1755

I rode from Bristol to a village named Kingswood, near Wotton-under-Edge. The church was exceeding full, and the congregation was serious and well behaved: And I had since the satisfaction of being informed, that many of them are much changed, at least in their outward behavior.

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With some difficulty we reached Stanley: There has been lately a great awakening in this country. I never saw such a congregation here before, notwithstanding the wind and rain; and all present seemed to receive the word with gladness and readiness of mind. There is a solid, serious people in these parts, who stand their ground against all opposition. The warmest opposers are the Jacobites, who do not love us, because we love King George. But they profit nothing; for more and more people “fear God, and honor the King.”

We rode on Thursday in the afternoon through heavy rains and almost impassable roads, to Evesham; and on Friday, 4, to Birmingham, a barren, dry, uncomfortable place. Most of the seed which has been sown for so many years, the “wild boars” have “rooted up;” the fierce, unclean, brutish, blasphemous Antinomians have utterly destroyed it. And the mystic foxes have taken true pains to spoil what remained, with their new Gospel. Yet it seems God has a blessing for this place still; so many still attend the preaching; and he is eminently present with the small number that is left in the society.

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I preached at Wednesbury, and at eight on Sunday morning. But the great congregation assembled in the afternoon, as soon as the Service of the church was over, with which we take care never to interfere. A solemn awe seemed to run all through the company in the evening, when I met the society. We have indeed preached the Gospel here “with much contention:” But the success overpays the labor.

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I was advised to take the Derbyshire road to Manchester. We baited at an house six miles beyond Lichfield. Observing a woman sitting in the kitchen, I asked “Are you not well?” and found she had just been taken ill, (being on her journey,) with all the symptoms of an approaching pleurisy. She was glad to hear of an easy, cheap, and (almost) infallible remedy, — an handful of nettles, boiled a few minutes, and applied warm to the side. While I was speaking to her, an elderly man, pretty well dressed, came in. Upon inquiry, he told us he was traveling, as he could, towards his home near Hounslow, in hopes of agreeing with his creditors, to whom he had surrendered his all. But how to get on he knew not, as he had no money, and had caught a tertian ague. I hope a wise Providence directed this wanderer also, that he might have a remedy for both his maladies.

Soon after we took horse we overtook a poor man creeping forward on two crutches. I asked, whither he was going. He said toward Nottingham, where his wife lived: But both his legs had been broke while he was on shipboard, and he had now spent all his money. This man likewise appeared exceeding thankful, and ready to acknowledge the hand of God. In the afternoon we came to Barton-Forge; where a gentleman of Birmingham has set up a large iron work, and fixed five or six families, with a serious man over them, who lost near all he had in the great riot at Wednesbury. Most of them are seeking to save their souls. I preached in the evening, not to them only, but to many gathered from all parts, and exhorted them to love and help one another.

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I had designed to go straight on to Hayfield; but one from Ashbourn pressed me much to call there; which accordingly I did at seven in the morning, and preached to a deeply serious congregation. Seventeen or eighteen then desired to join in a society, to whom I spoke severally, and was well pleased to find that near half of them knew the pardoning love of God. One of the first I spoke to was Miss Beresford, — a sweet, but short lived flower!

Through much hail, rain, and wind, we got to Mr. B — ’s, at Hayfield, about five in the afternoon. His favorite daughter died some hours before we came; Such a child as is scarce heard of in a century. All the family informed me of many remarkable circumstances, which else would have seemed incredible. She spake exceeding plain, yet very seldom; and then only a few words. She was scarce ever seen to laugh, or heard to utter a light or trifling word: She could not bear any that did, nor any one who behaved in a light or unserious manner. If any such offered to kiss or touch her, she would turn away, and say, “I don’t like you.” If her brother or sisters spoke angrily to each other, or behaved triflingly, she either sharply reproved (when that seemed needful) or tenderly entreated them to give over. If she had spoke too sharply to any, she would humble herself to them, and not rest till they had forgiven her. After her health declined, she was particularly pleased with hearing that hymn sung, “Abba, Father;” and would be frequently singing that line herself, —

Abba, Father, hear my cry!

On Monday, April 7, without any struggle, she fell asleep, having lived two years and six months.

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In the evening I preached at Manchester. The mob was tolerably quiet, as long as I was speaking, but immediately after raged horribly. This, I find, has been their manner for some time. No wonder; since the good Justices encourage them.

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I rode to Hayfield again, to bury Mr. B——’s child. Abundance of people were gathered together, and I found uncommon liberty in preaching. Who would have looked for such a congregation as this in the Peak of Derhyshire?

I returned to Manchester the next day, and had a quiet congregation both that evening and the following.

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I met the society at five, and showed them wherein I feared they had grieved the Spirit of God, and provoked him to deliver them to be thus outraged by “the beasts of the people.” I then rode to Hayfield once more, where Mr. B—— read Prayers, and preached a solemn and affecting sermon, relative to the late providence. In the afternoon I again found great liberty of spirit in applying those awful words, “What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

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I rode by Manchester (where I preached about twelve) to Warrington. At six in the morning, Tuesday, 15, I preached to a large and serious congregation; and then went on to Liverpool, one of the neatest, best built towns I have seen in England: I think it is full twice as large as Chester; most of the streets are quite straight. Two thirds of the town, we were informed, have been added within these forty years. If it continue to increase in the same proportion, in forty years more it will nearly equal Bristol. The people in general are the most mild and courteous I ever saw in a sea port town; as indeed appears by their friendly behavior, not only to the Jews and Papists who live among them, but even to the Methodists (so called). The preaching-house is a little larger than that at Newcastle. It was thoroughly filled at seven in the evening; and the hearts of the whole congregation seemed to be moved before the Lord, and before the presence of his power.

Every morning, as well as evening, abundance of people gladly attended the preaching. Many of them, I learned, were dear lovers of controversy: But I had better work. I pressed upon them all “repentance toward God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

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I explained, after the evening preaching, the Rules of the society, and strongly exhorted the members to adorn their profession by all holiness of conversation.

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I rode to Bolton. Being now among those who were no “strangers to the covenant of promise,” I had no need to lay the foundation again, but exhorted them to “rejoice ever more.” Their number is a little reduced since I was here before: And no wonder; while the sons of strife are on every side, some for Mr. Bennet, some for Mr. Wh——. The little flock, notwithstanding, hold on their way, looking straight to the prize of their high calling.

