1763

A woman told me, “Sir, I employ several men. Now, if one of my servants will not follow my direction, is it not right for me to discard him at once? Pray, do you apply this to Mr. Bell.” I answered, “It is right to discard such a servant; but what would you do if he were your son?”

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Having procured one who understood Spanish to interpret, I had a long conversation with the supposed Turks. One account they gave of themselves then; a second they soon after gave to Mrs. G. I observed the account now given, which I read over to them, in some particulars differed from both. This increased my fear, though I still hoped the best; till Mr. B. procured a Jew to talk with them, who understood both Turkish and Spanish; upon whose questioning them thoroughly, they contradicted all the accounts given before. And upon the elder of them mentioning Solomon Selim, a Jewish Merchant, of Amsterdam, one who knew him wrote to Solomon about him; who answered, he had known him upwards of fourteen years; that he was a Spanish Jew, a Physician by profession; that some years since he had cured him of a dangerous illness; in gratitude for which he had given him ten pounds, to carry him over to England.

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I desired George Bell, with two or three of his friends, to meet me with one or two others. We took much pains to convince him of his mistakes; particularly that which he had lately adopted, — that the end of the world was to be on February 28th; which at first he had earnestly withstood. But we could make no impression upon him at all. He was as unmoved as a rock.

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I endeavored (from 1 Corinthians 12:11, and the following verses) to guard the sincere against all thoughts of separating from their brethren, by showing what need all the members of the body have of each other. But those who wanted the caution most, turned all into poison.

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I rode to Shoreham, and paid the last office of love to Mrs. Perronet. Wednesday, 12. I returned to London and the next day strongly enforced, on a large congregation at the Foundery, the words of Isaiah, (never more needful,) “He that believeth shall not make haste.”

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I rode to Lewisham, and wrote my sermon to be preached before the Society for Reformation of Manners. Sunday, 23. In order to check if not stop, a growing evil, I preached on, “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” But it had just the contrary effect on many, who construed it into a satire upon G. Bell: One of whose friends said, “If the devil had been in the pulpit, he would not have preached such a sermon.” All this time, I did not want for information from all quarters, that Mr. M. was at the bottom of all this; that he was the life of the cause; that he was continually spiriting up all with whom I was intimate against me; that he told them I was not capable of teaching them, and insinuated that none was but himself; and that the inevitable consequence, must be a division in the society.

Yet I was not without hope that, by bearing all things, I should overcome evil with good, till on Tuesday, 25, while I was sitting with many of our brethren, Mrs. Coventry (then quite intimate with Mr. M.) came in, threw down her ticket, with those of her husband, daughters, and servants, and said they would hear two doctrines no longer. They had often said before, Mr. M. preached Perfection, but Mr. W. pulled it down. So I did, that perfection of Benjamin Harris, G. Bell, and all who abetted them. So the breach is made! The water is let out. Let those who can, gather it up. I think it was on Fiday, 28, that I received a letter from John Fox, and another from John and Elizabeth Dixon, declaring the same thing. Friday, FEBRUARY 4. Daniel Owens and G. Bell told me they should stay in the society no longer. The next day, Robert Lee, with five or six of his friends, spake to the same effect.

I now seriously considered whether it was in my power to have prevented this. I did not see that it was; for though I had heard, from time to time, many objections to Mr. M.’s conduct, there was no possibility of clearing them up. Above a year ago I desired him to meet me with some that accused him, that I might hear them face to face; but his answer was as follows: —

“December 28, 1761.

“I HAVE considered the thing, since you spoke to me, about meeting at Mrs. March’s. And I do not think to be there, or to meet them at any time. It is enough that I was arraigned at the Conference.” (At which I earnestly defended him, and silenced all his accusers.) “I am not convinced that it is my duty to make James Morgan, etc., my judges. If you, Sir, or any one of them, have any thing to say to me alone, I will answer as far as I see good.”

The next month I wrote him a long letter, telling him mildly all I heard or feared concerning him. He took it as a deep afront; and in consequence thereof wrote as follows: —

“January 14, 1762.

“IF you call me proud or humble, angry or meek, it seems to sit much the same on my heart. If you call me John or Judas, Moses or Korah, I am content. As to a separation, I have no such thought; if you have, and now (as it were) squeeze blood out of a stone, be it to yourself.”

Several months after, hearing some rumors, I again wrote to him freely. In his answer were the following words: —

“September 23, 1762.

“EXPERIENCE teaches me daily, that they that preach salvation from the nature of sin, will have the same treatment from the others as they had and have from the world: But I am willing to bear it. Your brother is gone out of town. Had he stayed much longer, and continued, Sunday after Sunday, to hinder me from preaching, he would have forced me to have got a place to preach in, where I should not have heard what I think the highest truths contradicted.”

In his next letter, he explained himself a little farther:— “October 16,1762.

“WE have great opposition on every side. Nature, the world, and the devil, will never be reconciled to Christian perfection. But the great wonder is, that Christians will not be reconciled to it; all, almost every one who call themselves Ministers of Christ, or Preachers of Christ, contend for sin to remain in the heart as long as we live, as though it were the only thing Christ delighted to behold in his members.

“I long to have your heart set at full liberty. I know you will then see things in a wonderful different light from what it is possible to see them before.”

The day after the first separation, viz., January 26, I wrote him the following note: —

“My Dear Brother,

“FOR many years I, and all the Preachers in connection with me, have taught that every believer may, and ought to grow in grace. Lately, you have taught, or seemed to teach, the contrary. The effect of this is, when I speak as I have done from the beginning, those who believe what you say will not bear it. Nay, they will renounce connection with us; as Mr. and Mrs. Coventry did last night. This breach lies wholly upon you. You have contradicted what I taught from the beginning. Hence it is, that many cannot bear it, but when I speak as I always have done, they separate from the society. Is this for your honor, or to the glory of God? “O Tommy, seek counsel, not from man, but God; not from brother B--, but Jesus Christ! I am

“Your affectionate brother,

“J. W.”

Things now ripened apace for a farther separation; to prevent which, (if it were possible,) I desired all our Preachers, as they had time, to be present at all meetings, when I could not myself, particularly at the Friday meeting in the chapel at West-Street. At this Mr. M. was highly offended, and wrote to me as follows: —

“February 5, 1763.

“I WROTE to you to ask if those who before met at brother Guilford’s might not meet in the chapel. Soon after you came to town, the Preachers were brought into the meeting, though you told me again and again they should not come.” (True; but since I said this, there has been an entire change in the situation of things.) “Had I known this, I would rather have paid for a room out of my own pocket. I am not speaking of the people that met at the Foundery before; though I let some of them come to that meeting. If you intend to have the Preachers there to watch, and others that I think very unfit, and will not give me liberty to give leave to some that I think fit to be there, I shall not think it my duty to meet them.” So from this time he kept a separate meeting elsewhere.

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Knowing many were greatly tempted on occasion of these occurrences, I preached on, (1 Corinthians 10:13,) “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” In the evening we had a love-feast, at which many spoke with all simplicity; and their words were like fire. I hardly know when we have had so refreshing a season.

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One who is very intimate with them that had left us, told me in plain terms, “Sir, the case lies here: They say you are only an hypocrite, and therefore they can have no fellowship with you.” So now the wonder is over. First, it was revealed to them, that all the people were dead to God. Then they saw that all the Preachers were so too; only, for a time, they excepted me. At last they discern me to be blind and dead too. Now let him help them that can!

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I rode to Brentford, expecting to find disagreeable work there also; but I was happily disappointed. Not one seemed inclined to leave the society, and some were added to it; and the congregation was not only quiet, but more deeply attentive than is usual in this place. Hence I rode, on Friday, 11, to Shoreham, and buried the remains of Mrs. P., who, after a long, distressing illness, on Saturday, the 5th instant, fell asleep.

