[1877–1880 Manuscript Diary of Pious Englander Albert Young with ties to British Temperance Movement, and the Band of Hope].

A diary kept by a member of England’s Band of Hope

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Religious diary 1877–1880, kept by Albert Young, a young man living near Liverpool, England, recording his pious thoughts, his teaching and singing lessons, his preaching and lecturing, and his involvement with the Band of Hope, a Christian temperance society for children and young people.

Thursday [February 28, 1878] Fixed my desk-stool books &c. all ready. Went to the Band of Hope. a fair attendance (88). At the close I offered prayer invoking a divine bless[ing] on all our labours. ... Sunday March 3. Received the holy communion[.] Monday [March] 4. Reading “a weeks[’] preparation” Oror Deum ut mitteret sanctum spiritum ducere me et docere. [A prayer? to God to send the Holy Spirit to lead and teach me.] My great failings at present is—slumbering—O that I could see my faults more clearly or that some one would point them out! It has been said that “your greatest enemy is your best friend” because an enemy always does his best to expose your failing & shortcomings. I almost wish I had an enemy. Tuesday [March] 5. I went to the Congregational Band of Hope. A gentleman named Whitehead amused us very much by his lecturing and songs. ... Wednesday [March] 6. How would it do to compoase a piece for the band of Hope. tune of [“]Wait for the waggon.” June 24. 74 [corrected in pencil:] (‘78)...Rev T. Cooper invited me to teach in the Sunday School & also to sing in the choir. ... Oct[ober] 25. Band of hope tea party. About 130 sat down to tea. Afterwards, a temporary platform was erected (Rev. Cooper in [the] chair. Rev. Herford. gave addresses & I also when they had finished their. spoke with moderate fluency.

The diarist records the books he reads and gives some evidence of his education by sometimes writing in Greek and Latin. There are several references to “Stamford Road” and to “B’dale”—a reference to Birkdale, an English village on the Irish Sea near Liverpool.

Albert visits and prays for the infirm:

Sept 26. In the afternoon I went to see a man who has been stricken with paralysis down the whole of the left side. I went last Tuesday but he does not “take to the wife,” only the daughter. She was not home and therefore I came away without seeing him, but to day I was moved to go and see him. Poor fellow, when the daughter asked him if I might read to him he refused but subsequently I read, exhorted, and prayed. This man is very strange. Can’t articulate and his reason is impaired. I should think he has been a very worldly man. O may he be changed!

Albert self-criticizes his lectures and exhortations:

Tuesday Feb 11. Spoke with a fair amount of fluency but was too rapid! It is all gabble gabble, away as fast as possible. Take more time over it! ... Take real pains and express yourself as intelligently as possible and with a great deal more deliberation. The same number of worshippers present. It is my own fault that the place is not filled. It only wants some stirring addresses

The diarist writes about being rewarded for his labors:

January 20 [1879]. A most memorable day. St. Peter’s Tea party held in B’[irk]dale Town Hall. Just when I had finished Tea, Mr. Cooper said the Teachers and friends wished him to hand me a few books! & I should have to stand before all to return thanks. As I did not anticipate such a handsome present, what could I say. however, I braced up my nerves & put away all thoughts of fear. & marched upon the platform amidst the clapping of hands. &c. when silence ensued. I began. Ladies & Gentlemen “It is with the greatest difficulty I can restrain the deep feelings of emotion which I feel at this time. I had no idea there was such kind friends about me. What little services I have rendered it has been with a desire to do others good. & if there is only one that has benefited by me, I am amply rewarded” &c. then touched upon Sunday School, Band of Hope Library. Pen[n]y Bank, Eleven valuable books! & gold pencil case! It does appear there are some who appreciate my services. & it shall be a stimulus to still greater energy & zeal. Shall I turn out a duffer! after all this!

Included with Young’s diary is his 1879 Band of Hope temperance membership card. An Interesting diary of this religious young man with ties to the British temperance society, the Band of Hope. A July 4, 1879 entry states his birthday was on that date and he was twenty-two years old. On this same date he was in Westminster Abbey upon the occasion of the funeral of Lord [John Laird Mair] Lawrence, (1811–1879). [ODNB]

Price: $125.00