_Practical View of the Prevailing System of Professed Christians in the Higher and Middle Ranks in this Country, Contrasted with Real Christianity._ Published 1797, and frequently reprinted. Footnote 181: Th. Scott—the friend of Cowper—born 1747, died 1821, chaplain to the Lock Hospital. Footnote 182: Th. Newton, born 1704, died 1782; edited _Paradise Lost_. Footnote 183: Alluding to the movement suggested by A. Y., and ultimately carried out, of forming regiments of volunteer cavalry, in view of the menacing attitude of France. Footnote 184: Carnot, the ‘organiser of victory,’ grandfather of the late lamented President of the French Republic. Almost alone of the Senate, Carnot refused to sanction the _coup d’état_ of Napoleon, 1799. Footnote 185: J. F. Ostervald, Swiss Protestant divine, born 1683, died 1747. All his works have been translated into English. Footnote 186: These ‘Observations,’ above referred to, are inserted in vol. xxix _Annals of Agriculture_. ----- CHAPTER XIII DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE, 1798, 1799, 1800 Assessed taxes—Society—Mr. Pitt and the Board of Agriculture—A foolish joke—Dinners to poor children—Interview with the King—Royal farming—Correspondence—Bradfield—Incidents of home travel—Portrait of a great lady—Correspondence. _January 9, 1798._—At Petworth. This is the way in which I keep a journal; had I the abilities of Johnson it might be an excuse, but I am as idle as he without the talents that enabled him to think to good purpose. London has passed away till the vacation without much to note, yet always something; for I met many at Mrs. M. Montagu’s parties twice a week, whose conversation was interesting. Very few dinners, for the town was empty. Attended divine service at Mr. Cecil’s chapel, and ought to have made memoranda. The breakfast at Wilberforce’s with Mr. Serjeant, Hawkins, Brown, Thornton, &c., all members in committee on the assessed taxes.[187] Miss Griffiths, the friend and mother of my ever dear Bobbin at school, coming to board with Mrs. Y.; these and many more articles all passed over, and, above all, the reflections which thronged in my mind on the conclusion of that year which deprived me of my child and turned my heart so imperfectly to God Almighty. Without that event how should I have been able to bear the stroke of the taxes, my share of which will I fear be 100_l._ Had I been out of debt it would have been comparatively light, but I am seized about some bills which yet remain, and which, if I pay,[188] shall not be able to pay those taxes. I have advertised my cottage and eighty acres of land to let, but no chance of getting such a rent as I know I ought to have to make letting answer.