who ever finds this booke (if lost) I pray be sparinge in looking into it, & send it to Robte Woodford at [crossed out: Northton] Northampton.

20° Augusti. 1637 Sab.[bath]

I prayed alone and I and my deare wife prayed in private this morninge to beseech the Lord for his blessinge uppon the sacrament of Baptisme to our poore child this day that the inward grace might goe a longe with the outward signe &, and that the Lord would make it an Instrument of some service to him in his Church in time to come and a Comfort to us the parents and surely the Lord hath heard us in m[er]cye we prayed not to be hindred in our sanctificacon of his Sabath this day & to order Conveniences &. Mr ffisherFootnote ¹ preached in the morninge, but my hart somewhat heavy Lord p[ar]don my dulnes.

Mr Ball preached in the afternoone, & had sweet p[ro]fitable doctrine about the p[ro]vidence of God, & I was much affected I blesse the Lord; I was a little troubled when I went to church about the name of the Child havinge forgotten to leave word that the name should be John, but I desired to wayt

wayt on god in that so my mother being one of the witnesses said Rob but Mr ReadingeFootnote ² named it John; the name by which I and my wife used to call it before it was borne.

21° Aug. 1637

here was some difference betweene my mother wife and I about sendinge some sugar plums to Old. But Lord I pray thee make us very Carefull & wise for time to come as thou hast in m[er]cye given us speciall love one to another so I humbly pray thee give us discretion, & power over every passion, that no jarre may at any time come at all to interrupt that true affection betweene us and Lord I pray thee give my deare wife harty affection to my poore mother, & wisdome in her Cariage & expressions not at all

all to [crossed out: doubt of] give her occasion to doubt of it.

Mr ffletcherFootnote ³ & his wife lay in the towne tonight at the Swan.Footnote ⁴

22° Aug.

a meetinge to day in the towne about offices Mr MoulshoesFootnote ⁵ I thinke & Mr KirkhamsFootnote ⁶ our Journey to Mr ffreemansFootnote ⁷ to day hindred by Mr ffletchers beinge in towne. This eveninge came to towne an acquaintance of mine Mr Worsley a young man Clerke to Chandlers company in London & doth much incourage me to seeke the Reversion of the Clerkship of Weavers hall, whereof my father is now Master so I have written, Lord direct & order every thinge for the best for the Lords sake I desire to wayt uppon thee,

23° Aug.1637

we prayed & my mother & I and hattonFootnote ⁸ went towards Cranford in the morninge hopinge to returne that night when we had seene good Mr freeman there; but we dyned at Mr Pearnes at Wilby as we went blessed be thy name oh Lord for the Comforts of him & other Christians and we came to Cranford about 2 a clock where we found that holy man Mr ffreeman weake in his bed, & heard how fruitfull & Cheerfull he had beene all his sicknesse, & then had much precious & comfortable discourse but complained that his body was become a very unfit organ for his soule to worke in he reioyced much to see us; and seemed no whit afrayd of death but desired to be dissolved and to be with the Lord xt. I went to my UncklesFootnote ⁹ at night to Lodge there & Mr SpencerFootnote ¹⁰ came up to me there. I trust the strangeness

******

betweene my Uncle and us is somewhat cured. Lord increase Christian amity more & more for the Lords sake. Amen.

24° Aug. 1637 [St] Barthol.[omew's] day.

after I had prayed in private for myselfe & mine & and for poore Mr ffreeman I went [crossed out: dow] downe to see him, he was Cheerfull and said now he praysed god he had got on the yoake of Christ and that now [crossed out: there were] he had but a step to heaven and desired us to helpe lift him up by our prayers, & a little before he dyed, he prayed god be with us all, and prayed when we could not well understand his words, and about 10 of the clock in the morninge he sweetly slept in the Lord without makinge any noyse onely ceased to breath; but, about an houre before he dyed I tooke leave of him, thinking to have gone along presently & he thanked me & desired to be remembered to my wife and prayed the Lord to blesse us, oh Lord in m[er]cye make good this blessinge & prayer of

of thy servant uppon me and mine for the Lords sake Amen.

my mother Closed his eyes at his dep[ar]ture I came away with hatton after dinner, & came home very safe (though wett) I blesse the Lord. Much unseasonable rayne & wet Lord looke uppon us in m[er]cye. I found my wife & children well at home I blesse the Lord, & Johns mouth somewhat amended. The sicknes very hot at RingsteadFootnote ¹¹ still Lord send them helpe & Cure for the Lords sake. Mr ChadwickFootnote ¹² marryed to day.

25 Aug. 1637

I went to James ffryersFootnote ¹³ to eate some best beefe in the morninge beinge invited, but I liked not beinge in the company & stayed not longe & went downe to my Masters where they invited me to dinner & I dyned there with Mr JohnsonFootnote ¹⁴ &. There is great pr[e]paracons making for the Justice seate, oh Lord set the kingdome in a

a right and blessed frame, that it may goe well with thy Church & our Comon wealth even for the Lords sake Amen. I heare Mr BurtonFootnote ¹⁵ is cruelly used by his Jaylor, Lord relieve & looke uppon them in m[er]cye for the Lords sake Amen. Mr ffreemans man came for the things the wine gowne &.Footnote ¹⁶ I was graciously affected in publiq & private prayer (I blesse the Lord) this night for my deare wife 2 children & the afflicted church.

26° Aug. 1637

I prayed and went towards Cranford to the burial of good Mr ffreeman; and in the way I put up many prayers for increasinge grace in me & my deare wife, I prayed for my sweete Children; for releife to the poore prisoners for we heare report how hardly Mr Burton is handled at Lancaster & the Lord vouchsafed to heare

heare my poore peticons; when I came to Cranford I there found Mr Pearne & diverse others Christians, Mr LambFootnote ¹⁷ the minister of the p[ar]ish preached at the fun[er]all out of the p[ro]phet.

afterward my mother & I came home and were here in due time & safe blessed be god Mr Pearne came alonge with us about 4 mile of the way & ffr[ancis] ffreeman;Footnote ¹⁸ & Mr Pearne related to us his opposicon of goodnesse before the Lord pleased to worke, & how the Lord wrought uppon him, & how god wrought in Katherin hallFootnote ¹⁹ & which did much affect me I blesse the Lord, oh Lord how mighty is thy doctrine accompanied wth thy sp[iri]t and what wonders doth it worke, such changes were never made by philosophy or humane [comman]damments Thy spirit alone can convince the world of sinne of righteousness & Judgem[en]t oh Lord I blesse thee for that mans conversion whom thou hast wonderfully quallifyed & made an Instrument of so much good, Lord blesse his ministery still keepe open his mouth notwithstandinge all the power of the adversary hold him as a starre in thy hand, and blesse him

him to my family still as thou hast done, & Rayse up more Champions for thee, even great Apolloes that may be mighty in the scriptures, and shew thy selfe wonderfull in workinge, that this Kingdome may be still the place of thy delight, & that thine ordinances may still flourish amongst us, that we may suck & be satisfied with the breasts of Consolation; for the Lords sake

my mother and I invited to Mr John Readings to dinner.

27° Aug. 1637 Sab.[bath]

I prayed and went to church, where Mr TruemanFootnote ²⁰ preached this morninge, who dealt faythfully and boldly (out of [crossed out: 1] 6 deut[eronomy] 4 heare oh Israel &) against Idolatry & sup[er]stition blessed be thy name oh Lord, I beseech thee defend him, and incourage him in thy way against all opposition. Mr Ball had p[ro]fitable doctrine about gods p[ro]vidence in the afternoone; my wife is ill in her breast & otherwise, oh Lord I desire to wayt uppon thee I beseech thee heale her, & graunt she may bringe up the poore infant with

with comfort, & graunt that it may thrive & p[ro]sper; I beseech thee shew me thy glory, & be good to me & mine every way especially spiritually for the Lords sake the breife for Cranford & Nassington ChurchesFootnote ²¹ read this afternoone.

Oh Lord I pray thee pr[e]vent that the sup[er]stitious wretchFootnote ²² lately come hether may not doe hurt for the Lords sake.

I praid after in private and did beseech the Lord for my poore wife who was very ill wth her breasts & an ague and did intreate that the Lord would please to recover my poore wife, and that it might be a testimony of his m[er]cy to me for time to come, and I did pray that the Lord would please to inable me for reciting the Record tomorrow for scandalous words vile & filthy which I know I was utterly unable for [crossed out: illegible letter] about Brigs his wife of Kingsthorpe; and I had gracious answer from the Lord in prayer blessed be thy name oh Lord.

28° Aug. 1637

I prayd & went to the Court after 8 a clock and I found the answere of my poore prayers for my wife was much better I blesse the Lord, & very cheerfull; and when I was about to read the Record I found my selfe very unable for it, but I remembred that I was called to it & I trusted the Lord would helpe me so the Lord in m[er]cy did uphold my hart that I went on with it without any trouble, blessed be thy name oh Lord, it is not in vayne to depend uppon thee, thou art my god in thee will I trust forever and ever our Court was not ended till almost 8 a clock at night.

Mr Attourney our RecorderFootnote ²³ dr Clerke & were there in the morninge. I dyned with my mother at Mr RushworthsFootnote ²⁴ & with Mr Trueman, at venison pasty I blesse the Lord.

29° Aug. 1637

I prayed and went to speake with Mr dan readingeFootnote ²⁵ about direccon for a s[ub]p[o]ena ad testificand[um] in the Sess[ions] p[ro] hensman, 6° September next & with Mr danby.Footnote ²⁶ I spoke after with Mr Stephen Chapman the ministerFootnote ²⁷ who sent for me to the hyndFootnote ²⁸ whom I did desire to sift because I had heard well of but not from p[e]rfect intelligence but his hast[e] beinge much I am not yet satisfyed but I hope very well oh Lord blesse him & increase grace in his soule for time to come for the Lords sake Amen.

I went after & payd Mr PerkinsFootnote ²⁹ for the wine at the Baptizinge & for Mr ffreemans fun[er]all, when I came home I find my deare Child John very ill & in my apprehens[ion] not like to Live, but Lord I know thy m[er]cye & thy power, I pray thee delight to shew m[er]cye unto me, & if it be thy will continue him unto us so that he may

hereafter bringe glory unto thy name & comfort to us the parents, & graunt that we may walke worthy such a m[er]cy for the Lords sake Amen. Oh Lord I pray thee graunt that our harts may sit loose from what ever we possesse, that thou alone mayest dwell in our soules, & that we may uppon all occasions be willinge to forgoe, & leave the comfort of the creature & labour to find more in thee the Creator for the Lords sake Amen. I received a letter from Mr GregFootnote ³⁰ for money Lord enable me to pay my debts for the Lords sake Amen. I was at the GeorgeFootnote ³¹ with Adrian GarnerFootnote ³² an apothecary in Nottingham, where we use to Lye in the Circuite, and I am glad to understand by him that Mr Coles [sic]Footnote ³³ is still at Nottingham, & hath the liberty of his ministry

30° Aug. 1637

my child still as it was, asleepe, & I heare whisp[er]inge as if it was not like to live

but I have besought the Lord in whose hand alone is our breath, still to continue him to us if it be his will, and make it a comfort to us & an Instrument of his glory in time to come, and I have p[ro]missed that by the Lords helpe it shall be a further ingagement to me to walke with the Lord; I shall receave him againe as given a new. oh Lord I desire to submit to thy good p[ro]vidence in all thy wayes. Lord heare & helpe for the Lords sake Amen. I pray diverse times for my poore child.

31° Augusti. 1637

My poore child asleep I thinke till this morninge (some few small wakeninge intervalls excepted) but now it is awaked & hath sucked Mrs Rushworth this morninge blessed be god. Oh Lord how great is thy strength & power thou art god alone & there is none beside thee Blessed be thy name

for the manifestacon of thy strength & Love unto us in this thinge, oh Lord I pray thee still in m[er]cy Continue unto us o[u]r Children, and make them blessed Comforts unto us & instruments of thy glory in due time, & keepe our affections from exorbitancy that we may love them in thee & for thee, for the Lords sake Amen.

There is a gen[er]all visitacon of Churches in this diocesseFootnote ³⁴ by some of the worser sorte of divines & by [ap]p[ar]iters & to observe the standinge of the tables whether altarwise or not & to set them so; oh Lord looke uppon us in m[er]cy it is an evill time & the prudent hold their peace, who so dep[ar]ts from evill maketh himselfe a prey,Footnote ³⁵ oh Lord send helpe from heaven for the Lords sake The house for the Justice seate here goes up apaceFootnote ³⁶ the time appoynted is 18° Sept next oh Lord order all things for the best for the Lords sake Amen.

1° 7br. 1637

Litle John sucks well blessed be the Lord, and is

is mendinge thanks be to god. my wife troubled with sore & tender breasts. Oh Lord I beseech thee heale them and make her a Joyfull mother, and graunt that both of us in the sense of thy m[er]cyes may have our harts lifted up to thee in prayses for the Lords sake Amen. My cousin dexterFootnote ³⁷ was here & tells me that Mr dr ClarkeFootnote ³⁸ desires to speak with me to morowe about their busines of the Charitab[le] Uses.

2° 7br. 1637

poore Mr NewtonFootnote ³⁹ was taken by a pursu[i]vant out of the high Commission, & made to pay about 40s presently, & is to appeare the next tearme, oh Lord looke downe from heaven & see the violence & the wrong that is offered to thine, & rescue them out of the paw of the Lyon for the Lords sake Amen when I went to dr Clarke there I found poore Mr Trueman with him & Mr BurcotFootnote ⁴⁰ his sonne

sonne in law, like a lamb betweene 2 wolves, so since I understand by him that they threaten him that he is like to loose his life for the sermon the good & p[ro]fitable sermon which he preached here against Idolatry the last Sabbath day. Oh Lord defend him & susteyne him for the Lords sake I heare from London to day that the bishop of LincolneFootnote ⁴¹ is like to loose his head the next tearme, & its said Mr Prinne is or shall be sent for to the next tearme to dye Oh Lord worke wonderfully for thy people for the Lords sake Amen.

I pray to be pr[e]pared for the sacrament.

3 ° Sept. 1637 Sab.[bath] sacr.[ament]Footnote ⁴²

Mr Ball preached very p[ro]fitably this morninge blessed be the Lord; good affections I blesse the Lord especially at the sacram[en]t; Mr ffarrenFootnote ⁴³ & Mr Rushworth had turned the Table East & west blessed be thy name oh

oh Lord for their Courage. Mr Wm Martin preached in the afternoone nothinge so p[ro]fitably oh Lord keepe him from backslidinge, Amen. he bowes at the name of Jesus & stands up at gloria patriFootnote ⁴⁴ heu quantum mutatus ab illo.Footnote ⁴⁵

My wife Churched this morninge here at home, Mrs CrickFootnote ⁴⁶ William Spicer & uxFootnote ⁴⁷ Goodman LoeFootnote ⁴⁸ & ux dined with us to day.

Mr Truemans suspencon published in our church to day.

4° Sept. 1637

Court to day & we had here at dinner Mr Rushworth & ux Mr ffisher of the Gaole & ux, Mr Rogers,Footnote ⁴⁹ I was much affected with the story of CrowFootnote ⁵⁰ (that so carefully kept his new testam[en]t in his p[er]ills) in the booke of Acts & mon.[uments] related by Mr Rogers, blessed be thy name oh Lord for the comfort of good freinds thou art please to afford us. My M[aste]r went this day towards London.

I was spoken to by my M[aste]r on Satterday last to solicite the busines of the fforestFootnote ⁵¹ for the gentry of the Country.

I make doubt what to doe oh Lord direct & order every thinge for the best for the Lords sake Amen.

5° Sept. 1637

I prayed and went [crossed out: this morninge] to Sr xxofer Yelvertons,Footnote ⁵² they had almost dyned when I came, but I had very lovinge intertaynement from my Lady Mrs Allen Mr WattsFootnote ⁵³ & Blessed be thy name oh Lord for all thy m[er]cys Sr xxofer was from home with whom I went to speake about the forest busines, but I met there with Mr EglestonFootnote ⁵⁴ & Mr Pentlow.Footnote ⁵⁵

Mr MaiorFootnote ⁵⁶ Mrs Maioresse & my M[ist]r[es]s supped here to night wth the Cost they sent I pray to be enabled for the Sessions & Gaole d[e]l[iv]ery to morowe.

6° Sept. 1637

I prayed in private & with my family & went to the Sessions,Footnote ⁵⁷ where ffillFootnote ⁵⁸ was convicted of BaretryFootnote ⁵⁹ & subornacon to periury & where many other foule offences were punished Blessed be thy name oh Lord for good & wholsome Lawes, Lord establish & increase them for the Lords sake. The Lord graciously enabled me this day, Ramsden the sup[er]stitious fellow was indicted for night walkinge & p[rese]nted for an affray, & beinge 2ceFootnote ⁶⁰ drunke, oh Lord convert him if it be thy will or remove him from this towne for the Lords sake Amen.

7° Sept.

I prayed & went to keepe Grafton [Regis] Court, & there I found Mr BagshawFootnote ⁶¹ with whom I had some discourse about

about the fforest busines; I went after Court to my Lady CranesFootnote ⁶² to remember Mr BryanFootnote ⁶³ & Mrs Bryan to her where I met wth Mr BunianFootnote ⁶⁴ as I walked in the hall there I thought uppon Sr ffrancis Crane that was gone who had heaped up treasures, that could not keepe him from death Non domus & fundus non aeris acervus &Footnote ⁶⁵ oh Lord graunt me thy favor which is better then life, outward things cannot secure from the evils of this life & much lesse helpe after death.

I am often thinkinge if the Lord would so bringe it about to bestowe uppon me the Clerkship of the peace, what a great temp[or]all m[er]cye it would be to me & how convenient for me, but I desire to submit my will to the Lords & not at all to Covet any thinge that is my neighbors, oh Lord I beseech thee add unto my outward estate if it be thy will as thou hast in wonderfull m[er]cye added to my family & sanctify every m[er]cye to me thy poore servant for the Lords sake Amen. I was angry at the men in the morninge that could not catch my horse Lord p[ar]don it &

adhucFootnote ⁶⁶ 7° Sept. 1637

heale this corrupcon in me for the Lords sake. This day at Grafton [Regis] I made an assumpsitFootnote ⁶⁷ betweene Mr Butler & BuncherFootnote ⁶⁸ who have referred their Controversy to Sr Miles ffletwodeFootnote ⁶⁹ & Mr Bagshawe, & have respectively d[e]l[ive]r[e]d each to other 6d & in conse[centi] indeFootnote ⁷⁰ have p[ro]missed to pay 100li if either of them fayle to p[er]forme their award on this p[oin]te, so as the award be made & published in writinge before All hallow day next.

Ramsden was here with Mr NealeFootnote ⁷¹ to know the p[rese]ntm[en]ts.

8° Sept. a lady dayFootnote ⁷² fare here to day

we receaved a letter that my father will be here to morrow, whereof we are very glad;

I pray dayly for my deare wife & sweete Children, & family Lord blesse us one unto another for the Lords sake Amen.

I have sent to my mother to come over to morrow

9° Sept. 1637

my father came hether to day safe blessed be god Mr Welsh came along with him.

oh Lord graunt me much Comfort in my father & mothers & they in me for the Lords sake Amen. I sold some maslinFootnote ⁷³ to day that came from Old Corne is very deare, Lord p[ar]don o[u]r sinnes & worke a gen[er]all refermacon that thy m[er]cyes may flow downe in greater abundance. Poore Nel is in great distresse in travell I prayed for her, my wife greatly troubled to heare of her misery & danger.

10° Sept. Sab.[bath]

Mr Newton preached in the morninge & Mr Wm Martin in the afternoone, Lord give me to p[ro]ffit by thine ordinances for the Lords sake Mr RushtonsFootnote ⁷⁴ 2d sonne henry xh[riste]ned to day

11° Sept. 1637

I rose early this morninge & prayed and had a short grudginge of direfull melancholly oh Lord heale me of it I pray thee, & worke my hart to true thankfullnes for the great ease thou hast given me already for the Lords sake.

My wives breasts are not well & the Child is hardly brought to suck good Lord I pray thee give us the blessinge of the breast as thou hast given us of the womb for the Lords sake Amen.

o[u]r 6 bells are gone to Leic[ester] to be new castFootnote ⁷⁵

Nurse Woodnot went away.

12° Sept

We prayed & my father & mother tooke Leave to goe to London so I went with them 2 or 3 miles, & when I came back p[rese]ntly after we were much affrighted for in dressinge of the Child John found a deepe hole in the throate of it, which came we supposed by the carelessness of the Nurse

Nurse, my wife was much troubled & the thinge did much affect me but we desired both to quiet o[u]rselves in the Lord, for the Lord his p[ro]vidence is over all, & it is his m[er]cy it was now espied hopinge that it is not yet mortall. after Mr SpicerFootnote ⁷⁶ had bene here & the throat was dressed he tooke the breast p[rese]ntly though before he had bene very averse to it, blessed be thy name oh Lord for all thy goodness.

graciously affected in prayer with my wife but especially in private alone, where the Lord did graciously answere me in my poore requests, and the Lord will surely blesse me, not for my merits (which are no better then sinne), but for his m[er]cyes sake I prayed for increase of grace in me & my deare wife, for my poore mother, for the sweete children the Lord hath given me for gods gracious p[ro]vidence towards me to add to my outward estate & I was much affected in prayer for the Kings Ma[jes]tye for his Convercon, to inlighten his eyes

to stirre him up to drive away the wicked from the throne, & to make choice of such as will be faythfull. Oh Lord worke mightily for the Lords sake.

we began to night to pray our eveninge prayer in the family before supper, wch I find to be best (unlesse some waighty occasion forbid) because freest from drowsiness &

13° Sept. 1637

I am goeinge out this morninge to consult with Captayne BernardFootnote ⁷⁷ about the forest business oh Lord direct us in it let every thinge be done for the best, give me grace & favor in the eyes of the gentry of the Country & blesse me in my undertakinge for the Lords sake Amen.

I was afterwards with him from whom I find respect & incouragem[en]t to goe on I blesse the Lord.

I was after with Mr BullivantFootnote ⁷⁸ & Mrs Bullivant who lyes in.

14° Sept. 1637

I prayd, & went after to some gentlemen of the Country at the Swan who met there about the busines in hand, where Mr CookeFootnote ⁷⁹ received about 20li more, so he hath p[ro]mised to deliver the Records.

there were Sr xxoferFootnote ⁸⁰ Yelverton, Sr Richard SamwellFootnote ⁸¹ Mr CravenFootnote ⁸² Mr NicollsFootnote ⁸³ Captain Bernard & Mr Welch & his wife were in the towne & here tonight in the eveninge.

15° Sept.

Mr TanfeildFootnote ⁸⁴ came to towne to day, & Mr PalmerFootnote ⁸⁵ & Mr Bagshaw were here before who are of Counsell for the Country in the great business about the new boundsFootnote ⁸⁶ of the forest.

Mr ChamberlayneFootnote ⁸⁷ here who it seemes is solicitor for Mr KnightleyFootnote ⁸⁸ & some other gentlemen.

16° Sept

our Counsell all beinge 6 vizt Mr Tanfeild Mr Bryan Mr Bagshaw Mr WhitwickFootnote ⁸⁹ Mr

Geoffry Palmer & Mr Adams,Footnote ⁹⁰ who are of Counsell for the Country have met together to Consult about the busines I rec[eive]d 5li from Sr John hanburyFootnote ⁹¹ & 50li from Sr Anthony haslewood,Footnote ⁹² & 3li I rec[eive]d before from Mr Bernard

I gave 2 peeces to night to Mr Palm[er]

My Lord of Holland who is Lord Cheife Justice in Eyre, & my Lord ffinch Chief justice of the Comon pleas Judge Jones Baron Trevor Justice Crawley & Judge Bridgman cheife Justice of the County Palatine of Chester are all come to towne, & with them of Counsell for the Kinge Sargeant Whitfeild & the Kings solicitor LitletonFootnote ⁹³

I was a little troubled to see how much Mr Chamberlayne tooke uppon him in the busines & seemed to slight me much if not exclude me, but I desired to looke onely to the Lord; And I reioyced much

much and praysed the Lord with much sensiblenes & affection that he had given us the lib[er]ty of his blessed Sabath, to rest from our labours & to refresh our selves in holy Converse with him in the blessed ordinances; & I prayd to be pr[e]pared for it & for them he should send to speake unto us in his name,

I went with Mr MaiorFootnote ⁹⁴ & to attend the Lord of Holland & who Lyes at the Lady harvyes,Footnote ⁹⁵

17° Sept Sab.[bath] 1637 Sab.[bath]Footnote ⁹⁶

I praied to be pr[e]pared for gods ordinances this day

One Mr hodgesFootnote ⁹⁷ preached in the morninge before my Lord of Holland & the Judges. very well, & my hart was affected I blesse the Lord

Mr hill worthy Mr hillFootnote ⁹⁸ preached in the afternoone Lord make thy word effectuall uppon us all

graciously enlarged in family dutyes I blesse the Lord.

18° Sept. 1637

no Court to day by reason of the Justice seate.

I pray to be enabled for what is required of me in attendinge the Justice seate for the Country about the bounds of the forests.

I stayed at Mr Cricks all the morninge about sortinge the Records but I heare that Justice ffinchFootnote ⁹⁹ in his charge hath much anticipated us in o[u]r evidence, by declaringe what hath bene allreadye adiudged in this IterFootnote ¹⁰⁰ in other places which he hath warned the Councell to take notice of:

I went thither in the afternoone, where they set very great fines uppon small offences in the forests.Footnote ¹⁰¹ the time for the bounds is appointed on Wednesday morninge.

when men were fined for cuttinge downe maypoles in the forests,Footnote ¹⁰² it was told them by [crossed out: some] one on the Kings p[ar]t that they were not fined for havinge maypoles but for cuttinge them downe in

the forest.

19° Sept. 1637

many great fines imposed againe to day. [crossed out: I received from Sr John hanbury & Sr Anthon[y] haslewood 10li to lay out in the busines] I gave Mr Palmer 2li for a fee. Mr Tanfeild would not take any thinge.

20. Sept

I feed Mr Bagshawe Mr Adams Mr Whitwick Mr Bryan 2li a peece.

It was desired by o[u]r councell to have time till the afternoone & then till next morninge diverse gents were with the counsell at night, & Sr xxoferFootnote ¹⁰³ Yelverton gave me 20s for my paynes.

21° Sept

our counsell went on a while, but p[rese]ntly Mr Whitwick made a submission in the behalfe of the country, which was not well liked on the counetryes p[ar]te, it was done so lengthy who would have had a submiss[ion] wth p[ro]testacon.Footnote ¹⁰⁴

I gave Mr Chamberlaines man 12s p[ro] br[ev]iat[e]s & 2li 8s to Mr Crick for the councells dyet &

22° Sept.

The Justice seate continues still but not in such vigor now the bounds are gayned.Footnote ¹⁰⁵

*****

23° Sept. 1637

The Lord of holland & the Judges are gone out of towne Its s[ai]d the Lord of holland is gone into the forest to surveigh & plot out a R[e]d deere p[ar]ke to morow.

24° Sept. Sab.[bath]

Mr Newton & Mr Ball did both very p[ro]fitably to day blessed be god.

somewh[a]t enlarged in duty this day I prayse the Lord

25° Sept.

Court adiourned to day till Thursday.

26. Sept.

I would give some present to new Mr MaiorFootnote ¹⁰⁶ but want money. Lord I pray thee increase my estate in thy due time for the Lords sake Amen.

27° Sept.

great pr[e]paracon at Mr Maiors for the feastFootnote ¹⁰⁷

28° Sept.

Court here to day I got some money I prayse the Lord.

29° Sept.

I pray to be inabled to give the oathFootnote ¹⁰⁸ & Mr Ball

preached in the morninge before the oath then Mr RecorderFootnote ¹⁰⁹ gave the new maior a charge and the Lord enabled me to doe my p[ar]te I blesse his name great feasting at the Maiors to day, Mr Collis Maior Mr B[enoni] Coldw[e]ll & John Spicer Bayleifs.Footnote ¹¹⁰

30 Sept.1637 there is speech of a convocation of B[isho]pps at London about the church Cerem[onies] & discipline Lord worke for the best for thy people for the Lords sake.

1° Oct. Sab.[bath] Sacram[en]t.Footnote ¹¹¹

Mr PorterFootnote ¹¹² preached in the morninge very p[ro]fitably & Mr Newton in the afternoone, blessed be thy name oh Lord that we yet enioy thine ordinances Lord continue them to us & o[u]r posterity forever for the Lords sake Amen.

2° Octob. 1637

I prayed (though dully) & went to the Court to the New Maior Mr Collis & Bennoni Coldwell & John Spicer Bayleifes.

At my Comminge home I find my wife very ill with her right breast, which (they say) is like to breake my hart is very sad for my deare wife, but what can I doe? oh Lord I desire to make knowne my sorrow to thee my god I beseech thee helpe us I beleive oh Lord that thou art able to pr[e]vent the breakinge of it, Lord pr[e]vent it if it be thy gracious will, sanctifye the feare of it to us p[ar]don our deadnes

deadnes in seeking to thee oh Lord direct [crossed out: so] to some meanes which thou wilt blesse if it be thy will and by thy helpe wee thy poore servants will prayse thee for this great m[er]cye, and labor to walke more carefully before thee oh Lord heare & helpe graciously for the Lords sake Amen. I am now goeinge to dinner to Mr Maiors,Footnote ¹¹³ oh Lord give me comforts & Cheerfullnes & moderacon & favor in their eyes for the Lords sake Amen.

BesseFootnote ¹¹⁴ went away to day to dwell with her dame CurwynFootnote ¹¹⁵ and one Nan Morris came to us from Towcester.

3° Octobr. 1637

The quarter Sessions here this day for the Country. I was downe at the CastleFootnote ¹¹⁶ Mr Attourney Lane gave the Chardge.

Mr dalbyes business heard in the eveninge.

4° Octob.

Mr WallopFootnote ¹¹⁷ gave me 3s 4d. I moved towards night about Mr Charlets business

I was with Sr Thomas BrookeFootnote ¹¹⁸ for the money he owes me but cannot get it, Lord helpe me

to it in thy due time thou seest my necessity & want Lord supplye me graciously for the Lords sake Amen.

5° Oct. 1637

I prayed & p[ro]vided to goe to grafton [Regis] Court. I sent hatton to Sr Thomas Brooke who saith he hath left or will leave order with Mr Collis where he lyes to pay me.

My M[aste]r goes towards London to day & the Ch[ildre]n there to remayne, Lord be with them pr[e]serve them doe them good, & give me favor in their eyes still if it be thy will.

I overtooke the Coach when it was a little past Cotton end & rode before to keepe grafton [Regis] Court intendinge to goe with my M[aste]r that days Journey, but it seemes they turned NewportFootnote ¹¹⁹ way;

Mr WitFootnote ¹²⁰ was at grafton [Regis], & as we came home he informed me that he knew of the death of my father & but hath pr[o]mised me not to bringe me in or trouble me for the land

it hath pleased the Lord in m[er]cy to cure my wives breast without breaking blessed be thy name oh Lord.

6° Octob.

I prayed and went up to Sr xxofer hattonFootnote ¹²¹ to dinner where I had good respect I blesse the Lord, oh Lord I

blesse thee for the favor thou givest me in the eyes of men. Thy p[ro]vidence doth all things.

Sr John hanbury is made high Sheriffe of the County

7° Octobr. 1637

My want of money still is much and yet the Lord is pleased still to supply me.

I was in some distresse to day for money to buy p[ro]vision in the market but god had p[ro]vided that there was left in hattons hand 10s for [crossed out: ffiff] ffillFootnote ¹²² which he refused to receave so it was to remayne with me, Blessed be thy name oh Lord for this p[ro]vidence.

A clyent one SomesFootnote ¹²³ came to me to [crossed out: f] pr[e]pare an office, I pray to be enabled to that & the p[ro]hibicons for Mr BarnardsFootnote ¹²⁴ [crossed out: Clyents] tennants.

8° Octob. Sab.[bath]

Mr Ball preached morninge & eveninge very p[ro]fitably I blesse the Lord. Mr Newton beinge gone to appeare at the high Commiss[ion] I was graciously affected and enlarged in duty

******

duty this day I blesse the lord.

9° Octob. 1637

a good Court to day I blesse the Lord, where the Lord hath graciously supplied my necessityes. my wife & I often troubled to thinke that diverse in the towne doe traduce my wife in layinge the imputacon of haughtinesse of spirit to her charge; and this we suppose to be through the unfaythfullnes of BesseFootnote ¹²⁵ our late servant, & the talkinge of her dame, however Lord I pray thee heare our poore prayers in graunting us a sanctified use of this affliccon let us be bettered by it, teach us to goe through good report & evill,Footnote ¹²⁶ & in thy due time Cleare us, & Lord p[ar]don this gen[er]all sinne of us in this towne (traducinge) oh Lord teach us to walke worthy the gospel for the Lords sake Amen.

our mayd NanFootnote ¹²⁷ is lame as she saith.

10° Octobr. 1637

my wives breasts sore still wth choppingeFootnote ¹²⁸ [crossed out: illegible word] I pray unto the Lord for cure in his due time my Clyent Some came to me with this P[ro]vidence

11° Octob. 1637

I prayed and went to Wellingborowe, I was wth my mother as I went along and at Wellingborow & wth Mr Pearne as Mr danby & I came back. I and my wife are invited to Mr danbyes to dinner to morow. Johns tongue was cut beinge tongue tyed by Mrs davison.Footnote ¹²⁹ Mr BeetonFootnote ¹³⁰ (they say) is excommunicate, oh Lord helpe thy poore church for the Lords sake Amen. I met with Wm Chapman of OldFootnote ¹³¹ at Wellingborow & his sonne Wm my playfellowe. Our mayd Nan went away to day, & one Besse Morris from Kingsthorpe came to us, Lord make her a good ss[erv]ant to us, & make her thine for the Lords sake.

12° Oct.

we found the office to day at the hind for Nathaniel Some, & the Lord graciously directed me in it, & hath given me some more light into business of that nature.

we began Genesis againe to day. Lord helpe us to p[ro]fit by readinge the scripture for the Lords sake.

13° Oct.

graciously affected in readinge the 3d chapter of Genesis & in prayer; oh Lord there is somew[ha]t of the Bryar & thorne in every estate & condicon in this world (brought uppon us by o[u]r first defection) Lord give us patience & weaned affections from the

the world; Lord give us so to live to thee here that we may after this life be receaved into pa[ra]dise, where never came the accursed thistle or prickinge bramble, and Lord blesse my sweete children thou hast given me make them thine by adopcon give them the use of witts limbes & p[ar]ts & make them instruments of thy glory in their time and enable me to educate them to that end give me necessary supply of outward things for the Lords sake Amen.

I made a bond to day from Tho. Chiles of Ravensden in Com[itatu] Bedf[ord] to Mr ffisher p[ro] 10li payable 14° Apr. next.

Mr Rushworth & Mrs Rushworth supped here to night blessed be the Lord for the priviledges & opportunityes we enioy of meetinge together in peece & Love, oh Lord sanctifye & blesse every meetinge of o[u]rs that we may glorify thy name & be instruments of good to one another for the Lords sake Amen.

I had some discourse with James LewesFootnote ¹³² about his course of company keepinge Lord sanctifye my poore desires & expressions to him for the Lords sake Amen.

14° Oct.1637

my wives breasts are very sore, oh Lord I pray thee heale them, and give us the blessings of the breasts as

as thou hast in m[er]cye given us the blessings of the womb. Oh Lord thou art able to send health and Cure thou hast heard o[u]r prayers form[er]ly, heare them now who art a god that heareth prayers, she hath used much meanes but they are ineffectuall oh Lord say but the word & they shall be cured & make her a ioyfull mother & let us still have occasion to prayse thee even for this m[er]cye too if it be thy will for the Lords sake Amen.

Mr Nicolls sent me 20s this day for my paynes about the forest busines, Lord be blessed for these seasonal supplyes.

15° Octob. 1637 Sab.[bath]

Mr Perkins of NasebyFootnote ¹³³ preached here morning & eveninge very p[ro]fitably blessed be god.

16. octob.

I prayed and went to dinner at Captaine Bernards where I found much Love I blesse the Lord.

I came alonge with Mr Bullivant to North[amp]ton, and I declared to him in private the temptacon which began uppon me this day 3 yeares.

oh Lord I blesse thee for thy wonderfull m[er]cye in carryeinge me through it I beseech thee that I may never forget thy goodnesse to me in this but that I may labor to be truly thankfull & to expresse thankfullnes by more fruitfull walking for the Lords sake Amen.

I was wth Mr Bullivant at the George & dranke some wormewood beare, & wth Mr Rushworth I was very ill after I had supped oh Lord p[ar]don my fayling & make me very watchfull for the Lords sake Amen.

17° Oct.1637

I prayed and went to dinner to ffaxtonFootnote ¹³⁴ where I found very lovinge intertaynement I blesse the Lord, I went after to Sr John IshamsFootnote ¹³⁵ who stayed me with him 2 or 3 houres & expressed very much love to me, oh Lord thine owne good p[ro]vidence hath brought this about give me ever to wayt & depend uppon thee for the Lords sake Amen.

I came home p[ar]te of the way with John ColeFootnote ¹³⁶ who is troubled about the world, but we laboured

laboured to incourage one another in the Lord & found much comfort blessed be thy name oh Lord.

18° Octobr. 1637 St Luke

I prayed and went this day to Wellingborow fare havinge but one 12d with me & leavinge but one 2d with my wife, but the Lord in m[er]cye sent me 8s from Raph Blower & 11s from Guilb[er]t TebotFootnote ¹³⁷ who overtooke me accidentally uppon the way cominge home; Blessed be thy name oh Lord. So I this day made even with Raph Blower for all things & rec[eive]d of Guilb[er]t Tebot this 11s in p[ar]t paym[en]t.

19° Oct.

Mr Ball preached at the lecture to day very p[ro]fitably blessed be god.

20° Octob. 1637

I prayed and went to the Court, & I moved Mr MaiorFootnote ¹³⁸ about an order for the Sargeants payinge for declaracons,Footnote ¹³⁹ but I found not that successe I expected, and Mr Maior seemed to desert me much & the Sargeants Clamord, so that I was much troubled, and when I came home I found o[u]r mayd BesseFootnote ¹⁴⁰ resolved to be gone in hast[e] & my wife was troubled at it, so in the trouble & fluctuations of my sp[iri]t I desired to make knowne my afflicons to the Lord who enabled me in some measure to looke over them.

I went after dinner to old Mr MartinFootnote ¹⁴¹ to give him thankes for speaking in my behalfe at the Court.

I went after to Cap[tain] Bernard who had appointed to come to speake with me as uppon this day.

so at the swan I met first with Mr Al[exander] EakinsFootnote ¹⁴² who desired me to speak to C[aptain] Barnard that he might keepe a Couple of Greyhounds under him, so I p[er]ceaved he Jiered, & told him it may be he thought that he might keepe greyhounds as well as the Capt[ain] & then

desired afterward that I would speak to him that he might keep them under his Lady.

but when I met with C.[aptain] Barnard in a Chamber there with Mr Martin Mr MorganFootnote ¹⁴³ & the Captaynes man word was brought that Mr Eakins desired to speake with him so when Mr Martin was gone he sent him word he might come up if he pleased so he came & carried him selfe very uncomonly, & [crossed out: when] set his arme under his side, & when the Captayn after long patience told him he spoke simply, Mr Eakins replyed he did not say that he spoke sillily whereuppon the Captaine struck him about 3 or 4 blowes with his litle Cane, I was thinkinge while they wrangled, what Jarringe & Contradiccon sinne hath brought into this world

Oh Lord let thy gospel be so powerfull uppon us that the Lyon may become a Lamb for the Lords sake Amen.

*****

adhucFootnote ¹⁴⁴ 20° Oct. 1637

I wrote to Goodman TompsonFootnote ¹⁴⁵ about the mayd servant that was offerd on Wednesday last & I prayed for a good servant.

Mr Rushworth & his wife & Mrs Newton here with some oysters & blessed be thy name oh Lord.

21° 8br.

I have prayed for the manifestacon of gods good p[ro]vidence towards us in a servant.

BesseFootnote ¹⁴⁶ went away to day.

Mr Somes brought me 6li which I have receaved of him to carry to London.

John not well.

22° Oct. Sab.[bath]

Mr Ball preached in the morninge & Mr AtterburyFootnote ¹⁴⁷ in the afternoone.

John very ill, but I pray unto the Lord for him, who is infinitely gracious.

23° Oct.1637

I was downe at my M[aste]rs house in the old study, and thought uppon the affliccons & thoughtfullnes I had there, & praysed the Lord who had delivered me. Court to day, and I prayed in a sp[irit]uall manner before I went to be freed from [crossed out: full-width line] rash anger & such occasion of trouble as I had the last court so the Lord graciously heard me blessed be thy name oh Lord.

Mr MaiorFootnote ¹⁴⁸ payd me 3li of the money due to me from Sr Tho[mas] Brook blessed be thy name oh Lord for it: newes brought us the mayd will come. I pray to heaven her a blessing.

24° Oct.

I prayed and went to keepe Court at Broughton for Mr PentloweFootnote ¹⁴⁹ hatton went for the mayd to CarletonFootnote ¹⁵⁰ Mr BenthamFootnote ¹⁵¹ was at the Court, I have

adiourned them over to 21° Novembr as I came home I was exceedinglye graciously affected in prayer the Lord pleased to breake in uppon me in a gracious measure I prayed ag[ains]t wicked B[isho]ps, & their hierarchy I prayed for the establishm[en]t of the gospel here, for the increase of gods graces in my selfe & family, & for o[u]r p[ro]sp[eri]ty if the Lord saw fit, & for my sick child of whose health & life I had much feare but I desired to wayt uppon the Lord, so I found some comforts at my coming home I blesse the Lord.

25° Oct. 1637

I stayed at home to day. I went in the afternoone with Mr Ball to Mr Maior nere the Northgate was not very well when I came home.

here supped with us Mr Rushworth & ux Mrs

Reading Mrs Newton &.

litle John not well, nor my wife, & so we are advised to have one to suckle the child, so after much debate we are resolved on it, & the Lord in his p[ro]vidence hath sent us one goodwife Emerson that pleaseth us very well & the child hath sucked dayntily blessed be thy name oh Lord, oh Lord I pray thee heale my deare wife & the child & still give us occasion to prayse thee for thy goodnesse.

Temp[er]ance o[u]r mayd came to day, oh Lord make her thy servant & graunt that she may be faythfull to us, & may serve us in thee & for thee. I bought the table of fees of old Mr Sarg[e]ntFootnote ¹⁵² for 12d, wch tab[le] I suppose to be false in p[ar]t.

26° 8br. 1637

I prayed and came forward for London kept court at grafton [Regis], & by gods m[er]cye

*****

am come safe to BrickhillFootnote ¹⁵³ to the red Lyon where one Mr Meridale stayed for me & showed me much love, but they were loose & swearinge, & dranke a health or two which I would not pledge in the Ceremony oh Lord establish me that I never decline thy truth for the Lords sake.

Oh Lord I pray thee blesse my family at home give them health of body & mind inable me to pray for them & they for me, keep us from all terrors & evils restore us together againe with much comfort to the glory of thy name for the Lords sake.

I am now in the greene Chamber at the Lyon, Lord give me quiet rest this night & let thy p[ro]tection & blessing be ever over & with me for the Lords sake Amen.

Mr Lockye is here.

27° 8br. 1637

The Lord hath graciously refreshed me with sleepe this night, blessed be thy name oh Lord; And now oh most gracious father I pray thee goe along with me still in my Journey keepe me from evill blesse my family at home give us againe a Comfortable meeting to the glory of thy name for the Lords sake.

I came alonge from Brickhill with a Lancashire man one Mr Snape, to Islington, where he stayed to Lodge and I came alone to London beinge afraid it beinge darke & the way dangerous but the Lord brought me safe to London blesse the Lord, where I find my father & mother very well I blesse the Lord.

28° Octob.

I prayed and went abroad & have sent away my horse by harry Bodington.

I went after to Guildhall to see the Lord MaiorFootnote ¹⁵⁴ sworne which was done with great solemnity. The Comon Cryer who is also mace-bearer first made 3 proclamacons, with, All manner of

p[er]sons here present keepe silence.

Then the towne clerke or his deputy made 3 times obeisance to the Lord Maior & kneeled downe at the North end of the table, then the mace-bearer makinge like obeisance kneeled downe at the other end, & set his Mace uppon one end, & layd the booke uppon the top of it, then the new Lord stood up & put his hand on the booke & the towne Clerke gave him the oath of supremacy the oath of Allegiance & the oath of Maioralty, then the [crossed out: Chamberlayne of the Cittye made 3ceFootnote ¹⁵⁵ obeysance] old Lord Maior rose & delivered the place to the new, after that the Cittye Chamberlayne made 3ce obeisance & kneeled and delivered a very rich Scepter to the old Maior who kissed it & delivered it to the new, who tooke it & kissed it & layd it downe uppon the velvet Cushion, then the Chamberlayne makinge 3ce obeisance in goeinge backe, brought in the same manner a purse & then a seale; after that the swordbearer makeinge obeisance as before delivered up his sword in the same manner to the old Mayor & he to the new, & the new to the swordbearer againe, And then the Cryer makinge 3ce proclamacon was againe bid to say by the Towne Clerke All manner of p[er]sons here p[rese]nte may now dep[ar]te & give yor attendance againe uppon a new summons.

I dined at my Mistresses in black ffryers

29° Octob. 1637 Sab.[bath]

I prayed and went to heare dr StoughtonFootnote ¹⁵⁶ morninge and eveninge, who deales honestly & faithfully & boldly.

30° Octob.

I prayed and went to Mr Pentlowe we came after to dyne with my father at weavers hall who is Master of his Company this yeare.

I was to see the Lord Mayor goe in p[ro]cession in [St] Paules.

31° Octob.

I prayed and went to Westm[inster] hall there is much speech of the Morocco embassadorFootnote ¹⁵⁷ who hath brought a p[re]sent to his Ma[jes]ty.

1° NovembrFootnote ¹⁵⁸

No hall day to day. I heard dr Stoughton in the afternoone, but stood somewhat farre off I prayd this morninge & went to speake with Mr RobinsFootnote ¹⁵⁹ & when I found him out Mr Weltden by gods p[ro]vidence

came to us, to speake with him, & desired me to goe & dyne with Sr John Wolstenholme,Footnote ¹⁶⁰ where I had very great & kinde entertaynement, oh Lord I prayse thee for thy good p[ro]vidence towards me continually.

much debate & some difference betweene my father & I concerning Mr Readings money, Lord I pray thee be gracious to us for the Lords sake Amen.

2° Nov. 1637

No hall day. I prayed and went about my occacons, I have bought a sword of John Weston.

[crossed out: I was wth my master who stands]

3° Nov.

I prayed and went to Westm[inster] hall; and moved about my occacons this day with successe I blesse the Lord but my hart doth not enioy the Lord as form[er]ly, for the thorny cares of the worldFootnote ¹⁶¹ doe dull my affections often, oh Lord looke from heaven uppon me give me to endure this crosse with much fayth & patience yea cheerfullnes, & in thy good time pay my debts for me & blesse me in outward things if thou seest good for the Lords sake Amen.

4° Nov.

This morninge Mr St JohnFootnote ¹⁶² argued in the behalfe of Mr

Mr hampden about the ship-money, he was much applauded & hummedFootnote ¹⁶³ by the by-standers, though my Lord ffinch signified his displeasure for it.

I was not present.

5° Nov. 1637. powder treason day. Sab.[bath]

I prayed and went to dr Stoughtons Church morning & eveninge a stranger preached in the morninge very honestly & dr Stoughton him selfe in the afternoone very boldly & worthily, blessed be thy name oh Lord for such lights Lord continue them & sett up more & greater for the glory of thy name & exaltacon of thy gospel, in despite of all thy foes for the Lords sake Amen.

And blessed be thy name oh Lord for p[ro]tectinge & defendinge thy holy gospel & the professors of it especially for kepinge us from the cruelty of [15]88 & this hellish powder plot graunt that thy gospel may still runne & be glorified, pr[e]vent & break in peeces all plots & machinacons that are against it for the Lords sake Amen.

6° Nov.

I prayed and went to Westm[inster], & gott into the [Ex]Cheq[uer] chamber (though with some danger in the crowd

Crowd) to heare the rest of Mr St Johns Argum[en]t, who spake very fully & boldly & gave great satisfaccon to the by standers who adventured to hum him againe, oh Lord incline the harts of the Judges to give a right sentence for the Lords sake amen.

One of the Kings counsel is to answere him on Satterday.

after that 2 others are severally to argue for Mr hampden & to be answered by 2 of the Kings counsell.

7° Novemb.1637

I prayed and went about my occ[asi]ons, we busied about the suggestions for denton,Footnote ¹⁶⁴ in the p[ro]hibicon.

8° Nov.

