1762

We had, I believe, pretty near two thousand of the society at Spitalfields in the evening; where Mr. Berridge, Maxfieid, and Colley, assisted me. And we found God was in the midst, while we devoted ourselves to him in the most solemn and explicit manner.

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I set out for Everton, in order to supply Mr. Berridge’s church in his absence. In my way I preached at Rood-Farm, five-and-forty miles from London. Afterwards, the moon shining bright, we had a pleasant ride to Everton.

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I read Prayers and preached, morning and evening, to a numerous and lively congregation. I found the people in general were more settled than when I was here before; but they were in danger of running from east to west. Instead of thinking, as many then did, that none can possibly have true faith but those that have trances or visions, they were now ready to think that whoever had any thing of this kind had no faith.

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After preaching to a large congregation at Wrestlingworth, we rode on to Harston. I never preached a whole sermon by moonlight before. However, it was a solemn season; a season of holy mourning to some; to others, of joy unspeakable.

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I preached in Harston at nine, and about eleven at Wiltstow, three miles farther, to a people just ripe for, “Come unto me, all ye that are weary and heavy laden.” In the afternoon we set out for Stoke, on the edge of Suffolk. As we rode through Haverhill, we were saluted with one huzza, the mob of that town having no kindness for Methodists. But all was quiet at Stoke; for Sir H—— A—— will suffer no disturbance there. The congregation came from many miles round, and God was in the midst of them. Their hearty prayers went up on every side; and many felt the answer to them.

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The largeness of the congregation at five showed they were not forgetful hearers. I preached longer than I am accustomed to do; but still they were not satisfied. Many crowded after me into the dwelling-house. After speaking a few words, I went to prayer. A cry began, and soon spread through the whole company; so that my voice was lost. Two seemed to be distressed above all the rest. We continued wrestling with God, till one of them had a good hope, and the other was “filled with joy and peace in believing.”

In the afternoon it blew a storm, by the favor of which we came into Haverhill, quite unmolested. But, notwithstanding wind and rain, the people crowded so fast into the preachinghouse, that I judged it best to begin half an hour before the time; by which means it contained the greater part of them. Although they that could not come in made a little noise, it was a solemn and an happy season.

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Abundance of them came again at five, and drank in every word. Here also many followed me into the house, and hardly knew how to part. At nine I preached at Steeple-Bumstead, three miles from Haverhill, to a considerably larger congregation; and all were serious. Hence we rode tor Barkway, four miles from Royston. The preaching-place was exceeding large; yet it was well filled, and the people were wedged in as close as possible: And many of them found that God was there, to their unspeakable comfort.

Hence we rode to Barley, where I preached at one. A middle-aged woman dropped down at my side, and cried aloud for mercy. It was not long before God put a new song in her mouth. At six in the evening I preached at Melbourn. Here too God both wounded and healed. I laid hold, after preaching, on a poor backslider who quickly melted into tears, and determined to return once more to Him from whom she had deeply revolted.

Here I talked at large with one who thinks he is renewed in love. Perhaps he is; but his understanding is so small, his experience so peculiar, and his expressions so uncouth, that I doubt very few will receive his testimony.

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I rode to Potton. What has God wrought here since I saw this town twenty years ago! I could not then find a living Christian therein; but wild beasts in abundance. Now here are many who know in whom they have believed; and no one gives us an uncivil word! I preached at six to a very numerous and serious congregation. What have we to do to despair of any person or people?

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I preached at six in the morning to nearly the same congregation. I read Prayers and preached, morning and afternoon, at Everton, and gave the sacrament to a large number of communicants. At four we took horse, and reached Grandchester a little before seven. Finding a little company met together, I spent half an hour with them exceedingly comfortably; and, through the blessing of God, I was no more tired when I went to bed than when I arose in the morning.

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The house was thoroughly filled at five, and that with serious and sensible hearers. I was sorry I had no more time at this place; especially as it was so near. Cambridge, from whence many gentlemen used to come when any Clergyman preached. But my work was fixed; so I took horse soon after preaching,, and rode to a village called Botsamlode, seven miles from Cambridge. Here a large congregation was soon assembled; and I had no sooner named my text, “When they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both,” than a murmur ran through the whole people, and many of them were in tears. This concern increased as I went on; so that none appeared to be unmoved. One just by me cried with a bitter cry; but in a short time she shouted for joy. So did several others; so that it was not easy to tell whether more were wounded or comforted. Hence we rode to Lakenheath, and passed a comfortable night. Tuesday,

12. Just as we set out, the storm, which had been very high all night, brought on impetuous rain. It was a good providence,

1. That we had now firm, sandy road, not clay and miry fields, as yesterday;

2. That the wind was behind us; otherwise I believe it would have been impossible to go on. It was often ready to bear away man and beast: However, in the afternoon we came safe to Norwich.

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We rested from our labor. How can they who never labor taste the sweetness of rest? Friday, 15. I preached at Yarmouth. Saturday,

16. I transcribed the society at Norwich; but two hundred of them I made no account of, as they met no class. About four hundred remained; half of whom appeared to be in earnest.

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I rode to Bury, and was glad to find a little, serious company still. But there cannot be much done here, till we preach abroad, or at least in the heart of the town. We are now quite at one end; and people will not come from the other till they have first “tasted the good word.”

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I rode to Colchester, and found a quiet, loving, regular society. After spending a day with them, on Saturday, 23, I cheerfully returned to London.

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I had a striking proof that God can teach by whom he will teach. A man full of words, but not of understanding, convinced me of what I could never see before, that anima est ex traduce; that all the souls of his posterity, as well as their bodies, were in our first parent.

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I met at noon, as usual, those who believe they are saved from sin, and warned them of the enthusiasm which was breaking in, by means of two or three weak though good men, who, from a misconstrued text in the Revelation, inferred that they should not die. They received the warning in much love. However, this gave great occasion of triumph to those who sought occasion, so that they rejoiced, as though they had found great spoil.

After preaching at Deptford, Welling, and Sevenoaks, on Tuesday and Wednesday I rode on to Sir Thomas I’Anson’s, near Tunbridge, and, between six and seven, preached in his large parlour, which opens likewise into the hall. The plain people were all attention. If the seed be watered, surely there will be some fruit.

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I buried the remains of Thomas Salmon, a good and useful man. What was peculiar in his experience was, he did not know when he was justified; but he did know when he was renewed in love, that work being wrought in a most distinct manner. After this he continued about a year in constant love, joy, and peace; then, after an illness of a few days, he cheerfully went to God.

Monday, 15, and the following days, I spent in transcribing the list of the society. It never came up before to two thousand four hundred: Now it contains above two thousand seven hundred members.

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We had a peculiar blessing at Spitalfields while I was enforcing, “Now is the day of salvation.” Indeed there is always a blessing when we cut off all delay and come to God now by simple faith.

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I had a long conversation with Joseph Rule, commonly called the White Quaker. He appeared to be a calm, loving, sensible man, and much devoted to God.

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I retired to Lewisham, to answer Dr. Horne’s ingenious “Sermon on Justification by Works.” O that I might dispute with no man! But if I must dispute, let it be with men of sense.

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I buried the remains of Mary Ramsey, a true daughter to affliction, worn out by a cancer in her breast, with a variety of other disorders. To these was added, for a time, great darkness of mind; the body pressing down the soul. Yet she did not murmur or repine, much less charge God foolishly. It was not long before he restored the light of his countenance; and shortly after she fell asleep.

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The National Fast was observed all over London with great solemnity. Surely God is well pleased even with this acknowledgment that He governs the world; and even the outward humiliation of a nation may be rewarded with outward blessings.

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I left London, though not without regret, and went slowly through the societies to Bristol. Saturday, 27. I heard a large account of the children near Lawford’s Gate, which has made so much noise here. The facts are too glaring to be denied. But how are they to be accounted for? By natural or supernatural agency? Contend who list about this.

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I came to the New-Passage a little before nine. The rain and wind increased much while we were on the water: However, we were safe on shore at ten. I preached about twelve in the new room at Chepstow. One of the congregation was a neighboring Clergyman, who lived in the same staircase with me at Christ Church, and was then far more serious than me. Blessed be God, who has looked upon me at last! Now let me redeem the time!

In the afternoon we had such a storm of hail as I scarce ever saw in my life. The roads likewise were so extremely bad that we did not reach Hereford till past eight. Having been well battered both by hail, rain, and wind, I got to bed as soon as I could, but was waked many times by the clattering of the curtains. In the morning I found the casement wide open; but I was never the worse. I took horse at six, with William Crane and Francis Walker. The wind was piercing cold, and we had many showers of snow and rain; but the worst was, part of the road was scarce passable; so that, at Church-Stretton, one of our horses lay down, and would go no farther. However, William Crane and I pushed on and before seven reached Shrewsbury.

A large company quickly gathered together: Many of them were wild enough; but the far greater part were calm and attentive, and came again at five in the morning.

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Having been invited to preach at Wem, Mrs. Glynne desired she might take me thither in a post-chaise; but in little more than an hour we were fast enough: However, the horses pulled till the traces broke. I should then have walked on had I been alone, though the mud was deep, and the snow drove impetuously; but I could not leave my friend; so I waited patiently till the man had made shift to mend the traces; and the horses pulled amain; so that with much ado, not long after the time appointed, I came to Wem.

I came: But the person who invited me was gone; gone out of town at four in the morning; and I could find no one who seemed either to expect or desire my company. I inquired after the place where Mr. Mather preached; but it was filled with hemp. It remained only to go into the market-house: But neither any man, woman, nor child cared to follow us; the north wind roared so loud on every side, and poured in from every quarter. However, before I had done singing, two or three crept in, and after them, two or three hundred; and the power of God was so present among them, that I believe many forgot the storm.

The wind grew still higher m the afternoon, so that It was difficult to sit our horses; and it blew full in our face, but could not prevent our reaching Chester in the evening. Though the warning was short, the room was full; and full of serious, earnest hearers, many of whom expressed a longing desire of the whole salvation of God.

