Sunday 10 November 1661
(Lord’s day). At our own church in the morning, where Mr. Mills preached. Thence alone to the Wardrobe to dinner with my Lady, where my Lady continues upon yesterday’s discourse still for me to lay out money upon my wife, which I think it is best for me to do for her honour and my own. Last night died Archibald, my Lady’s butler and Mrs. Sarah’s brother, of a dropsy, which I am troubled at.
In the afternoon went and sat with Mr. Turner in his pew at St. Gregory’s, where I hear our Queen Katherine, the first time by name as such, publickly prayed for, and heard Dr. Buck upon “Woe unto thee, Corazin,” &c., where he started a difficulty, which he left to another time to answer, about why God should give means of grace to those people which he knew would not receive them, and deny to others which he himself confesses, if they had had them, would have received them, and they would have been effectual too. I would I could hear him explain this, when he do come to it. Thence home to my wife, and took her to my Aunt Wight’s, and there sat a while with her (my uncle being at Katharine hill), and so home, and I to Sir W. Batten’s, where Captain Cock was, and we sent for two bottles of Canary to the Rose, which did do me a great deal of hurt, and did trouble me all night, and, indeed, came home so out of order that I was loth to say prayers to-night as I am used ever to do on Sundays, which my wife took notice of and people of the house, which I was sorry for.
47 Annotations
First Reading
Bob T • Link
Not a good day for our Sammy
"My Lady" tells him to buy his Wife some clothes. Then he gets snapped out of his skull on a couple of bottles of Canary, and even the servants noticed it. Elizabeth gets new clothes, and the servants something to snicker about. Sam probably wishes he'd stayed in bed.
dirk • Link
"about why God should give means of grace ..."
Interesting theological point. I'm no expert in this matter, but it seems to me that 2 arguments are likely to come up here: predestination & free will. I'm not even going to try to work this out...
Robert Gertz • Link
Quite a campaign our ever sweet and courageous Lady Jemina is mounting for her young friend, Beth. I remember she visited her recently, according to Sam's entries and no doubt Jem was disturbed to see the poor kid in "old mourning". Given our Lady's persistent championship I'd guess not only that she's taken to Beth as another daughter of sorts and/or pet (she loves to hear her talk French) but that our Bess doesn't complain...much...about Sam's selfishness.
Robert Gertz • Link
"...and, indeed, came home so out of order that I was loth to say prayers to-night as I am used ever to do on Sundays, which my wife took notice of and people of the house, which I was sorry for."
I'll bet Beth 'took notice'...
"Lya..hic...Wid greaaaat pleasure wid my lil' Bessie...hic..."
daniel • Link
Is Sam a light-weight?
Two bottles of today's wine shared by three strapping men over a time would not "fuddle" me. is this fortified wine? Extra-large bottles? since he clearly states that he was out of sorts from the wine I grow more curious what this Canarie wine could be.
A. De Araujo • Link
"canary wine"
strong wine from the Canary Islands,made from grapes originally from Greece(Malmsey)
vicente • Link
Many people have an alergic reaction to Red wines.
JWB • Link
"Woe unto thee, Corazin,"
This is from Matthew 11, Corazin is town on the east side of the Sea of Galilee. Where Dr. Buck starts a difficulty, Jesus ends:”My yoke is easy and My burden is light”.
Jesse • Link
"means of grace"
Is this the predetermined 'irresistible grace' of Calvinism or the 'means of grace' which a Lutheran site defines as 'the gift of Word and Sacrament'? The latter, to me, seems easier "not to recieve".
Joe • Link
I thought Lady Jem was a child?
Bullus Hutton • Link
I don't think so Joe, Jem is 9 yrs older than Sam and has lots of kids already.
Also I don't think Sam has an allergy problem with red wine, cripes he'd be dead as a doorknob by now if he did.
I just think he didn't eat much today (dinner with Jem probably didn't amount to much what with her regaling him about his cheapness) no mention of any venison pasties later on!
Pauline • Link
"Jem is 9 yrs older than Sam and has lots of kids already."
