To Madam Turner's, and dined with her. She had heard
Parson Herring take his leave; tho' he, by reading so much of the
Common Prayer as he did, hath cast himself out of the good
opinion of both sides. After dinner to St. Dunstan's again; and
the church quite crowded before I come, which was just at one
o'clock; but I got into the gallery again, but stood in a crowd.
He [Dr. Bates.] pursued his text again very well; and only at
the conclusion told us, after this manner: "I do believe that
many of you do expect that I should say something to you in
reference to the time, this being the last time that possibly I
may appear here. You know not it is not my manner to speak
anything in the pulpit that is extraneous to my text and
business; yet this I shall say, that it is not my opinion,
fashion, or humour that keeps me from complying with what is
required of us; but something after much prayer, discourse, and
study yet remains unsatisfied, and commands me herein.
Wherefore, if it is my unhappinesse not to receive such an
illuminacion as should direct me to do otherwise, I know no
reason why men should not pardon me in this world, as I am
confident God will pardon me for it in the next.
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