I prayed and went to Westm.[inster] Richard denton is come to the towne to make oath of servinge the rule on Eakins I drew up an affidavit & he tooke his oath before Justice Croke.Footnote ¹⁶⁵

9° Nov.1637

I prayed and went to Westm[inster], and as I came home I met wth Mr Pentlowe of Broughton, who hath bene much affrighted & takinge phisick, for on tuesday he was wth a kinsman who dyed suddenly & the Chirurgeon they sent for s[ai]d it was the sicknesse,Footnote ¹⁶⁶ I laboured to take the p[rese]nte opportunity & to show him the necessity of p[rese]nte labouringe for grace, Lord blesse that example & my poore words to him for the Lords sake Amen. I was sent for to my Lord cheife JusticeFootnote ¹⁶⁷ about Eakins in the Gaole.

10° Nov.

I prayed and toke horse, but callinge Mr TravellFootnote ¹⁶⁸ at his lodginge in the well yard nere St Bartholomews I was forced to stay for him so I went to his horse at the flour de luce in ffetterlaneFootnote ¹⁶⁹ & stayd about an houre & came away without him, but baytingFootnote ¹⁷⁰ at St Albans he overtooke me so we met with another traveller and came safe though late to the white harte in Dunstable.

I ride uppon a horse of John Cox which came up with Mr Boughton;Footnote ¹⁷¹ I prayse god for his good p[ro]vidence towards me in it, & for hearing my prayer.

11° Nov. 1637

we had more company & came safe to North[amp]ton I blesse the Lord, but my horse was much tyred & threw me downe twice but I had no hurt I blesse the Lord.

And the Lord gave me comforts comminge home findinge my family in health & Joyfull at my arrival, blessed be thy name oh Lord for all thy goodnes.

LongstrapFootnote ¹⁷² a dangerous theife got outFootnote ¹⁷³ of the Towne gaoleFootnote ¹⁷⁴ to night.

John is growne much I blesse the Lord.

12° Nov. Sab.[bath]

Mr Newton preached both times very well I blesse the Lord.

but I find the Com[mu]n;[ion] table removed to the very top & there is an iniuncon it seemes to come up to itFootnote ¹⁷⁵ but Lord establish us in thy truth & for Xt his sake root out all sup[er]stition & Idolatry.

I wanted some money to pay the poore Lord supply me.

13° Nov.

I prayed and went to the Court where I had some supply (I blesse the Lord) about 16s whereof I payd my

my mother about 9s my wife had borrowed 8s 6d of her, & shee 18d of my wife, so she hath 2s more towards 20s arrere of the 40 p[ai]d to besse RiseFootnote ¹⁷⁶ my mother went to Old to day.

I rec[eive]d of Grey 6s p[ro] allocac[ion] 3 sup[ersedea]s[e]sFootnote ¹⁷⁷ p[ro] Mr Cooke goodman IblethyFootnote ¹⁷⁸ desired money of me.

14° Nov. 1637

I went to day to Sr Richard Samwells beinge Com[missione]r wth him to take a fine of Job Walker et al. & had 3s for my paynes I blesse the Lord.

Longstrap is againe taken.

Mr MaiorFootnote ¹⁷⁹ sent for me to night, about preparing the Sess[ions] p[ro]cess.

I [crossed out: have] find it a worke to steere up against my wants but Lord I will trust in thee though thou kill me I will lye at thy dore for thou art the most bountifull houskeep, in thy good time pay my debts & helpe me for the Lords sake Amen. John Loe came wth a bill for money but I could not pay him. Oh Lord shew me thy arme for I desire to stay my selfe uppon thy p[ro]vidence.

15° Nov.

greatly affected this morninge in readinge in the family 24 Gen.[esis] to behold gods gracious p[ro]vidence to

to Abraham & his godly servant & to Isaac &. Oh Lord thou art still the same, surely I will stay my selfe uppon thee, & wth thy helpe I will cheerfully wayt for thee.

somewhat subiect to melancholy & the thorny cares of the world oh Lord [crossed out: send] give me a greater measure of fayth & cheerfullnes for the Lords sake.

16 Nov. 1637

I prayed and went to grafton [Regis] Court, havinge but 9d not knowinge whether I should get any thinge or not, but the Lord in m[er]cye p[ro]vided there for me about 5s or more. Mr Nicolls was there & Mr Butler absent.

Mr TompkinsFootnote ¹⁸⁰ it seemes preached here at the Lecture to day.

I overtooke Goodman denton coming from London with the p[ro]hibicon.

17° Nov. St hughs fare to day

somewhat subiect to melancholly & cares Lord helpe me; Mr Watts here to day to whom I am indebted 120li besides the 25li & 19li & the money which my father himselfe hath rec[eive]d of Mr Robins about 10li which 3 last sumes my father owes him.

Mr Watts tells me my white horse is dead. Lord enable me to beare every losse & affliccon and to make a sanctified use of all & to pay my debts for me for the Lords sake amen.

we were at Mr Rushworths to night.

Lord helpe me against my melancholy for the Lords sake

[left margin: symbol of a hand with finger pointing at this line] the Candle fell uppon Sams face nere his eye, Lord be blessed that it burnt not his eye.

a cutpurse taken to day.

18° Nov. 1637

I prayed though dully.

in great want of money to day.

Mrs Rushworth sent for 20s my wife borowed of her in my absence and henry GoodereFootnote ¹⁸¹ came to whom I am indebted 20s more

SuFootnote ¹⁸² went and got 20s of goodwife Iblethy oh Lord looke uppon my Lowe estate for the Lords sake Amen.

19° Nov. 1637 Sab[bath]

I prayed and went to church and there the Churchwardens demanded money of me for the poore forenoone & afternoone but I had not [crossed out: a farthinge] any unlesse 2 farthings.

one Mr MayhoeFootnote ¹⁸³ preached morninge & eveninge very well & faythfully I blesse the Lord & I had some gracious comforts in hearinge gods word great conflicts in my hart dayly about depending on god for my outward condicon, Lord helpe me & susteyne & supply me for the Lords sake.

Mr Ball is at SinpstonFootnote ¹⁸⁴ wth his new wife.

goodman Emerson supped here.

20. Nov.

Court to day some supply I blesse the Lord yet ffr & LFootnote ¹⁸⁵ have not payd me h[enry] Goodere dyned with me here to day.

my wife & I supped at Mr Rushworths.

21° Nov.

I prayed and went along to Broughton to take the verdict of the jury, h[enry] Goodere went alonge with me. It rayned almost all the way. Mr Pentlowe gave me but 10s. Oh Lord I

thanke thee for any supply thou art pleased to afford me.

22° Nov. 1637

I lay somewhat too longe this morninge. I am much troubled with the thorny cares of this world Lord helpe me from heaven Let me [have] the comfort in thee a thousand fold which I want in the Creature for the Lords sake Amen. my horse lookes very poore as if like to dye, my wife & I much troubled in the thoughts of it & some Jarringe & rash speeches betweene us, Lord p[ar]don [crossed out: & heale] our sinnes & heale o[u]r natures, & give us faith to wayte uppon thee in all estates for the Lords sake Amen.

Lord continue the beast still to be serviceable to me if it be thy will, & keepe me from such a losse I humbly pray thee.

23° Nov. 1637

up to day presently after 4 a clock [above: trefoil symbol], & subiect I am to melancholy & the thorny cares of the world [margin: trefoil symbol], but I remember a Christian is called to reioycinge, & a good conscience is a continuall feast, and a Christian in the lowest & worst estate and condition is in farre better case, then a man out of Christ in his greatest wealth and Jollity, and hath more true cause of cheerfullnesse. I have prayed unto the Lord to helpe me against my infidelity and melancholly, to give me the use of my graces for I am not able to stirre them up my selfe, Lord endue me with strength from on high, what a wretch am I to be so long in learninge this lesson to live by fayth in regard of outward things, & to be contented in the want of them truly Lord I have a proud & carnall hart Lord pardon & heale inable me to dep[ar]t from every sinne & exorbitancye to denye my selfe, to walke cheerfully & wisely to live by fayth and trust perfectly in thee, and in thy due time I beseech thee supply me payinge my debts for me & p[ro]vidinge for me & mine if it be thy will according to thy p[ro]misses wherein I have desired to trust let all be in m[er]cye for the Lords sake.

Mr Ball preached at the lecture.

Wilby men are still in the spirituall CourtFootnote ¹⁸⁶ & here to day, Lord resine them if it be thy will.

William Spicer came to me at night to offer me his house to buy if I please, but I well knew my disability & therefore did uppon the matter put him off. Oh Lord I pray thee in thy due time provide a house for me thou hast all in thy hand & thou art exceeding gracious & mercifull In thee will I trust p[ar]don my infidelity & want of dependance uppon thee my god for the Lords sake.

24° Nov. 1637

some comforts in gods ordinances this morning I blesse the Lord, yet my prayers have longe wanted that fayth & fervency they have formerly bene offred up with beinge kept downe with the thorny cares of this world, & distraction of businesses

*****

[margin, next to first word: trefoil symbol] But Lord p[ar]don all my sinnes & faylings give me fayth & Cherefullnes, & give me favor in the eyes of Mr Watts & my other Creditors, & in thy due time pay my debts for me, and if thou helpe me out of my lowe estate, oh Let me walke humbly before thee make me very thankfull, & helpefull to those in the like want; oh Lord my god though I see no meanes of helpe, yet I will beleive & trust in thy gracious p[ro]vidence, & in thy sure p[ro]misses, thou hast said verily I shall be fed, hast p[ro]missed never to fayle me nor forsake me; Thou hast bene my god hitherto & hast raysed me from the dunghill, I will surely trust in thee for time to come, Lord graunt that I may follow my callinge with diligence & conscience, & may goe away & be no more sad seeminge I have prayed unto thee, and Lord blesse me & my whole family in soule body name basket & storeFootnote ¹⁸⁷ & to thy glory & our owne eternall comfort for the Lords sake

my wife somewhat ill to night I prayed for her

I went downe to Mr Balls in the eveninge and as I was goeinge I prayed for grace & wisdome in his eyes.

25° Nov. [trefoil symbol]

Oh my god stretch the wings of thy sure p[ro]teccon over me and my family this day give us this day our dayly bread & forgive us our trespasses that are past & lead us not into temptacon for time to come, oh Lord I pray thee carry me through the occasions of this day in such a manner that I may be freed from distractinge thoughts at night, and let me behold thy good p[ro]vidence this day towards me & mine for the Lords sake Amen.

I have but 2 groats left, Lord supply me I pray thee for the Lords sake. 7 a clock in the morning some sweete comfort in private prayer this morning I blesse the Lord, & some confidence the Lord will p[ro]vide for me, & he brought it into my hart

in prayer that as he had given me a mouth to eat so he had given me a mouth to pray, oh Lord thou art a god that hearest prayers, it is not in vayne to seeke thee, graunt that I may patiently repose my selfe uppon thee for the Lords sake Amen.

A note of the debts I now owe

Footnote ¹⁸⁸Footnote ¹⁸⁹Footnote ¹⁹⁰

besides some debts here in the towne about 3li to goodman Iblethy about 30s to Mr heyesFootnote ¹⁹¹ about 40s to Mr Curwyn about 3li 10 or more to Mr Crick for rent & all about 10s to goodman LamporteFootnote ¹⁹² to h[enry] Goodere 20s. [last 2 lines and this line bracketed, with the comment: p[ai]d]

Oh my god Looke uppon me in m[er]cye, I confesse indeed I have not cared for runninge in debt to thee by

[left margin: trefoil symbol] by dayly strivinge against thee, & therefore it is iust with thee I should Runne in debt to men, I confesse I have bene proud & profuse & therefore this burden is iustly uppon me, I confesse I have not bene diligent in my callinge, and therefore I am iustly poore, I confesse I doe not beleive and therefore it may be iust with god that I should not be established. But Lord looke uppon me in m[er]cye p[ar]don all my sinnes & faylings, & yet send me helpe if it be thy will relieve me I beseech thee, Lord thou hast all in thy hand and thou art my father, and I am in want I know thou hast a thousand wayes in thy blessed p[ro]vidence to bringe succor to me by surety my eyes shall be towards thee & turned away from the Creature, oh Lord graunt that my debts may waste away this ensueing yeare, & graunt us more plenty I humbly pray thee if thou seest good for the Lords sake Amen.

very bare of money to day yet the Lord in m[er]cye supplyed, for as I rem.[ember] once to day not had never a pennye, & then before the pudd

puddings came from Mrs Harvey,Footnote ¹⁹³ I receaved a litle money & was able to give 6d to the messenger, & had a litle to buy mutton, & purposed to be without beefe in the house if no other remedy, yet before night the lord in m[er]cye sent me some more money to buy beefe too, but then I was brought lowe againe, & I know not how to pay the poore to morow then in the eveninge the Lord in m[er]cye sent me more so that I had about 3s or more; Lord be blessed for all thy goodnesse, It is inough that thou feedest me from hand to mouth, even me and mine could I live the life of fayth (which I beseech thee graunt) I might find more comfort in this condicon, haveinge more exp[er]ience of thy m[er]cye dayly then if I had great abundance in my owne keepinge; the Lord will be gracious to me in my debts, Lord deale with me as thou pleasest I am thine, give me fayth contentation & cheerfullnes for the Lords sake

I sent a scroll of my debts to Mr Watts to him to day & showed in it which were my debts & which were my fathers.

Ramsden came to speak with me.

26. Nov. 1637 Sab.[bath]

Mr hallFootnote ¹⁹⁴ of Paulerspury preached in the morning & Mr Ball in the afternoone

some comforts in holy dutyes I blesse the Lord; Mr hall & Mr Shepheard were here, & we had much discourse of new England.

Mrs Rushworth supped here with us.

Ramsden the sup[er]stitious fellow came to me to borrow dr Ames his catechisem,Footnote ¹⁹⁵ oh Lord sanctify it unto him.

27° Nov. Court to day.

I got but litle there; Mr MaiorFootnote ¹⁹⁶ seemes not much to favor me in my fees, oh Lord give me favor before him if it be thy will, & teach me to carry my selfe

selfe in every respect as it becometh a xxian for the Lords sake.

I was at goodman GibsonsFootnote ¹⁹⁷ after dinner and at Mr ffishers who gave me his will to alter.

Mr Crick sent to borrow 10s of me but I feared I had not enough did not lend it.

28° Nov. 1637

I have prayed in secret with some fayth & hope this morninge I blesse the Lord now Lord blesse & direct me this whole day for the Lords sake Amen.

some gracious affecons in private prayer with my wife and after very much affected in readinge the 32 and 33 chapters of Genesis in the family, to behold gods wonderfull m[er]cye to Jacob: & Jacobs fayth & prayer & & greatly affected in publiq prayer in the family. Ah Lord how sweete thou art thy pr[e]sence is glorious & exceedingly delightfull, all earthly things yea the heighth of pompe or heapes of riches & are but dung & drosse in comp[ar]ison of things spirituall. Lord give me fayth in thee for the Lords sake.

*****

Tho. Lamport came to me for the hire of his horse to London & Charleton,Footnote ¹⁹⁸ so I payd him 10s blessed be thy name oh Lord for the paym[en]te of that debt; oh Lord still p[ro]vide for me I pray thee till thou supply me againe,

another prisoner came into the Gaole to day one holmanFootnote ¹⁹⁹ a Caurrier for pickinge ones pocket, oh Lord give him repentance & sorrow of hart & fayth to turne unto thee for the Lords sake.

some comforts in prayer at night & in duty I blesse the Lord.

29° Novemb. 1637

[crossed out: oh Lord I pray] a very comfortable Dreame to night wherein I did reioyce in the Lord in spirit with much fayth & dependance on a p[ro]mise as if the Lord was about to p[er]forme it to me.

Oh Lord I pray thee blesse me this day & keep [margin: trefoil symbol] me goe with me to Wellingborow & returne againe with me never fayle me or forsake

me, shew me thy gracious p[ro]vidence this day if it be thy will, & blesse my deare wife my sweete Children & whole family keep us in thy feare under thy p[ro]tection, let us not by sinne bereave our selves of thy good p[ro]vidence & blessing and Lord I pray thee in thy due time pay my debts for me I hinge uppon thee for I have no other helpe in all the world, (thou art better then all the helpes in the world blessed be thy name) and Lord make me diligent in my callinge give me more practise & more abilityes for it, & money to follow it if it be thy will for the Lords sake Amen.

I went towards Wellingborow about 11 a clock and came safe thether I blesse the Lord; I sent 12d in beefe to my Aunt Joane, I met there with my mother & Aunt Mr Pentlow Mr MarriotFootnote ²⁰⁰ &

I heare at Wellingborow that his Ma[jes]ty hath bene sick, & hath resolved uppon a Parliam[en]t; oh Lord pr[e]serve him in life & keep him from all conspiracyes & seeinge he is a kinge of so many prayers from his godly subiects, frame his hart for thee, that he may spread thy gospel & estab

*****

establish it amongst us that he may take away the high places even all Idolatry & sup[er]stition out of the land, and move his hart to call a p[ar]liam[en]t, which (beinge directed by thee) may conclude uppon wholesome lawes for the Kingdome, & may redresse exorbitancyes Lord heare & helpe for the Lord xt his sake

yester [crossed out: day] night men were met cominge from Leicester & one of them Robbed & almost slayne and to night I heare another was met by Robbers & escaped from them hardly but I came home safe I blesse the Lord some comforts with my wife in private prayer & by my selfe in secret.

30° Nov. 1637

Oh Lord keep & blesse me & mine for the Lords sake Amen.

I am troubled about 20s owinge to Goodman Iblethy which Su borrowed, Lord p[ro]vide it for me & graunt

graunt they may not send till we have it I have had great experience of thy m[er]cye in my lowe estate blessed be thy name.

Mr Ball preached to day a preparatory sermon to the doctrine of Justificacon by fayth which he meanes to handle next.

Nan Spicer swooned to night, & my wife called so hastily that I feared she was much affright & was ill afterwards.

1 decembr. 1637

some comforts in private & wth my wife & family.

I was in the afternoone with Mr Rushworth & at the Church.

2° decembr.

some comforts in duty to day I blesse the Lord, and the Lord hath wonderfully supplyed

supplyed me this day, so that I have p[ai]d goodwife Emerson 6s p[ro] John & 6d besides & p[ai]d the 20s to goodwife Iblethy, & bought some meate for to morow, blessed be thy name oh Lord, oh how gracious is the Lord.

But now we have not one penny left in the house of money to spend or lay out (except onely the 11sFootnote ²⁰¹ which we are to keepe & a few single pence I think). But Lord the exp[er]ience of this day is so fresh that it doth encourage us to trust in thee; Lord helpe us.

Mr Watts advises me to sell at Old & buy at duston Lord direct me for the best for the Lords sake Lord be blessed for the Love & favor of Mr Watts to me.

Lord pr[e]pare us for a blessed Sabbath to morow.

Nurse hesFootnote ²⁰² here to night John beinge not very well we feare, Lord keepe him in health for the Lords sake Amen.

[left margin: trefoil symbol] 3° dec. 1637. Sab.[bath]

Oh Lord enable me & my house to sanctifye this thy Sabath, not speakinge our owne words thinkinge o[u]r owne thoughts or findinge o[u]r owne pleasure on this thy day; Lord keep out of our harts all thorny and worldly cares; all contrivances for worldly things. Let thy spirit descend into o[u]r soules thy word enlighten us thy love inflame us thy promises stay us and comfort us; helpe us to p[ar]take of every ordinance of the day in a holy & a right manner with fayth & sincerity of hart for the Lords sake.

Mr Bullivant preached in the morninge very p[ro]fitably blessed be the Lord out of 37 ps[alm] 5 commit thy way unto the Lord trust also in him & he will bringe it to passe [left margin: trefoil symbol] oh Lord why should I doubt thou art to a christian what he beleives thee to be, oh Lord I beleive helpe my unbeleife surely thou will p[ar]don my sinne and sanctifye my nature more & more, surely thou wilt feed me and cloath me & supply me and my family, I remember thy m[er]cye and blessed p[ro]vidence to Abraham Isaac and Jacob to david to Joseph to Nehemiah to Mordecai hester to thy people in Egipt to poore Ruth &. Oh Lord thou wilt feed

feed me with food convenient for me blessed be thy name; Lord give me more fayth more humility a larger hart to doe good, give me contentacon & the feare of thy name forever

Mr hall preached p[ro]fitably in p[os]t merid[iem] 2 pet[er] ult[imo] [capitulo] & ult[imo] [verso]Footnote ²⁰³ grow in grace & the signes of grace begun 1 poverty of sp[iri]t & sight of wants 2 sence of them with sorrow & greife 3 hungringe & thirstinge after graceFootnote ²⁰⁴ 4 constancy in holy dutyes 5 a combat betweene the flesh & the spirit.

In the time of morninge sermon one Mr fflexneyFootnote ²⁰⁵ a prisoner at Mr Ben[oni] Coldwells for debt got away.

I wanted money for the poore when Mr ffarren the churchwarden demanded it, Mr Ball is at Sinpston.Footnote ²⁰⁶

4° dec. 1637

Court to day a very small one Lord supply me for the Lords sake amen.

I am now goeinge to duston to inquire if my Lord of WarrickFootnote ²⁰⁷ sells there, intendinge if I can meet wth a purchase to advantage my selfe to sell at Old and buy there; oh Lord thou seest & knowest all things knowest what will be best, I humbly cast my burden & busines

busines uppon thee, oh my god order every thinge for the best I humbly pray thee & blesse me in whatever I undertake, I humbly commit my way unto thee, & desire to trust in thee therefore I beseech thee bring it to passe if thou seest good ps[alm] 37.5 even for the Lords sake in whose name & worthinesse I begg every m[er]cye fit for me.

Mr ColesFootnote ²⁰⁸ to whom I went was not as home but I met with him afterward here in the towne, but can understand litle from him but that diverse are earnest to buy, oh Lord I desire to looke alone to thy p[ro]vidence.

5° dec. 1637

some comforts in dutye I blesse the Lord & some Contentacon.

I [crossed out: went] was afterward with Mr JudkinFootnote ²⁰⁹ Mr Martin Mr Joseph Sargent & Mr Humphrey, we stayed at wheelowesFootnote ²¹⁰ his at Road Lane endFootnote ²¹¹ to meete Mr Ball & his wife but we came away & they overtooke us at Wootton houses; they tooke it kindly; Lord give me favor in

in their eyes if it be thy will.

I spent the 6d that I had in stayinge for them & Mr Rushworth did accidentally lend me halfe a crowne at night, oh Lord I blesse thee for thy p[ro]vidence, goodwife Emerson had 6d of it to night for washinge.

6° dec. 1637

I went not to Wellingboro to day, but in the afternoone I went to see Mrs LaneFootnote ²¹² at Kingesthorpe, where I had kind entertaynemt Lord I pray thee give us favor in their eyes, and bringe about somethinge in thy good p[ro]vidence for the payinge my debts and supplyeinge my necessityes for the Lords sake.

I got nothinge this day but the Lord in m[er]cye lengthens out the oyle & the meale which will through gods m[er]cye extend to another supply; I have now 3d & my wife about 12d Sam not very well Lord heale him for the Lords sake I prayed for him as I went to Kingsthorpe.

7° dec. 1637

I prayed. and am now goeinge to keepe Grafton [Regis] Court 3 weekes Court Lord I pray thee goe with me & p[re]serve me & shew me thy p[ro]vidence for the Lord Xt his sake Amen. I carried but one 3d with me yet the Lord so supplyed me that though I laid out uppon my selfe & horse about 2s, yet I brought along with me about 3s more blessed be thy name oh Lord.

I came alonge with a young man of Leic[ester] from Grafton [Regis].

8° dec. Lady dayFootnote ²¹³ ffare to day

[six lines crossed out, illegible except first one: somew[ha]t heavy for my wife & I are troubled] for

for time to come, and give us such a seed ((when in m[er]cye thou shalt add still to our family) as we may have cause to blesse thee: for even wth right shape & forme use of witts & & by thy helpe oh Lord we will [two lines crossed out, illegible] for the Lords sake here us thy poore servants Amen.

I rec[eive]d of Mr EakinsFootnote ²¹⁴ to day to Mr Marriots use 4li 14s in full of the execucon of 5li. I heare that Cap[tain] Bernard hath imployed Mr Cook in the busines betweene him & Mr Alex Eakins oh Lord I desire to wayt uppon thy good p[ro]vidence in all my wayes doe me good for the Lords sake.

I sent Mr Wyne 50s of Mr Marriots money p[ai]d Mr Marriot the rest & he p[ai]d me for my paynes so we are even.

9° dec.

henry Parnell hath made even with me for the writt I have sent for for him & ffery:Footnote ²¹⁵ so we are now even.

Mr Bayleifes & I were this morninge at Mr AttorneyesFootnote ²¹⁶ & dr Clarkes to invite them to the Sess[ions] dinner on Wednesday next.

10° dec 1637 Sab.[bath]

Mr Newton preached in the morninge & Mr Ball in the after noone, very soundly & p[ro]fitably blessed be the Lord.

my wife was very ill this morninge, was not at Church in the morninge, I prayed unto the Lord in the behalfe of my deare wife; my wife was very ill at Mr Sargents at the baptizinge,Footnote ²¹⁷ but now somewhat better blessed be the Lord I had some comfort at night in instructinge & examininge my family I blesse the Lord.

11° dec.

I prayed and went to the Court, where Mr MaiorFootnote ²¹⁸ continued his unkindnesse to me not stayinge till I had received my money of the Sargents at which

which I was much troubled, but Lord looke uppon me in m[er]cye give me yet grace & favor in his eyes if it be thy will, I can have small hope of it if I looke unto the disposicon of the man, but Lord I know & read but lately how thou didst turne the hart of Laban & Esau to Jacob, I know thy strength & thy m[er]cye is infinite, poore Will BottsFootnote ²¹⁹ cause went ill to day contrary to the opinion of the Court; Lord I pray thee give all thy servants a sanctifyed use of all their troubles for the Lords sake.

my poore child John is very ill with a cold but I pray unto the lord in his behalfe, who is a god that heareth prayers.

12° dec. 1637

I prayed and went about the businesses of the Gaole d[e]l[ive]ry to morow & Sess.[ions]

I pray to be fitted for the inployment to morow the bells here are almost ready to ringe againe.

13° dec. 1637

I prayed and went to the Sessions,Footnote ²²⁰ where the Lord graciously enabled me.

the proffet of the Sess[ions] very small to day.

Mathew Longstrap for Burglary, & Thomas Nicollson for purse cuttinge were Condemned to day & one John holman burnt in the hand.

I prayed for the poore creatures to be cutt off by the hand of the lawe.

The bells first rang to day since they were new hanged.

14° dec.

I complayned to Mr Gifford to day of Mr MaiorsFootnote ²²¹ usage of me, who dislikes many of his carriages so he will speake to him uppon occasion.

Oh Lord be blessed for that mans Love who is my very constant friend.

Mr Pearne Mr Pentlow Mr Watts & ux & & diverse freinds here who were at the lecture to day.

15 dec. 1637

The Commission for Charitab[le] Uses to day at the Towne hall. The poore prisoners Longstrap & Nicollson executed to day at Wall back.Footnote ²²²

I rec[eive]d l[ette]rs from London wherein my father much complaynes for want of money, oh Lord supply us both of thine owne fullnes for the Lords sake.

16° dec.

I prayed and went to goodman harrisonFootnote ²²³ & into the hog market to have bought a hog, but could not there meete with any so I came back & bought one of Mr BradfordFootnote ²²⁴ for 35s. Oh Lord be blessed for supplyinge us so graciously.

we killed the hog to night.

The Lord sent me some moneys to supply my necessityes blessed be thy name oh Lord.

The Churchwardens this day sent for before [crossed out: Mr] dr Clarke & & there inioyned to rayle in & fix the table at the East end of the Channcell; but they both refused and answered him boldly, blessed be the Lord oh Lord give them courage & the confidence of fayth & wisdome for the Lords sake.

Mr ffarren & Mr Rushworth Churchwardens.Footnote ²²⁵

17° dec. 1637 Sab.[bath]

Mr Newton preached in the morninge & Mr Ball at night.

litle John is very ill with a Cold in his lungs & head, but I and my deare wife have besought the Lord for him with earnestnes & an answere of peace blessed be thy name oh Lord for erectinge this office of peticons that we may in all exigencyes put up our supplications in the name of the Comon savior the Lord xt & receave helpe.

18° dec

I prayed both in pub[lic] private & secret & went to the Court, & prayed to be d[e]l[ive]red from rash anger, so Mr MaiorFootnote ²²⁶ did oppose & but the Lord gave me some gracious moderation of spirit blessed be thy name oh Lord.

The Churchwardens againe with dr Clarke & to day where they were Taunted & but Lord encourage them.

Mr ffisher sealed and published his will to day in the p[rese]nce of Mr Sam. Martin Nath. Sharpe & IFootnote ²²⁷ we supped at Mr Rushworths & went downe afterward to Mr Balls.

19° dec. 1637

Mr Judkin & Mr Joseph SargentFootnote ²²⁸ had of me this day the table of fees which I suppose to be false in diverse places.

At the night my wife & I were much afflicted at SuesFootnote ²²⁹ sudden goeinge away at our correctinge of Sam so I prayed in the distresse that the Lord would order it for the best.

Oh Lord give us wisdome in o[u]r correction of o[u]r children & in o[u]r carriage towards them & o[u]r servants for the Lords sake Amen.

I was at Captayne Barnards to day but he was not at home.

Mrs ffarmer hath wrote to intreat me to stay for the 10li for 6 moneths which I cannot doe,

20° dec.

I prayed and went to Cap[tain] Bernards & from there to Wellingborowe and returned safe I blesse the Lord, I came home p[ar]te of the way with Mr Cooke & his two sonnes.Footnote ²³⁰

My litle sonne John is very well recovered blessed be thy name oh Lord for hearinge o[u]r poore prayers, oh Lord graunt that we may not sett our affections too much uppon him or any worldly thinge

thinge but graunt that we may Love the Creatures in thee & for thee, I met good Mr Pearne & my cousin cominge from North[amp]ton.

I have sent this day to Mrs ffarmer so shee hath wrote me word she will p[ro]vide it.

21° dec 1637

I prayed and went to church where I heard Mr Ball who preached p[ro]fitably blessed be thy name oh Lord.

I went after to dinner at Mr ffarrens where dyned Mr Maior the BayleifesFootnote ²³¹ & 48Footnote ²³² or a great p[ar]te of them to eat the brace of does that came from the Lord of holland.

Mr Blomeley came over about the assurances from him to Mrs PryorFootnote ²³³ we advised with Mr Bryan about them.

a great snow is fallen.

one Medbury a miller is lately found dead at his mill havinge slipped into the water there;

22° dec.

I prayed and rose early to dispatch the ffeoffm[en]tFootnote ²³⁴ for Mrs Pryor so in the afternoone I went downe

to the house in the South quarter with it where it was sealled and delivered.

23° dec. 1637

I rose betimes & prayed in private & with my deare wife & then with my family with some fayth & warmed affeccons (I blesse the Lord) especially in prayinge & readinge with my family. This day in some distresse for money, for none came from Captayne Bernard according to his p[ro]misse; nor from Mrs ffarmer

so in the end I have chang'd the 11s Edward peeceFootnote ²³⁵ but Lord enable me to redeeme it againe if it be thy will: old Mr Martin is troubled that I bringe not the 5li for his chardges & Lord enable me to pay him for the Lords sake if it be thy will, & p[ro]vide for me this vacaccon time for the Lords sake, & for the tearme too I humbly pray & make me very thankfull for ev[e]ry m[er]cye for the Lords sake.

24° dec.1637 Sab.[bath]

Mr Newton preached in the morninge & Mr Ball in the afternoone p[ro]fitably.

a great snow & very sharpe weather.

25° dec. xxmas day.

Mr Ball preached very soundly in the morninge, shewinge that religion onely to be true which had god for the author actor end & Rule, against will worship sup[er]stition &.Footnote ²³⁶

here dyned with me goodman Emerson & ux & his mother goodman Smith & ux Ned Oakley & ux goodwife Nicolls & her daughter, who were much refreshed by it, oh Lord I pray thee enable me still that I may be able to give somethinge to those that are in want for the Lords sake Amen.

somewhat distracted whether I should goe to Baggington to morow with Mr Rushworth & Wm Bot, I desired the Lord to direct me.

in the afternoone I heard p[ar]te of a sermon from Mr ColsonFootnote ²³⁷ at St Gyles, but litle in it there I saw a sup[er]stitious altar, Lord looke uppon us in m[er]cye I borrowed 32s of Mr Sam. Martin.

*****

26° dec. 1637

I went not along with Mr Rushworth & Mr Bott I bought me [crossed out: s] a knife a box &. Lord make me exceedinge thrifty I humbly pray thee

my wife & I sent a breast of Mutton & dyned at Mr dan Readings.

I sent for my mother to day to wilby by Ned Oakley who is come safe I blesse the Lord.

27° dec.

I prayed in secret, & in private with my wife & in publiq & then we went to Mr MaiorsFootnote ²³⁸ to dinner havinge prayed the Lord to direct everythinge in his p[ro]vidence & to give us confidence how to carry ourselves, so we had kind entertaynement to see to, & Love from Mr Ball & who were there. I was with Mr Sam. Martin at night, who was not very well.

28° dec.

Mr Ball preached here at the Lecture & Mr Maiho a very faythfull preacher in the afternooneFootnote ²³⁹ at

at night we had Jason Readinge an honest man to supper, my Masters brother, we were invited to night to Sr xxofer hattons to dinner to morow Oh Lord I blesse thee for the favor I find from that man & other freinds thou in thy mercifull p[ro]vidence hast raysed up for me give me still grace & favor in their eyes so farre as thou seest good for me for the Lords sake.

[crossed out: I pray]

29° dece 1637

I prayed in the morninge in secret, in private with my wife & with my family, and for direction & gods good p[ro]vidence for the day & and afterward I and my wife rode to the parkeFootnote ²⁴⁰ to Sr xxofer hattons with Mr ffisher & his wife where we dyned with Mr Martin; Mr CawdreyFootnote ²⁴¹ Mr Ball & ux, & had kind enterteynemt & came home safe I blesse the Lord.

my wife went after to Goodwife Crutch[ley] who had sent for her to her labor, & hath a girle which hath 2 litle ioynts or fingers extraordinary comminge

comminge out of her litle fingers, which is some trouble to us & others Oh Lord I prayse thee from the very botome of my hart that thou hast bene so gracious as to bestowe right shape & forme uppon the Children thou hast given to me, Lord continue thy m[er]cye still in that kind to us we are not able to make one Joynt or one hayre thou alone doest all, oh I beseech thee p[ar]don all o[u]r sinnes & faylings & give us still matter of prayses to thee for thy goodnese for the Lords sake Amen.

Mr WatersFootnote ²⁴² hath left with me to [crossed out: day] night 4 Indent[ures] & a booke to be shewed to the Comm[issione]rs for charit[able] uses. My wife gave goodwife Crutch[ley] xiid.

30° dec. 1637

I prayed & went about my occasions though not with that dilligence required.

Mr houghtonFootnote ²⁴³ & divers have bene with me to day but I can receave no money.

I was compelled to borow 18s more of Mr Sam. Martin; & am somewhat melancholly but Lord I will trust in thee forever I beseech thee make good thy sure word to thy servant doe not fayle me nor forsake me for the Lords sake, but feed & cloath me & my family &

& in thy due time pay my debts for me; hatton came from toucester to day, & tells me his mother will send me money shortly. I have sent a warrant by Kening to arrest vernam of Ashby at ffrancis PerinsFootnote ²⁴⁴ suite, we bought two couple of Turkyes, great cocks & a hen [illegible word] all cost about 17s 6d or 18s, & sent the Cocks to Mr Attourneyes & Sr xxofersFootnote ²⁴⁵ by Ned Oakley we have now no money left in the house but 5d & I am somewhat troubled, but Lord looke uppon us in m[er]cye & helpe us we desire to trust in thee, pr[e]pare us for the Sabath & sacrament to morow for the Lords sake Amen.

31° dec.1637 Sab.[bath] sacr.[ament]Footnote ²⁴⁶

somew[ha]t straightened of time this morninge lyeinge too long somewhat dull in dutyes of the day Lord p[ar]don my deadnes for the Lords sake.

The Churchwardens have brought downe the Com[mu]n;[ion] Table to day from the Top & set it long wise in the body of the Channcell,Footnote ²⁴⁷ blessed be thy name oh Lord for incourageinge of them beare them out in it for the Lords sake if it be thy will.

I was fayne to desire Mr ffarren to lay downe 9d for

******

for me at the sacram[en]t; havinge but about 2d about me,

1° Januar 1637/38

I prayed & went to heare Mr Ball preach before I went I made a ReplevinFootnote ²⁴⁸ at the instance of John PowellFootnote ²⁴⁹ to the Constab[le] & of Little Billing to replevin certayne Apparell & out of the hands of Thomas Cowp[er]Footnote ²⁵⁰ & had for that & the bond to the Sher.[iff]Footnote ²⁵¹ 2s blessed be thy name oh Lord for the seasonable supply.

This day we heare young Mrs MorganFootnote ²⁵² is brought to bed of a sonne, oh Lord I prayse thee for it that thou givest her comforts after so much sorow wth so bad a husband Lord sanctify this m[er]cye to them all for the Lords sake Amen.

to day here dyned with us 4 of my M[aste]rs Children Mr dan. R.[eading] ch[ildre]n & ffr[ancis] Rushworth & Mrs Crick & Wm his wife beinge sick.Footnote ²⁵³

2° Jan 1637/38

I prayed and went to Sr xxoferFootnote ²⁵⁴ yelvertons alone & came thether before dinner, where was great variety of dayntyes & much good company Mr Cawdrey, Mr CranfordFootnote ²⁵⁵ &

It was late ere I came out & I was very fearefull as I came home but I prayed & when I was come past litle Billinge & it began to be darke that I doubted of finding the way then I overtooke two on horseback cominge to North[amp]ton & came with them very safe I blesse the Lord but I was much p[er]plext with the Cares of the world as I came

here supped with us George Allome & Nell.

daniel SimonsFootnote ²⁵⁶ marryed to day.

3° Jan

This morninge I am much afflicted with the cares of the world considering my great debts & my small ones, havinge now but 2. twopences in the house & about to goe to Mr Rushworths where I shall meet with Mr ffarren whom I desired to lay downe 9d for me on the Sab.[bath] day.

& seeinge my great store of stuff for my horse & fuell much impayred to wonderment, my base hart

[left margin: trefoil symbol] hart is almost overcome with melancholly & the cares of the world, oh Lord what shall I say I am the vilest & the proudest wretch that ever lived that cannot contentedly submitt unto thee, nay Its a shame that I cannot depend uppon thee after so many p[ro]mises made to me from thy selfe & warnings given to take heed of these cares, & exp[er]iences of many seasonable supplyes & of the strength of thy mighty arme I beseech thee oh I beseech thee Looke uppon me in m[er]cye, if it be thy gracious will helpe me to pay my debts, if not I pray thee give me Contentacon in this my condicon Lord I wayte uppon thee heare me for the Lords sake Amen.

I have sent up & downe & am got no money & Mr WattsFootnote ²⁵⁷ hath bene with me for 20li for Mr Balls quarteridge & I have it not; oh Lord give me fayth & contentacon whatever thou witholdest for the Lords sake Amen.

4° Jan 1637/38

I prayed and went to church to heare Mr Ball at the lecture.

after sermon Mrs ffarmers 10li came so shee & I are now even, blessed be god for this supply.

[crossed out: we] I and my wife went afterwards to Mr Bryans to dinner where dyned with us Mr Bullivant & ux Mr Rushworth & ux Mr Tempest CookeFootnote ²⁵⁸ & & had kind enterteynement; I went afterward & payd Mr Martin the 5li he looked for, for his expences in his Journey to London & in the busines betweene me & Mr Pilk[ington]Footnote ²⁵⁹ so he & I are even blessed be god, Lord helpe me still in m[er]cye for the Lords sake Amen.

we were invited to have bene at Captain Barnards to day at dinner.

ffullerFootnote ²⁶⁰ brought his couple of Capons to day.

Mr Pendleton the ShoemakerFootnote ²⁶¹ his sonne dyed this eveninge.

5° Jan 1637/38

I prayed and went to the vestry, where there was grannted another assessment of 100li to the Churchwardens.Footnote ²⁶² Lord enable me to pay my p[ar]te I was very much afflicted to day with worldly [left margin: trefoil symbol] cares but did strive [crossed out: ag] and pray & labor to beleive against them, I doe much blame my selfe & am greived that I should be such a wretch as not to depend uppon god with cheerfullnes for p[ro]vision of those outward things I have remembred how easye it is for the Lord to

to p[ro]vide for me, oh Lord the time was when I had lesse hope of heaven, then of those things yet thou hast in m[er]cye bestowed the Lord Christ the Cheife of all favors uppon me & hast made the bones which thou hadst once broken to reioyne againe,Footnote ²⁶³ and I am sure thou takest notice of my estate & condicon of debt & wants, Lord helpe me (if it be thy will) for thou art all-sufficient & what ever thou bestowest graunt that it may be in m[er]cye in answere to my poore prayers & in p[er]formance of thy gracious p[ro]mises & graunt that I may behold thy arme & p[ro]vidence in it that so my hart may be filled with thy prayses all the day longe & my tongue may delight to talke of thy wonders but however blessed father I beseech thee sanctifye unto me this my necessitous condicon & put out of my soule these thornye Cares for the Lords sake.

after I had dyned here I went over to Captayne Barnards, where they were at

at dinner when I came & had the musiqh of daventry,Footnote ²⁶⁴ my poore soule in the hearinge of it was lifted up above it to consider of heaven & of that great God who hath put this into the harts of men. Mr Bullivant was here & one Mr dyer &.

The Lord brought me safe home though it was somew[ha]t darke I blesse the Lord.

p[rese]ntly after Wm Spicer come to me with his bill of 5li so I p[ai]d him 3li of it & p[rese]ntly after that Mr Sam. Martin sent to me for the 50s I owe him but I could spare but 20s at which I was somew[ha]t troubled, Lord help me in thy due time for the Lords sake Amen. I went & spoke with Mr Martin who is willinge to stay for all his money till next weeke, oh Lord enable me to pay it then for the Lords sake Amen.

6° Januar 1637/38 Twelfth day.

I prayed, & went after to Mr Whalleys,Footnote ²⁶⁵ & had some cheerfullnes (I blesse the Lord) to goe about my businesse; I was afterwards with Mr Rushworth Mr Sam. Martin & one Mr Phips &.

Joseph EastonFootnote ²⁶⁶ sent his couple of Capons to day

day. I p[ai]d Mr L[awrence] Watts 20li to day for Mr Balls quarteridge at Rob Sillesbyes shop.

Oh Lord I beseech thee helpe me & my father who are both of us in great distresse by reason of debt, for the Lords sake susteyne & comfort us, & ease us in thy due time o god who art exceedinge mercifull & all-sufficient.

Oh Lord pr[e]pare me for thy Sab[bath] for the Lords sake Amen.

7° Januar 1637/38 Sab.[bath]

Oh Lord I pray thee pr[e]pare me for thy blessed ordinances this day graunt that thy spirit may come along wth thy word that so every grace may be increased every sinne decayed every affeccon inflamed and rightly placed put wind into my sayles this day for the Lords sake and I beseech thee for his sake also rebuke the melancholly & alienacon of mind caused in me through distractinge newes & other troubles and helpe me against unbeleife for the Lords sake.

A stranger one Mr PercivallFootnote ²⁶⁷ preached both times very honestly & p[ro]fitably blessed be the Lord, and I was graciously affected in dutye I prayse the Lord, greatly enlarged in publiq prayer in the family & in private, & had power over my worldly Cares I blesse the Lord.

8° Januar. 1637/38

I prayed and went to the Court which afforded me some supply I prayse the Lord.

after dinner I p[ai]d Mr hayes 4s p[ro] 2 payre of shoes for my mother & my wife, beside whats due to him uppon the bill.

my wife & I went to Kingsthorpe to Mrs Morgans wth Mrs dan ReadingeFootnote ²⁶⁸ as I went I overtooke Mr MottersheddFootnote ²⁶⁹ who threatens to have Mr Gifford & me in the Starr=chamber & to [crossed out: un] unsteward me because Mr Gifford committed him for miscarriage in the Court when he was Maior & me for drawinge an Inditement against him about it at the Last Sessions, oh Lord I beseech thee deliver me from the malice of this man for the Lords sake.

My mother went home to day to Wilby, with Ned Oakley

*****

9° Januar 1637/38

I prayed in private & in the family & went to OaglesFootnote ²⁷⁰ house to reckon with CrutchleyFootnote ²⁷¹ where was Mr Coldwell Mr Pendleton &. The Sessions are this day at Ketteringe.Footnote ²⁷² I was at Mr Balls to night, but he was forth at Oxford, I had good discourse with Mr Rogers who seemes to loath vayne Ceremonies.

10. Jan 1637/38

I prayed & went to Wellingborowe where I spent 1s but got nothinge. Oh Lord I pray thee increase my practise & graunt me abilityes for it.

I p[ai]d Nurse 7s this morninge for 6 weeks past. This day I heare that Sr henry Robinson is dead who was a great rich man & a usurer; Non domus & fundus non aeris &Footnote ²⁷³

I [crossed out: ha] was incouraginge my selfe in goeinge a longe to wayte uppon god still by fayth & to labor to keepe closse unto him, & I remembred what god said to david when he had sinned god sent [crossed out: Ill] the p[ro]phet to him to enumerate

[left margin: trefoil symbol] the m[er]cyes god had bestowed on him, & withall that if they had not bene inough he would have done thus & thus for him,Footnote ²⁷⁴ & I receaved much comfort and thought how the Lord had alreadye bestowed many m[er]cyes uppon me, and surely now he sees me in want againe, he hath a thus & thus for me in his due time to supply me. Oh Lord I beleive helpe my unbeleife, & grant that from the pinchinge wants of outward things which I feele I may consider my spirituall wants & weaknesses & be more humbled for them for the Lords sake Amen. I was wth Mr Eakins & Mr PratFootnote ²⁷⁵ at Wellingborow I came home in due time & safe I blesse the Lord notwithstandinge the frostines & slipperynesse of the way.

I was at old Mr Martins at night wth Mr Rushworth & Mr Sam. Martin

11° Jan. 1637/38

Mr WilkinsFootnote ²⁷⁶ preached at the lecture to day very p[ro]fitably (I blesse the Lord) uppon pr[e]paracon for p[er]secucon.

I heard afterward Mr S. Martin had bene here & we feared it was for the 50s wch I

I owe him, but I went to him & find him willinge to spare me it a while longer blessed be the Lord; so we had good discourse at his house & he came afterward home with me.

[left margin: symbol of a hand with finger pointing at this line] 12° Jan 1637/38

poore Sam. hath bene very ill this morning with vomitinge &.

so I prayed unto the Lord that gave me him at the first & the Lord hath in m[er]cye given me him againe for he is suddenly recovered blessed be thy name oh Lord.

more occasions of trouble in regard of the things of this life; for Mrs Crick hath bene with me for 34s I owe her, & goodman Lowe hath sent his bill for about 7s which I owe him & I have it not, & my father hath wrote me a very pittifull letter of the straights which he is in in regard of debts, oh Lord I beseech thee looke uppon us in m[er]cye thou art able to ease us in thy due time doe it for the Lords sake &

& [left margin: trefoil symbol] in the meane while deliver us from our feares, from arrests & & give us to live by fayth & to goe with cheerfullnes & dilligence about our callings.

we are to have our lovinge freinds Mr Sam Martin & Mr Rushworth & their wives to supper with us to night, oh Lord give us comfort in o[u]r meetinge graunt that we may be cheerfull in the confidence of fayth & direct us to good & wholsome discourse that we may be bettered by it for the Lords sake Amen. Mr ParkerFootnote ²⁷⁷ was here with me to day.

The Churchwardens are to appeare at the sp[iritual] Court to day.

The Churchwardens decreed to be excommunicateFootnote ²⁷⁸ to day for bringinge downe the Comm[uni]on table, to day.

we had comforts in o[u]r freinds at supper to night blessed be the Lord.

13° Jan 1637/38

somewhat distracted with worldly cares to day yet the Lord hath in great m[er]cye releived me

& sent me some supply I blesse thy name oh Lord for this m[er]cye.

Mr ffisher & goodman OdellFootnote ²⁷⁹ chosen arbitrat[ors] to day betweene Perin & the Vernams have by their award put an end to all controversy betweene them to this time, Vernam hath p[ai]d him 36s in full of all debts & chardges & I have d[e]l[ive]r[e]d to goodman Odell both Peryns bonds by direction to be cancelled

I have p[ai]d goodman Loe his bill of 7s 6dFootnote ²⁸⁰

I prayd in the morninge wth my wife amongst other things about the Churchwardens I heare this afternoone they are delivered & have liberty to bringe downe the table at the administracon,Footnote ²⁸¹ blessed be thy name oh Lord.

goodman Clarke brought us the Iron to hang before the fire,

I have written this day to Mr Watts Thomas WarrenFootnote ²⁸² my brother Mr Weston & my father, oh Lord pr[e]pare me [crossed out: f] & my family for thy Sabath approachinge for the Lords sake Amen

14° Jan. 1637/38 Sab.[bath]

worldly cares were ready to possesse my soule in the morninge so soone as I awaked but I brought the word of the Lord against them & they did not much pr[e]vayle I blesse the Lord, I banished them by remembring the Sabath.

some blessed assistance in the dutyes of the day especially [crossed out: espec] in publiq at night I prayse the Lord. Mr Newton preached in the morninge, Mr Ball in the afternoone.