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I visited the classes at Snowsfields, where I was told many would go away; but the time was not come. As yet we have lost none; though some are held as by a single hair.

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I rode to Deptford, and found the society there united in faith and love. During the sermon in the afternoon, one poor mourner found peace with God. In the evening I preached at Welling, and on Wednesday, 16, rode on to Sevenoaks. Here I was grieved to find one who did run well quite hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. But in the evening, God looked upon him once more, and melted him into tears of love.

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Light from above broke into the heart of another hard-hearted sinner. At the same time many were delivered from doubts and fears, and “knew the things which were freely given them of God.” On Friday I returned to London.

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Observing the terror occasioned by that wonderful prophecy to spread far and wide, I endeavored to draw some good therefrom, by strongly exhorting the congregation at Wapping, to “seek the Lord while he might be found.” But at the same time I thought it incumbent upon me to declare (as indeed I had done from the hour I heard it) that “it must be false, if the Bible be true.”

The three next days I spent in the tedious work of transcribing the names of the society. I found about thirty of those who thought they were saved from sin had separated from their brethren. But above four hundred, who witnessed the same confession, seemed more united than ever.

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Preaching in the evening at Spitalfields, on, “Prepare to meet thy God,” I largely showed the utter absurdity of the supposition, that the world was to end that night. But notwithstanding all I could say, many were afraid to go to bed, and some wandered about in the fields, being persuaded, that, if the world did not end, at least London would be swallowed up by an earthquake. I went to bed at my usual time, and was fast asleep about ten o’clock.

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I took the machine for Norwich; and after spending a few quiet, comfortable days in Norwich, Yarmouth, and Colchester, without any jar or contention, on Saturday, 19, returned to London.

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I retired to Lewisham, and wrote the sermon on “Sin in Believers,” in order to remove a mistake which some were laboring to propagate, — that there is no sin in any that are justified.

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Leaving things, as it seemed, pretty well settled in London, I took the machine for Bristol, where, on Tuesday, 19, I paid the last office of love to Nicholas Gilbert, who was a good man, and an excellent Preacher; and likely to have been of great use. But God saw it best to snatch him hence by a fever, in the dawn of his usefulness.

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I returned to London. On Thursday, 28, I was at Westminster, where I had appointed to preach, when word was brought me, about five in the afternoon, that Mr. M——d would not preach at the Foundery. So the breach is made; but I am clear, I have done all I possibly could to prevent it. I walked immediately away, and preached myself, on, “If I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.”

That I may conclude this melancholy subject at once, and have no need to resume it any more, I add a letter which I wrote some time after, for the information of a friend: —

“AT your instance I undertake the irksome task of looking back upon things which I wish to forget forever. I have had innumerable proofs (though such as it would now be an endless task to collect together) of all the facts which I recite. And I recite them as briefly as possible, because I do not desire to aggravate any thing, but barely to place it in a true light.

“1. Mr. Maxfield was justified while I was praying with him in Baldwin-Street, Bristol.

“2. Not long after he was employed by me as a Preacher in London. “3. Hereby he had access to Mrs. Maxfield, whom otherwise he was never likely to see, much less to marry; from whence all his outward prosperity had its rise.

“4. He was by me (by those who did it at my instance) recommended to the Bishop of Derry, to be ordained Priest, who told him then, (I had it from his own mouth,) ‘Mr. M——, I ordain you to assist that good man, that he may not work himself to death.’

“5. When, a few years ago, many censured him much, I continually and strenuously defended him; though to the disgusting several of the Preachers, and a great number of the people.

“6. I disgusted them, not barely by defending him but by commending him in strong terms, from time to time, both in public and private, with regard to his uprightness, as well as usefulness.

“7. All this time Mr. M—— was complaining (of which I was frequently informed by those to whom he spoke) that he was never so ill persecuted by the rabble in Cornwall, as by me and my brother. “8. Four or five years since, a few persons were appointed to meet weekly at the Foundery. When I left London, I left these under Mr. M.’s care, desiring them to regard him just as they did me. “9. Not long after I was gone, some of these had dreams, visions, or impressions, as they thought, from God. Mr. M. did not put a stop to these; rather he encouraged them.

“10. When I returned, I opposed them with my might, and in a short time heard no more of them. Meanwhile I defended and commended Mr. M., as before; and when I left the town again, left them again under his care.

“11. Presently visions and revelations returned: Mr. M. did not discourage them. Herewith was now joined a contempt of such as had them not, with a belief that they were proofs of the highest grace. “12. Some of our Preachers opposed them roughly. At this they took fire, and refused to hear them preach, but crowded after Mr. M. He took no pains to quench the fire, but rather availed himself of it to disunite them from other Preachers, and attach them to himself. He likewise continually told them they were not to be taught by man, especially by those who had less grace than themselves. I was told of this likewise from time to time: But he denied it; and I would not believe evil of my friend.

“13. When I returned in October, 1763, I found the society in an uproar, and several of Mr. M.’s most intimate friends formed into a detached body. Enthusiasm, pride, and great uncharitableness appeared in many who once had much grace. I very tenderly reproved them. They would not bear it; one of them, Mrs. C., cried out, ‘We will not be brow-beaten any longer; we will throw off the mask.’ Accordingly, a few days after, she came, and, before an hundred persons, brought me hers and her husband’s tickets, and said, ‘Sir, we will have no more to do with you; Mr. M. is our Teacher.’ Soon after, several more left the society, (one of whom was George Bell,) saying, ‘Blind John is not capable of teaching us; we will keep to Mr. M.’

“14. From the time that I heard of George Bell’s prophecy, I explicitly declared against it both in private, in the society, in preaching, over and over; and, at length, in the public papers. Mr. M. made no such declaration; I have reason to think he believed it. I know many of his friends did, and several of them sat up the last of February, at the house of his most intimate friend, Mr. Biggs, in full expectation of the accomplishment.

“15. About this time, one of our Stewards, who, at my desire, took the chapel in Snowsfields for my use, sent me word the chapel was his, and Mr. Bell should exhort there, whether I would or no. Upon this, I desired the next Preacher there to inform the congregation that while things stood thus, neither I nor our Preachers could in conscience preach there any more.

“16. Nevertheless, Mr. M. did preach there. On this I sent him a note, desiring him not to do it; and adding, ‘If you do, you thereby renounce connection with me.’

“17. Receiving this, he said, ‘I will preach at Snowsfields.’ He did so, and thereby renounced connection. On this point and no other, we divided: By this act the knot was cut. Resolving to do this, he told Mr. Clementson, ‘I am to preach at the Foundery no more.’ “18. From this time he has spoke all manner of evil of me, his father, his friend, his greatest earthly benefactor. I cite Mr. F——r for one witness of this, and Mr. M——n for another. Did he speak evil of me to Mr. F—— one day only? Nay, but every day for six weeks together. To Mr. M——n he said, (among a thousand other things, which he had been twenty years raking together,) ‘Mr. W. believed and countenanced all which Mr. Bell said; and the reason of my parting was this: He said to me one day, Tommy, I will tell the people you are the greatest Gospel Preacher in England; and you shall tell them I am the greatest. For refusing to do this, Mr. W. put me away!’ “Now, with perfect calmness, and, I verily think, without the least touch of prejudice, I refer it to your own judgment, what connection I ought to have with Mr. M., either till I am satisfied these things are not so, or till he is thoroughly sensible of his fault.”

Monday, May 2, and the following days, I was fully employed in visiting the society, and settling the minds of those who had been confused and distressed by a thousand misrepresentations. Indeed, a flood of calumny and evil speaking (as was easily foreseen) was poured out on every side. My point was still to go straight forward in the work whereto I am called.

