1758

At the request of several of my friends, I wrote “A Letter to a Gentleman of Bristol;” in order to guard them from seeking salvation by works on one hand, and Antinomianism on the other. From those who lean to either extreme, I shall have no thanks: But “wisdom is justified of her children.”

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I rode to Kingswood, and rejoiced over the School, which is at length what I have so long wished it to be, — a blessing to all that are therein, and an honor to the whole body of Methodists.

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I began a letter to Mr. Towgood, author of “The Dissenting Gentleman’s Reasons;” I think the most saucy and virulent satire on the Church of England, that ever my eyes beholden. How much rather would I write practically than controversially! But even this talent I dare not bury in the earth.

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Having ended my business at Bristol, I rode to Newbury, and the next day to London. Now if it be the will of God, I should be glad of a little rest: If not, let me rejoice to be without it.

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I preached at Wandsworth. A gentleman, come from America, has again opened a door in this desolate place. In the morning I preached in Mr. Gilbert’s house. Two Negro servants of his and a Mulatto appear to be much awakened. Shall not His saving health be made known to all nations?

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I was inquiring of William Hurd, who discharged him from the army; and he might fairly say, God discharged him; his Officers being determined not to do it. Nevertheless he stood among the men whom they had picked out for that purpose: And when he came in his turn, his discharge was written, and no man gainsayed.

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We had an uncommon blessing at West Street, and a still greater at Spitalfields. Some could not refrain from crying aloud to God; and he did not cast out their prayers. Many thanksgivings have since been offered to God for the blessings of that hour.

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I talked with a gentlewoman who had been a mighty good Christian for near seventy years: But she now found herself out, and began to cry with many tears to the Friend of sinners for pardoning mercy.

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Mr. Parker (last year Mayor of Bedford) preached at the Foundery. A more artless Preacher I never heard; but not destitute of pathos. I doubt not he may be of much use among honest, simple hearted people.

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At the request of the Vicar, Mr. J., I rode over to Uxbridge. I preached for him, both morning and afternoon, to a large and serious congregation. How uncommon a providence is this! The Gospel was preached in the church at Hayes. Several of the parishioners ran from it, and took pews at Hillingdon. It followed them into Hillingdon church, where I preached twice in one day. Some of them went to Uxbridge: And now it is come to torment them at Uxbridge also.

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I read over the “Memoirs of the House of Brandenburg.” Qvanta de spe decidi!¹ It is hard to determine from his writing, whether the author be a Mahometan or a Christian. I suppose he is as near one as the other.

On Friday, 17, the Public Fast, I preached at West Street in the morning, at Spitalfields in the afternoon, and Bull-and-Mouth in the evening; everywhere to a crowded audience. Indeed every place of worship throughout the city was extremely crowded all the day long. Surely all the prayers which have been offered up this day will not fall to the ground.

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I rode through much rain to Maldon, in Essex. Their new preaching-house is large; but it would in nowise contain the congregation which flocked together in the evening. For a time there was much persecution here; but all is now calm and quiet: And probably goodwill be done, if those who now run well do not draw back to perdition. We had a large congregation at five in the morning, and more than we had room for in the evening. Fair blossoms! But which of these will bring forth fruit? O Lord, thou knowest!

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It rained without ceasing till we came to a small inn, nineteen miles from Maldon. Here we dried our clothes. Soon after the rain ceased, and we had a pleasant ride to London.

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Having a sermon to write against the Assizes at Bedford, I retired for a few days to Lewisham.

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I returned to London.

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I took horse about seven o’clock. The wind being East, I was pleasing myself that we should have it on our back: But in a quarter of an hour it shifted to the Northwest, and blew the rain full in our face: And both increased, so that when we came to Finchley Common, it was hard work to sit our horses. The rain continued all the way to Dunstable, where we exchanged the main road for the fields; which, having been just ploughed, were deep enough. However, before three we came to Sundon. Hence, on Thursday, 9, I rode to Bedford, and found the sermon was not to be preached till Friday. Had I known this in time, I should never have thought of preaching it; having engaged to be at Epworth on Saturday. Mr.—— came to me in the evening, and said he could not remain as he was any longer; that he had no rest in his spirit while he was thus halting between two; and therefore desired to go with me without delay. I answered, if he was so resolved, he was welcome to set out with me for Epworth the next day. He said he would. We spent some time in prayer, and parted for the present.

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The congregation at St. Paul’s was very large and very attentive. The Judge, immediately after sermon, sent me an invitation to dine with him. But having no time, I was obliged to send my excuse, and set out between one and two. The northeast wind was piercing cold, and, blowing exactly in our face, soon brought an heavy shower of snow, then of sleet, and afterwards of hail. However, we reached Stilton at seven, about thirty miles from Bedford.

Rest was now the more sweet, because both our horses were lame. However, resolving to reach Epworth at the time appointed, I set out in a post chaise between four and five in the morning: But the frost made it so bad driving, that my companion came with the lame horses into Stamford as soon as me. The next stage I went on horseback; but I was then obliged to leave my mare, and take another post chaise. I came to Bawtry about six. Some from Epworth had come to meet me, but were gone half an hour before I came. I knew no chaise could go the rest of the road: So it remained only to hire horses and a guide. We set out about seven, but r soon found my guide knew no more of the way than myself. However, we got pretty well to Idlestop, about four miles from Bawtry, where we had just light to discern the river at our side, and the country covered with water. I had heard that one Richard Wright lived thereabouts, who knew the road over the Moor perfectly well. Hearing one speak, (for we could not see him,) I called, “Who is there?” He answered, “Richard Wright.” I soon agreed with him, and he quickly mounted his horse, and rode boldly forward. The northeast wind blew full in our face; and I heard them say, “It is very cold!” But neither my face, nor hands, nor feet were cold, till between nine and ten we came to Epworth: After traveling more than ninety miles, I was little more tired than when I rose in the morning.

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I was much comforted at church, both morning and afternoon, by the serious behavior of the whole congregation, so different from what it was formerly. After Evening Service I took my stand in the market-place, with a multitude of people from all parts. Toward the end of the sermon the rain was heavy; but it neither lessened nor disturbed the congregation.

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I preached in the shell of the new House, and then set out for York. The banks over which we crept along were ready to swallow up man and beast. However, we came safe to York in the afternoon. After settling the little affairs, on Wednesday, 15, I rode to Leeds, where, in the evening, a multitude of people were present. I never before saw things in so good order here, and took knowledge the Assistant had not been idle. I was apprehensive, having been at an uncommon expense, of being a little straitened for money: But after preaching, one with whom I had never exchanged a word, put a letter into my hand, in which was a bill for ten pounds. Is not “the earth the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof?”

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I rode through heavy rain to Manchester. I was scarce set down, when Mr. came from Bedford. If he comes sincerely, (as I believe,) God will bless him; but if not, epo in portu navigo.¹ He can find out nothing with regard to me; I have no secrets.

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In riding from Manchester to Bolton, I read “The Life of Theodore, King of Corsica;” a great man, both as a General and as a Prince; and one who, if he had not been sacrificed to the French, might have made a shining figure in history.

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We rode to Liverpool.

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I walked over to Mr. E.’s, a gentleman who had little thought of God, till his favorite child lay at the point of death. It then came into his mind, to pray for his life. He did so, and the child recovered. This struck him to the heart, and he rested no more, till his own soul was healed. I never saw the House so crowded as it was on Easter-Day, March 26; especially with rich and genteel people; whom I did not at all spare. They are now warned to He from the wrath to come. God grant they may remember the warning!

