I worked on, the trade did not fail, it was said that machines were being invented which would do the work quick, and hand work would be at a discount. I was not troubled at this. I felt that my Heavenly Father had opened the way for me, and that the same kindness and favour would be continued; my duly was clear to be “diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” There was enough work to employ me a whole year or more: gardens to be arranged, fences to be removed, ground to be levelled and planted, walls and outbuildings to be constructed, and altogether such a metamorphosis as fixed me and others in wonderment as to how it all had been brought about. After having done as much as was necessary to the new places for a time, and as there was no time for idleness, heads and hands must work in earnest, while the eyesight is good.

Another lad now came to me to be instructed, John Mays: he suffered from lameness in his hip, but his hands and eyes were free, and with those two lads and a journeyman, we got through a good quantity of work.

Mr. Fell visited me and approved of my building and arrangements, he said it was a very pleasant and open healthy neighbourhood, hoping it would be appreciated by its owners, and good and lasting health enjoyed by its attendants and tenants.

In 1837, I, with George Nobbs, were appointed constables of the parish: the duties were to preserve order, to go to the public houses if sent for, and to attend upon the coroner and summon the jurors in case of inquests.

There were four inquests during my two years of service. The first was at the “Boar Inn,” Oulton, on the 25th of May, 1857, before J. K. Sparrowe, Esq., coroner, on the body of Robt. Baldry, who was killed by the wheel of a tumbril passing over his head. The second was taken at the “House of Industry,” on the 9th day of October, 1857, before B. L. Gross, Esq., deputy-coroner, on the body of William Jinkerson, aged 47 years, who fell down and expired. The third was taken at the “Wherry Inn,” on the 14th day of November, 1857, before J. E. Sparrowe, Esq., on the body of George Wade, who was drowned accidently during the thick darkness of November 10th. The fourth was taken at the house of Mr. Thomas Roe Woods, on the 20th day of April, 1858, before J. E. Sparrowe, Esq., on the body of William Mace, who was killed by the horn of a bullock, which pierced the front of his head, on the premises of Mr. Woods.

This year, 1858, the East Suffolk Railway was forwarded in good earnest, the piles driven in the water to support the bridge were all driven by the 31st of August, ready to bear its burden. The bridge being done the first load of earth passed over November 26th, the first engine passed over on the 17th of December, first train of carriages passed over on the 25th of February, 1859, and was afterwards opened for public traffic as a railway, on the 1st of June.

During this year Mr. Barnard built the chapel at the corner in Carlton Colville, and it was opened on the 6th day of September for Divine worship, the preachers were Mr. Alfred Bourne, in the afternoon, and Mr. John Alexander, in the evening, who choose for his text on that occasion _Matthew_ vii, 7, 8, in which the venerable man exhorted his hearers, that having obtained this house of prayer, there were still other blessings they needed that they might grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He also enlarged on the privileges brought by the gospel, a great festival—“Redemption by the blood of Christ.” This is the one grand blessing which comprehends all other blessings. The table is always spread, the company are always welcome, the season is always pleasant, and the joy is always new, we were to pray for a spiritual appetite that we might enjoy this feast, be fed continually with the bread of life, and drink of the wine of heavenly consolation, no longer to entertain an appetite for the vanities of the world, but that with the Psalmist have the Lord for our Shepherd, leading us by green pastures and still waters, that we may rise to sit at that table, which is for ever spread in heaven.

The new chapel services were appreciated, a goodly number attended each Sabbath from the Oulton side of the bridge, as also in the Carlton district, where the chapel was erected, the churches, in those respective parishes being a long distance from thence. The residents of the locality having taken counsel together resolved to present a testimonial to Mr. Barnard, for the great kindness he had conferred, and on Wednesday evening, the 4th January, 1860, a large assembly, including several friends from Lowestoft, met at the chapel, and presented that gentleman with “Dr. Kittos Commentory on the Bible,” together with a handsome table lamp, hoping that himself and Mrs. Barnard might be spared many years to investigate its sacred truths, which some of us, who were present on that interesting occasion, feel assured has been realised, for although more than twenty years have rolled away, and some who worshipped with us in that place are gone to their rest, yet the founder and Mrs. B. survives, and the chapel services are being continued, and we hope also by many enjoyed, knowing the Great Master’s service is perfect freedom.

