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the experience of reading in Britain, from 1450 to 1945...

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Listings for Reader:  

Elizabeth Gurney

 

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William Savery : [letter]

'I read Wm S- letter and thought upon it and religion before I got up, I think of and feel religion at times but I do not understand it always'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Manuscript: Letter

  

[n/a] : [New] Testament

'I often go to see poor Bob who seems to me dying and it is a good thing to attend a person in that situation. I think the more one sees of the different states of human nature the better. I read to him in the Testament, he flys to religion as his last resource, it is the only firm solid source of happiness in this world.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[n/a] : [New] Testament

'After reading to poor Bob which was a cross to me because some one was present I wrote this.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[n/a] : [New] Testament [probably]

'I slept late. Too unwell to go to meeting but have been writing and working which I disapprove of doing in general on a Sunday for I think it a bad example to servants, but I intend now to read in the Testament. I finished this day satisfactorily. I went to meeting; heard a good deal of reading and read to Nurse Norman's family.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

Epictetus : [unknown]

'Altogether I think I have had a satisfactory day. I had a good lesson of French this morning and read much in Epectitus'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[n/a] : [New] Testament

'in the afternoon I laid down had a very sweet nap which I did enjoy - read in the Testament ... I then went and read the Testament to Nurse Norman's family which answered remarkably well ... I have been reading to little Castleton. I sometimes feel I am not good enough to teach others until I know more myself, and am a more strictly virtuous character'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[n/a] : [New] Testament

'in the afternoon I laid down had a very sweet nap which I did enjoy - read in the Testament ... I then went and read the Testament to Nurse Norman's family which answered remarkably well ... I have been reading to little Castleton. I sometimes feel I am not good enough to teach others until I know more myself, and am a more strictly virtuous character'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[n/a] : [unknown]

'in the afternoon I laid down had a very sweet nap which I did enjoy - read in the Testament ... I then went and read the Testament to Nurse Norman's family which answered remarkably well ... I have been reading to little Castleton. I sometimes feel I am not good enough to teach others until I know more myself, and am a more strictly virtuous character'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

John Gurney : [letter]

'I have been reading a letter from my father in which he offers me to come to London, [underline] what [end underline] a temptation, but I believe it to be much better for me to be where I am ... then I walked in and went into the study to look for a book to read, and what should I think of reading but Barclay's "Apology".'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Manuscript: Letter

  

Robert Barclay : Apology for the True Christian Divinity

'I have been reading a letter from my father in which he offers me to come to London, [underline] what [end underline] a temptation, but I believe it to be much better for me to be where I am ... then I walked in and went into the study to look for a book to read, and what should I think of reading but Barclay's "Apology".'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

Matthew Lewis : The Monk

'This evening I have been reading a good deal in the "Monk". I don't know whether it hurts the mind or not, it certainly shows the passions in a very fascinating light. I think we are more apt to be impressed with that part than the morality of it. I think it loss of time and ... I should not go on reading it, but yet as I have begun it I think it better to go on.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[n/a] : Bible [most likely]

'In the afternoon ... I went to the Cathedral then I came home read to the Normans and little Castleton'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

Robert Barclay : Apology for the True Christian Divinity

'I first wrote to my father then wrote a little journal, read two chapters in the Testament, had a good lesson of French, went to see Bob, read in Barclay's Apology for some hours upon Revealed Religion. The part I most disapprove of is the harsh manner in which he speaks of other sects, it seems to me want [underline] Charity [end underline] and [underline] Without Charity is nothing [end underline] - some parts that he says are beautiful, clear and capable of being understood, other parts are not so much so, and I think all might have been expressed in a more [underline] concise [end underline] manner.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[n/a] : [New] Testament

'I first wrote to my father then wrote a little journal, read two chapters in the Testament, had a good lesson of French, went to see Bob, read in Barclay's Apology for some hours upon Revealed Religion.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[n/a] : [New] Testament