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We went on board, and set sail for Dublin. The wind was fair, and the day extremely fine. Seven or eight miles from the town a small boat overtook us, which brought me letters from London. Some of these earnestly pressed me to return to London, or, however, not to go to Ireland. I consulted my friends, and just as we began our little debate, the wind, which till then was fair and small, turned from east to west, and blew harder and harder. But the point was soon decided. For upon inquiry we found the boat was gone back, and no other was to be had. Presently after the wind returned to the East, and we saw the hand of God. The Liverpool boat went away in such haste that it left a young man, James Glassbrook, behind; so we were five in all. We had seven more cabin passengers, and many common ones. So good natured a company I never met with in a ship before. The sea was as smooth as glass, the sun shone without a cloud, and the wind was small and quite fair. So we glided on; till, about nine, I went to prayers with them, and then quietly lay down.

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We were even with the great Welsh mountain, Penmaen Mawr, at five in the morning. But it then fell calm, so that we were scarce abreast of Holyhead in the evening. This gave us time to speak to all our fellow passengers. And some fruit quickly appeared; for no oath, no immodest or passionate word, was any more heard in the ship while we were on board.

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Having no wind still, I desired our brethren to come upon the quarter deck; where we no sooner began singing an hymn, than both passengers and sailors gladly assembled. The wind sprung up almost as soon as I began, and about nine the next day we entered Dublin Bay; after so smooth and pleasant a passage, as the Captain declared, he had not had at that time of year for forty years.

Considering the shortness of the warning, we had a large congregation in the evening; but a very small one in the morning, APRIL 1. At this I did not wonder when I was informed, that the preaching at five had been discontinued for near a year and an half. At eight likewise, Sunday, 2, the congregation was small. I took knowledge that the people of Dublin had neither seen nor heard much of self-denial, since T. Walsh left the kingdom.

All the evenings of the following week we had numerous congregations. Nothing is wanting here but rigorous discipline, which is more needful in this than in any other nation, the people in general being so soft and delicate, that the least slackness utterly destroys them.

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We walked round the College, and saw what was accounted most worthy of observation. The new front is exceeding grand; and the whole square (about as large as Peckwater in Christ Church) would be beautiful, were not the windows too small, as every one will see when the present fashion is out of date.

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I preached in the evening on Reuben’s character, “unstable as water,” so applicable to most of this nation. Some were deeply convinced, and resolved not to rest till they were established in grace.

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I exhorted the society to follow the example of their English brethren, by jointly renewing their covenant with God. On Tuesday evening I read the letters; by one of which a poor backslider, who had been wandering near eleven years, was cut to the heart, and determined to return to Him from whom he had so deeply revolted.

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I explained at large the nature and manner of entering into covenant with God, and desired all who were purposed so to do, to set Friday apart for solemn fasting and prayer. Many did so, and met both at five in the morning, at noon, and in the evening.

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I was much grieved at St. Peter’s church at such a sight as I never saw in England, communicants as well as others, behaving in a manner that shocked common sense as well as religion. O who has the courage to speak plain to these rich and honorable sinners! If they perish in their iniquity, will not their blood be on the watchman’s head?

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We met in the evening to renew our covenant with God. It was a glorious season. I believe all that were present found that God was there.

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Among the letters I read in public last week, was one from Mr. Gillies, giving an account of a society lately formed at Glasgow, for promoting Christian Knowledge among the poor, chiefly by distributing Bibles among them, and other religious books. I could not then help expressing my amazement, that nothing of this kind had been attempted in Ireland; and inquiring if it was not high time that such a society should be formed in Dublin. This morning Dr. Tisdale showed me a paper, which the Archbishop had just sent to each of his Clergy; exhorting them to erect a society for the distribution of books among the poor. Thanks be to God for this! Whether we or they, it is all one, so God be known, loved, and obeyed.

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In the evening I met all the married men and women of the society. I believe it was high time. For many of them seemed to know very little of relative duties: So that I brought strange things to their ears, when I enlarged on the duties of husbands, and wives, and parents.

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I dined at Lady——’s. We need great grace to converse with great people! From which, therefore, (unless in some rare instances,) I am glad to be excused. Horae fugiunt et imputantur!¹ Of these two hours I can give no good account.

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I was much concerned to see two gentlemen, who were close to me at St. Patrick’s church, fall a talking together, in the most trifling manner, immediately after they had received the Lord’s Supper. Indeed one who sat by could not but reproveth them, whom I seconded in strong terms. And so far (at least) we gained; they talked no more till the Service was ended.

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I left Dublin. But our chaise horse tired before we had drove eight miles. So I went into another chaise, and reached Killcock between eleven and twelve. We were agreeably surprised to hear the maid of the inn singing, one of our hymns, and to find that her mistress had, the evening before, been at the preaching in Dublin. This accounted for the profound civility with which all the servants behaved. About one I took horse, and rode on with Robert Swindells to Edinderry.

On the road I read Mr. Walker’s “Account of the Siege of Londonderry,” and the relation of that of Drogheda, by Dr. Bernard; a vain, childish, affected writer. Sir Henry Titchburn’s account of that siege is wrote in a strong and masculine manner, and is worthy to be joined with Mr. Walker’s plain and clear account of that other amazing scene of Providence.

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I read an account of the Irish Rebellion wrote by Dr. Curry, a Papist, of Dublin, who labors to wash the Ethiop white by numberless falsehoods and prevarications. But he is treated according to his merit by Mr. Harris, in a tract entitled, “Fiction Unmasked.”

In the evening I preached under the castle wall, to a very numerous congregation, though some of the Quakers (so called) had labored much to dissuade their people from coming; and one poor man, lately reclaimed, by hearing our Preachers, from a course of open, scandalous sin, they did persuade to stay at home. When he turns back to his vomit, who shall answer for his blood?

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I walked round the poor remains of the Castle. The situation is extremely fine. It stands on the top of a gently rising hill, commanding the prospect all four ways, and having rows of tall trees reaching down to the vale on three sides, with a grove covering it on the Northeast. But the house, as well as the gardens round about it, are now utterly run to ruin. I wonder none has rebuilt it; unless there is curse on the place for the sins of its former inhabitants!

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I finished Mr. Spearman’s “Inquiry;” an ingenious, sensible book; but I cannot at all agree with his scheme: I still think Mr. Hutchinson’s whole system is not only quite unsupported by Scripture, but loaded with insuperable difficulties. I cannot yet see the possibility of any motion, without so much as a vacuum disseminatum.¹ Is it not flatly impossible, if all be full, and all matter be impenetrable? Much less can I conceive, how the streams of light and air can move continually in opposite directions, and that in space absolutely full, without jostling with each other!

In the evening I preached at Portarlington. Both this day and the next I was much concerned for my rich, gay hearers; and God gave me such a word for them, as I scarce ever had before.

Hence, at his earnest request, I rode over to Mr. L——y, who said he could not die in peace till he had seen me. For some time he had been quite distracted; but he spoke quite sensibly yesterday, while Mr. Swindells was there, saying, with many tears, he had never prospered in any thing since he used Mr. W. so ill. That night he had sound and refreshing sleep, which he had not had for many weeks before; and, when we called, most of what he said was reasonable and connected. Perhaps God may put an end to the troubles which have lately encompassed him on every side.

