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 Protesant [20] 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. Footnotes: [20] Incorrect in the text. |