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We rode in less than four hours the eight miles (so called) to Newell-Hay. Just as I began to preach, the sun broke out, and shone exceeding hot on the side of my head. I found, if it continued, I should not be able to speak long, and lifted up my heart to God. In a minute or two it was covered with clouds, which continued till the service was over. Let any who please, call this chance: I call it an answer to prayer.

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About ten I preached near Todmorden. The people stood, row above row, on the side of the mountain. They were rough enough in outward appearance; but their hearts were as melting wax. One can hardly conceive any thing more delightful than the vale through which we rode from hence. The river ran through the green meadows on the right. The fruitful hills and woods rose on either hand: Yet here and there a rock hung over, the little holes of which put me in mind of those beautiful lines, —

Te, Domine, intonsi montes, te saxa loquentur

Summa Deum, dum montis amat juga pendulus

Saxorumque colit latebrose cuniculus antra!¹

At three in the afternoon I preached at Heptonstall, on the brow of the mountain. The rain began almost as soon as I began to speak. I prayed that, if God saw best, it might be stayed, till I had delivered his word. It was so, and then began again. But we had only a short stage to Ewood.

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I preached, at seven, to a large and serious congregation, and again at four in the afternoon. When I began, in a meadow near the house, the wind was so high, I could hardly speak. But the winds too are in God’s hands: In a few minutes that inconvenience ceased, and we found the Spirit of God breathing in the midst of us, so that great was our rejoicing in the Lord.

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A little before I took horse, I looked into a room as I walked by, and saw a good old man, bleeding almost to death. I desired him immediately to snuff vinegar up his nose, and apply it to his neck, face, and temples. It was done; and tile blood entirely stopped in less than two minutes.

The rain began about five, and did not intermit till we came to Haworth; notwithstanding which, a multitude of people were gathered together at ten. In the afternoon I was obliged to go out of the church, abundance of people not being able to get in. The rain ceased from the moment I came out, till I had finished my discourse. — How many proofs must we have that there is no petition too little, any more than too great, for God to grant?

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I preached at Keighley; on Tuesday at Bradford, which is now as quiet as Birstal. Such a change has God wrought in the hearts of the people since John Nelson was in the dungeon here. My brother met me at Birstal in the afternoon.

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We began reading together, “A Gentleman’s Reasons for his Descent from the Church of England.” It is an elaborate and lively tract, and contains the strength of the cause; but it did not yield us one proof that it is lawful for us (much less our duty) to separate from it.

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I finished the “Gentleman’s Reasons” (who is a Descenting Minister at Exeter). In how different a spirit does this man write from honest Richard Baxter! The one dipping, as it were, his pen in tears, the other in vinegar and gall. Surely one page of that loving, serious Christian weighs more than volumes of this bitter, sarcastic jester.

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I preached at one, and again at five, to some thousands at the foot of the hill. I believe this hollow would contain sixty thousand people, standing one above another; and a clear, strong voice might command them all: Although, if they stood upon a plain, I doubt whether any human voice could be distinctly heard by half the number.

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Our Conference began at Leeds. The point on which we desired all the Preachers to speak their minds at large was, “Whether we ought to separate from the Church?” Whatever was advanced on one side or the other was seriously and calmly considered; and on the third day we were all fully agreed in that general conclusion, — that (whether it was lawful or not) it was no ways expedient.

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We rode (my wife and I) to Northallerton.

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I rode on to Newcastle. I did not find things here in the order I expected. Many were on the point of leaving the Church, which some had done already; and, as they supposed, on my authority! O how much discord is caused by one jarring string! How much trouble by one man who does not walk by the same rule, and agree in the same judgment with his brethren!

MAY 18. — (Being Whit-Sunday.) I preached about eight at Gateshead-Fell, and returned before the Service at St. Andrew’s began. At the sacrament many found an uncommon blessing, and felt God has not yet left the Church.

In the following week I spake to the members of the society severally, and found far fewer than I expected prejudiced against the Church: I think not above forty in all. And I trust the plague is now stayed.

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I preached at Nafferton, near Horsley, about thirteen miles from Newcastle. We rode chiefly on the new western road, which lies on the old Roman wall. Some part of this is still to be seen, as are the remains of most of the towers, which were built a mile distant from each other, quite from sea to sea. But where are the men of renown who built them, and who once made all the land tremble? Crumbled into dust! Gone hence, to be no more seen, till the earth shall give up her dead!

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Mr. Wardrobe, Minister of Bathgate, in Scotland, preached at the Orphan-House in the evening, to the no small amazement and displeasure of some of his zealous countrymen.

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I preached at Sheephill. The cold drove us into the House; which being much crowded, was as hot as an oven. Riding afterwards in the keen north wind, it seized upon my breast immediately. However, I made a shift to preach at Chester; and then went on to Sunderland.

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I preached at eight, though not without pain, not having recovered my voice. We had an useful sermon at church. As soon as the sacrament was over, I preached in the High-Street, (it being Trinity-Sunday,) upon, “There are three that bear record in heaven;” and my voice was so restored, that I could command the whole congregation, though it was exceeding large.

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I rode to Morpeth, and preached in the market-place, to a small, but quiet congregation. In the evening I preached in the New Room at Alnwick; but I could scarce be heard, my voice being very weak. In the morning it was stronger: So I preached with more ease at five; and then returned to Newcastle.

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I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Gillies, from Glasgow. He preached for me in the evening, to the still greater astonishment of the warm men; who “could never have thought it of him!” Shall we not have more and more cause to say, —

Names, and sects, and parties fall;

Thou, O Christ, art all in all?

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I walked to the Infirmary. It is finely situated on the top of the hill; and is the best ordered of any place of the kind I have seen in England. Nor did I ever see so much seriousness in an Hospital before: None were laughing or talking lightly; many were reading the Bible: And when I talked to, and prayed with one, the whole ward listened with deep attention.

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I left Newcastle; and came to Durham, just as Jacob Rowell had done preaching, or rather, attempting to preach; for the mob was so noisy, that he was constrained to break off. I reached Osmotherley in the evening, and found a large congregation waiting. I preached immediately; God renewing my strength, and comforting my heart. Here I inquired, of eye and ear witnesses, concerning what lately occurred in the neighborhood. On Tuesday, March 25th last, being the week before Easter, many persons observed a great noise near a ridge of mountains in Yorkshire, called Black-Hamilton. It was observed chiefly in the southwest side of the mountain; about a mile from the course where the Hamilton races are run; near a ridge of rocks, commonly called Whiston-Cliffs, or Whiston-White-Mare; two miles from Sutton, about five from Thirsk. The same noise was heard on Wednesday, by all who went that way. On Thursday, about seven in the morning, Edward Abbot, weaver, and Adam Bosomworth, bleacher, both of Sutton, riding under Whiston-Cliffs, heard a roaring, (so they termed it,) like many cannons, or loud and rolling thunder. It seemed to come from the cliffs; looking up to which, they saw a large body of stone, four or five yards broad, split and fly off from the very top of the rocks. They thought it strange, but rode on. Between ten and eleven a larger piece of the rock, about fifteen yards thick, thirty high, and between sixty and seventy broad, was torn off, and thrown into the valley.