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I preached in the market-place at Mount Mellick in the evening, and at eight in the morning. At eleven I went to church. Soon after, seven or eight troopers came into the same pew. Several were in the next pew, and others scattered up and down the church. In the middle of the Service a person came in, and whispered to one of them in our pew: Soon after another person came in, and whispered to the Corporal. Several of them then whispered together; after which four went out, but quickly returned with many swords and pistols. After whispering together again, they all rose up from all parts, and went out of the church in a body. This put the whole congregation in an uproar, and many ran out in all haste. Afterwards the secret appeared to be this: — Three weeks ago a man of the town grossly abused a trooper, whose patience at length being worn-out, he gave him a cut across the head. A report now came that the man was dead. On this the mob gathered to seize the trooper; but the others resolved not to give him up to a mob, but to the Peace Officer. I suppose most of the Protestants in the town were present at the evening sermon. Many Papists also stood in the skirts of the congregation, though liable to heavy penance for it. I preached much longer than I am accustomed, finding it an acceptable time. Well might Kempis say, “He rides easily, whom the grace of God carries.”

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I strove to put an end to the bitter contentions which had well-nigh torn the society in pieces. I heard the contending parties face to face, and desired them to speak at large. God gave his blessing therewith; the snare was broken, and they were cordially reconciled. Only one person was out of all patience, and formally renounced us all. But within an hour God broke her heart also, and she asked pardon with many tears. So there is reason to hope they will, for the time to come, “bear one another’s burdens.”

In the evening I preached at Tullamore, not only to a large number of Protestants, but to many Papists, and almost all the troopers in the town.

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I wrote a short answer to Dr. Free’s weak, bitter, scurrilous invective against the people called Methodists. But I doubt whether I shall meddle with him any more; he is too dirty a writer for me to touch.

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I preached at four in the afternoon at Coolylough, and at eight in the morning; after which I rode on to Tyrrel’s Pass. The letters which I received here were seasonable as rain in drought. I had before found much weariness; but God thereby gave a check to my faintness of spirit, and enabled me to “gird up the loins of my mind.”

In the evening, the weather being calm and mild, I preached on the side of a meadow the people standing before me, one above another, on the side of a gently rising hill. And many did, indeed, at that hour, “taste and see that the Lord is gracious.”

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In the evening I preached at Drumeree, in the new Room, built in the taste of the country. The roof is thatch, the walls mud; on which a ladder was suspended by ropes of straw. Hence we rode to Rosmead. The congregation here was not large, but deeply serious.

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I preached at eight and at five. Afterward I was desired to make a collection for a distressed family. Mr. Booker, the Minister of the parish, willingly stood at the door to receive it; and encouraged all that went by to be merciful after their power.

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I rode to Newry, and preached at seven to a large and serious congregation.

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We rode by the side of the canal, through a pleasant vale, to Terryhugan. The room built on purpose for us here, is three yards long, two and a quarter broad, and six foot high. The walls, floor, and ceiling are mud; and we had a clean chaff bed. At seven I preached in a neighboring ground, having a rock behind me, and a large congregation sitting on the grass before me. Thence we retired to our hut, and found it true, — Licet sub paupere tecto

Reges et regum vita praecurrere amicos.¹

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I suppose all the inhabitants of the village, with many others, were present at five in the morning. Among these was a poor woman, brought to bed ten days before, who had walked four Irish miles (seven English) with her child in her arms, to have it baptized by me. Another, who lived at Terryhugan, had earnestly desired the same thing, if she was delivered before I left the country. She was delivered two or three hours before the preaching. So God gave her what she asked of him. In riding to Lisburn I read Mr. Rollin’s “Ancient History.” Could so masterly a writer make so palpable blunders! Or are they owing to the translator? I have observed many as gross as that in the fourth volume: “A revered old age was the fruit of Gelon’s wisdom. — He was succeeded by Hiero, his eldest brother. This young Prince” How? If Gelon enjoyed revered old age, could his eldest brother be young after his death? Abundance of people attended the preaching in the evening, as well as in the morning.

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I preached about noon at Comber, and then rode on to Newtown. This seems to have been a place of strength, large fragments of walls still remaining. I preached at seven on the Green to the largest congregation I have seen since I came into the kingdom. All were quietly attentive, and, when I had done, went away in deep silence.

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We went into the church, the burial place of Mr. Colvin’s father and ancestors. The choir, turned into a chapel many years ago, is grand and finely finished. But as no man cares for it, since the estate was sold, it is swiftly running to ruin.

In the evening we had a larger congregation than before. I was afraid my voice would not reach them all; but God gave me strength, so that I believe every one present might hear distinctly.

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I preached in the market-house at Belfast about one, and in the Court House at Carrickfergus in the evening.

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I rode over the mountains to Larn, a small seaport, ten miles north of Carrickfergus. The sun shone bright and exceeding hot, and the wind was pretty high. They fixed the table just fronting the midday sun, and where an eddy of wind poured in continually. And it was well they did; for the sun tempered the wind, so that I could bear both better than either. I suppose most of the town were present, rich and poor; and I believe the word of God did not return empty.

In the evening I preached at Carrick again. The old Earl of Donegal, one of the richest Peers in Ireland, took much pleasure here in his stately house surrounded by large and elegant gardens. But his only son proved an idiot, and the present heir regards them not. So the roof of the house is fallen in, and the horses and sheep, which feed in the gardens, make wild work with the parterres and curious trees which the old Lord so carefully planted!

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We rode to Lurgan. In the morning I walked to Loughneagh, the most beautiful lake I ever saw. On the Southeast shore stands a small mount, supposed to be raised by the Danes; on the top of which is a kind of arbor, benched round with turf, which might contain twenty or thirty people.

This was the hottest day I ever felt in Ireland: Near as hot as any I remember in Georgia. The next morning I was desired to see the house of an eminent scholar near the town. The door into the yard we found nailed up; but we got in at a gap which was stopped with thorns. I took the house, at first, for a very old barn, but was assured he had built it within five years; not indeed by any old, vulgar model, but purely to his own taste. The walls were part mud, part brick, part stone, and part bones and wood. There were four windows, but no glass in any, lest the pure air should be kept out. The house had two stories, but no staircase, and no door. Into the upper floor we went by a ladder, through one of the windows; through one of the lower windows, into the lower floor, which was about four foot high. This floor had three rooms; — one three square, the second had five sides, the third, I know not how many. I give a particular description of this wonderful edifice, to illustrate that great truth: — There is no folly too great even for a man of sense, if he resolve to follow his own imagination!

I spent Friday and Saturday at Newry, a town risen out of its ashes within these twenty years.

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I was much pleased with the seriousness and decency of the congregation at church. But they were a little hurried in the middle of the service: A young man dropped down as dead. In a little time, however, he came to himself, and was led out of church.

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I rode through a barren, dreary country, and by a miserable road, to Castle Blaney. The morning was extremely hot; but we had a cooler ride in the afternoon to Coot Hill. I preached at seven, in an open place near the street, to a tolerably serious congregation. At six in the morning there were more rather than fewer, who then seemed to feel as well as hear. I walked afterward to the German House, about as large as the chapel in Snowsfields. They have pitched upon a delightful situation, laid out a garden by it, planted trees round the ground, and every way approved themselves “wise in their generation.” They often put me in mind of the Monks of old, who had picked out the pleasantest spots in our nation; but when their time was come, God swept them away in an hour they looked not for it.