Here I rested on Thursday. Friday, APRIL 2. I rode to Parkgate, and found several ships; but the wind was contrary. I preached at five in the small House they have just built; and the hearers were remarkably serious. I gave notice of preaching at five in the morning. But at half-hour after four one brought us word that the wind was come fair, and Captain Jordan would sail in less than an hour. We were soon in the ship, wherein we found about threescore passengers. The sun shone bright, the wind was moderate, the sea smooth, and we wanted nothing but room to stir ourselves; the cabin being filled with hops, so that we could not get into it but by climbing over them on our hands and knees. In the afternoon we were abreast of Holyhead. But the scene was quickly changed: The wind rose higher and higher, and by seven o’clock blew a storm. The sea broke over us continually, and sometimes covered the ship, which both pitched and rolled in an uncommon manner. So I was informed; for, being a little sick, I lay down at six, and slept, with little intermission, till near six in the morning. We were then near Dublin Bay, where we went into a boat, which carried us to Dunleary. There we met with a chaise just ready, in which we went to Dublin.

I found much liberty of spirit in the evening while I was enforcing, “Now is the day of salvation.” The congregation was uncommonly large in the morning, and seemed to be much alive. Many children, I find, are “brought to the birth:” And shall there not be strength to bring forth? It was at this time that Mr. Grimshaw fell asleep. He was born September 3, 1708, at Brindle, six miles south of Preston, in Lancashire, and educated at the schools of Blackburn and Heskin, in the same county. Even then the thoughts of death and judgment made some impression upon him. At eighteen he was admitted at Christ’s College, in Cambridge. Here bad example so carried him away, that for more than two years he seemed utterly to have lost all sense of seriousness; which did not revive till the day he was ordained Deacon, in the year 1731. On that day he was much affected with the sense of the importance of the ministerial office; and this was increased by his conversing with some at Rochdale, who met once a week to read, and sing, and pray. But on his removal to Todmorden soon after, he quite dropped his pious acquaintance, conformed to the world, followed all its diversions, and contented himself with “doing his duty” on Sundays.

But about the year 1734, he began to think seriously again. He left off all his diversions; he began to catechise the young people, to preach the absolute necessity of a devout life, and to visit his people, not in order to be merry with them as before, but to press them to seek the salvation of their souls.

At this period also he began himself to pray in secret four times a day; and the God of all graces, who prepares his heart to pray, soon gave the answer to his prayer; not, indeed, as he expected: Not in joy or peace; but by bringing upon him very strong and painful convictions of his own guilt, and helplessness, and misery; by discovering to him what he did not suspect before, that his heart was deceitful and desperately wicked; and, what was more afflicting still, that all his duties and labors could not procure him pardon, or gain him a title to eternal life. In this trouble he continued more than three years, not acquainting any one with the distress he suffered, till one day, (in 1742,) being in the utmost agony of mind, there was clearly represented to him, Jesus Christ pleading for him with God the Father, and gaining a free pardon for him. In that moment all his fears vanished away, and he was filled with joy unspeakable. “I was now,” says he, “willing to renounce myself, and to embrace Christ for my all in all. O what light and comfort did I enjoy in my own soul, and what a taste of the pardoning love of God!”

All this time he was an entire stranger to the people called Methodists, whom afterwards he thought it his duty to countenance, and to labor with them in his neighborhood. He was an entire stranger also to all their writings, till he came to Haworth, May 26, of this year. And the good effects of his preaching soon became visible: Many of his flock were brought into deep concern for salvation, were in a little time after filled with peace and joy through believing; and (as in ancient times) the whole congregation have been often seen in tears on account of their provocations against God, and under a sense of his goodness in yet sparing them. His lively manner of representing the truths of God could not fail of being much talked of, and bringing many hundreds out of curiosity to Haworth church; who received so much benefit by what they heard, that, when the novelty was long over, the church continued to be full of people, many of whom came from far, and this for twenty years together. Mr. Grimshaw was now too happy himself, in the knowledge of Christ, to rest satisfied without taking every method he thought likely to spread the knowledge of his God and Savior. And as the very indigent constantly made their want of better clothes to appear in, an excuse for not going to church in the day-time, he contrived, for them chiefly, a lecture on Sunday evenings; though he had preached twice in the day before. God was pleased to give great success to these attempts, which animated him still more to spend and be spent for Christ. So the next year he began a method, which was continued by him for ever after, of preaching in each of the four hamlets he had under his care three times every month. By this means the old and infirm, who could not attend the church, had the truth of God brought to their houses; and many, who were so profane as to make the distance from the house of God a reason for scarce ever coming to it, were allured to hear. By this time the great labor with which he instructed his own people, the holiness of his conversation, and the benefit which very many from the neighboring parishes had obtained by attending his ministry, concurred to bring upon him many earnest entreaties to come to their houses, who lived in neighboring parishes, and expound the word of God to souls as ignorant as they had been themselves. This request he did not dare to refuse: So that while he provided abundantly for his own flock, he annually found opportunity of preaching near three hundred times to congregations in other parts.

And for a course of fifteen years, or upwards, he used to preach every week, fifteen, twenty, and sometimes thirty times, beside visiting the sick, and other occasional duties of his function. It is not easy to ascribe such unwearied diligence, chiefly among the poor, to any motive but the real one. He thought he would never keep silence, while he could speak to the honor of that God who had done so much for his soul. And while he saw sinners perishing for lack of knowledge, and no one breaking to them the bread of life, he was constrained, notwithstanding the reluctance he felt within, to give up his name to still greater reproach, as well as all his time and strength, to the work of the ministry.

During this intense application to what was the delight of his heart, God was exceeding favorable to him. In sixteen years he was only once suspended from his labor by sickness; though he dared all weathers, upon the bleak mountains, and used his body with less compassion than a merciful man would use his beast. His soul at various times enjoyed large manifestations of God’s love; and he drank deep into his Spirit. His cup ran over; and at some seasons his faith was so strong, and his hope so abundant, that higher degrees of spiritual delight would have overpowered his mortal frame.

In this manner Mr. Grimshaw employed all his powers and talents, even to his last illness; and his labors were not in vain in the Lord. He saw an effectual change take place in many of his flock; and a restraint from the commission of sin brought upon the parish in general. He saw the name of Jesus exalted, and many souls happy in the knowledge of him, and walking as became the Gospel. Happy he was himself, in being kept by the power of God, unblamable in his conversation: Happy in being beloved, in several of the last years of his life, by every one in his parish; who, whether they would be persuaded by him to forsake the evil of their ways, or no, had no doubt that Mr. Grimshaw was their cordial friend. Hence, at his departure a general concern was visible through his parish. Hence his body was interred with what is more ennobling than all the pomp of a royal funeral: For he was followed to the grave by a great multitude, with affectionate sighs, and many tears; who cannot still hear his much-loved name, without weeping for the guide of their souls, to whom each of them was dear as children to their father.

His behavior, throughout his last sickness, was of a piece with the last twenty years of his life: From the very first attack of his fever, he welcomed its approach. His intimate knowledge of Christ abolished all the reluctance nature feels to a dissolution; and, triumphing in Him, who is the resurrection and the life, he departed, April the 7th, in the fifty-fifth year of his age, and the twenty-first of his eminent usefulness. It may not be unacceptable to subjoin here one of his plain, rough letters, to the society in London: —

Haworth, January 9, 1760.

“My Dear Brethren,

“GRACE, mercy, and peace, be to you from God our Father, and from our Lord Jesus. It is well with four sorts of people, that you have had, or now have, to do with. It is well with those of you in Christ who are gone to God: It is well with those of you in Christ who are not gone to God: It is well with those who earnestly long to be in Christ, that they may go to God: It is well with those who neither desire to be in Christ, nor to go to God. And it is only bad with such who, being out of Christ, are gone to the devil. These it is best to let alone, and say no more about them.

“But, to be sure, it is well with the other four. It is well with those of you who, being in Christ, are gone to God. You Ministers and members of Christ have no more doubt or pain about them. They are now, and for ever, out of the reach of the world, flesh, and devil. They are gone ‘where the wicked cease from troubling, and where the weary are at rest.’ They are sweetly reposed in Abraham’s bosom. They dwell in His presence who hath redeemed them; where ‘there is fullness of joy, and pleasures for ever more.’ They are waiting the joyful morning of the resurrection, when their vile bodies shall be made like unto his glorious body, shall be re-united to their souls, shall receive the joyful sentence, and inherit the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world.

“It is well also with those of you who are in Christ, though not gone to God. You live next door to them. Heaven is begun with you too. The kingdom of God is within you. You feel it. This is a kingdom of righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. It is begun in grace, and shall terminate in glory. Yea, it is ‘Christ within you, the hope of glory.’ Christ the rock, the foundation, laid in your hearts. Hope in the middle, and glory at the top. Christ, hope, glory; Christ, hope, glory. You are washed in the blood of the Lamb, justified, sanctified, and shall shortly be glorified. Yea, your lives are already ‘hid with Christ in God.’ You have your conversation already in heaven. Already you ‘sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.’ What heavenly sentences are these! What can come nearer Paradise? Bless the Lord, O ye happy souls, and let all that is within you bless his holy name. Sing unto the Lord so long as you live, and praise your God while you have your being. And how long will that be? Through the endless ages of a glorious eternity.

“O my dear brothers and sisters, this is my hope, and this is my purpose. But to whom and to what are we indebted for all this, and infinitely more than all the tongues and hearts of men or angels can tell or conceive? To our Redeemer only, and to his merits. Christ within us is Jesus to us. We were poor, lost, helpless sinners, ‘aliens from the commonwealth of Israel,’ and ‘children of wrath;’ but Jesus lived, and Jesus died, the just for the unjust, to bring us to the enjoyment of it.

“And what does all this require at our hands? Why, infinitely more than we can render him to all eternity. However, let us praise and glorify God in the best manner, and with the best member that we have. Let us do it constantly, cordially, cheerfully, so long as we live; and then, no doubt, we shall do it in heaven for ever. “Keep close, I beseech you, to every means of grace. Strive to walk in all the ordinances and commandments of God blameless, ‘giving all diligence to make your calling and election sure: Add to your faith virtue; to virtue knowledge; to knowledge temperance; to temperance patience; to patience godliness; to godliness brotherly kindness; to brotherly kindness charity.’ — For ‘if these things,’ says St. Peter, ‘be in you, and abound, they make you that you shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ Thus you will give the best token of your thankfulness to him for what he hath done for your souls; and you shall, not long hence, in heaven sing his praise with your happy brethren, gone thither before you.