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Setting out a month later than usual, I judged it needful to make the more haste; so I took post-chaises, and by that means easily reached Newcastle, on Wednesday, 18. Thence I went on at leisure, and came to Edinburgh on Saturday, 21. The next day I had the satisfaction of spending a little time with Mr. Whitefield. Humanly speaking, he is worn out; but we have to do with Him who hath all power in heaven and earth.

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I rode to Forfar; and on Tuesday, 24, rode on to Aberdeen.

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I inquired into the state of things here. Surely never was there a more open door. The four Ministers of Aberdeen, the Minister of the adjoining town, and the three Ministers of Old-Aberdeen, hitherto seem to have no dislike, but rather to wish us “good luck in the name of the Lord.” Most of the town’s people as yet seem to wish us well; so that there is no open opposition of any kind. O what spirit ought a Preacher to be of, that he may be able to bear all this sunshine.

About noon I went to Gordon’s Hospital, built near the town for poor children. It is an exceeding handsome building, and (what is not common) kept exceeding clean. The gardens are pleasant, well laid out, and in extremely good order; but the old bachelor who founded it has expressly provided that no woman should ever be there.

At seven, the evening being fair and mild, I preached to a multitude of people, in the College-Close, on, “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths.” But the next evening, the weather being raw and cold, I preached in the College-Hall. What an amazing willingness to hear runs through this whole kingdom! There want only a few zealous, active laborers, who desire nothing but God; and they might soon carry the Gospel through all this country, even as high as the Orkneys.

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I set out for Edinburgh again. About one I preached at Brechin. All were deeply attentive. Perhaps a few may not be forgetful hearers. Afterwards we rode on to Broughty-Castle, two or three miles below Dundee. We were in hopes of passing the river here, though we could not at the town; but we found our horses could not pass till eleven or twelve at night. So we judged it would be best to go over ourselves and leave them behind. In a little time we procured a kind of a boat, about half as long as a London wherry, and three or four feet broad. Soon after we had put off, I perceived it leaked on all sides, nor had we anything to lade out the water. When we came toward the middle of the river, which was three miles over, the wind being high, and the water rough, our boatmen seemed a little surprised; but we encouraged them to pull away, and in less than half an hour we landed safe. Our horses were brought after us; and the next day we rode on to Kinghorn-Ferry, and had a pleasant passage to Leith.

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I preached at seven in the High-School yard Edinburgh. It being the time of the General Assembly, which drew together, not the Ministers only, but abundance of the Nobility and Gentry, many of both sorts were present; but abundantly more at five in the afternoon. I spake as plain as ever I did in my life. But I never knew any in Scotland offended at plain dealing. In this respect the North Britons are a pattern to all mankind.

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I rode to Dunbar. In the evening it was very cold, and the wind was exceeding high: Nevertheless, I would not pen myself up in the Room, but resolved to preach in the open air. We saw the fruit: Many attended, notwithstanding the cold, who never set foot in the Room; and I am still persuaded much good will be done here, if we have zeal and patience.

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I rode to Alnwick, and was much refreshed among a people who have not the form only, but the spirit, of religion, fellowship with God, the living power of faith divine. Wednesday, JUNE 1. I went on to Morpeth, and preached in a ground near the town, to far the most serious congregation which I had ever seen there. At one I preached to the loving colliers in Placey, and in the evening at Newcastle.

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I rode, though much out of order, to Sunderland, and preached in the evening at the Room. I was much worse in the night, but toward morning fell into a sound sleep, and was refreshed. Sunday, 5. I designed to preach abroad this morning; but the wind and rain hindered. So at eight preached in the Room again, purposing to preach in the street at noon; but Mr. Goodday sent me word, he was taken ill in the night, and begged I would supply his church: So at ten I began reading Prayers, though I was so exceeding weak that my voice could scarce be heard; but as I went on, I grew stronger; and before I had half done preaching I suppose all in the church could hear.

The wind drove us into the House at Newcastle likewise; that is, as many as the House would contain; but great numbers were constrained to stand in the yard: However, I suppose all could hear; for my weakness was entirely gone while I was enforcing those important words, “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”

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I rode to Barnard-Castle, and preached in the evening, but to such a congregation, not only with respect to number, but to seriousness and composure, as I never saw there before. I intended, after preaching, to meet the society; but the bulk of the people were so eager to hear more, that I could not forbear letting in almost as many as the Room would hold; and it was a day of God’s power: They all seemed to take the kingdom by violence, while they besieged Heaven with vehement prayer.

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So deep and general was the impression now made upon the people, that even at five in the morning I was obliged to preach abroad, by the numbers who flocked to hear, although the northerly wind made the air exceeding sharp. A little after preaching, one came to me who believed God had just set her soul at full liberty. She had been clearly justified long before; but said, the change she now experienced was extremely different from what she experienced then; as different as the noon-day light from that of day-break: That she now felt her soul all love, and quite swallowed up in God. Now suppose, ten weeks or ten months hence, this person should be cold or dead, shall I say, “She deceived herself; this was merely the work of her own imagination?” Not at all. I have no right so to judge, nor authority so to speak. I will rather say, “She was unfaithful to the grace of God, and so cast away what was really given.”

Therefore that way of talking which has been very common, of staying “to see if the gift be really given,” which some take to be exceeding wise, I take to be exceeding foolish. If a man says, “I now feel nothing but love,” and I know him to be an honest man, I believe him. What then should I stay to see? Not whether he has such a blessing, but whether he will keep it. There is something remarkable in the manner wherein God revived his work in these parts. A few months ago the generality of people in this Circuit were exceeding lifeless. Samuel Meggot, perceiving this, advised the society at Barnard-Castle to observe every Friday with fasting and prayer. The very first Friday they met together, God broke in upon them in a wonderful manner; and his work has been increasing among them ever since. The neighboring societies heard of this, agreed to follow the same rule, and soon experienced the same blessing. Is not the neglect of this plain duty (I mean, fasting, ranked by our Lord with almsgiving and prayer) one general occasion of deadness among Christians? Can any one willingly neglect it, and be guiltless?

In the evening I preached at Yarm; but I found the good doctrine of Christian Perfection had not been heard of there for some time. The wildness of our poor brethren in London has put it out of countenance above two hundred miles off; so these strange advocates for perfection have given it a deeper wound than all its enemies together could do!

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Just as I began preaching (in the open air, the Room being too small even for the morning congregation) the rain began; but it stopped in two or three minutes, I am persuaded, in answer to the prayer of faith. Incidents of the same kind I have seen abundance of times, and particularly in this journey; and they are nothing strange to them who seriously believe “the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”

After preaching at Potto about noon, I rode to Thirsk, intending to preach near the house where I alighted; but several gentlemen of the town sent to desire I would preach in the market place: I did so, to a numerous congregation, most of whom were deeply attentive. I hastened away after preaching, and between nine and ten came to York.

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I rode to Epworth, and preached at seven in the market place.

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I preached at the Room in the morning; in the afternoon, at the market place; and about one, the congregation gathered from all parts in Haxey parish, near Westwood-side. At every place I endeavored to settle the minds of the poor people, who had been not a little harassed by a new doctrine which honest Jonathan C—— and his converts had industriously propagated among them, — that “there is no sin in believers; but, the moment we believe, sin is destroyed, root and branch.” I trust this plague also is stayed: But how ought those unstable ones to be ashamed who are so easily “tossed about with every wind of doctrine!” I had desired Samuel Meggot to give me some farther account of the late work of God at Barnard-Castle. Part of his answer was as follows: — “June 7, 1763.