In the evening I preached at Dingins, in the county of Cavan, on the very edge of Ulster. Many came from far, a few of whom have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

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I preached in the morning at Granard, in the barrack yard. I have rarely seen a congregation in a new place so much affected. About one I preached at Edgeworthtown, to a very genteel congregation, extremely different from that which gathered at Longford, in the yard of the great inn, — the rudest, surliest, wildest people that I have found since I came into the kingdom: However they stood pretty quiet, till some pieces of turf were thrown among them over the houses; and when they had recovered from the hurry it put them into, they behaved decently till I concluded.

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I preached at Cleg Hill about one, and then rode on to Drumersnave. Wood, water, fruitful land, and gently rising hills, contribute to make this place a little paradise. Mr. Campbell, the proprietor of the whole, resolved to make it such: So he planted groves, laid out walks, formed the plan of a new town, with a barrack at one end, and his own seat at the other. But, alas! death stepped in between, and all his plea fell to the ground.

I lodged at the only gentleman’s house in the town, whose wife adorns the Gospel.

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I rode through James’s Town, once a strong place, now an heap of ruins, and through Carrick and Boyle, both enclosed by a pleasant and fruitful country. Soon after, we entered the county of Sligo, the best peopled that I have seen in the kingdom. Eight villages we counted within seven miles: The town itself, I think, is little less than Limerick. The country round it is fertile and well improved; even the mountains, to the very top. It lies two miles from the sea, having a large harbor, covered by mountains on each side.

The mob had been in motion all the day. But their business was only with the forestallers of the market, who had bought up all the corn far and near, to starve the poor, and load a Dutch ship, which lay at the quay; but the mob brought it all out into the market, and sold it for the owners at the common price. And this they did with all the calmness and composure imaginable, and without striking or hurting anyone.

I preached in the evening, near the main street, to a small quiet, serious company; at nine, Sunday, 28, in the market-house, to a numerous congregation. But they were doubled at five in the afternoon; and God made his word quick and powerful. Even the rich and genteel part of the audience appeared to be deeply affected. O for laborers, for a few γνησια τεκνα,¹ — desirous only to spend and be spent for their brethren!

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I rode to Castlebar.

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I went to Newport. I believe all the Protestants in the town gladly attended the evening preaching; and few of them were wanting at five in the morning. How white are these fields to the harvest!

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I rode to Hollymount, and preached in the church-yard. I then visited my antagonist, Mr. Clark, who was lying extremely ill.

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I preached at Minulla, a village four miles from Castlebar. I was surprised to find how little the Irish Papists are changed in an hundred years. Most of them retain the same bitterness, yea, and thirst for blood, as ever; and would as freely now cut the throats of all the Protestants, as they did in the last century.

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As they have the Lord’s Supper here but four times a year, I administered it in the evening to about sixty persons. Scarce one of them went empty away. Many were filled with consolation.

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I set out at four, (the hour I had appointed,) on foot; the horse brought for me having neither bridle nor saddle. After a time, one galloped after me full speed, till, just as he overtook me, horse and man came down together. The horse’s knee spouted out blood, as if an artery had been cut; but on a sudden the blood stopped, nor did he bleed any more all the way to Aghrim.

I found a few here, and left more, “striving to enter in at the strait gate.”

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About eight I preached at Ahaskra, to a congregation of whom four fifths were Papists. Would to God the Government would insure to all the Papists in the land, so much liberty of conscience, that none might hinder them from hearing the true word of God! Then, as they hear, so let them judge. In the evening I preached at Athlone.

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We had an excellent sermon at church on the intercession of Christ. In the afternoon abundance of Papists, as well as Protestants, were present on the Connaught side of the river, while I explained the joy that is “in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.” Toward the close two or three eggs were thrown, and, not long after, two stones. One of them fell On a gentleman’s servant, the other on a drummer, which so enraged the dragoons, (many of whom were in the congregation,) that as soon as I concluded, they run all ways to find the man that threw. The spirit they showed did much good, by striking a terror into the rabble. But I was glad they did not discover the offender. I believe his fright was punishment enough.

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I met the Preachers and Stewards at Cooly Lough. The congregation at noon was the largest I ever saw there. In the afternoon the perplexed case of I. C. and I. A. was referred to Mr. S. and Mr. H.; who, after a long hearing, judged, (as did all present,) “That I. C. had acted wrong, in seizing and selling I. A.’s goods for rent when no rent was due.” After preaching in the evening, I talked with Kath. Shea, of Athlone, concerning a strange account which I had heard: There are many now living who attest, on their personal knowledge, most of the particulars of it. She said, “When I was ten years old, the preaching began at Athlone. I liked and often heard it, though my parents were zealous Papists, till they removed into the country. I then grew as zealous as them, and was diligent in reading the Popish Prayers, till I w as about thirteen; when, taking the Mass Book one day, to read my prayers, I could not see one word. I continued blind, just able to discern light from darkness, but not to read or do any work; till after three months, casting my eye on a New Testament, I could read clearly. I said to myself, ‘I won’t read this Protestant book; I will read my own book.’ Accordingly I opened the Mass Book, but could not see one word; it appeared all dark and black. I made the trial thrice over, holding the Mass Book in one hand, and the Testament in the other: I could not see any thing in the Mass Book, but could read the Testament as well as ever. On this I threw away the Mass Book, fully resolved to meddle with it no more.

“Afterwards my parents returned to Athlone. Then I heard the preaching at all opportunities. For this they beat me many times, and at last turned me out of doors. Yet after this, my father brought me to the Priest, who disputed with me very warmly. At length my father said, ‘I think the girl is in the right.’ And he opposed me no more to the day of his death.”

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I preached at Tullamore about eleven; and at Birr in the evening.

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I set out for Limerick. I was wet through from head to foot, before I came thither, but received no hurt. Here I had a particular account of the melancholy affair, which was in the mouths of all men. On Sunday evening last two officers were playing at dice, when they quarreled about a lewd woman. This occasioned a challenge from Mr. I., which the other would fain have declined. But he would not be denied; and was so bent upon it, that he would not go to bed. About three in the morning they went out, with their seconds, to the Island. Mr. B. proposed firing at twelve yards’ distance; but Mr. I. said, “No, no; six is enough.” So they kissed one another, (poor farce,) and, before they were five paces asunder, both fired at the same instant. The ball went into Mr. I.’s breast, who turned round twice or thrice, and fell. He was carried home, made his will, and about three in the afternoon died like a man of honor! How are “the judgments of the Lord abroad in the earth!” About Easter last Mr. Beauchamp was at a gentleman’s house in the county of Clare, when a gentleman, who was occasionally there, finding they were going to family prayers, ran away in all haste, swearing he would have none of their swaddling prayers. Two or three weeks after, he imagined himself to be not very well. A Physician was called, who, for three or four days successively, affirmed there was no danger at all. On the fifth day a second Physician was called, who, feeling his pulse, said, “Why do you send for me? I can do nothing. He is a dead man.” Hearing this, he cried out, “Doctor, you have deceived me. I leave money enough. But my soul is lost!” He catched hold of one and another, crying, “Save me; save me!” He endeavored to throw himself into the fire. Being hindered from doing this, he seized upon his own arm, and tore it with his teeth: And, after a short time, in all the agony of rage, despair, and horror, expired! AN EXTRACT

OF THE

REV. MR. JOHN WESLEY’S JOURNAL

FROM JUNE 17, 1758, TO MAY 5, 1760

————

NUMBER XI

——————

JOURNAL

FROM JUNE 17, 1758, TO MAY 5, 1760.