May 28th was the severest gale in this season ever remembered: Four mackerel boats were missing from Lowestoft with all their crews, and also two cutters (carriers). As the 18th of June arrived, all hope was abandoned. Six from our town, boats and cutters, and eleven from Yarmouth and Gorleston, with a loss of about 200 hands! Nine of them belonged to the parish of Oulton. The evening of the 21st October, was very remarkable for changes. In the short space of two hours we had thunder, lightning, rain, hail, snow, wind, and frost, accomplished by an Almighty power. An aged and sincere friend, who had preached to us many times in Mr. Barnard’s chapel, whom we called “Captain Ducker,” was called to his rest January 20th, 1861, aged 70 years. His last service with us was on the evening of Sunday, December 23rd of the preceding year. And it might be truly said of him, as was recorded of Barnabas:—“He was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith,” rejoicing to see believers added to the Lord, and walking in fellowship, as children of a King.

Another solemn event took place in our parish. Mr. Fell, rector of Oulton, died at Worldham, Hants, on Sunday, November 10, aged 71 years, having held the living from 1851. Here, then, we see merciful men taken away; and, when rightly considered, they are taken from the evil to come. My wife had conducted the school through the late rector’s incumbency, and is still going on with the same. The Prince Consort died on the 14th of December, and was buried on the 23rd of the same month. Thus:

God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform.

“His ways are past finding out.” “Lord, make me to know the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am,” and, further, that I may be prepared for that great and solemn change, which I feel sure must soon arrive.

In January, 1862, Mr. Charles Snell was presented to the living at Oulton, vacant by the death of Mr. Fell. He comes into residence, and finds out the relative position of his parishioners, the domestic comforts of some, and the troubles and mishaps, and cares and sorrows of others, all needing a word of counsel, as also a word of consolation, and thus they are supported amidst the trials and conflicts of this mortal life, which are almost continually pressing upon them. Here, then, the good man is inducted into the living.

He asks the aid of heavenly power,
To guard him in the evil hour.

And resolves to warn and teach, according to the standard of divine truth, and resolved to exemplify the bearing of a Christian minister, by the grace of God. To show unequivocally and impressively that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,” and then comes free justification by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. He takes his safe stand upon this doctrine, and affirms that it is “God who hath set forth Jesus Christ to be a propitiation, through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins, that are past through the forbearance of God.” And should he be asked, “Is the blood of Christ sufficient to atone for the whole world?” he replies, “Quite so; but only _efficient_ to save those who being justified by faith, enjoy also peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ.” And, as the apostle Paul asserts, in his fifth chapter of Romans:—“By whom we have now received the atonement.” Truly, this is the comfort wherewith we desire to be always comforted.

Mr. Dovey, the Baptist minister at Lowestoft, preached his first sermon in that town in December, 1844, and continued his ministrations for seventeen years. His last sermon, as pastor was delivered February 23rd, 1862. Mr. Aldis, his successor, came to Lowestoft in the same year. Mr. G. S. Crisp died on the 30th May, 1863, at the age of 79 years. This good man was for many years a preacher of the gospel at the Congregational Chapel, at Lowestoft, and for many years came and preached the word of life at Carlton Colville, and was so engaged at the time the new chapel was built, although soon afterwards called to put off the clay tabernacle, and enter into his rest, of which he had long been seeking and preaching in days that were past. Here, then, the gospel has been preached; sinners have been warned and invited; Jesus Christ hath been set forth as a willing Saviour. But, alas! There are so many who think the gospel is so far beneath their attention they cannot understand how it pleases God, by the foolishness of preaching, to save them that believe. They refuse to believe that the gospel is of God, and that they are bound to receive it, and must not cavil or raise objections. It is for the acceptance of all who possess any views worth having, and those who still continue to neglect this great salvation will in the end find that it will grind them to powder. Such was the sad experience of that infatuated and misguided wretch who on the 14th April of this year fell by the hand of the executioner, at Ipswich, for the murder of Ebenezer Tye, at Halesworth.

Having now commenced the fifth year of the chapel services at Carlton, it is suggested that a testimonial be presented to Mr. Hinde, expressive of the appreciation of the attendance as to the spiritual services supplied by that gentleman, and ably conducted by him in that House of Prayer. On the evening of Friday, the 15th of January, 1866, a handsome writing cabinet was presented to Mr. Hinde, at the chapel, a large gathering having met on that interesting occasion. I do not exactly remember if the number of services were announced that Mr. Hinde had conducted, but it shall be recorded here with gladness:—During the first year 31 services; second year 51; third year, 46; fourth, 56; and to January 15th, 17; then to the end of the fifth year, 39, making again 56; and these numbers are all exclusive of week evening services, and afterwards they were successfully continued, and we believe are so still. But before I quite take leave of my Carlton friends, I am reminded that there was another earnest and devoted servant of God, a veteran in the Master’s service, and who usually shared each service with his friend, Captain Ducker—I allude now to Mr. Delf, of Lowestoft, who is also gone to his rest. Their last united service was on the evening of November 4th, 1860. We admired the vigilance of the two good and faithful evangelists, who desired to be found instant in season—yea! and out of season!—so that they might finish their course with joy, and serving their generation, by the will of God, entered into rest.