“WITHIN ten weeks, at least twenty persons in this town have found peace with God, and twenty-eight the pure love of God. This morning, before you left us, one found peace, and one the second blessing; and after you was gone two more received it. One of these had belonged to the society before; but, after he turned back, had bitterly persecuted his wife, particularly after she professed the being saved from sin. May 29, he came, in a furious rage, to drag her out of the society. One cried out, ‘Let us go to prayer for him.’ Presently he ran away, and his wife went home. Not long after, he came in like a madman, and swore he would be the death of her. One said, ‘Are you not afraid lest God should smite you?’ He answered, ‘No; let God do his worst, I will make an end of her, and the brats, and myself too, and we will all go to hell together.’ His wife and children fell down, and broke out into prayer. His countenance changed, and he was as quiet as a lamb. But it was not long before a horrible dread overwhelmed him; he was sore distressed: The hand of God was upon him, and gave him no rest, day or night. On Tuesday, in the afternoon, he went to her who prayed for him when he came to drag his wife out, begging her, with a shower of tears, to pray for his deliverance. On Thursday he wrestled with God till he was as wet all over with sweat as if he had been dipped in water. But that evening God wiped away his tears, and filled him with joy unspeakable. “This morning, while brother Story was at prayer, God gave him a witness in himself, that he had purified his heart. When he was risen from his knees, he could not help declaring it. He now ran to his wife, not to kill her, but to catch her in his arms, that they might praise God, and weep over one another with tears of joy and love.”

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Even in Epworth a few faithful servants of Satan were left, who would not leave any stone unturned to support his tottering kingdom. A kind of gentleman got a little party together, and took huge pains to disturb the congregation. He hired a company of boys to shout, and made a poor man exceeding drunk, who bawled out such ribaldry and nonsense, while he himself played the French horn. But he had little fruit of his labor. I spoke a few words to their champion, and he disappeared. The congregation was not at all disturbed, but quietly attended to the end.

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I rode to Doncaster; and at ten, standing in an open place, exhorted a wild, yet civil, multitude to “seek the Lord while he might be found.” Thence I went on to Leeds, and declared, to a large congregation, “Now is the day of salvation.” Thursday, 16. At five in the evening I preached at Dewsbury, and on Friday, 17, reached Manchester. Here I received a particular account of a remarkable incident: — An eminent drunkard of Congleton used to divert himself, whenever there was preaching there, by standing over against the House, cursing and swearing at the Preacher. One evening he had a fancy to step in, and hear what the man had to say. He did so; but it made him so uneasy that he could not sleep all night. In the morning he was more uneasy still. He walked in the fields, but all in vain, till it came in his mind to go to one of his merry companions, who was always ready to abuse the Methodists. He told him how he was, and asked what he should do. “Do!” said Samuel, “go and join the society. I will; for I was never so uneasy in my life.” They did so without delay. But presently David cried out “I am sorry I joined; for I shall get drunk again, and they will turn me out.” However, he stood firm for four days: On the fifth, he was persuaded by his old companions to “take one pint,” and then another, and another, till one of them said, “See, here is a Methodist drunk!” David started up, and knocked him over, chair and all. He then drove the rest out of the house, caught up the landlady, carried her out, threw her into the kennel; went back to the house, broke down the door, threw it into the street, and then ran into the fields, tore his hair, and rolled up and down on the ground. In a day or two was a love-feast: He stole in, getting behind, that none might see him. While Mr. Furze was at prayer, he was seized with a dreadful agony, both of body and mind. This caused many to wrestle with God for him. In a while he sprung up on his feet, stretched out his hands, and cried aloud, “All my sins are forgiven!” At the same instant, one on the other side of the Room cried out, “Jesus is mine! And he has taken away all my sins.” This was Samuel H. David burst through the people, caught him in his arms, and said, “Come, let us sing the Virgin Mary’s Song: I never could sing it before. ‘My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit doth rejoice in God my Savior.’” And their following behavior plainly showed the reality of their profession.

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I found the work of God was still greatly increasing here; although many stumbling-blocks had been thrown in the way, and some by those who were once strong in grace. But this is no wonder: I rather wonder that there are not abundantly more. And so there would be, but that Satan is not able to go beyond his chain.

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I preached at Maxfield about noon. As I had not been well, and was not quite recovered, our brethren insisted on sending me in a chaise to Burslem. Between four and five I quitted the chaise and took my horse. Presently after, hearing a cry, I looked back, and saw the chaise upside down, (the wheel having violently struck against a stone,) and well nigh dashed in pieces. About seven I preached to a large congregation at Burslem: These poor potters, four years ago, were as wild and ignorant as any of the colliers in Kingswood. Lord, thou hast power over thy own clay.

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I rode to Birmingham, and on Thursday to Towcester. I would willingly have rested there; but our brethren desiring me to go a little farther, I walked on (about three miles) to Whittlebury. Here I found a truly loving and simple people. I preached at the side of the new preaching-house: I suppose most of the town were present. Friday, 24. I took horse early, and in the afternoon came once more safe to London. About this time I received the following letter: — “GOD is the same yesterday, today, and for ever! He was, is, and will be all in all! Being a minute part of the whole, let me consider myself alone. Where was I before my parents were born? In the mind of Him who is all in all. It was God alone that gave me a being amongst the human race. He appointed the country in which I should begin my existence. My parents were also his choice. Their situation in mind, body, and estate was fully known to him. My parents are answerable for my education in infancy. My capacity was from above. That I improved so little was mostly owing to my connections; but partly to my own inattention or idleness. In most things, whilst an infant, whether good or evil, I was certainly passive; that is, I was instructed or led by others, and so acted right or wrong. In all the incidents of life, whether sickness, health, escapes, crosses, spiritual or temporal advantages or disadvantages, I can trace nothing of myself during my childhood. And till I became a subject to my own will perhaps I was innocent in the eyes of infinite Justice; for the blood of Jesus Christ certainly cleanseth from all original sin, and presents all spotless, who die free from the guilt of actual transgression.

“At what time I became a subject to my own will, I cannot ascertain; but from that time in many things I offended. First, against my parents; next, against God! And that I was preserved from outward evils, was not owing to the purity of my own will; but the grace of Christ preventing and overruling me. “My natural will ever cleaved to evil; and if I had ever any good in me, it came from above. What is called good-nature is a divine gift, and not from the corrupt root. My will could not produce good, and in various instances it was in a manner annihilated, before grace could fix any good in me. In other words, my will acts from the motions of the old Adam where I transgress; but what is good in me is from the grace of Christ, working whilst my own will is made passive or unresisting. Thus my life has been so far holy, as I gave up my own will, and lived in God, who is all in all. “From the time I could sin, I trace the divine goodness in preserving me from innumerable evils, into which my own will would have led me. The unknown temptations and evils perhaps are infinitely more numerous than the known. If my will was only not resisting, when I received or did any good how little was it concerned in my conviction, my conversion my peace, and the sphere of life I engaged in after receiving such divine blessings? My concern about my soul’s welfare, the time of my conversion, the Ministers raised up to be the instruments of it, the place of my first hearing the Gospel, and various other circumstances, that instrumentally brought about those great and blessed events in my life, were no more from any thing in myself, than my birth and education. Rather, my will was overpowered, and grace triumphed over it.

“From these reflections I conclude, that whatever blessings I have enjoyed as to parents, country, education, employments, conversion, connections in life, or any exterior or interior circumstance, — all came from God, who is all in all! And whatever in my past life is matter of repentance and lamentation has arose chiefly from my corrupt will, though partly from a defective judgment ever prone to err! So that, upon the whole, I have great cause to be thankful that God has been so much the all in all of my life; at the same time I must bewail that I ever followed my own corrupt will in any thing.