————

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I met Thomas Walsh once more in Limerick, alive, and but just alive. Three of the best Physicians in these parts have attended him, and all agree that it is a lost case; that by violent straining of his voice, added to frequent colds, he has contracted a pulmonary consumption, which is now in the last stage, and consequently beyond the reach of any human help. O what a man, to, be snatched away in the strength of his years! Surely Thy judgments are a great deep!

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Our little Conference began, at which fourteen Preachers were present. We settled all things here, which we judged would be of use to the Preachers or the societies, and consulted how to remove whatever might be an hindrance to the work of God.

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I rode over to Court Mattress, a colony of Germans, whose parents came out of the Palatinate, about fifty years ago. Twenty families of them settled here; twenty more at Killiheen, a mile off; fifty at Balligarane, about two miles eastward, and twenty at Pallas, four miles farther. Each family had a few acres of ground, on which they built as many little houses. They are since considerably increased in number of souls, though decreased in number of families. Having no Minister, they were become eminent for drunkenness, cursing, swearing, and an utter neglect of religion. But they are washed since they heard and received the truth which is able to save their souls. An oath is now rarely heard among them, or a drunkard seen in their borders. Court Mattress is built in the form of a square, in the middle of which they have placed a pretty large preaching-house: But it would not contain one half of the congregation; so I stood in a large yard. The wind kept off the rain while I was preaching. As soon as I ended, it began.

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About six I preached in the island in a square, green enclosure, which was formerly Oliver Cromwell’s camp. I have not seen such a congregation since we left London. To how much better purpose is this ground employed than it was in the last century!

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I rode to Clare, and at six preached in the street to many poor Papists, and rich Protestants, almost all the gentry in the country being assembled together. Thence I went on to Ennis, and at ten the next morning had another genteel congregation in the Court House. In Ennis, many suppose there are not less than fifty Papists to one Protestant. They would have been very ready to show their goodwill; but the sight of Mr. B—— kept them in awe. A report, however, was spread of some terrible things they were to do in the evening; and many were surprised to observe, that more than nine in ten of the congregation were Papists: But none spoke an unkind or uncivil word, either while I preached or after I had done.

How unspeakable is the advantage, in point of common sense, which middling people have over the rich! There is so much paint and affectation, so many unmeaning words and senseless customs among people of rank, as fully justify the remark made seventeen hundred years ago, Rarus enim ferme sensus communis in illa Fortuna.¹

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I preached in the island near Limerick, both morning and evening, standing on the side of a large hollow, adjoining to the old camp. The ground on the sides of it sloped upward, so that the people sat on the grass, row above row. Such an amphitheater I never saw before, in which thousands of hearers were so commodiously placed; and they seemed earnestly to attend to our Lord’s invitation, “Come, for all things are now ready!”

I did not then observe that I strained myself; but in the morning I was extremely hoarse. This increased all day, together with a load and stoppage in my breast. On Tuesday morning I began spitting blood, found a pain in my left side, a sensible decay of strength, and a deep wheezing cough, just the symptoms which I had some years since. I immediately applied a brimstone plaster to my side, and used a linctus of roasted lemon and honey. Wednesday, 5. My side was quite easy, and my hoarseness much abated: So in the evening 1 made shift to preach again, though not without difficulty. I had purposed preaching the next day at Shronill, about twenty-four English miles from Limerick; and at Clonmell, about the same distance from Shronill; but perceiving my strength would not suffice, and yielding to the advice of my friends, I rested another day.

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The news of Prince Berdinand’s victory had half turned the heads of most of the Protestants, till, they were brought to themselves by news of another kind, which ran through the city as in an instant. One who was well known therein, a great curser, and blasphemer, and eminently “without God in the world,” went a fishing a little way from his own door, and stood, with his angling rod on the edge of the water. Many were looking on when, his foot slipping, he fell forward and sunk. As help was at hand, he was soon drawn out; but it was too late; there were no remains of life; his soul was gone to give its account.

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I rode in a chaise to Charleville, and thence on an easy horse to Cork. James Massiot died in peace the morning before; so I was just in time to perform the last office for him.

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The congregation was large, but my voice was so weak that many could not hear. Sunday, 9. After the burial of James Massiot, I preached to a multitude of people, on, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord;” and the longer I spoke, the more my voice was strengthened.

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I rode with James Morgan to Bandon, and preached in the market-house to a listening multitude. Wednesday, 12. I read over the “Analysis of Lord Bolingbroke’s Works.” Surely never did any man so flatly contradict and so fully answer himself. Thursday, 13. About noon I preached m the Exchange at Kinsale. The townsfolks “care for none of these things.” But we had a large congregation of soldiers, many of whom are good soldiers of Jesus Christ.

In the evening I preached in the main street at Bandon. Having now need of all my voice, it was given me again; only with a little pain in my side, which ceased while I was speaking.

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I preached about noon at Innishannon, and returned to Bandon. A fortnight since they laid the foundation of their preaching-house: This evening I preached in the shell of it; but it would not contain the congregation. Truly these are “swift to hear,” though not “slow to speak.”

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I preached again in the shell of the House at eight, and in the main street at six in the evening. Observing many of the French officers there, I could not but pray for them in particular. Some of them were deeply attentive. Perhaps it was not for nothing that God brought them into a strange land.

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I returned to Cork. Wednesday, 19. I began speaking severally to the members of the society. Many of them, I found, were truly alive to God. Old misunderstandings were removed. And I had the satisfaction of seeing them so united together as they had not been for many years.

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I met with a Tract which utterly confounded all my philosophy: I had long believed that microscopic animals were generated like all other animals, by parents of the same species; but Mr. Needham makes it highly probable that they constitute a peculiar class of animals, differing from all others in this, that they neither are generated or generate, nor subsist by food, in the ordinary way.

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In the evening I assisted the society in renewing their covenant with God. It was to many a season of great refreshment, and the fear of God was upon all.

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I began meeting the children in the afternoon. though with little hopes of doing them good. But I had not spoke long on our natural state before many of them were in tears, and five or six so affected that they could not refrain from crying aloud to God. When I began to pray, their cries increased, so that my voice was soon lost. I have seen no such work among children for eighteen or nineteen years.

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I finished the Glasgow “Abridgment of Mr. Hutchinson’s Works.” He was doubtless a man of uncommon understanding, and indefatigable application. Yet the more I consider it, the less can I subscribe to his system either of divinity or philosophy: As I am more and more convinced, that they have no foundation in Scripture or sound reason.

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The Captain with whom we were to sail was in great haste to have our things on board; but I would not send them while the wind was against us. On Wednesday, he sent message after message: So in the evening we went down to the ship near Passage; but there was nothing ready or near ready for sailing. Hence I learned two or three rules, very needful for those who sail between England and Ireland:

1. Never pay till you set sail:

2. Go not on board till the Captain goes on board:

3. Send not your baggage on board till you go yourself.

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(I returned to Cork. On Saturday, 5, we were called on board in all haste: But the Captain being in no haste to sail, I preached at Cork again on Sunday, at five, and then returned to Passage. He now said he would fall down to Cove directly: So we took boat and went down thither; but no Captain appeared either this day or the next. So, that I might not lie idle, I went down to the beach, and began preaching to as wild, unpromising a congregation, as ever I saw in this kingdom. However, they performed more than they promised; for they grew more and more quiet and attentive; and some of them appeared to be deeply affected.

