| October 1754
Tues. 10. — I rode to Dr. Robertson’s, at Pitcomb; and after
spending a few agreeable and useful hours in that delightful recess,
went forward, about four miles, to Westcomb. I preached on a green place
in the town about eight in the morning, to a deeply attentive
congregation; and came in the afternoon to Bristol, at least as well as
when I set out.
September 1763
Thur. 8. — At nine I preached in the same place, to a far more
serious audience. Between eleven and twelve I preached at Westcomb, and
in the evening at Frome. How zealous to hear are these people; and yet
how little do they profit by hearing! I think this will not always be
the case. By and by we shall rejoice over them.
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| October 1762
The next week I went to many of the societies in Somersetshire.
Monday, 25. I preached at one, in the shell of the new House at Shepton-Mallet.
In digging the foundation they found a quarry of stone, which was more
than sufficient for the House. Thence I rode to Wincanton. The rain
prevented my preaching abroad; so I willingly accepted the offer of a
large meeting-house, where I preached to a crowded audience, with much
satisfaction; and again at seven in the morning. Abundance of rain fell
in the night; so that in the morning we were blocked up; the river which
runs by the side of the town not being fordable. At length we made a
shift to lead our horses over the foot-bridge. I preached at Coleford
about noon, and at Bristol in the evening.
September 1763
Wed. 7. — I preached at Pensford about eight, and it began raining
almost as soon as I began preaching; but I think none went away. At noon
I preached at Shepton-Mallet, to a numerous, nay, and serious,
congregation; and about six in a meadow at Wincanton. I suppose this was
the first field preaching which had been there. However, the people were
all quiet, and the greater part deeply attentive. Thur. 8. — At nine I
preached in the same place, to a far more serious audience. Between
eleven and twelve I preached at Westcomb, and in the evening at Frome.
How zealous to hear are these people; and yet how little do they profit
by hearing! I think this will not always be the case. By and by we shall
rejoice over them.
September 1764
Mon. 10. — I rode to Shepton-Mallet, and preached at noon, on, “One
thing is needful.” Only one man, a common disturber, behaved amiss. I
was constrained to rebuke him sharply. All the people turned their eyes
upon him; and for once he was ashamed. In the evening I preached at
Bayford, near Wincanton, and at seven in the morning.
November 1765
Mon. 14. — In the evening I preached at Shaftesbury; and on
Tuesday, at Wincanton. Riding homeward, we saw the pond in which a great
man, a few weeks since, put an end to a wretched life. And is death more
welcome than life, even to a man that wallows in gold and silver?
September 1766
Fri. 29. — In my way to Cornwall, I preached at Shepton-Mallet at
nine, in Wincanton at one. I was thoroughly tired before we came to
Shaftesbury: However, at six I preached in the new House, filled within
and without, to the no small astonishment, it seemed, of most of the
hearers. But it was a time of consolation, as well as conviction. I
trust many will experience both in this House.
September 1768
Tuesday, 27. I preached in Pensford at eight; in Shepton-Mallet at
one; and at Wincanton in the evening, with far greater freedom than I
used to find among that dead people.
October 1769
Mon. 9. — I preached at Bristol, Pensford, Shepton Mallet; and in
the evening at Wincanton. The people here had just as much feeling as
the benches on which they sat.
October 1770
Mon. 8. — I preached at Pensford and Shepton-Mallet in my way to
Wincanton, one of the dullest places in all the county. I preached on
Death in the evening, and Hell in the morning. Tuesday, 9. It seemed,
these were the very subjects they wanted. I never saw this careless
people so much affected before.
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