There is just one other incident I cannot pass over in connection with Carlton Chapel. The friends, organised a series of special services, called “Revival Meetings,” in which the writer took part. They were seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. The first was held on the evening of March 18th, 1861; the second, March 20th; the third, March 25th; the fourth, March 26th; the fifth, April 3rd: the sixth, April 12th; the seventh, April 17th; the eighth, April 24th, and the last of those services was performed on the evening of the 1st May—happy sacred seasons, and were by some long remembered, and thanking the friends who came to Carlton, I will now take my leave.

Again, as I remember to have taken leave of the Vicar of Lowestoft—Mr. Cunningham—who always took a lively interest in the Pakefield Friendly Society, of which I was still agent, under Mr. Henry Seppings, as secretary, having served under two secretaries previously, who had been removed from the office. There were generally those present at our meetings who were pleased to witness the good man’s smiles, and to hear a few courteous words in furtherance of the well being of the society, which were always well received. I will here insert the inscription on his tomb:

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF
FRANCIS CUNNINGHAM,
42 Years Rector of Pakefield, and from 1830 till within a few
months of his death, Vicar of Lowestoft,
Born July 27th, 1785; Died August 8th, 1863,
Aged 78 Years.

I will now close my observations for the present year, by stating the harvest home festival was celebrated on the 3rd of September.

“The way of the Lord is in the sea, His paths are in great waters, and His footsteps are not known.” “He bloweth with His wind, and the waters flow.” We have recently witnessed some terrific gales—November, 1864. Six steamboats have put into Lowestoft harbour with a great number of dead cattle on board. The judgments of the Lord are a great deep, who can understand? Many scenes of affliction, disappointment, sorrow, and death beset our path. Martha Bone, of Ryburgh, Norfolk—my wife’s eldest sister—suddenly called away by death, reminding us again to prepare with all earnestness, for “Behold! the Judge standeth at the door.” May the Lord, in His mercy, give us grace to be so prepared.

I have now before me a charge to a Dissenting minister jotted down:

1.—Preach Christ crucified, and dwell chiefly on the blessings
resulting from His righteousness, atonement, and intercession.

2.—Avoid all needless controversies in the pulpit, except it be when
your subject necessarily requires it, or when the truths of God are
likely to suffer by your silence.

3.—When you ascend the pulpit, leave your learning behind you, if you
wish to preach more to the hearts of your people than to their heads.

4.—Do not affect too much oratory. Seek rather to profit than to be
admired—a timely, wholesome, affectionate, and salutary charge.

The Sabbath Schools Union festival was celebrated on Mr. Crabbbe’s lawn, on Tuesday, August 16th, 1864. The harvest was begun about a week before.

After a lapse of nearly four years, Mr. Samuel Abbott, of Lowestoft, is again invited to take part in the good work at Carlton Chapel.

The foundation-stone of the new chapel at Mutford Bridge was publicly laid on the 30th day of May, 1865, by Mr. Chew, of Norwich. There was at the time a strong cold wind, blowing from the west, yet a good number of friends were present on the occasion. On the 28th June died Martha, the wife of John Bullard. During the latter years of her life, she walked in the ways of the Lord. Her conversion was considered to be brought about by the revival and other religious services at Carlton Chapel.

The Oulton Chapel (Mutford Bridge) was opened for public worship on Tuesday, the 12th of September. Mr. Miller preached in the afternoon; then afterwards a public tea in the chapel was held, and addresses given in the evening. The services at this house of prayer are still continued, and many have found them “times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.”

An inquest was held at the “Wherry” Inn, on the 25th August, before F. B. Marriott, Esq., on the body of William Codling, aged 16 years, who was drowned by the upsetting of a boat in Oulton Dyke, on Tuesday, August 22nd, 1865. Here are again some of the joys and sorrows that beset and bestrew our pathway. A company of young lads think themselves competent to manage a sailing boat, but coming home at night the boat upset, its occupants were immersed in the water, and one of the party drowned.

