them to conversation about the things of
God; preached to them in those places where they most numerously collect
together; read the Scriptures regularly with about fifty Jewish boys; and
became a teacher in a Sunday school. In this work I had much enjoyment and
the honour of being reproached and ill-treated for the name of Jesus. But
the Lord gave me grace, never to be kept from the work by any danger, or
the prospect of any suffering.

My light increased more and more during the months of September, October,
and November. At the end of November it became a point of solemn
consideration with me, whether I could remain connected with the Society
in the usual way. My chief objections were these: 1. If I were sent out by
the Society, it was more than probable, yea, almost needful, if I were to
leave England, that I should labour on the Continent, as I was unfit to be
sent to eastern countries on account of my health, which would probably
have suffered, both on account of the climate, and of my having to learn
other languages. Now, if I did go to the Continent, it was evident, that
without ordination I could not have any extensive field of usefulness, as
unordained ministers are generally prevented from labouring freely there;
but I could not conscientiously submit to be ordained by unconverted men,
professing to have power to set me apart for the ministry, or to
communicate something to me for this work which they do not possess
themselves. Besides this, I had other objections to being connected with
any state church or national religious establishment, which arose from the
increased light which I had obtained through the reception of this truth,
that the word of God is our only standard, and the Holy Spirit our only
teacher. For as I now began to compare what I knew of the establishment in
England and those on the Continent, with this only true standard, the word
of God, I found that all establishments, even because they are
establishments, i.e. the world and the church mixed up together, not only
contain in them the principles which necessarily must lead to departure
from the word of God; but also, as long as they remain establishments,
entirely preclude the acting throughout according to the Holy
Scriptures.--Then again, if I were to stay in England, the Society
would not allow me to preach in any place indiscriminately, where the
Lord might open a door for me; and to the ordination of English bishops
I had still great