Sunday, December 2 1759

My wife, self and servant at church in the morning, the text in Matthew 25:21: “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord,” from which words we had an extreme good sermon.

After churchtime I rode over to Little Horsted to see my uncle Hill, where I dined in company with my uncle, cousin Charles and Molly, and the Rev Mr Fullthorpe, on a leg of mutton boiled, a shoulder roasted, a currant pond pudding and turnips (my family at home dining on the remains of Friday’s dinner). I came home about 6:20, thank God very sober. Rec’d of my cousin Charles 13/4 in full. Gave their servant 6d. In the evening read 2 of Tillotson’s sermons.

Saturday, December 1 1759

Mr John Breeden of Pevensey called on me and in part dined with me… I gave him a note for him to take of Mr William Margesson about £20, he being a-going for London… In the forenoon walked down to Halland; otherwise at home all day. Paid Mr Jeremiah French (by his son John) in goods and cash 2/5¾ in full for 1 pig received by him today weighing 8¾ lbs at 3½d per pound.

Thursday, November 29 1759

This being the day appointed by his Majesty for a general thanksgiving to God for vouchsafing such signal successes to his Majesty’s arms both by sea and land, particularly by the defeat of the French in Canada and the taking of Quebec; and for most seasonably granting to us at this time an uncommonly plentiful harvest, my wife, self and servant at church in the morning. The text in the 23rd verse of the 50th Psalm: “Whose offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God,” from which words we had in my opinion a very excellent sermon.

During churchtime my brother William came to see me and dined with me on a light pudding, some broiled red herrings, turnips and potatoes. In the afternoon my wife walked down to Whyly to pay Mrs French a visit (there being no service appointed for the afternoon). My brother stayed with us till 7 o’clock, when I went down to Mr French’s. My wife and I spent the evening there, and also supped there on some rice milk, part of a cold leg of mutton and apple pie. We played at brag an hour or two in the evening; my wife and I won 14d. We came home about 10:20, and thank God as sober as I went from home. Paid John Streeter 9d for rabbit bought of him today.

Sunday, November 25 1759

My wife, self and servant at church in the morning… Charles Vine and Ann Fuller asked their last time. We had a proclamation read for a day of general thanksgiving to Almighty God for his manifold mercies vouchsafe to this our happy isle (on the 29th of this instant).

We dined on the remains of Friday’s dinner, with a raisin suet pudding and potatoes. Myself, wife and servant at church in the afternoon… Rec’d of John Cayley (by the payment of his wife) in cash 2.7.6 which I am to send to Mr James Burfield of Steyning, It being in full for 1 year’s rent due at St Michael last for that part of the house in which the wife of William Burrage lives. In the evening Thomas Davy and Mr Thornton at our house, to whom I read two of Tillotson’s sermons. At home all day, except being at church.