“It is well, likewise, with all those of you who do truly desire to be in Christ, that you may go to God. Surely he owns you; your desires are from him; you shall enjoy his favor. By and by you shall have peace with him through our Lord Jesus Christ. Go forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed ye by the Shepherd’s tents. Be constant in every means of grace. He will he found of them that diligently seek him. ‘Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.’ Though your sins be never so many, never so monstrous, all shall be forgiven. He will have mercy upon you, and will abundantly pardon. For where sin hath abounded, grace doth much more abound. He who hath begun this good work in you will accomplish it to your eternal good, and his eternal glory. Therefore, doubt not, fear not. A broken and a contrite heart God will not despise. The deeper is your sorrow, the nearer is your joy. Your extremity is God’s opportunity. It is usually darkest before day-break. You shall shortly find pardon, peace, and plenteous redemption, and at last rejoice in the common and glorious salvation of his saints.

“And, lastly, it is well for you, who neither truly desire to be in Christ, nor to go to God; for it is well for you that you are out of hell: It is well your day of grace is not utterly past. Behold, now is your accepted time; behold, now is the day of your salvation! O that you may employ the remainder of it in working out your salvation with fear and trembling! Now is faith to be had, saving faith; now you may be washed from all your sins in the Redeemer’s blood, justified, sanctified, and prepared for heaven. Take, I beseech you, the time while the time is: You have now the means of grace to use; the ordinances of God to enjoy; his word to read and hear; his Ministers to instruct you; and his members to converse with. You know not what a day may bring forth: You may die suddenly. As death leaves you, judgment will find you: And if you die as you are, out of Christ, void of true faith, unregenerate, unsanctified, snares, fire and brimstone, storm and tempest, God will rain upon you, (Psalm 6:6,) as your eternal, intolerable portion to drink.

“Suffer me, therefore, thus far, one and all of you. God’s glory and your everlasting welfare is all I aim at. What I look for in return from you is, I confess, much more than I deserve, — your prayers. Pray for me, and I will pray for you, who am

“Your affectionate brother,

“W. Grimshaw.”

April 9. — (Being Good Friday.) I had almost lost my voice by a cold: However, I spoke as I could till, before twelve, (it being a watch-night,) I could speak near as well as ever.

On Easter Day we had uncommon congregations, as indeed we have had all the week: And I observed a more stayed and solid behavior in most, than is usual in this kingdom. Monday and Tuesday I was employed in visiting the classes; and I was much comforted among them: There was such an hunger and thirst in all who had tasted of the grace of God after a full renewal in his image.

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As often as I have been here I never saw the House thoroughly filled before: And the multitude did not come together in vain. I think many will remember this day.

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I left Dublin; and I could look back with satisfaction on the days I had spent therein. I had reason to believe that God had been at work in a very uncommon manner. Many of those who once contradicted and blasphemed were now convinced of “the truth as it is in Jesus:” Many who had long revolted from God had returned to him with full purpose of heart. Several mourners had found peace with God, and some believe he has saved them from all sin: many more are all on fire for this salvation; and a spirit of love runs through the whole people.

I came in the evening to Newry, where I found a far different face of things. Offenses had broke the society in pieces, only two-and-thirty being left of near an hundred. But God has a few names left here also. Let these stand firm, and God will maintain his own cause.

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I rode to Carrickfergus. The violent rain kept away the delicate and curious hearers. For the sake of these I delayed the morning preaching till a quarter before nine: But it was too early still for a great part of the town, who could not possibly rise before ten. I added a few members to the society, and left them in peace and love. Where to preach in Belfast I did not know. It was too wet to preach abroad; and a dancing-master was busily employed in the upper part of the market-house; till at twelve the sovereign put him out, by holding his court there. While he was above, I began below, to a very serious and attentive audience. But they were all poor; the rich of Belfast “cared for none of these things.”

After dinner we rode to Newtown, and found another poor, shattered society, reduced from fifty to eighteen members, and most of those cold enough. In the evening 1 preached to a large congregation in the market-house, on, “I will heal their backsliding.” God fulfilled his word: Many were healed, and many more deeply wounded. I had full employment among them the next day; and on Saturday, 24, I left between thirty and forty members, full of desire, and hope, and earnest resolutions, not to be almost, but altogether, Christians.

About ten I preached at Comber, and then rode to Lisburn, where, in the evening, I had many rich and genteel hearers. Sunday, 25. The congregation was larger in the morning than the evening before, and many appeared to be deeply wounded. O may none heal their wound slightly! But far the largest congregation of all met in the evening; and yet I saw not a scoffer, no, nor trifler, among them.

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In the evening I preached to a large congregation in the market-house at Lurgan. I now embraced the opportunity which I had long desired, of talking with Mr. Miller, the contriver of that statue which was in Lurgan when I was there before. It was the figure of an old man, standing in a case, with a curtain drawn before him, over against a clock which stood on the other side of the room. Every time the clock struck, he opened the door with one hand drew back the curtain with the other, turned his head, as if looking round on the company, and then said, with a clear, loud, articulate voice, “Past one, two, three,” and so on. But so many came to see this (the like of which all allowed was not to be seen in Europe) that Mr. Miller was in danger of being ruined, not having time to attend his own business; so, as none offered to purchase it, or to reward him for his pains, he took the whole machine in pieces: Nor has he any thought of ever making anything of the kind again.

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I preached in Lurgan at five; In Terryhugan at ten; and at two in the market-house at Rich-Hill. I have rarely seen so serious a congregation at a new place. At six I preached in the new preaching-house at Claumain, the largest in the north of Ireland; and the people were all alive, being stirred up by Mr. Ryan, once an attorney, but now living upon his own estate.

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The rain kept off the curious hearers, so that we had few in the evening but earnest souls; after sermon we had a love-feast. It was a wonderful time. God poured out his Spirit abundantly. Many were filled with consolation, particularly two who had come from Lisburn, (three-and twenty Irish miles,) one a lifeless backslider, the other a girl of sixteen, who had been sometime slightly convinced of sin. God restored him to the light of discountenance, and gave her a clear evidence of his love; and indeed in so uncommon a manner, that it seemed her soul was all love. One of our brethren was constrained openly to declare, he believed God had wrought this change in him. I trust he will not lightly cast away the gift which God has given him. In the morning I left them rejoicing and praising God, and rode to Monaghan.

The commotions in Munster having now alarmed all Ireland, we had hardly alighted, when some wise persons informed the Provost there were three strange sort of men come to the King’s Arms. So the Provost with his officers came without delay, to secure the north from so imminent a danger. I was just come out, when I was required to return into the house. The Provost asked me many questions, and perhaps the affair might have turned serious, had I not had two letters with me, which I had lately received; one from the Bishop to Londonderry, the other from the Earl of Moira. Upon reading these, he excused himself for the trouble he had given, and wished me a good journey.

Between six and seven I preached at Coot-Hill, and in the morning rode on to Enniskillen; the situation of which is both pleasant and strong, as it is surrounded by a deep and broad river; but fortifications it has none; no, nor so much as an old Castle. The inhabitants glory that they have no Papist in the town.

After riding round, and round, we came in the evening to a lone house called Carrick-a-Beg. It lay in the midst of horrid mountains; and had no very promising appearance. However, it afforded corn for our horses, and potatoes for ourselves. So we made an hearty supper, called in as many as pleased of the family to prayers, and, though we had no fastening either for our door or our windows, slept in peace.

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We took horse at five. The northeast wind would have suited the first of January; and we had soaking rain on the black mountains. However, before noon we came well to Sligo. None in Sligo, when I was there last, professed so much love to me as Mr. Knox’s family. They would willingly have had me with them morning, noon, and night, and omitted no possible mark of affection. But what a change! Mrs. K—— went into the country the day before I came; her brother and his wife set out for Dublin, at the same time; he himself, and the rest of his family, saw me, that is, at church, because they could not help it;

But wonder’d at the strange man’s face,

As one they ne’er had known.

I am sorry for their sake, not my own. Perhaps they may wish to see me when it is too late.

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I preached in the market-house, morning and evening. Abundance of the Dragoons were there; so were many of the Officers, who behaved with uncommon seriousness.

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In the evening a company of players began acting in the upper part of the market-house, just as we began singing in the lower. The case of these is remarkable. The Presbyterians for a long time had their public worship here; but when the strollers came to town, they were turned out; and from that time had no public worship at all. On Tuesday evening the lower part too was occupied by buyers and sellers of oatmeal; but as soon as I began, the people quitted their sacks, and listened to business of greater importance.

On the following days I preached at Carrick-on-Shannon, Drumersnave, Cleg-Hill, Longfold, and Abidarrig. Saturday, 8. Calling on a friend in our way, we had not sat down before several of the neighbors, Papists as well as Protestants, came in, supposing I was to preach. I was not willing to disappoint them: And they all listened with deep attention. Hence I rode to Athlone. I intended on Sunday, 9, to preach abroad as usual; but the sharp wind made it impracticable, and obliged me to keep in the House. The congregations, however, were large, both morning and evening; and I found a little fruit of my labor.

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I was in hopes even the Papists here had at length a shepherd who cared for their souls. He was stricter than any of his predecessors, and was esteemed a man of piety as well as learning. Accordingly, he had given them strict orders not to work on the Lord’s day; but I found he allowed them to play as much as they pleased, at cards in particular; nay, and averred it was their duty so to do, to refresh both their bodies and minds. Alas, for the blind leader of the blind! Has not he the greater sin?

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I had observed to the society last week, that I had not seen one congregation ever in Ireland behave so ill at church as that at Athlone, laughing, talking, and staring about during the whole service. I had added, “This is your fault; for if you had attended the church, as you ought to have done, your presence and example would not have failed to influence the whole congregation.” And so it appeared: I say not one today either laughing, talking, or staring about; but a remarkable seriousness was spread from the one end of the church to the other.

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I preached at Ahaskra to all the Protestants in or near the town. But their Priests would not suffer the Papists to come. What could a Magistrate do in this case? Doubtless he might tell the Priest, “Sir, as you enjoy liberty of conscience, you shall allow it to others. You are not persecuted yourself: You shall not persecute them.”

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I preached at Ballinasloe about ten in the morning, and in the evening at Aghrim. Thursday, 20. I rode on to Hollymount. The sun was extremely hot, so that I was much exhausted. But after a little rest, I preached in the church-yard without any weariness.

