1765

This week I wrote an answer to a warm letter, published in the “London Magazine,” the author whereof is much displeased that I presume to doubt of the modern Astronomy. I cannot help it. Nay, the more I consider, the more my doubts increase: So that, at present, I doubt whether any man on earth knows either the distance or magnitude, I will not say of a fixed star, but of Saturn, or Jupiter; yea, of the sun or moon.

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The whole society met in the evening. The service lasted from five till near nine; and I do not remember so solemn a season since the first time we joined in renewing our covenant with God.

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In the evening I preached at High-Wycombe; and Tuesday, 8, at Witney. The congregation here, though of so late standing, may be a pattern to all England. When the service was ended, no one spoke, either in the evenings or mornings. All went silently out of the House and yard. Nay, when I followed a large part of them, I did not hear any open their lips, till they came to their own houses. Thursday, 10. I preached again at Wycombe, and on Friday returned to London.

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I rode to Mr. D——’s, at Ovington, in Essex, about six-and-fifty miles from the Foundery. Sunday, 13. Notwithstanding the rain, the church was pretty well filled. And all gave earnest heed, while I opened and applied those words in the Second Lesson, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Titbury church is considerably larger than this: Accordingly the congregation was much larger than that in the morning. But I did not see one careless or inattentive person; all seemed resolved to “seek the Lord while he may be found.” At seven in the evening I preached again to a small company in Mr. D.’s house, on fellowship with the Father and the Son. Tuesday, 15. I returned to London.

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I looked over Mr. R——’s strange book on the Life of Faith. I thought nothing could ever exceed Mr. Ingham’s; but really this does: Although they differ not an hair’s breadth from each other, any more than from Mr. Sandeman.

I employed all my leisure hours this week in revising my letters and papers. Abundance of them I committed to the flames. Perhaps some of the rest may see the light when I am gone.

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I was considering how it was, that so many who were once filled with love, are now weak and faint. And the case is plain: The invariable rule of God’s proceeding is, “From him that hath not, shall be taken away even that which he hath.” Hence, it is impossible that any should retain what they receive, without improving it. Add to this, that the more we have received, the more of care and labor is required, the more watchfulness and prayer, the more circumspection and earnestness in all manner of conversation. Is it any wonder, then, that they who forget this, should soon lose what they had received? Nay, who were taught to forget it? Not to watch! Not to pray, — under pretense of praying always!

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I heard “Ruth,” an Oratorio, performed at Mr. Madan’s chapel. The sense was admirable throughout; and much of the poetry not contemptible. This, joined with exquisite music, might possibly make an impression even upon rich and honorable sinners.

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I set out for Norwich, and spent a few days there with more comfort than I had ever done before. The congregations were not only more numerous than ever, but abundantly more serious: And the society appeared to be more settled, and more loving to each other. Monday, 25. In my way to Yarmouth I read Dr. Watts, on “The Improvement of the Mind.” He has many just and useful observations, mixed with some that are not just, and with more that are of little use, besides that they are trite and obvious. I preached at seven in a preaching-house built for the General Anabaptists; one of the most elegant buildings I have seen; which was well filled both this and the following evening with serious and attentive hearers. There now seems to be a general call to this town: Surely some will hear the voice that raises the dead. We returned to Norwich on Wednesday, and left it on Thursday morning, in a wonderful day of frost and snow, and sleet and wind. However, we reached Lakenheath in the afternoon. Considering the weather, there was a large congregation. Mr. I. read prayers, and I preached, with great liberty of spirit, on, “What is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

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I read Prayers and preached at seven in the morning. It was noon before we could procure a post-chaise. We then pushed on, though the snow lay deep on the ground, to the great inn at Hockerill, the dearest house I ever was at. So fare it well. In the morning we went on to London.

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I made a collection in our congregation for the poor weavers who are out of employment. It amounted to about forty pounds. In the evening our own society met, and contributed fourteen pounds more, to relieve a few of their own distressed members.

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I took horse with Mr. Pennington for Bristol. In two or three hours my mare fell lame, without any discernible cause; and in an hour or two after, the beast he rode was taken ill, and grew worse and worse, till she dropped down and died. So I was glad to go into a machine which was driving by; and the next evening I reached Bristol.

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I rode to Stroud, and in the evening preached in the new House. But a considerable part of the congregation were obliged to stand without. Toward the close of the sermon, a young man dropped down and vehemently cried to God. This occasioned a little hurry at first; but it was soon over, and all was quiet as before.

After supper I was speaking a little, when a young gentleman cried out, “I am damned,” and fell to the ground. A second did so quickly after, and was much convulsed, and yet quite sensible. We joined in prayer, but had not time (it growing late) to wrestle with God for their full deliverance.

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We rode to Worcester, and had the pleasure of spending an hour with Mr. R——, a sensible, candid man. But who is proof against prejudice? especially when those who labor to infuse it, converse with him daily, and those who strive to remove it, not two hours in a year? We came to Birmingham in the evening, and had a comfortable season with the great congregation. Wednesday, 20. M. Lewen took me in a post-chaise to Derby, where the new House was thoroughly filled; and the people behaved in a quite different manner, from what they did when I was here last. Thursday, 21. We went on, though with much difficulty, being often ready to stick fast, to Sheffield. The House here is full twice as large as it was; and so is the congregation. The little differences which had been for some time among the people, were now easily adjusted; and I left them all united in love, and resolved to strengthen each other’s hands.

