1756.--Monday, January 26.--I rode to Canterbury and preached in the evening to such a congregation as I never saw there before, in which were abundance of the soldiers and not a few of their officers.
Wednesday, 28.--I preached about noon at Dover to a very serious but small congregation. We afterwards walked up to the castle, on the top of a mountain. It is an amazingly fine situation; and from hence we had a clear view of that vast piece of the cliff which a few days ago divided from the rest and fell down upon the beach.
Friday, 30.--In returning to London, I read the life of the late Tsar, Peter the Great. Undoubtedly he was a soldier, a general, and a statesman, scarcely inferior to any. But why was he called a Christian? What has Christianity to do either with deep dissimulation or savage cruelty?
Friday, February 6.--The fast-day was a glorious day, such as London has scarcely seen since the Restoration. Every church in the city was more than full, and a solemn seriousness sat on every face. Surely God heareth the prayer, and there will yet be a lengthening of our tranquillity.1
Monday, 23.--I paid another visit to Canterbury, but came in too late to preach.
Tuesday, 24.--Abundance of soldiers and many officers came to the preaching. And surely the fear and the love of God will prepare them either for death or victory.
Wednesday, 25.--I dined with Colonel ---, who said, "No men fight like those who fear God; I had rather command five hundred such, than any regiment in his Majesty's army."
Thursday, March 11.--I rode to Pill and preached to a large and attentive congregation. A great part of them were seafaring men. In the middle of my discourse, a press-gang landed from a man-of-war and came up to the place; but after they had listened a while, they went quietly by and molested nobody.
Monday, 15.--I rode to the Old Passage; but finding we could not pass, we went on to Purton; which we reached about four in the afternoon. But we were no nearer still; for the boatmen lived on the other side, and the wind was so high we could not possibly make them hear. However, we determined to wait awhile, and in a quarter of an hour they came of their own accord. We reached Coleford before seven and found a plain, loving people, who received the Word of God with all gladness.
Friday, 19.--I rode over to Howell Harris at Trevecka, though not knowing how to get any further. But he helped us out of our difficulties, offering to send one with us who would show us the way and bring our horses back; so I then determined to go on to Holyhead, after spending a day or two at Brecknock.
Saturday, 20.--It being the day appointed for the justices and commissioners to meet, the town was extremely full, and curiosity (if no better motive) brought most of the gentlemen to the preaching. Such another opportunity could not have been of speaking to all the rich and great of the county; they all appeared to be serious and attentive. Perhaps one or two may lay it to heart.
Monday, 22.--It continued fair till we came to Builth, where I preached to the usual congregation. Mr. Phillips then guided us to Royader, about fourteen English miles. It snowed hard behind us and on both sides, but not at all where we were.
Tuesday, 23.--When we took horse, there was nothing to be seen but a waste of white; the snow covered both hills and vales. As we could see no path, it was not without much difficulty, as well as danger, that we went on. But between seven and eight the sun broke out and the snow began to melt, so we thought all our difficulty was over; about nine, the snow fell faster than ever. In an hour it changed into hail, which, as we rode over the mountains, drove violently in our face. About twelve this turned into hard rain, followed by an impetuous wind. However, we pushed on through all and before sunset came to Dolgelly.
1 Correct to the text.