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I preached at Balcarrow church at ten to a deeply serious congregation, and in the Court-House at Castlebar in the evening. Sunday,

23. The chief family in the town made a part of our congregation. And whether they received any benefit thereby or no, their example may bring others who will receive it.

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I went with two friends, to see one of the greatest natural wonders in Ireland, — Mount-Eagle, vulgarly called Crow-Patrick. The foot of it is fourteen miles from Castlebar. There we left our horses, and procured a guide. It was just twelve when we alighted; the sun was burning hot, and we had not a breath of wind. Part of the ascent was a good deal steeper than an ordinary pair of stairs. About two we gained the top, which is an oval, grassy plain, about an hundred and fifty yards in length, and seventy or eighty in breadth. The upper part of the mountain much resembles the Peak of Teneriffe. I think it cannot rise much less than a mile perpendicular from the plain below. There is an immense prospect on one side toward the sea, and on the other over the land. But as most of it is waste and uncultivated, the prospect is not very pleasing. At seven in the evening I preached at Newport, and at six in the morning. I then returned to Westport, and began reading Prayers at ten. After sermon I had a little conversation with Lord Westport, an extremely sensible man, and would gladly have stayed with him longer, but that I had promised to be at Castlebar; where, in the evening, I preached my farewell sermon to a numerous congregation.

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We took horse at four, to enjoy the cool of the morning. At seven the sun was warm enough: I verily think as warm as in Georgia. We could not have born it, but the wind was in our face. However, in the afternoon we got well to Galway. There was a small society here, and (what is not common) all of them were young women. Between seven and eight I began preaching in the Court-House to a mixed multitude of Papists and Protestants, rich and poor, who appeared to be utterly astonished. At five in the morning I preached again, and spoke as plain as I possibly could. But to the far greater part it seemed to be only “as the sound of many waters.”

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We had another Georgian day; but having the wind again full in our face, after riding about fifty English miles, we got well to Ennis in the afternoon. Many being ready to make a disturbance at the Court-House, I left them to themselves, and preached over against Mr. Bindon’s house, in great quietness.

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I was informed, that a few days before, two of Mr. B——’s maids went to bathe (as the women here frequently do) in the river near his house. The water was not above a yard deep; but there was a deep hole at a little distance. As one of them dashed water at the other, the, endeavoring to avoid it, slipped into the hole, and the first striving to help her slipped in too: Nor was either of them seen any more, till their bodies floated upon the water. Yet after some hours, one of them was brought to life. But the other could not be recovered.

The violent heat, which had continued for eight days, was now at an end, the wind turning north. So on Saturday, 29, we had a pleasant ride to Limerick. Sunday, 30. I preached in the old camp. The pleasantness of the place, the calmness of the evening, and the convenient distance from the town, all conspired to draw the people together, who flocked from every quarter. Many Officers, as well as abundance of soldiers, were among them, and behaved with the utmost decency. I preached the following evenings at the same place, and that in great measure for the sake of the soldiers, it being within a musket-shot of the place where they were exercising. Nay, two evenings an Officer ordered a large body to exercise on the very spot. But the moment I began they laid down their arms, and joined the rest of the congregation.

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I preached at noon in Balligarane, to a large congregation, chiefly of Palatines. And so at Newmarket in the evening, and the morning following. These have quite a different look from the natives of the country, as well as a different temper. They are a serious, thinking people. And their diligence turns all their land into a garden.

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I met a large number of children, just as much acquainted with God, and with the things of God, as “a wild ass’s colt,” and just as much concerned about them. And yet who can believe that these pretty little creatures have “the wrath of God abiding on them?”

Numberless crowds ran together about this time, to see the execution of the poor deserter. And I believe some of them retained serious impressions for near four-and-twenty hours! But it was not so with the soldiers: Although they walked one by one, close to the bleeding, maugled carase, most of them were as merry within six hours, as if they had only seen a puppet-show.

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I visited the classes, and wondered to find no witness of the great salvation. Surely the flame which is kindled in Dublin will not stop there. The next evening God did indeed kindle it here; a cry went up on every side; and the lively believers seemed all on fire to be “cleansed from all unrighteousness.”

On Friday and Saturday I had much conversation with a very noted person. But I found none in town who expected that any good could be done to such a sinner as him! Such a sinner? Why, were we not all such? We were dead in sin. And is he more than dead?

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Being informed I had shot over the heads of the soldiers, who did not “understand any thing but hell and damnation,” I took my leave of them this evening by strongly applying the story of Dives and Lazarus: They seemed to understand this; and all but two or three boy-officers behaved as men fearing God.

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I rode to Cork. Here I procured an exact account of the late commotions. About the beginning of December last, a few men met by night near Nenagh, in the county of Limerick, and threw down the fences of some commons, which had been lately inclosed. Near the same time others met in the county of Tipperary, of Waterford, and of Cork. As no one offered to suppress or hinder them they increased in number continually, and called themselves Whiteboys, wearing white cockades, and white linen frocks. In February there were five or six parties of them, two or three hundred men in each, who moved up and down, chiefly in the night; but for what end did not appear. Only they leveled a few fences, dug up some grounds, and hamstrung some cattle, perhaps fifty or sixty in all. One body of them came into Cloheen, of about five hundred foot, and two hundred horse. They moved as exactly as regular troops, and appeared to be thoroughly disciplined. They now sent letters to several gentlemen, threatening to pull down their houses. They compelled every one they met to take an oath to be true to Queen Sive (whatever that meant) and the Whiteboys; not to reveal their secrets; and to join them when called upon. It was supposed, eight or ten thousand were now actually risen, many of them well armed; and that a far greater number were ready to rise whenever they should be called upon. Those who refused to swear, they threatened to bury alive. Two or three they did bury up to the neck, and left them; where they must quickly have perished, had they not been found in time by some traveling by. At length, toward Easter, a body of troops, chiefly light horse, were sent against them. Many were apprehended and committed to gaol; the rest of them disappeared. This is the plain, naked fact, which has been so variously represented.

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I rode about thirty English miles, through a pleasant and well-cultivated country, to Youghall. It is finely situated on the side of an hill, so as to command a wide seaprospect. I preached in the evening at the Exchange. Abundance of people attended; as did the far greater part of them at five o’clock in the morning. I returned to Cork on Friday. Sunday,

20. At the desire of Captain Taylor, I went to Passage, and preached to many of the town’s people, and as many of the sailors as could attend. On Monday and Tuesday I visited the classes, and observed what was very uncommon; in two years there was neither any increase nor any decrease in this society. Two hundred and thirty-three members I left, and two hundred and thirty-three I find.

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I rode to Kinsale, and preached in the Exchange to a considerable number of attentive hearers. In the afternoon I rode to Bandon, and found the society much lessened, and dead enough. Yet the congregation in the main street was remarkably large, as well as deeply attentive. So it was on Friday. Saturday, 26. I visited the classes, and exhorted them to “be zealous and repent.” The word sunk into their hearts; so that when we met in the evening, they did not seem to be the same persons. They appeared to breathe quite another spirit, every one stirring up his neighbor. I know not when I have seen so deep and general an impression made in so short a time.

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I returned to Cork, and in the afternoon preached on the Barrack-Hill. The congregation was such as I had not seen at Cork for at least twelve years. One soldier made some noise; but the Commanding Officer soon ordered him into custody. The top of the walls being covered with soldiers, made a solemn appearance. Let this preaching be continued, and the work of God will quickly revive at Cork.

On Monday and Tuesday the congregation at the house was far larger than on any week-day before. And there was much life among the people, which perhaps was increased by the epidemic disorder. This generally attacked first the head; afterward the throat and the breast. Mr. Jones, who had been drooping for some time, was seized with this three weeks since. While I was at Youghall, he sent for a Physician, who applied a blister to his head. In two or three days a second Physician was called in; who told his relations he was better and better. Returning from Bandon, and observing what was prescribed, I could not help saying, “When a fever neither intermits, nor remits, the bark is no better than poison.” At hearing this, the Doctors were much displeased, and declared again he was a great deal better. On Wednesday morning, a little before two, his spirit returned to God.

So died honest Thomas Jones, secundum artem! A man whom God raised from nothing, by a blessing on his unwearied diligence, to a plentiful fortune. Yet when riches increased on every side, he did not set his heart upon them. Some years since he retired from business, but was still fully employed in building and in doing good. His natural temper was rough, and so was his speech, which occasioned him many trials. But notwithstanding this, he was generous and compassionate, and never weary of well-doing. From the beginning of his illness he was continually in prayer; for some time with much fear and distress. But I saw no signs of this after I came from Bandon: I believe his fears were then all scattered; and he waited with calm, though earnest, desire for the salvation of God.

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I rode to Limerick. I had promised to come again, if our brethren found a convenient place to build a preaching-house. One now offered, proper in all respects.

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I met the society, and inquired what each was willing to subscribe: A considerable sum was subscribed immediately. Sunday, 4, was a day of solemn joy, equal to any I had seen in Dublin. At the love-feast in the evening, it appeared that God had now visited Limerick also. Five persons desired to return thanks to God, for a clear sense of his pardoning love: Several others, for an increase of faith, and for deliverance from doubts and fears. And two gave a plain, simple account, of the manner wherein God had cleansed their hearts, so that they now felt no anger, pride, or self-will; but continual love, and prayer, and praise.

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I rode to Clonmell; and preached in the evening, near the barrack-gate, to a wild, staring multitude, many of whom would have been rude enough, but they stood in awe of the soldiers.

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I rode to Carrick-on-Suir. Having been informed there was one family here also, wherein both the man and his wife feared God, I immediately sent to the house: The woman presently came, from whom I learned, that her husband died the Saturday before, and left her with nothing but four little children, and an unshaken confidence in God. Her words, her look, her whole carriage, were of a piece, and showed the dignity of Christian sorrow. I could not but admire, that God should send me just at such a time! And her tears were turned into tears of joy. In the evening I preached at Waterford, in a court adjoining to the main street. Wednesday, 7. Four of the Whiteboys, lately condemned for breaking open houses, were executed. They were all, notwithstanding the absolution of their Priest; ready to die for fear of death. Two or three of them laid fast hold on the ladder, and could not be persuaded to let it go. One in particular gave such violent shrieks, as might be heard near a mile off. O what but love can cast out the fear of death! And how inexpressibly miserable is that bondage!

