more, and we cast anchor in the Downs about nine at night. After this, I went cheerfully about my ministerial business, visited the sick, read prayers and preached to the soldiers, answered some letters I had received in the morning. Sent some books for the soldiers on board the Lightfoot; and at night went on shore at Deal with Mr H., where we were most kindly received, and courteously entertained and lodged at Mr R.'s. The Lord reward him a thousand fold! Did nothing that night, it being late, save that I visited a sick person at her earnest desire and the minister's consent, and talked about half an hour on the benefit of afflictions. Answered two or three letters I received after I came on shore, prayed with some well-disposed people that were at Mr R.'s, and about twelve went to bed. Thursday, February 2. Rose early in the morning, went on board in Mr E.'s boat, intending to read prayers and preach to the soldiers, and then return to Upper Deal to preach there, being asked to do so by the inhabitants and the minister. About ten o'clock there sprung up a pleasant fair gale, which carried us from the Downs near forty miles that day; during which time I read prayers, preached to, and catechised my soldiers, wrote some letters, and had an opportunity of sending them as we sailed by Dover, for which I was desirous to bless God. Any one must needs think I should have been glad to have heard from Mr Wesley,* as he went by Deal; but I considered God ordered all things for the best and therefore I now joyfully went, but not knowing whither I went, and doubted not but he that strengthened David when he went out against Goliath, would also strengthen me against all my spiritual adversaries, and send his Holy Ghost to guide, assist, and comfort me in all emergencies. The good Lord keep me always thus minded! He came from Georgia to England, just as Mr Whitefield left it Friday, February 3. Let this day be noted in my book, for God wrought for us a wonderful deliverance About seven in the morning, the men upon deck not keeping a good look out, one of the East India ships in shifting to the wind ran near us so very briskly, that had not captain W. providentially been on deck, and beseeching them for God's sake to tack about, both the ships must inevitably have split one against another. They were within four yards of each other. The captain said he never was in so great danger in his life. God so ordered it, that Mr H. and I knew nothing of it till it was over; but when I was apprized of it I endeavoured to excite all to thankfulness, and returned public thanks at prayers. Too many seemed to be insensible of the mercy received. But, Since God does thus his wond'rous love Those lives to him let us devote, Read public prayers and preached to the soldiers as usual, explained the catechism to the women, exhorted them particularly to be obedient to their own husbands, which they had lately been wanting in; and was pleased to hear the captain, as I came on deck, remind me of the motion I made to him some time ago, about having prayers daily in the great cabin, and withal desired that from henceforward I would read prayers morning and evening to them. This I most readily consented to, it being what I had long desired and prayed for, and what I was just then about to propose to him again. Accordingly I went immediately and acquainted the lieutenant, &c. of the captain's desire, and we began this night to have full public prayers; and at the request of captain W., I expounded the second lesson, and a glorious lesson it was. Blessed be God! for that I hope we shall now begin to live like christians, and call upon the name of the Lord daily. The very thoughts of God's granting me this petition filled me with joy. Saturday, February 4. Began to have prayers in the great cabin in the morning, read prayers and preached twice to the soldiers as usual; and expounded the second lesson in the evening to the gentlemen, after prayers in the great cabin, which from henceforth I intended, God willing, to continue. Unspeakable I find is, and will be the benefit of it, for it gives me an opportunity of saying many salutary truths, and affords us matter for serious table talk afterwards. Was much pleased to see our ship sail directly before the wind, was enlarged in intercession, furnished three soldiers with books, who began to-day to learn to read. God enabled them not only to read, but to do their duty! Mr H.'s scholars increase. The Lord increase his strength! Sunday, February 5. Joined in spirit with absent friends in holy ordinances, spent some time most delightfully in reading the word of God; read prayers, and made some observations on both the lessons in the great cabin, and then read prayers and expounded both the lessons to the soldiers. O that the Lord would open our understandings! for they are but a dead letter without the illumination of his holy spirit! Read prayers and preached my sermon on justification in the afternoon to the officers, &c. in the great cabin. Began to night to turn the observations made on the lessons in the morning, into catechistical questions, and was pleased to hear some of the soldiers and my companions make such apt answers. I find this an excellent way of instruction; it makes them bring their Bible, and give diligent heed to the things that are spoken; it teaches them the scriptures practically, and consequently will by the divine blessing make them wise unto salvation. Thanks be to God for putting this into my heart! By his assistance I intend to continue it. Monday, February 6. Had no prayers in the morning between decks, but read prayers in the cabin; likewise did the same in the evening, and expounded the fourteenth chapter of St Matthew, the second lesson, which containing an account of St John's reproving Herod, gave me an opportunity of telling them that great men should not be angry if ministers should reprove them out of love, and they seemed to assent to it. Read prayers and preached to the soldiers as usual, interceded warmly for absent friends and all mankind, and went to bed full of peace and joy. Thanks be to God for this unspeakable gift! Was pleased to see Mr H. so active in teaching the children. He has now many scholars. prosper the works of his hands upon him! May God Had such pleasant sailing, that captain W. said he never knew the like before. What reason have I to be thankful! O that my friends would help me to give thanks. Tuesday, February 7. Read prayers and expounded the lessons as usual to the soldiers, and in the great cabin, and after dinner sang psalms with Mr H. and a gentleman on board, on open deck. Being now in the bay of Biscay, the ship rocked very much, though there was a great calm; but if there be a fixed principle of grace, a firm love of God rooted in the heart; what avail all outward motions? Wednesday, February 8. Had public worship and expounded as usual to both my congregations. Was pleased to hear a gentleman discourse for some time of the utter inability of any thing to make us happy but God. In the afternoon I preached and read prayers on open deck, at the captain's desire, who ordered chairs to be brought, and boards put across them for the soldiers to sit upon. My subject was, the eternity of hell torments, and I was earnest in delivering of it, being desirous that none of my dear hearers should experience them. Praying and singing psalms on open deck enlarged my heart. Was enabled to make good part of a sermon this evening, and lay down to sleep. God grant I may die daily! Thursday, February 9. Read prayers, expounded and Catechised as usual, had delightful sailing, and great Joy in the Holy Ghost, and was very thankful that God called me abroad to see and admire his wonders in the deep. O who can serve a better master than Jesus Christ? Friday, February 10. Read prayers, and according to custom went on in explaining the catechism to the women; and after evening prayer expounded the forty-ninth psalm instead of the lesson. Had still greater reason to bless God for bringing me to sea. what shall I render unto the Lord? Saturday, February 11. Catechised, visited the sick, expounded and read prayers as usual, and met with some soldiers who could sing by note, with whom I propose to join in divine psalmody every day. A psalm may win him who a sermon flies, In the evening gave thanks for the blessings, and examined into the actions of the past week. It is well I have a Saviour to satisfy for my performances as well as my person, for otherwise how should I stand before thee, O holy Lord God? God be merciful to me a sinner. Sunday, February 12. Did as usual, and preached my sermon on glorification to the gentlemen in the great cabin. Oh, that God may make us partakers of it. Honest Joseph, my servant, returned thanks after morning prayer, for his recovery from a late, severe fit of sickness. I hope now Christ has touched him by the right hand of his healing power, he will arise and minister unto him. He tells me he can say with David, it is good for me that I have been afflicted. God be praised! for sanctified afflictions are signs of special love. Monday, February 13. Did as usual, only instead of the second lesson, expounded the twenty-second chapter of St Matthew, at the captain's request, who |