“My present state of life I believe is from God. In a bad state of health, out of employment, and retired from all engagements in the world, I use the means for my recovery, and it is not from any evil principle that I am a cipher: But I cannot yet obtain health, business, or a sphere of usefulness. Nor can I ascertain how far I am culpable as to being what I am. My present duty is, submission to the divine will. I study for improvement, and pray for such blessings as I want. Is not God all in all as to my present state? I have no desire so strong as this: ‘Let thy blessed will be done in and upon me!’ And the prayer which governs my soul continually is, O may my will die day by day; and may God in Christ Jesus be all in all to me, and in me and mine, during our life, in our last moments, and to all eternity! Amen.”

Finding it was not expedient to leave London during the ferment which still continued by reason of Mr. M.’s separation from us, I determined not to remove from it before the Conference. This began on Tuesday, JULY 19, and ended on Saturday, 23. And it was a great blessing that we had peace among ourselves, while so many were making themselves ready for battle.

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I began visiting the classes again, and found less loss than might reasonably have been expected; as most of those who had left us spake all manner of evil, without either fear or shame. Poor creatures! Yet “he that betrayed” them into this “hath the greater sin.”

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I went in the one-day machine to Bath, where one of our friends from Bristol met me (as I had desired) in the afternoon, and took me thither in a post-chaise. Wednesday, 17. Being informed that the boat at the Old-Passage would go over at six o’clock, I took horse at four, and came to the Passage a few minutes after six: But they told us they would not pass till twelve, and I had appointed to preach in Chepstow at eleven. So we thought it best to try the New Passage. We came thither at seven, and might probably have stayed till noon, had not an herd of oxen come just in time to the other side. In the boat which brought them over, we crossed the water, and got to Chepstow between ten and eleven. As it had rained almost all the day, the House contained the congregation. Hence we rode to Coleford. The wind being high, I consented to preach in their new Room; but, large as it was, it would not contain the people, who appeared to be not a little affected, of which they gave a sufficient proof, by filling the Room at five in the morning.

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We breakfasted at a friend’s, a mile or two from Monmouth, and rode to Crick-Howell, where I intended to dine; but I found other work to do. Notice had been given that I would preach, and some were come many miles to hear. So I began without delay, and I did not observe one light or inattentive person in the congregation. When we came to Brecknock, we found it was the Assize week; so that I could not have the Town-Hall, as before, the Court being to sit there at the very time when I had appointed to preach: So I preached at Mr. James’s door; and all the people behaved as in the presence of God.

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I preached near the market place, and afterwards rode over to Trevecka. Howell Harris’s house is one of the most elegant places which I have seen in Wales. The little chapel, and all things round about it, are finished in an uncommon taste; and the gardens, orchards, fish-ponds, and mount adjoining, make the place a little paradise. He thanks God for these things, and looks through them. About sixscore persons are now in the family; all diligent, all constantly employed, all fearing God and working righteousness. I preached at ten to a crowded audience, and in the evening at Brecknock again; but to the poor only: The rich (a very few excepted) were otherwise employed.

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We took horse at four, and rode through one of the pleasantest countries in the world. When we came to Trecastle, we had rode fifty miles in Monmouthshire and Brecknockshire; and I will be bold to say, all England does not afford such a line of fifty miles’ length, for fields, meadows, woods, brooks, and gently-rising mountains, fruitful to the very top. Carmarthenshire, into which we came soon after, has at least as fruitful a soil; but it is not so pleasant, because it has fewer mountains, though abundance of brooks and rivers. About five I preached on the Green at Carmarthen, to a large number of deeply attentive people. Here two gentlemen from Pembroke met me, with whom we rode to St. Clare, intending to lodge there; but the inn was quite full: So we concluded to try for Larn, though we knew not the way, and it was now quite dark. Just then came up an honest man who was riding thither, and we willingly bore him company.

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It rained almost all the morning. However, we reached Tenby about eleven. The rain then ceased, and I preached at the Cross to a congregation gathered from many miles round. The sun broke out several times and shone hot in my face, but never for two minutes together. About five I preached to a far larger congregation at Pembroke. A few gay people behaved ill at the beginning; but in a short time they lost their gaiety, and were as serious as their neighbors.

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I rode over to Haverfordwest. Finding it was the Assize week, I was afraid the bulk of the people would be too busy to think about hearing sermons. But I was mistaken; I have not seen so numerous a congregation since I set out of London; and they were, one and all, deeply attentive. Surely some will bring forth fruit.

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I was more convinced than ever, that the preaching like an Apostle, without joining together those that are awakened, and training them up in the ways of God, is only begetting children for the murderer. How much preaching has there been for these twenty years all over Pembrokeshire! But no regular societies, no discipline, no order or connection; and the consequence is, that nine in ten of the once-awakened are now faster asleep than ever.

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We designed to take horse at four, but the rain poured down, so that one could scarce look out. About six, however, we set out, and rode through heavy rain to St. Clare. Having then little hopes of crossing the sands, we determined to go round by Carmarthen; but the hostler told us we might save several miles, by going to Llansteffan’s Ferry. We came thither about noon, where a good woman informed us the boat was aground, and would not pass till the evening: So we judged it best to go by Carmarthen still. But when we had rode three or four miles, I recollected that I had heard speak of a ford, which would save us some miles’ riding. We inquired of an old man, who soon mounted his horse, showed us the way, and rode through the river before us.

Soon after my mare dropped a shoe, which occasioned so much loss of time, that we could not ride the sands, but were obliged to go round, through a miserable road, to Llanellos. To mend the matter, our guide lost his way, both before we came to Llanellos and after; so that it was as much as we could do, to reach Bocher-Ferry, a little after sunset. Knowing it was impossible then to reach Penreese, as we designed, we went on straight to Swansea.

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I preached at seven to one or two hundred people, many of whom seemed full of good desires. But as there is no society, I expect no deep or lasting work.

Mr. Evans now gave me an account from his own knowledge, of what has made a great noise in Wales: — “It is common in the congregations, attended by Mr. W. W., and one or two other Clergymen, after the preaching is over, for any one that has a mind, to give out a verse of an hymn. This they sing over and over with all their might, perhaps above thirty, yea, forty times. Meanwhile the bodies of two or three sometimes ten or twelve are violently agitated; and they leap up and down, in all manner of postures, frequently for hours together.” I think, there needs no great penetration to understand this. They are honest, upright men, who really feel the love of God in their hearts. But they have little experience, either of the ways of God, or the devices of Satan. So he serves himself of their simplicity, in order to wear them out, and to bring a discredit on the work of God.

About two I preached at Cowbridge, in the Assembly-room, and then went on to Llandaff. The congregation was waiting; so I began without delay, explaining to them the righteousness of faith. A man had need to be all fire, who comes into these parts, where almost every one is cold as ice: Yet God is able to warm their hearts, and make rivers run in the dry places.

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I preached once more in W—— church; but it was hard work. Mr. H. read the Prayers (not as he did once, with such fervor and solemnity as struck almost every hearer, but) like one reading an old song, in a cold, dry, careless manner; and there was no singing at all. O what life was here once! But now there is not one spark left.

Thence I rode to Cardiff, and found the society in as ruinous a condition as the Castle. The same poison of Mysticism has well-nigh extinguished the last spark of life here also. I preached in the Town-Hall, on, “Now God commandeth all men every where to repent.” There was a little shaking among the dry bones; possibly some of them may yet “come together and live.”

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At noon I preached again at Llandaff, and in the evening at Aberthaw. I found the most life in this congregation that I have found any where in Glamorganshire. We lodged at F—— Castle; so agreeable once; but how is the scene changed! How dull and unlovely is every place where there is nothing of God!

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Editorial note: The supplied edition prints the heading “Thur. 30. —”. The independent 1872 Jackson edition, volume 3, reads “Tues. 30” (PDF page 152). The indexed weekday is Tuesday, following that printed heading. The supplied heading and journal prose are retained. John Wesley, Works, Jackson edition (1872), volume 3, PDF page 152.