About seven in the evening, one who was riding by observed the ground to shake exceedingly; and soon after several large stones or rocks, of some tons weight each, rose out of the ground. Others were thrown on one side, others turned upside down, and many rolled over and over. Being a little surprised, and not very curious, he hasted on his way.

On Friday and Saturday the ground continued to shake, and the rocks to roll over one another. The earth also clave asunder in very many places, and continued so to do till Sunday morning.

Being at Osmotherley, seven miles from the cliffs, on Monday, June 2, and finding Edward Abbot there, I desired him, the next morning, to show me the way thither. I walked, crept, and climbed, round and over great part of the ruins. I could not perceive, by any sign, that there was ever any cavity in the rock at all; but one part of the solid stone is cleft from the rest, in a perpendicular line, and smooth, as if cut with instruments: Nor is it barely thrown down, but split into many hundred pieces; some of which lie four or five hundred yards from the main rock.

The ground nearest the cliff is not raised, but sunk considerably beneath the level: But at some distance it is raised in a ridge of eight or ten yards high, twelve or fifteen broad, and near an hundred long. Adjoining to this lies an oval piece of ground, thirty or forty yards in diameter, which has been removed, whole as it is, from beneath the cliff, without the least fissure, with all its load of rocks; some of which were as large as the hull of a small ship. At a little distance is a second piece of ground, forty or fifty yards across, which has been also transplanted entire, with rocks of various sizes upon it, and a tree growing out of one of them. By the removal of one or both of these, I suppose the hollow near the cliff was made.

All round them lay stones and rocks, great and small; some on the surface of the earth, some half sunk into it, some almost covered, in variety of positions. Between these the ground was cleft asunder in a thousand places: Some of the apertures were nearly closed again; some gaping as at first. Between thirty and forty acres of land, as is commonly supposed, (though some reckon above sixty,) are in this condition.

On the skirts of these, I observed, in abundance of places, the green turf (for it was pasture land) as it were pared off, two or three inches thick, and wrapped round like sheets of lead. A little farther, it was not cleft or broken at all, but raised in ridges five or six foot long, exactly resembling the graves in a church yard. Of these there is a vast number. That part of the cliff from which the rest is torn, lies so high and is now of so bright a color, that it is plainly visible to all the country round, even at the distance of several miles. We saw it distinctly not only from the street in Thirsk, but for five or six miles, as we rode towards York. So we did likewise in the Great North-Road, between Sandhutton and Northallerton. But how may we account for this phenomenon? Was it effected by a merely natural cause? If so, that cause must either have been fire, water, or air. It could not be fire; for then some mark of it must have appeared, either at the time or after it. But no such mark does appear, nor ever did not so much as the least smoke, either when the first or second rock was removed, or in the whole space between Tuesday and Sunday. It could not he water; for no water issued out when the one or the other rock was torn off; nor had there been any rains some time before: It was, in that part of the country, a remarkably dry season. Neither was there any cavity in that part of the rock, wherein a sufficient quantity of water might have lodged. On the contrary, it was one single, solid mass, which was evenly and smoothly cleft in sunder.

There remains no other natural cause assignable, but imprisoned air. I say imprisoned; for as to the fashionable opinion, that the exterior air is the grand agent in earthquakes, it is so senseless, unmechanical, unphilosophical a dream, as deserves not to be named, but to be exploded. But it is hard to conceive how even imprisoned air could produce such an effect. It might, indeed, shake, tear, raise, or sink the earth; but how could it cleave a solid rock? Here was not room for a quantity of it sufficient to do anything of this nature; at least, unless it had been suddenly and violently expanded by fire, which was not the case. Could a small quantity of air, without that violent expansion, have torn so large a body of rock from the rest to which it adhered in one solid mass? Could it have shivered this into pieces, and scattered several of those pieces some hundred yards round? Could it have transported those promontories of earth, with their incumbent load, and set them down, unbroken, unchanged, at a distance? Truly I am not so great a volunteer in faith as to be able to believe this. He that supposes this, must suppose air to be not only a very strong, (which we allow,) but a very wise agent; while it bore its charge with so great caution as not to hurt or dislocate any part of it.

What then could be the cause? What, indeed, but God, who arose to shake terribly the earth; who purposely chose such a place, where there is so great a concourse of Nobility and Gentry every year; and wrought in such a manner, that many might see it and fear; that all who travel one of the most frequented roads in England, might see it, almost whether they would or no, for many miles together. It must likewise for many years, maugre all the art of man, be a visible monument of His power; all that ground being now so encumbered with rocks and stones, that it cannot be either ploughed or grazed. Nor will it serve any use, but to tell all that see it, Who can stand before this great God?

Hence we rode to Thirsk, where I met the little society; and then went on to York. The people had been waiting for some time. So I began preaching without delay and felt no want of strength, though the Room was like an oven through the multitude of people.

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I read Dr. Sharp’s elaborate Tracts on the “Rubrics and Canons.” He justly observes, with regard to all these,

1. That our Governors have power to dispense with our observance of them:

2. That a tacit dispensation is of the same force with an explicit dispensation:

3. That their continued connivance at what they cannot but know, is a tacit dispensation. I think this is true; but if it be he has himself answered his own charge against the Methodists (so called). For suppose the Canons did forbid field preaching, as expressly as playing at cards and frequenting taverns, yet we have the very same plea for the former as any Clergyman has for the latter. All our Governors, the King, the Archbishop, and Bishops, connive at the one as well as the other.

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One of the Residentiaries sent for Mr. Williamson, who had invited me to preach in his church, and told him, “Sir, I abhor persecution; but if you let Mr. Wesley preach, it will be the worse for you.” He desired it nevertheless; but I declined. Perhaps there is a providence in this also. God will not suffer my little remaining strength to be spent on those who will not hear me but in an honorable way.

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We were at the Minster in the morning, and at our parish church in the afternoon. The same gentleman preached at both; but though I saw him at the church, I did not know I had ever seen him before. In the morning he was all life and motion; in the afternoon he was as quiet as a post. At five in the evening the rain constrained me to preach in the oven again. The patience of the congregation surprised me. They seemed not to feel the extreme heat, nor to be offended at the close application of those words, “Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.”