On this, and the two following days, God remembered poor Waterford also. Several backsliders were healed; many awoke out of sleep; and some mightily rejoiced in God their Savior.

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We rode to Kilkenny, one of the pleasantest and the most ancient cities in the kingdom; and not inferior to any at all in wickedness, or in hatred to this way. I was therefore glad of a permission to preach in the Town Hall; where a small, serious company attended in the evening.

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I went to the cathedral; one of the best built which I have seen in Ireland. The pillars are all of black marble; but the late Bishop ordered them to be white-washed! Indeed, marble is so plentiful near this town, that the very streets are paved with it.

At six in the evening I began preaching in the old Bowlinggreen, near the Castle. Abundance of people, Protestants and Papists, gathered from all parts. They were very still during the former part of the sermon; then the Papists ran together, set up a shout, and would have gone further, but they were restrained, they knew not how. I turned to them, and said, “Be silent; or be gone!” Their noise ceased, and we heard them no more: So I resumed, and went on with my discourse, and concluded without interruption. When I came out of the Green, they gathered again, and gnashed upon me with their teeth: One cried out, “O what is Kilkenny come to!” But they could go no farther. Only two or three large stones were thrown; but none was hurt, save he that threw them: For, as he was going to throw again, one seized him by the neck, and gave him a kick and a cuff, which spoiled his diversion.

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I went to Dunmore-Cave, three or four miles from Kilkenny. It is full as remarkable as Poole’s Hole, or any other in the Peak. The opening is round, parallel to the horizon, and seventy or eighty yards across. In the midst of this, there is a kind of arch, twenty or thirty feet high. By this you enter into the first cave, nearly round, and forty or fifty feet in diameter. It is encompassed with spar stones, just like those on the sides of Poole’s Hole. On one side of the cave is a narrow passage, which goes under the rock two or three hundred yards; on the other, an hollow, which no one has ever been able to find an end of. I suppose this hole too, as well as many others, was formed by the waters of the deluge, retreating into the great abyss, with which probably it communicates.

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I rode to Birr. About forty persons attended in the evening, and half as many in the morning. I saw there was but one way to do any good. So in the evening I preached abroad. I had then hundreds of hearers, and God himself spoke to many a cold heart. The next morning at five the Room was full, and light sprung out of darkness; so that many poor withered souls began to revive, and rejoice again in God their Savior.

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I took my old standing in the market-place at Mountmellick; but the next evening the rain drove us into the market-house. Afterward we had a joyful love-feast. Indeed hitherto God has been pleased to mark all our way with blessings.

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I went on to poor dead Portarlington. And no wonder it should be so, while the Preachers coop themselves up in a room with twenty or thirty hearers. I went straight to the market-place, and cried aloud, “Hearken! Behold, a sower went forth to sow.” God made his word quick and powerful, and sharp as a two-edged sword. Abundantly more than the Room could contain were present at five in the morning. At eight I began in the market-place again, on, “How shall I give thee up, Ephraim?” Solemn attention sat on every face, and God repeated his call to many hearts.

In the evening I preached in the market-place at Tullamore. Monday, 19. Between two and three in the morning was such thunder and lightning as I never knew in Europe. The crack and the flash were in the same instant. Most of the houses shook; and yet no hurt was done in the whole town: But some good was done; for at five o’clock the preaching-house was quite filled; and the inward voice of the Lord was mighty in operation. This also was “a glorious voice.”

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We had our Quarterly Meeting at Cooly-Lough. On Wednesday, I preached at Clara; Thursday, 22, at Tyrrel’s Pass; and on Friday went on to Edinderry. Here I found some who had been long laboring in the fire, and toiling to work themselves into holiness. To show them a more excellent way, I preached on Romans 10:6, 7, 8. They found this was the very thing they wanted; and at the meeting of the society, God confirmed the word of his grace in so powerful a manner, that many wondered how they could help believing.

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I rode to Dublin, and found the flame not only continuing, but increasing. The congregation used to be small on Saturday night; but it was as large now as formerly on Sunday. Monday, 26. At five in the morning the congregation was larger than it used to be in the evening. And in these two days and a half, four persons gave thanks for a sense of God’s pardoning mercy; and seven, (among whom were a mother and her daughter,) for being perfected in love.

The person by whom chiefly it pleased God to work this wonderful work, was John Manners, a plain man, of middling sense, and not eloquent, but rather rude in speech; one who had never before been remarkably useful, but seemed to be raised up for this single work. And as soon as it was done, he fell into a consumption, languished a while, and died. I now found he had not at all exceeded the truth, in the accounts he had sent me from time to time. In one of his first letters, after I left the town, he says: “The work here is such as I never expected to see. Some are justified or sanctified, almost every day. This week three or four were justified, and as many, if not more, renewed in love. The people are all on fire. Such a day as last Sunday I never saw. While I was at prayer in the society, the power of the Lord overshadowed us, and some cried out, ‘Lord, I can believe!’ The cry soon became general, with strong prayers. Twice I attempted to sing; but my voice could not be heard. I then desired them to restrain themselves, and in stillness and composure to wait for the blessing: On which all but two or three, who could not refrain, came into a solemn silence. I prayed again, and the softening power of grace was felt in many hearts. Our congregations increase much, and I have no doubt but we shall see greater things than these.”

Four days after, he writes: “The work of God increases every day. There is hardly a day but some are justified, or sanctified, or both. On Thursday three came and told me that the blood of Jesus Christ had cleansed them from all sin. One of them told me she had been justified seven years, and had been five years convinced of the necessity of sanctification. But this easy conviction availed not. A fortnight since she was seized with so keen a conviction, as gave her no rest till God had sanctified her, and witnessed it to her heart.”

Three days after, (May 11,) he writes thus: “God still continues his marvelous lovingkindness to us. On Sunday last Dor. King entered into the rest. She had been seeking it for some time; but her convictions and desires grew stronger and stronger, as the hour approached. Awhile ago she told me she grew worse and worse, and her inward conflicts were greater than ever: But on the Lord’s day she felt an entire change, while these words were spoke to her heart, ‘Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.’ She now walks in sweet peace, and rejoices ever more. Her father received the blessing a few days before her, and is exceeding happy. “The fire catches all that come near. An old soldier, in his return from Germany to the north of Ireland, fell in one night with these wrestling Jacobs, to his great astonishment. He was justified seventeen years ago, but afterward fell from it for five years. As he was going to Germany, in the beginning of the war, the Lord healed him in Dublin; and in spite of all the distresses of a severe campaign, he walked in the light continually. On his return through London, he was convinced of the necessity of sanctification; and soon after he came hither, his heart was broken in pieces, while he was with a little company who meet daily for prayer. One evening as they were going away, he stopped them, and begged they would not go till the Lord had blessed him. They kneeled down again, and did not cease wrestling with God, till he had a witness that he was saved from all sin.

“The case of Mr. Timmins is no less remarkable. He had been a notorious sinner. He was deeply wounded two months since. Ten days ago, on a Friday, God spake peace to his soul. The Sunday following, after a violent struggle, he sunk down as dead. He was cold as clay. After about ten minutes he came to himself, and cried, ‘A new heart, a new heart!’ He said he felt himself in an instant entirely emptied of sin, and filled with God. Brother Barry, likewise, had been justified but a few days, before God gave him purity of heart.”

May 15, he writes: “God still makes me a messenger of good tidings. His work goes on. Our last night’s meeting was remarkable for the presence and power of God, while several were relating what he had done. One said, ‘All that day in which God delivered me, I felt the blessing just at hand, but could not open my heart to receive it. I was fast shut up, till, under the sermon in the evening, I felt God open my heart, remove the bar of unbelief, and give me power to receive the blessing freely.’ “There are now three places in the city, wherein as many as have opportunity assemble day and night, to pour out their souls before God, for the continuance and enlargement of his work.” “May 29. — Since my last account, many have been sanctified, and several justified. One of the former is William Moor. He was a long time struggling for the blessing; and one night he was resolved not to go to bed without it. He continued wrestling with God for two hours; when he felt a glorious change, and the Spirit of God witnessing that the work was done.

“We begin now to meet with opposition from every quarter. Some say this is rank enthusiasm; others, that it is either a cheat, or mere pride; others, that it is a new thing, and that they can find no such thing in the Bible.”

“June 3. — The Lord increases his work, in proportion to the opposition it meets with. Between Monday morning and Tuesday night, I have had eight bills of thanksgiving; for two justified, three renewed in love, and three backsliders healed.”

“June 15. — There is no end of the mercies of God. Three days of this week are gone, in which God has justified five sinners. On Sunday, in the afternoon, I preached at three in the Barrack-Square; and a more solemn time I have not seen; the hearers were as many as my voice could reach, and all remarkably attentive. “In the evening a cry ran through the society, and four were justified that night. Two of these, Alexander Tate and his wife, were but lately joined. The power of God first seized her, and constrained her to cry aloud, till she heard the still small voice. He continued calling upon God, and would not cease before God answered him also in the joy in his heart.”

“Saturday, June 19. — We have had eight this week, whose sins are blotted out, and two more have entered into that rest. One of them says, she has enjoyed the love of God nine years; but felt as great a difference between that state, and the state she is now in, as if her soul was taken into heaven!”

“June 26. — Last week eleven were justified, or sanctified, and this week eleven more; eight of whom received remission of sins, and three a clean heart: And a troop are waiting for the moving of the water. Among them whom the power of God has seized lately, are two eminent sinners, each of whom lived with a woman to whom he was never married. One of them already rejoices in God; the other mourns and will not be comforted: But the women are gone: They put away the accursed thing immediately.

“I had much fear about the children, lest our labor should be lost upon them; but I find we shall reap if we faint not. Margaret Roper, about eight years old, has been thoughtful for some time. The other day, while they were at family prayer, she burst into tears and wept bitterly. They asked, what was the matter. She said she was a great sinner, and durst not pray. They bade her go to bed. She no sooner came into the chamber, than she began crying, and clapping her hands, so that they heard her across the street; but God soon bound up her broken heart. Being asked how she felt herself, she said, ‘Ten times better. Now I can love God. I wish you would sit up and sing with me all night.’ She has been happy ever since, and as serious as one of forty.”

“July 3. — Our joy is now quite full. The flame rises higher and higher. Since Saturday last, eight sinners more are freely justified, and two more renewed in love. Our House was once large enough; now it is scarce able to contain us: And we have not many in the society, who are not either wrestling with God for his love, or rejoicing therein.”