The oldest of which is a daughter named Jemima and referred to by Sam as "Lady Jem." Born in 1646, she must be about 15 years old now.
He refers to Jemima, Lady Sandwich, as "my Lady." The visits these days are with her at The Wardrobe; though he recently took some of her daughters home for the evening with Elizabeth--probably Lady Jem and her sisters Paulina and Anne.
Bullus Hutton • Link
"why God should give means of grace to those people which he knew would not receive them, and deny to others which he himself confesses, if they had had them, would have received them, and they would have been effectual too.."
Wow. That is a such a brilliantly naive though completely convincing line of reasoning that I seem to remember that I too used to ponder the same question when I was younger and many times since, particularly after a couple of drinks, but now I am afraid I have almost totally forgotten the question.. is it something to do with being required to accept faith if it is offered to you, but if you were never offered it, it's ok because you were never given the chance to reject it.
Never mind, I think I missed it again. I'm sure Sam will explain later!
Xjy • Link
Ever the hypocrite...
Sam is quite ready to admit his own failings in his secret diary, but hates it when they are exposed to public view -- and tells us so in his secret diary! An endearing hypocrite to us, but I wonder how endearing he was to those exposed at close quarters to his penny-pinching, his gluttony, his vanity, his brown-nosing sycophancy, his political and religious opportunism, his filthy temper... and his his his male chauvinism.
A. De Araujo • Link
"Ever the hypocrite"
Xyz you forgot to add his lechery,although methinks that would be a virtue.
Ann • Link
Xjy and A. DeAraujo -- Once again you are falling into the trap of judging Sam by the mores of today. I read this wondering how typical he is of the men of his day, and assuming he is pretty typical. Particularly his "sycophancy" seems to be SOP for the way business was done, and the way people advanced back then (arguably, the same way people get ahead today -- I've recently been the victim of a lost promotion due to just such a sycophant!). Reminds me of a line from a movie: "What kind of sycophant are you?" "What kind of sycophant would you like me to be?"
This is the second time Sammy came home too looped on a Sunday eve to lead the household in prayers. And worried about what the servants are thinking. Again, knowing how prevalent alcoholic beverages are in these times, I wonder how typical or atypical this behavior is.
Wim van der Meij • Link
- Queen Katherine, the first time by name as such, publickly prayed for -
Warrington says about this: The king's letter to the council for this purpose was read on 19th November.
Mary • Link
"my uncle being at Katharine hill"
Located near Guildford, Surrey according to L&M.
JonTom Kittredge • Link
"Woe unto thee, Corazin"
In the New Revised Standard Version, this passage reads: “Then he began to reproach the cities in which most of his works of power had been done, because they did not repent. ‘Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.’” —Mathew 11:20-21
So Mr Turner is asking, “If Tyre and Sidon would have repented if they had seen Jesus’ miracles, why did God not send him there, rather than waste his time at Chorazin.”
This is a variant on the old puzzle of theodicy — if God is good and God is omnipotent, why does God allow there to be evil in the world. This was a question suited to the rationalistic, systematizing spirit of an age that approached theology as if it were one of the natural sciences. One of the most important works on theodicy was published by Liebniz in 1710 (“Th?odic?e”). I think I recall that Liebniz coined the term.
Ruben • Link
Samuel Pepys was a man of his time. More than most of London's citizens of his day, he knew when he failed and admitted it at least to his diary. I am sure that 99% of his contemporaries never gave a thought to recapitulate their deeds of the day and did not care to try to be honest to the values and mores of the time.
More than that, today the situation is no better with us. I am sure that most of us, readers of Samuel Pepys most intimate and inner thougths are no much better than his contemporaries.
Pepys stands out as an exceptional creature.
Ruben • Link
Corazin
an old Jewish town north of the Sea of Galilee, on the west bank of the Jordan River. The sinagoge ruins are still there (some columns, inscriptions, etc.)on high ground, from were a precipitious track leads to the river. Today the ruins are a National Park.
A two hours walk will take you from Corazin to Capernaum, on the west side of the lake.