15° Januar.

greatly afflicted this morninge with thorny cares [left margin: trefoil symbol] they seized uppon me very much, with much melancholly & sweatinge, but out of the depths I have called unto the Lord the deliverer who hath oft delivered and yet I trust will deliver oh Lord helpe my unbeleife for the Lords sake truly Lord I can see no helpe from an arme of flesh but it seemes to me that I am this last yeare runne 50 or 60li in debt more then I was before & what Lord shall I then doe oh how weighty is this affliccon, Lord I desire to

to submit unto it I beseech thee that I may doe it with Cherefullnes, I desire to cast this burden uppon thee Lord susteyne me, & stay up the hart of me and my deare wife & fit us for our callings for the Lords sake. I prayse the Lord I had some enlargement in dutye with my deare wife, & in secret by my selfe, oh Lord helpe as thou hast done for the Lords sake.

16 Jan 1637/38 [raised script: Mach[in] Cousin heyes]

I observe gods good p[ro]vidence to me this day in bringing Mr MachinFootnote ²⁸³ to me [crossed out: this day] who brought me a busines wherby I gayned 3s 4d and in enablinge to pay Mr heyes this day.

17° Januar 1637/38

I prayed and went to Wellingborowe where goodman Tompson resisted the man that would have distreyned him for the shipmoney oh Lord ease us of this great & heavy taxe if it be thy will and graunt that the whole kingdome may live in p[er]fect peace & unity in thy feare seekinge the p[ro]motion of thy glorious gospell and graunt us yet to see p[ar]liaments that may conclude on those things that may be for the glory of thy name & the happinesse of the Kingdome for the Lords sake.

18° Januar 1637/38

I prayed in my family and went with Mr Sam. Martin henry Allen & Mr Rushworth to Coventry and the Lord pr[e]served us graciously in the Journey kept us safe notwithstandinge the dangerous Joye Lane beyond Wi[lle]n[h]all which we went through when it was somewhat darke, & in other places. when we came to Coventry we durst scarce inquire of Mr BallFootnote ²⁸⁴ least we should heare he was dead, but we found him at farre more ease then form[er]ly & we had all much comfort

oh Lord goe on still with the Cure to a p[er]fect recovery if it be thy will to the glory of thy great name & the comfort of those that doe depend uppon him.

Mr Martin & I lodged together, he prayed at night very graciously.

19° Januar 1637/38

I prayed in the morninge with warmed affeccons & much fayth I blesse the Lord.

we were after at Mr Sheriffe SnellsFootnote ²⁸⁵ but I saw no Relig[ion] there we came after to trinity Church where we heard a sermon the man bowed at the name of Jesus. Mr Martin & h[enry] Allen went for North[amp]ton about 3 a clock in post merid[iem], but I went alonge wth henry Goodere to Baggington to his father in lawes Mr Wales where I found kind enterteynement

20° Januar 1637/38

harry Goodere & I came out in the morninge about 5 a clock, he came alonge with me to KillesbyFootnote ²⁸⁶ & then turned back, after I was p[ar]ted from him I had very gracious comforts, & did much accuse my selfe in the pr[e]sence of god for my infidelitye & did beseech earnestly of the Lord an increase of fayth & other graces, oh Lord heare me for the Lords sake

p[rese]ntly after I met wth a young man comminge to North[amp]ton who surely is gracious, so we spoke about Communion tables & bowinge &.

The Lord brought me home safe betweene 11 & 12 a clock, blessed be thy name oh Lord.

21° Januar 1637/38 Sab[bath]

Mr Clarke of ffaxtonFootnote ²⁸⁷ preached here morninge & eveninge very p[ro]fitably & boldly I blesse the Lord. Lord strengthen him still to stand for thee & for thy truth for the Lords sake Amen.

dr Clarke hath sent forth a sentence of excommunicacon ag[ains]t the Churchwardens here, which is not yet published

22° Januar. 1637/38

Court to day where I found Mr MaiorFootnote ²⁸⁸ more favourable to me to day then I expected. Oh Lord continue it & increase it still if it be thy mercifull will for the Lords sake Amen. This day I have bene marryed 3 yeares, blessed be thy name oh Lord for the m[er]cy thou hast shewed me since, Lord blesse me & my whole famyly & Continue our lives still if it be thy will to thy glory & our comfort for the Lords sake goodman Iblethy & ux supped [crossed out: at Abington] here to night

23 I prayed and went to Abington to Capt Bernard where I dyned, I had much dispute with Mr W[illia]m BarnardFootnote ²⁸⁹ about Arminianisme, oh Lord setle him in thy truth.

Capt Barnard p[ai]d me the Bill of the last tearme for the p[ro]hibicon.

I came home from Mr Bullivants with Mr ffarren & the ffarryer.

24° Januar.

I prayed and went to Wellingborowe where I met with some practise I blesse the Lord, from Rob. Worlidge.Footnote ²⁹⁰ And Mr Cox of [Mears] AshbyFootnote ²⁹¹ hath incouraged me to get the Court Baron for hamforde

*****

shoe hundred, I pray unto the Lord about it I came home with an honest man of Titchmarsh one heyes & we had much private discourse with much affection I blesse the Lord. [crossed out: I & my wife should have bene at Mr Benoni Coldwells at dinner had we bene at home]

25° Jan 1637/38

I prayed and went this morninge to keepe Grafton [Regis] Court, where the Lord graciously supplyed me with above 5s cleer gayne there, blessed be thy name oh Lord.

I came home with a servant of the Lady Cranes [crossed out: I dyned with] we should have dyned at Bayleife Coldwells to day had I bene at home.

26. Jan

I prayed and went to Olney, lost my way in the forest neare olney but came hether safe I blesse the Lord, where I receaved of John JamesFootnote ²⁹² 9s in p[ar]te of paym[en]t p[ro] writts & a Lease makinge, he owes me still of the old reckoninge 6s 8d, & imployed me further I blesse the Lord, and I had much p[ro]fitable

p[ro]fitable meditacon in my Journey as I went along I prayse the Lord.

I came afterward to Easton [Maudit] where I found kind enterteynement from Mr Allen & Mr Watts, and Mr Watts hath given me much encouragem[en]t, to wayt uppon god, by Informinge me how he was indebted when he first marryed in 200li & yet god inabled him to pay it in a matter of 2 yeares oh Lord make me able to beare this burden & ease me of it in thy due time for the Lords sake Amen.

Mr Eccleston gave me 11s for writinge out the bounds of the fforest for him the Lord be praysed.

The Lord graciously pr[e]served me this day goeinge & cominge over Billing Bridge in the great water where I did not well know the way. [illegible scribble]

Mr Watts gave me 6li more for my fathers use which makes 60li to my father besides the 20li I have had over & above the 100li I owe him.

blessed be thy name oh Lord for this mans favor thou hast raysed him up to be an

Instrument of comfort & helpe to me blessed be thy name oh Lord.

27° Januar. 1637/38

I have p[ai]d Mr ChapmanFootnote ²⁹³ 9s for the halfe yeares rent of the stable, & have bought wheate & beefe to day blessed be thy name oh Lord.

blessed comforts often times in dutyes I prayse the Lord with much dependance uppon god in my extremityes & exigents.

I had gracious enlargem[en]t in readinge & prayer this morninge I prayse the Lord.

28° Januar. Sab.[bath]

Mr Newton preached in the morninge & Mr Ball in the afternoone, the excomunicacon was published in thafternoone against Mr ffarren & Mr Rushworth the Churchwardens, Lord looke uppon the times & amend them for the Lords sake.

29° Januar 1637/38

Court to day where the Lord is still pleased to supply me graciously.

this afternoone h[enry] Goodere came to towne & he & Mr Rushworth supped with me. I p[ai]d 3s 4d to Mr harbertsFootnote ²⁹⁴ man for a payre of shoes formerly so he & I are even blessed be the Lord.

I have paid Mr Curwyn 2s res[i]d[ue] of the old reckoninge so he & I are even praysed be thy name oh Lord.

I was at Mr MayorsFootnote ²⁹⁵ to night who shewed himselfe very kind to me blessed be thy name oh Lord for hearinge my prayer in any measure.

30 Januar.

I prayed and came forward [crossed out: to] towards London this morninge about 9 or 10 a clock with Mr Sea Mr LambeFootnote ²⁹⁶ & h[enry] Goodere & came safe to Dunstable blessed be thy name oh Lord.

before I came I payd Nurse all owthingeFootnote ²⁹⁷

due to her [crossed out: till, from] to this time.

I left 12d wth my wife to pay Ned Oakley & money to buy hops & for the brewinge & about 5 or 6s to keep house with besides an arrer due from ffryers Lord supply my family graciously for the Lords sake Amen. I prayed at night with Mr Goodere.

31° Januar. 1637/38

Mr Goodere prayed wth me this morninge. we came safe to London I blesse the Lord about 3 a clock in thafternoone where I find my freinds well I prayse the Lord & met here with my uncle heyes & Mr PykeFootnote ²⁹⁸ I pray for favor in their eyes if the Lord see fitt.

I heare that on Satteday last 2 of the Judges vizt Crawley & WestonFootnote ²⁹⁹ gave their opinions for the Kinge about the ship money.

1° ffebr.

I prayed and went to Westm[inster] hall where I met wth Sr xxoferFootnote ³⁰⁰ yelverton who showed

showed me much favor I prayse the Lord. In the afternoone I went to Mr AttourneyFootnote ³⁰¹ who hath p[ro]mised me a deputacon to keep the 3 weeks Court at hamfordshoe when he comes into the Country.

blessed be thy name oh Lord & now Lord I beseech thee inable me for it every way and graunt that I may ayme at thy glory in all my accons graunt that I may never trouble my conscience by takinge any fee there or otherwhere that I shall doubt of, and blesse this small thing unto me in thy p[ro]vidence I know if thou pleasest thou canst cause [left margin: trefoil symbol] this small wheele to turne about a greater; doe me good for the Lords sake Amen.

I read till about 12 at night in private and prayed against the inundacon of pop[er]y & for the Convercon of his Ma[jes]ty Lord heare me for xt his sake.

2° ffebr. 1637/38. Candlemas day

I dyned with h[enry] Goodere to day at my Cousin Ragdales in Stayning lane;Footnote ³⁰² we went afterward to sermon at dr Stoughtons & heard him who spake boldly in the name of the Lord & gave comforts ag[ains]t times of sufferinge. Oh Lord still strengthen his hands & uphold him & suffer not his malicious enemyes to pr[e]vayle for the Lords sake Amen.

we went after & heard a sermon in Pauls preached by one dr Turner,Footnote ³⁰³ who preached for bowinge at the name of Jesus & towards the altar oh Lord looke from heaven in m[er]cye to thy poore church behold & visit this vine for the Lords sake Amen.

h[enry] Goodere supped here & is to lye wth me to night.

3° ffeb.

h[enry] & I prayed & I went to Westm[inster] wth Mr daniel Readinge &.

I have bene this day encountred againe (as I am dayly) by the cares of the world, but in the name of the Lord shall I destroy them for surely

surely thou wilt feed & Cloath me, its not in vayne to trust in thee & wayte uppon thee give me comfort in thee in the worst condicon whatsoever for the Lords sake & pr[e]pare me for thy Sab.[bath] approaching I rec[eive]d l[ette]rs to day from Mr Mayor & to Sr George SandsFootnote ³⁰⁴ Lord give me successe for the Lords sake.

gracious Comforts & fayth in private prayer at night I blesse the Lord.

4° ffebr. 1637/38 Sab.[bath]

I prayed and went to Aldermanbury church where I heard a stranger preach very faythfully & boldly blessed be thy name oh Lord.

dr Stoughton preached in the afternoone with like faythfullnes & bouldnes. oh Lord stay them up still & suffer not the malice of Satan & his instruments to pr[e]vayle against them for the Lords sake.

graciously inlarged in the family in prayer to night I blesse the Lord.

5° ffebr. 1637/38

I prayed & went in the morninge somewhat early to find Mr SimpsonFootnote ³⁰⁵ house who is Cashier to Sr George Sands to intreat his helpe about my letter & so he informed me that Sr George was in Towne & followed me thether & delivered the letter & hath promised that an answere of it shall be pr[e]pared by 3 a clock to be sent to Mr wilcox of horton.Footnote ³⁰⁶ I went not to Westm[inster] this morninge stayinge about this busines.

I went at night & have receaved the Answere blessed be thy name oh Lord so I have inclosed it & written to Mr Maior.Footnote ³⁰⁷ Lord give me grace & favor in their eyes if thou see good for the Lords sake Amen.

6° ffeb Shrove tuesday.

I was graciously affected in private duty this morninge I blesse the Lord wth much fayth. I went alonge with my M[aster] to blackfryers to dinner oh Lord I blesse thee for the favor I find in their eyes it is from thee alone.

Coles & Soudly of deringtonFootnote ³⁰⁸ came to towne to night to prove the Suggestions.Footnote ³⁰⁹

Mr Mayor came to London to day & met with my letter by the way.

7° ffeb. 1637/38

Bishop WrenFootnote ³¹⁰ preached at the Court to day. Oh Lord bringe those that are faythfull to preach before his Ma[jes]tye with effect & remove the wicked from his throne that it may be established & continue as the dayes of heaven for the feare of thy name will give beinge and continuacon to a family & nothinge else can establish a house or a nacon. by gods good p[ro]vidence we have found out an error in o[u]r Suggestions in due time which came through the want of right informacon by denton.

Ned Oakley [crossed out: went]

8° ffeb. 1637/38

I had a Recovery at BarreFootnote ³¹¹ to day for one PettiverFootnote ³¹² a clyent of mine.

9° ffebr

I prayed and went to the hall & have compounded at the alienac[on] office for the fine to the Kinge uppon the writt of Entry p[ro] pettiver p[ro] xs

10° ffebr.

I prayed & went to the hall where Judge Bartlet & VernonFootnote ³¹³ went on wth the argument in the Checquer Chamber about the Ship-money & have given their opinions as the other two did. oh Lord graunt that Justice & righteousnes may flow downe like a streame in this Kingdome for the Lords sake.

11° ffebr. Sab.[bath]

dr Stoughton preached eveninge & morninge at his owne Church.

The Churchwardens of o[u]r parish at North[amp]ton came to the towne to day & sent for me at night, the occas[ion] of their cominge to day was necessary as they supposed.

12° ffebr.

I prayed and went to the hall; beinge the last day of the tearme, I am much straighted for moneyes but my desire was to wayte uppon the Lord.

Through gods m[er]cye I brought my businesse to some good head & fit to be left with others.

13° ffeb.

I prayed and came out of towne about 9 a clock & met wth one John Taylor of Warr

Warrington in Com[itatu] Lanc[aster] & one Mr Kinston Taylor & I had much discourse about Mr BurtonFootnote ³¹⁴ we came safe & early to dunstable to day blessed be god.

I prayed wth Taylor to night who seemed to be affected with it, Lord worke good in his soule for the Lords sake Amen.

I met about highgate with Mr Wm SargentFootnote ³¹⁵ George Curwyn & who intend New England Lord blesse them for the Lords sake Amen.

14° ffeb. 1637/38

we came out about 6 a clock I left them at Stony stratford & came safe home blessed be god where I found all my family well I prayse the Lord.

I went to old Mr Martins at night & to Mr MaiorsFootnote ³¹⁶ & find much favor I prayse the Lord.

15° ffebr.

Mrs Crick sent this morninge for some money I owe her but I could not pay her; Lord looke uppon me in my lowe estate if it be thy will for the Lords sake.

I went to Grafton [Regis] to day to keepe Court

& receaved some supply I prayse the Lord. I came home with one Owen a minister who hath a vicaradge lately bestowed on him by my Lord Spencer.Footnote ³¹⁷

my horse is amisse & very poore so that I much feare I shall loose him, it would be a great affliccon to me Lord I humbly submit but pr[e]vent it if it be thy mercifull will.

my wife & I with our pullet went & supped wth Mrs Rushworth who is sad by her husbands absence Lord give them successe in what they are about for the Lords sake.

16° ffeb. 1637/38

Mr hicklinge sent for me to day to the George to borowe 2s 6d of me fearinge his money would not hold out so he had it of me which shall goe towards what I owe him more.

[left margin: trefoil symbol] Oh Lord I am in want & know not what to doe for the morowe but I desire to trust in thee Lord releive me in thy due time teach me to live uppon thee with comfort by fayth for the Lords sake Amen.

17° ffeb. 1637/38

I prayed and went in the morninge to Mr MaiorFootnote ³¹⁸ to intreat his direccon to ffr[yers] to pay me for some entryes concerning the towne which ffr[yers] denyed, & god gave me favor in his eyes accordinge as I prayed, poore goodwife Cooke was wth me twise for the 5s her sonne hath sent her by me but I had it not, Lord enable me to pay her on munday

Its told me this day that my Lord of North[amp]tonFootnote ³¹⁹ hath sealled a deputacon to some one to keepe the Court for hamfordshoe which Mr Attourney so lately p[ro]mised me oh Lord I desire to wayte uppon thee every thinge through thy m[er]cye & good p[ro]vidence shall fall out for the best for me Lord bestowe it uppon me if thou seest good for the Lords sake Amen.

one Warren of harleston wanteth a bond that hath bene formerly in the Court here but neither I nor Crutchley can find it Lord I pray thee deliver me from this feare if it be thy will for the Lords sake

Ah Lord how many exigents & affliccons I meet wthall in the world but make me to

to triumph in thee at all times & a gayner by every condicon, & pr[e]pare me for the Sabath for the Lords sake Amen.

my father hath now had 71li of Mr Watts & I [have had] 22li besides my former hundred so Mr Watts is to give us 7 more & it makes it 100.

18° ffeb 1637/38 Sab.[bath]

Mr Newton preached in the morninge & the minister of GranthamFootnote ³²⁰ a stranger in the afternoone very p[ro]fitably & well blessed be god oh Lord graunt that we may more p[ro]fit under thy glorious gospell which yet by thy m[er]cye we doe enioy then ever we have done formerly for the Lords sake Amen.

19° ffeb.

Court to day where I had some supply of my wants blessed be god.

Mr MayorFootnote ³²¹ deserted me againe to day in a

a businesse I moved in about entryes in towne businesses.

[crossed out: 19] 20° ffeb.1637/38

I prayed and went alonge wth Mr Pentlowe to Rugby where good Mr NaltonFootnote ³²² is preacher there was in the towne a bearebaytinge, which I was greived at & the more because I feared it was done in opposicon to the good man.

our Journey was about Mills wch Mr Pentlow was to buy of one Mr Pratt.Footnote ³²³

Mr Pentlowe prayed at night.

21° ffebr.

Mr Pentlowe prayed againe this morninge while after we went to breakefast to Mrs Childs house, where I had much comfort in discourse wth her & Mrs Prat two good women. about 11 a clock we came away & rode hard & I got hether in due time before the Judges came in

in (blessed be god for his good p[ro]vidence towards me in it) for so I escaped Mr Maiors anger.

I went after with Mr Maior & the Aldermen to the Judges lodginge, where old Justice huttonFootnote ³²⁴ shooke me kindly by the hand & is very lovinge to me allwayes blessed be thy name oh Lord for his favor towards me. I am very short of money, & Mrs Crick sends but I cannot help.

Mr ffarren & Mr Rushworth came home to day & have p[ro]cured an Inhibicon out of the delegates though wth much difficulty

22° ffebr. 1637/38

one Mr Alford the high sheriffe Sr John hanburyes ChaplayneFootnote ³²⁵ preached before the Judges to day very honestly. The Assizes began this morninge the Lord in m[er]cye sent me 3s 4d from the inhabitants of Benifeild for takinge off [crossed out: a fine] p[rese]ntm[en]t which the Clerke of AssizeFootnote ³²⁶ & Rob[er]te Worlidge p[ai]d me 8s p[ro] the writt & warrant v[e]rs[us] hensman.

Mr Watts lodged [altered from: lodgeth] here [crossed out: to] last night, I pray thee oh Lord continue his favor to me still for the Lords sake. The Inhibicon out of the delegates was published by Mr Newton to day before the Judges,Footnote ³²⁷ wch made the adversaryes [blank]

23° ffebr.

I inquire still about the Stewardship of hamfordeshoe & I heare its gone to John Eakins I pray &

& desire to wayte uppon the Lord. I have no tryalls at all this Assizes, but I desire to cast my care uppon the Lord & to wayte for his good p[ro]vidence oh Lord thou alone art holy & wise & gracious, teach me to trust p[er]fectly in thee for the Lords sake

The cares of the world doe strike soe at the Castle of my fayth, & are ready even to batter it, Lord Uphold me for I desire to trust in thee.

24° ffeb. 1637/38

I prayed and went to the Castle where I spoke to Mr Attourney who p[ro]mised to sealle me a deputacon to day, though he heard of John Eakins which he did accordingly, Lord direct every thinge for the best. Mr TourneyFootnote ³²⁸ calls uppon me for money excedings and I have it not, Lord helpe me, so he hath given me time till the tearme; Lord furnish me with it then for the Lords sake.

The Judges are gone to day to WarrickFootnote ³²⁹

one prison[er] onely condemned & he for a Burglary at Grendon, he livinge at Easton Maudit.

*****

25° ffeb. 1637/38 Sab.[bath]

somewt sleepy at morninge sermon through my infirmity of sinnes & want of care to goe to bed early the last night oh Lord graunt that I may amend that faylinge

graciously affected in hearinge Mr Ball in the afternoone who preached faythfully against Idolatry & p[er]secuters of xxians I was greatly affected in secret prayer this eveninge I blesse the Lord to teares wth much fayth and the Lord hath p[ro]mised to blesse me though I am nothinge the Lord will freely be gracious to me & will establish me in soule & family will pay my debts I trust in due time & will p[ro]vide outward necessaries for me oh Lord teach me to live by fayth for the Lords sake I prayed for the distressed church of god Lord heare me

26 ffeb.

I prayed and went to Court, where we had very much wrangling one with another especially Mr Bayleife Coldwell & I about the busines of fflexney, oh Lord p[ar]don our rashnes & Cure this

corrupcon of rash anger & violent passion in me for the Lords sake and graunt that I may never break out againe though much provoked.

I went to Captayne Bernards in the afternoone but found him not within,

I prayed unto the Lord as I came alonge uppon the way.

poore John Sillesby is in prison, & his goods seised by 2 or 3 fieri fac[ias]Footnote ³³⁰

The sp[irit]uall Court breathe out Chr[istians]

27° ffebruary 1637/38

I prayed and went afterwards to Sr xxofer hattons to the parke where I had kind entertaynemt from Sr xxofer; oh Lord I blesse thy name for that mans favor to me It was thine owne worke to move his hart towards me at the first & now to continue his favor to me Mr Cawdrey dyned there too.

Mr LongmanFootnote ³³¹ Sr xxofers Chapleyne & I had much discourse after dinner about the times & altars & bowinge to them he favors & maynteynes those innovations, I resolved so to carry my self that he might not p[er]ceave my opinion, but the fire brake out, & I spoke in the behalfe of gods true & sp[irit]uall worship, though with as much discrecon as

as I could & thought fitt; oh Lord keepe me from danger & questioninge if it be thy will, but if in thy p[ro]vidence thou hast ordeyned that I shall be called forth to witnesse to thy truth, I beseech thee give me knowledge & wisdome & fayth & courage & resolucon & patience, let me not feare the face of mortall man for the Lords sake

John Eakins began the 3 weeks Court of hamforde shoe here to day.

28 ffebr. 1637/38

I prayed and went to Wellingborowe to day, & met wth many good freinds, my mother tells me shee heares I intend to sell the land at Old oh Lord direct every thinge for the best for the Lords sake Amen.

I went to Mr Pearnes as I came home & from Wilby Mr danby & I came home together safe I blesse the Lord;

1° Martii

Mr Tompkins of harpoll preached at the lecture to day. Oh Lord pr[e]vent the inundacon of pop[er]y & sup[er]stition for the Lords sake Amen.

Old Mr Martin much afflicted wth his eye still.

harry Rise is come to towne & is apprehended uppon the like suspicon of felony for the goods sold here by his brother I rec[eive]d a letter which I suppose is counterfeyt from Richard

2° die Martii 1637/38

somewhat troubled with my old disease of forgetfullnes Lord ease me & helpe me for the Lords sake Amen. I am now to goe Joyne in dutye wth gods people to beseech the Lord for helpe in this evill & troublous time, & I am very dull & unfit Lord put thy spirit into my hart & words into my mouth & graunt that we may cry mightily unto thee so as thou mayest heare us, for the Lords sake.

The Lord was pleased graciously to enlarge me in dutye, & to affect my hart & gave me fayth to beleive in some measure I blesse the Lord.

Oh Lord heare our poore prayers for thy poore church & for our selves for the Lords sake Amen.

There was Mr ffisher William Turland & I, Mrs Maioresse Mr Collis Mrs harbert my wife goodwife Gibson Sar[ah] Collis Beck Bushell &.Footnote ³³²

3° Martii 1637/38

I was in great distresse for money but the Lord in m[er]cye sent me in the morninge about such time as the m[ar]ket was for butter & eggs 18d from John Clendon of Wellingborow, & other moneyes for some declaracons & when goodwife pin came to me for 12d from her husband I gave her all I had wch was 6d and told her I would come or send a while after and reckon with her husband; so about

the time of m[ar]ket openinge for Corne the Lord sent me 25s from Turland of harrington p[ro] resid[ue] recovery so I had to buy a strike of wheate wch cost me 7s 4d; & to send pin, so I have paid him 5s & there is 25 behind. Thus the Lord hath graciously carryed me through this day blessed be thy name oh Lord.

I p[ai]d for milk 22d to Ned Oakleys wife 1s.

Mr Sam. Martin came home to day having bene at London so we had him & ux & Mr Rushworth & ux to supper.

Mrs Rushworth is to blame in beinge heavy & sad to see her husband goe on wth such resolucon in the busines against dr Clarke. Lord strengthen his hands that he may not be discouraged for the Lords sake.

4° Martii 1637/38 Sab.[bath]

I prayed & went to church where Mr Newton preached honestly & well, though his prayer is turned somewhat canonicall & gave thanks for the S[ain]ts dep[ar]tedFootnote ³³³ &.

Mrs Rushworth sent for this morninge to Coventry her father beinge extreame ill it seemes.

Mr Colson the Curate of St Giles dyed this morning who had so late before refused to give the sacram[en]t to those that refused to come up to the rayles. we

*****

we had here no sermon in the afternoone, which thinge hath not bene knowne here in [crossed out: many] very many yeares before, it seemes dr Clarke hath forbidden it & its too much obeyed, oh Lord though the adversary this wicked hamanFootnote ³³⁴ & those of the Confederacye seeke to extinguish the light of thy glorious gospell & hate it as the theife hates the dawninge of the day, yet let thy light & thy truth breake forth let the sunne still arise & disp[er]se the foggs that come from the bottomlesse pitt, and make thine enimyes to be ashamed & to lick the dust oh Lord o[u]r eyes are towards thee keep & defend thy poore church & feed it with pure doctrine, oh Lord o[u]r enemyes are many & very mighty & we are weake & few, but though the coneyes be a weake & despicable & feeble folk 30.p[ro]v.[erbs]26. yet they make their houses in the rocks & who can unburrow them, Lord we take sanctuary in thee our god, & if we speake of strength thou art stronge, oh Lord make the adversaryes to know they are but men for the Lords sake I am much afflicted with the cares of the world, oh Lord p[ar]don & remove them for the Lords sake. much afflicted wth thorny cares in publiq prayer at night. Oh Lord give us to Live by fayth for the Lords sake Amen.

I gave harry Rise 6d in the gaole, & 10d to the poore

5° Martii 1637/38

I prayed wth my wife & with my family & in secret wth some comfort & enlargem[en]t I blesse the Lord, & I prayed against rash anger & for gods good p[ro]vidence uppon the day which I have found I prayse the Lord for we had an Indifferent quiet Court, & gaynfull to me I prayse god, & afterwards Guilb[er]t Tebot p[ai]d me the 12s 6d he ought me & Cr[utchley] p[ai]d me the reckonings of the day.

in the afternoone we went to the fun[er]all sermon at St Gyles Mr Ball preached very p[ro]fitably I prayse god. I went downe at night to Mr Balls. I p[ai]d goodman Iblethy 30s in p[ar]te of his bills & 22d p[ro] payre stock[ings] p[ro] ux.

6° Martii

I was up somew[ha]t early to day and have prayed unto the Lord with much fayth though the Lord doth exercise me with great affliccons yet surely the Lord will not forgett to be gracious & will surely blesse me & mine, we are much afflicted in regard my wife knowes not yet whether she be with child so she hath many feares I have prayed unto the Lord to shew m[er]cye unto us & to pr[e]vent & take away our trouble

*****

trouble about it, Oh Lord I acknowledge for o[u]r sinnes & faylings thou might iustly punish us but for the Lords sake p[ar]don them & shew m[er]cy to thy servants even in the things wch we are troubled about for the Lords sake Amen.

Richard Rise came [crossed out: word starting with f] to the towne here to day about his kinsman that is now in prison here my wife and I walked to Abington in the afternoone for her healthes sake. Mr & Mrs Bulliv[an]t not at home I was at Captayne Bernards. I supt at old Mr Martins to night.

7° Martii 1637/38

my wife finds some alteracon this morninge & I feare least she went too violently yesterday wch if she be with child may cause her to miscarry & I am somewhat melancholly but I have besought the Lord, to be gracious oh Lord blesse me in my Journey to Wellingborow to day & give me comforts when I returne here for the Lords sake Amen.

I went to Wellingborowe where I met wth Richard Rise who came alonge with me home & supped here I found my wife somewhat better I prayse the

the Lord, who is a god that heareth my poore prayers

8° Martii I prayed & went to Grafton [Regis] Court, & returned safe home I blesse the Lord, one Mr Beely of StokegoldingFootnote ³³⁵ dyned with us an archdeacon I opposed a health which he began: blessed be god

9° Martii 1637/38

I prayed and went alonge wth Richard Rise to Mr Maiors where met us Mr Bayleife,Footnote ³³⁶ so they are contented that harry Rise who is in prison shall be released and that the RecognisanceFootnote ³³⁷ for Edward shall not be returned &.

he & harry broke their fast here, Mr Coldwell hath p[ai]d me 5s towards the writts v[e]rs[us] fflexney.

I heare that dr Clarke is appeased & that things here shall be much as they have bene, oh Lord roote out the sup[er]stition we have already receaved & keepe out the Rest for the Lords sake.Footnote ³³⁸

William Bot is very sick.

10° Martii

Mr Watts was here to day, Lord give me still favor in his eyes for the Lords sake.

I have receaved litle money this day, oh Lord susteyne me in my outward estate for the Lords sake.

Mr Ball of Coventry dyed it seemes to day, Lord stay the harts of his freinds uppon thee for the Lords sake

11° Martii 1637/38 Sab.[bath]

Mr Ball preached here in the morninge & Mr Newton in the afternoone.

gracious Comforts in dutye this eveninge I blesse the Lord.

in the time of morninge pub[lic] excercise there was one houseFootnote ³³⁹ taken wth a woman at Blunts he sent to the stocksFootnote ³⁴⁰ & she to the Gaole under the Conduicte, and in the time of the eveninge excercise one Wright was taken wth Nel Glover a naughty woman he put in the Gaole & she sent to the house of Correccon,Footnote ³⁴¹ oh Lord p[ar]don their sinnes & give them amendment for the Lords sake. The fruits of sinne are shame, oh what vile creatures we are by nature; blessed be thy name oh Lord that I am not as bad as the worst in the world. my wife & John somewhat ill to day.

12° Martii Court to day. where Mr MaiorFootnote ³⁴² & I had some difference againe, Oh Lord pr[e]vent it for time to come & give me grace & favor in his eyes if it be thy will, however I beseech thee give me to be as patient as thou requirest I should be for the Lords sake for divisions are a signe that we are still carnall. Lord make us more spirituall.

I and my wife supped at younge Mr Martins where we had gracious comforts in good Conference with them & Mr Whalley et ux.

13° Martii 1637/38

my wife very ill to day & so is litle John, I have besought the Lord for them & for my family. I pray that the Lord would please to direct me to a good pennieworth for some land at duston if he see fit for the Lord of Warrick is about to sell there. Mr Cawdrey preached here this afternoone at the baptizinge of a Child of Mr GiffordsFootnote ³⁴³ but I was wth Mr PulleyFootnote ³⁴⁴ my Lord of Warricks solicitor Mr Wilso[n]Footnote ³⁴⁵ Mr Coles &.

My Lord of Warrick came late to the towne at night. Nurse Emerson who suckled John hath an ague so we are compelled to weane him, oh Lord pr[e]serve him & blesse him & my whole family for the Lords sake

14° Martii

I prayed and went downe to see my Lord of Warrick first in duston River but as I went I heard my Master was come to his owne house so I went downe to him, & the Lord hath given me grace in his eyes blessed be thy name oh Lord.

I met wth Mr Ball at the River & Mr Newton wth whom I had much discourse about the state of things there. I found my wife indifferent well at my returne I blesse the Lord & John is somewhat better of his cold I prayse the Lord. goodman AtkinsFootnote ³⁴⁶ dyed this eveninge.

15° Martii 1637/38

Mr Ball preached very well at the Lecture to day blessed be god. my Lord of Warrick was there. Mr hall Mrs ffarmer dyned here to day.

my wife & I are much troubled about her Condicon least there should be in her a false conception, because of that & but we have earnestly besought the Lord oh Lord heare us for the Lords sake.

John is very ill oh Lord recover him for the Lords sake Amen.

I am told to day that Mr Challis would give no answere to John James when he demaunded my money of him that is due about 2li 16s oh Lord I pray thee supply me.

16° Martii

I have earnestly besought the Lord in the behalfe of my deare wife & my poore child John who is very ill & froward, & I have commended my outward Condicon (which is somewhat desperate in regard of my many debts & much charge) to the m[er]cy & good p[ro]vidence of the Lord, who hath surely heard my prayers & will work for the best. Oh Lord stay my heart uppon thee give me to wayt for thee in thy m[er]cyes for the Lords sake.

I have prayed for strength against sinne, for practise for gods good blessinge & goodman

goodman Atkins was buryed this afternoone & Mr Newton preached at his fun[er]all, & spoke very well of who I think deserved no lesse.

Mr Rushworth spoke to me for the 15s for the Assessm[en]tFootnote ³⁴⁷ but I had it not Lord furnish me with it & for other necessar[ies]

litle John is very ill and vomits up all he receaves so that we are much troubled but I have sought the Lord who I trust will heare & helpe, and Lord we desire onely to depend uppon thee & to submit unto thee we pray thee doe us good & helpe & recover the poore infant if it be thy will for the Lords sake Amen. The Com[munio]n Table is raylinge in to the top of the ChancellFootnote ³⁴⁸ & the seates there pulled downe. O Lord destroy sup[er]stit[i]on.

17° Martii 1637/38

I have prayed this morninge & then I went to meet a [crossed out: suspended] minister a good man Mr CaseFootnote ³⁴⁹ at James ffryers his house wth Mr Martin Mr TomkinsFootnote ³⁵⁰ Mat[thew] Watts & T[homas] at dr harts,Footnote ³⁵¹ where we had argument about kneelinge at the sacrament, & whether it is lawfull to communicate wth knowne p[ro]phane p[er]sons & about bowinge &. Oh Lord I pray thee establish us in thy truth & before thou bringe us to suffer satisfye us thoroughly that we may beare the Crosse with more Comfort; my Child John is still much amisse & doth hardly reteyne any thinge in his stomake & is greivously infested with a cold both in his head & lungs oh Lord I pray thee heale & Cure him if it be thy will & reserve him as an instrument of thy glory in aftertimes &

& give us to make a sanctifyed use of so great a m[er]cye, Oh Lord we receaved him first from thee by prayer & thou hast restored him to us from former illnesses when we have prayed unto thee, Lord heare our poore prayers againe if it be thy will for the Lords sake Amen.

The rayle in the Chancell is now s[ai]d almost up and its confidently reported that the sicknes is in the Towne,Footnote ³⁵² Oh Lord pr[e]vent it or heale it if it be thy will, if not I pray thee give us to see the rod & him that smiteth with it that we may be bettered by the affliction, and secure I beseech thee (if it be thy will) the house & family of me thy poore servant & the rest of thy servants here from that thine arrowe for thy p[ro]vidence guideth all things, and dispose of us so as we may have food & rayment & necessary sustentacon for the Lords sake Amen.

Oh Lord send me money to buy corne for bread this day in due time if it be thy will for the Lords sake. my wife & SuFootnote ³⁵³ made up money inough afterward for the Corne I blesse the Lord.

At night I had most great & Ravishinge comforts in secret prayer the Lord even broke in uppon me, he made even his glory to passe before me & p[ro]claymed the Lord the Lord gracious & Oh Lord to

to enioy thy pr[e]sence & to behold thee in thine excellencyes & glory by an eye of fayth is even heaven here uppon the earth, I have put upp many peticons this night unto the Lord in an acceptab.[le] time, The Lord will surely blesse me & mine. Sam. Collins dyed at night; Mr Bayleife Coldwells Child borne this last night dyed in the morninge Lord give us all a sanctifyed use of this thy hand of mortality now uppon us in the towne for the Lords sake.

18° Martii 1637/38 Sab.[bath]

Mr Ball preached in the morninge, but my hart was very heavy & my head sleepy Lord p[ar]don my sinne & weaknesse,

Mr Case preached in the afternoone most excellently out of the 6. Heb.[rews] 17. 18. & raysed this poynt That god is abundantly willinge that the heires of p[ro]mise should have strong Consolation; which poynt he made good by demonstracons & reasons & applyed it admirably blessed be thy name oh Lord. Lord enable me to repeate it p[ro]fitably to my selfe &

& family for the Lords sake.

I was greatly affected in hearinge him, even filled with fayth & Comfort abundantly like to the Comfort in secret prayer the Last night I blesse the Lord. Oh how sweet the lord is! Oh come oft & see how gracious the Lord is, Oh Lord I beseech thee keep my mind in frame let me ever enioy a holy Comunion with thee, yea a firme Comunion that it may never be broken off any more for the Lords sake.

O Lord heale my poore Child that is sick if it be thy will, I humbly sue unto thee as the Centurion & health & sicknes are thy servants say but to this goe & it goeth to that Come & it cometh, say but the word & my child shall be healed, & if thou bestowe this m[er]cye I beseech thee sanctifye it for the Lords sake Amen

19° Martii 1637/38

I prayed and amongst other things to be delivered from passion & and went to the Court where we had not much wranglinge.

I went afterwards along wth my Master Mr Reading to Banbury, we came late thether to the Red Lyon we went after to Nath[aniel] Readinge at Mrs Wares where

where we found him in his ague fit, I was not very well after supper with some qualmes for a while but the Lord graciously recovered me.

My M[aste]r told me of one Mr Edward Bagshawe a rude man (whom I knew well) how he was lately stayed suddenly with a fall from his horse, Oh Lord graunt me ever thy blessed p[ro]tection.

20° Martii 1637/38

I prayed in the morninge & went afterwards to Mr Sprig,Footnote ³⁵⁴ and after that to the Lecture where Mr WheatlyFootnote ³⁵⁵ that good man preached very p[ro]fitably (amongst other things) shewinge what is required of husbands to their wives, that they ought not to be profuse or niggardly or Churlish lord sanctifye it to me for the Lords sake, I went afterwards along with Mr Bagshawe to his house at Morton Pinckeny, we dyned first at Mr harfords the schole masters; my M[aste]r stayed at Banbury this night

21° Martii

I prayed and came early from Mr Bagshawes & safe home I blesse the Lord where I found my wife indifferent well & my litle John somewhat better then he was I blesse the Lord, I went after to Wellingborowe, and found that my mother had bene very ill of an ague but is recovered blessed be thy name oh

oh Lord, oh my god sanctifye it unto her & all thy m[er]cyes for the good of her soule for the Lords sake I rec[eive]d 8s more of George hopkinsFootnote ³⁵⁶ & 8d of Rob Worlidge in full of all & 2s 6d of George Curtis in p[ar]te of what he owes me.

22° Martii 1637/38

I prayed and went to holcot to hopkins, & so to Ketteringe fayre where I could not meet with any imployment, & I had much conflict with the thorny cares of the world & thoughts of my debts & of the many payments I have this Lady Day but I prayed unto the Lord often in the way goeinge & cominge & found much refreshinge comfort in the sweet p[ro]mises & m[er]cye of the Lord, The Lord will surely doe me good Blessed be thy name oh Lord,

I heare that Mr Arthur PotterFootnote ³⁵⁷ an old melancholly man is growne mad, oh Lord pr[e]serve me thy servant ever in my right mind give me ever the use & exercise of my witts & limbs & sences if it be thy will for the Lords sake.

23. Martii

Its certaynely reported that the sicknes is in the Towne

I have besought the Lord to prevent the spreadinge of it if it be his will, or els in his m[er]cye to dispose of me & my family to a hidinge place & to sanctifye the stroke unto us.

24° Martii 1637/38

we were greatly in extremity for want of money this day & my wife was compelled to borow what she wanted of Temp[er]ance, Lord supply our necessitous Condicon for the Lords sake Amen.

Mr Watts our Lovinge freind gave us this day a strike of wheat & a dousin of Pudgeons oh Lord I prayse thee for that mans favor it is from thee I pray thee continue it unto us for the glory of thy blessed name for the Lords sake.

I had much Comfort & satisfaccon in speakinge with hatton to night I trust the Lord hath begunne the good worke of grace in his soule oh Lord goe on with it for the Lords sake.

25° Martii Easter day & Lad[y] Day 1638

Mr Ball preached in the morninge, my wife & I went both to the sacram[en]t, havinge prayed oft unto the Lord before for a blessinge uppon his ordinances: & desired to bringe all o[u]r burdens before him.

Mr Newton preached in the afternoone.

26° Martii 1638

The ffare here to day.Footnote ³⁵⁸ one is dead to night one Bryan & its thought she dyed of the sicknes, & 4 have dyed out of dannts house. Lord Looke uppon us in m[er]cye for the Lords sake.

I receaved from goodman Tompson to day 5li to be p[ai]d at London, Easton payd me 6li 10s rent to day: & I have p[ai]d Mr Sam Martin 28s I ought him & 4d that thother 22s wanted, so he & I are even. I p[ai]d to Mr Rushworth 15s for the levy to the bells.

27° Martii

This day Kinge Charles hath raigned 13 yeares Compleate oh Lord graunt him longe to raigne for thee & the good of thy Church & people. I have p[ai]d George Curwyn all blessed be god

28° Martii

I prayed and went to Wellingboro fare where I met wth diverse freinds.

my mother hath beene ill of an ague but is now recovered blessed be thy name oh Lord I met there with my uncle hanch.Footnote ³⁵⁹

29° Martii 1638

I was very busy in the morninge & could not intend to goe to the sermon,

Mr BaconFootnote ³⁶⁰ afterwards intreated me to be Clarke to a Commission for him at Ketteringe on wednesday next, I doe see & admire gods gracious p[ro]vidence towards me in supplyinge me & sendinge me practise I was at the heathFootnote ³⁶¹ in the afternoone with Mr Pentlowe where I met my true freind Mr Watts (Lord continue him so) & divers others.

30° Martii

I was walkinge forth this day wth Mr Martin & Mat[thew] Watts towards Kingsthorpe & we discourst of the present Calamityes & the Case of this towne now in regard of the sicknes feared. Oh Lord provide for us in m[er]cye.

I am in hand with a Lease betweene Mr Coles & Mr Ball blessed be thy name oh Lord

31° Martii

The Lord in m[er]cye hath sent me more imployment to day, Blessed be thy name oh Lord for thy good hand towards me;

we have invited the good people that are goeinge for

for new England, Mr Sargent Mr Curwyn & their wives for munday night.

1° Apr. 1638 Sab.[bath]

Mr Ball preached in the morninge & Mr Newton in the afternoone some comforts in duty I blesse the Lord.

2° Apr.

Court to day wch was worth neare 50s to me I blesse the Lord, the Lord hath dealt bountifully wth me I prayse his name. we had much wranglinge to day, I have a base passionate spirit Lord subdue my passion for the Lords sake make me as a weaned child.

o[u]r good freinds goeinge for new England supped with us & Mr Martin & ux & Mrs Rushworth.

3° Apr.

The Sessions here to day but were adiourned after their first goeinge downe to

******

to the CastleFootnote ³⁶² by reason of the sicknesse here I finished the Lease betweene Mr Coles & Mr Ball & it was sealled at Mr Coles his house. I was a witnesse in the busines betweene Mr Eakins & Captayne Bernard, and spoke as imp[ar]tially as I could in the p[rese]nce of the Lord yet Mr Reading condemned me of mincingeFootnote ³⁶³ & I went afterward with Mr John BaconFootnote ³⁶⁴ & Mr dousingeFootnote ³⁶⁵ to Burton Latimer.

4° Apr. 1638

we went in the morninge to Ketteringe, where the Commissioners met vizt dr PocklingtonFootnote ³⁶⁶ Mr downesFootnote ³⁶⁷ Mr SawyerFootnote ³⁶⁸ & Mr SayFootnote ³⁶⁹ the first & last were for the Kinge & thother two p[ro] Mr Bacon one George Plowright is the relator, Mr John Bacon & I lay at one Pettivers house at Ketteringe.

5° Apr.

I wrote to and receaved a letter from my wife to day & I heare that the sicknesse is at a

a house neare unto mine one dishleyesFootnote ³⁷⁰ by the great Conduit, but I beseech the Lord to spare me & my family if it be his will.

I might not be with the Commission[er]s when they examine on the Kings p[ar]te

I prayd wth Mr John Bacon at Burton [Latimer] at night.

6° Apr. 1638.

my aunt WoodfordFootnote ³⁷¹ was here to day at Ketteringe to intreat me to speake that they may not have an apprentice so I have spoke to Mr downes.

we cannot make an end & so have adiourned the Commission till Wednesday next. Mr SiresFootnote ³⁷² & Mr Moulshoe were here to night.

I prayd againe wth Mr John Bacon at Mr Pettivers oh Lord worke grace in his hart for the Lords sake.

7° Apr.

I rose prettye early & came to holcot to goodman hopkins, & so home in good time I blesse the Lord.

where I heare two have dyed out of dishleyes house another sick in one Washingto[n's] houseFootnote ³⁷³ in the drap[er]y Lord helpe us heale us sanctify thy stroke unto us for the Lords sake.

8° Apr 1638. Sab.[bath]

Mr Newton preached in the morninge and Mr Ball in the afternoone, I sate in the seate with my wife to day because loath to sit in the Alley wth the Sergeants [crossed out: another] one dead in Washingtons house to day oh Lord command thy destroyinge Angell to cease for the Lords sake oh pull downe the abhominacons that are amongst us that so thou mayest delight to show m[er]cy unto us for the Lords sake.

I have bene very dull & sleepy this day Lord p[ar]don it to me for the Lords sake Amen.

9° Apr. Co[u]rt to day

I prayed against rash anger, & the Lord heard me in a gracious manner blessed be thy name oh Lord.

I have sent Mr Pentlowe the Bill in Chancery ingrossed; I have p[ai]d Mr Trueman all. my mother is come to us to day by gods p[ro]vidence to keep my wife company in my absence.

[left margin: symbol of a hand with finger pointing at this line] my sweete Children are to goe towards London to

to morow uppon [above text: symbol of a hand with finger pointing at the next word] goodman Lamports horse in wicker baskets wth SuFootnote ³⁷⁴ & goodman wright oh Lord blesse them & keepe them defend from danger by thy mighty p[ro]vidence carry them thether as uppon Eagles wings keepe them in health there watch over us all in m[er]cy & bringe us agayne in safty with peace & comfort to this place for the Lords sake.

10° April. 1638.

I prayed and my wife & I went alonge with our Children about as farre as Sinpton WindmillFootnote ³⁷⁵ I humbly cast & committed them to the p[ro]vidence of the Lord who I know was able onely to keepe them from dangers.

I went afterwards to holcot to Mr PearsonFootnote ³⁷⁶ & William Chapman to take the answere of old hopkins to LovellsFootnote ³⁷⁷ Bill.

11° April 1638

I prayed and went early to Ketteringe to meete Mr Bacon & the Commission[er]s uppon the same businesse we sate the last weeke, and at the Red lyon we spent the first day.

12° April

we examined diverse witnesses this day ex p[ar]te def[endan]t. Mr Pentlowe was here.

13° April we examined more witnesses to day ex p[ar]te def[endan]t. Mr daniel Readinge dyned here he & diverse others have a great facultye in merry tales & Jests, which I dare not allow my selfe in or at least apply or give my mind unto, although they take much wth the hearers, but Lord Ile trust in thee alone for favor & imployment from men & for abilityes to p[er]forme what I undertake Mr Sires & Mr Moulshoe played longe here at night Lord convert them & make them instrum[en]ts of thy glory.

