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Chapter 10. Retirement in Paddington; Wesley Slandered; Premonitions; A Dream

 

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!

 

Wesley Retires to Paddington

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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CCEL
This document is from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library
at Calvin College. Last updated on March 22, 2000.
Contacting the CCEL.
Calvin College