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Hearing nothing of our Captain yet, in the afternoon I went to the middle of the town. Abundance of people ran together; hut they were far too wild and noisy to admit of my giving out a psalm, or naming a text, in the usual way; so I fell abruptly upon as many as could hear, in a free and familiar manner. In a few minutes the whole body were quiet, and tolerably attentive. They were more and more serious, till I concluded with a hymn and a short prayer.

Immediately after preaching, I was sent for to a gentleman who was struck with the palsy. I found the house full of his friends and relations, to whom I spoke freely and largely. They seemed to be more than ordinarily affected. Perhaps for this also we were detained at Cove.

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I preached not far from the beach, to a very decent and serious congregation. Presently after, a vessel sailed by, bound for Wales. We went on board without delay, got out of the harbor by eleven, and by Wednesday noon were abreast of the Isle of Lundy. But we had not yet done our work; for the wind fell, and we did not get into the river till near sunset. Observing three or four sailors standing together, I began explaining to them the nature of religion. In a few minutes all within the ship came together; and without the ceremony of naming a text, I enlarged on, “The kingdom of heaven is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” About eleven we landed at Penklawr, and in the morning rode to Swansea.

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We rode through a pleasant country to Pile. We were setting out from thence when a violent shower drove as into the house again, and constrained us to talk with two or three travelers. I believe our labor was not lost; for they appeared to be greatly affected. I preached at Cardiff in the evening and the next morning. We reached the New Passage about noon. But they did not tell us till half hour after five, that the boat would not pass that night. With much difficulty I procured a small boat to carry us over, leaving our horses behind. Landing soon after six, we walked on, and between nine and ten came to Bristol.

Here I met with a trial of another kind: But this also shall be for good. On the following days was our yearly Conference, begun and ended in perfect harmony. Thursday, 17. I went to the cathedral to hear Mr. Handel’s “Messiah.” I doubt if that congregation was ever so serious at a sermon as they were during this performance. In many parts, especially several of the choruses, it exceeded my expectation.

Having promised to take a little journey into Wales, on Monday, 21, I set out with Joseph Jones. We were in the boat before nine, but did not land our horses till a quarter before three. However, I reached Cardiff time enough to preach in the Room, though not in the Castle.

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I gathered up, as well as I could, the fragments of the society. At six in the evening I preached in the Castle. Wednesday, 23. We rode to Fonmon. The behavior of Mr. Jones surprised me: It seemed as if he inherited the spirit of his father. I preached at seven to a deeply serious congregation, and to a good part of them at five in the morning.

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I wrote a second letter to Dr. Free, the warmest opponent I have had for many years. I leave him now to laugh, and scold, and witticise, and call names just as he pleases; for I have done.

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I rode to Cowbridge, and preached at three in the afternoon, in the new assembly room. I observed no trifler there, though there were several of the better rank. About six I preached in a green conrt at Lanmais, to a company of right, old, simple Christians. I could not get from them so soon as I designed; so that we did not reach Fonmon till near nine.

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One undertook to guide me the nearest way into the main road. But in five or six miles he lost his way, so that for some time we wandered upon the mountains. About noon, however, we got into the road, and an hour and half after to Pile. Before we left it, I spoke a few words to the woman of the house. She seemed quite struck. How few words suffice, when God applies them to the heart!

I knew not where to go at Neath; but as we entered the town, a man fixed his eyes upon me, (though he had never seen me before,) and said, “Sir, that is the house where the Preachers put up their horses.” I had been there only a few minutes, when another came in and said, “Sir, Mrs. Morgan expects you. I will show you the way.” To Mr. Morgan’s we went, and were as cordially received as if she had known us twenty years. It was market day; so I preached about five in the Room, a large, commodious place. I believe most that were present (several of whom were backsliders) felt that God was there.

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We reached Swansea at seven, and were met by one who conducted us to his house, and thence to a kind of castle, in which was a green court, surrounded by high old walls. A large congregation assembled soon, and behaved with the utmost decency. A very uncommon blessing was among them, as uses to be among them that are simple of heart. The congregation was considerably more than doubled at five in the afternoon. Many gay and well dressed persons were among them; but they were as serious as the poorest. Peter Jacob, who was driven to us by contrary winds, was agreeably surprised at them.

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I scarce ever saw such a rain in Europe as we had for considerable part of this morning. In one of the main streets the water ran with a stream capable of turning a mill. However, having appointed to preach at noon, in Newton, about six miles from Swansea, I was determined not to break my word, though I supposed but few would attend: But I was mistaken; such a number of people came together as no house in the town could contain. A barn was soon prepared; and it pleased God to send a gracious rain upon their hearts.

After preaching at Swansea in the evening I met those who desired to join in a society, and explained to them the nature and design of it; with which they were quite unacquainted.

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I rode back to Neath, in order to put the society there (an unlicked mass) into some form. This on Saturday they had begged me to do; but they seemed now to have quite forgotten it. Mr. Evans, the Presbyterian Minister, had turned them upside down. They looked as if they had never seen me before; all but five or six, who were much ashamed of their brethren.

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I rode on to Margam. There used to be preaching here, till Lord Mansell, dying, without children, left the estate to Mr. Talbot. He forbad all his tenants to receive the Preachers, and so effectuatly put a stop to it. But he did not glory in it long. A few months after, God called him home.

At noon I preached again in the assembly room at Cowbridge: In the Castle, at Cardiff, in the evening. Thursday, 31. I talked with several of the people, and found the old spirit swiftly reviving. In the evening I preached in the Town Hall. Several eminent sinners were present: And God was present in an uncommon manner; as also at the meeting of the society.

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After a busy and comfortable day, I preached once more in the Castle. The word seemed to sink deep into the hearers, though many of them were of the genteeler sort. In the society we were much refreshed. Many followed me to Thomas Gl — ‘s house; where two or three were cut to the heart, particularly both his daughters, and cried to God with strong cries and tears.

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We rode to the New Passage, crossed over in half an hour, and about five came to Bristol.

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I wrote the account of an extraordinary monument of divine mercy, — Nathaniel Othen, who was shot for desertion at Dover Castle, in October, 1757. In the following week I met Mr. Fletcher, and the other Preachers that were in the house, and spent a considerable time in close conversation on the head of Christian Perfection. I afterwards wrote down the general propositions wherein we all agreed.

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I rode to Coleford, and was much refreshed among the simple, zealous colliers. Saturday, 16. In the evening I preached at Bradford, as also at five and eight on Sunday morning. At two, as soon as we were in the House at Freshford, it poured down with rain; so that, after as many as could had crowded in, the rest were constrained to go away. But the rain ceased as soon as we took horse, and we had a pleasant ride to Bristol.

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I rode over to Bath; but the Room would ill contain the congregation: So I encouraged them in their design of taking a piece of ground, and building without delay. In the evening I preached at Shepton; and several of the rich and honorable took it into their mind to come. But they came too late; for the House was already thoroughly filled with the poor. Thursday, 21. As we rode homeward, we saw a sight indeed, — a woman in the extremity of pain, rotting away piece meal by the King’s evil, full of sores from head to foot, with several of her bones appearing through the skin, and continually praising God with tears of joy, for “dealing so mercifully” with her.