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I took my leave of the richest society, number for number, which we have in England. I hope this place will not prove (as Cork has for some time done) the Capua of our Preachers. When I came to Epworth, the congregation was waiting. So I went immediately to the Cross; and great was our glorying in the Lord.

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I met the Stewards of the Lincolnshire societies, who gave us an agreeable account of the work of God in every place.

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I preached in a meadow at Misterton, to a larger congregation than ever met there before.

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At eight I preached at Clayworth, and at Rotherham in the evening. Here likewise was such a number of people assembled, as was never before seen in that town. Is not this one clear proof of the hand of God, that although the novelty of this preaching is over, yet the people flock to hear it in every place far more than when it was a new thing?

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In the evening I preached at Sheffield. In the morning I examined the members of the society; and was agreeably surprised to find, that though none had visited them, since I did it myself, two years ago, yet they were rather increased than diminished in number, and many of them growing in grace.

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I preached in the evening at Nottingham, and on Thursday afternoon reached London. From a deep sense of the amazing work which God has of late years wrought in England, I preached in the evening on those words, (Psalm 147:20,) “He hath not dealt so with any nation;” no, not even with Scotland or New England. In both these God has indeed made bare his arm; yet not in so astonishing a manner as among us. This must appear to all who impartially consider,

1. The numbers of persons on whom God has wrought:

2. The swiftness of his work in many, both convinced and truly converted in a few days:

3. The depth of it in most of these, changing the heart, as well as the whole conversation:

4. The clearness of it, enabling them boldly to say, “Thou hast loved me; thou hast given thyself for me:”

5. The continuance of it. God has wrought in Scotland and New England, at several times, for some weeks or months together; but among us, he has wrought for near eighteen years together, without any observable intermission.

Above all, let it be remarked, that a considerable number of the regular Clergy were engaged in that great work in Scotland; and in New England, above an hundred, perhaps as eminent as any in the whole province, not only for piety, but also for abilities, both natural and acquired; whereas in England there were only two or three inconsiderable Clergymen, with a few young, raw, unlettered men; and these opposed by well-nigh all the Clergy, as well as laity, in the nation. He that remarks this must needs own, both that this is a work of God, and that he hath not wrought so in any other nation.

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I was considering what could be the reasons why the hand of the Lord (who does nothing without a cause) is almost entirely stayed in Scotland, and in great measure in New-England. It does not become us to judge peremptorily; but perhaps some of them may be these: —

1. Many of them became “wise in their own eyes;” their seemed to think they were the men, and there were none like them. And hence they refused God the liberty of sending by whom he would send; and required him to work by men of learning, or not at all.

2. Many of them were bigots, immoderately attached either to their own opinions or mode of worship. Mr. Edwards himself was not clear of this. But the Scotch bigots were beyond all others; placing Arminianism (so called) on a level with Deism, and the Church of England with that of Rome. Hence they not only suffered in themselves and their brethren a bitter zeal, but applauded themselves therein; in showing the same spirit against all who differed from them, as the Papists did against our forefathers.

3. With pride, bitterness, and bigotry, self indulgence was joined; self denial was little taught and practiced.

It is well if some of them did not despise, or even condemn, all self denial in things indifferent, as in apparel or food, as nearly allied to Popery. No marvel then that the Spirit of God was grieved. Let us profit by their example.

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Observing in that valuable book, Mr. Gillies’s “Historical Collections,’’ the custom of Christian congregations in all ages to set apart seasons of solemn thanksgivings, I was amazed and ashamed that we had never done this, after all the blessings we had received: And many to whom I mentioned it gladly agreed to set apart a day for that purpose.

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I set out for Norwich, and came thither the next evening. As a large congregation was waiting, I could not but preach, though weary enough. The two following days I spoke to each member of the society; and on Friday, JULY 4, took horse again, though how I should ride five miles I knew not. But God so strengthened both man and beast, that I reached Bury the same night, and London the next, far less tired than when I set out from Norwich.

Monday, 7, was our first day of solemn thanksgiving for the numberless spiritual blessings we have received. And I believe it was a day which will not soon be forgotten.

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One spent the evening with us who is accounted both a sensible and a religious man. What a proof of the fall! Even with all the advantages of a liberal education, this person, I will be bold to say, knows just as much of heart religion, of scriptural Christianity, the religion of love, as a child three years old of Algebra. How much then may we suppose a Turk or Heathen to know? Hardly more; perhaps just as much.

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To oblige a friendly gentlewoman, I was a witness to her will, wherein she bequeathed part of her estate to charitable uses; and part, during his natural life, to her dog Toby. I suppose, though she should die within the year, her legacy to Toby may stand good; but that to the poor is null and void, by the statute of Mortmain!

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I buried the body of Ephraim B—— , once a pattern to all that believed. But from the time he left off fasting and universal self denial, in which none was more exemplary for some years, he sunk lower and lower, till he had neither the power, nor the form of religion left. In the beginning of his illness he was in black despair. But much prayer was made for him. Toward the close of it, it pleased God to restore to him the light of his countenance. So, I trust, his backsliding only cost him his life; and he may yet live with God for ever.

I was much affected about this time by a letter sent from a gentleman in Virginia. Part of it runs thus: —

“The poor Negro slaves here never heard of Jesus, or his religion, till they arrived at the land of their slavery in America; whom their masters generally neglect, as though immortality was not the privilege of their souls, in common with their own. These poor Africans are the principal objects of my compassion; and, I think, the most proper subject of your charity.

“The inhabitants of Virginia are computed to be about three hundred thousand; and the one half of them are supposed to be Negroes. The number of these who attend on my ministry, at particular times, is uncertain; but I think there are about three hundred who give a stated attendance. And never have I been so much struck with the appearance of an assembly, as when I have glanced my eye on one part of the House, adorned (so it has appeared to me) with so many black countenances, eagerly attentive to every word they heard, and some of them covered with tears. A considerable number of them, about an hundred, have been baptized, after they had been fully instructed in the great truths of religion, and had evidenced their sense of them by a life of the strictest virtue. As they are not sufficiently polished to dissemble with a good grace, they express the sensations of their hearts so much in the language of simple nature, and with such genuine indications of artless sincerity, that it is impossible to suspect their professions, especially when attended with a suitable behavior.