I preached in the Castle at Cardiff, and endeavored to lift up the hands that hung down. A few seemed to awake, and shake themselves from the dust: Let these go on, and more will follow.

I came to Chepstow, Wednesday, 31, just at noon, and began preaching immediately at Mr. Cheek’s door. The sun shone full in my face, extremely hot; but in two or three minutes the clouds covered it. The congregation was large, and behaved well; perhaps some may be “doers of the word.” When we went into the boat at the Old-Passage, it was a dead calm; but the wind sprung up in a few minutes, so that we reached Bristol in good time.

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I began expounding a second time, after an interval of above twenty years, the first Epistle of St. John. How plain, how full, and how deep a compendium of genuine Christianity!

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I described the one undivided “fruit of the Spirit;” one part of which men are continually laboring to separate from the other; but it cannot be; none can retain peace or joy without meekness and long-suffering; nay, nor without fidelity and temperance. Unless we have the whole, we cannot long retain any part of it.

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I preached on the quay, where multitudes attended who would not have come to the other end of the city. In the afternoon I preached near the new Square. I find no other way to reach the outcasts of men. And this way God has owned, and does still own, both by the conviction and conversion of sinners.

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I preached at Pensford about eight, and it began raining almost as soon as I began preaching; but I think none went away. At noon I preached at Shepton-Mallet, to a numerous, nay, and serious, congregation; and about six in a meadow at Wincanton. I suppose this was the first field preaching which had been there. However, the people were all quiet, and the greater part deeply attentive.

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At nine I preached in the same place, to a far more serious audience. Between eleven and twelve I preached at Westcomb, and in the evening at Frome. How zealous to hear are these people; and yet how little do they profit by hearing! I think this will not always be the case. By and by we shall rejoice over them.

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I preached at Bath, on, “Now is the day of salvation.” I was afterwards not a little refreshed by the conversation of one lately come from London, notwithstanding an irregularity of thought, almost peculiar to herself. How much preferable is her irregular warmth, to the cold wisdom of them that despise her! How gladly would I be as she is, taking her wildness and fervor together!

In the evening the congregation at Coleford was all alive, and great part of them were present again in the morning. The next evening we had a love-feast, at which many were not able to contain their joy and desire, but were constrained to cry aloud, and praise God for the abundance of his mercies.

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I preached on the Green at Bedminster. I am apt to think many of the hearers scarce ever heard a Methodist before, or perhaps any other Preacher. What but field preaching could reach these poor sinners? And are not their souls also precious in the sight of God?

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I preached in the morning in Princess-Street, to a numerous congregation. Two or three gentlemen, so called, laughed at first; but in a few minutes they were as serious as the rest. On Monday evening I gave our brethren a solemn caution, not to “love the world, neither the things of the world.” This will be their grand danger: As they are industrious and frugal, they must needs increase in goods. This appears already: In London, Bristol, and most other trading towns, those who are in business have increased in substance seven-fold, some of them twenty, yea, an hundred-fold. What need, then, have these of the strongest warnings, lest they be entangled therein, and perish!

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I preached at Bath. Riding home we saw a coffin, carrying into St. George’s church, with many children attending it. When we came near, we found they were our own children, attending the corpse of one of their school-fellows, who had died of the small-pox; and God thereby touched many of their hearts in a manner they never knew before.

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I preached to the prisoners in Newgate, and in the afternoon rode over to Kingswood, where I had a solemn watch night, and an opportunity of speaking closely to the children. One is dead, two recovered, seven are ill still; and the hearts of all are like melting wax.

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I took my leave of the congregation at Bristol, by opening and applying those words, (by which no flesh living shall be justified,) “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” I believe an eminent Deist, who was present, will not easily forget that hour; he was (then at least) deeply affected, and felt he stood in need of an “Advocate with the Father.” Wednesday, and Thursday evening, I spent at Salisbury; and with no small satisfaction. Friday, 30. I preached about one at Whitchurch, and then rode to Basingstoke. Even here there is at length some prospect of doing good. A large number of people attended, to whom God enabled me to speak strong words; and they seemed to sink into the hearts of the hearers.

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I returned to London, and found our house in ruins, great part of it being taken down, in order to a thorough repair. But as much remained as I wanted: Six foot square suffices me by day or by night.

I now received a very strange account from a man of sense as well as integrity: —

“I asked M. S. many questions before she would give me any answer. At length, after much persuasion, she said, ‘On old Michaelmas-Day was three years, I was sitting by myself at my father’s, with a Bible before me; and one, whom I took to be my uncle, came into the room, and sat down by me. He talked to me some time, till, not liking his discourse, I looked more carefully at him: He was dressed like my uncle; but I observed one of his feet was just like that of an ox. Then I was much frightened, and he began torturing me sadly, and told me he would torture me ten times more, if I would not swear to kill my father, which at last I did. He said he would come again, on that day four years, between half-hour past two and three o’clock.

“‘I have several times since strove to write this down; but when I did, the use of my hand was taken from me. I strove to speak it; but whenever I did, my speech was taken from me, and I am afraid I shall be tormented a deal more for what I have spoken now.’ “Presently she fell into such a fit as was dreadful to look upon. One would have thought she would be torn in pieces. Several persons could scarce hold her; till, after a time, she sunk down as dead.

“From that Michaelmas-Day she was continually tormented with the thought of killing her father, as likewise of killing herself, which she often attempted, but was as often hindered. Once she attempted to cut her own throat; once to throw herself into Rosamond’s Pond; several times to strangle herself, which once or twice was with much difficulty prevented.

“Her brother, fearing lest she should at last succeed in her attempt, and finding her fits come more frequently, got a strait waistcoat made for her, such as they use at Bedlam. It was made of strong ticking, with two straps on the shoulders, to fasten her down to the bed; one across her breast, another across her middle, and another across her knees. One likewise was buckled on each leg, and fastened to the side of the bed. The arms of the waistcoat drew over her fingers, and fastened like a purse. In a few minutes after she was thus secured, her brother, coming to the bed, found she was gone. After some time, he found she was up the chimney, so high that he could scarce touch her feet. When Mary Loftis called her, she came down, having her hands as fast as ever. “The night after, I fastened her arms to her body with new straps, over and above the rest. She looked at me and laughed; then gave her hands a slight turn, and all the fastenings were off. “In the morning Mr. Spark came: On our telling him this, he said, ‘But I will take upon me to fasten her so that she shall not get loose.’ Accordingly, he sent for some girth-web, with which he fastened her arms to her sides; first above her elbows, round her body; then below her elbows; then he put it round each wrist, and braced them down to each side of the bedstead: After this she was quiet a night and a day; then all this was off like the rest. “After this we did not tie her down any more, only watched over her night and day. I asked the Physician that attended her, whether it was a natural disorder. He said, ‘Partly natural, partly diabolical.’ We then judged there was no remedy but prayer, which was made for her, or with her, continually; though while any were praying with her, she was tormented more than ever. “The Friday before Michaelmas-Day last, Mr. W. came to see her. He asked, ‘Do you know me?’ She said, ‘No; you all appear to me like Blackamoors.’ ‘But do not you know my voice?’ ‘No; I know no one’s voice, except Molly L——’s.’ ‘Do you pray God to help you?’ ‘No, I can’t pray. God will never help me. I belong to the devil; and he will have me: He will take me, body and soul, on Monday.’ ‘Would you have me pray for you?’ ‘No indeed: For when people pray, he torments me worse than ever.’ In her fits she was first convulsed all over, seeming in an agony of pain, and screaming terribly. Then she began cursing, swearing, and blaspheming in the most horrid manner. Then she burst into vehement fits of laughter; then sunk down as dead. All this time she was quite senseless; then she fetched a deep sigh, and recovered her sense and understanding, but was so weak that she could not speak to be heard, unless you put your ear almost close to her mouth.