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The famous Roger Balls had planted himself in Stoke’s Croft before I came. However, as there was a large congregation, I did not think it right to leave them to him, but began as usual, and preached till near six o’clock, without paying any regard to him.

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I took my leave of the congregation and of the children in Kingswood; and God gave us a parting blessing. Monday, 2. I preached at Bradford, (noon and night,) and met the stewards of the Wiltshire and Somersetshire societies. In the evening I baptized a young woman, deeply convinced of sin. We all found the power of God was present to heal, and she herself felt what she had not words to express.

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One of Warminster who was at Bristol last week had desired me to call at his house. I did so this morning, and preached in his yard, to a numerous congregation of saints and sinners, rich and poor, Churchmen, Quakers, and Presbyterians, both of the old and new way. Some disturbance was expected, but there was none. The whole assembly behaved well; and instead of curses or stones, we had many blessings as we rode through the town for Salisbury. Wednesday, 4. I rested there.

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I rode by Redbridge and Fareham to Portsmouth; where at seven I preached in Mr. Whitefield’s Tabernacle to a small, serious congregation.

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I designed to go in a ferry to the Isle of Wight; but the watermen were so extravagant in their demands, that I changed my mind, and went in the hoy: And it was well I did; for the sea was so high, it would not have been easy for a small boat to keep above water. We landed at two, and walked on, five little miles, to Newport. The neighboring camp had filled the town with soldiers, the most abandoned wretches whom I ever yet saw. Their whole glorying was in cursing, swearing, drunkenness, and lewdness. How gracious is God, that he does not yet send these monsters to their own place!

At five I preached in the corn market, and at six in the morning. A few even of the soldiers attended. One of these, Benjamin Lawrence, walked with us to Wotton Bridge; where we intended to take boat. He was in St. Philip’s Fort during the whole siege, concerning which I asked him many questions. He said,

1. “Abundance of cattle was left in the fields, till the French (long expected) came and took them.

2. Abundance of wine was left in the town, even more than the French could use; and there was not enough in the Castle even for the sick men.

3. A large, strong, stone house was left standing, within a small distance of the Fort. Behind this the French often formed themselves, particularly before the last assault.

4. This might easily be accounted for. We had few Officers of any experience; and the Governor never came out of his house.

5. The French made two general assaults, and were repulsed; and many blown up by our mines. But the mines having never been looked after till just when we wanted them, most of them were utterly useless; so that only two, out of threescore, did any execution.

6. In their third assault (which they were very hardly persuaded to make) Captain——, who commanded the guard of an hundred men at the Sally Port, ran away before he was attacked; and his men, having none to command them, went after. I was left alone, till I retired also; and the French, having none to oppose them, came in.

7. In the morning our men were mad to drive them out, and would have done it in an hour; but that they were told the Fort was given up, and ordered to cease firing.

8. We had, at the approach of the enemy, three thousand eight hundred and thirty three effective men; and we had very near as many when we surrendered, with plenty of provision and ammunition.” O human justice! One great man is shot, and another is made a Lord! We hired a small fisher boat at Wotton Bridge, there being scarce any wind. But it increased more and more when we were on the sea, which was seven miles over. Our cock boat danced on the waves, and must have sunk, if one large wave had come over her: But God suffered it not. We landed in two hours, and walked away to Gosport.

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The wind and rain drove us into the Tabernacle. In the afternoon I preached in the main street at Fareham. A wild multitude was present; yet a few only mocked: The greater part were soon deeply attentive.

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I set out for Sussex, and in the evening reached Rottingdean, a village four miles east of Brighthelmstone. The next day we rode over the Downs to Rye, lying on the top of a round fruitful hill. I preached at seven to a crowded audience, with great enlargement of spirit.

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I rode to Rolvenden, about ten miles from Rye, and preached at five to a large, serious congregation. A few drunkards stood in the road at some distance, and took some pains to divert their attention; but it was labor lost.

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It was a rainy morning, so that the House contained the congregation. Many of them were in tears, being deeply convinced that they were as yet “without God in the world.” About one I preached at Northjam. The House was stowed as full as possible, but still many were constrained to stand without, though it rained much. About five in the evening I preached again at Rye.

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In the evening we had a solemn season. After I had concluded my sermon, I read over the Rules of the Society in the open congregation. The number of those who came at five in the morning showed that God had touched many hearts. On Saturday evening many were obliged to stand without, though the wind was high and extremely cold.

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After preaching at eight I rode again to Northjam, and preached in Mr. Stonestreet’s orchard, to far the largest congregation I have seen in Sussex. One of Rye, in our return thither, gave us a remarkable account: “Mr.——, one most eminent for profaneness, drunkenness, and all manner of wickedness, when you met the society on Thursday evening at your lodgings, was curious to listen at the window. The next day he surprised his company by crying out, ‘I am the greatest sinner on the whole earth.’ On Friday evening he was wounded more deeply still, and was at the preaching at five in the morning.” Surely thus far God has helped him; but, a thousand to one, he will “return as a dog to his vomit.”

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I rode to Canterbury. As we came into the city, a stone dew out of the pavement and struck my mare upon the leg with such violence that she dropped down at once. I kept my seat, till, in struggling to arise, she fell again and rolled over me. When she arose, I endeavored to rise too, but found I had no use of my right leg or thigh. But an honest barber came out, lifted me up, and hell led me into his shop. Feeling myself very sick, I desired a g ass of cold water, which instantly gave me ease.

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I found reason to rejoice over this little flock, now free from all divisions and offenses. And on Saturday I cheerfully returned to London, after an absence of near eight months.

Here I rested four days; and, on Wednesday, 25, went partly by coach, partly on horseback, to Malden. Friday, 27. I rode on, through an extremely pleasant and fruitful country, to Colchester. I have seen very few such towns in England. It lies on the ridge of an hill, with other hills on each side which run parallel with it, at a small distance. The two main streets, one running east and west, the other north and south, are quite straight, the whole length of the town, and full as broad as Cheapside. I preached at four on St. John’s Green, at the side of an high old wall, (a place that seemed to be made on purpose,) to an extremely attentive audience; and again at eight in the morning, on Saturday, 28, and at four in the afternoon. In the hours between I took the opportunity of speaking to the members of the society. In three months here are joined together an hundred and twenty persons. A few of these know in whom they have believed, and many are sensible of their wants.

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At eight the congregation was very large; and I believe God made his word quick and powerful. At four in the afternoon we had a Moorfields congregation. Many of the baser sort stood at a distance; but they made no disturbance, knowing the Magistrates are determined to suffer no riot at Colchester.

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Though I was not quite recovered from the lameness occasioned by the fall of my horse, I made shift to ride to Norwich, where, on the following days, I had the satisfaction to observe that the society had not lessened, (as I had feared,) but rather increased, since I left them. And there is a probability they will increase still, as they are far more established in grace.

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James Wheatley called upon me, and offered me the Tabernacle. But whether to accept the offer, or not, I cannot tell: This must be maturely considered. I found all this week great liberty of spirit; and the congregations were large and attentive. It seems the time is come when our labor even at Norwich will not be in vain.

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We went to St. Peter’s church, the Lord’s Supper being administered there. I scarce ever remember to have seen a more beautiful parish church: The more so, because its beauty results not from foreign ornaments, but from the very form and structure of it. It is very large, and of an uncommon height, and the sides are almost all window; so that it has an awful and venerable look, and, at the same time, surprisingly cheerful.

