1754. Tuesday, January 1.--I returned once more to London.
On Wednesday, 2, I set out in the machine and the next afternoon came to Chippenham. Here I took a post chaise, in which I reached Bristol about eight in the evening.
Friday, 4.--I began drinking the water at the Hot Well, having a lodging at a small distance from it; and on Sunday, 6, I began writing Notes on the New Testament, a work which I should scarcely ever have attempted had I not been so ill as not to be able to travel or preach, and yet so well as to be able to read and write.
Monday, 7.--I went on now in a regular method, rising at my hour and writing from five to nine at night; except the time of riding, half an hour for each meal, and the hour between five and six in the evening.
Thursday, 31.--My wife desiring to pay the last office to her poor dying child, set out for London and came a few days before he went home, rejoicing and praising God.
Tuesday, March 19 (Bristol).--Having finished the rough draught, I began transcribing the Notes on the Gospels.
Tuesday, 26.--I preached for the first time, after an intermission of four months. What reason have I to praise God that He does not take the Word of His truth utterly out of my mouth!
Monday, April 1.--We set out in the machine, and the next evening reached the Foundry.
Wednesday, 3.--I settled all the business I could and the next morning retired to Paddington. Here I spent some weeks in writing; only going to town on Saturday evenings, and leaving it again on Monday morning.
In my hours of walking I read Dr. Calamy's Abridgment of Mr. Baxter's Life. What a scene is opened here! In spite of all the prejudice of education, I could not but see that the poor Nonconformists had been used without either justice or mercy; and that many of the Protesant1 bishops of King Charles had neither more religion nor humanity than the popish Bishops of Queen Mary.
Monday, 29.--I preached at Sadler's Wells in what was formerly a playhouse. I am glad when it pleases God to take possession of what Satan esteemed his own ground. The place, though large, was extremely crowded; and deep attention sat on every face.
Wednesday, May 22.--Our conference began; and the spirit of peace and love was in the midst of us. Before we parted, we all willingly signed an agreement not to act independently of each other: so that the breach lately made has only united us more closely together than ever.
June 2.--(Being Whitsunday.) I preached at the Foundry, which I had not done before in the evening; still I have not recovered my whole voice or strength, perhaps I never may; but let me use what I have.
1 Incorrect in the text.
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