“When Mr. W. began praying, she began screaming, so that a mob quickly gathered about the house. However, he prayed on, till the convulsions and screaming ceased, and she came to her senses much sooner than usual. What most surprised us was, that she continued in her senses, and soon after began to pray herself. “On Sunday evening Mr. W. came again, asked her many questions, pressed her to call upon God for power to believe, and then prayed with her. She then began to pray again, and continued in her senses longer than she had done for a month before; but still insisted, the devil would come the next day, between two and three, and take her away.

“She begged me to sit up with her that night, which I willingly did. About four in the morning, she burst out into a flood of tears, crying, ‘What shall I do? What shall I do? I cannot stand this day. This day I shall be lost.’ I went to prayer with her, and exhorted her to pray for faith, and her agony ceased.

“About half-hour after ten, ten of us came together, as we had agreed the day before. I said, ‘Is there any among you who does not believe that God is able and willing to deliver this soul?’ They answered with one voice, ‘We believe he both can and will deliver her this day.’ I then fastened her down to the bed on both sides, and set two on each side to hold her if need were. We began laying her case before the Lord, and claiming his promise on her behalf. Immediately Satan raged vehemently. He caused her to roar in an uncommon manner; then to shriek, so that it went through our heads; then to bark like a dog. Then her face was distorted to an amazing degree, her mouth being drawn from ear to ear, and her eyes turned opposite ways and starting as if they would start out of her head. Presently her throat was so convulsed, that she appeared to be quite strangled; then the convulsions were in her bowels, and her body swelled as if ready to burst. At other times she was stiff from head to foot, as an iron bar; being at the same time wholly deprived of her senses and motion, not even breathing at all. Soon after her body was so writhed, one would have thought all her bones must be dislocated.

“We continued in prayer, one after another, till about twelve o’clock. One then said, ‘I must go; I can stay no longer.’ Another and another said the same, till we were upon the point of breaking up. I said, ‘What is this? Will you all give place to the devil? Are you still ignorant of Satan’s devices? Shall we leave this poor soul in his hands?’ Presently the cloud vanished away. We all saw the snare, and resolved to wrestle with God till we had the petition we asked of him. We began singing an hymn, and quickly found his Spirit was in the midst of us; but the more earnestly we prayed, the more violently the enemy raged. It was with great difficulty that four of us could hold her down: Frequently we thought she would have been torn out of our arms. By her looks and motions we judged she saw him in a visible shape. She laid fast hold on Molly L——s and me, with inexpressible eagerness; and soon burst into a flood of tears, crying, ‘Lord, save, or I perish! I will believe. Lord, give me power to believe; help my unbelief!’ Afterwards she lay quiet for almost fifteen minutes. I then asked, ‘Do you now believe Christ will save you? And have you a desire to pray to him?’ She answered, ‘I have a little desire, but I want power to believe.’ We bid her keep asking for the power, and looking unto Jesus. I then gave out an hymn, and she earnestly sung with us those words: —

O Sun of Righteousness, arise,

With healing in thy wing;

To my diseased, my fainting soul,

Life and salvation bring!

“I now looked at my watch and told her, ‘It is half-hour past two: This is the time when the devil said he would come for you.’ But, blessed be God, instead of a tormentor, he sent a comforter. Jesus appeared to her soul, and rebuked the enemy, though still some fear remained; but at three it was all gone, and she mightily rejoiced in the God of her salvation. It was a glorious sight. Her fierce countenance was changed, and she looked innocent as a child: And we all partook of the blessing; for Jesus filled our souls with a love which no tongue can express. We then offered up our joint praises to God, for his unspeakable mercies, and let her full of faith, and love, and joy in God her Savior.’

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All this week I endeavored to confirm those who had been shaken as to the important doctrine of Christian Perfection, either by its wild defenders, or wise opposers, who much availed themselves of that wildness. It must needs be that such offenses will come; but “woe unto him by whom the offense cometh!”

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I set out for Norwich, taking Hertford in my way, where I began preaching between ten and eleven. Those who expected disturbance were happily disappointed; for the whole congregation was quiet and attentive. I doubt not but much good may be done even here, if our brethren live what we preach.

In the evening I preached in the new Room at Bedford, where we at last see some fruit of our labor. Tuesday, 11. I rode through miserable roads to Cambridge, and thence to Lakenheath. The next day I reached Norwich, and found much of the presence of God in the congregation, both this evening and the next day. On Friday evening I read to them all, the Rules of the Society, adding, “Those who are resolved to keep these Rules may continue with us, and those only.” I then related what I had done since I came to Norwich first, and what I would do for the time to come; particularly that I would immediately put a stop to preaching in the time of Church Service. I added, “For many years I have had more trouble with this society, than with half the societies in England put together. With God’s help, I will try you one ear longer; and I hope you will bring forth better fruit.”

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Notwithstanding the notice I had given over and over, abundance of people came to the Tabernacle at two in the afternoon, the usual time of preaching; and many of these lambs roared like lions; but it was no more than I expected. Monday, 17. I found, at Yarmouth, a little, loving, earnest company. In the evening both the House and the yard were pretty well filled with attentive hearers. Tuesday, 18. I read over that surprising book, “The Life of Mr. William Lilly.” If he believed himself, as he really seems to have done, was ever man so deluded? Persuaded that Hermeli, the Queen of the Fairies, Micol Regina Pygmaeorum, and their fellows, were good angels! How amazing is this! And is it not still more amazing that some of the greatest and most sensible men in the nation should not only not scruple to employ him, but be his fast friends upon all occasions?

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I returned to Norwich, and found the ferment a little abated. I was much pleased with the Leaders in the evening, a company of steady, lively, zealous persons; and indeed with most of the society with whom I have conversed, none of whom seem to have lost ground since I was here last.

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I met the society, for the first time, immediately after the morning preaching. Afterwards I went to church, with a considerable number of the people, several of whom, I suppose, had not been within those walls for many years. I was glad to hear a plain, useful sermon; and especially for the sake of those who, if they had been offended at first, would hardly have come any more. In the evening God made bare his arm, and his word was sharp as a two-edged sword. Before I had concluded my sermon, the mob made a little disturbance; but let us only get the lambs in order, and I will quickly tame the bears.

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I rode to Bury. Here the mob had for some time reigned lords paramount; but a strange gentleman from London, who was present one evening, when they were in high spirits, took them in hand, and prosecuted the matter so effectually that they were quelled at once.

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I rode to Colchester, and found a strange ferment in the society, occasioned by the imprudence of——, who had kindled a flame which he could not quench, and set every man’s sword against his brother. I heard them all face to face, but to no purpose: They regarded neither Scripture nor reason. But, on Thursday evening, at the meeting of the society, God was entreated for them. The stony hearts were broken; anger, revenge, evil-surmising, fled away: The hearts of all were again united together, and his banner over us was love.

It may be of use to insert part of a letter, which I received about this time: —

“IN reading your Notes on Hebrews 12, a while since, I was struck with your exposition of the ninth verse: ‘Perhaps these expressions, fathers of our flesh and Father of spirits, intimate that our earthly fathers are only the parents of our bodies; our souls not being derived from them, but rather created by the immediate power of God, and infused into the body from age to age.’ But meeting with a curious old book, which asserts a contrary doctrine, I hope you will pardon my freedom in transcribing, and begging your thoughts upon it.