David A. Smith • Link
"grace to those people which he knew would not receive them"
On my way to work this morning, I saw a bumper sticker, REPENT NOW OR PAY FOREVER. (True fact!)
There is nothing moral if you repent/ believe/ adhere/ behave *because you know the alternative is punishment* -- that's just self-interest (not yet enlightened). So the Corazin question is, in effect, "do it take tangible proof to make belief?" In Tyre and Sidon they believe without proof; in Corazin they have proof but no belief.
vicente • Link
(True fact!) Oh! how a word lose does its meaning when misused. "fact" factum pp. of factere: In fact, we will have to say 'in true fact'.
vicente • Link
Was it the wine or the reading of Matthew 19/20 ???"...19)(KJV) The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
(KJV) Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:...."
or 2 bottles of red Wine ????
"...which did do me a great deal of hurt, and did trouble me all night, and, indeed, came home so out of order that I was loth to say prayers to-night as I am used ever to do on Sundays, which my wife took notice of and people of the house, which I was sorry for...."
then the rest of the passage.
"... 22 (KJV) Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:
23 (KJV) And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day...."
http://www.gospelrevolution.com/n…
john lauer • Link
facio facere feci factus: to make, do, perform...
factus -a -um: (n) deed, act...
Robert Gertz • Link
To judge Sam properly, one must remember the times...Cromwell's Commonwealth had tried and failed to enforce public virtue via legislation and harsh punishment, leading no doubt to considerable hypocrisy...His hero, cousin Montague has sold out to the new regime, sacrificing old comrades of the Civil War without hesitation...The King and brother Jim were barely back a day before beginning open pursuit of Mrs. Palmer and other ladies...The general philosophy of the time positively encourages male selfishness and domination...
He genuinely loves his wife and made a sacrifice to marry her; he's a devoted son at least to Dad and never seems to sneer at Dad John's or Brother Tom's origins and profession...he keeps in close contact with them; he respects, admires, and sometimes heeds the advice of Lady Jemina, probably the best- hearted and most decent character we've encountered yet in the Diary; he honestly wants to do a good job for King and country at the Navy Board and works at it; his interest in all aspects of life and all manner of people is sincere and the most attractive thing about him. We don't know all that he does in daily life (good as well as bad) but most important and telling of all, as the Wizard of Oz told the Tin Man...He is clearly loved by others, particularly by some of the best folks we've met.
Pauline • Link
"To judge Sam properly, one must remember the times"
Well said, Robert G.
And the times don't change basic human motivation all that much.
Alan Lawrence • Link
Katherine Hill, Guildford is the location of Braboeuf Manor (which Pepys visited on 8th August 1668), the home of Pepys' uncle William Wight's cousin John Wight #who in 1668 married Cornelia Bowles - grandaughter of poet Dr John Donne, Dean of St Pauls Cathedral#. I'd be interested to hear from anyone who has any information on the Wight family of Braboeuf.
Second Reading
Terry Foreman • Link
"Woe unto thee, Corazin," This is from Matthew 11[:21]
It is also from Luke 10:13.
https://www.biblegateway.com/pass…
Bill • Link
"Last night died Archibald, my Lady’s butler and Mrs. Sarah’s brother, of a dropsy"
A DROPSY, the Settlement of a watery Humour, either through the whole Body, or some Part of it.
---An Universal Etymological English Dictionary. N. Bailey, 1675.
There is also information at:
Other illnesses http://www.pepysdiary.com/encyclo…
Sasha Clarkson • Link
Canary wine was fortified wine, like sweet sherry. It was probably made from the Malvazio/Malmsey grape like sweet Madeira. It would have been stronger than ordinary wine, and perhaps been more of an irritant to Sam's perpetual kidney problem.
The Canary wine trade was wrecked by the Oidium/powdery mildew plague which arrived from America in the mid-19th century. Unlike with Madeira, the trade never recovered; some Canary was labelled as Sherry in subsequent years.
Bill • Link
Wines are distinguished with regard to their quality ... of which last some are exceedingly sweet, others sweet and poignant, all chiefly used by way of dram after meals, &c. Such are French Frontigniac, Madera, the Canary, the Hungary, Tokay, the Italian Montesiascone, the Persian Schiras, the Malmsey wines ...