“Mr. Todd, Minister of the next congregation, has near the same number under his care; and several of them also, he informs me, discover the same seriousness. Indeed there are multitudes of them in various parts, who are eagerly desirous of instruction. They have generally very little help to read; and yet, to my agreeable surprise, sundry of them, by dint of application, in their very few leisure hours, have made such a progress, that they are able to read their Bible, or a plain author, very intelligibly. But few of their masters will be at the expense of furnishing them with books. I have supplied them to the utmost of my ability. They are exceedingly delighted with Watts’s Songs: And I cannot but observe that the Negroes, above all of the human species I ever knew, have the nicest ear for music. They have a kind of ecstatic delight in psalmody: Nor are there any books they so soon learn, or take so much pleasure in, as those used in that heavenly part of divine worship.”

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I dined with one who lived for many years with one of the most celebrated beauties in Europe. She was also proud, vain, and nice to a very uncommon degree. But see the end! After a painful and nauseous disease, she rotted away above ground; and was so offensive for many days before she died, that scarce any could bear to stay in the room.

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Hearing my old friend, Mr. H—— s, was now a beggar, and forsaken of all, I called (after a separation of sixteen years) at his lodgings, to offer him any service in my power. I was pleasingly surprised to find him reading the Bible! But still I am afraid all is not right; for the hand of God seems to be upon him still, and his mind is so hurried, he can settle to nothing. O what a pattern of holiness and stability of mind was this very man, till he was stolen away by the men whose “words are smoother than oil.” But were they not to him very swords?

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I mentioned to the congregation another means of increasing serious religion, which had been frequently practiced by our forefathers, and attended with eminent blessing; namely, the joining in a covenant to serve God with all our heart and with all our soul. I explained this for several mornings following; and on Friday many of us kept a fast unto the Lord, beseeching him to give us wisdom and strength, to promise unto the Lord our God and keep it.

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I explained once more the nature of such an engagement, and the manner of doing it acceptably to God. At six in the evening we met for that purpose, at the French church in Spitalfields. After I had recited the tenor of the covenant proposed, in the words of that blessed man, Richard Alleine, all the people stood up, in testimony of assent, to the number of about eighteen hundred persons. Such a night I scarce ever saw before. Surely the fruit of it shall remain for ever.

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I buried the remains of a rough, honest, friendly man, Captain Edward Stotesbury. But the lion was become a lamb before God took him to himself.

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I took my leave of the congregation in Moorfields, by applying those awful words, “It is appointed for men once to die;” and early in the morning set out for Cornwall. In the evening I preached to a sleepy congregation at Reading, on, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God;” and to much such another on Tuesday evening at Salisbury, on, “Harden not your hearts.”

On Wednesday, 20, at noon, I preached at Shaftesbury, to a much more lively people. In the afternoon both my fellow traveler and I were fairly worn-out. We betook ourselves to prayer; and received strength. Nor did we faint any more, till, on Friday, 22, we reached Plymouth-Dock. And I found myself far less weary then, than on Monday, when I came to Colebrook.

Having spent two days comfortably, and I hope usefully, on Monday, 25, I rode over the mountains, close by the sea to Looe, a town near half as large as Islington, which sends four Members to the Parliament! And each county in North Wales sends one! At Fowey a little company met us, and conducted us to Luxulian. Between six and seven I preached in what was once the courtyard of a rich and honorable man; but he and all his family are in the dust, and his very memory is almost perished. The congregation was large and deeply serious. But it was still larger on Tuesday evening, and several seemed to be cut to the heart. On Wednesday they flocked from all parts. And with what eagerness did they receive the word! Surely many of these last will be first.

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I preached at St. Mewan. I do not remember ever to have seen the yard in which I stood quite full before; but it would not now contain the congregation: Many were obliged to stand without the gate. At five in the morning I preached at St. Austle, to more than our Room could contain. In the evening I was at St. Ewe. One or two felt the edge of God’s sword, and sunk to the ground; and indeed it seemed as if God would suffer none to escape him; as if he both heard and answered our prayer, — Dart into all the melting flame

Of love, and make the mountains flow.

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As I was riding through Truro, one stopped my horse, and insisted on my alighting. Presently two or three more of Mr. Walker’s society came in; and we seemed to have been acquainted with each other many years: But I was constrained to break from them. About five I found the congregation waiting in a broad, convenient part of the street, in Redruth. I was extremely weary; and our friends were so glad to see me, that none once thought of asking me to eat or drink: But my weariness vanished when I began to speak. Surely God is in this place also.

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Understanding there were many present who did once run well, I preached at eight, (the rain ceasing just in time,) on, “How shall I give thee up, Ephraim?” Many endeavored, but in vain, to hide their tears. I was agreeably surprised at church to hear the Prayers read, not only with deliberation, but with uncommon propriety. At one the congregation was nearly double to what it was in the morning; and all were still as night. Surely these are patient hearers: God grant they may be fruitful ones! At five I preached in Gwennap, to several thousands; but not one of them light or inattentive. After I had done, the storm arose, and the rain poured down, till about four in the morning: Then the sky cleared, and many of them that feared God gladly assembled before him.

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I preached at Penryn, to abundantly more than the House could contain.

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We went to Falmouth. The town is not now what it was ten years since: All is quiet from one end to the other. I had thoughts of preaching on the hill near the church; but the violent wind made it impracticable: So I was obliged to stay in our own Room. The people could hear in the yard likewise, and the adjoining houses; and all were deeply attentive.

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At four Mrs. M. came into my room, all in tears, and told me she had seen, as it were, our Lord standing by her, calling her by her name; and had ever since been filled with joy unspeakable. Soon after came her sister, in almost the same condition, and afterwards her niece; who likewise quickly melted into tears, and refused to be comforted. Which of these will endure to the end? Now, at least, God is among them.

After preaching again, to a congregation who now appeared ready to devour every word, I talked up to Pendennis Castle; finely situated on the high point of land which runs out between the bay and the harbor, and commanding both. It might easily be made exceeding strong; but our wooden castles are sufficient.

In the afternoon we rode to Helstone, once turbulent enough, but now quiet as Penryn. I preached at six, on a rising ground, about a musket shot from the town. Two drunken men strove to interrupt; but one soon walked away: The other leaned on his horse’s neck, and fell fast asleep. What has done much good here is, the example of W—— T——. He was utterly without God in the world, when his father died, and left him a little estate, encumbered with huge debt. Seven or eight years ago he found peace with God. He afterwards sold his estate, paid all his debts, and, with what he had left, furnished a little shop. Herein God has blessed him in an uncommon manner. Meantime, all his behavior is of a piece; so that more and more of his neighbors say, “Well, this is a work of God!”