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A large congregation attended, between four and five in the morning. I set out at six with much comfort, leaving a settled and well-united society. I preached at Kenninghall about ten, and at Lakenheath in the evening. After resting a day, on Wednesday, 8, went on an hard day’s journey to Bedford.

I had designed to spend two evenings here; but Mr. Parker informing me that Mr. Berridge desired I would come to him as soon as possible, I set out for Everton on Thursday, 9. I found Mr. B. just taking horse, with whom I rode on, and in the evening preached at Wrestlingworth, in a large church, well filled with serious hearers.

We lodged at Mr. Hickes’s, the Vicar, a witness of the faith which once he persecuted. The next morning I preached in his church again. In the middle of the sermon, a woman before me dropped down as dead, as one had done the night before. In a short time she came to herself, and remained deeply sensible of her want of Christ.

Hence we rode to Mr. Berridge’s at Everton. For many years he was seeking to be justified by his works: But a few months ago, he was thoroughly convinced, that “by grace” we “are saved through faith.” Immediately he began to proclaim aloud the redemption that is in Jesus; and God confirmed his own word exactly as he did at Bristol, in the beginning, by working repentance and faith in the hearers, and with the same violent outward symptoms.

I preached at six in the evening and five in the morning, and some were struck, just as at Wrestlingworth. One of these was brought into the house, with whom we spent a considerable time in prayer. I then hastened forward, and a little before it was dark reached the Foundery.

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I was well pleased to have some conversation with Mrs. A— —t, lately come from Barbadoes. She gave me an account of her poor husband; (first a red hot Predestinarian, talking of God’s “blowing whole worlds to hell,” then a Quaker, now a Deist;) as also of the narrow escape which Mr. H. lately had: — “Ten Negroes broke into his house; one of whom was upon the point of cutting his throat, when E. R. knocked him down with a pewter pot; which put the rest into such confusion, that she had time to secure herself and her children, and Mr. H. to leap out of a balcony.”

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I rode to Wandsworth, and baptized two Negroes belonging to Mr. Gilbert, a gentleman lately come from Antigua. One of these is deeply convinced of sin; the other rejoices in God her Savior, and is the first African Christian I have known. But shall not our Lord, in due time, have these Heathens also “for his inheritance?”

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I was desired to step into the little church behind the Mansion House, commonly called St. Stephen’s, Walbrook. It is nothing grand; but neat and elegant beyond expression. So that I do not wonder at the speech of the famous Italian architect, who met Lord Burlington in Italy: “My Lord, go back and see St. Stephen’s in London. We have not so fine a piece of architecture in Rome.”

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Poor Mr. Goudicheau called upon me, formerly a Romish Priest, now ready to perish for want of bread, though of an unblemished character. Can any one wonder that we have not many converts from the Church of Rome?

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Most of this week I spent in preparing materials for “A Survey of the Wisdom of God in the Creation;” or, a full, plain, and correct system of Natural Philosophy.

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I rode to Everton. The church was well filled soon after six in the evening. God gave me great liberty of speech, and applied his word to the hearts of the hearers; many of whom were not able to contain themselves, but cried aloud for mercy.

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I rode on to Lakenheath. How surprising a providence has been over this little village! Forty years ago a poor man lived here who walked with God, and was the means of awakening a few others. When these were nearly extinct, Charles Skelton came, awakened a few more, and forsook them. A year ago, one of Lakenheath, seeing me pass through Thetford, desired me to come and preach there. I did so; and occasionally mentioned to them Mr. Madan, then at Thetford. They went over, and invited him to Lakenheath, where, soon after, he preached in the church. The Rector desired he would help him to a Curate: So now they have one that both preaches and lives the Gospel.

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I rode to Norwich. James Wheatley now repeated his offer of the Tabernacle. But I was in no haste. I wanted to consult my friends, and consider the thing thoroughly. One glaring objection to it was, “The congregation there will not hear me.” He replied, “Sir, you cannot tell that, unless you will make the trial.” I consented so to do, on Thursday, 21. But many declared, “No, he shall never come into that pulpit;” and planted themselves in the way to prevent it. Hitherto only could they go. I went up and preached to a large congregation, without any let or hindrance. I preached there again on Saturday evening; and again God stopped the mouths of the lions. Sunday, 24. I preached in the Tabernacle at eight, to a very serious congregation, and at the Foundery between four and five. About six the Tabernacle was thoroughly filled, and mostly with quiet hearers. I saw none who behaved amiss, but two soldiers, who struck some that desired them to be silent. But they were seized and carried to the Commanding Officer, who ordered them to be soundly whipped.

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Our service began in the Foundery at four; in the Tabernacle at eight. God was now especially pleased to make bare his arm. There was a great cry among the people. Stony hearts were broke; many mourners comforted; many believers strengthened. Prejudice vanished away: A few only kept their fierceness till the afternoon. One of these, still vehemently angry, planted himself just over against me. But before I concluded, he cried out, “I am overcome! I am overcome!”

Having now weighed the matter thoroughly, I yielded to the importunity of our brethren. So in the evening the copy of the lease was perfected, which was executed the next morning. A whole train of providences so plainly concurred thereto, that all might clearly see the hand of God.

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I took my leave of Norwich for the present; about noon preached at Kenninghall; and in the evening came to Lakenheath. Being informed some of the Gentry in the town were very desirous to hear me preach if I would preach in the church, I sent them word, I had designed to be at Colchester the next day; but, as they desired it, I would delay my journey, and preach at ten the next morning.

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I was so much out of order that I knew not how I should get to church. Between nine and ten I was informed that some hot men in the parish would not consent to my preaching there. I saw the hand of God, and was thankful, having now a little more time to rest. In the afternoon the sun broke out through the fog, and we had a pleasant ride to Bury; but I was so extremely sick, soon after I came in, that I knew not how I should be able to preach. An hour’s sleep, however, refreshed me much; so that I found no want of strength in preaching. Indeed my disorder increased during the night: But while I was preaching in the morning, I felt myself well; and I found no more sickness or complaint of any kind. In the evening I reached Colchester.

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I found the society had decreased since L—— C—— went away; and yet they had handful as good Preachers. But that is not sufficient: By repeated experiments we learn, that though a man preach like an angel, he will neither collect, nor preserve a society which is collected, without visiting them from house to house.

Today I walked all over the famous Castle, perhaps the most ancient building in England. A considerable part of it is, without question, fourteen or fifteen hundred years old. It was mostly built with Roman bricks, each of which is about two inches thick, seven broad, and thirteen or fourteen long. Seat of ancient Kings, British and Roman, once dreaded far and near! But what are they now? Is not “a living dog better than a dead lion?” And what is it wherein they prided themselves, as do the present great ones of the earth?

A little pomp, a little sway,

A sun beam in a winter’s day,

Is all the great and mighty have

Between the cradle and the grave!

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I returned to London, and received a pressing letter from Bristol; in consequence of which, I took horse on Monday morning, JANUARY 1, 1759, and came thither the next evening. After resting two days (only preaching morning and evening) I examined severally the members of the society. This was one great end of my coming down. Another was, to provide for the poor. Accordingly, on Sunday, 7, I preached a sermon for them, to which God was pleased to give his blessing; so that the collection was a great deal more than double of what it used to be.

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