Among the events noted down of this year, 1866, the death of Ann Challis, my wife’s youngest sister took place. She had been afflicted for several years, and died on the evening of the 22nd January. On the same evening, Charles Cutler was accidently drowned in Oulton Broad, he having kept the beer-house at Carlton, near Mr. Bullard’s shop several years. Their bodies were buried on Sunday, January 28th—my sister in law, at Oulton, and Mr. Cutler at Carlton Colville, and on the 31st of December of the same year, died Elizabeth, his wife, so that in their deaths they were not long divided.

Mr. John Burton, of Lowestoft, fell down his stairs on the night of Sunday, August 19th, and was so fearfully injured that he died within ten hours afterwards.

Dangers stand thick through all our paths,
To push us to the tomb.

The harvest of this year was generally begun on the 13th of August, and it was rather showery during the remainder of the month, yet we had some bright days, so that the wheat was secured in good condition, but it was very wet during the month of September. Wednesday, the 5th, was the only day in that week suitable for barley carting, and then it rained at six o’clock in the evening. Thursday, 13th, was the next fine day; men were employed in lifting and preparing the corn for carting, only to be followed by a heavy rain next morning, so that the only day in that week for carting was Saturday, and then it again rained by six o’clock in the evening. Patience and prayers are needed.

The harvest-home festival was unusually late, owing to the unfavourable state of the weather. The corn could not be carried before Thursday, September 27th, yet there is still great cause for thanks that the corn is secured, that provision is made for our returning winter, and that our Heavenly Father is good and merciful still, although we are so prone to murmur.

January, 1867, arrives with its abundance of frost and immense blocks of drifting snow. Two or three of my old neighbours are removed by death in quick succession—Archer Beales, the elder, on January 5th, aged 74; the wife of Robert Newbury was called home, January 12th; and John Cox, my wife’s father, died on the 19th January, aged 76 years, and buried on Sunday, 27th, having lived a widower 19 years and 11 months. Thus Death is commissioned to remove us, from the Prince Consort, in the palace, to the peasant in his humble cot. At this time, also, is stricken down my old neighbour and friend, George Mobbs, a man of strict integrity, who served with me in the office of parish constable, having removed to Mutford, and, after having lived there five months, died, and was brought to Oulton, and buried on Sunday, the 10th March. Then, again, at Lowestoft, Sergeant Hargraves, drill-instructor, is walking out on Sunday evening, the 5th May, when he was suddenly taken ill and died, at the age of 41 years, calling to us, who are survivors of these painful events, that the ways of Jehovah are far above our finite and limited conception.

A sad event occurred in the spring of this year by the upsetting of a boat on Oulton Broad. On Good Friday, April 10th, 1868, a party of three young men engaged a boat, that they might amuse themselves upon the water. The wind on that day became strong, and, themselves unskilful in managing it, very soon overturned, and all were immersed in the water, two of them—James Ellis Fisk and John Knights—both aged 18, were drowned. It was a sad spectacle the jury were called to view, as they were laid side by side, prepared for burial. Their life had vanished as a dream, when one awaketh.

My two new cottages were built this year; they were begun on Thursday, the 5th March, and in due time were completed. This was a remarkably hot and dry summer, as by a note to hand:

There has been a very long drought, June passing almost without rain.
A little fell on the 2nd., and now we are arrived at the 17th of
July, and on this day it has pleased God, in His mercy, to command
the rain to descend in abundance, with a sharp tempest, the two
previous days having been very hot.

The harvest was generally begun on the 24th of July, and at Mr. Barnard’s farm, at Carlton, the whole of the corn was gathered in by the 30th of that month, and the harvest-home festival celebrated at Oulton, on the 20th August.

My wife’s only brother, who had been suffering from consumption for a long time, died October 8th at Lowestoft, aged 46 years, leaving a widow and four children to mourn their bereavement. We took the second boy under our charge, and kept him seven years. During that interval, his two brothers had died, and only him and his sister was left. Edmund Challis, my wife’s sister’s husband, was killed by a loaded carriage passing over his body on the 17th of February, 1869, surviving his first wife only three years. We know not what a day may bring forth. I happened to meet that poor man coming from Lowestoft with the loaded wagon, and he was then riding, not thinking that would be the last time that I should see him, but it proved to be so, and he is gone. There is a piece of ground adjoining my garden, containing about 40 perches, and belonging to Mr. Knights. That gentleman was willing to treat with me as to the purchase of the same, and we agreeing, I became the purchaser thereof for £45, and had the pump put down thereon in the month of May, having found, and still continuing to find a good supply of pure water—thanks to the Giver of all good. It is delightful to live and walk in the shining of God’s countenance; but to die in the light and consolation of his presence is the crowning mercy of all. How gracious is the Holy Spirit of Promise to shine away the doubts and fears of His people, and put them to bed by daylight! O, may it be more and more my privilege to taste the sweetness of His love, rise into a nearer conformity to His image; enjoy closer communion with Him, and experience an increasing sense of his never-failing faithfulness, and catch a glimpse of that page in the Book of Life, whereon is written my unworthy name.