Thus far the account of John Manners, quite unadorned, but plain and sensible.

Upon farther examination I found three or four and forty in Dublin, who seemed to enjoy the pure love of God: At least forty of these had been set at liberty within four months. Some others, who had received the same blessing, were removed out of the city. The same, if not a larger number, had found remission of sins. Nor was the hand of the Lord shortened yet: He still wrought as swiftly as ever.

In some respects the work of God in this place was more remarkable than even that in London.

1. It is far greater, in proportion to the time, and to the number of people. That society had above seven-and-twenty hundred members; this not a fifth part of the number. Six months after the flame broke out there, we had about thirty witnesses of the great salvation. In Dublin there were above forty in less than four months.

2. The world was more pure. In all this time, while they were mildly and tenderly treated, there were none of them headstrong or inadvisable; none that were wiser than their Teachers; none who dreamed of being immortal or infallible, or incapable of temptation; in short, no whimsical or enthusiastic persons: All were calm and sober-minded.

I know several of these were, in process of time, moved from their steadfastness. I am nothing surprised at this: It was no more than might be expected: I rather wonder that more were not moved. Nor does this, in any degree, alter my judgment concerning the great work which God then wrought.

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I received a comfortable letter from Edinderry: “When you came hither, Satan had gained such an advantage over us, that few, even of the society, would read your sermons, saying, they were nothing but the Law; but God has now taught us better. His power fell upon us first in the preaching, but abundantly more when the society met. At that time many who were in heaviness were filled with consolation; and two of the old believers were constrained to declare they believed God had cleansed them from all sin.”

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I received farther accounts from Limerick; one letter ran thus: — “July 20, 1762.

“THERE is a glorious work going on at Limerick. Twelve or fourteen have a clear sense of being renewed; several have been justified this week; and on Sunday night, at the meeting of the society, there was such a cry as I scarce ever heard before, such confession of sins, such pleading with the Lord, and such a spirit of prayer, as if the Lord himself had been visibly present among us. Some received remission of sins, and several were just brought to the birth. All were in floods of tears: They trembled, they cried, they prayed, they roared aloud; all of them lying on the ground. I began to sing; yet they could not rise, but sang as they lay along. When we concluded, some of them could not go away, but stayed in the House all night: And, blessed be our Lord, they all hitherto walk worthy of their calling.”

Another writes: —

“I WILL just tell you, the Lord has made your last visit to us a great blessing. Such times were never before in Limerick. The fire which broke out before you left us, is now spreading on every side. Four were happy before you left us; several others can now ‘rejoice ever more,’ and ‘pray without ceasing:’ And this certainly they could not do, did they not love God with all their heart.” A third letter, dated July 25, says: —

“BLESSED be God, his word runs swiftly. Last night his power was present indeed; and another was assured that God, who had before forgiven his sins, had now cleansed him from all unrighteousness. There are now ten women and thirteen men who witness the same confession; and their lives agree thereto. Eight have lately received the remission of their sins; and many are on the full stretch for God, and just ready to step into the pool.” — Hence it appears, that, in proportion to the time, which was only three or four weeks, and the number of hearers, (not one half, if a third part,) the work of God was greater in Limerick than even in Dublin itself.

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I was informed of a remarkable instance of divine mercy. An harmless, unawakened young woman came to one of the meetings for prayer in Dublin. While they were praying, she felt herself a sinner, and began crying aloud for mercy. And when they rose to go away, she cried with a bitter cry, “What, must I go without Christ?” They began praying again; and in a short time she was as loud in praising God for his pardoning mercy.

No less remarkable was the case of Alexander Tate. He and his wife were present, where a few were met for prayer. Her sorrow was soon turned into joy. Her husband, who was before little awakened, was just then cut to the heart, and felt the wrath of God abiding on him: Nor did he cease crying to God, till his prayers and tears were swallowed up in thanksgiving. So here are two instances of persons both convinced and converted in the same hour.

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Although I never before felt such an union of heart with the people of Dublin, yet believing my present work in Ireland was ended, I cheerfully commended them to God, and embarked on board the Dorset for Parkgate. We weighed anchor at eight in the evening. Between nine and ten on Sunday morning, the Captain asked me if I would not go to prayers with them. All who were able to creep out were willingly present. After prayers I preached on Proverbs 3:17. We had scarce any wind when I began; but while I was preaching it sprung up, and brought us to Parkgate between six and seven.

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I rode on to Chester. Never was the society in such a state before. Their jars and contentions were at an end; and I found nothing but peace and love among them. About twelve of them believed they were saved from sin; and their lives did not contradict their profession. Most of the rest were strongly athirst for God, and looking for him continually.

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I was desired to preach at Northwich; and one had stuck up notices in all parts of the town. But what place had they for me to preach in? Only a little room which would hold about fifty people. Between twelve and one they gathered from all parts, noisy and rude enough. I could not stand in the yard without just facing the sun; so I stood at the casement, that those without might hear, that is, if they had a mind to it. But a great part of them had no such intention: They came only either for sport or mischief. However, they were pretty quiet till I had done. Our friends would then have persuaded me to stay till the mob was dispersed; but, as they grew louder and louder, I judged it best to walk immediately through the midst of them. Many things were thrown, but nothing touched me, till I took horse and rode to Manchester.

Here I received letters from Congleton, in Cheshire, and Burslem, in Staffordshire. Part of the former ran thus:—

“August 1, 1762.

“THE work of God for some time stood still here; but at the love-feast, on the 21st of March last, (glory for ever be to God!) there was an outpouring of his Spirit among us. Five persons were assured of their acceptance with God, of whom, by his free grace, I was one; four believed he had not only forgiven their sins, but likewise cleansed them from all unrighteousness. Many more have since found him gracious and merciful: Nor is his hand yet stayed at all.”

Part of the other is as follows: —

“BEFORE Mr. Furz came into these parts we were biting and devouring one another; and many who once had known God, were ‘in their works denying him.’ The society in general was cold and dead; and only two were converted to God in a whole year. But, glory be to God, the case is now altered. Those grievances are removed. The power of God is present with us; and the fire of his love is kindled among us. We are very weak; but, blessed be God, we are all alive. Many are crying out in the bitterness of their souls, ‘God be merciful to me a sinner!’ Sometimes we have had two, at other times six or seven, justified in one week; others find the very remains of sin destroyed, and wait to be filled ‘with all the fullness of God.’”

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I rode to Liverpool, where also was such a work of God as had never been known there before. We had a surprising congregation in the evening, and, as it seemed, all athirst for God. This, I found, had begun here likewise in the latter end of March; and from that time it had continually increased, till a little before I came: Nine were justified in one hour. The next morning I spoke severally with those who believed they were sanctified. They were fifty-one in all: Twenty-one men, twenty-one widows, or married women, and nine young women or children. In one of these the change was wrought three weeks after she was justified; in three, seven days after it; in one, five days; and in Sus. Lutwich, aged fourteen, two days only. I asked Hannah Blakeley, aged eleven, “What do you want now?” She said, with amazing energy, the tears running down her cheeks, “Nothing in this world, nothing but more of my Jesus.” How often “out of the mouth of babes and sucklings” dost thou “perfect praise!”

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I was informed of the flame which had broken out at Bolton. One writing to Mr. Furz, described a little of it in the following words: — “Glory be to God, he is doing wonders among us! Since you left us there have been seven (if not more) justified, and six sanctified, at one meeting. Two of these were, I think, justified and sanctified in less than three days. O what a meeting was our last class-meeting! In three minutes, or less, God, quite unexpectedly, convinced an old opposer of the truth, and wounded many. I never felt the abiding presence of God so exceeding powerful before.”

I preached at Macclesfield in the evening to a people ready prepared for the Lord. An impetuous shower began just as we came into the town; but it did us no hurt. Inquiring how the revival here began, I received the following account: — In March last, after a long season of dryness and barrenness, one Monday night John Oldham preached. When he had done, and was going away, a man fell down and cried aloud for mercy. In a short time, so did several others. He came back, and wrestled with God in prayer for them. About twelve he retired, leaving some of the brethren, who resolved to wrestle on till they had an answer of peace. They continued in prayer till six in the morning; and nine prisoners were set at liberty.

They met again the next night; and six or seven more were filled with peace and joy in believing: So were one or two more every night till the Monday following, when there was another general shower of grace; and many believed that the blood of Christ had cleansed them from all sin. I spoke to these (forty in all) one by one. Some of them said they received that blessing ten days, some seven, some four, some three days, after they found peace with God; and two of them the next day. What marvel, since one day is with God as a thousand years?

The case of Ann Hooly was peculiar. She had often declared, “The Methodists’ God shall not be my God. I will sooner go to hell than I will go to heaven in their way.” She was standing in the street with two young women, when John Oldham, passing by, spoke to one and the other, and went on. She burst into tears, and said, “What! am I so great a sinner, that he won’t speak to me?” About twelve he was sent for in haste. He found her in deep distress; but continued in prayer till all her trouble was gone, and her spirit rejoiced in God her Savior. Yet three nights after she was in much distress again, crying, “I have a wicked heart, and I cannot rest till God takes it away.” He did so in a few hours. Ever since she has been a pattern to all the young people in the town. She was thirteen years old. In about a year, her spirit returned to God.

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I made one more trial at Northwich, preaching in Mr. Page’s yard. Abundance of people flocked together; nor did any one oppose, or make the least disturbance. And when I afterward rode quite through the town, I had not one uncivil word.

In the evening I spoke with those at Manchester who believed God had cleansed their hearts. They were sixty-three in number; to about sixty of whom I could not find there was any reasonable objection.

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I preached at Elland and Birstal in my way to Leeds, where our Conference began on Tuesday morning; and we had great reason to praise God for his gracious presence from the beginning to the end.

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I preached about one at Birstal, and in the morning and evening at Leeds. I then rode about eighteen miles. On Monday morning I preached at Sheffield, and in the evening came to Derby. I had sent word that I did not intend to preach; but, after I had rested awhile in my chamber, coming down and finding the house full of people, I spoke to them half an hour in a familiar manner, and then spent some time in prayer. I believe God touched some of their hearts; indeed it seemed none were unmoved.