“‘That souls are not immediately infused by God, but immediately propagated by the parent, is proved,

1. From the divine rest; And he rested on the seventh day from all the work which he had made: (Genesis 2:2:)

2. From the blessing mentioned Genesis 1:28; And God blessed them, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply; for this does not relate to a part, but to the whole, of man:

3. From the generation of Seth; And Adam began a son in his own likeness, after his image; (Genesis 5:3;) for this image principally consisted in the soul:

4. From the procession of the soul from the parent, mentioned Genesis 46:26; All the souls which came out of his loins:

5. From the very consideration of sin; for they are infused,

(1.) Either pure, and then,

(i.) They will either be free from original sin, the primary seat of which is the soul; and so God will be cruel in condemning the soul for what it is not guilty of; or,

(ii.) We must suppose the impure body to pollute the soul, which is absurd: Or,

(2.) They are infused impure; and, in that case, God will be the cause of impurity, which is impossible.

This is further proved from the doctrine of regeneration; for that which is regenerated was also generated or begotten; but the whole man is regenerated, therefore the whole man is generated. Compare John 3:6, That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit; and Ephesians 4:23, And be renewed in the spirit of your mind. “‘That the human soul is propagated by the parents together with the body, is further proved,

1. By the creation of Eve, whose soul is not said to have been breathed into her by God:

2. From the confession of David; Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me; (Psalm 51:5;) which words cannot possibly relate to the body only:

3. From our redemption: What Christ did not assume, he did not redeem; if, therefore, he did not assume his soul, together with his body, from the Virgin Mary, our souls are not redeemed by Christ; which is evidently false:

4. From similar expressions, Job 10:8, Thy hands have made and fashioned me; and Psalm 139:13, For thou hast possessed my reins;

thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb; where God is said to have formed us with his own hands, which yet is no otherwise done than mediately by generation:

5. From the nature of the begetter and the begotten: They are of one species; but the man who begets consisting of a soul and body, and a body without a soul, are not of one species.

“‘Again, supposing the soul to be infused by the Deity, either,

1. It will be free from sin, and so God himself will be accused as guilty of injustice, in condemning a pure spirit, and infusing it into an impure body; or,

2. He will be accounted the author of the soul’s pollution, by uniting it, a pure spirit, to an impure body, in order that it should be polluted:

3. A double absurdity will follow upon this supposition; viz.,

(1.) The organical parts of man only will be slaves to sin:

(2.) The immortal spirit would be corrupted by the mortal body:

(3.) Or if the soul, being thus infused, be polluted by sin, it will follow, that God is expressly assigned to be the cause of sin; which is the highest blasphemy.”’

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At the request of the little society there, I rode round by Braintree. Here I met with one who was well acquainted with the Honorable Mr.——. If he answers the character Mr. S—— gives, he is one of the most amiable men in the world. O, what keeps us apart? Why cannot we openly give each other the right hand of fellowship?

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I returned to London. Sunday, 30, I now, for the first time, spoke to the society freely concerning Mr. M., both with regard to his injustice in the affair of Snowsfields, and his almost unparalleled ingratitude to me. But I never expect one that is false to God to be true to an human friend.

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I spent an agreeable hour with old venerable Mr.— —. How striking is a man of sense, learning, and piety, when he has well nigh finished his course, and yet retains all his faculties unimpaired! His gray hairs are indeed “a crown of honor.”

In this neighborhood I learned the particulars of a remarkable occurrence: — On Friday, August 19, a gentleman who was at Lisbon during the great earthquake, walking with his friend near Brighthelmstone, in Sussex and looking southwest toward the sea, cried out, “God grant the wind may rise; otherwise we shall have an earthquake quickly. Just so the clouds whirled to and fro, and so the sky looked that day at Lisbon.” Presently the wind did rise, and brought an impetuous storm of rain and large hail. Some of the hail-stones were larger than hen-eggs. It moved in a line about four miles broad, making strange havoc, as it passed quite over the land, till it fell into the river, not far from Sheerness. And wherever it passed it left an hot sulfurous steam, such as almost suffocated those it reached.

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I returned to London. Saturday, 5. I spent some time with my old friend, John Gambold. Who but Count Zinzendorf could have separated such friends as we were? Shall we never unite again?

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I found much of the power of God in preaching, but far more at the Lord’s Table. At the same time one who had been wandering from God for many years, and would fain have been with us, but could not, found that the Spirit of God was not hindered, or confined to one place. He found out——, the poor backslider, in his own house, and revealed Christ anew in his heart.

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I visited Joseph Norbury, a good old soldier of Jesus Christ. I found him just on the wing for paradise, having rattled in the throat for some time. But his speech was restored when I came in, and he mightily praised God for all his mercies. This was his last testimony for a good Master. Soon after he fell asleep.

On Friday I finished visiting the classes, and observed that since February last an hundred and seventy-five persons have been separated from us. An hundred and six left us on Mr. M.’s account: Few of them will return till they are deeply humbled.

Here I stood and looked back on the late occurrences. Before Thomas Walsh left England, God began that great work which has continued ever since without any considerable intermission. During the whole time, many have been convinced of sin, many justified, and many backsliders healed. But the peculiar work of this season has been, what St. Paul calls “the perfecting of the saints.” Many persons in London, in Bristol, in York, and in various parts, both of England and Ireland, have experienced so deep and universal a change, as it had not before entered into their hearts to conceive. After a deep conviction of inbred sin, of their total fall from God, they have been so filled with faith and love, (and generally in a moment,) that sin vanished, and they found from that time, no pride, anger, desire, or unbelief. They could rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, and in every thing give thanks. Now, whether we call this the destruction or suspension of sin, it is a glorious work of God: Such a work as, considering both the depth and extent of it, we never saw in these kingdoms before.

It is possible, some who spoke in this manner were mistaken: And it is certain, some have lost what they then received. A few (very few, compared to the whole number) first gave way to enthusiasm, then to pride, next to prejudice and offense, and at last separated from their brethren. But, although this laid a huge stumbling-block in the way, still the work of God went on. Nor has it ceased to this day in any of its branches. God still convinces, justifies, sanctifies. We have lost only the dross, the enthusiasm, the prejudice and offense. The pure gold remains, faith working by love, and, we have ground to believe, increases daily.

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I buried the remains of Joseph Norbury, a faithful witness of Jesus Christ. For about three years he has humbly and boldly testified, that God had saved him from all sin: And his whole spirit and behavior in life and death made his testimony beyond exception. DECEMBER 1. All the leisure hours I had in this and the following months, during the time I was in London, I spent in reading over our Works with the Preachers, considering what objections had been made, and correcting whatever we judged wrong, either in the matter or expression.

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I rode to Shoreham, and preached in the evening to a more than usually serious company. The next evening they were considerably increased. The small-pox, just broke out in the town, has made many of them thoughtful. O’ let not the impression pass away as the morning dew!

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I rode to Staplehurst, where Mr. Ch——, who loves all that love Christ, received us gladly. At six the congregation, gathered from many miles round, seemed just ripe for the Gospel: So that (contrary to my custom in a new place) I spoke merely of “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Thursday, 8. In returning to London I was thoroughly wet; but it did me no hurt at all.

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I spent an agreeable hour, and not unprofitably, in conversation with my old friend, John Gambold. O how gladly could I join heart and hand again! But, alas! thy heart is not as my heart!

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I dined at Dr. G——’s, as friendly and courteous as Dr. Doddridge himself. How amiable is courtesy joined with sincerity! Why should they ever be divided?

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I took my leave of the Bull-and-Mouth, a barren, uncomfortable place, where much pains has been taken for several years: I fear, to little purpose, Thursday, 22. I spent a little time in a visit to Mr. M——; twenty years ago a zealous and useful Magistrate, now a picture of human nature in disgrace; feeble in body and mind; slow of speech and of understanding. Lord, let me not live to be useless!

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I began preaching at a large, commodious place in Bartholomew-Close. I preached there again on Wednesday, and at both times with peculiar liberty of spirit. At every place this week I endeavored to prepare our brethren for renewing their covenant with God.

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