The year of 1870 brings with it many incidents peculiar to our position. “Man walketh in a vain shadow.” On February 7th, Mr. Robert Morris, a chemist at Lowestoft, and one, who when young, attended at the same school with myself (Mr. Goodwin’s, at Laxfield) died at the age of 59. Thus my old schoolfellows are receding from view. I know not now where to find half a dozen. O, let me be thankful for the mercies bestowed upon me. We had very little rain from the first Monday in May to the last Saturday in June. My old neighbour, John Adams, who had served his generation, by the will of God, fell asleep on the 14th day of July, and was gathered to his rest at the age of 85 years. The harvest was generally begun on the 12th August, but the weather was very fickle. A thunderstorm came on the night of Thursday, 18th, and from that time to the end of the following week, we had rain every day, and on Sunday, 28th, as much rain fell as had fallen during the week previous, so that rain continued, with slight intermission for 12 days, and harvest was scarcely concluded by September 8th, the celebration of the harvest-home of that year.

An inquest was held at the Wherry Inn, on the 23rd day of August, before Dr. Pearson, on the body of James Gibbs, aged 12 years, who was drowned by the breaking of a hook rope on board a wherry, sailing on Oulton Broad, on Saturday, August 20th. This was but a short course, from the cradle to the grave, from suffering and from sin, for ever emancipated. “Teach me, O Lord, the way of Thy statutes, and make me keep it unto the end, and by Thy grace cause me to finish the work thou hast given me to do.”

Mr. Edward Leathes, of Normanstone, was called away by death on the 11th February, 1871—the day after a great snowstorm—aged 75.

Having secured the piece of ground before-mentioned, and settled all demands for the same, in which my wife concurred, and assisted, and having made and executed a will, making everything that I possessed over to her for her own use, benefit, and enjoyment, the same being duly attested by Henry Bull and his wife, matters having been thus satisfactorily arranged, I afterwards suggested to my wife, in sincere fidelity, that if she could and would supply twenty pounds, I would do the rest, and build thereon a nice cottage, and she should have the full power to do with it as to choosing her own tenants, and other matters in connection therewith, as long as she should live. My proposal was indignantly rejected, the motive was grieviously maligned and aspersed. I drove on heavily, as if my wheels were impeded. Nevertheless I borrowed £25 of a friend, and built a cottage, and let it to a tenant for a time, and the scene here changes.

An inquest was held at the Wherry Inn, on the 15th August, before Dr. Pearson, deputy-coroner, on the body of George Copsey Nelson who was drowned while bathing in Oulton Broad on Sunday, August 13th. There is something very striking in connection with this inquest. One of the jurors—Horace Martin—as now investigating a case of drowning, was himself drowned in the same piece of water before 12 months had passed away.

I have stated that £25 were borrowed from a friend. I never had anything to do in connection with loan societies. I remember to have heard an observation from our late County Court Judge: “I wonder,” said he, “the people can be so gulled; no sooner do you fail in paying the instalments, for which you have contracted, when down comes the office upon the sureties, and if the money is not forthcoming, your property is seized, and get out of it as you can, no matter how.”

I will note down here the speedy departure of a few of my female neighbours:—Mrs. James Knights died March 6th; Mrs. William Jacobs died March 27th; Mrs. John Drake died May 24th; Mrs. John Knights died June 2; Mrs. Nursey, “Boar” Inn, died July 10th; Mrs. Stevens died July 21st, aged 56. The above were all taken from us in 1871, with many others.

Another inquest was held at the “Wherry” Inn, on the 27th day of July, 1872, before Mr. F. B. Marriott, coroner, on the body of Horace Martin, who was accidently drowned by falling from his yacht, on the 25th. How soon the scene changes. A few days before all was anticipated—happiness and pleasure, the charms and attractions of the smooth lake, swiftly gliding along in his frail skiff, unconscious of the swiftness of time, and the sadness which not unfrequently terminates this mortal life, and then those precious opportunities which have been so often disregarded and wasted, are gone for ever. The above afflictive bereavement was too great to be supported by the widow. She also died during the following year. “Watch, for ye know not when the time is.”