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We took horse in a furious wind, which was ready to bear us away. About ten I preached in Bradwell, in the High-Peak, where, notwithstanding the storm, abundance of people were got together. I had now an opportunity of inquiring concerning Mr. B——y. He did run well, till one offense after another swallowed him up; but he scarce enjoyed himself after. First his oldest daughter was snatched away; then his only son; then himself. And only two or three of that large family now remain.

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At seven I preached at Manchester, on, “I beseech you, suffer the word of exhortation;” and observed, that the exhortation which it is particularly difficult to suffer, is that — to accept of salvation now, and now to improve the whole grace of God. The evening congregation was far larger than the House could contain, and all seemed to have the hearing ear.

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It rained all the way to Little-Leigh; but from thence we had a pleasant ride to Chester.

As several ships were ready to sail from Park-Gate, I waited here two days. But the wind continuing foul, on Friday, 29, I crossed over to Liverpool. I was surprised at the evening congregations, particularly on Sunday. The House, even with the addition of three new galleries, would not near contain the congregation; and I never before observed the word to take such effect upon them. So that I was not sorry the wind continued in the same point on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Only it shifted a little on Wednesday morning: On which some impatient Captains sailed immediately. But in a few hours it came full west again; so that they were glad to get well back.

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I rode to Bolton, and not being expected was the more welcome. The House was filled in the evening, and the hearts of many filled with joy and peace in believing.

April 5. — (Being Good-Friday.) Mr. Johnson preached at five: I preached at twelve and at six. What a blessed calm has God at length given to this poor, shattered society! For many years the men of bitter and contentious spirits were harassing them continually. But they are now sunk into quiet, formal Presbyterians; and those they have left enjoy God and one another.

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I returned to Liverpool; and on Wednesday, 10, the wind continuing west, I set out northward, and in the evening found a friend’s house, James Edmondson’s, near Garstang. Thursday, 11. We rode on to Francis Gilbert’s, at Kendal, where there is now a real work of God. The genuine Gospel now takes root, and sinners are converted to God.

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We rode through much wind and rain to Barnard-Castle. In the evening I preached in the new preaching-house, (not opened before,) and at eight in the morning. I would have preached abroad on Sunday evening; but the weather drove us into the house. And God was there, both to invite sinners, and to comfort believers.

Afterwards I spent an hour with those who once believed they were saved from sin. I found here, as at London, about a third part who held fast their confidence. The rest had suffered loss, more or less, and two or three were shorn of all their strength.

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I rode on to Newcastle, where I was quite unexpected. I found both the hearers, the society, and the believers, are increased since I was here last; and several more believe they are saved from sin. Meantime Satan has not been idle: Two were following George Bell, step by step, as to the “not needing self-examination,” the “not being taught by man,” and most of his other unscriptural extravagances; but as they appeared to be still of an advisable spirit, for the present at least the snare was broken.

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I went to Durham with Miss Lewen, and spent an hour with her father. He behaved with the utmost civility; said I had done his daughter more good than all the Physicians could do; and he should be exceeding glad if she should go to London again at the approach of winter. At three I preached to the poor colliers in Gateshead-Fell. How do these shame the colliers of Kingswood! flocking from all parts on the week-days as well as Sundays: Such a thirst have they after the good word!

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I had a little time with that venerable monument of the grace of God, Henry Jackson. He is just dropping into the grave, being now quite bed-rid, but praising God with every breath.

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Two of our friends took me in a post-chaise to; Alnwick; but the road was so intolerably bad, that we did not reach it till past twelve. I began preaching immediately, and then hastened away. On Berwick Moor we were ready to stick fast again; and it was past seven before I reached the town, where I found notice had been given of my preaching. Hearing the congregation waited for me, I went to the Town-Hall, and began without delay. About one in the morning we had a violent storm of thunder and lightning. The house being full of dragoons, M. L. and M. D. were constrained to lodge in the same room with our landlady who, being waked by the storm, and thoroughly terrified, began praying aloud. M. D. laid hold on the opportunity to speak very closely to her. The words seemed to sink into her heart. Who knows but they may bring forth fruit?

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I preached at Dunbar about noon, and in the evening at Edinburgh. My coming was quite seasonable, (though unexpected,) as those bad letters, published in the name of Mr. Hervey, and reprinted here by Mr. John Erskine, had made a great deal of noise. Wednesday, 24. I preached at four in the afternoon on the ground where we had laid the foundation of our House. Friday, 26. About noon I preached at Musselburgh, where are a few living souls still. In the evening we had another blessed opportunity at Edinburgh, and I took a solemn leave of the people. Yet how I should be able to ride, I knew not. At Newcastle I had observed a small swelling, less than a pea, but in six days it was as large as a pullet’s egg, and exceeding hard. On Thursday it broke. I feared riding would not agree with this, especially an hard trotting horse. However, trusting God, I set out early on Saturday morning: Before I reached Glasgow it was much decreased, and in two or three days more it was quite gone. If it was a boil, it was such an one as I never heard of; for it was never sore, first or last, nor ever gave me any pain. This evening I preached in the hall of the Hospital; the next day, morning and afternoon, in the yard. So much of the form of religion is here still, as is scarce to be found in any town in England. There was once the power too. And shall it not be again? Surely the time is at hand.

