November 1, 1726

1726 November 1 (Tuesday).  In my Seclusion from most of those Objects which Engage the Busy and active part of the world I find not daily such a number Observations to be made upon what is roundabout me where I am not plac’d in the midst of the Crowds, Employments and accidents that must be always before hand with the mind; we cannot have so many rare accounts as in those places of Concourse and action, that we are in Retirement chiefly taken up about our Domestick affairs, and personal concerns.  And it is very rare that we can have any matter of very great importance or weight to interest the world in, when under Confinement to so narrow a Sphere of motion.  Here Likewise it might be added that much of the time revolving is consumed in much the Same manner, the Same Business or Amusements; and other parts of it may be Equally divided by so great a number of Engagements that it may be hard to say which took us up most, and it would be too great a Labour to insert all.  Indeed sometimes there is a close Relation and Dependence one upon another, and then the giving one may give us all, an hint being Sufficient to bring the whole circle of actions or accidents into our minds and view again.  And it is not alwayes an action that may be accounted of itself of the greatest importance, that is of the greatest moment and Necessity to be mention’d as an hint of the Rest that was done.  For that which is but a Trifle above, may best Serve to direct us to the whole Series.  The First 4 or 5 Dayes of this Month I do not remember anything worthy my Observation in this place.  Except that on the 4 I rode out in the afternoon, a thing I hitherto have never done before.