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We rode to Northampton, the next day to Sundon, and on Thursday, 19, to London. Friday, 20. As I expected, the sower of tares had not been idle during my five months’ absence; but I believe great part of his work was undone in one hour, when we met at West-Street. I pointed out to those who had more heat than light, the snares which they had well nigh fallen into. And hitherto they were of an humble teachable spirit. So for the present the snare was broken.

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My brother and I had a long conversation with Mr. Maxfield, and freely told him whatever we disliked. In some things we found he had been blamed without cause; others he promised to alter; so we were thoroughly satisfied with the conversation, believing all misunderstandings were now removed.

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I set out, and on Tuesday reached Bristol. After spending two days there, on Friday, 27, I set out for the west; and having preached at Shepton and Middlesey in the way, came on Saturday to Exeter. When I began the service there, the congregation (beside ourselves) were two women, and one man. Before I had done, the Room was about half full. This comes of omitting field-preaching.

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I preached at eight on Southernay-Green, to an extremely quiet congregation. At the cathedral we had an useful sermon, and the whole service was performed with great seriousness and decency. Such an organ I never saw or heard before, so large, beautiful, and so finely toned; and the music of “Glory be to God in the highest,” I think exceeded the Messiah itself. I was well pleased to partake of the Lord’s Supper with my old opponent, Bishop Lavington. O may we sit down together in the kingdom of our Father!

At five I went to Southernay-Green again, and found a multitude of people; but a lewd, profane, drunken vagabond had so stirred up many of the baser sort, that there was much noise, hurry, and confusion. While I was preaching, several things were thrown, and much pains taken to overturn the table; and after I concluded, many endeavored to throw me down, but I walked through the midst and left them.

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We rode to Plymouth-Dock. Wednesday, SEPTEMBER 1. I came about two to Poleperro, a little village four hours’ ride from Plymouth-Passage, surrounded with huge mountains. However, abundance of people had found the way thither. And so had Satan too; for an old grayheaded sinner was bitterly cursing all the Methodists just as we came into the town. However, God gave his blessing, both to us and the congregation.

In the evening I preached at Medros; the next evening in St. Austle; and on Friday, 3, at Mevagissey. Saturday, 4. After preaching in Grampound, I rode on to Truro. I almost expected there would be some disturbance, as it was market-day, and I stood in the street at a small distance from the market. But all was quiet. Indeed both persecution and popular tumult seem to be forgotten in Cornwall.

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As I was enforcing, in the same place, those solemn words, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,” a poor man began to make some tumult; but many cried out, “Constables, take him away.” They did so, and the hurry was over. At one I preached in the main street at Redruth, where rich and poor were equally attentive. The wind was so high at five, that I could not stand in the usual place at Gwennap. But at a small distance was a hollow capable of containing many thousand people. I stood on one side of this amphitheater toward the top, with the people beneath and on all sides, and enlarged on those words in the Gospel for the day, (Luke 10:23, 24,) “Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see, and which hear the things that ye hear.”

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I preached at Penryn; Tuesday, 7, at Porkellis about one o’clock. Thence I rode on to Mullion, near the Lizard-Point. A man who was a sinner gladly received us; for he knew God had received him; having been deeply convinced of sin the last time I preached near Helstone, and not long after filled with peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. A flame was kindled almost as soon as I began to speak, which increased more and more, all the time I was preaching, as well as during the meeting of the society. How tender are the hearts of this people! Such is the advantage of true Christian simplicity!

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The congregation at St. John’s, near Helstone, was thrice as large as when I was there before. The next day I preached at Crowan at noon, and at Penhale (in Breage) in the evening. Friday, 10. I preached on St. Hilary-Downs, to a congregation gathered from all parts. Abundance of them were athirst for God: And he did not deceive their hope. The cry of the mourners went up before him, and he sent down an answer of peace.

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I preached at one on the cliff, near Penzance, and in the evening at Newlyn. Sunday, 12. At eight God was in the midst, and many hearts were broken in pieces. Between one and two I preached at Sancreet, where I never was before. Abundance of strangers came from every side; and I believe not many went empty away. Hence we rode to St. Just, where I spent two comfortable nights, the congregations being very large, evening and morning. Tuesday, 14. I preached in Lelant about one, and, in the evening, near the Quay at St. Ives. Two or three pretty butterflies came, and looked, and smiled, and went away; but all the rest of the numerous congregation behaved with the utmost seriousness.

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We had our Quarterly Meeting. The next day I appointed the children to meet. I expected twenty, but I suppose we had fourscore; all of them wanting, many desiring, instruction.

The more I converse with the believers in Cornwall, the more I am convinced that they have sustained great loss for want of hearing the doctrine of Christian Perfection clearly and strongly enforced. I see, wherever this is not done, the believers grow dead and cold. Nor can this be prevented, but by keeping up in them an hourly expectation of being perfected in love. I say an hourly expectation; for to expect it at death, or some time hence, is much the same as not expecting it at all.

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At one I preached in Illogan; at six near Redruth, at a gentleman’s house, in a large court, shaded with trees. It was so calm that hardly a leaf moved. Saturday, 18. I preached once more in the street at Redruth, and in St. Agnes in the evening. I preached again at eight in the morning, and afterwards heard an excellent sermon at church, preached by the Rector, Mr. Walker, elder brother to the late Mr. Walker of Truro. He likewise gave notice of his design to preach, in the afternoon, a funeral sermon for Mr. Phelps, his late Curate, a man eminently humble, serious, and zealous for God. He was snatched away by a fever three weeks since, as was his predecessor, Mr. Vowler, three or four years before; another upright, zealous servant of God, and indefatigable in his labor. How strange a providence is this! Who can account for it? Did the God of love take them away, that they might not, out of zeal for him, continue to oppose their fellow-laborers in the Gospel?

Mr. Walker gave him his due praise, in a strong and pathetic sermon, well wrote and well pronounced; concluding with, “God grant me, (and I believe you will all join in the petition,) like him to live, like him to die.” Just as the Service was ended, it began to rain. The wind also was exceeding high; this created some difficulty. No house could contain the people, neither could I preach, as before, on the top of the hill. I therefore made a halt at the bottom. The congregation gathered round me in a few minutes. We were tolerably sheltered from the wind, and the rain ceased till I had done. I particularly advised all that feared God to confirm their love to each other, and to provoke each other, not to doubtful disputations, but to love, and to good works.

The night came on soon after we were on horseback, and we had eight miles to ride. In about half an hour; it was so dark, I could not see my hand, and it rained incessantly. However, a little after eight, God brought us safe to Cubert. I preached at the Church-town the next day; and on Tuesday, 21, rode on to Port-Isaac. Here the stewards of the eastern Circuit met. What a change is wrought in one year’s time! That detestable practice of cheating the King is no more found in our societies. And since that accursed thing has been put away, the work of God has everywhere increased. This society, in particular, is more than doubled: And they are all alive to God. Friday, 24. About two I preached at Trewalder, and found God was there also; but more abundantly at Camelford, in the evening, as well as at five on Saturday morning. In the afternoon, the rain intermitting, I preached in the market-place; and it was a solemn season.

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After preaching at eight I left Camelford, now one of the liveliest places in Cornwall. About noon I preached at Trewint. It was fifteen years since I preached there before. Hence I rode to Launceston, to a people as dead as those at Camelford were once. Yet how soon may these also be quickened, by the voice that raiseth the dead!

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I rode to Mary-Week. It was a kind of fair-day; and the people were come far and near for wrestling and other diversions. But they found a better way of employing their time; for young and old flocked to church from all quarters. The next day I preached at Mill-House; on Wednesday, at Collumpton; and on Thursday, 30, in the market-house at Tiverton.

About midnight I was waked by loud thunder, which continued about a quarter of an hour at Tiverton. In other places, we were afterwards informed, it continued great part of the night. Yet by comparing various accounts, I found the main shock was at the same time for near an hundred miles. So it seems there was a train of clouds for at least that space, which, by an electrical touch, were all discharged at once.

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I preached at Taunton and Shepton-Mallet, and on Saturday, 2, rode on to Bristol. In the two following weeks I visited as many as I could of the societies in the country, as well as regulated those of Bristol and Kingswood.

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Being informed that James Oddie, coming to Bristol, was stopped at Newport by a pleuritic fever, I went to him directly: He recovered from that hour, and in two or three days followed me to Bristol. The next week I went to many of the societies in Somersetshire. Monday,

25. I preached at one, in the shell of the new House at Shepton-Mallet. In digging the foundation they found a quarry of stone, which was more than sufficient for the House. Thence I rode to Wincanton. The rain prevented my preaching abroad; so I willingly accepted the offer of a large meeting-house, where I preached to a crowded audience, with much satisfaction; and again at seven in the morning.

Abundance of rain fell in the night; so that in the morning we were blocked up; the river which runs by the side of the town not being fordable. At length we made a shift to lead our horses over the foot-bridge. I preached at Coleford about noon, and at Bristol in the evening.

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One who had adorned the Gospel in life and in death, having desired that I should preach her funeral sermon, I went with a few friends to the house, and sang before the body to the Room. I did this the rather, to show my approbation of that solemn custom, and to encourage others to follow it. As we walked, our company swiftly increased, so that we had a very numerous congregation at the Room. And who can tell, but some of these may bless God for it to all eternity?

Many years ago my brother frequently said, “Your day of Pentecost is not fully come; but I doubt not it will: and you will then hear of persons sanctified, as frequently as you do now of persons justified.” Any unprejudiced reader may observe, that it was now fully come. And accordingly we did hear of persons sanctified, in London, and most other parts of England, and in Dublin, and many other parts of Ireland, as frequently as of persons justified; although instances of the latter were far more frequent than they had been for twenty years before. That many of these did not retain the gift of God, is no proof that it was not given them. That many do retain it to this day, is matter of praise and thanksgiving. And many of them are gone to Him whom they loved, praising him with their latest breath; just in the spirit of Ann Steed, the first witness in Bristol of the great salvation; who, being worn out with sickness and racking pain, after she had commended to God all that were round her, lifted up her eyes, cried aloud, “Glory Hallelujah!” and died. AN EXTRACT

OF THE

REV. MR. JOHN WESLEY’S

JOURNAL

FROM OCTOBER 29, 1762, TO MAY 25, 1765.

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I left Bristol, and the next day came to London.

