1778.  Dec. 17.  Having been many times desired, for near forty years, to publish a magazine, I at length complied, and now began to collect materials for it.  If it once begin, I incline to think it will not end but with my life.  Just at this time there was a combination among many of the postchaise drivers on the Bath road, especially those that drove in the night, to deliver their passengers into each other’s hands.  One driver stopped at the spot they had appointed, when another waited to attack the chaise.  In consequence of this many were robbed; but I had a good Protector still.  I have travelled all roads, by day and by night, for these forty years, and never was interrupted yet.

June 28.  I am this day 75 years old; and I do not find myself, blessed be God, any weaker than I was at 25.  This also hath God wrought.

Attended by Felons

1779.  July 21.  When I came to Coventry, I found notice had been given for my preaching in the park; but the heavy rain prevented.  I sent to the Mayor, desiring the use of the town-hall.  He refused; but the same day gave the use of it to a dancing-master.  I then went to the women’s market.  Many soon gathered together and listened with all seriousness.  I preached there again the next morning, and again in the evening.  Then I took coach for London.  I was nobly attended:  behind the coach were ten convicted felons, loudly blaspheming and rattling their chains; by my side sat a man with a loaded blunderbuss, and another upon the coach.

1780.  May 20.  In Scotland.  I took one more walk through Holyrood House, the mansion of ancient kings.  But how melancholy an appearance does it make now!  The stately rooms are dirty as stables; the colours of the tapestry are quite faded; several of the pictures are cut and defaced.  The roof of the royal chapel is fallen in; and the bones of James V., and the once beautiful Lord Dankley, are scattered about like those of sheep or oxen.  Such is human greatness.  Is not “a living dog better than a dead lion?”

1782.  May 14.  Some years ago four factories were set up at Epworth.  In these a large number of young women and boys and girls were employed.  The whole conversation of these was profane and loose to the last degree.  But some of them stumbling in at the prayermeeting were suddenly cut to the heart.  These never rested till they had gained their companions.  The whole scene was changed.  In three of the factories no more lewdness was found:  for God had put a new song in their mouth, and blasphemies were turned to praise.  Those three I visited to-day, and found religion had taken deep root in them.  No trifling word was heard among them, and they watch over each other in love.

Enters His 80th Year

June 26.  I preached at Thirsk; 27, at York.  Friday, 28, I entered my 80th year; but, blessed be God, my strength is not “labour and sorrow.”  I find no more pain or bodily infirmities than at 25.  This I still impute, 1.  To the power of God, fitting me for what He calls me to. 2.  To my still travelling four or five thousand miles a year. 3.  To my still sleeping, night or day, whenever I want it. 4.  To my rising at a set hour.  And 5.  To my constant preaching, particularly in the morning.