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In the evening heavy rain began, just as I began to give out the hymn; but it ceased before I named my text. I spoke very plain, and it seemed to sink into many hearts; as they showed by attending at five in the morning, when we had another happy and solemn hour. About noon, Friday, 5, I called on W. Row, in Breage, in my way to Newlyn. “Twelve years ago,” he said, “I was going over Gulval-Downs, and I saw many people together; and I asked what was the matter; and they told me a man was going to preach: And I said, ‘To be sure it is some mazed man:’ But when I saw you, I said, ‘Nay, this is no mazed man:’ And you preached on God’s raising the dry bones; and from that time I could never rest till God was pleased to breathe on me, and raise my dead soul.”

I had given no notice of preaching here; but seeing the your people flock from every side, I could not send them empty away. So I preached at a small distance from the House, and besought them to consider our “great High-Priest, who is passed through into the heavens:” And none opened his mouth; for the lions of Breage too are now changed into lambs. That they were so fierce ten years ago is no wonder; since their wretched Minister told them, from the pulpit, (seven years before I resigned my fellowship,) that “John Wesley was expelled the College for a base child, and had been quite mazed ever since: That all the Methodists, at their private societies, put out the lights,” ect.; with abundance more of the same kind. But a year or two since, it was observed, he grew thoughtful and melancholy; and, about nine months ago, he went into his own necessary house, and hanged himself.

When we came to Newlyn, we were informed that a strong, healthy man was, the morning before, found dead in his bed. Many were startled: So I endeavored to deepen the impression, by preaching on those words, “There is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave, whither thou goest.”

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In the evening I preached at St. Just. Except at Gwennap, I have seen no such congregation in Cornwall. The sun (nor could we contrive it otherwise) shone full in my face, when I began the hymn; but just as I ended it, a cloud arose, which covered it till I had done preaching. Is any thing too small for the providence of Him by whom our very hairs are numbered?

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Last year, a strange letter, written at Penzance, was inserted in the public papers. Today I spoke to the two persons who occasioned that letter. They are of St. Just parish, sensible men, and no Methodists. The name of one is James Tregeer; of the other, Thomas Sackerly. I received the account from James, two or three hours before Thomas came: But there was no material difference. In July was twelvemonth, they both said, as they were walking from St. Just church town toward Sancreet, Thomas, happening to look up, cried out, “James, look, look! What is that in the sky?” The first appearance, as James expressed it, was, three large columns of horsemen, swiftly pressing on, as in a fight from southwest to northeast; a broad streak of sky being between each column. Sometimes they seemed to run thick together; then to thin their ranks. Afterward they saw a large fleet of three mast ships, in full sail toward the Lizard Point. This continued above a quarter of an hour: Then, all disappearing, they went on their way. The meaning of this, if it was real, (which I do not affirm,) time only can show.

I preached at eight in the morning and five in the afternoon, and then hastened to St. Ives; but we did not reach it till between nine and ten; so I delayed visiting Mr. K. till the morning. He is a young Attorney, who for some time past has frequently attended the preaching. On Saturday morning he fell raving mad. I never saw him till this morning. He sung, and swore, and screamed, and cursed, and blasphemed, as if possessed by legion. But as soon as I came in, he called me by my name, and began to speak. I sat down on the bed, and he was still. Soon after he fell into tears and prayer. We prayed with him, and left him calm for the present.

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I desired as many of our brethren as could, to observe Wednesday, the 10th, as a day of fasting and prayer. Just as we were praying for him, (we were afterwards informed,) he left off raving, and broke out, “Lord, how long? Wilt thou hide thy face for ever? All my bones are broken. Thy wrath lieth heavy upon me: I am in the lowest darkness, and in the deep. But the Lord will hear: He will rebuke thee, thou unclean spirit: He will deliver me out of thy hands.” Many such expressions he uttered for about half an hour, and then raved again.

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He was more outrageous than ever. But while we were praying for him in the evening, he sunk down into a sound sleep, which continued for ten hours; nor was he furious any more, although the time of deliverance was not come.

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I preached once more at St. Just, on the first stone of their new society house. In the evening, as we rode to Camborn, John Pearce, of Redruth, was mentioning a remarkable incident: — While he lived at Helstone, as their class was meeting one evening, one of them cried, with an uncommon tone, “We will not stay here: We will go to” such an house, which was in a quite different part of the town. They all rose immediately, and went; though neither they nor she knew why. Presently after they were gone, a spark fell into a barrel of gunpowder, which was in the next room, and blew up the house. So did God preserve those who trusted in him, and prevent the blasphemy of the multitude.

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I preached about eight, at Bray, to a very numerous congregation; and I believe God spoke to the hearts of many, — of backsliders in particular. Soon after ten we went to Redruth church. A young gentlewoman in the next pew, who had been laughing and talking just before, while the Confession was reading, seemed very uneasy; then screamed out several times, dropped down, and was carried out of church. Mr. Collins read Prayers admirably well, and preached an excellent sermon, on, “Christ also suffered, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.”

At one I preached on faith, hope, and love. I was surprised at the behavior of the whole multitude. At length God seems to be moving on all their hearts. About five I preached at St. Agnes, where all received the truth in love, except two or three, who soon walked away. Thence I rode on to Cubert. At noon I was much tired; but I was now as fresh as in the morning.

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We walked an hour near the seashore, among those amazing caverns, which are full as surprising as Poole’s Hole, or any other in the Peak of Derbyshire. Some part of the rock in these natural vaults glitters as bright and ruddy as gold: Part is a fine sky blue; part green; part enameled, exactly like mother of pearl; and a great part, especially near the Holy Well, (which bubbles up on the top of a rock, and is famous for curing either scorbutic or scrofulous disorders,) is crusted over, wherever the water runs, with an hard, white coat, like alabaster.

At six in the evening I preached at Port-Isaac. The next day I rode to Camelford, and preached in the market-place about six, on, “Ye must be born again.” Some were much afraid there would be disturbance; but the whole congregation was quiet and attentive.

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Just as we came in at Launceston, the heavy rain began. Between five and six I preached in a gentleman’s dining-room, capable of containing some hundreds of people. At five in the morning I preached in the Town-Hall, and soon after took my leave of Cornwall.

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In the evening I reached North-Moulton: But, being wet and tired, and the people not having notice, I did not preach till the next morning. A few, I found, stand steadfast here also, though a neighboring gentleman has threatened them much unless they will leave this way, has turned many out of their work or farms, and headed the mob in person. On Saturday evening I preached at Tiverton, to a well established people.