14° April 1638

we examined some few short witnesses (I think) and afterward made up the Commission; I had prayed before that the Lord would move Mr Bacon to consider well for my paynes & Losses; so he gave me 5li I blesse the Lord and then I came to North[amp]ton where I found that more had dyed of the disease since Munday.

15° April Sab.[bath]

Mr Newton preached in the morninge & Mr Ball in the afternoone.

16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. all these omitted by beinge too longe ere I recorded what had passed.

[crossed out: 16 Apr.] 23 Apr.

St Georges fare held hereFootnote ³⁷⁸ to day though nothinge great by reason of the sicknesse.Footnote ³⁷⁹

24° Apr.

I prayed & went to the Court & afterward my

my wife and I & [crossed out: my] Wm WarrenFootnote ³⁸⁰ of Old came out for London, & by gods m[er]cye came well to dunstable to Mr Walkers.

Mr SmithFootnote ³⁸¹ paid me 3li to day for my watch.

Mr IrelandFootnote ³⁸² Mr Chamberlaine & Mr Cooke overtook us on the way

Richard TreshamFootnote ³⁸³ went along with us.

25° [crossed out: illegible letter] April. St Markes day.

we prayed & went out somewhat early & layed at Barnet where I met with one Pritchet a North[amp]ton man,Footnote ³⁸⁴ & wth Wm. Miller Mr ffosbrookeFootnote ³⁸⁵ & we came afterwards to London in due time where we found o[u]r parents Children & freinds very well I blesse the Lord.

26° [crossed out: illegible letter] Apr. 1638.

I slept somewhat ill to night, I prayed & went to Westm[inster] hall & about my occasions

Lord wthout thee I cannot p[ro]sp[e]r therefore I pray thee blesse me make thy face shine uppon me & mine let o[u]r soules thrive & p[ro]sp[er] thou the worke of o[u]r hands for the Lords sake Amen.

[24–29 April crossed out vertically – italicized] 24° April 1638 I prayed and went about my occasions and [crossed out: sometimes I meet wth troubles & stormes] I kept the Court in the morninge, & afterward my wife & I & Wm Warren came along towards London, we tooke o[u]r Leave of the towne & o[u]r house & commended them & o[u]r selves to gods good blessing & p[ro]vidence & came to dunstable that night to Mr Walkers at the white hart. Lord be praysed for pr[e]servinge us givinge of us health & comfort.

we left onely Temp[er]ance at o[u]r house.

25. Apr.

we came safe to London where we found o[u]r children well blessed be the Lord.

******

26° Apr. 1638.

I prayed and went to Westm[inster] hall.

27° Apr.

The businesse of Scotland is much talked on and what the issue will be none know, all expect. Footnote ³⁸⁶Oh Lord I beseech thee bringe good out of it get thy selfe glory & a name for the Lords sake.

28 ° Apr.

The Lord is pleased to give me some imployment here I blesse him for it.

29° Apr.

Newes here that the Scottish B[isho]ps are fled through feare & come hether to London.

27° April 1638

I prayed and went to the hall & could not yet dispatch Wm Warrens businesse the businesse in Starr=chamber to day I think was betweene the doctors & Apothecaryes.Footnote ³⁸⁷

28 April.

this day Justice JoanesFootnote ³⁸⁸ & Judge hutton argued the case of the shipmoney, Judge Joanes fluttred in his argum[en]t, meteorlike hunge betweene heaven & earth & yet in the end concluded ag[ains]t Mr hampden.

but Justice hutton delivered his opinion freely and

and playnely against the businesse shewinge it to be contrary to the lawes of the Realme & answerd the argum[en]ts brought on the other side, wth much applause of the people. Blessed be god for makinge of him a man of Courage.Footnote ³⁸⁹

29° April. 1638

[crossed out: I went to dr. Sto] We p[ro]cured good Mr Pearne to preach at our Church in the wallFootnote ³⁹⁰ who dealt faythfuly & was wonderfully assisted both in prayer & preachinge blessed be thy name oh Lord. Lord hold him still as a starre in thy hand for the Lords sake.

graciously affected in dutyes this day I blesse the Lord.

30° Apr.

I prayed and went about my occasions & Lord

1° 2° 3° 4° 5 6 7 8 9 10 11° 12 13 14° [crossed out: 15 16 17° 18] Maii 1638. [rest of page blank]

[blank page]

15° Maii 1638. Tuesday in Whitsun weeke

I prayed and came out of London to day my father & my mother & my deare wife & sweete Children & my brother came with me to Islington where we broke our fast and I came afterward to dunstable, one Mr BourkeFootnote ³⁹¹ a papist came alonge with me; I used what arguments I could to convince him of his error & prayd unto the Lord in his behalfe Lord heare me for thy gloryes sake.

16° Maii

I prayed and we came out somewhat early and came to Wellingborow m[a]rket in due time he went afterward to my Lord Brud[e]nells. I heare ill newes of the sicknesse at Old.Footnote ³⁹²

17° Maii

my cousin Wm. Ragdale Wm. Vincent & his brotherFootnote ³⁹³ are gone towards London

to day. The Court at Grafton [Regis] to day.

18° Maii

I prayed and went to Abington to Mr Bullivants and thether came to me Mr Sam. Martin Mr GoodmanFootnote ³⁹⁴ John Cole John Cox James ffr[yers] Mrs Crick NanFootnote ³⁹⁵ & Temp[er]ance, who relate to me the miseryes of North[amp]ton.

I wrote to Mr MaiorFootnote ³⁹⁶ from Abington by Mr Martin & sent 20s inclosed & gave him lib[er]ty to dispose of the p[ro]fitts of my court to the use of the poore & towards my taxe.

19° Maii

I have heard lately that old good wife Arnold is dead at Old.

The sicknesse is somewhat dangerous there. I went to Pitchley to day to Mr downes & to my uncle TebotsFootnote ³⁹⁷ & to Rob. LangleyesFootnote ³⁹⁸ at harowden I was wonderfull sleepy in the afternoone with a stupid sleepinesse that I was much afrayd

20 Maii 1638. Sab.[bath]

I am now at Wilbye & am in great distresse through feare of beinge sick for I feel my selfe very aguish & feverish & know not what will become of me if I should be sick, Lord I pray thee in m[er]cye looke uppon me p[ar]don my sinnes wch might p[ro]voke thee to wrath Lord heale me for thy m[er]cyes sake & blesse this thy Sabath unto me for the Lords sake & blesse my deare wife sweete Children & whole family for the Lords sake & bringe me to them againe wth safty & peace & comfort.

Mr Pearne preached both times very p[ro]fitably I prayse the Lord.

I dyned at Mr Pentlowes & supped at Mr Pearnes. Mr Langley the silenced minister was here to day much troubled with a grudging of my Ague as I suppose.

21° Maii I prayed and went to RowellFootnote ³⁹⁹ fare and

and find my selfe very well all this day I blesse the Lord, I dyned at John PondersFootnote ⁴⁰⁰ house with Mr Bullivant Mr Lewes of Waldegrave Mr MaleFootnote ⁴⁰¹ & Mr Rushworth I went after to see Mr Nicolls at ffaxton who used me kindly I blesse the Lord & gave me 10s & d[e]l[ive]r[e]d me 50s to send to the poore of North[amp]ton, I went after to Sr John Ishams, & then to Mr GourneyesFootnote ⁴⁰² at hanginge houghton where I intended to have lodged but Mr Rushworth not beinge there, I came to Wilbye safe & in due time I prayse the Lord

I prayed for practise & ability at the Sess.[ions]

22° Maii 1638

I prayed and went on foot to Wellingborow [crossed out: at] to the Sess.[ions] where they were kept by reason of the sicknesse at North[amp]ton;Footnote ⁴⁰³ and it was there moved by Mr RainsfordFootnote ⁴⁰⁴ for a weekly allowance to North[amp]ton for their releife & the Country is to pay 100li a weeke over & above the 48li 6s 8d wch is weekly taxed uppon the townes within 5 miles aboutFootnote ⁴⁰⁵ blessed

blessed be god for this releife, dr Clarke & dr SibthorpeFootnote ⁴⁰⁶ moved earnestly for it, but Sr Roland St JohnFootnote ⁴⁰⁷ was somew[ha]t averse.

The devillish plot ag[ains]t a p[ro]fessor one Mrs Clarke by one ffolwell of ffosters booth was layd open to day at the Sessions to day, ffolwell had p[ro]cured one Pinckerd his man to say he saw another in the act of incontinencye wth her, which Pinckerd afterward confessed the truth & cleered her innocencye.Footnote ⁴⁰⁸ I supped wth Mr Raynsford & Mr Readinge at the Angell where I lodge to night

23° Maii 1638

I prayd & went to the Sessions house & the Lord hath graciously enabled me to speake in the courses wherein I were reteyned.

I went to Wilby to night & supped with Mr Pearne that sweete man, & lay at

at Mr Pentlowes, I pray to be defended to morow in my goeinge to North[amp]ton.

24° Maii 1638

I prayed and went alonge towards North[amp]ton Mr Readinge overtooke me on the way so we stayed a while at Mr Eakins at Weston [Favell] and I went alonge toward North[amp]ton, when I came to the Northgate I met wth a woman that had lived well who complayned for want of a peck of corne; I went into the towne & wept uppon it & confessed that sinne was the cause of our mourninge, when I was about to goe into Mrs Cricks shop WmFootnote ⁴⁰⁹ desired me to forbeare for there was one sick betty.Footnote ⁴¹⁰ yet when Temp[er]ance came from Church I adventured uppon gods good p[ro]vidence & went into my house for some things I needed & stayed there a good while, yet I was troubled at the wormewood & in the lemeFootnote ⁴¹¹ wch my horse did eate of, that I suspected came out of the chamber of the sick, I heare she was

was yesterday in my house, I prayed with poore Temp[er]ance, & alone & have besought the Lord for the poore towne, & my poore family Lord be a wall of fire about us for the Lords sake

I went after to Mr MaiorFootnote ⁴¹² to Mr Martin Mr Gifford Mr Bot Mr Bradford Mr SillesbyFootnote ⁴¹³ Mrs KnightFootnote ⁴¹⁴ &.

I gave away all the silver I had beinge above 10s.

I came away about 3 or 4 a clock or after & came to Long buckby to Mr Bacon where I found kind enterteynemt though I told them that I came from North[amp]ton, and I was indeed much afrayd least I had bene infected & I prayd though distractedly in private, & had too much feare of infeccon.

I gave one 10s as I remember for Perryn.

25° Maii 1638

I prayed, & went to BrockholeFootnote ⁴¹⁵ to meet with Sam Martin there but he was gone before I came Mr John Bacon [crossed out: came] went along wth me to the Porte wayFootnote ⁴¹⁶ towards London. I came & stayed at Mrs ffarm[er]s at Toucester & tooke

hatton alonge with me so we came with saftye to dunstable to night, to Mr Walkers. I was fearefull as I came along to day of beinge Robbed betweene Weedon & Toucester. I was very wett this afternoone.

26° Maii 1638

I came out somew[ha]t late by reason of the Fayre I stayed at St Albans wth Mr downes his man & one Mr Wythers & came safe afterwards to London I blesse the Lord where I found them all well I prayse god.

27° Maii 1638 Sab.[bath]

I prayed and went to dr Stoughtons both times.

28. Maii

I prayed & went to Westm[inster] hall. my Lord Cheife Baron & B[aron] denham have delivered their opinions ag[ains]t the Kinge in the ship money.Footnote ⁴¹⁷

29° Maii 1638

I prayed and went to Westm[inster] hall.

30° Maii

This day Sr Richard WisemansFootnote ⁴¹⁸ [crossed out: was censured for] busines beinge an accusacon of my Lord keep[er] for bribery was heard in Starr=chamber to day.

31° Maii

about this time harrison was tried in the Kings bench for accusinge Justice hutton of high treason & is fined 10000li to be imprisoned & make submiss[ion] in Westm[inster] hall to the courts of Justice wth a pap[er] on his head.Footnote ⁴¹⁹

1° Junii

This day (I think) Sr Richard Wiseman censured for accusinge my Lord keep[er] of bribery & his secretary Mr Tompson & for asp[er]singe Justice

Jones, he was fined 10000li to the Kinge 5000li to my Lord keep[er] 500li to Mr Tompson 1000li to Justice Jones to be imprisoned to stand uppon the pillory & loose his eares &.

2° Junii 1638

diverse newes is strong concerninge Scotland, & the marquesse hambledonFootnote ⁴²⁰ is gone or goeinge to them as ambassador from the Kinge, Lord order every thinge as may be for thy glory for the Lords sake Amen. This night (I think) Mr Samuel Martin came to London from North[amp]ton, & his wife. Lord in m[er]cye looke uppon o[u]r poore towne for the Lords sake Amen.

3° Junii Sab.[bath]

This [crossed out: day] morninge I heard the deane of Bristow at StoughtonsFootnote ⁴²¹ who taught very honestly, blessed be thy name oh Lord, and in the afternoone I heard Mr Atkins at Mr Goodwyns,Footnote ⁴²² and was graciously affected I blesse the Lord.

4° Junii 1638

I have besought the Lord [crossed out: of all things] about my deare wife for a gracious delivery & for a child wth right shape & forme to be a comfort to us & an Instrument of gods glory in due time Lord heare o[u]r poore weake peticons & be still the same god & father unto us as thou hast bene for the Lords sake.

5° Junii

[crossed out, illegible] we heare there dyed but 16 of the sicknesse at North[amp]ton this last weeke blessed be thy name oh Lord, so it decreased 10 Lord give us a sanctifyed use of thy stroke and a sudden & happy returne.

6 Junii

Starrchamber day.

This tearme I became bound wth my M[aste]r Mr John Readinge to Sr John hanbury p[ro] 200li to be p[ai]d 14° Nov. next, he desired me to doe him that

that Courtesy and I was suddenly overcome to p[ro]mise him & beinge then at Sr Johns Lodginge the bond was filled up, and I sealled & but in the interim I was much afflicted to thinke what danger I exposed my selfe unto & I remembred the place in p[ro]verbes take a pledge of him that is suerty for anotherFootnote ⁴²³ & yet could not then for shame retract Sr John beinge pr[e]sent and fearinge I should then discredit my M[aste]r I after told my wife & we were both much troubled, oh Lord in m[er]cye suffer not my feare to come uppon me deliver me from this danger and give me grace & care to take heed how I expose my selfe & family here after for the Lords sake. my M[aste]r afterwards sealled to me a Counterbond to save me harmlesse but Lord doe thou in m[er]cy defend me.

7° Junii 1638.

The small pox are much in London, but the sicknesseFootnote ⁴²⁴ at a very Low ebbe blessed be god though they come hether from many p[ar]tes of the Country that are infected.

8° Junii 1638

The towne very full of people. Mr Robins fayles to pay me money.

9° Junii The Lord doth graciously carry me on through difficultyes: he is with me in the fire & in the water blessed be his name.

10° Junii Sab.[bath]

I prayed & heard Mr SedgwickFootnote ⁴²⁵ both times, blessed be thy name oh Lord for so good an instrument in thy church Lord blesse his labors & endeavors to thy glory & the salvacon of soules for the Lords sake.

11° Junii

I heare that one Bert hath sup[er]seded the outlawry of the Palmers of Raunston.Footnote ⁴²⁶

12° Junii

I have put in a sup[er]sed[eas]Footnote ⁴²⁷ to Clayton p[ro] Mr Bott.

13° Junii 1638

Tearme ends to day. I prayed and went to Westm[inster] hall,

14° Junii

I prayed and went to my Chamber.Footnote ⁴²⁸

15° Junii

I am often troubled in respect of outward things but I desire to wayt uppon the Lord many are in a worse Condicon & yet more contented Lord p[ar]don my sinne & faylinge helpe me for time to come for the Lords sake.

16° Junii

The Lord is still gracious to me & my family in p[er]fectinge us in health blessed be his name.

17° Junii Sab.[bath]

I heard Mr Sedgwick who taught p[ro]fitably

18° Junii 1638

Mr Martin went out of towne to day. This night (as I re[member]) Mr Pyke p[ro]cured his wife to [crossed out: seale] dispose of 1000li to him, which she had lib[er]ty to dispose of, & I refused to be witnesse knowinge that he had wrought her to it by undue meanes & my father refused likewise.

19° Junii

This day my father & Mr Bate & my selfe went about to some North[amp]tonshire men to entreat their liberallity to distressed North[amp]ton & Sr Paul PynderFootnote ⁴²⁹ gave us 50li blessed be god.

20° Junii

we went agayne in the morninge, and some we found harty [crossed out: others] & charitable & others gave sparingly & some nothinge at all, in both dayes we gathered about 70li whereof of North[amp]tonshire men

men about 67li od[d] money; my father & mother wife & I supped this night at Mr Woolfalls wth Mr Bellamy & ux &

21° Junii 1638

I prayed with my deare wife; and after went to the Carryer endeavoringe to send downe my money but could not under 10s so I put the gold in my boots & prayed unto the Lord to p[ro]tect me. I stayed for hatton at Mr Woodfords in Islington till past 5 a clock & came safe to St Albans I blesse the Lord & from there from the Red Lyon I writ back to my deare wife.

22° Junii

I rose early and prayed and came to dunstable to breakfast & to Grafton [Regis] p[rese]ntly after 12 a clock where I found the Jury & Court ready.

I went to night to Toucester.

23° Junii 1638

Mr BurkitFootnote ⁴³⁰ came downe from Pateshull hether this morninge to me.

about 12 or 1 I came out & as I went through hardingston I met with Mr Giffords man John SilbyFootnote ⁴³¹ to whom I delivered the 67li 8s & my letters to be sent to North[amp]ton I came to Wilby in safty I prayse the Lord. I was at huntsborough hillFootnote ⁴³² & saw the miserable afflicted towne of North[amp]ton belowe me & put up my poore peticons for it.

24° Junii Sab.[bath]

I prayed and went to heare Mr Pearne who preached p[ro]fitably morninge & evening. Lord make an instrument of much good to my soule for the Lords sake.

I was very sleepy to day sinne & faylinge cleaves to all my services.

25° Junii

The fare very small I heare at

Boughton greeneFootnote ⁴³³ by reason of the sicknesse at North[amp]ton.

26° Junii 1638

Mr Newton was at Wilby to day I was somewhat troubled and fearefull to see him I gave him 22s of the money receaved of my fathers freinds other then North[amp]tonshire men there was in all of that about 2li 7s. I prayed earnestly for him & the Lord heard me.

27° Junii

I prayed and went to Mr Bacons at [Long] Buckby where I found his daughter sick of the small pox in the house which somewhat troubled me, but I prayed unto the Lord.

Mr downes came to Mr Bacons to night.

28° Junii

[crossed out: The] I prayed as I could, and went to daventry

to the Assizes,Footnote ⁴³⁴ one Mr Britten preach't the Assize sermon,Footnote ⁴³⁵ Justice hutton sate in the Crowne Court Baron Trevor for Nisi pr[ius]Footnote ⁴³⁶ I returned to [Long] Buckby againe at night wth Mr Watts, & I was very feverish & ill.

29° Junii 1638

I was somewhat better this morninge (I blesse the Lord) then I was last night, havinge swet much, Mr CatesbyFootnote ⁴³⁷ hath recovered 5li damages ag[ains]t Mr Readinge. I lodge to night wth Mr Rushworth at Mr RawlinsFootnote ⁴³⁸ an apothecar[y] who was sick to night.

30. Junii

I prayed and went alonge wth Mr Rushworth towards Coventry we were at Mr ReynoldsFootnote ⁴³⁹ at Braunston, I went after to Baggington & he to Coventr[y] we had much discourse about the times & the businesse of Scotland. Lord order every thing for the best for the Lords sake

sake Amen.

1° Julii 1638 Sab.[bath]

harry & Wm Bott & I went over this morninge to Coventr[y] & heard one Mr ProctorFootnote ⁴⁴⁰ at Trin[ity] Church a poore preacher.

we heard Mr GibsonFootnote ⁴⁴¹ in the afternoone at Baggington.

2° Julii

After dinner we went to Coventr[y] & were wth Mrs BallFootnote ⁴⁴² Mrs Rushworth &

3° Julii

I prayed and came for Wilby, I met wth Mr Prat nere KillesbyFootnote ⁴⁴³ who came back with me hether, I came after to Mr Bacons & then to Wilby in due time I prayse the Lord. (th) [crossings out]

4° Julii 1638

I prayed and went to Wellingborowe where I met wth diverse of my North[amp]ton neighbors that now live not there. I rec[eive]d a letter from Mr Martin the elder.

5° Julii

[crossings out] I was invited to Mr Pearnes to dinner where dyned Mr Cawdrey & Mr BaynardFootnote ⁴⁴⁴ too. Lord p[ar]don my great abominacons heale my back slidinge sanctify me throughout for the Lords sake Amen.

Mr Pearson came [crossed out: hether] to Mr Pentlowes to day wth his wife one Mr Whitehand & ux Mr Bere &

6° Julii

Mr Pearson sealled Leases to 6 of his tenants this morninge, Mr Wyne onely is behind. the tenants paid me for my paynes & Mr Pearson would needs force 10s uppon me besides oh Lord I blesse thee for thy great goodnesse & p[ro]vidence towards me. I

went afterwards to Ketteringe, where I met wth Mr Peake & Wm. Cable who gave me instruccons for drawinge a ffeoffm[en]tFootnote ⁴⁴⁵ betweene them, Lord direct me in it I beseech thee.

7° Julii 1638

I am now to goe to houghtonFootnote ⁴⁴⁶ to see the hey that ffr[ancis] Spicer hath bought for me, & to hardingstone & Wootton Lord I beseech thee let thy good p[ro]vidence goe along with me let not mine iniquity deprive me of it for the Lords sake, suffer not evill thoughts to Lodge within me though my hart is like the raginge boylinge sea thou canst allay it doe it I beseech thee for the Lords sake.

I went not to houghton as I intended but Mr Runbould & his wife came hether & after dinner I went alonge wth them towards Wellingbo.[rough] I was at the Bowlinge greene &

8° Julii Sab.[bath]

I prayed & went to heare Mr EynesworthFootnote ⁴⁴⁷

(Mr Pearne beinge absent to day) morninge & evening who preached very p[ro]fitably, I was dull & heavy with sleepe morninge & eveninge. I doe often beseech the Lord to be gracious to me & my family oh my god heare me for the Lords sake.

9° Julii 1638

I was aguish this night & swet much. I prayed & wrote some letters to London & afterwards went to Easton maudit to Mr Watts & prayed for grace & favor & wisdome in his eyes & on my iourney consideringe the distemper of my body I was thinkinge of the day of death & prayed unto my god about it Lord heare me I afterwards had warre with corrupcon and evill thoughts.

I have bene at Easton where I dyned and now I am at Mr WilloughbyesFootnote ⁴⁴⁸ at Grendon whether I am come to bringe Mrs AllenFootnote ⁴⁴⁹ & here I find that the children

here have lately had the mesles & this the first day of their goeinge abroad so that here I am in danger of infeccon too, Lord pr[e]serve me thou art he in whom I desire to trust in all humility of soule, and I pray thee Lord to Looke uppon me in the condicon that I am now in & helpe from heaven for the Lords sake, corrupcon doth much abound in my soule the old man is alive wthin me & graces are weake, [crossed out, illegible] I and my family are compelled to flee from our habitacon my selfe in one place my wife in another, & my wife is now neare unto the time of travell, if I looke uppon my body I see it subiect to aguishnes & infirmity, & my outward estate in danger of ruine by my debts which I owe, nay the whole Kingdome is in a forlorne condicon gods ordinances in many places mixed wth base ceremony & sup[er]stition, oh Lord I come unto thee beseechinge thee to looke uppon me in m[er]cye in the mom[e]nt thou wilt be seene I have tasted of thy goodnesse formerly & thou art still the same, Let thy grace be sufficient for me to p[ar]don my sinnes & heale my corrupcons hide

hide me by the wings of thy p[ro]vidence for a while even me & mine untill thy indignation be overpast & then bringe us to the place of o[u]r desires & let thy comforts & thy blessinge come along wth us in the meane while sanctifye the absence of me & my wife from one another to each of us and Lord I pray thee be with my deare wife in the houre of her travell & though thou hast layd uppon all sorow in bringing forth yet I beseech thee so moderate it by thy m[er]cy & lend such strength & ability to thy poore handmayd that we may have great occasion to blesse thee for the continuance of thy great m[er]cye and Lord I pray thee for the infant that shall be borne by thy gracious p[ro]vidence oh Lord give it right shape & forme & continue its life unto us & make it an instrument of thy glory & member of thy true Church and a comfort to us the parents, and Lord looke uppon me & my whole family in regard of our bodyes give them health & strength oh Lord thy Judgments are much abroad the pestilence rageth in the Countrye the small pox in the Citty of London oh Lord I pray thee that thy good p[ro]vidence may be a wall of fire about me & my family let us be a family blessed & watered by thee notwithstandinge all o[u]r faylings which I pray thee reforme in us all for

for the Lords sake, and for my outward estate oh Lord thou seest my debts & straights and I confesse I deserve to be in them for my want of dilligence & for my p[ro]fusenesse & other sinnes & faylings but I pray thee thou who showest m[er]cye wthout desert, thou who hast upholden my hart & estate all this while be gracious unto me, it is a more blessed thinge to give then to receave Lord I know & beleive that thou hast all power and all blessings in thine hand oh Lord I pray thee in due time pay my debts & supply me & my family graciously [crossed out, illegible] & give us a sanctifyed use of every m[er]cy for the Lord Xt his sake And oh my god looke in m[er]cye uppon the whole Kingdome blesse his Ma[jes]ty and make him strong for thee and in thy cause to p[ro]mote thy glorious gospell & to extirpate all pop[er]y Idolatry sup[er]stition & p[ro]phanenesse and come forth oh Lord amongst thine adversaryes who doe plott against thee & seeke to defile thine ordinances with base humane inventions, if they belong unto thee bringe them in, if not confound them oh Lord confound & curse them and all their machinacons for thy gloryes sake & send forth into all the corners of the land and establish in all congregacons able ministers of the gospell that may build up thy church and put all iniquity to silence that the harts of thy people may greatly reioyce for the Lords sake

I carryed Mrs Allen home to Easton and returned to Wilby at night, & was pr[e]served from a fall in the meadow nere the mill blessed be the Lord.

10° Julii 1638. I prayed and went to speake wth

wth Mrs Pryor at hardingston who had no money for me to day for the fine I have left with her, I met wth harry fflemmingeFootnote ⁴⁵⁰ of North[amp]ton who had bene lately shut up. I sent by him 16d to T[homas] Cr[utchley] & 12d to John ffreind, the sicknesse greatly increaseth at North[amp]ton and the miseryes there are many Lord stay thy hand in due time & better us by this affliccon for the Lords sake. I went after to Wootton to goodman Watsons about the Lady SmithesFootnote ⁴⁵¹ businesse after that I came to houghton groundFootnote ⁴⁵² where my hey is & spake there wth John Cox of North[amp]ton & & returned safe home againe blessed be the Lord.

11° Julii 1638

I prayed and went to Wellingborow my horse halted much but I have shod him & he goeth somewhat better which I acknowledge a great m[er]cy for I am determined for London to morow if god p[er]mitt.

I dranke with daniel Simonds of North[amp]ton to day at the Angell. Lord pr[e]serve me in all dangers for the Lords sake Amen.

12° Julii 1638

I prayed and went to Wootton & so to Grafton [Regis] where I kept Court and then came to ffenny stratford that night where I was compelled to stay by reason of great thunderinge & lighteninge & rayne which fell there, I intended els to have gone to dunstable, yet in this I observe gods great p[ro]vidence for here I met wth Mr Crumpton who was bound in a bond wth Tom hall to James WarrenFootnote ⁴⁵³ which bond is lost, and I was threatned about it so Mr Crumpton first menconed the businesse & not knowinge of the losse of the bond hath sealled another to his use & sent it by me blessed be thy name oh Lord for hearinge my poore prayers form[er]ly made unto thee in this behalfe.

13° Julii

I prayed and came to dunstable to breakfast I met after wth one Mr Bannier a Londoner who came alonge wth me to London where I found my wife & family all very well I blesse the Lord oh blessed be thy name for pr[e]servinge & comfortinge of us Mr Readings daughter Elizab was xxnedFootnote ⁴⁵⁴ to day.

14° Julii 1638

I prayed and went [crossed out: aboro] abroad, and met wth Mr Readinge who is offended because the 100li not yet payed, Lord helpe us & direct every thinge for the best for the Lords sake.

I was at Mr dillinghams.Footnote ⁴⁵⁵

15° Julii Sab.[bath]

I prayed and went to dr Stoughtons where he preached morninge & eveninge very p[ro]fitably and boldly, Oh Lord I blesse thee for this good instrum[en]t in thy church. Lord throwe downe & destroy all pop[er]y and arminianisme for the Lords sake

Oh that we might enioy thy blessed ordinances in their power & purity!

16° Julii

I prayed and went to my Cousin Ragdales & my Cousin Starkyes, I dyned at my cousin Ragd. I went after to my Masters. Mr John somewhat complayned of beinge ill a gent was buryed this afternoone at the temple of the small pox.

17° Julii 1638

I went along wth my wife & children into More feildsFootnote ⁴⁵⁶ this morninge.

my wife not well in the afternoone.

I heard dr Stoughton at the fun[er]all of one Mrs Edmonds.

18° Julii

Mr Bifield Mr Bellamy my father & I have bene advisinge how to rayse some more money for North[amp]ton, alderman AbelFootnote ⁴⁵⁷ hath advised us to peticon the Court of aldermen so we have drawne a peticon, & we were wth my Lord MaiorFootnote ⁴⁵⁸ to acquaint him with our intent who doth rather incourage then otherwise.

19° Julii

I prayed and went with my father & to attend the Court of Aldermen, & o[u]r peticon was pr[e]ferred, but fayled in reg[ar]d it was in the name of North[amp]tonshire men & not of the towne. I p[ai]d Mr KingsmanFootnote ⁴⁵⁹ 5li p[ro] Mr Pentlow; old Mr Martin & ux & Mr Sam came to the towne last night, & I now met wth them & supt wth them.

20° Julii 1638

I prayed and had gracious comforts in the duty & went after to St AntholinsFootnote ⁴⁶⁰ to heare Mr Wm Martin but he fayled so I heard another who preached indifferent well.

I heare that young Mr John Readinge is sick of the small pox, & that he raged vehemtly the last night, oh Lord in m[er]cy looke uppon him spare his life & doe him good by this affliccon for the Lords sake.

21° Julii

I prayed and went to alderman Abels & met wth him who would put us uppon it to peticon the Archb[isho]p for a more g[e]ne[ra]ll gathering in London.

I met wth Mr Bolt in the morninge and informed him what my father intended about movinge for the reversion of the clarkship of Weavers hall for me uppon Wednesday next; which thinge I beseech thee oh Lord to effect if it be thy will that it may be for thy glory & the good of me & my poore family Lord I humbly seeke & sue

sue unto thee for thou hast all strength yea thou art the Lord my god, Mr Gregg sent this morning to me for the money that I owe him & Mr EnyonFootnote ⁴⁶¹ above 10li Lord I pray thee direct & supply me in it for the Lords sake Amen.

22° Julii 1638 Sab.[bath]

I prayed & my wife and I went this morninge to dr Stoughtons church where we heard a scottish man preach uppon that text 4 JohnFootnote ⁴⁶² god is a sp[iri]t & will be worshipped in sp[iri]t & truth, who dealt faythfully ag[ains]t will worship & sup[er]stition, in the afternoone I heard one at Bow-churchFootnote ⁴⁶³ who preached very honestly & well uppon that text Ep[h]raim shall say what have I to doe wth Idolls.Footnote ⁴⁶⁴

my brother heard Mr SimonsFootnote ⁴⁶⁵ out of the Canticles who did excellently and amongst other things shewed that there was much m[er]cye in every p[ro]mise & fayth was the midwife to bringe it forth & that it was fayth that added a seale to them to make them effectuall; oh Lord how sweet is thy word blesse it to me & mine for the Lords sake. And

*****

And now Lord I pray blesse me & mine in soules & bodyes estates & & Lord be gracious to my deare wife in her condicon & in her to me & my family for the Lords sake.

I have prayd ag[ains]t that hierarchy of B[isho]ps ag[ains]t sup[er]stition & & for health to me & o[u]r pr[e]servac[ion] from infeccons diseases & for supply of o[u]r necessityes &. Lord heare my poore prayers for the Lords sake and blesse us this night for the Lords sake.

23° Julii 1638

I prayed and had great & gracious assistance in publiq prayer I blesse the Lord, I went after wth Mr Bate & [crossed out: about] to some of the North[amp]tonshire men who gave us somethinge for the poore of North[amp]ton.

Mr Robins gave me to night 6li p[ro] my horse & 6s for my sadle and I have bene downe in Bermondsey to day wth Mr Bannyer wth whom I came up, and have bought his horse of him for 7li Lord I pray thee graunt that this horse may be p[ro]fitable and serviceable unto

unto me, and not an occasion of hurt or danger in any respect and that both he and all other temp[or]all [crossed out: m[er]cyes] goods & m[er]cyes may be blessed unto me for the Lords sake. My lady Smithes came to towne to day. grac[iously] affected in private prayer wth my deare wife this night I prayed about the child to be borne & about her delivery & about the reversion of &

24° Julii 1638

we are now goeinge forth againe [crossed out: about] to the North[amp]tonshire men Lord p[ro]sp[er] us give us grace in their eyes for the Lords sake.

we have receaved since of diverse of them moneyes for the poore of North[amp]ton.

I have heard that there dyed 42 the last weeke of the sicknesse at North[amp]ton.Footnote ⁴⁶⁶ Mich Smith & his wife goodwife Nelson & all her children Arthur hutton Mrs ffoster Watts the Loader & Lord stay thy hand in due time for the Lords sake and pr[e]serve Mrs Cricks house & the rest of the houses of thy children there for the Lords sake.

25° Julii 1638. St James day.

I prayed and went this morninge to Mr Robins his house but I find he is gone to Gravesend wch disappoynts me for payinge Mr Gregge, Lord helpe me & direct me for the Lords sake.

I am now waytinge for the Lords p[ro]vidence about the revercon of the Clarkship of weavers hall my father is now there.

as I was writinge a messenger came for me to dinner there, but the thinge was not moved, Lord bringe it about in thy due time if it be thy will for the Lords sake.

Mr Colson chosen M[aste]r for the next yeare.

my new cloathes came home this morning Lord graunt they may not be a snare to me.

26° Julii

I prayed and went about my occasions, & then to dinner to the weavers hall at the 3 cranes Taverne nere dow-gate.

I am p[ro]vidinge to goe into the country.

I sent for my horse from Mr Banniers & sent the 7li by Richard Becket;Footnote ⁴⁶⁷ Lord make my horse serviceable unto me.

27° Julii 1638

I prayed wth my wife & wth my family and came away for the Country.

and came to dunstable that night to Mr Walkers wth one Mr SedgwickFootnote ⁴⁶⁸ a minister at or nere Slapton.

28° Julii

I prayed and writt to my deare wife, and afterwards we came away & p[ar]ted at hocklyFootnote ⁴⁶⁹ I came after to Newport [Pagnell] where I dyned & then came to Wilby in due time I prayse the Lord.

I had many gracious mocons as I came alonge & eiaculacons in fayth. Lord heare my poore weake and unworthy prayers for the Lords sake.

29° Julii Sab.[bath]

I am now about to goe to heare Mr Pearne where there is likewise a sacram[en]t.

oh Lord I beseech thee pr[e]pare me for thy blessed ordinances graunt that I may reape benefit by them

them, give me the fayth spirit & affeccons of a xxian that I may be alive & quickned & may feele a sensible increase of grace & decay of sinne for the Lord xt his sake.

Oh Lord blesse my deare wife & children & whole family, make us all gracious & holy, keepe me and them from infeccon in these contagious times, the small pox doe wonderfully increase yet thou art able to defend & preserve; the sicknesse rageth exceedingly in North[amp]ton but thy p[ro]vidence guideth & disposeth of all things Lord looke uppon our outward estate & Condicon in thy due time pay o[u]r debts & supply us, in the meane while give us to walke holyly in our low condicon & to live by fayth wth much cheerfullnes & freedome from carkinge cares & melancholly & Lord looke uppon my deare wife in her condicon give her a gracious & comfortable delivery uphold her spirits & stay her mind uppon thee her god, make her likewise a nurse if it be thy will, & lord give us comforts in the Child that shall be borne give it right shape & forme & make that & the other instrum[en]ts of thy glory in thy due time for the Lords sake, oh Lord I would bringe

bringe before thee this day all my desires burdens & feares I pray thee looke uppon me wth pitty give me the hand of fayth & the shoulder of fayth for the Lords sake.

some gracious comforts in gods holy ordinances this day I blesse the Lord.

I dyned at Mr Pearnes.

dr RoaneFootnote ⁴⁷⁰ an enimy came this afternoone to heare & (I doubt) to entrap Mr Pearne, but he preached faythfully, the Lord make it effectuall uppon us all that heard & uppon that sup[er]stitious doctor, I besought the Lord for his convercon Lord thou art able to doe it.

I was graciously ravisht in private prayer to night I blesse the Lord, and I prayed (according to Mr SedgwicksFootnote ⁴⁷¹ direccon) for strong assistance in this gracious assurance. Oh Lord be with me & mine for the Lords sake.

30. Julii 1638

I prayed and afterward writt to my deare & holy wife. oh Lord be with her & my family I am drawinge the bookes for Mr Peake. towards night I have bene very melancholly Lord

Lord I wayt uppon thee for thou art he in whom I desire to trust, I have had litle quiet sleepe these 2 nights past oh my god looke uppon me in m[er]cy give me sweet refreshinge rest helpe me against direfull melancholly give me abilityes & cheerefullnes in my callinge and thy blessinge for the Lords sake and Lord graunt that I may heare good newes from London I commend my selfe & all mine to thy sure p[ro]teccon & gracious blessinge keep us & delight in us to doe us good for the Lords sake.

helpe me in my outward condicon in thy due time in the meane while give me fayth & patience & cheerfullnes till thy eares are prest to heare me for the Lord xt his sake & let me now lye downe in thine armes I humbly beseech thee my gracious father.

31° Julii 1638

I prayed and went along in the morninge wth Mr SandfordFootnote ⁴⁷² to Wellingborowe well &

dranke of the waterFootnote ⁴⁷³ which wrought very well with us, Lord give us health & sanctifye it to us for the Lords sake Amen.

we dyned at the Angell & had dr MillesFootnote ⁴⁷⁴ wth us I spent about 2s [crossed out: of] uppon my dinner & was much afflicted after to thinke of my p[ro]fusnes & prayed to the Lord for thriftinesse oh Lord bestow it uppon me for the Lords sake.

1° August. 1638

I prayed and went alonge againe to the well which wrought wth us againe.

Mrs Pentlowe & her daughters were here & we dyned at Kemptons &.

I supped at Mr Pearnes [crossed out, illegible].

2° Augusti

I prayed and Mr Sanford & I went along to Grafton [Regis], & came thether safe & in due time; the Court very small by reason

of Toms his absence we returned to Wilby againe at night.

Mr Pentlowe forth at BoughtonFootnote ⁴⁷⁵ I prayed in the family.

3° Augusti 1638.

I am now goeinge to Ketteringe wth Mr Sandford Lord I pray thee be with us in our Journey let thy good p[ro]vidence be manifested to us in carryeinge of us out, in o[u]r returne & in all o[u]r wayes this day for the Lords sake Amen

[crossed out: I] we were at Ketteringe & I was somew[ha]t imoderate in the wyne so that when I was returned [crossed out: fro] home & had supped & prayed I felt some illnes, Lord make me exceedinge watchfull for time to come for the Lords sake;

This day I heard that yesterday Mr ffowler was chosen to be Maior at North[amp]ton & henry hill & John Coate Bayleifes.Footnote ⁴⁷⁶ Lord make them instrum[en]ts of thy glory & blesse the government of the towne for the Lords sake Amen.

4° Aug.

some comforts in duty I blesse the Lord, I

I have this day [crossed out: sentt] receaved from my deare & good wife a letter wherein she desires my prayers for her in the Condicon she is in beinge nere her time, & she informes me that litle Sam is not well, oh my god looke uppon me & my family delight in us all to doe us good establish thy covenant wth every one of us in a speciall manner be assistant & gracious to thy handmayd give her strength to bringe forth & comfort in it, give the infant right shape & forme & make it an instrum[en]t of thy glory for the [altered from: thy] Lords sake, & [left margin: symbol of a hand with finger pointing at the next word] looke uppon my poore sick child Lord give it health & continue it unto us still if it be thy will for the glory of thy name & the comfort of us the parents and the rest in like manner for the Lords sake.

my father writes to me that he is in great want of money Lord supply that good & upright & charitable man for the Lords sake Amen.

Mr Pentlowe came home to night from Bowden.

5° Augusti 1638. Sab.[bath]

oh Lord I pray thee blesse this Sabath unto me, let me gaine a greater measure of grace & decay of sinne and blesse my whole family this day likewise for the Lords sake.

my mother & I dyned at Mr Pearnes to day. Mr Pearne preached excellently both morninge & eveninge blessed be the name of the Lord for it; in the afternoone he shewed how we ought to make a good use of sinne to be humbled by it, to goe out of o[u]r selves to be contented in all condicons & & oh Lord I humbly beseech thee graunt that I sinne not neverthelesse if I doe sinne, yet graunt that iniquity may not be my ruine, so order things by thy mighty & overrulinge hand that good may be brought out of evill, oh Lord pr[e]serve me from sinning against thee and make me such a one as thou wouldst have me be for the Lords sake.

6. Aug.

I prayed and wrote letters to London & after that went towards Old, & in the

way I was almost uppon holcot PesthousesFootnote ⁴⁷⁷ before I was aware & I thought I smelt somethinge a litle before that, but I have besought the Lord & have desired to rely uppon his gracious p[ro]vidence

I came to Old to my cousin dexters where they used me very kindly, I went after to Scaldwell where my Cousin RickardsFootnote ⁴⁷⁸ wife was layd uppon the biere at her dore ready to be carried to buryall, lord make me mindfull of my mortallyty & pr[e]pare me for eternity for the Lords sake.

I came after to my uncle woodfords, & lay at my cousin dexters.

I gave my Aunt RagdaleFootnote ⁴⁷⁹ 12d.

Mr Pentlowe & Mr Sanford went to harborowFootnote ⁴⁸⁰ or Bowden to night.

7° Aug. 1638.

I prayed in secret & brokefast at my cousin dexter & went after to my Aunt dextersFootnote ⁴⁸¹ to John Warrens to Mr fforsithes &. I gave my cousin Emme 2s.Footnote ⁴⁸² Lord blesse it to them & me for the Lords sake.

Mr fforsith spake ag[ains]t puritans, but I have prayd for the rootinge out all Idolatry sup[er]stition & will worship & the restauracon & establishm[en]t of

that which is in spirit & in truthFootnote ⁴⁸³ oh my god graunt it for the Lord Xt his sake.

I am much troubled wth the grudginge of my ague.

I came safe home to Wilby I blesse the Lord.

8 Aug. 1638

This day twelvemonth my boy John was borne blessed be thy name oh Lord for blessinge & increasinge my family, & now Lord graunt that I may not be afflicted by any evill tidings from London, but that I may heare that thou hast dealt graciously with us in a further blessinge & increase & lord make it truly a blessinge, & good Lord uphold our outward & sinkinge condicon consider o[u]r strengths thou art god the deliverer, oh Lord if thou wilt thou canst supply me abundantly & surely thou wilt helpe & uphold when I can once be in danger of the world without the cares of the world, livinge cheerfully by fayth & reioycinge in thee the god of my salvacon though there be no oxe in the stall &. when I can once serve & glorify

glorify him in a lowe condicon, then thus & thus will he doe for me oh Lord give me contentacon & fayth & dilligence & frugality for the Lords sake: and patience for thy time is the best time, sanctify thy m[er]cyes to me that I doe or shall enioy for the Lords sake.

Lord blesse me in goeinge to Wellingborow this day for the Lords sake.

I rec'd to day of h[enry] Parnell in full dischardge of Richard Wards debt to me – 5s.

I met there with Mat Sillesby, I heard to day of the death of Mr TruemanFootnote ⁴⁸⁴ & at North[amp]ton & that there dyed the last weeke about 25. Lord stay thy hand for the Lords sake.

I heare as if the Scottish businesse was determined Lord put an end to it as may be for thy glory

9° Aug.

I prayed, and my mayne worke this day was the p[er]fectinge Mr Peakes deed, whom I have appoynted to meete & sealle it as uppon this day sevennight at Scaldwell if god p[er]mit.

10° Aug. 1638

[two lines crossed out, illegible] blessed be thy name oh Lord, I prayed and went towards Ketteringe, where I met wth one Mr BattinFootnote ⁴⁸⁵ s[er]v[an]t to the Earle of holland; one Richard Langley is become my clyent to day blessed be thy name oh Lord.

[one and a half lines crossed out, illegible] Oh Lord I deserve to be cast out of thy pr[e]sence to have my porcon wth the damned, yet Lord p[ar]don all my sinnes & transgressions & have m[er]cy uppon my poore soule for the sake & merits of the lord Christ alone;

I heard to day that a voyce is heard often in ffarminge woods nere Brigstock & a grievous groaninge, & its conceaved it comes by reason of [crossed out: a] the great murther of the woman & child done at Brigstock or neare it, not discovered.

I came home early.

11° Aug. 1638

I prayed but wth much dullnes & estrangednesse from my deare & good god & father in the morninge, in the afternoone I had some more comfort in the dutye I blesse the Lord Oh Lord hide not thy face from me, thy favor is better then life I confesse thou mightest glorify thy Justice in my destruccon, but Lord deale with me in m[er]cye, & I pray thee good father sanctify me keepe me from all sinnes especially (that [crossed out, illegible]) for the Lord xt his sake.

I have bene much troubled this day in the consideracon ([crossed out, illegible] of the debts I owe & that I dayly runne further in I find that I am lately indebted 14li more to Mr Watts wch I receaved of Mr Robins at the tearme, but for this my father is bound to Mr Watts in this bond of the 100li.) to Mr Bott almost 5li to Mr Goodere 4li of North[amp]ton money paid almost 40s, to Mr Pearne p[ai]d 22s to Mr Gregg & Mr Enyon about 10li [above: paid 4li] to Mr Coles

for hey paid 3li so that my hart is allmost [left margin: trefoil symbol] oppressed & swallowed up wth the cares of this p[rese]nte world; oh my god what shall I doe I have no helpe nor hope but in thee my estate is like wholly to be ruined unlesse thou beare it up by thyne owne power now for the Lords sake looke uppon my lowe condicon [crossed out: the] let the [crossed out: lif] lives & estates & comforts of me & my deare wife be pleasinge in thine eyes oh how easy a matter it is for thee to helpe say but the word & we shall be supplyed, thou feedest all things livinge with the openinge (as it were with the turninge) of a hand oh my god bestow this m[er]cye uppon us and sanctifye it for the Lords sake in the meane while uphold o[u]r harts stay them uppon thee, graunt that we may reioyce in thee the god of o[u]r salvacon & be pr[e]served from melancholly [crossed out: for] & [crossed out: the] from sinne for the Lords sake I heare to day that John Ball the

Carryer is dead at North[amp]ton;

Oh Lord blesse the Sabath to morow to me & my deare wife for the Lords sake.

my wife not yet brought to bed, Sam. recovered & well againe I p[er]ceave by the letter, blessed be god.

12° Aug. 1638 Sab.[bath]

Mr Pearne preached both times to day very p[ro]fitably blessed be god, Lord keep him & establish him, oh that thy gospell might breake forth that the bright shininge of it might enlighten all the world, that Pop[er]y like dagon may fall before it, that men might offer pure sacrifices unto thee in all places, even worship thee with a spirituall worship which thou mightest take delight in Lord heare the poore prayers of thy servants for the Lord Xt his sake.

Mr Watts was here in the afternoone

my mother & I dyned at Mr Pearnes.

13° Aug. 1638

[two lines crossed out, illegible] & oh Lord deliver me from the straights & inciursions of sinne, oh Lord that I could live and not sinne against thee truly thy law is holy, and thy favor is better then life it selfe, for the Lord Jesus Xt his sake helpe from heaven,

[crossed out: I was feard that Mr GrayFootnote ⁴⁸⁶ was ill & went over to Wellingborow to inquire]

I have bene busy in writinge the deeds betweene Wm. Cable & Mr Peake.

14° August

I heard that Mr Gray the clarke of the peace was ill & I went over to Wellingborowe wth Mr Pentlowe to enquire Lord order ev[e]ry

eve[r]y thinge for the best for the Lords sake.

15° August 1638.

This day should have bene a fare at North[amp]tonFootnote ⁴⁸⁷ but the Lord hath pr[e]vented it wth the sicknesse Lord returne unto us againe in m[er]cye and heale us for the Lords sake.

I went to Wellingborow m[ar]ket, where goodman Odell paid me 20s.