---Cyclopaedia, Or an Universal Dictionary of Arts and Sciences. E. Chambers, 1743.
E • Link
Cliffhanger sermon! And the audience is hooked.
Not so hooked as to eschew getting too drunk to pray straight hours later, though.
eileen d. • Link
dropsy
"...Prior to the twentieth century, heart failure was known as dropsy, a term used to describe the presence of generalized swelling, a clinical result of the syndrome..."
http://www.medscape.org/viewartic…
Terry Foreman • Link
nice, eileen d. You sent me after more:
Dropsy: An old term for the swelling of soft tissues due to the accumulation of excess water.
In years gone by, a person might have been said to have dropsy. Today one would be more descriptive and specify the cause. Thus, the person might have edema due to congestive heart failure.
Edema is often more prominent in the lower legs and feet toward the end of the day as a result of pooling of fluid from the upright position usually maintained during the day. Upon awakening from sleeping, people can have swelling around the eyes referred to as periorbital edema.
The Middle English dropesie came through the Old French hydropsie from the Greek hydrops which in turn came from the Greek "hydro" meaning water.
http://www.medicinenet.com/script…
eileen d. • Link
Terry Foreman, you're welcome! :) I've often wondered what the contemporary name is for old maladies. thanks to Google we can actually track it down now... though if any one knows a good book on the subject, I'd love to hear about it!
Terry Foreman • Link
"Woe unto thee, Corazin," The context in Matthew 11 KJV:
20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:
21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.
https://www.biblegateway.com/pass…
Third Reading
San Diego Sarah • Link
The Duke of Medina-Coeli to Lord Sandwich
Written from: Puerto Santa Maria
Date: 20 November 1661 [10th English style]
Shelfmark: MS. Carte 73, fol(s). 614
Document type: Original; subscribed and signed
Acknowledges receipt of Lord Sandwich's letter of Nov. 8th and has given orders for the performance of all needful good offices towards the ships of his Lordship's fleet, in all the ports within the Duke's jurisdiction.
Spanish.
FROM:
Carte Calendar Volume 32, June - December 1661
Bodleian Library, University of Oxford
Edward Edwards, 2005
Shelfmark: MS. Carte Calendar 32
Extent: 464 pages
https://wayback.archive-it.org/or…
@@@
The Duke of Medina-Coeli -- The Google librarian is puzzled.
Puerto Santa Maria -- this supports my theory that Puerto de Santa Maria was an up-scale retreat from the business bustle of Cadiz. https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
MartinVT • Link
I don't know if Sam has been introduced to AI yet, but I thought I would pose the theological question to Chat GPT, as follows:
Can you explain this passage in the Diary of Samuel Pepys, stating the subject of a sermon: "why God should give means of grace to those people which he knew would not receive them, and deny to others which he himself confesses, if they had had them, would have received them, and they would have been effectual too".
In the blink of an eye Chat answered as follows:
Certainly! In this passage from the Diary of Samuel Pepys, the subject of the sermon being referred to deals with a theological question about God's grace, predestination, and human free will. The passage presents a dilemma about why God would grant opportunities for grace (or salvation) to some people who will not take advantage of them, while withholding those opportunities from others who, if given the chance, would have embraced them and been saved.
Here’s a breakdown of the key ideas in the passage:
God giving grace to those who won't receive it: The first part of the passage asks why God gives "means of grace" (things like the gospel, faith, or salvation) to people who, in the sermoner's view, are not going to accept or respond to it. These are individuals who will reject the grace they are offered, even though they have the opportunity.
Denying grace to those who would accept it: The second part of the passage raises the question of why God might withhold grace from others, who would have accepted it if they had been given the opportunity. These are people who, if they had been exposed to the gospel or had the chance to believe, would have responded positively and received the grace, leading to their salvation.
The effect of grace: The passage emphasizes that those who would have received grace would have found it effective, meaning that if they had had access to it, it would have brought them salvation.