'I have been great part of this morning with poor Bob who seems now dying. I read a long chapter in the Testament to him the one upon death and I sat with him for some time afterwards'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

Robert Barclay : Apology for the True Christian Divinity

'I went to see Mrs Norman and read in Barclay's Apology'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

Robert Barclay : Apology for the True Christian Divinity

'read in Barclay's Apology in the evening'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

Robert Barclay : Apology for the True Christian Divinity

'read a little in Barclay'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[n/a] : Bible [Old Testament]

'This day I begin to read through the Bible. I have finished the Testament. I wish to read the Bible of a morning and the Testament of an evening I feel it a [underline] good plan [end underline]'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[n/a] : [New] Testament

'I read to the old Normans'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[n/a] : [New] Testament

'read to Mrs Norman'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[n/a] : [New] Testament

'I have been reading a good deal in the Testament today'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[n/a] : [New] Testament

'This morning Kitty came in for us to read the Testament together, which I enjoyed, I read my favourite chapter the 15th of Corinthians to them. Oh [underline] how [end underline] earnestly I hope that we may all know what truth is and follow its dictates.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[n/a] : [New] Testament

'I had rather a comfortable drive here from Shrewsbury, read in the Testament and got by heart one or two verses'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[unknown] : [unknown]

'After they all went I came and wrote my journal and sat with cousin Priscilla and we read till dinner'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[unknown] : [unknown, possibly Bible]

'Yesterday evening I had a little choice time by myself. I read and was still in my heart.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[unknown] : [unknown, probably religious, Bible?]

'A most comfortable reading with my little boys and one with my family'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[unknown] : [unknown, probably religious, Bible?]

'A most comfortable reading with my little boys and one with my family'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[unknown] : [unknown]

'I devoted most of my morning writing to P. Hoare, writing French and reading'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

Samuel Johnson : The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia

'I have this day read Rasselas which is a book I like as it leads to deep affection'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[unknown] : [unknown]

'at night snug time reading after the rest of the family were in bed'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[unknown] : [unknown, probably religious, Bible?]

'went to Meeting - had a more comfortable reading with my boys than this day [last] week'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

Isaac Watts : Logic: or, The right use of reason, in the inquiry after truth

'Since dinner I have read much logic and enjoyed it, it is interesting to me, may, I think, with attention, do me good - reading Watts impresses deeply in my mind how very careful I should be of judging'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

Isaac Watts : Logic: or, The right use of reason, in the inquiry after truth

'I have been reading Watts on judgement this afternoon; it has led me into thought and particularly upon the evidence I have to believe in religion ... my mind has not been convinced by books; but what little faith I have confirmed by reading the Holy writers themselves.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

Isaac Watts : Logic: or, The right use of reason, in the inquiry after truth

'read Watts' Logic'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[unknown] : [unknown, probably religious, Bible?]

'I had a satisfactory reading with my little boys more so than I almost remember'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

St Basil of Caesarea : [unknown]

'I read much this morning in St Basil, which is to me excellent, interesting and beautiful. He advises a constant thanksgiving for the many blessings we enjoy; and that we should not grumble at the evils we are subject to; how much more cause I have for thankfulness than sorrow'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[unknown] : [unknown]

'At ten o'clock we all met in the study and my father read to us. - I fear my mind is not sufficiently obedient to its God. After dinner I taught Danny to read and did a little logic. Since that I have been reading aloud a long homily and there I committed a fault. John asked me to let him read and I did not, which takes off the satisfaction of reading for I did not do as I would be done by.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[unknown] : [unknown, probably Bible?]

'Rose in pretty good time, read before breakfast, had a lesson in French, read English, wrote logic before dinner'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[unknown] : [unknown]

'Rose in pretty good time, read before breakfast, had a lesson in French, read English, wrote logic before dinner'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

William Jones : A course of lectures on the figurative language of the Holy Scripture, and the interpretation of it from Scripture itself

'wrote a little logic this afternoon and read Jones on the Figurative languages of the Scriptures'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[n/a] : [New] Testament

'I first wrote in my journal, read in the Testament after breakfast'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[unknown] : [unknown, probably Bible?]