16° August

I prayed and went wth Mr Pearne to Sr xxofer Yelvertons at Easton [Maudit], where we dyned and stayed till about 6 a clock there we met Mr ffinch Mr Eccleston Mr Richard Lane Mr Twisden Mr Rudd &.Footnote ⁴⁸⁸

Mr Watts & I seemed somewhat to differ uppon the reckoninge of what I and my father had receaved, but we concluded in the end, we are now both of us indebted to

to him in 222li when my father hath rec[eive]d the 10li from Mr Robins or him [crossed out: for] whereas I owe him 136li for a 100li whereof he hath my bond then there was besides 22li & 14li rec[eive]d of Mr Robins which 14 is conteyned in my fathers bond of 100li, wch bond I have now left with [crossed out: him] Mr Watts & is payable on St James day. Oh Lord thou seest it good that we should lye under the heavy pressure of debts, but Lord susteyne us worke graciously for us thou art the almighty & all-sufficient god, in the eye of man there is no likelyhood I should ever pay wthout the sale of my land, but I will wayt uppon thee, thou hast said blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord & whose hope the Lord is, Lord I pray thee helpe me to pay Mr Gregg if it be thy will for the Lords sake.

17° August 1638

I prayed, and carryed my mother behind me to Old, then I went to Scaldwell to seale

sealle the writings betweene Wm. Cable & Mr Peake, it was late before we had done I came againe to Old, where I met wth Mr Coles & Mr Wright Londoners who came lately from Newcastle.

I sent this day by Sam. More to North[amp]ton to Mr MaiorsFootnote ⁴⁸⁹ 11li more which we gathered in London.

18° Aug. 1638.

I lay to night at my Cousin dexters; my mother & I came away about 1 a clock, & came safe to Wilby.

I heare Mr Bacon hath sent for me to come to Burton [Latimer] to him on Munday,Footnote ⁴⁹⁰ & to be with him at daventry on wednesday next Lord p[ro]sp[er] my Journey.

I have heard from my deare wife & family they are all well blessed be thy name oh Lord, oh how unworthy am I of so great a m[er]cy give me to walke more worthy of it for the Lords sake.

my wife not yet brought to bed, oh my god

god looke uppon us in m[er]cye, helpe thy handmaid graciously in thy due time for the Lords sake, and Lord continue all o[u]r healthes unto us for the glory of thy blessed name and pr[e]pare us for thy sabath approachinge and keepe us from all evills especially sinne [crossed out: s], keep me from all sinnes especially that sinne for the Lords sake.

19° Aug 1638 Sab[bath]

Mr Baynard preached both times to day here at Wilby, most faythfully & in the afternoone shewed the causes of the pestilence that now rageth in many places vizt Idolatry Corrupcon of gods worship oppression & oh Lord remove both the Cause & the stroke for the Lords sake.

I dyned at Mr Pearnes wth Mr Baynard Mr Pearne (it seemes) pr[eached] at KetteringFootnote ⁴⁹¹ to day.

20° Aug 1638

I prayed and wrote letters to my deare wife and then went to Burton [Latimer] to Mr Bacon, whom I [crossed out: found] heard was fishinge at his mill, [crossed out: and stayed] so I went downe, but I found him wth Capt OwsleyFootnote ⁴⁹² at Mr No hensmansFootnote ⁴⁹³ at Isham.

21° August

we dyned at Mr Bacon wth a venison pasty that p[ro]vided by Mrs Kimbould,Footnote ⁴⁹⁴ and Mr Bacon & I and Mr John [crossed out: took] went to Mr downes at Pitchley so he & we went to [Long] Buckby where the scowringe (a very comon disease now) hath bene much, and hath bene lately in Mr Bacons house but I pray unto the Lord to be kept.

goodman Dingley a godly man in [Long] BuckbyFootnote ⁴⁹⁵ whom I well know is lately dead of the scowringe.

22° August.

we went to daventry to the sheafe to sit uppon the Commission there betweene the

*****

Kings Attourney & Mr Bacon & al. for the examinacon of the late high sheriffe Sr John driden. dr Pocklington & Mr Sea Com[missione]rs p[ro] Att[ourney] K[ing's] were there & Mr downes for Mr Bacon.

I met there wth old Mr Martin & diverse North[amp]ton men & came to [Long] Buckby at night.

23° August 1638

Mr Bacon & I and Mr EdmundFootnote ⁴⁹⁶ came from [Long] Buckby in the morninge and came to Mr [crossed out: danes] downes his house whether we were invited to a feast & there we found my Lady harvey Mr Palmer of Stoke &.Footnote ⁴⁹⁷

we went to Burton [Latimer] afterward.

24° August

I went to Ketteringe after I had bene to see them ffish where I went

with my Cousin OughtonFootnote ⁴⁹⁸ & my Client Mr Some &. I came againe to Burton [Latimer].

25° August 1638

I went wth Mr Bacon againe to fish, who offered to give me 20s, for my Journey & to daventry, but I gave it him againe & desired that & the rest when I shall goe to the tearme.

I came afterward to Wilby, and found that Mr Watts my good freind had sent me a side of venison which I gave to Mrs Pentlowe, blessed be the Lord for the love & helpe of freinds

26° Aug. Sab.[bath]

Mr Pearne preached both times, very holily I blesse the Lord.

I dined at Mr Pearnes, where there were 2 gentlewomen, one of them one of Sr Gerard harveyesFootnote ⁴⁹⁹ daughters a good woman

27° Aug 1638

my mother & diverse freinds invited to Mr Pentlowes here to a venison pasty after dinner Mr Thomas Pentlowe came who wantinge his coppyes of his Bill and answer in the Court of Wards inter him & Mrs SillFootnote ⁵⁰⁰ we went towards London to get Coppyes out of the office, we came to LathburyFootnote ⁵⁰¹ to Oagles his house to night.

28° Aug.

[crossed out, illegible] afflicted with [crossed out, illegible] & we came to London about 5. a clock & went to the office, & not findinge Mr Beesly I wrote to him to Kentish towne to come the next morninge.

afterward I went to my wife and my family & freinds & found them in health I blesse the Lord, but my wife not delivered

29° Aug. 1638.

my wife & I were speakinge in the morninge of her stayinge so long before her delivery, & she was sayinge her mother thought she should stay till xxmas, and presently after before I arose she began to fall in travell we prayed together in private so the midwife was sent for & came & then I went about my occasions to the office for Mr Pentlow. I came home againe about 2 or 3 a clock & my wife was still in travell, I stayed there a while with my father & in the hall, & in the hall I prayed unto the Lord with some gracious affeccon & confidence in the Lord & then I went away to the temple againe and as I returned I called at my cousin Ragdales in stayninge lane & there I heard the good newes that my wife was delivered of a daughter, Blessed be thy name oh Lord oh how gracious hast thou bene unto me in hearinge my poore prayer, & in bringinge me up in thy good p[ro]vidence to be here at this time & to give the child right shape & forme &

& life, to give my wife now so much cheerfullnes Lord vouchsafe blessings & m[er]cyes still to me & my family for the Lords sake, I gave thanks in private wth my deare wife for this great m[er]cye to us while my wife was in travell I framed likewise those prayers at the end of the booke.Footnote ⁵⁰²

now Lord sanctify my child for the ordinance of baptisme & sanctify the ordinance to the child, & make the Child thine owne by grace & make that and the other two blessings & comforts to us their parents, and make my wife also a Nurse to it if it be thy will for the Lords sake Amen.

the child lay crosse it seemes in the wombe a great while, blessed be thy name oh Lord for sendinge helpe & ayd.

v[i]d[e] prayer in thend of the bookFootnote ⁵⁰³

30° Aug. 1638.

I prayed wth my deare wife and came away from London about two or three a clock and came to St Albans wth Mr Pentlowe to Mr Walkers safe blessed be god. I wrote back to my wife

31. Aug. 1638

we prayed together, and came to Breakfast at dunstable, and afterward we met with Mr harley & one Mr Wooddard a wine Cooper in London, we stayed a litle at Wooburn and afterward at OlneyFootnote ⁵⁰⁴ at the Swanne & came to wilby somewhat late.

1° Sept.

I prayed and went to Mr Pentlow at Broughton and after to Mr Tanfeild at Cransley to aske advise about Inter[rogatories] for Mr Pentlowe, & came home safe I put my name R. W. uppon an ash tree which stands by it selfe alone amonge some Bushes neere hardwick or Orlibeere,Footnote ⁵⁰⁵ and I p[ro]mised to acknowledge gods goodnesse here after if the Lord shall bringe me to a better & more plentifull Condicon. I was graciously affected and inflamed with the Love of god as I went alonge in the morninge, and prayed to the Lord with

with the teares of Love, blessed be thy name oh Lord.

2° Sept. 1638. Sab.[bath]

Mr dykeFootnote ⁵⁰⁶ of Wellingborow preached in the morninge at Wilby & Mr Pearne in the afternoone, very graciously & well blessed be thy name oh Lord.

3° Sept.

I prayed, and wrote to my wife, and afterward went to Broughton and then to Lodington to Mr Tanfeilds then we came away and went to Mr downes so Mr downes & his man & Mr ffosbrooke & his man, and Mr Pentlowe & I came alonge to Toucester.

4° Sept. 1638

Mr Smith & one Mr danversFootnote ⁵⁰⁷ Commissionrs p[ro] Mrs Sill we sate Closse about the Commiss[ion] all the day.

Mr ffletcher solicitor p[ro] def[endan]t & I were Clerks to take the deposicons.

Mr downes & Mr ffosbrooke were Com[missione]rs p[ro] Mr Pentlow

5° Sept.

we sate closse at the Commission againe to day and made an end about one a clock in the morninge.

Mr downes went away in the afternoone to Banbury.

6° Sept.

we came from Toucester about 12 a clock and I came safe to Wilby I prayse the Lord Mr ffosbrooke Mr Pentlow & & I stayed at Meeres Ashby by the way

7° Sept.

I prayed and went to Ketteringe, where I

I was in Company wth Mr KimbouldFootnote ⁵⁰⁸ Mr MaunsellFootnote ⁵⁰⁹ Mr Lamb of Cranford Mr Eakins of Barton Segrave Mr Kiplinge;Footnote ⁵¹⁰ what did I in that company, my hart did arise in it, & I was sad inwardly, Lord p[ar]don my faylinge let me never goe into such Company againe unlesse I have a callinge; And Lord if it be thy will take off the necessity from my body & the affection from my mind of usinge Tobacco, oh Lord helpe me against every faylinge crucify every Corruption in me for the Lords sake.

I came to lodge at Mr downes his house at Pitchley.

8° Sept 1638

I prayed and came safe to Wilby, but first Mr downes reteyned me to be for him ag[ains]t one Mr Clynt,Footnote ⁵¹¹ Lord give me favor still in his eyes, blessed be thy name oh Lord for all thy goodnesse.

I went to Broughton before I came home but Mr Pentlowe could spare me no money although he owes me about 11 or 12li.

[crossed out: one line, illegible]

[crossed out: one word, illegible] Oh Lord when will it once be that I shall have selfe denyall, that thou wilt kill my corrupcons before my face, Lord passe by mine Iniquityes Lord heale my soule.

I ingraved R.W. uppon an Ash tree in the litle mountFootnote ⁵¹² in Mr Pentlowes closse here at Wilby. I am now in trouble & straights, but the Lord is able to send inlargement.

good newes from my wife I blesse the Lord Mrs Kimbould came hether to Wilby to night I heare there dyed 20. at North[amp]ton this weeke

9° Sept 1638 Sab.[bath]

Oh Lord make this thy Sab.[bath] a comfortable day unto me, Lord give me the leggs of fayth to runne but out of my selfe unto free grace; if I remayne at home restinge uppon myne owne grace or p[er]formances I am utterly lost & damned forever, oh give me a Christ for his sake give me salvation freely, Oh Lord breath thy spirit into the words of thy servant this day who shall speake to us in thy name, for the Lords sake.

Lord thinke uppon my most deare wife & Children blesse them and cause them to p[ro]sp[er], let not my faylings & sinnes be layd to their chardge, keepe us all from sinne make us a holy family unto thee, p[ro]sp[er] us every way (if thou seest good) for the Lords sake Amen

Lord stay thy hand at North[amp]ton if it be thy will

Mr Pearne preached in the morninge & Mr Eynesworth in the afternoone.

Mr Kimbould came hether this morninge

10° Sept. 1638

I prayed and went alonge with Mr Kimbould to goe to Kerby to Sr xxofer hattons.

in Ro[th]well my horse slipt & fell downe on his side & my foote was under him & was much hurt that I feared my legg had either bene broke or out of Joynt.

I was in great payne of it. I dyned at Ro[th]well wth Mr hill of Lodington Mr Baseley &Footnote ⁵¹³ we came to Sr xxofers about 4 a clock I was in great payne of my foote hardly able to goe.

there was an interlude to day at Kerby called the New hunnt, we saw litle of it cominge late. we went back to dr Beales to bed at CottinghamFootnote ⁵¹⁴ in the great Chamber there is a shamefull Crucifix.

11° Sept. 1638

we went this morninge againe to Kerby my foote a litle better blessed be god.

another interlude acted to day called [crossed out: the] Masculine humors, one hosteadFootnote ⁵¹⁵ was the poet. I dyned in the p[ar]lo[u]r; blessed be thy name oh Lord for givinge me any favor in the eyes of Sr xxoferFootnote ⁵¹⁶ & we came againe to dr Beales at night & were Mr CanonsFootnote ⁵¹⁷ guests I thinke.

12° Sept I prayed and came from Cott[ingham] to Wellingborowe m[ar]ket in good time & to Wilby at night

13° Sept.

I prayed and went to keepe grafton [Regis] Court which was very small & came home againe to night.

I met with Rob. ffowler & Mr Yorke & wrote to Mr Maior elect.Footnote ⁵¹⁸

14° Sept. 1638

I prayed and went to Ketteringe, where I met wth Stephen dexterFootnote ⁵¹⁹ & Thomas Cr[utchley] sent for me to the towne side,Footnote ⁵²⁰ & I went & spake to the Justices in the behalfe of North[amp]to[n]. I met wth Mr Rushworth & we came late to Sr Wm. WillmersFootnote ⁵²¹ house at Siwell.

15° Sept.

James Lewes was at Siwell wth us this morninge, we had discourse which much warmed my hart blessed be the Lord. I went to ffax[t]on afterward, to have shewed Mr Nicolls the letter sent from North[amp]ton of the arr[angements]Footnote ⁵²² in the east div[ision] & Mr Nicolls was not at home.

I was at Mr MossesFootnote ⁵²³ as I went. I had many grac[ious] eiaculac[ons] [crossed out: &] peticons & meditat[ions] in my Journey I blesse the Lord, I came home safe to Wilby.

I had newes to day that my daughter Sarah was like to dye on munday last blessed be thy name oh Lord shewinge m[er]cye.

16. Sept. 1638. Sab.[bath]

I prayed and went to church where Mr Eyneswo[rth] preached in the morninge; I dyned at Mr Pearnes, Mr Pearne preached in the afternoone, Lord make thine ordinances very fruitfull for the Lords sake Amen.

one Mr harrington & ux is at Mr Pearnes

I had grac[ious] affeccons in private prayer to nig[ht] I blesse the Lord

17° Sept. Mr Pentlowe went towards oxford to day.

I prayed and went to Wootton about my Lady Smethyes busines.

Thomas Cr[utchley] came to me there & told me that there have dyed but 2 at North[amp]ton since Friday Lord cease it for thy m[er]cyes sake.

some grac[ious] comforts in private dutye at night I blesse the Lord.

I came to Wilby. Mr Bere brought home Mrs Susan Pentlow to night.

I often seeke the Lord for good to me & my family The Lord will heare me an unworthy sinner for his m[er]cyes sake.

18° Sept. 1638

I prayed and employed my selfe allmost all the day in castinge up accounts & & was somewhat pestered wth melancholly. Lord ease me thy poore servante for the Lords sake. The Sheriffs Bayleifes came to this towne to day to distreyne for shippmoneyFootnote ⁵²⁴ but the women assembled & some men and affright them, there was much running wth forkes & Cowlestaves & Ah Lord reforme whats amisse both in the church & Comon weale for the Lords sake.

much refreshinge comfort in the good word of god.

19° Sept.

I prayed and went to Wellingborowe where the Justice seate was to day held there in the Scholehouse by Mr Lane Attorn[ey] primar[y] deputy p[ro] my Lord of holland.Footnote ⁵²⁵

on Munday last was the Swanimote at Weldon, where were called 4 men & a Reeve out of every towne wthin the new bounds of the forest & diverse of

them sworne; Oh Lord what will these things come to in the end thou alone knowest, Lord order every thinge for the best, and gayne thy selfe glory by bringinge good out of evill for the Lords sake Amen. Mr Maior ffo[wler] gives me ease to stay away at Mich[aelmas] wch I pray

I was very melancholly this day, & had many sad cogitacons but I desired to lift up my soule unto the Lord.

Mr Pentlowe came home to night.

I find much comfort in readinge the good word of god.

20° Sept. 1638

I prayed and went on the way towards London wth [crossed out: Mr] Mr Sandford & ux I went wth them beyond hardwater millFootnote ⁵²⁶ & there tooke leave, I prayed the Lord allmighty to blesse them, after I were gone.

I went after to Woollaston to my ill tennant ffuller. I went after to Wellingborow Court & dyned wth the steward there.

I came home from thence; but have bene very melancholly this day.

oh my god helpe me against this heavy infirmity for the Lords sake.

in my melancholly I did desire to wayt uppon the Lord & did remember that heretofore when god hath bene about to [left margin: trefoil symbol] bestow uppon me any new m[er]cy he hath excercised me wth some affliccon or other & who knowes but this may have a mercy at the end of it; however oh my god give me a sanctifyed use of it and patience for the Lords sake.

21° Sept. 1638

I prayed and went to Ketteringe wth Oliver Mr Pentlowes man and came home againe wth him safe blessed be thy name oh Lord.

22° Sept.

I prayed and came downe out of my

*****

chamber and found Mr Midleton a Sargeant at armes & on[e] Mr WinstanleyFootnote ⁵²⁷ his freind belowe in the hall they were to goe they s[ai]d to Kettering so I havinge some occasion to Broughton went along wth them to Ketteringe & then Mr Midle[ton] told me he came to appr[e]hend Mr ffr[ancis] Sawyer (of which I knew nothinge before) so he sent for him & arrested him,Footnote ⁵²⁸ & tooke bond for him to appeare at Wilby on Tuesday morninge & we came home to Wilby againe safe (blessed be god)

23° Sept 1638 Sab.[bath]

Mr Baynard preached both times here to day Mr Pearne beinge absent, o[u]r strangersFootnote ⁵²⁹ did not like the length of the sermons, Lord convert them unto thee draw them after thee for the Lords sake.

24° Sept.

I stayed at home all this day, & was busy

busy some p[ar]te of it in makinge Mr Pent[low's] will. This day Mr Midleton went to take one Walker an high Constable at hardingston,Footnote ⁵³⁰ & afterward came to Wilby againe.

25° Sept. 1638

Mr Sawyer came hether to the Sargeant at ArmesFootnote ⁵³¹ & they went for dunstable to night.

Lord I beseech thee shew m[er]cye to this Kingdome, amend and reforme what ever is amisse for the Lords sake. Mr Pentlow & I & Mr Eynesworth were ringinge in the afternoone.

26 Sept

I prayed and went to Wellingborowe & went afterwards to Old. Mr Bacon was

was at Wellingborowe to day & Mr Edmund &.

I was afterward wth Mr Bulliv[ant] before I came for Old. [crossed out: one line, illegible]

27° Sept. 1638.

I prayed and afterward kept the Court Baron for my Cousin dexter, Mr fforsith dyned there.

W[illia]m dexterFootnote ⁵³² of London came thether at night.

28° Sept.

I came away from Old in the morninge to Ketteringe wth my Cousin dexter. I met there wth Mr Rushworth, who desired me to stay wth him at the red Lyon in Ketteringe to night, one Mr Ramsey supped with us. I prayed wth Mr Rushworth wth some Comfort & enlargem[en]t I prayse the Lord.

29° Sept. 1638 Mich[aelmas] day.

Mr Rushworth hath taken a shop to day at Ketteringe under the Swan, we were there in company wth Mr Miller Mr Pettiver & & their wives, I was troubled to be in such Company Oh Lord pr[e]serve me [crossed out: from] for time to come, we reproved BaxterFootnote ⁵³³ the host for his swearinge Lord bestowe grace uppon him if it be thy will. I came to Wilby to night.

30° Sept Sab.[bath]

I prayed for a blessing uppon the ordinances; Mr Eynesworth preached in the morninge, & Mr Perkins in the afternoone, very well & boldly Lord make thy word fruitfull for the Lords sake Amen.

1° Octob.

I prayed in the morninge wth some

******

enlargem[en]t I prayse the Lord, and I did beseech the Lord to supply me wth moneyes for London for I was in distresse & could get none either of my tenant or where any was owinge to me; I went afterward to Broughton & there I rec[eive]d a letter that Mr ffosbrooke was not come home of whom I was to receave the Com[missio]n; about wch thinge maynly I went beinge to be payd to carry it up, so I went to Ro[th]well to the visitaconFootnote ⁵³⁴ & there by gods p[ro]vidence I met wth him & he had brought it wth him & I there receaved it, & Mr Spencer offered to lend me tenne pounds till my returne & so I went to his house & receaved it & 30s more in p[ar]te p[ro] the fine, blessed be thy name oh Lord for thy gracious & seasonable supplyes.

as I came from Scaldwell I met wth Sr Thomas CaveFootnote ⁵³⁵ nere holcot goeinge to Wellingborow Sess[ions] who shewed me much Love I blesse the Lord I came to Wilby somew[ha]t Late.

2° Octobr 1638

I prayed and went to Wellingborowe to the Sess[ions]Footnote ⁵³⁶ & there I was reteyned in some businesses I prayse the Lord & Mr LeetFootnote ⁵³⁷ & I had much discourse [crossed out: at] concerninge Religion as we lay in bed together. Lord draw us both neerer unto thee for the Lords sake.

3° Octob.

we lay at Mr Prats to night, I prayed in secret in the morninge there & had gracious enlargem[en]t I blesse the Lord, and havinge much doubted before of my inability to speake to the Justices in the causes I had, I besought the Lord & remembered the encouragem[en]t that was given to Moses, & remembred that I likewise was in my callinge & I prayed for favor & wisdome & the Lord graciously heard me for I

I was enabled & had much favor I prayse the Lord. I came after to Wilby. Mr Eynesworth was at Mr Pentlowes to night to take his leave to goe from the towne, oh Lord graunt that thy blessings may goe along wth him & his ministry for the Lords sake.

4° Octob. 1638

I prayed and tooke my leave & came for London I met wth Wm. Spicer at hardingston by appoyntment & payd him there 25s in p[ar]te of the 50s for Midsom[mer] & Micha[elma]s rent so there is still 25s behind. Mr Walker was there pr[ese]nt who wth Mr Sawyer is lately come from the Lords of the Counsell. I called at Wootton of Watson, & came after to Grafton [Regis] to keep Court, I met there wth one Mr Peake of Nottingham, we after met wth other company & came safe to dunstable blessed be god. I prayed wth him. Lord draw him unto thee for the Lords sake.

5° Octob.

we prayed againe & came forth somewhat early

early wth one Mr Sutton a Londoner borne at Newnham, we had some good discourse on the way. we eate somethinge at St Albans at Mr Walkers at the Red lyon, and came safe to London blessed be god. where I found my family well I prayse the Lord, onely my wife is troubled wth sore breasts Lord be gracious to us make her a nurse if it be thy will & give us still matter of prayses for the Lords sake Amen. p[ar]don o[u]r sinnes for the Lord Xt his sake Amen.

I heard dr Stoughton p[ar]te of a good sermon.

6° Octobr 1638.

I prayed and after went to my chamber,Footnote ⁵³⁸ & am afflicted wth melancholly oh Lord helpe me & be gracious unto me for the Lords sake out of the depths I cry unto thee for thou art the Lord my god.

I was too longe at the horne Taverne wth Mr GreeneFootnote ⁵³⁹ & Mr Weston, Lord keepe me that I goe not out to the creature to trust in that for comfort & cure of melancholly

here is newes that the Queene mother of ffraunceFootnote ⁵⁴⁰ is cominge over Lord pr[e]serve & keep this Kingdome [crossed out: few words, illegible]

7° Octobr 1638. Sab.[bath]

I prayed and went wth my wife to heare dr Stoughton in the morninge, and a stranger there in the afternoone, who preached both very faythfully Lord hold thy servants as starrs in thy right hand that no adversary may stop their mouthes for the Lords sake.

8° Octobr.

I prayed and went to see my horse, which I heare is not well, I prayed unto the Lord for his recovery Lord deale graciously wth me thy poore servant for the Lords sake.

Mr Pyke came hether to night wth his family I am much subiect to melancholly Lord helpe me for the Lords sake.

I stayed too longe wth Mr Weston Mr Leastinge & Lord graunt that I may hang uppon thee for comfort & not uppon the creature for the Lords sake.

9° Octob. tearme began to day.

I prayed & went to Westm[inster] hall where I met wth

with Mr Winstanley keep[er] of the Lodgings at Whitehall who shewed me the chambers, I was in the Kings chamber where I saw the 4 gospells the acts of the apostles & the Apocalipse in books all sett forth wth pictures; Lord pr[e]serve & keep thy true religion still amongst us, Lord blesse the Kings Ma[jes]tye & make him a nursinge father to the Kingdomes committed to him for the Lords sake

I have given my wife above 5li. Lord supply us with thy bounty for the Lords sake Amen Mr Winstanley hath p[ro]mised me if I can heare of any place in the Kings gift he will beg it for me, Lord direct me in thy blessed p[ro]vidence as thou seest best for the Lords sake.

10° octob. 1638.

I prayed and went to the hall wth Mr Sanford we dyned at the place called heaven.Footnote ⁵⁴¹ I heard dr Stoughton in the afternoone my wife hath beene wth dr GourdonFootnote ⁵⁴² for advice who hath pr[e]scribed her a purge Lord blesse it to her for the Lords sake.

I met wth ffilkins of Wellingborow neer charing crosse.

11° Octob

I prayed with my wife, & since my father tells

me that I must pay the 50li to Mr Readinge that remaynes & I am troubled because not able to doe it, but in the sorowes of my hart oh Lord I come unto thee & beseech thee to be gracious Lord rayse both my father & me from our necessitous condicon supply us from heaven abundantly by thy good p[ro]vidence, & keep up o[u]r harts to wayte uppon thee p[ar]don the sinnes of us & our familyes for the Lords sake.

Lord blesse my wives phisick unto her for the Lords sake this day.

Lord blesse me this day in all my undertakings & shew me thy p[ro]vidence for the Lord Xt his sake I was this day wth Mr Midleton & Mr Winstanley & too longe

12° Octob. 1638

I prayed and went to the hall, & after that to dinner in ffish street wth Mr Midleton Mr Winstanley & & stayed there till night, Lord what doe I doe in such Company, thou hast called me to holinesse & moderacon Lord bestow it uppon me for the Lords sake. oh Let not the cares of the world & melancholly cause me to put forth my hand unto evill but let me find cherefullnes in attendinge uppon

uppon thee wthout [crossed out: the] such squeezinge the Creature for that which it cannot yeild wthout thee.

Mr Winstanley & I have talked about findinge out some place or revercons for him to begg of the Kinge & to put in my name, Oh Lord wthout thee no purpose can be established Thou alone dost all things graunt successe if it be thy will to thy glory for the Lords sake.

13° Octobr 1638

I prayed and went to the hall, my hart heavy and dull and I have bene much troubled that I was wth that Company yesterday, Lord p[ar]don me thy poore servant & have m[er]cy & heale for the Lords sake.

14° Octob. Sab.[bath]

I prayed and went to dr Stoughtons Church both fornoone & afternoone & heard him both tymes. Lord continue him & make us fruitfull under thy meanes of grace for

for the Lords sake Amen.

15° Octob. 1638.

I prayed wth some comfort & fayth in the trouble of my hart in the morninge & went after to the hall wth my brother. there I was informed of one Mr BendboweFootnote ⁵⁴³ Clerke of the patents that he could give me light about revercons and afterward by gods p[ro]vidence I met wth him who tells me to morow morning at his house in Greenes Lane I shall see the booke

16° Octob.

I prayed and went to Mr Bendbowes & his man shewed me the booke so I find onely 3 revercons grannted of the 7 auditorsFootnote ⁵⁴⁴ places and I have since told Mr Winstanley of it but I p[er]ceave he makes now much question about it, yet hath p[ro]mised me to inquire; I had some comfort in thought that the Lord may perhaps make this day a ground of comfort (as (this time 4 years it was an occasion of much sorow & temptacon)

but Lord I desire wholly to submitt to thee, be gracious unto me I pray thee & let me find thy favor not accordinge to what I have done (for then I cannot escape p[er]dition) but for thy m[er]cyes sake in the Lord Xt.

Mr Pentlowe is come to the towne here wth his daughter Susan:

Oh blessed be thy name still for preservinge me notwithstandinge the temptacon that seized uppon me this day 4 yeares.

17° Octob. 1638

I prayed wth some inlargem[en]t in private in the morninge & then went to Westm[inster] hall wth about 12d beinge all the money I had left, so that I am not able to followe my occasions as I should; and my hart is heavy in the Consideracon of my debts & wants. Oh base hart be Contented, doth [left margin: trefoil symbol] not god take notice of thee doth not he see what condicon is left for thee; oh my all-sufficient father have m[er]cye on me give me cheerfullnes & contentednes in my estate keepe me from direfull melancholly & the cares of this p[rese]nte world

world that they may never overwhelme me, & give me dilligence & thriftynesse & ability in my way, and oh my god if thou seest good supply me of thy fullnesse pay my debts for me & bestow uppon me wth a more liberall hand & sanctifye it for the Lords sake.

[left margin: trefoil symbol] I have bene in this debt & want about 15. yeares, it may please the Lord in the end to supply me by his good p[ro]vidence, Abraham wayted 20. yeares for [crossed out: an] the p[er]formance of a promise oh Lord quiet my hart pay Mr Readinge & helpe both me & my father for the Lords sake Amen.

18° Octob. 1638

I prayed and went to Westm[inster] hall, where I met wth harry Weltden [crossed out: &] who told me of the great debts that he was in, & I was afflicted in the thoughts of mine, But Lord thou art able to helpe, I heard that the MaiorFootnote ⁵⁴⁵ of North[amp]ton is resolved to keepe me out of my office this yeare because I have bene absent but Lord I pray thee

thee give me grace & favor in their eyes there for the Lord Xt his sake and now that I intend shortly to goe downe [crossed out: I be] thether I beseech thee oh Lord doe thou goe [crossed out: alonge] downe with me as thou didst p[ro]mise to goe downe with Jacob into Egipt keepe me there from the stroke of thy destroyinge Angell, defend me & my habitacon & my whole family, give me great favor in the eyes of the townesmen & let thy p[ro]vidence be wth me there & with my whole family beside for the Lords sake Amen.

I dranke a pint of sack wth John Snart.Footnote ⁵⁴⁶ I heare that Crutchley is in towne its lamentable wet weather.

After I came home my wife & mother & were earnest with me to pay for the wine at Baptiz[in]g about 15s & for money for the midwife having layd out it or all of the first; but I had not above 12d left, [crossed out: I] beinge compelled to come home wantinge 3s 6d to pay Mr KillermasterFootnote ⁵⁴⁷ in Mr Pentlowes businesse and then my father told me I must pay the 50li to Mr Readinge that he had payd me & disbursed for me [crossed out: 4] neere 400li allready & shewed me his

his booke of accounts where he reckons for every box of Marmalad[e] given to any of the Lawyers & & about 14li or 15li for interest money for money which he borrowed it seemes to pay Mr Readinge, wch is nothinge to me at all, but there is rather interest due to me from the time that I was marryed till now for much of the porcon, & he reckoned for the wyne & sugar plums at Sams BaptizingeFootnote ⁵⁴⁸ & all which much troubled me & I was very melancholy I feared least it should unfit me for my callinge yet I desired then in the midst of sorrow to [crossed out: stay] looke up unto the Lord; Lord heare my weake desires.

before night I went to Mr WarrensFootnote ⁵⁴⁹ & heard one Mr LeechFootnote ⁵⁵⁰ preach very well at Bowe.

my wives milke gone wth greife Lord helpe us.

19° Octob. 1638. the weather extreme rayny.

some comfortable sleepe this night I prayse the Lord & some refreshinge in prayer in secret & I have much blamed my selfe in my too much [left margin: trefoil symbol] deiectednes and carefullnes about my debts & the things of this world, & in my forgetfullnes of heaven & eternall happinesse my everlastinge inheritance, Lord I pray thee that my care for heaven & my comfort in spirituall things may swallow up my too much carkinge care about and false

false esteeme & pleasure in the Creature as Moses serpent devoured the rest Lord I pray thee uphold my hart give me the comforts of the holy ghost let them dwell in my soule & fill my sayles, and I beseech thee oh Lord supply me in thy due time in things temp[or]all of thine abundant bounty for I thy poore servant am now in straights and god forbid that I should forget such a m[er]cy and Lord sanctifye it unto me when it comes, & give me fayth & patience to wayte uppon thee and I beseech thee oh my father give me grace & favor in the eyes of the Mayor bayleifes & inh[ab]itants of North[amp]ton when I come downe & make me an instrument of good in that Corporacon & Lord blesse my deare wife & children & whole family pr[e]serve us in life & sanctifye o[u]r harts more & more & sanctify comforts unto us for the Lords sake, and blesse me now in my goeinge out & cominge in, helpe me to borrow some money for my necessityes & keep me from melancholly for the Lords sake

Lord stay me uppon thy sure word for the Lords sake.

20° Octob. 1638.

I have borrowed 40s of Mr Pentlowe to be p[ai]d

to his wife in the Country, blessed be thy name oh Lord for supplyinge me in this necess[ity].

I have payd Mr hillesly for the wyne at the Baptizing

I was to search in Allhallowes Lombard str[eet] p[ro] mort Joh[ann]is WatkinFootnote ⁵⁵¹ 1608 – p[ro] Mr Bacon.

21° Octob. 1638 Sab[bath]

I went to day to the Kings Chappell at Whitehall where I heard 2 severall men preach in the morning one before the Kinge & thother before the houshold. dr Beale preached before the Kinge, & preached ag[ains]t supr[a]lapsarians & p[ro] Confession to, & absolucon by the Church, Oh Lord establish true doctrine & a pure worship in his Church & blesse his sacred Ma[jes]ty & give him to discerne betweene things that differ and make him a sp[ec]iall instrument of thy glory for the Lords sake Amen.

I dyned at Mr Midletons house a Sergeant at Armes wth Mr Winstanley &.

I came after to Lincolnes Inne & heard Mr Cowell, that good man.

22° Octobr.

I went not to the hall to day its said the

queene mother of ffrannce comes into London on Thursday next, my deare child Sarah is very ill, but I have prayd unto the Lord & I trust the Lord will be gracious.

we have got a nurse to day that lives about Edmunton, for o[u]r child blessed be god.

23° Octob. 1638

my deare child is still very sick, but the Lord is able to recover her, I now pr[e]pare for my Journey into the Country to morow, & prayed for my Comfortable arrival at North[amp]ton & for favor in the eyes of the Maior & Bayleifes there & for preservacon from the devouringe pestilence

24° Octob.

I prayed and tooke my leave of my wife & and came by gods m[er]cye to dunstable with one Mr PorterFootnote ⁵⁵² of Birmingham, & there we met wth good Mr BostockFootnote ⁵⁵³ the Counseller & wth one Mr PinsonFootnote ⁵⁵⁴ a godly Attourney of Birmingham, Mr Bostock was sick of the stone

25° Octob. 1638

Mr Bostock prayed excellently with us this morninge so I came to Grafton [Regis] Court & dyned there, & came home after with Mr Scryven,Footnote ⁵⁵⁵ where I found Mrs Cricks family all in health blessed be god.

I supt at Mr Martins

26° Octobr.

I prayd & went to Mr Martins where I stayed a g[rea]t p[ar]t of this rayny day. I dyned wth him & supped at Mrs Cricks I think.

27° Octobr

I had diverse occasions of writs & to day I blesse the Lord. I have wrote diverse letters to London.

I have found Mr Maior & the bayleifes very lovinge I blesse the Lord.

*****

28° octobr. 1638. Sab.[bath]

Mr Ball preached both times out of 3. JonahFootnote ⁵⁵⁶ I have had gracious comforts & enlargem[en]t in prayer last night & to day I blesse the lord. I dyned at Mr Sam. Martins to day & supped at his fathers. young Mr Martin is ill.

29° Octob.

I prayed and went to the Court, where the gayne was but small but the Lord will increase it in his due time. I dyned wth Mr Bayleife hill. Oh Lord I blesse thee that thou hast brought me home againe to my owne habitacon Lord blesse me & pr[e]serve me here for the Lords sake.

30. Octob.

I prayed and went out wth Mr Martin Mr Knight & Mr WoollastonFootnote ⁵⁵⁷ 3 of the aldermen to Coventry to renew the bond for Mr Wheatleys moneyFootnote ⁵⁵⁸ there, we came safe to the Kings head in Coventry I wrote to Mr Goodere

31° Octobr 1638

I prayed and went to the Lecture where one Mr dyamond,Footnote ⁵⁵⁹ a country minister preached very honestly & well, blessed be thy name oh Lord.

we were wth Mr Legg the Maior of CoventryFootnote ⁵⁶⁰ & the Aldermen in the Counsell houseFootnote ⁵⁶¹ there. Mr Goodere came to us.

1° Nov.

This day the New maior of Coventry one Mr fforestFootnote ⁵⁶² was sworne: the minister that preached there had litle in him, Oh Lord restore & establish thy Gospell in that Citty for the Lords sake.

I dyned in the counsell house there, & one Mr NaylorFootnote ⁵⁶³ an arminian & I had much dispute about pr[e]destinacon the Lord much moved my hart to defend his truth but I found few there that favoured it, I was too earnest & hasty in my argum[en]t, Lord p[ar]don my frayltyes & infirmityes in the Bloud of the Lord Xt.

2° Nov. 1638

we came from Coventry this morninge & came home safe at night I blesse the Lord but we find the sicknesse broke out in 2 or 3 fresh houses & one widow Evans dead of it, Lord stay thy hand in thy due time & give us a sanctifyed use of it for the Lords sake.

I heard from my deare wife to day, & that shee & my family are in health & that litle Sarah is recovered againe blessed be thy name oh Lord. Oh how gracious the Lord is.

I heare the queene mother came into London on wednesday last in g[reat] pompe. I supped wth old Mr Martin.

3° Nov.

we had indifferent good market here to day blessed be god and I had some new imploym[en]t in my practise, yet I was very melancholly this day through the Thorny cares of this p[rese]nte world, & consideracon of my debts oh Lord helpe thy poore s[er]vant in regard of sinnes & debts to p[ar]don those & pay these, oh when will it

once be, but thy grace is sufficient for me to forgive & crucify sinne in me, & to supply me wth temp[or]alls, Lord give me to [crossed out: belei] beleive, for thou canst doe all things, I have observed thy gracious p[ro]vidence to thine in thy holy word, thou art still the same Lord I beleive helpe my unbeleife stay up my hart against base & carkinge cares make me paynfull like the Ant make me thrifty delight in me & my family to doe us good every way for the Lords sake.

Mr Crompton p[ai]d me the 9li to day for James warren an extent was served on Mr JudkinsFootnote ⁵⁶⁴ goods here to day.

4° Nov. 1638 Sab.[bath] sacram[en]t.

Mr Ball preached p[ro]fitably in the morning & Mr Newton in the afternoone I desired at the sacram[en]t to stirr up my poore soule to beleive & to renew my Cov[enan]t, oh Lord give me fayth & keep me & mine from sinne & pay o[u]r debts for the Lords sake I dyned at Mrs Cricks & supped at Mr Martins.

5° Nov. 1638. powder treason day.

Mr Ball preached very p[ro]fitably blessed be thy name oh Lord, it was a sermon to stirre up gods people to wayte on god for deliverance & to live by fayth Lord pr[e]vayle wth us by it.

I dyned beinge invited to Mr Maiors,Footnote ⁵⁶⁵ wth Mr Newton & ux Mr BayleifesFootnote ⁵⁶⁶ & ux & blessed be thy name oh Lord for the favor thou givest me in their eyes.

I supped at Mrs Cricks. And now Lord take me into thy p[ro]teccon this night keepe me from sinne, blesse my deare wife my children my whole family build us up yea surely thou wilt doe it, in soules in Comforts in o[u]r outward condicon, but the way must be thine owne oh that I had fayth oh that I could wayte uppon the Lord.

6° Nov.

I was graciously affected & enlarged in prayer in

in the morninge & against that sinne which I had much strife & conflict with this morninge & some dayes before & and then I went to the Court, afterward I dyned wth [crossed out: Crutchley] Mr TruemanFootnote ⁵⁶⁷ the new sadler & at Crutchleyes my hart smote me for beinge in Company there wth Mr Burgins &. Lord give me I pray thee wholly to forsake & reiect such company for the Lords sake [crossed out: half line, illegible] Oh my god when will it once be that thou wilt purge me from all my filthines for Jesus Xt his sake subdue the power of corrupcon wthin me; Mr Sam. Martin was with me to night & blames himselfe for keepinge company sometime wth those that feare not god in drinkinge wine & takinge tobacco wth them now & then, and I as iustly I may did likewise condemne my selfe for the same; and we have resolved in gods feare & wth his helpe to reforme in that p[ar]ticuler, Lord assist us for Xt his sake for thou art god all sufficient.

I am afrayd I have lost some bonds of the Court, but I have prayed unto the Lord to be delivered from such a feare & danger I supped at Mrs Cricks

one dyed of the sicknesse at North[amp]ton.

7° Nov. 1638

beinge full of melancholly & sensible [crossed out: of] in some measure of the naughtinesse of my hart & nature I cast my selfe downe before the Lord, & the Lord hath surely heard me & will yet doe good unto me.

I went to Wellingborow, [insert: trefoil symbol] and as I went I was greatly affected to teares, in seeinge a Kennell of hounds in hot pursuite after a hare,Footnote ⁵⁶⁸ I wondered at & adored & gods wisdome in puttinge such an instinct into the creature & gave thanks to him that had given to me reason, when I saw the poore doggs runne wth such Confidence & yet [crossed out: saw] they saw nothing I condemned my selfe, that am so much for sence & have so litle fayth that I cannot relye uppon the p[ro]mises, yea uppon gods most precious excellent & sure p[ro]mises, which traine would lead me to what I desire both in regard of soule & body & and when I heard their hideous & violent cry after the poore timerous hare, I thought that after the Commission of sinne thus doe conscience & the wrath

wrath & Judgem[en]ts of god follow the poore sinner oh Lord give me ever to revere & adore thy wisdome & thy power, to beleive thy promises to repent of & avoyd sinne for the Lord Xt his sake. I met wth Mr Watts at Wellingborow who though he wants 100li yet I prayse god he doth not aske me for what I owe him Lord give me still favor in his eyes, I sent goodw[i]f[e] Chapman 16s p[ro] interest money by my mother I came to Mr Pentlowes to Lodge. I have bene very melancholly this day But I have desired to encourage my selfe in the Lord Oh Lord stay my hart on thee forever give me sweet sleepe this night & safe p[ro]teccon under the shadow of thy blessed Wings for the Lords sake Amen. & blesse my deare wife sweet Children & whole family.

8° Nov. I prayed & went to Broughton to keepe Court there, where I found them ready Lord I pray thee graunt that there may come no trouble by keepinge of the Court so longe after Mich[aelmas]. Mr Bentham dyned

dyned wth us, it was late before we had done at night in the morninge [crossed out: as] at prayer I had some gracious enlargem[en]t, & as I came along I encouradged my soule to wayte uppon god for power ag[ains]t Corrupcon, & for supply of temp[or]all things, the Lord will heare my poore desires & will shew m[er]cy unto me in his due time, The Lord o[u]r god is gracious he is a rock yea the rock of ages, oh that thy spirit & thy word might ever dwell plenteously in my soule, that thy Love might ever inflame my hart that I might be an instrument of thy glory in the world that I might serve thee in this my generacon I prayed to the Lord to be rescued from the feare about the Losse of any bonds at North[amp]ton.

9° Nov. 1638

I prayed and went to Ketteringe wth Mr Pentlowe of Broughton; I met there wth Mr Rushworth, I refused to goe to the swan to Mr Lewes & & blessed be thy name oh Lord oh

oh Lord teach me to avoyd the occasions of evill forever for the Lords sake Amen. I heare to day that Rob. Yorke an Attourney at harboroweFootnote ⁵⁶⁹ (sometime my schole-fellowe at Brixworth) is lately dead of the small pox, yet I am still in the land of the livinge blessd be thy name oh lord, Lord give me to improve thy continued m[er]cyes for the Lords sake, & Lord increase my practise & give me abilityes for it & give me ever the peace of a good conscience; I came to Old at night, & had some good meditacon on the way. at Old my mother & I sealled a bond of 10li 16s dated 17° Octob last to be payd 18° Octob 1639 [crossed out, illegible] to ffrancis Chapman widow [crossed out: in Old] at her house in Old, the debt is onely mine, Lord helpe me to pay all my debts in thy due time if it be thy will & fit me for such a m[er]cye.

I came to my Cousin dexters house. I heard to day that my Aunt Margret Wale is dead long since. I heard to day that George hodgesFootnote ⁵⁷⁰ that lived once here at Old hath committed Adultery wth a mayd at Wellingborow, oh Lord shame is the end of sinne, & this is a fruit of his drunkennesse, fence my heart for ever ag[ains]t such abominacons for the Lords sake Blessed be thy name oh Lord for keepeinge of me all my life time as thou hast done

10° Novembr. 1638

I prayed and came afterward to hanginge houghton to Mr Rushworths house there, & from thence I came along wth him & came to North[amp]ton safe I blesse the Lord, in goeinge to houghton from Old I sought the Lord [left margin: trefoil symbol] for [crossed out: grace] m[er]cye & grace & supply in my necessity & for blessinge & gods good p[ro]vidence, And sure the m[er]cy of the great & gracious god shall shine uppon my soule in the face of Jesus Christ to p[ar]don my sinnes, The power of the Almighty god through the spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ shall Crucify & kill my strong Corrupcons for his grace is sufficient for me both to forgive & to mortify the Bounty of the all-sufficient god, possessor of heaven & earth shall pay my debts, feed & cloath me & my family, The proteccon of the all-seeinge god shall ever more mightily defend me & mine under the shadowe of his blessed wings shall be my refuge; his good blessinge & gracious p[ro]vidence shall direct us & lead us forth & order every thing for the best, Oh Lord helpe me to live by fayth and let me have comfort & cheerfullnes from that.

I heare to day that Mr BechinsFootnote ⁵⁷¹ an Attourney the Steward of daventry is dead; yet the Lord hath graciously spared me and given me a longer time to work out my salvacon oh Lord give me to improve my span of time.

The sicknesse increases here Lord stay it.

11° Nov. 1638 Sab.[bath]

Mr Newton preached p[ro]fitably both times to day I dyned wth Mr MaiorFootnote ⁵⁷² to day; blessed be thy name oh Lord for his favor Lord continue it if it be thy will.

I was witnesse to Wm Spicers girle Elizab. to day, which was borne on Thursday night last.

I supped at Mrs Cricks, & prayed & was graciously enlarged both there & at home in private Oh Lord I blesse thee for it, Oh shew me thy glory I pray to find the order for Mr Some which I have for the pr[e]sent lost

I p[ai]d Mr Watts 15s wch was sent him.

12° Nov.

I prayed and went to the Court which doth somewhat increase blessed be god.

I dyned wth Mr Cole the Bayleife to day. and supped not at all, I was wth Mr ffisher at night who informed me how god delivered him from the violence of the prison[er]s when they had cast him into the dungeonFootnote ⁵⁷³ &.

Easton brought me a load of Coles to day and my hey came from houghton groundsFootnote ⁵⁷⁴ 6. load. I p[ai]d about 13s 6d p[ro] the carriage

13° Nov. 1638

I prayed & am oft graciously affected in the duty I blesse the Lord.

hatton came to me againe to day from Toucester we afterward ingrossed the Lease & counteaptFootnote ⁵⁷⁵ about dodington Mills from Mr Pentlowe to William Broad. I prayed to the Lord wth some enlargem[en]t I blesse the Lord, & to be defended both I & my family from the devouringe pestilence.

14° Nov.

I prayed and went to Wilby where I dyned & then to Wellingborowe, & was brought home safe againe I blesse the Lord, the Lord [crossed out: put] moved my hart often in the way & gave me some meditacons I blessed his name, I heard by Mr Pentlowe that dr OldsworthFootnote ⁵⁷⁶ preached excellently & boldly on 5 Nov blessed be thy name oh Lord that thou raysest any to stand up for thee & thy truth. Mr TwigdenFootnote ⁵⁷⁷ the Alderman dyed to day.

15° Nov. 1638

I prayed & went to Grafton [Regis] Court where I gayned about 5s I blesse the Lord, I was somewhat late ere I came home & met with a divine who came alonge with me to North[amp]ton I went afterward to the hind beinge sent for about an arrest made on a woman, I got about 3s 4d blessed be thy name oh Lord

Mr Twigden buryed to day.

