Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Fine, bright, frosty.

Preached this morning on the “Historical Continuity of the Church of England” as the Liberationist Society is attempting to bring about Disestablishment and Disendowment, and has induced 460 Radical Candidates to pledge themselves to vote in favour of the two D’s. Fox (plumber) and Inns, his nephew and workman who is people’s churchwarden this year both walked out of church during the sermon. Some one called at Fox’s after church to ask whether he was ill. He said no, but he came out of church because he did not like the sermon. I do not think that either of these two men desires disestablishment and disendowment, but they are Liberals in politics, and I imagine thought that “Liberationists” meant Liberals. I have been careful not to preach political sermons, and have not, if I remember rightly, ever mentioned the name of either political party. I feel inclined to excuse these two men on the score of their ignorance, as their fellow parishioners will probably tease them sufficiently about it. Mr Mann is a strong Liberal, but distinctly opposed to the two D’s. He sat out the sermon.

Published Banns of Marriage between Jane Lamb and a young man named Dunn of Walton d’Erville, Warwickshire.

Attended Choir practice this evening.

Bright and frosty.

Mr Smith, of Brailes, sent his man over with a note asking me to go to the Clerical Meeting to be held at his house tomorrow and to take Mr Davies, if he would go. I sought for Mr Davies, and after a time found him. At first he declined, as Mr Smith had not called on him, but afterwards he consented to go.

Visited School, Mrs Hewings, George Green, Eliza Lamb, George Payne, Widow Humphrey Sabin, John Coleman, Thomas Henry Tarver, Thomas Coleman.

Richard Wilson, father in law of G. Harris, pensioner, residing at the Friends Mission Room cottages, died suddenly this afternoon, age 70.

Bright and frosty.

Pensioner Harris called this morning to make arrangements about his father in law’s funeral.

I lunched with Mr Davies and then we walked to Brailes to the South Kineton Clerical Meeting. We had an interesting discussion, and a good dinner at 5 o’clock.

Mrs Davies took tea with Bell and Rosa this afternoon.