In Huntingdon — A great tumult; the Rev George, of All Souls, ordered to read the declaration of Parliament concerning the raising of a Militia, refused to do so, saying, “by Gods word I am commanded to obey the King; I find no such command for the Parliament,” at which he cast aside the declaration and proceeded to read that of the King, calling for volunteers; he was arrested, and sent to London. Mother saith this has been the way through the summer, with families, etc falling out; her uncle in Ramsay and his son, for the King.

Father and Thomas, in Holyfen, are for the King, tho not actively; Mother says little of them, only that they are well; and that she hath not seen them for a time, they preferring to remain there, in the Fen; as it pains her, so I shall not press her. But she is healthy, and hale; looks ten years at least less than her age; she does much charitable work in Huntingdon, and hath taken up the art of painting: scenes of nature, and still-lifes that are very handsome. Sydney, she saith, is in London, or Bucks I think, with our uncle Hampden, who is organizing his tenants into a regiment of foot and acc to Mother would welcome me in that business. I think rather the horse, the lifeguard of Essex, now in London; and I have written Lord Say and asked he make the necessary introductions.

I wish to do, to act, I care not for this sitting, waiting, casting on yeas or nays for this course or that. Indolence contemplation emptiness, like the wilderness, stillness To be at rest has ever been my great foe, thoughts racing from this place to that; unchecked, uninterrupted other than to wonder why I am burdened with such weakness,with a dark stranger presence and I walk, willfully, on the street that is not straight, AWAY from my Redeemer toward all things that are not of Him; will twisted, grace overwhelmed  it likely I am not among the electI God intendeth me for activity, for will focused and directed toward ends that serve Israel, serve his people.