In this interval he appears to have given himself up to solemn impressions, and to have endeavoured to find out as many serious people as he could, with a view of conversing with them on the subject of religion.
In 1647 he extended his travels to Derbyshire, and from thence into Lancashire, but returned to his native county.

He met with many friendly people in the course of this journey, and had many serious conversations with them, but he never joined in profession with any.

At Duckenfield, however, and at Manchester, he went among those, whom he termed "the professors of religion," and according to his own expressions, "he staid a while and declared truth among them." Of these some were convinced but others were enraged, being startled at his doctrine of perfection.

At Broughton in Leicestershire, we find him attending a meeting of the Baptists, at which many of other denominations were present.

Here he spoke publicly, and convinced many.