| April 1744
In the evening I preached at Bristol. On Wednesday and Thursday I
settled all things there; and on Friday, 30, rode to Middlesey; where I
preached to a small, serious congregation.
September 1746
Mon. SEPTEMBER 1. — I rode with T. Butts to Middlesey, and preached
to a small earnest congregation. We set out early in the morning, and
were thoroughly wet by noon. In the evening we reached Sticklepath.
Thur. 18. — About one I preached at Beercrocomb. About five we
reached Bridgewater. We expected much tumult here, the great vulgar
stirring up the small. But we were disappointed. The very week before
our coming, the Grand Jury had found the bill against the rioters, who
had so often assaulted Mary Lockyer’s house. This, and the awe of God,
which fell upon them, kept the whole congregation quiet and serious.
Before I preached, my strength was quite exhausted, and I was exceeding
feverish through mere fatigue. But in riding to Middlesey I revived; and
in the morning, Friday, 19, I rose quite well: “My strength will I
ascribe unto thee.”
August 1747
Fri. 31. — About noon I preached at Taunton. Much opposition was
expected; and several young gentlemen came, as it seemed, with that
design; but they did not put it in execution. From hence we rode to
Bridgewater; and even at this dry, barren place, God largely watered us
with the dew of heaven. After preaching I rode to Middlesey, intending
only to meet the society; but notice had been given that I would preach
there; so I gave an exhortation to all that were present.
October 1748
Fri. 30. — I preached at eleven in Taunton; at three in
Bridgewater; at seven in Middlesey.
September 1750
Mon. 3. — About noon I preached at Hillfarrance, three miles from
Taunton. Three or four boors would have been rude if they durst; but the
odds against them was too great. At five I preached in Bridgewater to a
well-behaved company, and then rode on to Middlesey.
September 1753
Sun. 19. — I preached thrice at Tiverton, rode to Middlesey the
next day, and on Tuesday to Bristol.
September 1754
Mon. SEPTEMBER 2. — I set out for the West. About eleven, one
stopped me on the road, and earnestly desired me to turn aside, and pray
with one who was near death. I found her worn away to a skeleton, and
rotting in pieces with the King’s evil. But her greatest trouble
seemed to be, that she was not so alive to God as formerly. After
prayer, her mind was more composed; and she could trust God both with
her soul and body. At noon I met the little, loving society at Shepton;
and in the evening preached at Middlesey. My work today was full enough
for my strength.
August 1757
Fri. 26. — I preached at nine to a small congregation of earnest
people at Clutton; and in the evening at Middlesey.
August 1762
Friday, 27, I set out for the west; and having preached at Shepton
and Middlesey in the way, came on Saturday to Exeter. When I began the
service there, the congregation (beside ourselves) were two women, and
one man. Before I had done, the Room was about half full. This comes of
omitting field-preaching.
September 1765
SEPTEMBER 2, I set out for Cornwall, and preached that evening at
Middlesey.
September 1766
Monday, 22. I preached in the street at Culmstock, to almost all the
inhabitants of the town. A little before six in the evening I preached
at Mr. Jones’s door, in Middlesey. Many of the hearers did once run
well; some of whom resolve to set out anew.
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