THOMAS OLIVERS
G7
I was half settled in it, Mr "\Vesley desired I would give it up, and go immediately into Cornwall. I was not able to buy another horse ; and therefore, with my boots on my legs, my great coat on my back, and my saddle-bags, with my books and linen, across my shoulder, I set out on foot, 24th October, 1753. At Tiverton, Mr Bidgood asked me why I had not a horse. I told him the truth. He then desired me to buy one and he would pay for it. A few days after, I went with a farmer into his field. In a few minutes a colt, about two years and a half old, put his nose upon my shoulder. I asked the farmer what he would take for it. He said, "Five pounds." We struck a bargain at once. I mounted my horse, and kept him twenty-five years. On him I have travelled a hundred thousand miles in preaching the Gospel. I went to York Circuit in 1760. At that time I was thought to be in the last stage of consumption. I had about three hundred miles to ride every six weeks, and about sixty societies to take care of. The next year I spent in London and Colchester. In the latter¡ we enjoyed great poverty and great peace. The conference following, I undertook the care of Mr Wesley's printing. From that time I have been in London ; I never laboured harder in my life.