The public auction of Mr. Townsend’s effects came off on the 2nd of January, 1873, that gentleman having died a month previous, November 30th. Mr. Thomas Goff, my old master of harvest, died three weeks later, December 20th.

Again the Coroner held an inquest at the same inn. This time it was on the body of Joseph Knights son of William Goldsmith, who was accidentally drowned the previous day from a boat on Oulton Broad.

By reason of some cross shooting, that have to a certain extent prevailed, since the cottage was erected, I felt resolved to dispose of the first built ones—the six by the road, with the little one at the back with the gardens, retaining the last purchase and cottage thereon, to be for the benefit of my wife, in the event of her being the survivor, she should not be left destitute. I submitted my burden first to the Lord, from whom I sought direction. I weighed and pondered over it again and again. Then I resolved to consult Mr. Chater, a solicitor at Lowestoft, as to the expediency of a sale, or an annuity, and which of the two would be most preferable. As it was not prudent to proceed in too much haste, that gentleman required a week for consideration of the matter, and then at the expiration of that time the same subject could be renewed. During the interval, I made known to my wife what was in contemplation. It was treated very tamely, as being viewed by one taking a casual glance from a distant standpoint, as if the near approach and investigation was far beneath the attention of one who could for the time being stand aloof, ready to command an immediate surrender, when, as then thought the proper time had arrived, or should do so. Eventually, at my next interview with Mr. Chater, proposals were made as to taking the property off my hands, which were by me accepted. And, although for the last few years, property of that description have risen in value in the neighbourhood, of that I am glad. Yet representations have gone forth which have tended to work prejudice and mischief. I am willing to bend to all these drawbacks, and at present have never had the least cause to regret, but am thankful. This, then, I take to be one of the roads opened to me to walk therein, and in so walking cannot I see the good hand of my God, for good, for tranquility, after the bustle and perplexity and cares of business in obtaining my daily bread; and permitted, also, at times to partake of that bread which endureth unto eternal life. Here, then, is the comfort in finding the passage to the grave not only smoother, but the mind more comforted, being drawn off from worldly cares and attractions, and, while so favoured, I can think of my fallen condition, my original depravity from which there is no deliverance, except by the free grace of the Father, and the imputed righteousness of a sacrificed Redeemer. This leads me to prize the bloodshedding, the obedience, and intercession of the Lord Jesus Christ, the second Adam, the Lord from heaven, who has come to repair the ruins of the first, and to insist that “except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

An inquest was held on Saturday, the 6th day of June, 1874, before F. B. Marriott, Esq., at the late residence of Charles Goldsmith, who had hanged himself in his barn the preceding day.

I am now thinking of relinquishing my business as a boot and shoemaker, but not in the manner that poor miserable creature has done, who is mentioned above. I never felt envious at that kind of prosperity with which he was encompassed, but am preserved and defended even from my youth up, so that I can boldly say the Lord is my helper, and He is my strong defence, and I trust will be so even to the end of my course, which cannot be far distant, but soberness and vigilance are still needful lest the enemy of our souls obtain advantage. I need not indulge in idleness—a good deal of labour is required to bring my newly acquired ground into cultivation. Here is the fence to be planted, a living fence inside, and a wain fence of nine inches outside, which space I have a right to claim. This, of which I am now speaking, is the westernmost fence, and is getting up nicely. Then there were also barrows full of dandelions to extirminate, and the grass to bury deeply; the potatoes to plant and mould up that they might be productive, and many other kinds of garden work to perform, all in keeping with a healthful and, to some extent, remunerative occupation: and thus the time glided on.

I have not much to record this year (1875) although many mercies have been accorded to me, a good state of health, and privileged to have intercourse with friends, some of them being at a great distance, and very probably shall behold them no more in the flesh, yet we are privileged to serve the same God, “one God and Father of all,” ever ready to hear petitions and grant requests. There has lately been some irregularities practised by two of the members of the Pakefield Friendly Society in my district. An enquiry was set on foot, the charge made against them was proved, and the consequence was that they were both expelled, and all monies heretofore paid were forfeited to the use of the Society.

Old neighbour Sarah Bales died on the 17th January, having survived her husband eight years. The good Lord grant us pardon for our offences, for we lift up our souls unto Thee. Cast us not away from Thy presence, take not Thy holy spirit from us, but direct our hearts into Thy love, and our feet in the way of thy testimonies. Whether we eat or drink, or whatsoever we do, may we do all to the glory of God, and walk as seeing Him that is invisible, and may God be the strength of my heart, the guide of my goings, and my portion for ever and ever, amen.