Theological implications:
This question touches on some classic issues in Christian theology, especially debates about free will versus predestination, and the justice of God. Why would God choose to grant salvation to some and not to others, especially if some people are more willing to accept it than others?
This problem is often discussed in terms of God’s sovereignty (His ultimate control over who gets grace) and human responsibility (the idea that people should be free to choose or reject grace). Some theological traditions, especially Calvinism, would argue that God's choices are beyond human understanding and are part of His divine plan. Other traditions might suggest that God’s grace is universally available, and it's up to individuals to respond.
In sum, the sermon is grappling with the mystery of why God would apparently treat people differently regarding access to grace, and whether this is just, given that some people seem more predisposed to respond positively than others.
MartinVT • Link
Part II:
_______
[end of Chat's answer]
Not bad for a bot. Let's see whether Sam hears Dr. Buck answer the question he raises. Meanwhile, I asked Chat if it had any answers. Turns out Chat is quite the theologian.
ME: Thank you for this explanation. Can you provide any answers to the mystery you describe in your last paragraph?
ChatGPT: You're welcome! The mystery described in the last paragraph — why God gives grace to some and not to others, and how this can be reconciled with God’s justice and mercy — is a profound theological question that has sparked debate among Christian thinkers for centuries. There are several different theological perspectives that attempt to address this mystery, and while no one answer can fully resolve it to everyone's satisfaction, here are some of the main responses from different Christian traditions:
1. The Doctrine of Predestination (Calvinism)
In the Reformed tradition, especially in Calvinism, the question is often addressed through the doctrine of unconditional election and irresistible grace. According to this view, God has sovereignly chosen certain individuals to receive His grace and be saved (the "elect"), and others He has not chosen (the "reprobate"). This choice is not based on anything the individual has done or will do, but is simply the result of God's sovereign will.
Why God chooses some and not others: Calvinists would argue that God’s will is ultimately inscrutable. While it may seem unjust from a human perspective that some are chosen and others are not, God's decisions are always just because He is perfectly good and just. His ways are beyond human comprehension.
Effectiveness of grace: For those whom God has chosen, His grace is irresistible and will always lead to salvation. The elect will respond positively to the gospel because God's grace makes their hearts willing.
2. Free Will and Conditional Election (Arminianism)
In contrast to Calvinism, Arminianism emphasizes the importance of human free will in responding to God's grace. According to this view, God's grace is available to all people, but it is up to individuals to choose whether or not to accept it. Conditional election means that God predestines people based on His foreknowledge of who will freely choose to believe in Christ.
Why some receive grace and others don't: Arminians would argue that God offers His grace freely to everyone, but not everyone chooses to accept it. People are responsible for their response to God’s invitation. The mystery lies in the fact that while God desires all to be saved, He allows people the freedom to reject Him.
Effectiveness of grace: Grace, in this view, is not irresistibly effective. God enables people to respond positively, but He does not force anyone. Those who choose to believe will be saved, and the grace offered to them is effective in bringing about their salvation.
MartinVT • Link
Part III
3. Molinism (Middle Knowledge)
A third way of approaching this problem is through Molinism, a view developed by the Jesuit philosopher Luis de Molina. Molinism proposes that God has middle knowledge, meaning that He knows not only what will happen but also what could happen in any given circumstance. In this view, God knows all possible choices individuals could make and, in His providence, arranges the circumstances of each person’s life so that they have the opportunity to respond to His grace, even though they have free will to choose otherwise.
Why some receive grace and others don't: According to Molinism, God, in His perfect knowledge, knows who will freely accept His grace and who will reject it. He allows individuals to have genuine freedom while ensuring that His ultimate plan for salvation will come to pass. For those who would accept grace if given the opportunity, God provides it.
Effectiveness of grace: In this view, God offers grace to all, but it’s effective only in those who are willing to respond to it. The difference between those who accept it and those who do not is a matter of free will.