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I rode to Collumpton, where the Minister preached an excellent practical sermon. At one I preached on the parable of the Sower; and about five in the market-house at Tiverton. The congregation was larger than for some years: Yet all behaved as though they really desired to save their souls.

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It rained the greater part of the day, which lessened the congregation at Charlton.

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We walked up to Glastonbury-Tower which a gentleman is now repairing. It is the steeple of a church, the foundation of which is still discernible. On the west side of the tower there are niches for images; one of which, as big as the life, is still entire. The hill on which it stands is extremely steep, and of an uncommon height; so that it commands the country on all sides, as well as the Bristol Channel. I was weary enough when we came to Bristol; but I preached till all my complaints were gone; and I had now a little leisure to sit still, and finish the “Notes on the New Testament.”

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I rode over to Pill, a place famous from generation to generation, even as Kingswood itself, for stupid, brutal, abandoned wickedness. But what is all the power of the world and the devil, when the day of God’s power is come? Many of the inhabitants now seem desirous of turning from the power of Satan to God.

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I preached on the southwest side of Bristol. I suppose a considerable part of the congregation had hardly ever heard a sermon in the open air before; but they were all (rich and poor) serious and attentive. No rudeness is now at Bristol.

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I preached on the Green, near Pill, to a large and serious congregation. It rained most of the time; but none went away, although there were many genteel hearers.

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I preached, about noon, at Shepton-Mallet, and in the evening at Coleford; where the congregation is so increased, that they must enlarge the House.

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About one I preached near Bradford, and again in the evening.

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I preached at Bath. Even here a few are joined together, and hope they shall be scattered no more.

I dined with some serious persons in a large, stately house, standing on the brow of a delightful hill. In this paradise they live in ease, in honor, and in elegant abundance. And this they call retiring from the world! What would Gregory Lopez have called it?

In the evening the society met at Bristol. I had desired, again and again, that no person would come who had not calmly and deliberately resolved to give himself up to God. But I believe not ten of them were wanting: And we now solemnly and of set purpose, by our own free act and deed, jointly agreed to take the Lord for our God. I think it will not soon be forgotten; I hope, not to all eternity.

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I left Bristol, and taking several societies in the way, on Thursday, 23, preached at Reading. Several soldiers were there, and many more the next night, when I set before them “the terrors of the Lord.” And I scarce ever saw so much impression made on this dull, senseless people.

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I reached London, notwithstanding all the forebodings of my friends, in at least as good health as I left it.

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I entered upon my London duty, reading Prayers, preaching, and giving the sacrament, at Snowsfields, in the morning; preaching and giving the sacrament at noon in West-Street Chapel; meeting the Leaders at three; burying a corpse at four; and preaching at five in the afternoon. Afterwards I met the society, and concluded the day with a general love feast.

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We set out for Leigh in Essex: But, being hindered a little in the morning, the night came on, without either moon or stars, when we were about two miles short of Raleigh. The ruts were so deep and uneven, that the horses could scarce stand, and the chaise was continually in danger of overturning; so that my companions thought it best to walk to the town, though the road was both wet and dirty. Leaving them at Raleigh, I took horse again. It was so thoroughly dark, that we could not see our horses’ heads: However, by the help of Him to whom the night shineth as the day, we hit every turning; and, without going a quarter of a mile out of our way, before nine came to Leigh.

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I returned to London. In my scraps of time, on this and two or three other days, I read over (what I had often heard much commended) Lord Anson’s Voyage. What pity he had not a better historian! One who had eyes to see, and courage to own, the hand of God.

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Mr. Whitefield called upon me; — disputings are now no more: We love one another, and join hand in hand to promote the cause of our common Master.

In the afternoon I buried the remains of Samuel Larwood, who died of a fever on Sunday morning; deeply convinced of his unfaithfulness, and yet hoping to find mercy. He had lately taken and repaired a building in Southwark, called by the venerable men who built it, Zoar. His executor offering it to me on the evening of Friday, 7, that solemn day, which we observed with fasting and prayer for our King and country, I preached there to a large and quiet congregation; but most of them appeared wild enough: And such were we, till grace made the difference.

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I preached at the Wells: And I did not wonder, that God gave an uncommon blessing to those who then assembled in his name, considering the difficulties they had broke through. The frost was very severe, accompanied with such a fog as perhaps the oldest man there never saw before. The lamps could not be seen across the street, and hardly the ground, by those who had lights in their hands. Many lost their way, when they were just at their own doors. And it was almost as hard to breathe as to see. How easy it is for God to punish a sinful nation, even without employing an arm of flesh!

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As we were walking towards Wapping, the rain poured down with such violence, that we were obliged to take shelter till it abated. We then holden on to Gravel-Lane; in many parts of which the waters were like a river. However, we got on pretty well, till the rain put out the candle in our lantern. We then were obliged to wade through all, till we came to the chapel yard. Just as we entered it, a little streak of lightning appeared in the Southwest. There was likewise a small clap of thunder, and a vehement burst of rain, which rushed so plentifully through our shattered tiles, that the vestry was all in a float. Soon after I began reading Prayers, the lightning flamed all round it, and the thunder rolled just over our heads. When it grew louder and louder, perceiving many of the strangers to be much affrighted, I broke off the Prayers, after the Collect, “Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord;” and began applying, “The Lord sitteth above the water flood, the Lord remaineth a king for ever.” Presently the lightning, thunder, and rain ceased, and we had a remarkably calm evening.

It was observed, that exactly at this hour, they were acting “Macbeth,” in Drury-Lane; and just as the mock thunder began, the Lord began to thunder out of heaven. For a while it put them to a stand: But they soon took courage, and went on. Otherwise it might have been suspected, that the fear of God had crept into the very theatre!

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We had a solemn watch-night at Zoar.

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Being much importuned thereto, I wrote “Serious Thoughts on the Earthquake at Lisbon;” directed, not as I designed at first, to the small vulgar, but the great; to the learned, rich, and honorable Heathens, commonly called Christians.

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I received a remarkable letter, part of which I have here subjoined: —

“IT may seem strange, Sir, that I, whom you have no personal knowledge of, should write with the freedom I am now going to take. But, I trust, you desire as much to instruct, as I to be instructed. I have long labored under a disease, which comes the nearest to that which is named skepticism. I rejoice at one time in the belief, that the religion of my country is true: But how transient my joy! While my busy imagination ranges through nature, books, and men, I often drop into that horrible pit of Deism, and in vain bemoan my fall. The two main springs, which alternately move my soul to these opposite opinions, are, first, Can it be, that the great God of the boundless universe, containing many thousand better worlds than this, should become incarnate here, and die on a piece of wood? There I lose my belief of Christianity.