'I wrote and read a little before breakfast'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

Joseph Butler : Analogy

'I am now reading Butler's Analogy'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

Lavator : Journal

'I have read a good deal of Lavator's journal and have felt sympathy with him. I like the book as it reminds me of my duty'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

Lavator : self knowledge

'I have been reading Lavator on self knowledge, and like it much. I find it difficult to confine my attention to what I am reading; books tells us to think clearly and fix our ideas to the subject before us; I wish they would tell us how to do it'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[n/a] : Bible

'I then wrote a little journal, read a chapter away from the fire; rather as a cross to the body; but I had such a sweet time alone as to forget bodily cold, for I was inwardly warmed and cheered by feeling under the guidance and protection of the Most High; happy state!'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[n/a] : [French]

'I then read french and wrote it, had one or two little interruptions'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

John Mason : Self-knowledge: A Treatise

'I then read Mason on self knowledge till dinner, not with so much attention as I could wish; I seldom attend sufficiently to what I am reading, to remember at all accurately what I have been reading about'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

John Bunyan : Pilgrim's Progress

'After that Kitty made a proposition very pleasant to me, that we should sit together all the afternoon and read "Pilgrim's Progress" and work; and we sat snugly over the nursery fire, and it was interesting and pleasant to me on two accounts, as I feel interested in the Allegory of the pilgrim and it was pleasant to be so snug with Kitty who I don't like to say much about ... We then drank tea; after tea Kitty and I read a little further ... after supper I read with Kitty until bed time.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[n/a] : [New] Testament

'I went to see E. Golder, and friend Bullen came in ... we read a little in the Testament and the journal of Job Scott'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

Job Scott : Journal of the life, travels and Gospel labours of that faithful servant and minister of Christ, Job Scott

'I went to see E. Golder, and friend Bullen came in ... we read a little in the Testament and the journal of Job Scott'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[unknown] : [unknown, probably religious, Bible?]

'quite vexed to teach my children in so shabby a room as the laundry; [underline] Pride [end underline] I think it was; however, I had a very comfortable reading with them'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[n/a] : [New] Testament

'Read my Testament and felt not destitute of religion'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[unknown] : [unknown, probably religious, Bible?]

'I had a comfortable time with my children only I felt too anxious for uncle Joseph to see them as he was here but he did not; I am fearful I should be vain of my reading, I feel I am so now; I hope if I try to overcome it, I shall not be so'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

John Mason : Self-knowledge: A Treatise

'I had a quiet afternoon on the sofa in my room reading Mason on self knowledge, French, and Job Scott's journal, which I like vastly and found really doing me good, at least edifying me'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[unknown] : [French]

'I had a quiet afternoon on the sofa in my room reading Mason on self knowledge, French, and Job Scott's journal, which I like vastly and found really doing me good, at least edifying me'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

Job Scott : Journal of the life, travels and Gospel labours of that faithful servant and minister of Christ, Job Scott

'I had a quiet afternoon on the sofa in my room reading Mason on self knowledge, French, and Job Scott's journal, which I like vastly and found really doing me good, at least edifying me'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[n/a] : New Testament

'12 verse. 4th chap: Paul to Timothy; this does strike my mind deeply; Let no man despite thy youth but be thou an example to the believers in word in conversation in charity in spirit in faith in purity. 14th verse neglect not the gift that is in thee.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[unknown] : [unknown]

'I read to dear little Mary'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

  

[n/a] : Bible

'In the evening my father brought two friends with him and Lawrence Candler. As I was reading to my children in the laundry, my father brought them all in; when I had finished reading in the Testament we were all silent: - and soon John Kirkham knelt down in prayer and we all rose up; it was a very solemn time; my heart was not much moved, but I believe many of my dear children were affected by it'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Gurney      Print: Book

 

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