Another inquest was held by the same coroner, on the 15th May, 1875, on the body of James Paston, who was accidentally drowned in Oulton Dyke, from off his wherry, the preceding day. “Ye know not when the time is.”

There is no doubt but that every believer has his winter seasons of providential afflictions and of spiritual distress. Yet if the God of love is ever peculiarly near to his people for good, it is when His arrows stick fast in them, and when His hand presseth them sore, and at the time appointed their consolations return as the clear shining after rain, and theirs is as the sun when it goeth forth in its might, the flowers appear on the earth, the time of the singing of the birds has come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land—the peace of God.

The next inquest took place on Friday, the 20th day of August, at the “Lady of the Lake” Hotel, before Mr. William Ebden, deputy-coroner, on the body of Charles Everitt, aged eleven years, who was accidentally drowned by the capsizing of a sailing boat on Oulton Broad, on the afternoon of Wednesday, August 18th, 1875. How frail the youth, how short the date.

As I have but little to record as regards my own experience during this year (1876), I sit down and ponder over a paragraph of Dr. Dick’s Celestial Scenery. He says:—“There is no contrivance in the system more wonderful than the rings of Saturn. That these rings should be separated thirty thousand miles from the body of the planet, that they should, notwithstanding, accompany the planet in its revolution round the sun, preserving invariably the same distance from it, that they should revolve round the planet every ten hours at the immense velocity of more than a thousand miles in a minute, and that they should never fly off to the distant regions of space, nor fall down upon the planet, are circumstances which required adjustments far mere intricate and exquisite than we can conceive, and demonstrate that the Almighty Contriver of that stupendous Appendage to the globe of Saturn is ‘great in counsel and mighty in operation.’ Yet these adjustments, in whatever they may consist, have been completely effected. For this planet has been flying through the regions of space in a regular curve for thousands of years, and the system of its satellites and rings still remains as at its first creation.”

Mr. George Cox, the last of my wife’s uncles, died at Lowestoft on the 9th day of April, 1877, aged 71 years, having survived his wife eleven years and five months: “they desired a better country.” The memory of the mother and father is sweet to surviving children, and we will tread softly on their graves. The first that was called away experienced severe affliction for many years, but patiently endured to the end of her course. “If ye endure chastening God dealeth with you as with sons.”—_Hebrews_ xii, 7.

Of the father, it might be said when the appointed time had arrived, the summons was executed more speedily. After only three days severe illness, although favoured with consciousness even to the last. On the morning of that day, April 9th, he made this observation to his daughter. “My dear I’m going to leave you, but Christ will be with you.” During the day a dear friend came in, and in conversation suggested, “Mr. Cox the pearly gates are ajar for you,” he smilingly replied, “not ajar, they stand wide open”; then singing “There are Angels hovering round,” and “Rock of Ages cleft for me” _for me_. Again he said to his beloved daughter, “My dear this is victory over death: I am passing over the river dry shod, my end is peace, Jesus hath wiped away all tears.” Then urging all to love Jesus and meet him in heaven, he requested all present to kneel in earnest and humble prayer around his bed, and afterwards raising his hands calmly replied “_I am coming_, _I am coming_,” and his happy spirit took its flight to be for ever with the Lord. “Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

Charles Flaxman, another of my old neighbours, died at Lowestoft on the above date, April 9th, 1877. And also yet another taken in the same week, Mrs. Sarah Morris (late Suggate,) fell down the stairs in her house, and was afterwards found quite dead. But the most joyous testimony is, they all died in the faith, and through that grace having obtained a good report, have now entered into possession of what they here held in reversion, a promise of the life to come. The children of God have sometimes comfortable anticipations of the glory that shall be revealed when faith pierces within the veil, whither Jesus our forerunner is gone before, and as in the language of the spies of old, “We have seen the land and behold it is very good, when shall we go up and take possession.” “When shall we get through the desert.”

Mr. John Knights, of whom I had bought my piece of land, died December 2nd, 1877.

When shall we receive the end of our faith, even the full salvation of our souls? How long, O Lord, holy and true? why tarry the wheels of thy chariot? return unto thy rest, O my soul, the Lord deals bountifully.

Inquest held at the “Lady of the Lake” Inn, on the body of Emily Charlotte, daughter of William Scarll, aged 5 years, who was mortally injured by the wheel of a cart passing over her body, on the 12th of August, 1878, during a sharp thunderstorm, she died on the 18th, and the inquest was held on the 20th, before C. W. Chaston, Esq., coroner. The parents are sorrowful.