16° Nov.

I thought to have gone to Ketteringe to day but by reason of the rayne I stayed at home

17° Nov.

St hughs fare kept here to day 3 have dyed of the sicknesse this last weeke

Mr Goodere came hether to night

18° Nov. Sab.[bath]

Mr Newton preached both times p[ro]fitably

19° Nov. 1638

I kept the court in the morninge and came along to dunstable very safe blessed be god though somwhat late, and there I lodged at the white hart wth Mr Trueman & Mr Goodere, we discoursed of the badnesse of the times Lord amend them for the Lords sake.

20° Nov.

we prayed and came to London safe, where I found my deare wife & children in good health I prayse the Lord.

21° Nov.

I prayed and went to the hall, about my occacons. And dyned wth Mr Bacon & Mr PoultonFootnote ⁵⁷⁸ in Bredstreet at the mermayd, Lord I blesse thee for Mr Bacons Love & practise.

22° Nov.

I prayed and went about my occasions.

23° Nov. 1638

I prayed and went to the hall I thinke, & about my occasions.

24° Nov.

there is much talke about the Scottish busines Lord direct every thinge for the best for the Lords sake & thou who causest every thinge to worke togeth[er] for the to thine owne, bringe good out of this to thy church for the Lords sake.

25° Nov. Sab.[bath]

I heard Mr davyes a goodman, in Colemanstreet at Mr Goodwyns church in the morninge & Mr Goodwyn there in the afternoone, Lord keepe open the mouthes of thy faythfull ministers, & restore those that are silenced for the Lords sake

26. Nov.

I prayed and went about my occasions I have concluded to have the chamber in Clements Inne, Oh Lord graunt that I may

may have comfort & practise in it if it be thy will. And Lord looke uppon me in my indebted & necessitous condicon for the Lords sake.

Mr WyckesFootnote ⁵⁷⁹ dyed suddenly this day. Lord fit me for death.

27° Nov. 1638.

I prayed and went about my occasions Lord I blesse thee that I have any thinge to doe its thy m[er]cy to give me practise & enable me for it in any measure. I receaved a letter from hatton who certifyes me that two dyed of the sicknesse the last weeke. Lord stay thy hand in due time for the Lords sake

my father is much deiected about the death of Mr Wicks

28° Nov.

Its said that warre is concluded against Scotland and that the Earles of Arundell & of EssexFootnote ⁵⁸⁰ shall be the gen[er]alls of horse & foote Lord pr[e]vent the evill that hangs over this Kingdome if it be thy will.

*****

29° Nov. 1638

I and my wife are much subiect to care & trouble about our outward condicon, & by reason of the bond which I have entred into wth Mr Readinge my master as suerty to Sr John hanbury, Lord p[ar]don my faylinge in it, & pr[e]ven[t] my feare for the Lords sake

30. Nov. St Andrew

I prayed and went to Mr Robins about Mr Watts his occasion, & to Mr dillingham where I dyned, & afterward I spake wth Mr Pardoe,

Mr Weekes was buryed to day, who was borne, made free marryed & buryed uppon this day.

1° dec.

my master hath bene earnest with me for the 50li arrere from me or my father, I told him of

of the bond not satisfyed to Sr John hanbury. I was greatly troubled & deeply melancholly in the thoughts of that & the debts I owe, I after met with my father who poore man is likewise much troubled in the thoughts of his owne debts; Ah Lord when shall it once be that thou wilt deliver us out of this sad & heavy condicon, I endeavored to have borowed 50li of Mr dexterFootnote ⁵⁸¹ the scrivener but could not.

I came home in the afternoone, & my deare wife & I prayed in this great trouble & [left margin: trefoil symbol] commended our heavy condicon to the Lord and we entred covenant wth him & p[ro]mised that if the Lord please to pay o[u]r debts & give us ease this way that he shall forever be o[u]r god & we will be his people & will prayse & exalt his name. Lord heare us & helpe us for the Lords sake.

2° dec.1638. Sab.[bath]

I prayed and went to dr Stoughtons church where he preached excellently concerninge

temptation, I [crossed out: letter, illegible] and my wife receaved the sacram[en]t there I desired to bringe my sinnes my infidelity my burdens before the Lord, Lord ease me in thy due time for the Lords sake.

Mr Sedgwicks brotherFootnote ⁵⁸² preached there in the afternoone very p[ro]fitably, The Lord did graciously enable me in prayer in the family my wife & I have this day sought the Lord together

3° dec.1638.

I went downe to Mr Robins & as I went beinge very melancholly I called uppon my Uncle dexterFootnote ⁵⁸³ & gave him his morninge draught [crossed out: for] he had p[ro]mised me a payre of gloves which he then gave me, I went to the other end of the towne afterward about my occasions, but my hart hath bene marvellous sad, & the cares of this present world doe much oppresse me considering my debts & danger, Oh Lord heare my poore prayers if it be thy will, & give me to live above the creature by thy fayth for the Lords sake my wife rode behind my father to day to see litle Sarah who is very well blessed be god.

4° dec. 1638

I prayed and came to St Albans alone about Sunsett, where I lay. I was extremely melancholly as I came along my debts & feares did wonderfully seize uppon me yet I repelled my troubles & would not give way to them & the word of god is often sanctifyed unto me & much refreshinge, yea like the honey that Jonathan tasted wth the end of his rod. Oh Lord cure my melancholly & enable me to live by fayth for the Lords sake.

grac[iously] enlarged in peticon in my sorow.

5° dec.

I slept well this night I blesse the Lord and prayed wth much fayth in my sorow and came along wth Mr Wedland, & after wth Mr Chamberlayne & Mr Cooke,Footnote ⁵⁸⁴ and to North[amp]ton safe I prayse the Lord, I supped at Mr Martins wth Mr Sam. Martin & Mr Rushworth, I am very melancholly. I pray earnestly unto the Lord, & sure the Lord doth heare me.

6° dec 1638.

I was very heavy & direfully sad in the morninge before day I rose about 6 a clock & prayed and went to Grafton [Regis] Court, I was very melancholly & greatly oppressed with cares as I rode alonge but I endeavoured to hang uppon the Lord, and the [crossed out: sp] holy & gracious spirit of the Lord is pleased continually to bringe to memory & dart in [crossed out, illegible] places of scripture sentences out of gods word to warne me & to comfort & susteyne me when I was doubtinge that to morow morninge before day would be very sad & direfull I remembred take no thought for to morow & sufficient to the day is the evill thereof,Footnote ⁵⁸⁵ I had then trouble enough why should I make this day more evill & troublesome by caringe for the morowe and I rem.[embered] the 50^th of IsayahFootnote ⁵⁸⁶ let him stay himselfe uppon his god oh thou art the surest stay [crossed out: becas] because the strongest most durable, thou art the rock of ages, everlasting strength, and art not thou exceeding gracious as Abraham said shall not the Judge of all the world doe Right, so I thy poore

poore servant say shall not the father of all the world shew m[er]cye?, Lord I have sinned against thee exceedingly but p[ar]don thy servant helpe me in my distresses either pay my [left margin: trefoil symbol] debts if it be thy will, or worke my hart & make it suitable to my condicon, oh that I could live by fayth in this condicon as I trust I shall in some measure through the strength of god, & I am thinkinge if I can live by fayth in this disadvantage of direfull melancholly surely I should have a most comfortable life if this were removed as one that can dannce in Wooden shoes would surely be more nimble in pumpes, I kept the Court at Grafton [Regis] we had a Jury. I came home wth Tho PidgeonFootnote ⁵⁸⁷ who was almost drunke Lord convert that p[er]secuter to thee if it be thy will.

7° dec.1638.

I was not altogether so melancholly before [above next word: trefoil symbol] day this morning as I feared I should but

diverse scriptures came into my mind & did me much comfort, I afterward prayed in private to many teares & besought the Lord earnestly who hath heard me & will surely doe me good will ease me of these thorny cares though which way I know not but the Lord doth all things & can doe this, I am much troubled that these thorny cares should seize uppon me, who am a xxian who have a better hope then after the creature, after all these things doe the gentiles seekeFootnote ⁵⁸⁸ which have no god wch know no heaven or true happinesse, nay their contempt of these things many of them I meane, may shame me Lord p[ar]don this horrid sinne of mine lay it not to my chardge give me sweetly to repose my selfe in thee And stretch thy mighty arme from heaven & helpe me thy poore servant, Lord thou hast said to the upright shall arise light in darknesse, thou hast sayd for he shall deliver the needy when he cryeth & Lord heare my poore prayer for the Lords sake.

I tooke the Antimoniall cupFootnote ⁵⁸⁹ to day but it hath not wrought wth me.

I went after to Mr Martins, and there I receaved some comfort & ease of my melancholly for the pr[e]sent I blesse the Lord.

8° dec 1638 Lad[y] day fare to day. [trefoil symbol]

I am very melancholly, but Lord thou art still my helpe & hast bene ever Mr StancyFootnote ⁵⁹⁰ told me of one who through affliccon & melancholly because of his former Lewdnesse was become a foole, wch thinge did much smite me but I will yet hope in the Lord who is my strength & my sheild, oh my god shall any that trust in thee be ashamed? I have had some comfort in readinge thy word I blesse thy name, at such time as I am afrayd I will trust [margin: 6 ps.[alm]] in thee, Thy vowes are uppon me oh god and if thou please [crossed out, illegible] to helpe me out of these debts & yet to susteyne me & my family by thy helpe I will never forget such a m[er]cy, but shall serve thee more comfortably & cheerefully when thou hast enlarged my steps, heaven & earth are thine Lord supply me of thy bounty or stay my hart for the Lords sake.

afterward there came to me Goodman GardnerFootnote ⁵⁹¹ of North[amp]ton whose businesse I forgot which he had imployed me in & I gave him his 5s againe he gave me 6d back I thank him.

after that my cousin Wm WoodfordFootnote ⁵⁹² came & I told him that I wanted money to pay to Rich

Rise the 32s which I had receaved of his mother to pay him, after that I went to Mr Watts my creditor & was much afflicted & whom I feare & then I came home & was very sad, but the Lord hath brought to my hand the 107 ps.[alm] 40.Footnote ⁵⁹³ yet setteth he the poore on high from affliccon & maketh him familyes like a flock & the 1. Sam. 2.8 & pa[ra]llell 113. ps.[alm] 11.Footnote ⁵⁹⁴ he rayseth up the poore out of the dust & lifteth the needy out of the dunghill, oh what emphasis there is in lifting out! for truly I am in the deepe mire & clay & it must be no lesse then liftinge to helpe me out, yet will I trust in thee oh Lord possessor of heaven & earth thy m[er]cy is infinite & thy arme is exceedinge strong help may come though I know not from where, thy vowes are uppon me yet shall I prayse thy name oh god the god of my salvation, Lord blesse me my deare wife children & family [crossed out, illegible] & helpe my poore father out of his straights for the Lords sake.

my debts this day are

Footnote ⁵⁹⁵Footnote ⁵⁹⁶Footnote ⁵⁹⁷Footnote ⁵⁹⁸Footnote ⁵⁹⁹

[crossed out: to my father 14li]

Footnote ⁶⁰⁰

Oh my god these my debts doe stare me in the face, and satan continually iniects them seeinge my weaknesse & want of fayth, but Lord at such time as I am afrayd I will trust in thee I doe even depend uppon thee in this lowe condicon Lord I beleeve helpe my unbeleife make me exceedinge dilligent & thrifty [crossed out, illegible] but wilt thou shew a miracle to the deadFootnote ⁶⁰¹ shall the dead prayse thee am I not in the

the dust doe I not stick in the dunghill? send forth thine ayd & helpe me oh god the deliverer Thine is the Kingdome power & glory, my mouth shall be open to thy prayses others will I encourage to trust in thee. Lord helpe & susteyne me for Jesus Xt his sake. Lord pr[e]pare me for the Sabath for the Lords sake.

I wrote to my deare wife & sent the 2 letters inclosed wherein my father expressed his willingnes to pay the 25li over & above the 400. I encouraged my deare wife to wayt uppon the Lord, and communicated to her the p[ro]mises which the Lord had brought to my hand, and that in Mat[thew]Footnote ⁶⁰² if two agree on earth & to aske & It shall be done so we [crossed out: to] two will agree wth gods helpe to seeke grace & favor.

I went after [crossed out: letter] to old Mr Martins where I met wth Sam. Martin, wth whom I had discourse about worldly cares & dependance for temp[or]all things, this conference was blessed unto me he put me in mind that one thinge onely is necessary and that we are to seeke the Kingdome of heaven & the right & & if we walk in gods way & he sees good all these shall be added,Footnote ⁶⁰³ he spoke of a place in Job 22.Footnote ⁶⁰⁴ acquaint thy selfe now wth the Lord & be at peace & and in 107. ps[alm]Footnote ⁶⁰⁵ fooles are afflicted for their folly & yet they cry & god doth deliver them &.

9° dec. 1638 Sab.[bath] sacram[en]t.

I have some cheerefullnesse this morninge I blesse the Lord, Lord stay my soule uppon thee, & though I have brought affliccon uppon me through mine owne sinne & folly yet I cry unto thee & thou wilt surely have m[er]cy uppon me oh Lord teach me the way unto thee, blesse this thy sabath & thine ordinances to me for the Lords sake

I prayse the Lord my cheerfullnes continues in a gracious measure oh Lord keepe out of my hart those base thorny cares forever, and though I am in debt & that some of them should now be payd & are expected yet I pray thee give me fayth to rely uppon thee in this Condicon and I pray thee keepe me from the fiery temptacons & inieccons of Satan & send me helpe give me ever the sheild of fayth to repell them & helpe me as thou hast done for the Lords sake at such time as I cry unto thee my enimyes shall be turned back, and my creditors shall be my freinds Thou art my god forever uppon thee will I hang & repose my selfe for evermore, blesse me & comfort me

me this night & pr[e]pare me for to morowe & send me blessinge & comfort in the day, manifest thy p[ro]vidence to me in it for the Lords sake.

I have bene at old Mr Martins to reade my notes. Lord blesse them to us. And Lord blesse my deare wife & family & whatever belongs unto me for the Lords sake.

Ile [crossed out: cont] count it all JoyFootnote ⁶⁰⁶ when I fall into diverse temptacons I trust & beleive the fruit of them shall be comfortable I meane not the temptacon & enticements of sinne but the fiery darts of Satan.

10° dec 1638.

I prayed and went to the Court where we had somethinge to doe I blesse the Lord, Mr MaiorFootnote ⁶⁰⁷ invited me to dinner & there I dyned.

I was after at old Mr Martins.

11° dec.

I prayed and went about my occasions, wth some

some Cheerfullnes I blesse the Lord.

I dyned at Mr Samuel Martins, wth old Mr Martin.

12° dec [crossed out: I] 1638

I prayed and went towards Wellingborow I dyned at Mr Pentlowes of Wilby

the Lord hath in some gracious measure upholden my hart this day.

I came home with James Woolston,Footnote ⁶⁰⁸ & I went after supper to old Mr Martins where I heard of the death of one Powell of PatteshullFootnote ⁶⁰⁹ a p[er]secutinge preist, who dyed on the suddaine in the house of office; it seemes he had his horse forth to have gone to Toucester to have pr[e]sented about 40. for not beinge Canonicall the Sab[bath] day before when he went [crossed out: illegible word] up to the Communion table about 3 times; & he spake to one of the wicked wretches that were with him to hold his horse he would but goe & untrusse a poynt & come pr[e]sently; & was there found

found dead immediatly, Thus doth the Lord glorifye himselfe in the destruccon of his obstinate enemyes oh that thine adversaryes would lay this to hart that they might convert & turne unto thee that thou mightest heale them oh Lord make thy people to observe & consider thy wayes.

Mr Watts sent one it seemes in my absence to day for the bag of money which he left here on satterday

13° dec. 1638

I prayed, and tooke the sealled bag of money which Mr Watts left here on Satterday last & rode over to Easton [Maudit] but he was not at home so I gave it to Mrs Watts his wife who keeps it for him

I told her how I was frighted on Sab.[bath] day night by reason of it,

Lord give me grace & favor in the eyes of Mr Watts still & make him still a stay & comfort to me in my outward condicon.

Mr Caudrey preached here in my absence.

14° dec.

I have prayed this morninge & sure the Lord will heare

heare in his due time, when I have learnd to live by fayth & wayt patiently uppon the Lord, my wife doth confirme me in the same too by her lovinge comfortable & most gracious letter blessed be thy name oh Lord for bestowinge on me so good a wife oh Lord when thou hast tried us & given us fayth & humilyty bringe us out of the fire as gold, inlarge our steps & tents, & give us to pay o[u]r vowes unto thee & to singe of thy prayses all the day longe

I beinge melancholly & in trouble wrote CXW. 38. in the house of office for Cares of the worldFootnote ⁶¹⁰ 1638. Resolvinge if the Lord doth helpe me to be put in mind when I shall sometimes come thether to prayse his name.

Oh my god save me for the waters come up to my soule;

[crossed out: I] I sit in the dust, in m[er]cye rayse me up, my feet stick fast in the dunghill let thy goodnesse oh god lift me out,

thy servant is in debt & want let thy Bountye supply him abundantly

The fiery iniections & darts of Satan come thick uppon me, the Archer hath shot sure at me with envenomed arrowes, but Ile take the sheild of fayth & in the name of god Ile quench them & repell them

At such time as I am afrayd I will trust in thee my hart moveth towards thee, oh that thou wouldst dwell in the soule of thy servant, why shouldst thou be like a traveller that stayeth but for a night,

my hart is sad & cares & troubles are ready to seise uppon me, give me of the wine of thy consolacon then shall I forget my poverty,

let me never goe to Beelzebub the god of Ekron,Footnote ⁶¹¹ to the Creature for helpe seeinge theres a god in Israel that hath made heaven & earth

Oh put a psalme of prayses into the mouth of thy servants of my family, and shew us that never any trusted in thee & were ashamed

looke uppon the face of thyne annoynted & in him heare the voyce of thy servant which putteth his trust in thee

Thou wilt heare from heaven & helpe blessed be thy name.

letters are come to the towne for [crossed out: musteringe] a list of the names of men betweene 16. & 60. & in other places they muster, now my hart is ready to be deiected to thinke that now men will call for their moneyes, & I shall neither be able to pay nor will my land be worth any thinge if warrs should come

oh my god in thee the fatherlesse findeth m[er]cye support my hart keepe my mind in frame for the Lords sake. And doe good to my deare wife & children & family Lord refresh us with thy m[er]cye & love let us not afflict o[u]r selves wth vayne feares but teach us to live by fayth for the Lords sake Amen.

15° dec.1638.

I prayed & went about my occasions, I have bene very melancholly this day but it hath bene more in my head then in sadnesse. Lord send forth thine ayd & helpe me for the Lords sake.

hatton offended me to night in beinge absent & at an alehouse wth dickFootnote ⁶¹² at Mr Readings & Mr BartonsFootnote ⁶¹³ man, & I corrected him Lord I

I beseech thee blesse it unto him & doe him good by it for the Lords sake.

16° dec.1638. Sab.[bath]

Mr Ball preached very p[ro]fitably both times to day & I did behold the goeinge of my god in the sanctuary even in this publiq ordinances & I was greatly affected to teares in heareinge the eveninge sermon I did receave the Lord by fayth in some gracious measure, I doe sometimes even stirre up my selfe to be Joyfull seeinge my many exigencyes, according to the Commannd of the Apostle count it all JoyFootnote ⁶¹⁴ &. Satan [crossed out: doth] hath much followed me this day with fiery darts, & often iniects my debts likewise But the Lord will helpe, the Allsufficient & gracio[us] god will in his due time save & deliver.

I went to old Mr Martins after supper & read my notes.

17° dec.

I prayed & went to the Court. I dyned

after at Mr MaiorsFootnote ⁶¹⁵ &.

18° dec. 1638

I prayed and went about my occasions the Lord is pleased graciously to uphold my hart & still to susteyne me in difficultyes blessed be his name.

19° dec.

I prayed and went to Wellingborow & returned safe againe at night I blesse the Lord.

20° dec.

I prayed and went to the Lecture, where Mr Newton preached very p[ro]fitably a sermon ag[ains]t Adultery. I dyned at Mr daniel Readings wth Mr downes his man towards night I came to old Mr Martins where I expressed too much foolish choler because I was then invited to dyne wth the Maior & Ald[er]men uppon St Thomas day. Oh Lord what a world of

of pride & wickednesse there is in this soule of mine I beseech thee p[ar]don my sinne & heale my soule for the Lords sake.

I was invited to come to the dinner to morow

21° dec.1638. St Thom. day.

I prayed & went to heare Mr Ball, it was uppon occasion of the Legacy of Alderman ffreeman,Footnote ⁶¹⁶ This day one house [crossed out: looked] arrested at the suite of Sr Rob. Bannestre,Footnote ⁶¹⁷ who would shew no m[er]cye to the debtor as he told him, more then he would to a dogg, so the Bayleifes were leading him to the Gaole out uppon the Southbridge he leapt over & was drowned.

I dyned with the Aldermen to day at Mr ffarrens oh Lord I pray thee give me more & more favor still in their eyes if it be thy will.

22° dec

no newes yet of the man that was drowned, oh Lord keepe the harts of all thine in p[er]fect peace & let their minds be stayed on thee for the Lords sake

23° dec. 1638 Sab.[bath]

Mr Newton preached p[ro]fitably in the morninge & Mr Ball in the afternoone, blessed be thy name oh Lord for any comfort thou art pleased to afford me by thy blessed ordinances.

24° dec.

I went to the Court in the morninge, & after to Wellingborowe & returned home safe againe I blesse the Lord.

25° dec. xxmas day

Mr Ball preached p[ro]fitably out of 1 Tim[othy] 3. 16.Footnote ⁶¹⁸ blessed be thy name oh Lord that we enioy wholsome doctrine, oh how sweet is thy [crossed out, illegible] word, Lord let thy light breake forth more for the Lords sake Amen.

26. dec.

I went to Wilby towards night, where I found Mr Pentlowe of Broughton who

stayed for me,

27° dec 1638.

I prayed & went to [Earl's] Barton to get some money of Mr Baynes my ClyentFootnote ⁶¹⁹ if I could, but he did not furnish me so I borowed a gunne of him that I might have a pawne for my money. I dyned at Mr Pentlowes wth my mother aun[t] & divers others.

28° dec.

I rose early & prayd & Oliver & I went towards Kingston wthin 5 miles of Cambridge to seale the Condic[ional] Lease to Mr Pentlow. Mr Pearson went alonge wth me to Cambr[idge] to night my brotherFootnote ⁶²⁰ & henry Spencer supt wth me, I hired one goodman Totnam to goe along wth me in the morninge.

Mr Pearson gave me 1li.

I heard of the m[ise]rable end of Mr Ryley who lat[e]ly hang'd himselfe.

29° dec 1638

I prayed wth my brother, & was cominge out of Cambr[idge] wth my guide & his Brother about 4 a clock or more, they went along wth me to Barkway. I stayd there wth them a litle & baytedFootnote ⁶²¹ my horse at Ware, & came in indifferent good time to London I blesse god & safe, my wife was at Mrs Wilsons fun[er]all

I find them all well blessed be the Lord.

30. dec. Sab.[bath]

we went to heare Mr Maiho both times who dealt faythfully, blessed be god.

31°. dec.

I dyned at Sr John Wolstenholmes with Mr Welden,Footnote ⁶²²

1° [crossed out: ffebr] Januar New yeares day.

I heard good Mr Simons preach excell[en]tly at Ironmonger lane to day. I dyned at home

2° Januar. 1638/39.

Mr SmartFootnote ⁶²³ was at my fathers this morninge & brought a barrel of oysters, which we eat & afterwards dyned here, I went after into the other end of the towne, was wth Mr dillingh[am] who shewed me the Journall of the p[ro]ceedings of the Scottish assembly.Footnote ⁶²⁴ Its feared there will be warrs, oh Lord bringe glory to thy selfe & enlargem[en]t, to thy gospel that the harts of thy children may reioyce.

3° Januar

I came out of London betweene 11. & 12. and came to dunstable that night, I met wth one Mr Smith & Mr White [crossed out, illegible] thother of Lancash[ire] this of dublin I prayd & lodged wth Mr White he seemed to be much affected, oh Lord blesse my poore words to him for the Lords sake.

4° Januar 1638/39

I prayed againe wth Mr White,

I was compelled to borow 5s of Rob[er]te the Chamb[er]laine at the white hart where I lay. Lord supply me in thy due time for I am runne in debt this tearme 4li which I rec[eive]d to bringe downe to my aunt Ragdale 32s I should have payd Ric Rise, & 50s I borowed of Mr Andrew Braughton, & this 5s.

I came home in due time safe I blesse the Lord.

I had no vittayles in the house to eat to night nor money.

I p[ai]d the 5s againe to Mr Walker for Rob. on Friday 25° Januar

5° Januar

The Lord hath graciously supplyed me blessed be his name.

6° Januar Sab.[bath] sacr.[ament]

Mr Ball preached in the morninge, Mr Newton in the afternoone, gracious Comforts in the dutyes of the Sabath I blesse the Lord,

Lord blesse thy word sacram[en]t & ordinances whereof I & my servant have this day bene p[ar]takers.

7° Januar

Mr Pentlowe of Broughton was here in the morninge I went after to the Court, & after that to Mr Pentlowes of Wilby to lodge there all night.

8° Januar 1638/39

I prayed and went in the frost to Ketteringe in the morninge to the Sessions there, & the Lord graciously upheld my hart from melancholly, the lord in m[er]cy did suspend it, I dyned at Goodwife Bullocks & supped wth o[u]r Aldermen at the Lyon, & lodged wth Bennoni Coldwell at goodwife Bullocks [crossed out: wth] with whom I had much good discourse & comforts in it & in prayer wth him

9° Januar 1638/39

I dispatched my occasions at the Sessions, having much favor from the Justices I blesse the Lord, the Lord gave me ability to speake freely, blessed be thy name oh Lord for all thy goodnesse. I came after to Wellingborowe & then home safe I blesse the Lord.

10° Januar.

I prayed and went in the morninge towards Peterborough, beinge sent by the Maior & Aldermen to move at the Sess[ions] there for an arrere of the tax grannted by the Soken to North[amp]ton when visited,Footnote ⁶²⁵ Crutchley went along with me, we came thether safe, though somewhat late blessed be our good god for his gracious p[ro]vidence we lodged at one Troughtons house at the Woolsack & milstone.

I prayed wth Crutchley. Lord doe us both good.

11° Januar.

I prayd againe & went to speake with Mr Palmer the recorder, & after to the Sess[ions] house where the Lord enabled me graciously to speake & I

found much favor, I moved in the morninge & afterw afterward I went to see the Minster, & was over them when they were at their service, and I sent up my poore prayers to the Lord, to establish a holy & spiritual worship, & to remove the inventions of men.

12° Januar 1638/39

I prayd & we tooke horse about 4. a clock & came safe to North[amp]ton about 3 in the afternoone & my service to the towne was well taken I blesse the Lord.

13° Januar 1638/39 Sab.[bath]

[crossed out, illegible] A stranger sent by Mr Ball preached both times very well, And the Lord hath graciously appeared to me this day, oh come tast & see how good the Lord isFootnote ⁶²⁶ I supped to night at Mr ffishers wth him his sonne & Wm Bott.

14° Januar 1638/39

Court to day, after Court I gave account to diverse of the Aldermen of my Journey & successe & they seemed to take it very well blessd be the Lord. I dyned at Mr ffishers afterward I rode to [Long] Buckby to Mr Bacons, but in the way I met wth a great storme, rayne hayle snow & great thunderings & lightening but the Lord graciously pr[e]served me.

we had newes afterward of great hurt done uppon Churches by this thunder towards London, thou art god alone & there is none besides thee.

15° Januarii

I went from [Long] Buckby to day after dinner & came home safe, wth one Scarborough the watchmakerFootnote ⁶²⁷

16° Januar

I prayed in the morninge wth great fayth & comforts & went towards Wellingborowe in the frost but goeinge betweene North[amp]ton & Abington over

the lands ends, my horse foot fell into a chinkerFootnote ⁶²⁸ or footinge & fell downe & threw me downe & the horse was not able to rise a pretty space, so that I feared his legg had bene broke as the horses was that Will. LoeFootnote ⁶²⁹ was drivinge to Olney lately, but it was not so I prayse the lord, yet much bruised or streyned so that he halted, yet I rode him to Wellingborowe & there dressed him, he was after very lame so that I was compelled to borowe one of ffr[ancis] ffreeman of Wilby to bringe me home I behold gods goodnesse in pr[e]servinge in the fall that my horse & I were not both straynd.

Mr RainffordFootnote ⁶³⁰ chosen towne Counsell to day.

17° Januar 1638/39

I prayed, & went & heard Mr Newton at the Lecture, & wrote out p[ar]te of Mr Pentlowes breviats for the hearinge.

18° Januar.

Mr Pentlowe of Broughton come to me wth whom I dyned at the Rose & crowneFootnote ⁶³¹

19° Januar 1638/39

diverse Clyents with me to day I blesse the Lord, the Lord doth graciously supply me susteyninge me in difficultyes blessed be his name.

20° Januar. Sab.[bath]

Mr Ball preached both times to day. The Lord is gracious to me in comfortinge me in his word & ordinances blessed be thy name oh Lord.

21° Januar.

some gracious supply from the Court to day. I dyned wth Mr Maior.Footnote ⁶³² Mr Bacon came to the towne wth Mr dowsingeFootnote ⁶³³ who was goeinge to Cambridge.

22° Januar.

I was busy about the Breviats

goodman Wright went for the horse Mr

Pentlowe was to lend me, & brought him.

I sent a breast of veale to Mr Samuel [crossed out: 23° Januar 1638 I praye] Martins to night to suppe with them beinge my weddinge night this day 4 yeare the Lord ioyned me & my deare wife together in that holy ordinance of mariage Blessed be thy name oh Lord for p[ro]vidinge for me so good & fit a yoakfellowe, since o[u]r cominge together o[u]r sinnes have bene many but Lord p[ar]don & wash them away in the bloud of Jesus Xt & be gracious unto us, let us live more holily the ffifth yeare then before let us & o[u]r family increase dayly in grace, Thou hast shewed us great & sore troubles since our comminge together, but hast in m[er]cye susteyned give us more comforts, (sanctifyed) this 5^th yeare then before if it be thy will, thou hast given us offspringe blessed be thy name, Lord make them thine I beseech thee, make us wise & holy parents & them gracious & dutifull children our debts are many graunt that many of them may fall off this yeare if it be thy will, & pr[e]vent the warre wth Scotland I pray if thou seest good

however let thy truth & gospell be established in power & purity amongst us, oh Lord heare oh Lord have m[er]cy, graunt these things & what else thou knowest necessary for the Lords sake.

23° Januar 1638/39.

I prayed and went to Wellingborowe, where I spake with diverse.

I supped at old Mr Martins to night, I was at Mr MaiorsFootnote ⁶³⁴ & Mr Collis his house

24° Januar.

I prayed, and came to Grafton [Regis] Court & afterward to hocklyFootnote ⁶³⁵ wth one goodman Rechuds a Carryer of Loughborowe, an honest religious man I hope. I prayed wth him wth comfort I blesse the Lord we lodged at the swanne there

25° Januar

I prayed, & we came forward towards London, I came to towne about 4. a clock

where I found all well, I blesse the Lord, unlesse litle Sam. who had his foot somewhat burnt wth a warminge panne, blessed be the Lord for correctinge of us gently & in m[er]cye Lord sanctify thy whole p[ro]vidence to me & mine for the Lords sake.

26° Januar 1638/39

I prayed and went towards Westm.[inster], but Mr Pentlowe came not to me till about 1. a clock, we reteyned for counsell Mr Lane Mr hatton & Mr ReynoldsFootnote ⁶³⁶ in his cause against Mrs Sill in Cur[ia] Wardor[um]

27° Januar Sab.[bath]

I prayed and went to dr Stoughtons both times he preached very excellently uppon, for thine is the Kingdome &. Lord hold him as a starre in thy right hand for the Lords sake.

28° Januar 1638/39

I prayed with some comfort, & remembred Mr Pentlowes businesse to be heard to day in Cur[ia] Ward[orum] the cause was some what broken that the counsell did much doubt of it, & we were in some feare they would have given the defendant costs but the Lord so ordered it that there was allowed my clyent [crossed out: 460] 400li or there abouts he paying about 120li p[ro] rent & about 11li p[ro] barley blessed be thy name oh Lord.

29° Januar.

Mr Pentlowe & I goeinge to Westm[inster] went into white hall & there in the Long walke I met wth my M[aste]r Mr Readinge, who threatens that he will have above 100li of us still, though he would have bene content with 50li not long since or threatens that he will put in a bill against us in the Court of requests; I am too much troubled, for then I thinke, that will discover to

the world that I give money for the place & then another may step in & get it from me, but Lord Ile trust in thee, mine eyes are towards thee, change things if it be thy will turne my feares into Joy & deliver me in thy due time from my debts & melancholly, find out a way of thine owne, for worldly helpe fayleth, the summer brooke of the creature is dryed up, & in the broken Cisterne there is no water, drop downe (then) yee heavens from [crossed out: on high] above & let the skyes poore downe righteousnesse (45 Isai[ah] 8.) let the word of [crossed out: of] the god of truth be p[er]formed unto thy servant wherein thou hast caused me to trust, thy testimonyes have bene my song in the house of my pilgrimage, I have desired to wayt patiently for thee, shew me the soveraignty of thy power & fill me with fayth & peace, blesse me & my deare wife & family for the Lords sake blesse me in my callinge strengthen me in it

30° Januar 1638/39

still much noyse of Warre, & that the Kinge hath sent letters to the noble men to contribute towards warre with or defence against the

Scotts.Footnote ⁶³⁷ Lord bringe a good effect out of this trouble for the Lords sake.

31° Januar 1638/39.

I rise & goe & move in the strength of the Lord, or desire to doe so, though I have p[ar]ticuler troubles in regard of wants & & the publiq is much amisse, Oh God allmighty & allsufficient thou canst remedy all this when thou pleasest.

1° ffeb.

Oh my god looke uppon us in regard of the publiqe, the foundacons are shaken & what shall the righteous doe, set up pure doctrine & holy worship amongst us, maynteyne thine owne Cause & children, let iniquity stop her mouth & be confounded, spread thy gospell into all the world for the Lords sake.

2° ffeb. 1638/39.

I p[ai]d Ric Rise the 32s for my Aunt Woodford Lord helpe me to pay the rest of my debts in thy due time, confirme & strengthen me by fayth that worldly sorow may not cause death, Lord I pray thee that I and my family may live in thy sight & uppon thy blessed p[ro]vidence.

Mr Smart dyned at my fathers.

3° ffeb. Sab.[bath]

I heard dr Stoughton in the morninge & receaved the sacram[en]t wth comfort I prayse the Lord, Oh Lord I blesse thee for givinge of us a holy rest & holy ordinances to comfort us in the worst condicons.

4° ffeb.

comforts in duty I blesse the Lord.

the Lord is pleased still to uphold my hart though I meet with many difficultyes, blessed be thy name oh Lord, And I encourage my selfe in the Lord & oppose his blessed p[ro]mises to my carnall feares & cares.

5° ffeb. 1638/39.

still noyse of warre ag[ains]t Scotland, and a p[ro]clamacon came lately forth for all gentlemen of the North p[ar]ts to repayre to their houses in the Country by the 1 of M[ar]chFootnote ⁶³⁸ 2 books come lately forth one called a p[ro]clamac[ion]Footnote ⁶³⁹ wherein was shewed the rebellion of the Scots & the lawfullnes & necessity of Bishops wth 5 argum[en]ts for them: another booke called the declinator,Footnote ⁶⁴⁰ wch was a p[ro]testacon of the Scottish B[isho]ps against the Assembly. Oh Lord pitty & helpe thy poore church set up pure doctrine & holy worship amongst us for the Lords sake.

6. ffeb.

I prayed & havinge writt in diverse letters I went to Westm[inster] hall, Mrs PilkingtonsFootnote ⁶⁴¹

businesse in the Court of Wards put off againe, I considered how god had delivered me out of her husbands hand, & how his were now inplunged in law, but I desired to lift up my hart unto the Lord to deliver her

7° ffeb. 1638/39

I prayed and went about mine occasions, though I am in diverse wants of moneyes yet the Lord graciously supplyes me blessed be thy name oh Lord for thy goodnes

8° ffeb.

I prayed & went towards the temple & returned early & afterwards went along wth my wife my father mother Mr Woolfall Mrs Woolfall Mrs Bellamy Mr Smart & Mrs SusanFootnote ⁶⁴² to Edmunton to see litle Sarah my child, we had a coach we found the Child very well blessed be the Lord Lord blesse all my children, surely Lord thou wilt graciously p[ro]vide for them. I humbly cast my selfe & my whole family uppon thee for Xt his sake delight in us to doe us good

9° ffeb. 1638/39

I prayed & went about mine occasions, my father went in the afternoone to speake wth Mr Readinge who served a subpena uppon him so that I have bene much troubled & very sad & melancholly but I desired to looke unto the Lord & to quiet my discontented & wranglinge spirit; Lord why should I be thus cast downe Thou hast made heaven & earth thine are the fullnes thereof, man suffereth for his sinne Let me put my mouth in the dust doe graciously for me sanctifyeinge this affliccon unto me & deliveringe me in thy due time, my lady Smethes payd me her bill, & Mr Warren payd me to night blessed be thy name oh Lord

10. ffeb. Sab.[bath]

I prayed and we went to heare dr Stoughton who preached excellently concerninge prayer in the forenoone & a stranger there in the afternoone, I had gracious rest this day from mine unquiet thoughts & many comforts I blesse the Lord

11° ffeb. 1638/39.

I have had much deliverance from my melancholly this day I blesse the Lord.

Lord keepe defend uphold & supply me still for the Lords sake, my wife much troubled wth melancholly by reason of this affliccon, oh Lord shew us how to live by fayth for the Lords sake Amen.

12° ffeb

This morninge Mr Readinge hath served me wth a subpena, & yet the Lord pleased graciously to uphold my hart, Lord I have need of affliccon sanctyfye it to us for the Lords sake God is mine helper why should I feare what man can doe unto me,

Thou art my hidinge place, let my defence be the safe mountions of rocks

Stay up my soule by fayth & let not mine eyes fayle in lookinge for thee

Let [crossed out: my c] our consciences be kept pure & ungashd yea not scrupled in the least measure in this businesse

Turne thou the hart of him that is against me

speake thou unto him that he may not hurt me Instruct us what we ought to doe & let us harken unto thee

teach us to order o[u]r affayres with discrecon that they may not have the upper hand through o[u]r indilligence

put an end to this difference if it be thy will by thy gracious p[ro]vidence without the determinacon of law,

Are we not both thine, pr[e]serve thy gospell from imputacon, we are both of us vessells wherein there is no pleasure & thou mayest Justly [crossed out, illegible] breake us one against another,

but oh let us live in thy sight, & let thy m[er]cye pr[e]vent o[u]r ruine,

keepe me still in the place if it be thy will & let no strong hand pr[e]vayle against me. Lord heare my prayer & let my cry come unto thee, uphold o[u]r harts by thy selfe give a gracious yssue & supply me & my family for the Lords sake.

The Lord hath graciously upholden my hart this day

13° ffebr 1638/39

I prayed and went about my occasions, and Mr

Readinge & I have [crossed out, illegible] entred into bonds to referre the difference betweene us to dr Stoughton & dr GougeFootnote ⁶⁴³ oh Lord I pray thee direct them to give a righteous sentence, even accordinge to thine owne will, for alas oh Lord we are weake & exceedinge shallow, & too too p[ar]tiall in iudginge things that concerne our selves I pray thee direct them from heaven, & give harts to Mr Reading my father & I to be fully satisfied, & compose the businesse graciously, truly Lord we are vessels very unusefull therefore thou mightest breake us in peeces one against another but spare us for the Lords sake lay not uppon us o[u]r iniquityes but delight to shew m[er]cye unto us for the Lords sake.

14° ffebr. 1638/39.

I prayed and went to the B[isho]p of Winton to be made Almoner p[ro] Com[itatu] North[amp]tonFootnote ⁶⁴⁴ which was granted me & I entred into bond of 200li to give account at Easter & Mich[aelmas] tearme allways what should [crossed out: g] come to my hand, Lord blesse me & defend me in the place for the Lords sake:

Afterward my wife & I came forth for North[amp]ton though very melancholy, & my wife wept & seemed to be discontented

discontented, I was sad yet desired to lift up my hart to the Lord of heaven & earth, Mr Goodere came alonge with us neare to [South] Mim[m]s, & then returned back to London but at Co[l]n[e]y Mr ffarren & Mr AyreFootnote ⁶⁴⁵ overtooke us, & went no faster then we & drew us along to RedburneFootnote ⁶⁴⁶ to the Swan there blessed be thy name oh Lord for thy p[ro]vidence in this

15° ffebr 1638/39

I prayed & we came along through gods m[er]cy with much comfort & not much wearyed though the horse trotted all, and we came home in due time to North[amp]ton Blessed be the Lord.

[crossed out: I] we came on Andrew Gills horse.

Mr Martin & diverse came to see us.

16° ffebr.

blessed be god that the sicknesse is thus ceased here in North[amp]ton, & That the Lord hath brought us home againe to the place of our habitacon,

Temp[er]ance & the Child came home safe in the Wagon to night blessed be god

Oh Lord I prayse thy name for all thy m[er]cyes though we meet wth many straights, yet thou art unto

unto us thy children as a place of broad rivers & streames of water, Isa.[iah][33:21] Oh my god I pray thee have m[er]cy uppon me & my poore family, thy word is my delight & the very Joy & reioycinge of my hart & my rock & confidence wherin thou hast caused my soule to trust, I pray thee shew me thy glory, I pray thee make me sick of Love to the Lord Xt & enflame my soule, p[ar]don my sinnes & heale my corrupcons give me all grace especially fayth and all spirituall endowments especially holinesse, and Lord looke thou uppon me in regard of my outward Condicon thou seest my debts, & how here one creditor expects money & there another which I cannot pay yet shall I sink under the burden & suspend my fayth and be discouraged? no when I looke to thy word, & to the workmanship of thy hands the sunne moone & starres which thou hast made, I will say what ayleth thee oh my soule, why art thou so disquieted within me? trust still in god for [crossed out, illegible] the Lord Jehovah is the work of ages; oh my god though I am in great debts to 200li yet thou my father possessest heaven & earth I have no way to extricate my selfe; But I beseech thee oh Lord to helpe, thou wilt surely helpe & it shall goe well with me, for thy power is boundlesse, nay tis easy to thee speak but the word & the egiptians shall lend & give liberally

liberally to the Israelites, all the creatures wayte uppon thee to obey thee and thou delightest in doeinge good to thine, oh manifest thy p[ro]vidence that my wife & I may reioyce in thy favor & be as they that dreame when thou shall free us from our incumbrances, & let thy m[er]cy confirme o[u]r fayth & beare thy love engraven uppon it & be sanctifyed oh Lord heare & have m[er]cye for the Lords sake

my mother came to us to day.

17° ffebr. 1638/39 Sab.[bath]

Mr Ball preached both times, & I had gracious enlargem[en]t & comforts in this Sabath blessed be thy name oh Lord.

18° ffebr.

Court to day, where the Court but small but Lord do thou blesse my gaynes unto me.

19° ffebr.

great noyse here of the warres ag[ains]t Scotland oh Lord

Lord doe thou order every thinge for the best for the Lords sake thou holdest the [crossed out: reg] reignes of the world in thine owne hand.

20° ffebr 1638/39

we prayed and I and my wife went to Wilby, & I after to Wellingborowe, after that I was sent for to [crossed out: with] goodman Tompson & goodman BasseFootnote ⁶⁴⁷ to take instruccons of them for their wills, Lord be blessed for these good men, [crossed out: if] as thou hastest many away so fournish thy church with more for the Lords sake

21° ffebr

we lay at Mr Pentlowes to night, after dinner we came home safe blessed be god, And lord we prayse thee for the comfort of freinds we doe enioy

I went alonge with Mr downes to duston

22° ffebr

I prayed unto the Lord & then tooke the Antimonial Cup which wrought well wth me (blessed be god) Mr

Mr AttourneyFootnote ⁶⁴⁸ came home to day, Lord give me favor in his eyes & rayse me more freinds if it be thy will

23° ffebr. 1638/39

I prayed and went about my occasions & the Lord hath graciously enabled me for them

24° ffeb. Sab.[bath]

Mr Ball preached both times very p[ro]fitably in his former manner to set forth a body of religion oh Lord blesse his labors to us, & enable him graciously more & more for thy service.

25° ffebr.

I prayed and went to the Court, where Mr d[aniel] Readinge did [crossed out: much] abuse me in some words Lord p[ar]don him, & p[ar]don my faylings rash anger pride & all other corrupcons & transgressions

26° ffeb. 1638/39

Justice hutton dyed at London [crossed out: they] its said this day in the morninge, thus I have lost another mortall friend; but oh my Lord thou art the immortall god, rayse me up more if it be thy will, & doe thou be to me all in all

I was wth Mr AttourneyFootnote ⁶⁴⁹ to day who shewed me favor blessed be god

27° ffeb.

To day Justice BartletFootnote ⁶⁵⁰ came in wth the Sherriffe blessed be the Lord that we have meetings againe in this place:Footnote ⁶⁵¹

I was much troubled when Mr AttourneyFootnote ⁶⁵² shewed me the defects in dentons plea ad[versus] A[lexander] Eakins.

28° ffeb.

one Mr ChallenorFootnote ⁶⁵³ preached the Assize sermon to day excellent well & honestly.

I had too much carnall feare to day about my causes that were for tryall;

see at the other end of the booke.Footnote ⁶⁵⁴

the first cause which was inter Denton [symbol meaning plaintiff] & Eakins & Andrewes def[endan]ts went for us to night, blessed be the Lord

[crossed out: 29° ffeb] 1° Martii 1638/39

This morninge the other cause went for denton too; oh Lord it is not in vayne to rest quietly & cast all uppon thy p[ro]vidence, I pray thee inable me greatly for my callinge, & give me imploym[en]t & industry & much comfort in it, & sanctify every m[er]cy to me & mine for the Lords sake Amen.

Two prisoners are condemned one for murther thother p[ro] horsstealinge. Lord make them wholsome examples to others, & Lord give them repentance & fayth.

2° Martii

This day the Judge went out of towne towards Warrick, Lord graunt that he may proceed iustly in all his accons in the Circuite that he may Judge for thee, for the fatherlesse & the widow & the oppressed.

Lord pr[e]pare us for the Sabath & the sacram[en]t to morowe for the Lords sake

3° Martii 1638/39 Sab.[bath]

Mr Ball preached in the morninge & Mr [crossed out: Newto] James Lewes in the afternoone, I was somewhat dull in dutyes this day but I desired to lift up my hart unto the Lord, & to bringe my burdens before him.

4° Martii

I prayed against rash anger for a blessinge & went after to the Court where the Lord sent me some supply, though the Courts are worse by farre then they have bene, Lord be gracious to me and my family

I went in the afternoone wth Mr Rushworth & instead of comfortinge my selfe wth gods creatures I through want of moderacon was sick, oh Lord forgive this sinne & all the rest in the blood of Jesus Xt make me watchfull for time to come, & bringe good out of this evill, crucifye in me the body of death for the Lords sake.

5° Martii

The two poore men that were condemned at the

the Assizes for murther & horsstealinge were this day executed, the murtherer was very penitent blessed be the Lord

6° Martii 1638/39

I prayed and went to Wellingborowe, & I rode uppon my horse this first day since he was sinew-streyned in the frost & he goes now indifferent well blessed be god. Oh Lord I pray thee blesse what I doe possesse, & let thy gracious countenance shine uppon me [crossed out: f] & my family from the begininge of the yeare to the end thereof for the Lords sake.

This day at Wellingborowe I first heard of & saw the p[ro]clamacon & declaraconFootnote ⁶⁵⁵ come forth against the Scotts shewinge that they strike at the Roote of monarchicall governm[en]t &.

