In one place, having preached to a vast number of _Romanists_ and others, and a prospect appearing of doing much good, he intended, to go again: but a report prevailed that if he attempted it; a great man would either have him stoned, or sent to jail. On this occasion “I reflected (says he) what God had done in former times for those who put their trust in him. And he gave me strength according to my day. I found my faith in him greatly strengthened, and resolved, simply to rely on his protection; not doubting but that he would stand by me. So I went thither and preached in the name of the Lord.
“The fear of man prevented their giving me entrance into their houses as before; so I stood on a chair in the street, and thanked God for the privilege. They received the word without disturbance, and with joy. On my return I prayed at two houses in the way, and the power of God was greatly in the midst of us. Praised be God, and the Lamb for ever!”
His labours were indeed much beyond his strength; and his zeal would not suffer him to stand still: so that his friends were obliged sometimes (as _Origen_’s mother, to prevent her young son’s burning with his father) to hide his cloaths, or lock him in his room in the morning.
*His whole conversation was like fire, warming, refreshing, and comforting all that were about him, and begetting in their souls a measure of the same zeal for the glory of God, and the salvation of sinners which burned in his own breast. It was not possible to be much with him, and not to hear discourses which bred a detestation of sin, and a love of holiness. To what purpose is it to live (seemed the motto of his life) and not to live to some good purpose?
His endeavours to do good, extended to children also. He first, introduced in many places the custom of meeting weekly, such of them as could attend, in order to instruct them in such truths, as their capacity admitted of. In doing this he desired their parents might be present likewise, to whom his affecting manner of address was not less serviceable, than to the children.
While in _London_, he had several interviews with the _Jews_, frequently attending their synagogues, and reasoning with them out of the _Hebrew_ scriptures. And altho’ I cannot say with certainty that any of them were converted, yet, sure I am from eye witnesses, that they were not able to gain-say the power by which he spoke.
*When at any time he met any of his Christian acquaintance, in the street, or called at their houses passing by, he had always something to say by way of watch-word, which he left upon their minds. Such as, “Well, let us hold out a little longer! Are we pressing forward? Let us hold fast faith, and a good conscience. Are we watching now unto prayer, and pressing after perfect love?” I well remember one instance of the good effects of this, which a person mentioned to me since his death. “I shall never forget, says he, a word which Mr. _Walsh_, taking me by the hand one day, spoke to me in my shop, _’Tis worse than death, my |God| to love, and not my |God| alone_.” It was like a nail in a sure place, and left a useful impression ever after. The gravity and earnestness, with which he delivered these kinds of little memento’s to his friends, carried them, by God’s help to the heart, and left them there. So that I have heard several of his sayings, in this way, called to remembrance, since his decease, by several of his acquaintance.
He did whatsoever he did for God, with all his might, spending his very life in every action, even as tho’ he should merit heaven thereby, and yet, at the same time despising himself as an unprofitable servant.