Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Richard Austin of Sibford Ferris called for some taxes. I spoke to him about his never coming to Church. He said he could not bear the noise and that if he went anywhere it was to “Meeting” – but that was very seldom. I tried to show him his duty, I fear in vain. He has a great deal of religious talk in him and seems inclined to “Quakerism”. Some of his notions as to Christian doctrine are very crude, not to say heretical.

Canon Payne called. Spoke about Insurances on Farm and School buildings. He and Mr Norris had been talking about the increase ordered at last Trustees meeting and had agreed that they might be insured for a less sum than was then ordered; but said he could not expect me to make any alteration in what was ordered at the meeting. I told him I had done what was requested the day following the meeting. I added that the School, house etc were all insured separately and that I did not think the amounts too large. He appeared to change his view on hearing that.

Confirmation classes as last week. William Spicer came this evening. I gave him a parcel of grocery as he has earned very little since his accident.

Visited Thomas Holland and Benjamin Aris who is laid up with bronchitis. Gave him some wine, soup and a flannel shirt.

Visited Mrs Coles and spoke about her servant, the girl Robinson, who is old enough for confirmation, but is at home now suffering from chilblains.

Visited Charles Legge whose children are ill.

Dr Routh called and spoke about a farmer named Goffe who would like to have the Heath Farm and wished to have some sort of understanding about it. I told him that individual trustees could not do more than say a surveyor’s report would soon be received and a meeting of Trustees held when the business could be gone into.

Went to Oxford. Called on Mr Hughes who was not in. Mr Kirkland accompanied me. Met Rev A Humphrey Rector of Thorpe Mandeville who told me they had 4 feet of snow in his parish and neighbourhood. Met Mr Izatt Rector of Wroxton who asked me to preach for him some evening in Lent. I said we might be of mutual help in that matter.