Oh good Lord looke uppon us what will these things come to? Thou alone knowest, for thou hast the orderinge and disposinge of all things, oh Let thy gospell breake forth like the glorious sunne from under a Cloud, that the eyes of the adversayes

adversaryes may be inlightened, or they may be so ashamed that they may hide them selves in obscurity, let thy truth be so manifested & effectually declared that all iniquity may stop her mouth, why should dumb dogs that cannot barke remayne snarlinge at thy faythfull servants, why should Idle drones eat the fat & drinke the sweete & serve thy people, why should p[ro]phanenesse be established or countenanced by a law, why should the haters of truth be increased & flourish, why should the pr[e]cepts of men be taught for doctrines, why should we cut off a dogs neck before thee & offer thee swines blood instead of the sacrifice wthout blemish, why should carnall ordinances & an earthly sanctuary still remayne & the worship in spirit & in truthFootnote ⁶⁵⁶ be yet refused why should the whore of Rome the mother of fornicacon & all the abominacons that are in the earth remayne under these heavens & breath in thy ayre, why should not Babilon fall & be cast rather into the botome of the sea like a milstone???Footnote ⁶⁵⁷ Oh send forth thy light & thy truth & save us, The opposers of god & true religion have said we will devoure at once; they are in our hands, now shall we pr[e]vayle against those that they esteeme the offscowring of

of the world, & stayne with opprob[r]y[um] callinge them puritans sectaryes &. But Lord though thou seemest to hide thy face, & to give thy people into their hand yet we will trust in thee, though they kill us all the day long yet will we never forsake thee, though the plowers shall plow uppon o[u]r backs & make long furrowes, though thou shalt cast us into the place of dragons, yet will we boast of thee all the day long, for though thou seemest to stand farre distant from us, & to be like a stranger & a wayferinge man unto us which lodgest but for a night & threatenest not to returne yet will we reioyce in thee & wayt patiently for thee, for we know thou doest regard us, & though thou dost not give us any playne demonstracon from heaven that thou wilt succour & helpe, yet thou hast given us thy word to be neare unto us even in o[u]r mouthes, & we have the mind of Xt. Oh give us fayth to make all o[u]r owne. And Lord blesse me & my family build us up & pull us not downe plant us & pluck us not up, keep us in health, & give us supply in our straights & wants but above all give us the grace of thee o[u]r god in o[u]r harts for the Lords sake, And now oh my god

god that my deare wife is with child againe I prayse thee for it, & I blesse thee for the yssue thou hast allready given me & for givinge them right shape & forme & the use of reason & understandinge, now Lord I pray thee send me another sonne if it be thy will (yet Lord I humbly submitt unto thee doe as may be most for thy glory) but I beseech thee give it right shape & forme & make it a speciall blessinge & keepe my wife till the time of her delivery & give her then a gracious houre, & give her likewise the blessinge of the breasts & give us still cause to prayse & blesse thee for the Lords sake.

7° Martii 1638/39

I prayed and went along wth the Coron[e]rsFootnote ⁶⁵⁸ to inquire of the death of one Joane Shrewsbury, after that I went to Grafton [Regis] Court, where I too much abounded in passion against a miller which the Lord sent thether but to trye me, oh Lord subdue my strong passions & lusts in me for the Lords sake I came home safe I blesse the [crossed out: Lord] Lord.

8° Martii 1638/39

I prayed & went about my occasions, Oh Lord blesse & guide me in all my undertakings, that they may be for the glory of thy name & the good of me thy poore servant [crossed out: for the] & my family for the Lords sake.

9° Martii.

we heare newes & Rumors still of Warrs wth Scotland, Lord I pray thee looke uppon us & save us, establish thy gospell & set it up in power & purity for the Lords sake.

10. Martii 1638/39 Sab.[bath]

Mr Ball preached both times very well Lord increase his gifts & p[ar]ts & make him an instrum[en]t of thy glory.

11° Martii

Court to day, the gayne is very

small, by reason as we suppose of the rumors of warrs now with Scotland, Lord pr[e]vent this evill that we feare, & blow over the cloud that we feare will breake uppon us for the Lords sake

12° Martii 1638/39

horses & wagons for the warrs come dayly through the towne which are goeinge towards yorke for there I thinke must be the Rendezvous of the army.

There is a declaraconFootnote ⁶⁵⁹ or proclamacon lately [crossed out, illegible] come forth wch doth in effect declare the Scotts to be rebells & traytors & its commannded to be read in churches &.

13° Martii.

I prayed and went to Wellingborowe, & the Lord brought me home safe I am too often troubled in the thoughts of my debts Lord pay them in thy due time for the Lords sake.

14° Martii

Mr Newton preached at the Lecture to day

Lord keepe it up still I humbly pray thee & graunt that religion may flourish still in this place for the Lords sake.

15° Martii 1638/39

I have letters from London to day I think and I p[er]ceave their feares there, & they refuseFootnote ⁶⁶⁰ to send 3000 souldiers to the Kinge or to give him 50000li they feare the french there about the suburbs wch are thought to be in number 50 or 60 thousand familyes & not wthout armes; oh Lord deliver us from the violence of that nacon for the Lords sake.

16° Martii

o[u]r markets here are very dead, people want moneys & those that have it are loath to p[ar]t wth it, Lord supply me thy poore servant, worke uppon the harts of my creditors that they may spare me for the Lords sake.

17° Martii 1638/39 Sab.[bath]

Mr Ball preached both times to day, very p[ro]fitably blessed be god.

18° Martii

Court to day but the p[ro]fitts there very small. Mrs Isham Mr Justinian Isham his wifeFootnote ⁶⁶¹ dyed not many dayes since a good woman as it is said.

19° Martii

I prayed and went over to Long Buckby to have spoken wth Mr Bacon but when I came I found him from home, & as I returned I met wth Mr Watts goeinge towards Coventry

20° Martii

I prayed & went towards Wellingborowe I was in such want of money that I was fayne to leave the hostler unpayd at the Angell Oh Lord supply me in thy due time for the Lords

Lords sake, susteyne me in the meane time I humbly pray thee.

21° Martii 1638/39

Mr Cranford preached here at the Lecture to day, an excellent sermon to incourage to stand for the truth in times of greatest darknesse & danger, this was a word in season Lord uphold him & stand by him in his troubles & dangers for the Lords sake.

22° Martii

The times in the apprehencon of all seeme to be very doubtfull; & many feares we have of dangerous plotts by french & papists, Lord pr[e]serve us & send us peace & truth for the Lords sake.

23° Martii

This day about 60 or 70 horses &

men belonginge it seemes to the Earle of Essex came [crossed out: through] to the towne & were goeinge towards yorke.

24° Martii 1638/39 Sab.[bath]

Mr Ball preached p[ro]fitably both times to day in the morninge the Kings p[ro]clamacon against the Scots was read by Mr Johnston.

25° Martii 1639

A great fareFootnote ⁶⁶² here to day & though I had litle or no money in the morninge yet my tenant brought me rent & god supplyed me graciously

26° Martii

I prayed & went to Court to day where Mr Giffords cause v[e]rs[u]s Skynner went ag[ains]t Mr Gifford I went towards night to Long Buckby to Mr Bacon.

this eveninge it seemes the Earle of Arundell g[e]n[er]allissimo of the Army [crossed out: lodged in] came hether to

North[amp]ton, & the MaiorFootnote ⁶⁶³ & Aldermen fayled to pr[e]sent their service to him.

27° Martii 1639 A[nn]° Re[gis] Car.[oli] [crossed out: 15°] 15°Footnote ⁶⁶⁴

I lodged at Mr Bacons this last night, stayed dinner & then came home, & I find here that Mr Maior is gone from the towne to attend the Earle of Arundel beinge served wth a warrant to that purpose, Mr Collis Mr Gifford Mr ffarren & John Lewes went along wth him.

Mr Sargent Midleton was here at the towne to night.

28° Martii

I prayed and went to Grafton [Regis] Court where the Leet was kept likewise, it was a pretty good court to me to day blessed be god. I came home with one Mr Symcock of harboroweFootnote ⁶⁶⁵ from whom I had a p[ro]phecy. I supped at Mr Rushworths

I p[ai]d 5s more in p[ar]t p[ro] my neast of Boxes so I have p[ai]d 10s ab.[out] 3s behind

old Mr Sillesby dyed this eveninge.

Mr MaiorFootnote ⁶⁶⁶ came home againe to night.

29° Martii 1639

I have p[ai]d 9s to day towards the 50li assessm[en]t in the parish towards the church.Footnote ⁶⁶⁷

I am about Mr Bacons occasions, abbreviatinge the deposicons in Starr-chamber,Footnote ⁶⁶⁸ oh Lord I pray thee direct me in it,

We supped at Mr Sam. Martins to night.

Mr Sillesby [crossed out: dye] was buryed to day.Footnote ⁶⁶⁹

30° Martii

I have sent the 8li to London to my father wch I rec[eive]d of Mr Spencer to that end, I sent Mr harveyFootnote ⁶⁷⁰ 20s towards a sp[ec]ial dedimusFootnote ⁶⁷¹ p[ro] yorke &.

great pr[e]paracons for Warre against the Scotts Good Lord bringe good out of it for thy poore despised church for the Lords sake.

I have p[ai]d NedFootnote ⁶⁷² 24s for mault.

31° Martii Sab.[bath]

I have bene dull this day. Mr Ball preached both times to day very well.

Lord keepe open the mouthes of thy ministers still & make them faythfull.

1° April 1639

I prayed and went to the Court, wich is at a lower ebb then it use to be, but Lord blesse unto my gaynes, graunt that I may never covet or take more then I can Justifye unto thee & thy vicegerent in me my conscience, p[ar]don my Ignorances, & discover things unto more cleerely for the Lords sake.

2° April

This day the deputy lieutenants have bene busy in pressinge souldiers at the Castle for the Northerne expedicon, Oh Lord what will these things come to, Order all things by thy over-rulinge p[ro]vidence that glory to thee & good to thy church may result out of them for the Lords sake

goodwife Crutch[ley] dyned wth us to day, I had comfort & enlargem[en]t in good discourse wth her Mr Bullivant & I had much discourse about the Scottish businesse & when we consider p[ro]ceedings, & how iustly the Lord may bring uppon

uppon us the Judgem[en]t of the sword, we see o[u]rselves environed wth feares & dangers, I was afterward somewhat troubled in regard of these feares, & my debts & because Mr Watts calls for the 20li of his money, And I sought the Lord who revealed himself graciously unto me in prayer, the Lord will surely keepe & defend supply & comfort me & mine, I have prayed for p[ar]don of sinne power ag[ains]t it, helpe in my debts defence from dangers that the Lord would build & plant me & my family blesse me my wife ch[ildre]n & those that belong to me Lord heare all my peticons for the Lords sake.

John BallFootnote ⁶⁷³ dyed this morning I think.

3° Apr. 1639

my wife was called to Mrs danbyesFootnote ⁶⁷⁴ Labor this morninge betweene 3 & 4 Lord stand by the poore woman give her a gracious deliverye & comfort for the Lords sake.

I am this day 33 yeares old I think & my wife 22 blessed be thy name Lord thou hast continued so longe under the meanes of grace, Lord continue

continue [crossed out: I] us still together if it be thy will to thy glory & the good & comfort of ourselves & others, Lord thou hast tried us many yeares whether we will be fruitfull or not, thou mightest now pluck us up, but oh spare us still for thy m[er]cyes sake, & thou who art the author of every good gift powre downe grace abundantly into o[u]r soules & make us more fruitfull this yeare then ever & blesse us & o[u]r family make us Instruments of thy glory & vessells of m[er]cye d[e]l[ive]r me thy poore s[er]v[an]t this yeare if it be thy will from my straights in the world & sanctify the m[er]cye unto me, & now that I am goeinge abroad doe thou ever graciously guide & blesse me & grannt me a comfortable Journey & returne for the Lords sake.

Mrs danby brought to bed of a sonne

I am goeinge to Wellingborow if the Lord please.

The Lord carryed me alonge graciously & brought me home safe.

4° April 1639

I prayed, & afterward went to the Lecture [crossed out, illegible] where one Mr . . of Rushden a Germa[n]Footnote ⁶⁷⁵ preached very honestly & well,

The souldiers went away this day towards yorke which were pressed here.

Lord looke uppon the miserable & distracted Condicon of the land reforme what is amisse & setle peace & thy gospell in this & the neighbor nacon for the Lords sake.

5° April

I was this day at the buriall of John Ball a scholler sonne to Lawrence Ball,Footnote ⁶⁷⁶ I was a litle melancholly to see Burgins & some other take place before me on purpose yet I laboured to keepe downe my base proud spirit Lord I that am so ready to take uppon me in my necessitous condicon wha[t] should I doe if I had my desired supply. Lord I desire wholly to submitt unto thee crucifye every corrupcon & blesse me for

for the Lords sake, Mr Rogers preached excellently at the fun[er]all, Lord I blesse thee for it.

I rec[eive]d a letter at night from my father earnestly callinge uppon me for money. Oh Lord looke graciously uppon me thy poore servant for the Lords sake for I know not what to doe but my helpe standeth in the name of the all sufficient Lord who hath made heaven & earth susteyne & graciously uphold my father & me in our Condicon.

Mr Martin & ux Mr Rushworth & ux supped wth us here to night.

6° April 1639

many men & horses & wagons goe through the towne dayly to yorke, Lord get glory to thy selfe & bringe good to thy poore church out of the pr[e]sent businesse for the Lords sake.

the Lord hath sent a gracious & seasonable

seasonable rayne uppon the land after 2 month or 10 weekes drought or there [crossed out: abbo] abouts blessed be thy name oh Lord.

7° April 1639 Sab.[bath]

Mr Ball preached both times to day Lord strengthen his voyce more if it be thy will I & my wife & hatton rec[eive]d the sacram[en]t to day blessed be thy name oh Lord for thy holy ordinances: Lord make them effectual uppon us for the Lords sake.

8° April

Court to day where the gaine but small blessed be the name of the Lord for any supply.

we supped at Mr Rushworths wth Mr Martin & ux the Assembly have not agreed to give money to convey souldeirsFootnote ⁶⁷⁷

9° Apr. 1639

I prayed & went about my occ[asi]ons & have bene very dilligent this day & doe find much comfort in it I blesse the Lord; the Lord hath graciously moved my hart in private prayer this eveninge to meltinge affeccons through fayth of gods m[er]cye the Lord will surely blesse & sanctify me & mine.

10. April 1639.

I prayed and went to Wellingborow, and the Lord brought me home safe, blessed be thy name oh Lord for thy good p[ro]vidence to me & my family

11° April

much newes [crossed out: letter] & talke of the Scottish businesse oh Lord that it may goe well with thy church & people ruine antixtFootnote ⁶⁷⁸ in thy due time & all his

his cursed adherents, blesse the Kings Ma[jes]ty I humbly pray thee, Lord convert his soule unto thee & make him a blessed instrument of thy glory in these churches let his eyes scatter all Idolatry pop[er]y sup[er]stition & p[ro]phanenesse let the good be accepted of him for the Lords sake.

Mr SillesbyFootnote ⁶⁷⁹ buryed about this day I think.

12° April 1639

I prayed and went about my occasions, we supped at Mr Samuel Martins to night blessed be thy name oh Lord for the comfort of freinds [crossed out: make] let not our metings be an occasion of excesse, but make us moderate & make them occasions of much good & comfort to us in these sad times.

13 April

[crossed out, illegible]

my wife hath bene sad havinge heard about a week since of Sams illnesse, but we desire to wayt uppon the Lord & seeke his face for o[u]r poore child whom the lord bestowed uppon us at first, uppon o[u]r poore requests.

14° April. 1639. Easter day.

Mr Newton preached both times

o[u]r table is still brought downe blessed be the Lord, Lord keepe us still from sinnfull innovaconsFootnote ⁶⁸⁰

15° April

I prayed with & for my famyly, & went afterward with Ned EyreFootnote ⁶⁸¹ to Burton Latimer wth Mr Bacons bookes & a breviat which I had drawne, Mr John Bacon met me there

16° Apr.

we went in the morninge from Burton [Latimer] to Mr PalmersFootnote ⁶⁸² to Carleton to advise with & to shew him the breviat, who liked it well we came back that night to desboroweFootnote ⁶⁸³ to Mr Pultons a papists house where I conceive I supped wth a demure priest which was there as I was informed, we had much discourse of gen[er]all papists in divinity & my hart was affected I blesse the Lord.

17° April 1639

Mr Bacon againe served, (the warrant or coppy came to him this morninge to desb[orough]) againe to appeare before the Lords of the Councell.Footnote ⁶⁸⁴

I came afterwards to Wellingborowe ffare where I met wth hatton & Richard ffarmer.

Mr Snart was at Mr Pentlowes as I came by

18 April

I prayed & went wth Richard ffarmer to Grafton [Regis] Court, where I met with a french Captayne who was goeinge downe to newcastle & told me much of the Scottish affayres.

19. April

I prayed and went to keepe Mr Pentlowes Court at Wilby, & the Lord graciously enabled me for it I could not come away from Wilby to night it beinge late my wife supped at Mr Rushworthes.

20. Apr.

I came home from Wilby this morninge

the Earle of Leic[ester]Footnote ⁶⁸⁵ came to the towne this eveninge, many poastings to & fro betweene yorke & London, Lord bringe not o[u]r feares uppon us if it be thy will, but susteyne us & teach us how to carry o[u]r selves in theise darke times, & keepe us from sudden feares keepe o[u]r harts in a holy & good temp[er], and turne againe the streames [crossed out: waters] in the North, and make us like people that dreame by thy great deliverance & helpe us to awake to thy prayse & singe of thy m[er]cyes & tell them to [crossed out: the] o[u]r children.

much practise to day I blesse the Lord.

21° April 1639 Sab.[bath]

Mr Newton preached in the morninge, thearle of Leic[ester] was at Church, but went away p[os]t prand[ium]. Mr Bullivant preached in the afternoone.

22° April.

Court to day, where the Lord graciously sent me some supply, & kept me from passion though John hallFootnote ⁶⁸⁶ p[ro]voked me blessed be thy name oh Lord for all thy m[er]cyes.

my mother & Bridget WheelokFootnote ⁶⁸⁷ came to night

23° April. Georges ffare, & the quarter sess[ions] here to day. I moved for the Constable of hartwell & was heard I blesse the Lord. Lord I blesse thee for the dayly bread thou bestowest uppon me, for the practise thou sendest me for the abilityes & successe thou bestowest uppon me Lord I pray thee increase my practise my abilityes successe & dayly bread continually if it be thy will, & let me ever admire & prayse thee in it & be more humble & graunt that I may ever keep a good conscience voyd of offence both to thee & men let not what I have be a feare unto me; Lord pay my debts for me in due time, & in the meanewhile susteyne me graciously: setle us here if it be thy will as a nayle in a sure place, or p[ro]vide a hidinge place for us for the Lords sake.

my wife & I had some difference to night, Lord p[ar]don it in us & make us more watchfull forever.

24° April

I prayed & went about my occasions, & was closse at worke all day & had much comfort in it I blesse the Lord.

25° April

I prayed & went to the lecture, Mr CastleFootnote ⁶⁸⁸ preached

preached there very well. I was wth Mr Ball in p[os]t merid[iem]. Newes from yorke to day that the godly & gracious Lord Sea & Lord BrookeFootnote ⁶⁸⁹ are committed at yorke for refusinge an oath oh Lord bringe good out of all this trouble for the Lords sake

my mother went home to day

26. April 1639

I prayed and have bene about my occasions wth some dilligence, I have prayed for my deare wife who is gone to drink wth Mrs danby, wth Mrs MaioresseFootnote ⁶⁹⁰ &.

I have heard this day by my fathers letter that dr Gouge & dr Stoughton have ended the businesse betweene me & Mr Readinge, Lord be praysed for it, good Lord p[ro]vide money for us to pay him for the Lords sake I humbly pray thee.

27° April.

I prayed & went about my occasions, & practise wch I prayse the Lord is much increased I hope Lord give me more abilityes for it dayly & graunt that I may see & acknowledge thee

thee in all thy m[er]cy towards me & mine for the Lords sake.

28° April Sab.[bath]

Mr Newton preached this day both times Mr Ball not beinge yet recovered of his ague.

29° April

I prayed and went to the Court where we had diverse tryalls & we could not end it till about 6 or 7 at night there was Mr Clarke Mr Rainsfford & Mr Paynter CounsellorsFootnote ⁶⁹¹ & Mr Readinge & Mr danbyFootnote ⁶⁹² Attourneyes.

its sayd that Perkins the host & vintener at the swan was dead diverse times the last night, he havinge caught a surfeyt wth drinkinge I sate up very late to night to ingrosse a feoffm[en]t [crossed out: for] inter Stephen harrington & John Warren of Old, to the use of Richard Yule &.

*****

30. April 1639

I prayed and went to Walgrave to Mr BawdsFootnote ⁶⁹³ to keepe Court & after Court I went to Old.

[crossed out: 31 April] 1° Maii I lay at Old to night.

I [crossed out: pr] went in the morninge & deliverd possession of Stephen harringtons land to John Warren, Blessed be thy name oh Lord that I still keepe my fathers inheritance oh my god if it be thy will give it me still for if any Creditors should call I should be forced to doe the like, but Lord helpe me to pay my debts wthout the sale of it if it be thy will that the name of my deare father that bred me thus may not suffer yet Lord I humbly cast my selfe downe at thy foot & desire to wayt uppon thy good p[ro]vidence helpe me to doe so patiently & cheerfully for the Lords sake

I went after to Wellingborow where I heard that Wm Perkins of North[amp]ton is dead

dead Lord make him an example to me & all others that heare of it that we may learne moderacon in the use of thy m[er]cyes for the Lords sake.

I came home safe (though late) I blesse the Lord.

2° Maii 1639

I prayed & went to the lecture where Mr Atterbury preached, Mr Watts my creditor dyned here

I went to the fun[er]all of Perkins in the afternoone where Mr Newton preached he was accompanied wth the souldiers having bene a souldier.

3° Maii

I was wth the B[isho]p of WinchesterFootnote ⁶⁹⁴ this morning who is Lord Eleemosyner,Footnote ⁶⁹⁵ I went afternoon to fflemings where I was commissioner wth Mr BrittenFootnote ⁶⁹⁶ for taking the answere & exam[ini]ng Wootton men.

4° Maii 1639

I went againe to examine the def[endan]ts ad[ver]s[us] Lady Smithes,

Oh lord pay my debts for me in thy due time, litle Johns eyes are much amisse wth Rhewme, but I have prayed unto the Lord for him & for Sam who hath a dangerous cough & for my litle girle who is or hath bene very ill.

5° Maii Sab.[bath]

I desire to draw nere unto god in dutyes & but I am subiect to much dullnesse infidelity & Lord in m[er]cy Looke uppon me & my poore family for the Lords sake

Mr Perkins preached here to day both times very p[ro]fitably, he [crossed out: is] hath supped here & is to lodge wth us to night.

6° Maii

I prayed & went to the Court, and afterwards towards London, goeinge downe the hill beyond grafton [Regis] my horse fell downe with me & he lay uppon my legg in a Rut but the Lord graciously delivered me without hurt

hurt, To thee oh Lord be prayse & glory, thou keepest from dangers & helpest in them blessed be thy good p[ro]vidence oh Lord.

I have often prayed to be delivered from the bond wherein I stand for security for Mr Readinge to Sr John hanbury for 200li, & to be helped in the paym[en]t of the 60li to Mr Readinge & straights that have much pinched me. I came safe to dunstable where I met wth Mr Bullivant & Mr Burkit at Mr Walkers & wth Mr StewardFootnote ⁶⁹⁷ of Pateshull

7° Maii 1639

I came safe to London I blesse the Lord Mr Steward & Mr Burcot & I came out & broke fast at St Albans, where I first heard of the death of good dr Stoughton who dyed yesterday,Footnote ⁶⁹⁸ & where my Creditor Mr Watts overtooke me & Wm. Spence[r] oh Lord I pray thee that what I feare may not over take me in thy due time deliver me from my bonds & ingagem[en]ts of debt & set me at lib[er]ty if it be thy will in the meane while I kisse the rod & accept the burden sanctifye it to me for the Lords sake; I came to my new chamber in Clem[en]ts Inne and

and I have prayed unto the Lord to blesse me in it & I trust the Lord hath heard me in [crossed out: it] what I have prayed, I am to lodge at my fathers

8° Maii 1639

I prayed & went to my Chamber, my deare Child Sam is very ill with an extreame Cough and sniffinge, and I am doubtfull least it should be a Consumpcon But Lord my god I beseech thee heare & have m[er]cy heale him if it be thy will he is a sonne of o[u]r poore prayers let him be so still I humbly beseech thee thou bringest downe to death & raysest up againe, let not the sinnes of us his parents p[ro]voke thee to correct us thus if it be thy will Lord p[ar]don o[u]r sinnes & faylings and sanctifye us throughly for time to come we desire [crossed out: him] humbly to give him unto thee and to submit unto thy disposinge hand helpe us by fayth & patience to wayt uppon thee Lord I pray thee blesse me & my family for the Lords sake.

9° Maii

I goe on wth Mr Bacons businesse who is much oppressed by the malice & violence of wicked men that p[er]secute him Lord I pray thee sanctifye it unto him, & breake this snare if

it be thy will, thou sittest above & orderest all things Lord looke downe & ridd him from these vexacous suites if it be thy will

10° Maii 1639

I prayed in the morninge with some meltinge affeccons & fayth the Lord I trust will spare my child & uphold me in difficultyes & will goe on to blesse me,

I am desired to goe to the Counsell table wth Mr Bacon, and I am apt to thinke that dr Sibthorpe will therefore set himselfe against me & ruine me but Lord I will trust in thee I am in my callinge thou canst deliver me from the mouth of the Lyon & from the fingers of the wicked & the violen[t] man oh Lord doe thou safguard me I humbly pray thee. This businesse is since put off till Sr Rol[an]d St John comes to towne.Footnote ⁶⁹⁹

11° Maii I prayd & went about my occasions, I am p[ro]vidinge br[ev]iates for Mr Bacons cause, my deare child Sarah came to my fathers to night & is recovered & in p[er]fect health blessed be god

*****

12° Maii 1639 Sab.[bath]

I went to dr holdsworths in the morninge, & in the afternoone I heard Sh[e]reife harrisons Chaplaine at dr Stoughtons church,Footnote ⁷⁰⁰ who preached very well.

13° Maii

I pray often to the Lord for my deare wife children & family & to be delivered from my great straights by reason of my debts, Oh my good father heare me if it be thy will of thy grace & bounty for the Lords sake; I payd the Nurse 40s & gave her 2s 6d Sarah went away to day, oh Lord let thy blessinge rest uppon her for the Lords sake.

14° Maii

No newes yet from the North but of

of Warre, oh Lord by thee all warrs are husht and gone, bringe good, even a setled peace to thy poore church out of this Commotio[n] Lord helpe with thy might for the Lords sake.

15° Maii 1639

Oh Lord keepe me in my straights, give me favor in the eyes of my creditors, & lift me up out of the mire & clay in thy due time for the Lords sake, & heale my deare children Sam of his Cough John of his weake & sore eyes & blesse us all sanctifye us for thy selfe

16. Maii

I heare that the Archb[isho]p hath renounced the havinge a hand in bringinge men up to the rayles to receave the sacrament oh Lord thou art able to bringe shame & conf

confusion of face uppon all fauvo[u]r[er]s & p[ro]moters of sup[er]stition & Idolatry Oh Lord set up thine ordinances in their power & [crossed out: illegible letter] purity that we thy poore children may be built up by them growinge in grace & holinesse abundantly; oh that thou [crossed out: who] wouldest please to heare & comannd deliverance for thy poore church

17° Maii 1639

Mr Bacons cause at the Counsell table was heard to day & Plowright the p[er]secuter is to be imprisoned in the gate house & to make submission to Sr Roland St John at thassizes & to pay some chardges to Mr Bacon.

18° Maii

Mr Collis dyed as yesterday or this day as I heard I think.

19° Maii 1639 Sab.[bath]

my father & I went over to hackneyFootnote ⁷⁰¹ this day & heard Mr Goodwyn of Colemanstreet both times who preached p[ro]fitably, I went & came wth Mr Everet nere B[isho]ps gate & another honest man we had good discourse on the way concerninge the Church of god [crossed out: two letters, illegible] the Lord will surely looke uppon his poore church in the end, when his church is fit for deliverance & when ungodly men have filled up the measure of their sinnes

20° Maii

greatly afflicted wth ([crossed out, illegible]) oh my god let thy grace I pray thee be sufficient for me, heale the fountayne of sinne that is ready to buble up continually dry it up I pray thee, let me live to thee forever for the Lords sake.

21° Maii 1639

I am oft troubled to thinke that I shall be much put to it for want of moneyes [crossed out: to fa] about my callinge & occasions this tearme but the Lord hath helped me in many straights formerly & will still be gracious for his names sake, oh thou the great & allsuffic[ien]t god possessor of heaven & earth uphold & supply me graciously for the Lords sake

[crossed out: eclipse]

22° Maii 1639

This day there was an eclipse of the sunne about 4 & 5 a clock in the afternoone oh Lord suffer not thy glorious gospell so to be eclipsed but [crossed out: let] that it may breake forth againe in beauty & excellency for the Lords sake.

23° Maii Ascencon dayFootnote ⁷⁰²

I went this day to a stationers to buy p[ar]chm[en]t, to make writts, where I used to

to buy but the M[aste]r desired me to forbeare for he durst not sell me any I told him he need not so scruple it for it was not sabath day, he said no were it Sab.[bath] day he might doe it wthout danger but if to day he should be called in question oh Lord I pray thee establish & countenance thy Sabaths amongst us, & [crossed out: give] so order that we may have lib[er]ty to worke the 6. days Lord reforme what ever is amisse amongst us for the Lords sake.

24° Maii 1639

I pray to the Lord to be pr[e]pared to pay Mr Readinge & be d[e]l[ive]r[e]d from Sr John hanburyes bond.

25° Maii

This day my father & I borowed of Mr Perke 60li & p[ai]d it for Mr Readinge at Sr John hanburyes in the afternoone & there I rec[eive]d

receaved the bond wherein I was bound wth him to Sr John hanbury & pulled my seale from it, oh my god blessed be thy name that these two great businesses & feares are determined in one day blessed be thy name for hearinge [crossed out: my] o[u]r poore prayers deliver me still from my wants & feares if it be thy will

26° Maii 1639 Sab.[bath]

I heard Mr Cranford both times at Bowe Church in Cheape side,Footnote ⁷⁰³ who preached faythfully, Lord blesse thine ordinances to me for the lords sake

27° Maii

Tearme ended this day and so shall the tearme of my life when I have bene in action in the world so long as the Lord appoynts oh

oh Lord fit me for eternitye oh lord assure me of thy Love & favor & give me to walk as he that doth enioy thee make me even as holy I pray thee if my mortallity will beare it as an angell of light, oh helpe me to be above the creature, above smooth pleasures & the thorny cares of this pr[e]sent life for the Lords sake.

28° Maii 1639

I have now at two severall times this tearme rec[eive]d of Mr Bacon 5li—4s but one peice wanted 18d.

I p[ai]d Mr Tourney 20s Mr Gregg 10s. Lord be blessed for supplyeinge graciously. I left Mr Tapper 10s in p[ar]te of this tearme all the rest p[ai]d before.

29° I prayed and came forth early dyned at dunstable & came home to North[amp]ton & found my family well blessed be god & Johns eyes very well recovered againe

blessed be god. I came home about 8. a clock very weary.

30° Maii 1639

I prayed & went to Grafton [Regis] Court where I gayned litle or nothinge.

31° Maii

[crossed out: Mr Martin Mr Rushworth & ux & Mr [illegible] supped here with us to night], the newes uncertayne from Scotland, Lord create a holy & good peace betweene the two nacons if it be thy will, for the comfort of thy church

1° Junii

[crossed out: Mr] I prayed and went about my occasions,

2° Junii 1639 Sab[bath] Sac:[rament]

I prayed & went to heare the word & to rec[eive] the sacram[en]t. Lord p[ar]don our unfittinge of o[u]r selves, o[u]r passion o[u]r Idlenes o[u]r deadnesse & dullnesse oh the [crossed out: h] 7. abominaconsFootnote ⁷⁰⁴ that are in my soule oh the denne of dragons that harbor in me oh the multitude of locusts that swarme in my hart! helpe from heaven oh my god thou most holy & omnipotent god p[ar]don & heale remove from thy pr[e]sence & from my affeccons my sinnes for the Lords sake.

This day I prayed unto the Lord for my poore child John who is in great misery & danger wth his eyes, & I recorded the prayer in the end of the bookeFootnote ⁷⁰⁵

3° Junii

I am greatly subiect to deadnes & coldnesse in dutye oh Lord quicken me

4° Junii

I have prayed for my deare wife & family for my poore child; we are apt to fall out wth o[u]r servants who are apt to be negligent & to displease us & to answere againe but lord p[ar]don the rebellions ag[ains]t thee wch thou mightest call us to account for and give me grace to lay to hart & to be humbled for all my stubornesse & Idlenesse in my Masters service, thou art a iust god yet spare me for thy m[er]cyes sake.

5° Junii

I prayed and went to Wellingborowe ffare with Mr Smart & I came home at night safe againe blessed be god.

6° Junii

Mr Martin Mr Rushworth & ux supped wth us to night & Mr Rogers

Mr Ball preached to day

*****

7° Junii 1639

I prayed to be enabled for keepinge the Sess[ions]Footnote ⁷⁰⁶ Gaole d[e]l[ive]ry & leet this day & the Lord did graciously carry me through the worke blessed be thy name oh Lord.

8° Junii

I prayed & went about my occasions the Lord still sends me imploym[en]t graciously

9° Junii Sab.[bath]

I was this day at St Sepulchres church wth Mr Maior & the BayleifesFootnote ⁷⁰⁷ to heare one ThorneFootnote ⁷⁰⁸ a new vicar there, but it appeares by his sermon what he is, Lord weed up the darnell & the CockleFootnote ⁷⁰⁹ that the wheate may grow & be very fruitfull.

10° Junii

I am pr[e]paringe Mr Watts & their answere ad[ver]s[us]

ad[ver]s[us] TempleFootnote ⁷¹⁰ & I pray to be directed, the Lord onely gives abilityes

11° Junii 1639

Sessions here to day, but I have bene busy at home in p[er]fectinge the answere, my uncle WaleFootnote ⁷¹¹ my mother & dyned here, my tenant brought me 23 hundred Coles in a Load.

12° Junii

I was busy still about the same answere; The Lord hath now graciously cured my childs eyes so that there is no [crossed out: paine] web or pearleFootnote ⁷¹² in them & but litle sorenesse, blessed be thy name oh Lord Lord continue it to thy glory & make me truly thankfull

13° Junii

I prayed & went alonge wth Mr Watts to

to [crossed out: Cran] Brockhole & daventry to have met wth a Comm[i]ssion[e]r or two to have put in the answere but they fayled to meet so I went to Long Buckby where [crossed out: they] Mr Bacon used me kindly. I sent to xxoferFootnote ⁷¹³ Meadcroft executor of Amye henman p[ro] obad[iah] Wallop.

14° Junii 1639

xxofer Meadcroft came over this morninge & p[ai]d me the 3li for obad[iah] WallopFootnote ⁷¹⁴ wch doth stead me in my pr[e]sent necessity I came home safe to my deare wife we supped at Mr Sam. Martins.

15° Junii

my neighbors of Old brought me home this day 4 loads of Wood from Mausley wood & I dyned them, blessed be god for the good p[ro]vision of fewell I have

Sr John hanburyes corpse came through the towne to day; oh Lord I blesse thee that I was delivered out of the bond before he dyed.

16° Junii Sab.[bath] 1639.

Mr Newton preached in the morninge & Mr Ball in the afternoone.

17° Junii

I prayed and went to the Court, where I had some supply I blesse the Lord afterward assined the Leete booke & dyned wth Mr MaiorFootnote ⁷¹⁵ Mr ffisher Mr Knight Mr Woollaston Mr Readinge Mr danby & at Crutchleyes.

18° Junii

I prayed and went to Sr John Ishams to take the fine from Stephen harr[ington] & his wife to John Warren, & came safe home I blesse the Lord.

19° Junii

I prayed with my deere wife, with my family & in secret & came out of North[amp]ton this morninge for London about 5. a clock in

in the morninge & before I came at Stratford I overtooke Mr Butler & Mr Ashton goeinge tow[a]rd London & afterwards Sr Arthur haslerigge,Footnote ⁷¹⁶ so I had company inough to London I prayse the Lord & came thether about 8. a clock at night very weary & sore by reason of my trotting horse

nere St Albans I met with Mr Whalley & Mr Spice[r] who informed me of the welcome newes of peace with ScotlandFootnote ⁷¹⁷ at which I was much affected even to teares to see gods great m[er]cy blessed be thy name oh Lord.

20. Junii 1639

I prayed and went forth wth Mr Watts and I am somewhat ill & sore & distemp[er]ed in body & which much troubles me I feare I shall want money for my occasions this tearme but oh my god how easily canst thou supply me both the Judges are thine the cattell uppon a thousand mountaynesFootnote ⁷¹⁸ surely I will trust in that god who hath allwayes helped me hetherto lay not my former p[ro]fusenes & indiligence in my callinge to my chardge but p[ar]don & doe good to me thy poore s[er]v[an]t & my family for the Lords sake.

21° Junii 1639

The good newes of peace with Scotland & much Love from the Kinge to them is still confirmed, oh Lord my god I blesse & prayse thy name for it, oh Lord give thy church & people dayly more & more grace in the eyes of his Ma[jes]ty let his eares be open to their peticons & his hand ever ready to helpe them, but make him to frowne uppon the wicked and such as have evill will at Sion & would hinder the building of thy temple amongst us, oh that thy light might breake forth & that the bright shinninge thereof might [crossed out: might] shame & confound all opposers, powre out uppon thy servants the spirit of fervent prayer & unwearied supplicacon, that thou [crossed out: might] mayest delight to heare & answere us in

in m[er]cye graunt these for the Lord Xt his sake

this morninge (as I rem[ember]) I had great discourse with Nich TewFootnote ⁷¹⁹ & 2 or 3. others [crossed out: whereof] beinge all unlesse one of them sep[ar]atists or greatly inclininge, my hart doth much hate or distrust the antichristian power that is amongst us and vayne ceremonyes & some weake rudim[en]ts yet why I should sep[ar]ate because of some imp[er]feccons I am not yet wholly convinced oh Lord enlighten me thy poore servant for the Lords sake, And lord I pray thee purge thy floore blowe away the chaffe that is amongst o[u]r doctrine & in o[u]r discipline let pop[er]y & Arminianisme hide them selfe reforme what ever is amisse, looke uppon the imprisonm[en]ts of thy servants formerly & at this day & uppon all their sufferings & uppon all their prayers & vouchsafe to heare in m[er]cy for the Lords sake. I

I had hot dispute wth Anthony in St dunstans Churchyard ag[ains]t Arminianisme, I had great comforts in duty at night to teares & I have prayed for my deare child Sam.

22° Junii 1639

I prayed & went about my occasions

Lord let it goe well with thy church & people confound the plots of wicked & sup[er]stitious men & set up thine ordinances in lustre & purity.

This day the kings counsell wa[i]ved day till Tuesday to answere about the ha[beas] cor[pus] p[ro] the London[e]rsFootnote ⁷²⁰

23° Junii Sab.[bath]

Mr Calamy preached admirably in the morninge uppon the 51°. ps[alm].17 the sacrific[es]Footnote ⁷²¹ the Lord was pleased to affect me in some gracious measure.

a stranger preached in the afternoone

24° Junii 1639 Midsom day.

I prayed & followed my occasions, & the Lord is pleased to make my ChamberfelloweFootnote ⁷²² a great helpe to me in my affayres blessed be thy name oh Lord

25° Junii

This day I exchanged the fr[ench] history plut[arch's] lives & the imp[er]iall history for L[or]d Cookes entryesFootnote ⁷²³ wth Anthony.

This day the Londoners beinge Prisoners for not paying ship-money were brought to the K[ing's] Bench barre wth expectacon of w[ha]t the Kings Counsell would say ag[ains]t their baylinge, so havinge nothing to say they were bayled.

Oh Lord turne the streame of things for the Lords sake, oh Let thy lawe & o[u]r good lawes fflourish amongst us.

26. Junii

men & horses come dayly out of the

Scotland, Lord thou hast turned againe the Rivers in the North hast dryed up the [crossed out, illegible] waters of many people, Lord confirme & sanctifye this peace unto us let it be of moment, a meanes to advance thy gospell & to disappoynt AntixtFootnote ⁷²⁴ & his cursed adherents for the Lords sake

27° Junii 1639

The Lord hath in some measure graciously recovered my Child Sam of his lamenesse. Lord sanctifye it unto us, & sanctifye us all to thy selfe for the Lords sake.

28° Junii

I have had bills this tearme come from Mr fflood & Mr Ricroft Lord I pray thee helpe me to pay all my debts in thy due time, both the Judges are thine Thou dost still uphold me blessed be thy name &

& thou commanndest my creditors to have patience Lord uphold me still & supply me graciously for the Lords sake.

29° Junii 1639

St Peters day. Lord I pray thee bringe things about so in thy due time that it may be lawfull [crossed out, illegible] by mans law also to worke uppon the Six dayes, & not to p[ro]phane the Seaventh

30° Junii 1639 Sab.[bath]

Mr Calamy preached excellently in the morninge at Aldermanbury Church & a stranger in the afternoone Lord setle & confirmeFootnote ⁷²⁵ Mr Calamy there if it be thy will & make him a speciall instrument of thy glory for the Lords sake

1° Julii 1639

I prayed & went about my occasions in which the Lord is pleased to give me successe & to blesse me.

2° Julii

I am imployed about a businesse of Sr xxoferFootnote ⁷²⁶ yelvertons this tearme by Mr Watts his meanes Lord give me still more & more favor in their eyes if thou seest good

3° Julii

The tearme ends this day. I pray to be carryed home safely.

4° Julii

I have payd 14li for goodman houghton to Mr dent & Mr Baud which Mr Watts sent me.

I came out of the towne in the afternoone &

& met on the way wth Mr MassingberghFootnote ⁷²⁷ & his brother, & with a very wild gent & we came to Mr Walkers at St Albans but before I met wth them I went to see my sweet Child Sarah at Nurse [crossed out: in the forest] neare Edmunton in Enfeild Chase & left her very well I blesse the Lord blessed be thy name oh Lord that thou art pleased to watch over me & my family Lord continue o[u]r healths to thy glory for the Lords sake.

5° Julii 1639

I had much discourse wth the gent & often intreated him to leave his swearinge, Lord convert him unto thee if it be thy will for the Lords sake.

I came home safe I prayse the Lord & found my wife & family well the Lord be blessed for it.

6° Julii

diverse to speake wth me this day, oh Lord

I blesse thee that thou hast placed me in an honest callinge hast given me some abilityes for it, & imploym[en]t in it, lord increase my abilityes & practise dayly if it be thy will to thy glory for the Lords sake

7° Julii 1639 Sab.[bath] sacr.[ament]

Mr Ball preached in the morninge Mr Newton in the afternoone, I did desire to draw neare to the Lord this day in the word sacram[en]t & prayer, Lord p[ar]don my faylings & accept my weake desires for the Lords sake.

8° Julii

I prayed & went to the Court, some gracious supply there I blesse the Lord Lord let me pay my debts in thy due time I pray thee for the Lords sake

9° Julii 1639

I prayed and went to Oxford wth Mr Watts about Sr xxoferFootnote ⁷²⁸ Yelvertons businesse wth Mr hide & the KeatsFootnote ⁷²⁹ & Christ Church.Footnote ⁷³⁰

we came thether about 2 a clock the act ended this day.

we called at Kirtlington

10° Julii

This place here is p[ro]digiously p[ro]fane I p[er]ceave for drunkennesse swearinge & other debauched Courses, stage playes & Lord reforme these seminaryes if it be thy will for the Lords sake.

11° Julii

we could not dispatch o[u]r businesse as we hoped, I heard a latin sermon in St Maryes.Footnote ⁷³¹ I was in the libraryFootnote ⁷³² &

*****

12° Julii 1639

we sealled [crossed out, illegible] the writings to day, & in the afternoone betweene 3 & 4 a clock Mr Blomely & Sam & I came forth and I came to North[amp]ton this night presently after 9 Mr Blomeley lost me about Toucester & his way too, blessed be thy name oh Lord for bringinge me safe home, I met wth Langley & Mr Ball of WhitmoreFootnote ⁷³³ at oxford townesend.

13° Julii

my horse growne very lame with my Journey.

my child John in my absence had a sparke fell into the Corner of his left eye, & the eye so swelled that it was much doubted whether it were not out but the lord pr[e]served it & hath in a great measure healed it blessed be thy name oh Lord.

14° Julii Sab[bath]

Mr Ball preached both times & I was

graciously affected especially in the morninge sermon, & in prayer after I came from church blessed be thy name oh Lord for the Messiah thou hast sent to redeeme thy church, & for the holy spirit thou hast likewise sent to comfort thy people blessed yea thrice blessed be thy name that thou hast made me thy poore creature in any sort acquain[ted] wth these things.

15° Julii 1639

I had a good p[ro]fitable Court to day blessed be god

16° Julii

I prayed & went about my occasions

17° Julii

The Judges vizt Lord Chefe Baron davenport & Judge Berkley

18° Julii 1639

I prayed & went abroad & at dinner I went wth Mr Bagshawe & ux & Rich WardFootnote ⁷³⁴ to acknowledge a fine to my Clyent John Lad before Justice Berkley.

Mr Pentlowe lodges here to night.

19° Julii

at dinner againe, one Steffe & ux acknowledged a fine to my Clyent Wm hills of WalgraveFootnote ⁷³⁵ blessed be thy name oh Lord for the practise thou art pleased to send me, thou hearest prayers blessed be thy name.

20° Julii

The Judges went out of towne to day. 2 condem'd blessed be thy name oh Lord who hast moved the Justices of peace to [crossed out: shew] ioyne together & unanimously to shew their dislike of the B[isho]ps base articles that are come out for the visitac[ion]Footnote ⁷³⁶ here on Tuesday next Lord throw downe pop[er]y & all sup[er]stition in thy due time for the Lords sake.

21° Julii 1639 Sab.[bath]

Mr. [entry blank]

22° Julii

The Lord continues to supply me graciously at the Court still I blesse his name.

23° Julii The Bps visitacon here to day & a frothy sermonFootnote ⁷³⁷ Lord amend things amisse & visit these visitors & reforme all

I prayed and went along wth hatton to Coventry to take a fine before the Judge to Mr Pentlowe from Mrs Child Mr Prat & ux. I came safe thether, but Mr Prat & his wife disagreed. I spake wth the Maior of Coventry about the businesse I was imployed in from Mr Maior here but could not pr[e]vayle by reason of mistake in the bond sent & want of a letter of Attourney to receive the 40liFootnote ⁷³⁸

24° Julii

I lay at the Starre to night, This morninge poore

poore Mrs Prat was fayne to abate [crossed out: the]10li her husband had p[ro]mised her, & then they acknowledged the fine before Justice Berkley. afterward we came home safe & in due time I blesse the Lord

I heare there was a most wicked raylinge sermon here to day the second day of the visitacon, oh Lord I beseech thee appeare for the manifestacon of truth & for the good of thy children, make no Long tarryeinge, oh let thy seasonable m[er]cye pr[e]vent us, for the Lords sake

25° Julii 1639 St James fareFootnote ⁷³⁹

I prayed & after dinner went downe to the fare with my wife & we went to Mr Parker wth Mr Whalley & reteyned him in the busines inter White & Mr Cawdrey & Mr Whalley.

26 Julii

I prayed & went about my occasions.

27° Julii

good newes out of Germany blessed be god of victorious conquests by the p[ro]testants.Footnote ⁷⁴⁰

*****

28° Julii 1639 Sab.[bath]

[crossed out: Mr] Oh Lord I blesse thee for the continuance of thine ordinances Lord make them fruitfull unto us for the Lords sake.

29° Julii

Court here to day & the Lord doth graciously carry me through my imployment.

30° Julii

I am in trouble often by reason of my debts but the Lord is possessor of heaven & earth the allmighty god is my father who maynteynes all the world oh Lord I will trust in thee.

31° Julii

Oh Lord graunt that it may goe well wth thy Church here & in Scotland & all places; that thou mayst get thy selfe a name;

I stayed this day from Wellingborow to

to p[er]fect & seale the writings betweene Mr White Mr Cawdrey & Mr Whalley but Mr Sillesby who was to ioyne in them came not home.

1° Aug. 1639

This day I sealled [crossed out, illegible] the writings & delivered possession, blessed be thy name oh Lord for the practise I find & for my abilityes for it.

2° Aug.

Blessed be thy name oh Lord for my seasonable supplyes & for my recovery from my melancholly.

3° Aug.

the Lord is pleased still to uphold me in

difficultyes & to blesse me in my way blessed be thy name oh Lord

4° Aug. 1639 Sab.[bath]

sacram[en]t to day. I prayed to the Lord for a blessinge uppon it, Lord heare my weake prayers.

5° Aug.

Court to day, the last before the vaccacon,

6° Aug.

The Lord is grac[iously] pleased to send me imploym[en]t in my callinge blessed be thy name oh Lord

7° Aug.

my debts come oft in my minde but Lord

Lord rebuke the Cares of the world & send me supply for the Lords sake

8° Aug. 1639

This day Mr danby is elected Maior & one Mr Bryan & Edward Cowper Bayleifes,Footnote ⁷⁴¹ oh Lord blesse the governement of this towne make us instruments of thy glory for the Lords sake.

9° Aug.

much discourse about the eleccon yesterday.

[crossed out: Mr]

10° Aug.

invited this day to dyne wth Mr Bacon on Munday,

11° Aug. 1639 Sab.[bath]

The Lord is grac[ious] to us in continuing his ordinances in their power in a grac[ious] manner, oh Lord establish them to us & o[u]r posterity for ever.

12° Aug.