4. Universalism
Some Christians embrace universalism, the belief that ultimately, all people will be saved. Universalists argue that God’s grace is so powerful and encompassing that, regardless of the choices people make in this life, God will eventually bring all people to salvation. In this view, the apparent disparity in who receives grace and who does not is seen as temporary — either in this life or after death, God will ensure everyone has the opportunity to respond to His grace and ultimately be saved.
Why some receive grace and others don't: From a universalist perspective, the "problem" is more about the timing and nature of God's grace. God may allow some people to reject grace temporarily in this life, but in the end, His love and grace will triumph, and everyone will be brought into relationship with Him.
Effectiveness of grace: Grace is always effective, but some people may resist it temporarily. Ultimately, however, God's love will win them over, and no one will be left behind.
MartinVT • Link
Part IV:
5. Theological Determinism and God's Justice
Another approach, which is more in line with classical theological determinism, is the idea that God, as the Creator, has the right to dispense grace as He wills, and His justice is not subject to human understanding. In this view, God's justice is perfect, even if it seems unjust from a human perspective.
Why some receive grace and others don't: God’s choice to offer grace to some and not to others is not something that can be judged by human standards of fairness. This perspective emphasizes the mystery and majesty of God’s sovereignty. God’s decisions are always just because they are in line with His perfect nature, but humans are not in a position to fully understand the reasons behind His actions.
Effectiveness of grace: For those whom God chooses to offer grace to, it will always be effective. Those who do not receive grace will not do so because of any flaw in God’s character but because, in His perfect will, He has chosen not to extend grace to them.
Conclusion
In short, each theological perspective provides a different answer to the mystery of why God gives grace to some and not others. Calvinism emphasizes God’s sovereign will, Arminianism emphasizes human free will, Molinism suggests God’s middle knowledge and providence, universalism believes in the eventual salvation of all, and classical determinism affirms God’s perfect justice and sovereignty.
The mystery remains profound and largely unresolved in human terms, but these different views attempt to shed light on the issue based on their understanding of Scripture, the nature of God, and the relationship between divine sovereignty and human freedom. Ultimately, many Christians believe that the answer is beyond human understanding but trust in the goodness and justice of God, who is both merciful and righteous.
San Diego Sarah • Link
WOW, MartinVT. I'm no theologian, but that makes sense to me.
Neil Wallace • Link
Chat can also give us today's entry from Dr Buck's diary...........Today I delivered a sermon on grace, reflecting on God’s bestowal of favor upon some, yet not others, a topic I pray stirs the hearts of our parish. I sought to make plain that grace, mysterious as it is, cannot be earned through earthly measures, a truth I hoped reached not just minds but spirits. I noted Mr. Pepys in the congregation, appearing attentive—though I later heard he’d taken to Sir Batten’s wine rather than pondering his prayers. Alas, we clergy can but offer the Word; the rest is the Lord’s work.
And remarkably, Chat also has access to the diaries of Sir William Batten, Aunt Wight - and of course, Elizabeth. Meanwhile, in the real world, there are shelves to be put up, and a spare bedroom to be painted.
Tonyel • Link
I do hope we are not going to be regaled with Chat GDP's opinions too often. He/she seems to have difficulty in shutting up and also misses an obvious alternate solution: that a great many statements about religion simply do not make sense.
MartinVT • Link
Tonyel, I, for one, will not make a habit out of asking Chat GPT to expound on religious questions (or to invent diary entries for players in Sam's diary). But I thought its detailed explanation of the divergent views on grace was pretty good and worth noting in the context of today's sermon by Dr. Buck, especially since the question raised by the sermon had not really been addressed by others in the last three readings over 20 years.
Nor will I denigrate any religious statements recorded by Sam as not making sense.
Neil Wallace • Link
Oh Tonyel, your words are sharp and astute,
In realms of belief, you’d wish I’d stay mute.
"Veritas filia temporis," Vicente did say,
Truth blooms through the ages, in its own way.
You are right, Tonyel, that we shouldn't have ChatGPT posting on here. It's an amazing novelty, and also a terrifying, insidious, anti-human monster. How on earth is Phil Gyford going to keep it at bay?
Back to the unfolding fascination of S Pepys.