“But on the other hand I think, Well, let me examine the fitness of things which Deism boasts of. And certain it is, I discern nothing but beauty and wisdom in the inanimate parts of the creation. But how is the animate side of nature? It shocks me with powerful cruelty, and bleeding innocence. I cannot call the earth, (as Fontenelle does,) ‘a great rolling globe, covered over with fools;’ but rather, a great rolling globe, covered over with slaughter houses; where few beings can escape but those of the butcher kind, the lion, wolf, or tiger. And as to man himself, he is undoubtedly the supreme lord, nay, the uncontrollable tyrant, of this globe. Yet survey him in a state of Deism, and I must pronounce him a very poor creature: He is then a kind of jack catch, an executioner general. He may, nay, he must, destroy, for his own subsistence, multitudes of beings that have done him no wrong. He has none of that heavenly power to restore life: And can he be fond of the permission to take it away? One who, like me, is subject to the tender passions, will never be proud of this.

No dying brute I view in anguish here,

But from my melting eye descends a tear.

The very beasts are entitled to my compassion: But who can express the anxieties I feel for the afflictions sustained by virtuous men, and my abhorrence of the cruel? Yet in Deism I can discern no reward for the one, or punishment for the other. On this view of things, the Castilian King might well say, he could have directed God to amend his creation. “I think, upon the whole, the God of wisdom would not have made a world so much in want of a Redeemer as this, and not give it one; therefore, at present, I am again a Christian. O that the Son of God would confirm me his! As yet my soul is like a weather beaten bird, that hovers over the great ocean, tired and afraid of dropping: Death and eternity are ready to receive it; the pleasant land is out of sight, hid by fogs and mists; and the way unknown, to gain the happy groves.

“I was formerly apt to mention my skepticism, both to Clergymen and laymen, with a view of lessening the evil; but they rather increased it. Few Clergymen cared to discourse on the subject; and if they did, they generally expected that a few weak reasons should eradicate at once strong and deep rooted prejudices: And most laymen discovered an utter ignorance of the religion they pretended to believe; and looked upon me as if I had the plague, for owning I did not believe it. What method could I take? I long avoided speaking of religion to any but its Great Author; who, I hope, has at last led me to one that is capable of removing my spiritual darkness. May the Giver of all goodness reward you in that day, when (according to the Prophet Daniel) ‘the wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever!’”

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As I was returning from Zoar, I came as well as usual to Moorfields; but there my strength entirely failed, and such a faintness and weariness seized me, that it was with difficulty I got home. I could not but think how happy it would be (suppose we were ready for the Bridegroom) to sink down and steal away at once, without any of the hurry and pomp of dying! Yet it is happier still to glorify God in our death, as well as our life.

About this time I received a serious, sensible letter; the substance of which was as follows: —

“SCARCE any nation passes a century without some remarkable fluctuation. How should it be otherwise? For how can that be perpetually stable, wherein man, full of instability, is principally concerned? It is certain, therefore, that all the quiet in a nation is ordered by divine wisdom; as all the confusions and convulsions are permitted by divine justice. Let us view the present state of Great Britain in this light; resting assured, that all which befalls us is intended to promote our good in this world, and that which is to come.

“This land is ripe for judgments. How few are there herein who even intend to please God in all they do? And all besides are subjects of Divine wrath. For all who live without any regard to God, are willful sinners against God, and every hour liable to the stroke of his offended justice. “And what shall these do when visited by the sword, the plague, the famine, or the furious elements? O that they would turn to God through the Savior of sinners! Surely then they would find mercy! Yea, and probably see the salvation of God, even in the land of the living. “But what shall the Christians do in the time of public calamities? Be still, look up, and follow Providence. Be still, O my soul! in the midst of tumults and the distress of nations. Take no comfort in anything but in the consciousness of divine love. Listen to his voice, and quietly wait to see the hand of God over all. If you are uncertain what to do, look up and expect wisdom from above. If you fear, look up for courage and faith to act well on all occasions. If the sword is at your throat, look up for submission to the wise and gracious will of God. Look up for power to pray without ceasing, and in everything to give thanks. Follow Providence. Do not run before, but after, the hand that leads the simple hearted, with a steady attention, and a determinate purpose to do what is pleasing to him. “But what shall the Christians do, if the storm come, — if our country be actually invaded? The general answer must be the same: ‘Be still; look up; follow Providence.’ A particular answer is hard to give yet. Only so far one may say,

1. We must take great care of our spirits. If we sink into the world’s fears or joys, we shall lose our hold on God. The spirit of the Christians and the spirit of the world are entirely different. They can never agree in what appertains to the work of God, either in his dispensations of grace or justice.

2. Every one should deeply consider, what he is called to. Some may think it would be a sin to defend themselves. Happy are they, if they can refrain from judging or condemning those that are of a different persuasion. Certain it is, some have fought and died in a just cause, with a conscience void of offense. To some, therefore, it may be matter of duty to repel the common enemy.

3. They who believe they are called to this, should proceed in all things in a Christian spirit.

They should, if possible, join in one body. They should endeavor to avoid trifling company and conversation. They should learn the exercise with prayers and hymns. But who of us is sufficient for these things?”

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The minds of many people being deeply affected with a prospect of public calamities, I explained those comfortable words in the First Lesson, (Isaiah 26:20,) “Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: Hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.”

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I set out for Lewisham; appointing one to meet me with my horse at the stones end. But he mistook his way, and so left me to walk on, in my boots and great coat. When I came within a quarter of a mile of Lewisham-Bridge, a coach drove swiftly by me. I wondered why the coachman stopped, till he called, and desired me to come up to him. The reason then appeared, — the low grounds were quite covered with water, so that I could not have attempted to reach the bridge, without hazarding my life.

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I was in the robe chamber, adjoining to the House of Lords, when the King put on his robes. His brow was much furrowed with age, and quite clouded with care. And is this all the world can give even to a King? All the grandeur it can afford? A blanket of ermine round his shoulders, so heavy and cumbersome he can scarce move under it! An huge heap of borrowed hair, with a few plates of gold and glittering stones upon his head! Alas, what a bauble is human greatness! And even this will not endure. Cover the head with ever so much hair and gold; yet, Scit te Proserpina canum;

Personam capiti detrahet illa tuo.¹

JANUARY 1, 1756. — We had a large congregation at four in the morning. How much are men divided in their expectations concerning the ensuing year! Will it bring a large harvest of temporal calamities, or of spiritual blessings? Perhaps of both; of temporal afflictions preparatory to spiritual blessings.

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