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I went down to Canterbury. Here I seriously reflected on some late occurrences; and, after weighing the matter thoroughly, wrote as follows: -

“WITHOUT any preface or ceremony, which is needless between you and me, I will simply and plainly tell what I dislike in your doctrine, spirit, or outward behavior. When I say yours, I include brother Bell and Owen, and those who are most closely connected with them.

“1. I like your doctrine of Perfection, or pure love; love excluding sin; your insisting that it is merely by faith; that consequently it is instantaneous, (though preceded and followed by a gradual work,) and that it may be now, at this instant.

“But I dislike your supposing man may be as perfect as an angel; that he can be absolutely perfect; that he can be infallible, or above being tempted; or that the moment he is pure in heart, he cannot fall from it.

“I dislike the saying, this was not known or taught among us till within two or three years. I grant you did not know it. You have over and over denied instantaneous sanctification to me; but I have known and taught it (and so has my brother, as our writings show) above these twenty years.

“I dislike your directly or indirectly depreciating justification; saying, a justified person is not in Christ, is not born of God, is not a new creature, has not a new heart, is not sanctified, not a temple of the Holy Ghost; or that he cannot please God, or cannot grow in grace.

“I dislike your saying that one saved from sin needs nothing more than looking to Jesus; needs not to hear or think of any thing else; believe, believe, is enough; that he needs no self-examination, no times of private prayer; needs not mind little or outward things; and that he cannot be taught by any person who is not in the same state.

“I dislike your affirming that justified persons in general persecute them that are saved from sin; that they have persecuted you on this account; and that for two years past you have been more persecuted by the two brothers, than ever you was by the world in all your life.

“2. As to your spirit, I like your confidence in God, and your zeal for the salvation of souls.

“But I dislike something which has the appearance of pride, of overvaluing yourselves, and undervaluing others; particularly the Preachers; thinking not only that they are blind, and that they are not sent of God, but even that they are dead; dead to God, and walking in the way to hell; that they are going one way, you another; that they have no life in them. Your speaking of yourselves, as though you were the only men who knew and taught the Gospel; and as if, not only all the Clergy, but all the Methodists besides, were in utter darkness.

“I dislike something that has the appearance of enthusiasm, overvaluing feelings and inward impressions; mistaking the mere work of imagination for the voice of the Spirit; expecting the end without the means, and undervaluing reason, knowledge, and wisdom in general.

“I dislike something that has the appearance of Anti-nomianism, not magnifying the Law, and making it honorable; not enough valuing tenderness of conscience, and exact watchfulness in order thereto; using faith rather as contra distinguished from holiness, than as productive of it.

“But what I most of all dislike is, your littleness of love to your brethren, to your own society; your want of union of heart with them, and bowels of mercies toward them; your want of meekness, gentleness, long-suffering; your impatience of contradiction; your counting every man your enemy that reproves or admonishes you in love; your bigotry, and narrowness of spirit, loving in a manner only those that love you; your censoriousness, proneness to think hardly of all who do not exactly agree with you; in one word, your divisive spirit. Indeed I do not believe that any of you either design or desire a separation; but you do not enough fear, abhor, and detest it, shuddering at the very thought: And all the preceding tempers tend to it, and gradually prepare you for it. Observe, I tell you before. God grant you may immediately and affectionately take the warning!

“3. As to your outward behavior, I like the general tenor of your life, devoted to God, and spent in doing good.

“But I dislike your slighting any, the very least Rules of the Bands or society; and your doing anything that tends to hinder others from exactly observing them. Therefore,

“I dislike your appointing such meetings as hinder others from attending either the public preaching, or their class or band; or any other meeting, which the Rules of the society, or their office requires them to attend.

“I dislike your spending so much time in several meetings, as many that attend can ill spare from the other duties of their calling, unless they omit either the preaching, or their class, or band. This naturally tends to dissolve our society, by putting the sinews of it. “As to your more public meetings, I like the praying fervently and largely for all the blessings of God; and I know much good has been done hereby, and hope much more will be done.

“But I dislike several things therein:

1. The singing, or speaking, or praying, of several at once:

2. The praying to the Son of God only, or more than to the Father:

3. The rising improper expressions in prayer; sometimes too bold, if not irreverent; sometimes too pompous and magnificent, extolling yourselves rather than God, and telling him what you are, not what you want:

4. Using poor, flat, bald hymns:

5. The never kneeling at prayer:

6. Your using postures or gestures highly indecent:

7. Your screaming, even so as to make the words unintelligible:

8. Your affirming, people will be justified or sanctified just now:

9. The affirming they are, when they are not:

10. The bidding them say, ‘I believe:’

11. The bitterly condemning any that oppose, calling them wolves, etc.; and pronouncing them hypocrites, or not justified. “Read this calmly and impartially before the Lord, in prayer: So shall the evil cease, and the good remain; and you will then be more than ever united to

“Your affectionate brother,

“Canterbury, Nov. 2, 1762.

JOHN WESLEY.”

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Having had more satisfaction here than I had for many years, I cheerfully commended the little flock to God.

In the way to London I read “The Death of Abel.” That manner of writing, in prose run mad, I cordially dislike: Yet, with all that disadvantage, it is excellent in its kind; as much above most modern poems, as it is below “Paradise Lost.”

I had hopes of seeing a friend at Lewisham in my way; and so I did; but it was in her coffin. It is well, since she finished her course with joy. In due time I shall see her in glory.

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I began visiting the classes; in many of which we had hot spirits to deal with. Some were vehement for, some against, the meetings for prayer, which were in several parts of the town. I said little, being afraid of taking any step which I might afterwards repent of. One I heard of on Friday, and five on Saturday, who, if I did not act as they thought best, would leave the society. I cannot help it. I must still be guided by my own conscience.

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I preached at Deptford and Welling, and Wednesday, 17, rode on to Sevenoaks. But it was with much difficulty; for it was a sharp frost, and our horses could very hardly keep their feet. Here, likewise, I found several who believed that God had cleansed them from all sin; and all of them (except perhaps one) lived so that one might believe them.

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I called upon Jane Cooper, praising God in the fires. The next day I saw her for the last time, in every thing giving thanks, and overcoming all by the blood of the Lamb. A day or two after she fell asleep.

From Monday, 22, to Friday, 26, I was employed in answering the Bishop of Gloucester’s book. Wednesday, 24. Being determined to hear for myself, I stood where I could hear and see, without being seen. George Bell prayed, in the whole pretty near an hour. His fervor of spirit I could not but admire. I afterwards told him what I did not admire; namely,

1. His screaming, every now and then, in so strange a manner, that one could scarce tell what he said:

2. His thinking he had the miraculous discernment of spirits: And,

3. His sharply condemning his opposers.

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I buried the remains of Jane Cooper, a pattern of all holiness, and of the wisdom which is from above; who was snatched hence before she had lived five-and-twenty years. In good time! God, who knew the tenderness of her spirit, took her away “from the evil to come.”

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I retired, to transcribe my answer to Bishop Warburton. My fragments of time I employed in reading, and carefully considering, the lives of Magdalen de Pazzi, and some other eminent Romish saints. I could not but observe,

1. That many things related therein are highly improbable. I fear the relators did not scruple lying for the Church, or for the credit of their Order:

2. That many of their reputed virtues were really no virtues at all; being no fruits of the love of God or man, and no part of the mind which was in Christ Jesus:

3. That many of their applauded actions were neither commendable nor imitable:

4. That what was really good, in their tempers or lives, was so deeply tinctured with enthusiasm, that most readers would be far more likely to receive hurt than good from these accounts of them.

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At the desire of Mr. Maxfield, and the seeming desire of themselves, I baptized two foreigners, (one of them in a Turkish habit,) who professed themselves to have been Turks. On this I then remarked, “They may be what they profess, but I wait for farther evidence. Their story is extremely plausible; it may be true, or it may not.”

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To take away one ground of contention from many well-meaning people, in preaching on, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard-seed,” I endeavored to show at large, in what sense sanctification is gradual, and in what sense it is instantaneous: And (for the present, at least) many were delivered from vain reasonings and disputings.

Monday, 6, and the following days, I corrected the notes upon the Revelation. O, how little do we know of this deep book! At least, how little do I know! I can barely conjecture, not affirm any one point concerning that part of it which is yet unfulfilled.

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I had a second opportunity of hearing George Bell. I believe part of what he said was from God, (this was my reflection at that time,) part from an heated imagination. But as he did not scream, and there was nothing dangerously wrong, I did not yet see cause to hinder him. All this time I observed a few of our brethren were diligently propagating that principle, that none can teach those who are renewed in love, unless he be in the state himself. I saw the tendency of this; but I saw that violent remedies would not avail.

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I mentioned this to some of my friends, and told them what would be the consequence. But they could not believe it: So I let it rest; only desiring them to remember I had told them before.

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From Matthew 18:3, I endeavored to show those who use the word without understanding it, what Christian simplicity properly is, and what it is not. It is not ignorance or folly; it is not enthusiasm or credulity. It is faith, humility, willingness to be taught, and freedom from evil reasonings.

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I had an opportunity of looking over the register of St. Luke’s Hospital; and I was surprised to observe, that three in four (at least) of those who are admitted receive a cure. I doubt this is not the case of any other lunatic hospital either in Great Britain or Ireland.

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I heard George Bell once more, and was convinced he must not continue to pray at the Foundery. The reproach of Christ I am willing to bear; but not the reproach of enthusiasm, if I can help it.

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We met at the chapel in Spitalfields, to renew our covenant with God; and he did indeed appear in the midst of the congregation, and answer as it were by fire.

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That I might do nothing hastily, I permitted George Bell to be once more (this evening) at the chapel in West-street, and once more (on Wednesday evening) at the Foundery. But it was worse and worse: He now spoke as from God, what I knew God had not spoken. I therefore desired that he would come thither no more.

I well hoped this would a little repress the impetuosity of a few good but mistaken men; especially considering the case of Benjamin Harris, the most impetuous of them all. A week or two ago, as he was working in his garden, he was struck raving mad. He continued so till Tuesday, December 21, when he lay still and sensible, but could not speak; till, on Wednesday morning, his spirit returned to God.

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I now stood and looked back on the past year; a year of uncommon trials and uncommon blessings. Abundance have been convinced of sin; very many have found peace with God; and in London only, I believe full two hundred have been brought into glorious liberty. And yet I have had more care and trouble in six months, than in several years preceding. What the end will be, I know not; but it is enough that God knoweth.

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