1 December 1738 – 7 December 1738

I began reading prayers at Bocardo (the city prison), a practice which had been long discontinued. In the afternoon I received a letter, earnestly desired me to publish my account of Georgia; and another, as earnestly dissuading me from it “because it would bring much trouble upon me.” I consulted God in His Word, and received two answers: the first, Ezekiel 33:2—6; the other, “Thou therefore endure hardship, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” [II Tim. 2:3].

I began reading prayers and preaching in Gloucester Green workhouse; and on Thursday, in that belonging to St. Thomas’s parish. On both days I preached at the castle. At St. Thomas’s was a young woman, raving mad, screaming and tormenting herself continually. I had a strong desire to speak to her. The moment I began she was still. The tears ran down her cheeks all the time I was telling her, “Jesus of Nazareth is able and willing to deliver you.”