I prayed & went to [Long] Buckby & there dined wth Mr Bacon, & others who were there, & came home safe againe I blesse the Lord.

[crossed out: I went to seale writings at]

13° Aug.Footnote ⁷⁴²

I often pray for my deare wife who is nere her time, & feares that Mrs Parsons [crossed out: will] the midwife will be fetched away before we shall use her.

my wife was very ill to day.

14° Aug. 1639

I prayed & went to Wellingborow though litle the better in resp[ec]t of practise but the Lord is allsufficient

15° Aug.

Mrs Parsons is here, but my wife is pretty well & doub[t]full she shall stay till the midwife be gone, but Lord we desire to wayte uppon thee forever.

16° Aug.

This day my deare wife brought to bed of another girle betweene 8 & 9 at night, the Lord graciously ordered all Conveniences, Blessed be thy name oh Lord for upholdinge my deare wife & my selfe & for shewinge m[er]cy unto us, oh Lord

*****

make the Child an instrument of thy glory & a vessell of m[er]cye & a comfort to us the parents & feed us & cloath us all for the Lords sake [crossed out: see the prayer in the latter end of the booke.]Footnote ⁷⁴³

17° Aug. 1639

Mrs Parsons was sent for away this morninge & is gone, blessed be thy name oh Lord for orderinge all things so graciously in thy good p[ro]vidence

18° Aug. Sab.[bath]

Blessed be thy name oh Lord for the sweetnesse that is in thy word & for thy blessinge uppon me & mine for addinge to my family & feedinge of us Lord doe us good still spiritually & corporally for the Lords sake.

19° Aug. 1639

I had occasion about Mr Watts his businesse to day & ingrossing p[ar]te of the deed p[ro] Mrs BussyFootnote ⁷⁴⁴ from Mr Spencer;

20° Aug.

I prayed & went to Wilby to execute the deed from Mr Spencer to Mrs Bussy & delivered poss[essio]n to Mr Pearne Attourney p[ro] Mrs Bussy I have p[ro]cured Mr Perne to preach at the baptizing of my Child.

21° Aug.

I prayed & went to Wellingborow & p[ro]cured Mrs Susan Pentlowe & Mrs Anne ColesFootnote ⁷⁴⁵ to be witnesses to my

Child on Tuesday next.

22° Aug. 1639

in the afternoone I went toward Lutterworth about the Commission concerninge Mr Watts, who came to me at Thorneby & we went to Lutt[er]w[or]th togeth[er] where wee found Mr Cranford & Mr Pentlow o[u]r Commissioners, & sate up late.

23° Aug.

Mr Temples commission[e]rs vizt Mr Sprig & Mr MoreFootnote ⁷⁴⁶ came in the morninge. we were at goodwife youngs house.

24° Aug.

the Commission is adiourned by their Com[missioners]

Comm[issione]rs to Banbury on Tuesday Sevenight red Lyon.

I came home safe I blesse the Lord

25° Aug 1639 Sab.[bath]

Mr Ball preached both times very p[ro]fitably uppon the Cov[enan]t of workes & Cov[enan]t of grace.

26° Aug.

I sent to one Mr Eakins of ChesterFootnote ⁷⁴⁷ to be witnesse to morow but he was not at home.

27° Aug.

I sent to him againe this morninge who came willingly, and Mr Perne preached very p[ro]fitably blessed be thy name

name oh Lord, and we agreed to have the child named Susannah havinge first prayed for a blessinge uppon the ordinance, Mr Newton Baptized her

28° Aug. 1639

I prayed and went to wellingborow & was reteyned to appeare p[ro] Mr Pent[low] ad[ver]s[us] Mr Lane.

Mr Bates of London here to night & Mr hollis.

29° Aug.

I was wth Mr Bates this morning. I supped at Mr Rushworths to night at a venison pasty.

30° Aug.

this day Mr Coldwell & I comp[ro]mised a

a businesse betweene Mr Peach & Mr [crossed out: Clarke], hart, I dyned at Mr Whalleys at a venison pasty.

This day my poore child is gone to nurse to goodwife Iblethy, Oh Lord thou who denyest this blessinge of the breasts to us blessed be thy name thou p[ro]videst the breasts of others for us Lord I pray thee blesse the Child and graunt that she may p[ro]sper & come on as beinge blessed by thee for the Lords sake.

31° Aug. 1639

Mr Smart came hether to day I was too immoderate in squeezinge comfort out of the Creature of wine & tabacco this day with him & others, & my [crossed out, illegible] Corrupt passion broke forth to Edward chadwick who was my adversary about the businesse of Mr Pilk[ington], oh Lord it greiveth me

me to the hart that I have no more moderate[ion] oh that I were as holy as an angell of light oh that I could doe thy will in earth as the angells doe it in heaven Lord fill me with thy grace & spirit that I may obey thee p[er]fectly for the Lords sake

1° [crossed out: Aug.] Sept. 1639 Sab.[bath] & sacram[en]t.

Oh Lord my god how have I sinned & dep[ar]ted from thee since the last sabath since the last sacram[en]t I feed or may feed uppon these precious dayntyes but yet I th[r]ive not but am a very starvelinge in grace & godlines & stand as it were at a stay if not goe backward, oh what a heavy bias of Corrupcon doth lead me aside what a body of death doe I beare about with me continually, Oh that thou wouldst mortify Corrupcon in me oh that thine ordinances might this day be made effectuall to that very end

end though the spirit of Xt comes not as a mighty & rushinge wind yet let it this day breath & blow in his ordinances uppon my soule oh Lord how unacquainted & ignorant I am of thy power in these ordinances of thine owne appoyntinge, and Lord seeinge there is a burden of debt & want lyes uppon me & makes me often (through want of fayth) to runne to the Creature & squeeze that for pr[e]sent Comfort oh Lord I pray thee if thou seest good commannd a greater measure of wealth to serve me for the payment of my debts & the mayntenance of my family in the meane while give me to live by fayth & to be thrifty, & diligent in my callinge, and seeinge thou hast graciously added to my family, which is matter of Joy & Comfort, I pray thee oh my god continue me & my family in health & safty

safty that we may still reioyce in thee & may dayly prayse thy name forever Lord heare & helpe & have m[er]cy & doe good to me & mine for the Lords sake

some comforts in gods blessed ordinances I prayse his name.

2° Sept. 1639

I prayed & went to the Court where there were many entryes & I blesse the Lord for all his goodnesse.

After dinner I went alone to Banbury & came hether in good time I blesse the Lord safe, I went about the Commission inter Temple [symbol meaning plaintiff] & Watts & al def[endan]ts, I found at the red lyon there Mr Pentlow & Mr Robins &.

3° Sept 1639

we heard an indifferent sermon by a stranger at the Lecture at Banbury we have much endeavored an agreem[en]t in this businesse but cannot yet compasse it

one of Mr Sprigs sonnes who came lately from Scotland dyned wth us & shewed us some godly & good determinations of the assemblyFootnote ⁷⁴⁸ there blessed be thy name oh Lord.

4° Sept.

Mr Pentlowe & I came out somewhat late from Banbury & I came home safe I blesse the Lord & found my famyly in health &.

5° Sept.

Mr Pearne & diverse good ministers

dyned in the towne to day at Oagles his

Mr Smart & Mrs Susan Pentlowe were contracted this morninge.

6° Sept 1639

Oh Lord that thy Church & cause may p[ro]sper & that thow wouldst build up me & my poore family for the Lords sake

7° Sept.

I am too apt to be troubled wth the Thorny cares of this p[rese]nte World but oh my god helpe me for the Lords sake

8° Sept Sab.[bath]

Mr Ball preached p[ro]fitably both times

9° Sept 1639

no Court to day by reason of the absence of the BayleifesFootnote ⁷⁴⁹

10 Sept.

my wife churched to day in the house by Mr Newton, who with his wife, Mr Rushworth & ux Mrs Crick & dyned here we had a venison pasty blessed be the Lord for all supplyes & Comforts.

trayninge here to day.

11° Sept.

I prayed & went to wellingborowe to day.

12° Sept

I prayed and went to keepe the Co[u]rt I

I sent hatton to Grafton [Regis] but no Co[u]rt there.

13° Sept 1639

I prayd & went to Sr John Ishams havinge bene sent for on the Saterday before, who hath reteyned me to keepe his Court Lord enable me for it give me still grace & favor in his eyes & in the eyes of others & Let me ever acknowledg thy p[ro]vidence in all my imploym[en]t Sr John gave me a peece of Venison

14° Sept.

Troubled wth cares by reason of continual expence of money but Lord I beseech thee supply me graciously for the Lord Xt his sake.

15° Sept 1639 Sab.[bath]

Mr Newton preached both times excellently blessed be god.

16° Sept.

Court to day where I was too much p[ro]voked to day by John hall Lord p[ar]don & heale

17° Sept

The Justice seateFootnote ⁷⁵⁰ here to day oh Lord that Justice & right may pr[e]vayle & that all oppression may cease for the Lords sake

I bought a gowne of Mrs Pilk[ington] p[ro] 45s.

18° Sept

I sent hatton to Wellingborowe I have diverse times gracious affeccon in [crossed out: I bought a gowne of]

in seeking the Lord I blesse his name I have bought me cloathes Lord send me well to pay for them & weare them.

19° Sept. 1639

I have bene greatly enflamed this day with the Love my gracious & lovinge god & father in readinge meditac[ion] & prayer, these ioyes have swallowed up base cares blessed be thy name oh Lord And Lord heale the eyes of my poore child John Cleere his sight, & above all give him a spirituall eye in thy due time to see his owne misery & thy m[er]cye for the Lords sake.

20° Sept.

good newes still out of Scotland blessed be god that the worke of reformacon is like to goe on there & that a peace shall be concluded

21° Sept 1639

St Mathewes day to day, oh Lord that we might once leave this dedication of dayes to Saints & dedicate all o[u]r dayes to thee o[u]r god & to thy service

22 Sept. Sab.[bath]

Lord I blesse thee for thy Sabaths which the world love not, Lord let me more delight in them then ever I have done for the Lords sake.

23 Sept.

Court to day where the Lord doth weekly supply me of his owne goodnes blessed be his name I went late to Burton [Latimer] wth hatton

24 Sept

I prayed and kept court to day for Mr Bacon, Mr harvey kept for the Lord VauxFootnote ⁷⁵¹

25° Sept 1639

I prayed and went afterward to Wellingbo[rough] & thence to Old & Lamport to Sr John Ishams where I had kind enterteynem[en]t blessed be thy name oh Lord for his favor & the favor & Love of other freinds & Clyents oh Lord thou dost all.

26 Sept

I kept Sr John Ishams Court to dayFootnote ⁷⁵² where the Lord did graciously enable me,

This day Mr Smart was marryed at Wilby to Mrs Susan Pentlowe oh Lord I beseech thee blesse them & doe them good for the lords sake

27° Sept

we prayed and went early to Wilby & from there after dinner I brought my

*****

my wife home, oh Lord I blesse thee for the Comfort of freinds & all thy m[er]cyes.

28° Sept 1639

My poore Johns eyes are very ill but I pray unto the Lord to helpe him oh Lord how dull I am in duty helpe me ag[ains]t it for the Lords sake, I sent Mr M[aio]r electFootnote ⁷⁵³ a roundlet of claret of 6 gal[lons].

29° Sept. Sab.[bath]

blessed be thy name oh Lord for thine ordinances wch by thy goodnesse we doe enioy.

30 Sept.

This day Mr danby was sworne Maior Mr Bryan & Mr Coop[er]Footnote ⁷⁵⁴ Bayleifes Mr RecorderFootnote ⁷⁵⁵ was not here, the Lord graciously enabled me to give the oathes, dick Odell came to me this

dayFootnote ⁷⁵⁶ oh Lord if we remayne together I pray thee make him a blessing to o[u]r famyly & give us all to doe o[u]r dutyes in o[u]r severall relacons for the Lords sake

1° Oct.

the Sess[ions] here to day for the Country I pray for imploym[en]t & abilityes there

2° Oct.

the Lord hath sent me diverse clyents & given me successe & abilityes in my undertakings blessed be thy name oh Lord.

I dyned at Mr Maiors.

3° Oct

I supped to night wth Mr More at the Swan, where I drunke too much wyne with him for it made me a litle ill

afterward, oh Lord make me to take heed for time to come forever, I bought my cane of Mr Smith to night for halfe a crowne, oh Lord blesse that good man Mr MooreFootnote ⁷⁵⁷ & continue him still to be a faythfull preacher of thy gospell

4° Oct 1639

Mr Sprig Mr Moore Mr Pent[low] & Mr Cranford sate this day uppon the businesse inter Temple [symbol meaning plaintiff] & Watts & al def[endan]ts. [crossed out: but we can ma]

5° Oct.

we sate still uppon the Commission but can make no end of the businesse oh Lord send peace betweene them if it be thy will.

my brotherFootnote ⁷⁵⁸ came hether to day from Cambr[idge]

6° Oct. Sab.[bath]

I prayed to the Lord to blesse his word & the sacram[en]t to me this day Lord graunt that I may manifest the strength of thine ordinances throughout my life for the Lords sake.

7° Oct

Court to day, where the Lord still supplyes me graciously blessed be his name

8° Oct

my boyes eyes still amisse but the Lord I trust in his due time will looke uppon him in m[er]cy

9° Oct.

the great Navy of the Spaniard lyes still uppon the Coast & the duch attend uppon it.Footnote ⁷⁵⁹

10° Oct. 1639

Lecture to day blessed be thy name oh Lord for upholdinge o[u]r Lecture & thine ordinances here amongst us.

11° Oct blessed be thy name oh Lord for thy p[ro]vidence in sendinge me this practise & these writinges for Sr John Isham & I acknowledge all to come from thy gracious hand, sanctify every m[er]cy to me for the Lords sake

12° Oct m[ar]ket day, whereby I have great imploym[en]t continually I blesse the Lord

13° Oct Sab.[bath]

god is pleased to send many comforts & incouragem[en]ts often by his blessed ordinances oh Lord I prayse thee for thy goodnesse

14° Oct 1639

Court to day, blessed be the Lord for sendinge me supply in my wants.

15° Oct.

worldly cares doe oft thrust in uppon me but the Lord is my stay how should I beare a debt of 200li did not the Lord succor me

16° Oct

I prayed and went to Wellingborow, blessed be thy name my good father for the favor thou givest me in the eyes of men, & the practise I have, & abilityes in any measure for it, oh my god goe on I pray thee to blesse thy s[er]vant & his family for the Lords sake

17° Oct.

I prayed & went about my occasions blessed be thy name for my callinge oh Lord

18 oct. St Luke

I prayed & went to Wellingborowe fare

& returned safe I blesse the Lord.

19° Oct 1639

many businesses & much distraccon this day but the Lord is pleased graciously to carry me through them

20° Oct Sab.[bath]

Blessed be the Lord for continueinge his Sabaths & ordinances. Lord make thy people fruitfull under them

21° Oct

Court to day blessed be the Lord for carryinge me through the businesse of the day.

22° Oct.

I prayd & went about my occasions, oh Lord that I may p[er]forme earthly businesse wth heavenly affeccons

23° Oct 1639

I prayed & went to Wellingborowe, & the Lord is pleased to rayse me up much above my melanch[oly] oftentimes blessed be thy name oh Lord

24° Oct

I prayed & went to the Lecture.

25° Oct

I prayed & went about my occasions,

26. Oct.

much businesse I blesse the Lord but the Lord stands by me in it blessed be thy name oh Lord

27° oct Sab.[bath]

oh Lord graunt that we may once enioy thine ordinances in their power & purity, that the gospe[l] may have free passage that many soules may be gayned unto thee dayly for the Lords sake

28° Oct 1639

no co[u]rt to day beinge Symon & Jude

29° Oct.

I prayed & went to the Court, where I had still supply I blesse the Lord

30. Oct.

I prayed & went to Wellingborow [crossed out: again] & thus I desire to move in the sphere that god hath placed me in, & desire to wayt uppon him for a blessinge

31° Oct.

I prayed & went to the lecture

1° Nov. All s[ain]ts

I prayed & went to Sr John Ishams to seale some writings, but when I came there hatton had mistaken & written very false so that they could not serve at which I

I was troubled, but I desired to cast my selfe uppon the Lord, I sate up till 4 a clock writinge one of the same againe, & Wm Bott was mistaken in the other

2° Nov. 1639

I prayed & went about my occasions & writ over another p[ar]te of the Indent[ure] & sent them to Sr John Isham at night, blessed be thy name oh Lord for enablinge me,

3° Nov. Sab[bath] & sacram[en]t

I prayed & went to p[ar]take of gods ordinances Lord blesse these & every ordinance to me for the Lords sake.

4° Nov.

I prayed & went to the Court, & doe meet wth fayre carriage from Mr MaiorFootnote ⁷⁶⁰ I blesse the Lord

5° Nov. 1639

I prayed & came forward to London with dick & we met wth Mr WardFootnote ⁷⁶¹ of houghton & his man about Road Lane, & came safe to dunstable I blesse the Lord.

6° Nov.

I prayed & we came forward, and came safe to London nere night, where I found my fathers family very well I prayse the Lord but my Cousin Spencer is very weake still but there is great hope the Lord will recover him.

I ly at Clements Inne with my good Chamb[er]fell[ow] Mr harvey.

7° Novembr.

I prayed and went about my occasions my Chamberfellowe hath found out a society of honest younge men in o[u]r house blessed be god for it, Lord increase thy graces in us all to thy glory for the Lords sake

I p[ai]d 34s p[ro] Mr Some which he gave me.

8° Nov.

The Lord hath given me a competent & comfortable imployment this tearme I blesse the

the Lord, and the Lord will graciously assist me to goe through it

9° Nov. 1639

It is much doubted that there will be warre with Scotland,Footnote ⁷⁶² but Lord I pray thee divert it if it be thy will for the good of thy poore Church & Children o[u]r honest society met to night at Mr Ratcliffs Chamber, where we had some dispute which way we should goe as most p[ro]fitable in o[u]r meetings, Lord sanctifye o[u]r meetings make us of one hart & mind

10° Nov.

I heard Mr Calamy in the morninge, & a godly man there in the afternoone, wth much comfort I blesse the Lord; I dyned at my fathers, & we met againe at night at Clements Inne

[11 November omitted]

12° Nov.

I prayed & went about my occasions.

13° Nov. 1639

I receaved bad newes of Johns eyes, but the Lord is a pr[e]sent helpe in time of trouble

14° Nov.

my debts doe dayly [above: trefoil symbol] pinch me, but my god is the possessor of all the world he that doth uphold me under the burden can ease me of it when he pleases, when all meanes hide them selves oh Lord I will trust in thee, though an host of cares come against me through my god I shall doe valiantly & not be surprised strengthen my fayth oh my god in thy great & true p[ro]mises for the Lords sake.

15° Nov.

The Lord is very gracious to me in assistinge me in my way blessed be thy name oh Lord

16. Nov.

I was troubled to thinke of the great affliccon by reason of Johns eyes, and I put downe a prayer in the l[atte]r end of the bookeFootnote ⁷⁶³

o[u]r company met at Clem[ent's] Inne

17° Nov. 1639 Sab.[bath]

I prayed and went to a Church wthout Aldegate hopinge to have heard a goodman but I saw I was disappoyntedFootnote ⁷⁶⁴ & came to Aldermanbury.

we met againe in Clem[ent's] Inne to seeke the Lord

18° Nov.

I prayed & went about my occasions.

19° Nov.Footnote ⁷⁶⁵

I heare that Sam. is very ill at my fathers the Lord is able to recover him.

This day I have good newes from North[amp]ton about John I blesse the Lord.

20° Nov.

Sam still [symbol of a hand with finger pointing down at the next word] remaynes very ill, Lord we are not able to beare many m[er]cyes together unlesse thou give greater strength thou doest in goodnesse exercise us Lord make us gayners by every passage of thy p[ro]vidence towards us.

21° Nov. 1639

I prayed & went about my occasions, & desired to wayt uppon the Lord for Sam &.

22° Nov.

There is some hope the intent of Warre against ScotlandFootnote ⁷⁶⁶ will not goe on as we heare.

23° Nov.

I went with my Chamb[er]fellowFootnote ⁷⁶⁷ dyned at Mr hollands an honest mans at the red lyon at the upper end of Newgate market & went to Guildhall in the afternoone, to heare Mr Newmans Cause tried.

we met at Clem[ent's] Inne

24. Nov. Sab.[bath]

I heard honest Mr Moore of Atherston[e] at the Church ag[ains]t Londonstone & at St MagnesFootnote ⁷⁶⁸ wth some refreshinge I blesse the Lord.

we met at Clem[ent's] Inne.

25° NovFootnote ⁷⁶⁹

I prayd & went about my occasions

26. Nov. 1639

I goe in hand wth the Bill v[e]r[u]sFootnote ⁷⁷⁰ Mr Temple ad[versu]s Watts.

27° Nov.

I am pinched for want of money but the Lord is gracious.

28° Nov.

Tearme ends, I want money for my occasions, to fetch out my fines & But the Lord will p[ro]vide.

29° Nov.

Mr More prayed excellently at my fathers wth my Cousin Spencer, whereat I was greatly affected I blesse the Lord to teares Lord fill me wth thy spirit & fit me for thy service.

Mr More Mr Goodere & I came out of towne & came safe to dunstable I blesse the Lord

my father lent me 5s & Mr Goodere lent me about 6s

30° Nov 1639

we prayed, and Mr Goodere & I came safe to North[amp]ton in due time I blesse the Lord, where I find my family well I prayse god, & John much recovered of his eyes.

This tearme I have p[ai]d Mr ffloods money above 6li & Obadiah Wallop his 3li Mr Pike was with me in vayne Lord enable me to pay him next tearme

1° dec. Sab.[bath]

Mr [entry blank]

2° dec.

Court here to day where the Lord is pleased to supply me graciously

3° dec. my mother went home

I went to Sr John Ishams & dyned there and afterward went to deliver possession to my Aunt Ragdale

I lay at my cousin dexters.

4° dec.

I prayed and went to wellingborow and came home safe at night I blesse the

the Lord

5° dec.

I prayed and went to the Lecture where the Lord graciously refreshed me

6° Dec.

I prayed and laboured in my callinge blessed be thy name oh Lord for health & abilityes

7° dec.

I prayed & had many occasions this day I blesse the Lord

8° dec Sab.[bath]

I prayed & heard Mr Ball both times with some p[ro]fit I trust.

I heare newes to day of a Parliam[en]t intendedFootnote ⁷⁷¹

9° dec.

the ffareFootnote ⁷⁷² here to day we have bought a

a hog cost 38s blessed be thy name oh Lord for givinge food & rayment, Lord I deserve not the least Crum of bread I eat make me to prize every m[er]cy & to be truly thankfull, thou givest us thy good creatures to dye & serve us oh give us to live to thy service for the Lords sake

10° dec. 1639

I prayed and followed my occasions.

11° dec.

[left margin: trefoil symbol] I prayed and went to Wellingborow this shortest day. Ah lord my time in this world is like [crossed out: this] a short winter day, cloudy & pinchinge & soone ended give me in this my day to worke out my salvacon wth feare how doth that glorious lampe of thine the sunne runne dayly about the earth goe forward & turne back againe to [crossed out: lil] light us to serve thee in o[u]r callinge; how dost thou draw the curtayne of the night uppon us that we may retire

retire & consider of thy goodnesse, oh my god give me to improve every inch of time thou affordest, why should I loose the pr[i]son[er] time that cannot be called back, oh Lord p[ro]sper & blesse me & my family every way for the Lords sake.

12° dec 1639

I prayed and went to the Lecture where I rec[eive]d comfort I blesse the Lord in the unfoldinge of the true & exceedinge g[rea]t p[ro]mises of god.

13° dec.

I prayed, and sate at my occasions. The newes of the Parliam[en]t still is confirmed Lord bring it to passe if it be thy will, & give grace & wisdome to the Country & Corporacons to make choyce of gracious & able men & thou blesse the worke in their hands pr[e]vent the plots of thine adversaryes for the Lords sake

14° dec 1639

much imploym[en]t in my callinge I blesse the Lord. Lord increase my practise if it be thy will & enable me for it more, & give me to be truly thankfull, oh pay my debts for me that I may be able to looke Mr Watts & other Creditors in the face, & that my hart may be melted into thankfullnes to thee my god.

15° dec Sab.[bath]

Mr Ball preached both times very p[ro]fitably on the agravac[ion] of Adams sinne. Lord blesse it to me & my family, oh what a great & pr[e]sumptious sinne it was, Lord give me to be humbled for it for my hand was in it, oh heale the wound that it hath made in my nature for the Lords sake.

16° dec.

Court to day, where the Entryes very few but the Lord made it up in some other

other things I blesse the Lord. I was wth Mr MarstonFootnote ⁷⁷³ at Mr ffarrens & wth Mr Readinge & Mr Goodere after, Lord give me more to avoyd the socyety that is not p[ro]fitable as Mr Readinge,Footnote ⁷⁷⁴ Lord blesse & doe good to Mr Goodere whom thou hast endued with the grace of thy sp[iri]t.

17° dec. 1639

I prayed and went about my occasions

18° dec

I prayed and went to Wellingborow I had very g[rea]t comforts in duty in the morninge I blesse the Lord.

19° dec.

I prayed and went to the lecture, where I rec[eive]d much refreshinge I blesse the Lord I went downe to Mr Ball at night

20° dec.

The Aldermen & Mr Rec[order]Footnote ⁷⁷⁵ dyned to day at Mr ffarrens, Lord thou art able to give

give me more favor in their eyes, I pray thee bestow it uppon me if thou seest good.

There was a fire tonight at Kingsthorpe

21° dec 1639

some new imploym[en]t this day I blesse the Lord

I have wrought another g[rea]t trip[ar]tite Indent[ure] beinge up about 3 a clock; blessed be the Lord for bestowinge health uppon me & for makinge of me diligent in some measure in my callinge, that so he may make good the p[ro]mise unto me.

I heare to day that Mr Jones of London (Mrs Pentlowes father) is dead, another warning to me Lord pr[e]pare me for death

22° dec Sab.[bath]

Mr Cawdrey preached both times, I have found too much straightenednes in duty this day Lord enlarge me more & more

23° dec 1639

I have desired to seeke the lord earnestly in private this morninge, but my hart hath still bene heavy & dull but Lord accept me in and through thy beloved, The Lord will surely blesse me & increase his graces in me, will pay my debts for me, & build upp me & my family. Lord manifest thy p[ro]vidence towards me this day graciously supply of thyne owne bounty at the Court & otherwise in this my necessity & Lord give me favor in the eyes of the Maior & recorder & keepe me from rash anger & Idle speeches dwell thou in my hart for the Lords sake.

I want neere 50s to pay the interest of Mr Watts his 6 score pound for which I am bound wth him, to Mrs Pilk.[ington] & more & Lord p[ro]vide.

24° dec.

I prayed & went about my occacons Mr Greg was

was with me to day &.

25 dec 1639 xxmas day.

I prayed & we went to heare Mr Ball my hart much streightned & I am too subiect to melancholly & Thorny cares the Lord will helpe me

26° dec.

John James of Olney was with me to day & p[ai]d me 40s of that he owes me blessed be thy name oh Lord for any supply, I was very melancholly to night yet my wife encouraged me in the Lord blessed be thy name oh Lord for any comfort

27° dec.

I prayed & went about my occacons young Mr Martin supped wth me here to

to night & his wife.

28 dec. 1639

I had much comfort in [crossed out: private] secret prayer [above next word: double trefoil symbol] this morninge I blesse the Lord.

Lord I beseech thee appeare to me more & more, Lord how sweet thy pr[e]sence is, & how refreshinge thy Comforts! well! have I hope of heaven & shall I be deiected? the creature indeed could not truly comfort me were I voyd of god & grace, but spirituall comforts can susteyne a man in the absence of the Creature, oh my god be gracious unto me, truly Lord thou art exceedinge gracious, but my sinnes hinder the Current of thy favors, thy goodnesse would flowe uppon me in abundance as the waters when the windowes from on high are opened & the botles of heaven unstopped or the fountaynes of the great deepe unsealled, did not my sinnes so dam them up that I can be but bedeowed & sprinkled with

with a few drops, the fatherly bowells of thyne infinite Compassion doe yerne towards me thy unworthy servant, but I so behave my selfe that they are much restrayned, & thou art oft constrayned to lay hold of thy correctinge rod, but oh my gracious god put my hart into a holy frame, & make me fit for the receavinge of m[er]cyes that so all the good that thou hast p[ro]mised may be made good uppon me that I may boast in the Lord all the day longe, and may set forth thy lovinge kindnesse faythfullnesse & truth, that I may teach transgressors thy way & sinners may be converted unto thee,Footnote ⁷⁷⁶ that I may encourage those that are in want to wayt uppon thee and may be liberall to the hungry & distressed soule, ah my god supply me

me wth moneyes to pay my debts & maynteyne me & my family, I have trusted & will trust in the allsufficient god possessor of heaven & earth who hath taken the care & Chardge of me & mine Lord I beleive helpe my unbeleife, & make me more holy every day then other, & Lord blesse my dear wife powre grace uppon her soule abundantly make us meet helpers one unto another, make us to know in a greater measure the good & the excellency of this ordinance of matrimony & blesse & p[ro]sp[er] the sweet childen thou hast given us oh make them thine by grace, Lord blesse o[u]r servants give them to doe their dutyes to us & we to them take away the rebelliousnes & risinge of spirit that are amongst us, Lord Convert them unto thee make sinne their greatest sorowe that Christ may be their greatest Joy, & uppon him the altar I offer up this poore supplicacon Lord blesse thee that thou hast recovered Mr

Mr Whalleyes sick child which was nere unto deathFootnote ⁷⁷⁷ I blesse thee for sendinge me moneyes to pay the interest of 48s of the 120li wch Mr Watts hath of Mrs Pilkington I blesse thee for movinge my hart to come away so soone out of the Company of Mr daniel Readinge & some others at Mr ffarrens, Lord I blesse thee for thy p[ro]vidence of this day & for all thy goodnesse to me & mine at all times,

Lord order things I pray thee for the best in the businesse betweene Mr Temple & Mr Watts &. Lord enable me more for my callinge & give me more practise & give me ever the peace of an honest Conscience for the Lords sake.

Lord pr[e]pare us for thy Sabath to morow for the Lords sake Amen.

here I neglected to put downe many dayes through many occasions, uppon Tuesday 21° JanuariiFootnote ⁷⁷⁸ I went towards London about Mr Watts his businesse, I went to dunstable the first night & uppon Wednesday I came safe to London, & sought god earnestly about the occ[asi]on, & on Friday we had a heareingeFootnote ⁷⁷⁹ before the M[aste]r of the Roles & Baron henden,Footnote ⁷⁸⁰ & the businesse went very well for us I blesse the Lord, v[id]e the latter end of the booke.

I came from London on Munday 27° Januar to Barnet that night, & the next day home I blesse the LordFootnote ⁷⁸¹

on thursday 6° ffebruarFootnote ⁷⁸² I went towards London againe & came thether safe on friday & stayed there till friday 21. ffebr & came to ffenny stratfordFootnote ⁷⁸³ that night & came home safe on Satterday I blesse the Lord.

Blessed be my gracious god for his good hand of p[ro]vidence towards me all this while Lord sanctifye thy m[er]cyes to me for the Lords sake.

23° ffeb. 1639/40. Sab.[bath]

Mr PinchesterFootnote ⁷⁸⁴ preached both times very p[ro]fit

p[ro]fitably I blesse the Lord.

24° ffeb 1639/40

Court here to day where the Lord supplyed me graciously

25° ffebFootnote ⁷⁸⁵

I prayed & went about my occ[asi]ons.

26. ffeb.

This day the Judges, my Lord Cheife BaronFootnote ⁷⁸⁶ & Justice Berkley came in to the towne wth Sr xxoferFootnote ⁷⁸⁷ yelverton sheriff

27° ffeb.

Mr PalmerFootnote ⁷⁸⁸ preached the Assize sermon very p[ro]fitably

28. ffeb.

The Assizes ended to night there beinge not

not much to doe, John Ponder & some others have endited a curateFootnote ⁷⁸⁹ for not deliveringe them the sacram[en]t unlesse they would come up to the rayles

29° ffeb. 1639/40

I went alonge to Warwick wth Mr Pentlow & henry Coop[er], we came thether in the Close of the eveninge; I went about the tryall at Law inter Mr Temple & Watts &.

1° Martii Sab.[bath]

Mr Venners preached in the morninge at Wa[rwick] & Mr BryanFootnote ⁷⁹⁰ in the afternoone, very honestly & p[ro]fitably, & I was refresh[e]d to see the good Lord Brooke

2° Martii

an unworthy man preached this day before the Judge, Lord set up shining lights

3° Martii 1639/40

This morninge the cause inter Temple & Watts & was heard, & its gone against my Clyents dam[ages] to 890li ah my god I pray thee bringe good out of this both for them & me thou art able to doe it give me yet favor in the eyes of Mr Watts if it be thy will & furnish me that I may pay him & all others to whom I stand indebted mine eyes are towards thee.

4° Martii

we came from Warr[ick] to day, & by gods p[ro]vidence about 2 or 3 mile on thisside we met wth one Mr Taylor of Birmingham a godly man & his freind, I rec[eive]d much good & comfort in discourse & conference wth Mr Taylor, Lord goe along with him & blesse him for the Lords sake. I came home safe I blesse the Lord.

5° Martii

Mr Wm Martin preached well at the Lect

lecture here to day. Mr GledeFootnote ⁷⁹¹ hath bene wth me to intreat my voyce for Sr xxoferFootnote ⁷⁹² hatton to be K[nigh]t of the shire, but I delivered my selfe so to him that he p[er]ceaves how I stand affected, Lord I pray thee direct me & defend me from evill that may come uppon me for doeinge that wch is rightFootnote ⁷⁹³

from the 5^th to the 19^th I neglected my Journall by reason of divers occasions but had many passages of gods good p[ro]vide[nce] towards me not to be forgotten. M[aste]r at Graft[on] my horse fell into the mud as I went & where I was in company 12° Martii wth ffoliat & ArundellFootnote ⁷⁹⁴ preists & diverse other lea[r]n[e]d drunkards the Lord kept me that I ranne not to the same excesse, blessed be thy name oh Lord for all thy goodnesse yet I had cause to be humbled for want of that moderacon that should have bene in m[e] Lord p[ar]don the sinne of thy servant & mak[e] me a gayner by all my faylings, I came home early on Friday morninge had come there over night but that I stayd for company that fayled

16° Martii 1639/40

I prayed & after Court went to Mr Bacons

17° Martii

I stayd at Mr Bacons takinge Instr[uction] p[ro] leases blessed be thy name oh Lord for imploym[en]t & abilityes for it

18° Martii

I came from Burton [Latimer] to Wellingborow & p[rese]ntly after I had bene there Sr Gilb[er]t PickeringeFootnote ⁷⁹⁵ came through the towne [crossed out: & I was] goeing wth some Company towards North[amp]ton to stand to be a K[nigh]t of the shire ag[ains]t Mr Elmes,Footnote ⁷⁹⁶ I was much affected to see him & prayed in my hart for him & came along wth him to North[amp]ton

19° Martii

I prayed & went to the Castle where

after the writt was read the Earle of North[amp]tonFootnote ⁷⁹⁷ Earle of Westm[or]landFootnote ⁷⁹⁸ Earle of Peterburgh wth othersFootnote ⁷⁹⁹ mounted their horses & [crossed out: so] Rode betweene the companys callinge men to come to Mr Elmes his company but the companyFootnote ⁸⁰⁰ of Mr CreweFootnote ⁸⁰¹ & Sr Gilbert who stood nere together was the greatest, [crossed out: yet] so the Lords would goe to pollinge & this night there were abou[t] 7 score more sworne on Mr Elmes his side then on Sr GilbertsFootnote ⁸⁰²

Mr Elmes yealded the first place to Mr Crewe wthout pollinge

20° Martii

pollinge still, I was sworne for Sr Gilb[er]te,Footnote ⁸⁰³

21° Martii

pollinge still,Footnote ⁸⁰⁴ & I was sent this morninge to Mr Bagshawes about an occasion. I came home againe about one a clock and about 2 or 3 a clock Sr Gilb[er]t was declared Knight of the shire to the Joy of the harts of gods people.

22° Martii 1639/40 Sab.[bath]

some comfort this day in gods ordinances.

23° Martii

Court to day

24° Martii noyse of Warrs wth Scotland I kept Court at BlissworthFootnote ⁸⁰⁵ the burgesses chosen for North[amp]ton Mr Tate Mr KnightleyFootnote ⁸⁰⁶

25° Martii 1640

ffareFootnote ⁸⁰⁷ here at North[amp]ton

26. Martii

I prayed & went to Stoke [Bruerne]Footnote ⁸⁰⁸ where I kept Court & came safe home that night I blesse the Lord.

27. Martii I prayed & went to the sessions here kept this day for the towne & the Lord carryed me graciously through the worke & supplyed me graciously

28° Martii I prayed & attended my occ[asi]ons

29° Martii 1640 Sab.[bath]

some refreshinge by gods ordinances Lord helpe me against the thorny cares of the world for the Lords sake.

Mr Ball preached both times. I & my deare wife rec[eive]d the sacram[en]t.

30° Martii

I prayed & went to the Court.

31° Martii

I prayed & went & kept Alderton Co[u]r[t]Footnote ⁸⁰⁹ & came home safe that night I prayse the Lord.

1° April

I prayed & went this heavy Snowy frosty morninge to Grafton [Regis] to keepe the Leete there, it hath snowed all this day, I lodge at Grafton [Regis] this night Rich ffarmer marryed to day.

2° April 1640

I kept the 3. weeks Court this morninge & after that I rode to Potts PerryFootnote ⁸¹⁰ to keepe Court there, & then came to Mr Butlers to Alderton to bed It hath snowed almost all this day.

3° April

This day I am 34 I thinke Lord [left margin: trefoil symbol] blesse thee for sparinge my life so long & givinge me so large a time of rep[en]tan[ce] sanctify thy patience towards me pr[e]seve me still to thy glory & the good of my family my wife this day 23. Lord cont[inue] us both together long to thy glory & o[u]r mutuall comfort for the Lords sake. Sam. this day (as beinge good Friday) is [left margin: trefoil symbol] 4. yeares old Lord pr[e]serve & blesse make him a vessell of m[er]cy & an instrum[en]t of glory to thee & comfort to us. I went from Alderton to GreenesnortonFootnote ⁸¹¹ to keep Court & there I met wth Mr

WilkinsonFootnote ⁸¹² & another or two in whom Jesus Xt was formed wch was a great Comfort to me, I came home to night safe I blesse the Lord; & was brought safe over the wallFootnote ⁸¹³ I blesse the Lord.

4° April 1640

I prayed and went about my occasions & the Lord graciously carryed me through them.

5° April Easter day

Mr Ball preached in the morninge Mr holmesFootnote ⁸¹⁴ in the afternoone, both very p[ro]fitably.

6° April

This day I sent my deare wife & litle John towards London wth hatton & dickFootnote ⁸¹⁵ & Wm Spicer we besought the Lord for his good p[ro]vidence in o[u]r severall iourneys, I went towards Lamp[ort] before my wife set forth, I was there about the Commission betweene Tho Knighton & his motherFootnote ⁸¹⁶ Mr Cawdrey good Mr Cawdrey was there too

[crossed out: 6] 7 April 1640

about 4 a clock we ended o[u]r commission & I came along wth Mr Kimbould & ffleminge to North[amp]ton in the great raine & could not receave any newes of my deare wife & was in feare of the men that were to come back in resp[ec]t of the waters but did desire to wayte uppon the Lord. I supped at Mr Rushworthes.

8° April I prayed & went to Wellingborow ffare, great hurt done this night in Cotton end & South quarter to the value of 1000li or as some say 2000li wth the violent & sudden overflowinge of the waters in the night & g[rea]t lamentacon made, Lord sanctifye this thine hand, oh how [crossed out: fr] vayne are temp[or]all things. I went to Broughton this night.

9° April

I kept Mr Pentlowes Court of Broughton this day, I had much good discourse wth Mr Bentham about the church & p[a]rliam[en]t.

[crossed out: 9] 10 April 1640

I came along wth dick to holcot & there I stayd & wrote to Rob. Wyne & dick went back wth the letter to Ketteringe.

a g[e]n[er]all fast was held this day [crossed out: fo] amongst xxians privately in England Scot.[land] Germany ut dic[itur] p[ro] successe of the p[ar]liam[en]t.

11° April

I prayed & had great & extraordinary comforts to many teares I blesse the Lord, the Lord shewed m[er]cy to me stayed me wth fflagons & comforted me wth applesFootnote ⁸¹⁷ & I prayed unto him in an accepted time for my selfe & wife & children & [crossed out: I] for my deare bretheren abroad in the world, this was a blessed day I was lifted up above the prosp[er]ity & adversity of the world, oh my god that I could soare up above on the wings of fayth & dwell allwayes above the midle region,

12° April Sab.[bath]

some comforts in gods ordinances this day I blesse the Lord, Mr Ball preached in the morninge & Mr holmes in the afternoone.

13° April 1640

This day the p[ar]liam[en]t begins, Lord make it a meanes of good to thy Church & this Comon wealth,Footnote ⁸¹⁸ take notice of thy adversaryes & those that plott against thy truth & gospell breake their plotts & confound their devices seeing they imagine mischeife against thee let them not bringe to effect what they [inked out, unintelligible] intend set up holy doctrine & pure worship amongst us for the Lords sake

Court to day & the Lord graciously carryed me through the businesses of the day.

14° April

Quarter Sess[ions] here to day Sr Rob. hattonFootnote ⁸¹⁹ gave the Charge

I attended Mr Pearsons businesse v[e]rs[u]s Rob Wyne p[ro] the Inquir[y] de dampnFootnote ⁸²⁰ Mr Readinge was against me.

in the eveninge about 9 of the Clock there was a strange streame of light came out of the Northwest closse by the moone as then it was & came quite over which I saw &

called diverse to see it, ah Lord thou shewest signes & wonders in heaven above & in the earth beneath & yet we remayne hardned still oh worke mightily in thy church & for it for the Lords sake

Good Lord I pray thee looke uppon my poore child John & Cure his eyes, & pay my debts for me in thy due time & susteyne me graciously in the meane time [crossed out: s] & sanctifye them to me for the Lords sake.

15° April 1640

I was this day for one Bowyer of Toucester in another inquiry of damages, & the Lord inabled me graciously, I blesse the Lord for it

16° April

Mr Ball [inserted: 2 the[ssa]l[onian]s] preached very well at the Lecture blessed be god

17° April 1640

I prayed & went to SlaptonFootnote ⁸²¹ & kept the Court there & the Lord graciously enabled me for it & brought us home safe at night

I have still good newes from London I blesse the Lord about Johns amendm[en]t Lord p[er]fect it I humbly beseech thee

18° April

I prayed & went about my occasions, & the Lord is please to give me good imploym[en]t I blesse the Lord, I sate up late about the bus[ines]s concerning Mrs ffarmer & Mr Watts.

19° April Sab.[bath]

some Comforts & grac[ious] abilityes in duty this day I blesse the Lord

20° April 1640

Court to day where the Lord enabled me graciously.

& then till the 1° of maii many passages of gods good p[ro]vidence towards me which through businesse I have not expressed.

1° Maii

I prayed & went to Ould to seale the writings inter Alex IbsFootnote ⁸²² & Wallis & beinge his wives Joynture. after that I went to Sr John Ishams and there I supped but I p[er]ceave his carriage was altered towards me in respect that I was for Sr Guilb[er]t Pickering at the eleccon,Footnote ⁸²³ but Lord my god I desire to wayte uppon thee & to trust thee with my selfe family estate & what ever concernes me; I beseech thee direct & order every thinge so as may be for the glory of thy great & holy name & the good [crossed out: of] & sp[irit]uall Comfort of me thy poore servant for the Lords sake.

2° Maii

many occ[asi]ons, at North[amp]ton, & the Lord sent me another Client [crossed out: vrss] vizt Mr Morley to draw writings inter him & Mr harbertFootnote ⁸²⁴

3° Maii 1640 Sab.[bath]

Mr Perkins preached well here both times & we heard good newes of the p[ar]liam[en]t.

4° Maii

I prayed & went early to the Court by reason of the visitacon here to day,Footnote ⁸²⁵ & after Court I went towards London, & came safe to dunstable I & dick & his father, though I was somewhat affrighted on the way wth two in o[u]r company. I lay at Mr Walker

5° Maii

as I came towards London I heard it at highgate that some s[ai]d the Parliam[en]t was [crossed out: to be] broke off & when I came to London I found it so indeed, & the harts of good people were much deiected but Lord thou art o[u]r refuge in the time of trouble a sure defence, oh save us thy people & rescue us & bringe thine enimyes to p[er]petuall shame, Let thy gospell flourish for the Lords sake

*****

6° Maii 1640 O

The Studyes of the good Lord Sea, Lord BrookeFootnote ⁸²⁶ & have bene searched, Lord graunt that all the malice of thine adversaryes may turne unto thy prayse, blesse me & my family for the Lords sake

7° Maii

I prayed & went about mine occasions the times are very doubtfull & mens harts full of feares, Lord settle us & thy glorio[us] gospell in due time for the Lords sake

8° Maii

[crossed out: I was at the hall & dyned] I was wth Mr Pentlowe at night who d[e]l[ive]r[e]d me 3 peec[es] from Mr Pearson

9° Maii

I prayed & went to Mr Pearson & to my uncle dexters, & I heard that that morninge

a libell was found which was a sumons to all Apprentices & to meete the next holiday (as I then heard) in St Georges feilds to pull downe the Archb[isho]ps house at Lambeth

10° Maii 1640 Sab.[bath]

I heard Mr Calamy in the morninge & one Mr WilsonFootnote ⁸²⁷ [crossed out: illegible letter] in the afternoone there, I was very dull this day oh my god lay it not to my charge but quicken me & make me more to delight in thee my god & to find more tast & sweetnesse in thine ordinances for the Lords sake.

This [crossed out: night] eveninge a drum was beat up in Southwarke & Charge given to the trayne bondFootnote ⁸²⁸ there to [crossed out: p] guard the Archb[isho]ps house.

11° Maii

about 12 or one [crossed out: or 2] of Clock in the night diverse hundreds were gathered together to assault the Archb[isho]ps house, & the archb[isho]p was compelled to take a grey cloake as was s[ai]d & to [crossed out: esp] escape over

over Thames,Footnote ⁸²⁹ oh Lord god bringe good out of all these troubles & feares for the Lords sake

12° Maii 1640

we here of diverse other libells, and the state of things in the Kingdome is very [crossed out: illegible word] doubtfull & uncertaine.

13 Mr MaiorFootnote ⁸³⁰ of North[amp]ton & Mr Knight are come up the Maior beinge sent for for not collectinge conduct moneyFootnote ⁸³¹ &.

Mr Maior I heare would not keepe a Court in my absence, Lord looke uppon me in m[er]cy & give me favor in the eyes of the corpora[tion] if it be thy will for the Lords sake

14° MaiiFootnote ⁸³²

This day the traine bond in these p[ar]ts towards Clem[en]ts Inne were commannded to gather p[rese]ntly & meet at Arundell houseFootnote ⁸³³ & to attend; oh Lord thou who commanndest the waves to be still commannd these stormes to cease, thou art able to doe it oh Lord put forth thy power for the Lords sake.

*****

15° Maii 1640

This last night we were much affrighted by reason that about 12. a clock in the night one knocked vehemently at [crossed out: the] my fathers dore & p[ro]claymed that all the trayned men must suddenly repayre to their Captaine uppon payne of death as it was s[ai]d; whereuppon my father sent Richard Becket wth his armes, & in the morninge we heard they were the Apprentice[s] & others that had pulled downe the white Lyon & delivered the prison[e]rs there, & their fellowes that were committed a litle before;Footnote ⁸³⁴ oh Lord thou art able to silence all these troubles, doe it for the glory of thy blessed name & the comfort of thy people for the Lords sake.

16° Maii

the Apprentices as they are called have let the prisoners this night out of the white lyon, & one of them was found dead there oh Lord bringe good out of all theise evills & peace & quietnesse out of these distemp[er]s for the Lords sake

17 Maii Sab[bath]

comforts in gods ordinances I prayse the Lord

*****

17° Maii 1640

tearme ended this day. ffrancis ffreemanFootnote ⁸³⁵ in some hope of getting out of the fleete &.

I came safe home & was there before WhitsontydeFootnote ⁸³⁶ & left my wife at London & went & came hether againe 16° Junii 1640 & there stayed till 1° Julii & then came out of the towne wth Mr Walden & ux Mr Smart & ux Mr downham & uxFootnote ⁸³⁷ & lay at dunstab[le] at the crowne & through the next day wth my wife & [crossed out: I who]

8. Julii thassizes here, & I observed not th[is] my Journall through occ[asi]ons till 2° Aug. & therefore have not recorded many remarkab[le] passages of gods p[ro]vidence towards me in the time,Footnote ⁸³⁸ but Lord I blesse thee for all thy goodnesse to me, I have bene often deiected but thou hast raysed me up againe I have bene since in many wants but thou hast graciously supplyed me blessed be thy nam[e] oh Lord