“When virtuous sorrow clouds the face,
And tears bedim the eye;
The soul is led to solemn thought,
And wafted to the sky.”

The new board school was opened May 27th of this year, Mr. Gray, master.

James Knights, the elder, died the latter end of May. His son John died on the 2nd of August, aged 56 years; he had been for many weeks afflicted. My good old neighbour, Mrs. Phebe Adams, died at Yarmouth, at the house of her younger son Alfred, on the 16th of October, aged 86 years (this was the fortieth anniversary of my marriage). She was brought to Oulton and laid beside her husband who had died eight years earlier. Mr. Woolterton (called Dr.) had resided here about twenty years, and departed this life on the 17th of October, aged 32 years, and was buried at Oulton. Two more of my neighbours are called away: David Bullen, on the 15th of August, 1879, aged 82 years, after a long affliction; and also Mrs. High, on the 21st of August, also after years of suffering, aged 78 years. “Thou turnest man to destruction, again thou sayest come again ye children of men.”

During the autumn of the past year Mr. Robertson and his tenant built sheds and piggeries adjoining my dwelling. I stated my disapproval thereof, and requested that a course of bricks should be put up, as nothing short of that would keep me quiet, as rats from his side had found their way under the floor of my bedroom. He did not meet my views, and I thereupon told Mr. Robertson I should take down my wall and it would be placed twenty-one inches from his line of boundary; and so it came to pass for on the 29th of April, 1879, I proceeded to take down the wall and built another more substantial, and now the rats are kept back from troubling on my side, and having raised my roof and made chambers over, I have not regretted the inflexibility of my neighbour, for although he has fixed boarding to intercept my view on that side, yet there is plenty of light and air from the other, and the additional conveniences more than compensate for the outlay, and thus we see working for good many things that at a first glance wears a very unfavourable aspect. My dear wife has fallen into a state of affliction, and is being attended by Mr. Smith, of Carlton. She is able to get about, but almost shattered by a dreadful wrecking cough, her niece came to attend upon her, but it soon became evident that her end was approaching as the medicines and applications had but little effect. Early on Sunday morning the 3rd of August, a dreadful thunderstorm came on; being greatly alarmed I sprang up in sleep and asked the poor sufferer what was it that had fallen down, she replied that nothing had fallen but that it was a sharp tempest. It proved to be indeed severe, the Church at Wells, in Norfolk, was struck and wrecked at the same time. She lived exactly four weeks after that event, lingering on until the morning of Sunday, the 31st of August, at half-past four o’clock, when she breathed her last, having been married forty years and ten months, twenty-seven years of which she had been mistress of the village school, which office she relinquished when the newly-established board school came into operation, in May of the preceding year. Another of my neighbours, Hannah Patrick, died suddenly two days after my wife, her husband, William, surviving her about six months, when he also died and was brought from London and buried. On the 6th of January, 1880, two other of my aged neighbours were called away: Richard Rowe, many years station master here, and John Pinkney who lived and died near the church, where his body now rests. Another visitation befel the town of Wells, a terrible gale occurred on the 29th of October, the lifeboat had gone off to the attempted rescue of a vessel in distress, that boat capsized and nearly all its occupants were drowned, beside a great many others who were cut off by the violence of the storm, among the latter was one whom we called Captain Hiles, whom I had many times met in the house of prayer, when he was ashore, and on the last Sabbath of his life was engaged in exhorting sinners and warning them to fly to Jesus for pardon and salvation.

The few weeks with which the past year closed were remarkably mild, and sometimes pleasant gentleness marked the passing year. The year 1881 was ushered in mild, and we were beginning to think that the time for sharp weather was getting past for the season, when lo! on the 18th of January, a violent gale from the east with almost blinding snow set in during the evening, the intensity of the frost was almost unparalleled, almost to freeze the blood in the veins of those who were exposed to its fury. Deplorable was the destruction and loss of life on the Eastern coast; at Yarmouth the lifeboat was capsized, and nearly all her brave men drowned, together with a shipwrecked sailor whom they had taken off from a stranded vessel. The visitation will be long and sorrowfully remembered by the inhabitants of Yarmouth and its vicinity. Before the month had passed away and while many embankments of snow continued even after the thaw had set in, another of my neighbours, George Bullen, the eldest son of David, is called to his rest, on the 26th of January. He had been many months afflicted, and during his long illness many prayers were offered to the Lord on his behalf, that he might obtain pardon and peace and lively hope through our Lord Jesus Christ, which we believe was realized.

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.”