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I rode with James Kershaw through a fruitful country to Kilmarnock, and thence to Ayr. After a short bait at Maybole in the afternoon, we went on to Girvan, a little town on the sea-shore. Tuesday,

30. We rode over high and steep mountains, between Ballantrae and Stanrawer; where we met with as good entertainment of every kind as if we had been in the heart of England.

We reached Port-Patrick about three o’clock, and were immediately surrounded with men, offering to carry us over the water. But the wind was full in our teeth. I determined to wait till morning, and then go forward or backward, as God should please.

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The wind was quite fair; so, as soon as the tide served, I went on board. It seemed strange to cross the sea in an open boat, especially when the waves ran high. I was a little sick, till I fell asleep. In five hours and an half we reached Donaghadee; but my mare could not land till five hours after, so that I did not reach Newtown till past eight. I spent the next day here, endeavoring to lift up the hands of a poor, scattered, dejected people. In the evening I preached on the Green: Though it was exceeding cold, none of the congregation seemed to regard it. And a few of them do “remember from whence” they “are fallen, and” resolve to “do the first works.”

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I rode on to Lisburn, and in the evening preached in the market-house. The wind was as keen as in December; yet a large congregation attended. I then met what was left of the society; and the spirit of many that were faint revived. Saturday, 4. I preached in the Room at five, which had been discontinued for three years. And this alone would account for the scattering of the people, and the deadness of them that remained. In the evening I preached in the Linen-Hall, so called, a large Square, with piazzas on three sides of it. And so deep an attention I never saw in the people of Lisburn before.

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For the sake of the country people, I delayed the morning preaching till half an hour past nine. At eleven the Church Service began, and we had an useful sermon on, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness.” At five I preached in the Linen-Hall again, to a numerous congregation, on, “Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.”

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I rode to Newry, and in the evening preached in the market-house, on, “Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.” The whole congregation seemed affected, this as well as the next evening; indeed more than I had seen them for some years. Hence, Wednesday, 8, I rode to Terryhugan, and found much of the power of God among that plain, simple-hearted people. Here Mr. Ryan overtook me, and led me to Clanmain, where we had, as usual, a lively, earnest congregation; most of whom (except those that came from far) were present again at five in the morning. About eleven I preached in the Grange, a small village, about five miles from Clanmain. Friday, 10. I took Mr. Ryan with me, and set out for Londonderry. When we had rode about twelve miles, a road turned short to the left; but having no direction to turn, we went straight forward, till a woman, running after us, (taking one of us, I know not why, for a Doctor,) told us the case of her poor husband, who, she said, had kept his bed for seven weeks. After riding half an hour; we found we were out of our way, and rode back again. By this means we went by the house where the man lay. When I alighted and went in, I quickly saw that he needed something more than I had prescribed before. Who knows but our losing the way may be the means of saving the poor man’s life? In the afternoon, after riding through a fruitful country, (one mountain only excepted,) we came to Omagh, the shire-town of the county of Tyrone. We found a good inn; but were not glad when we heard there was to be dancing that night in the room under us. But in a while the dancers removed to the Shire-Hall; so we slept in peace.

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Having no direction to any one in Derry, I was musing what to do, and wishing some one would meet me, and challenge me, though I knew not how it could be, as I never had been there before, nor knew any one in the town. When we drew near it, a gentleman on horseback stopped, asked me my name, and showed me where the Preacher lodged. In the afternoon he accommodated me with a convenient lodging at his own house. So one Mr. Knox is taken away, and another given me in his stead.

At seven I preached in the Linen-Hall (a Square so called) to the largest congregation I have seen in the North of Ireland. The waters spread as wide here as they did at Athlone. God grant they may be as deep!

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At eight I preached there again, to an equal number of people. About eleven Mr. Knox went with me to church, and led me to a pew where I was placed next the Mayor. What is this? What have I to do with honor? Lord, let me always fear, not desire, it.

The Afternoon Service was not over till about half an hour past six. At seven I preached to near all the inhabitants of the city. I think there was scarce one who did not feel that God was there. So general an impression upon a congregation I have hardly seen in any place.

Monday, 13, and the following days, I had leisure to go on with the Notes on the Old Testament. But I wondered at the situation I was in, in the midst of rich and honorable men! Whilst this lasts it is well. And it will be well too when any or all of them change their countenance, And wonder at the strange man’s face,

As one they ne’er had known.

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I wrote the following letter to a friend: — “DEAR SIR, Londonderry, May 14, 1765.

“YOUR manner of writing needs no excuse. I hope you will always write in the same manner. Love is the plainest thing in the world: I know this dictates what you write; and then what need of ceremony?

“You have admirably well expressed what I mean by an opinion, contra-distinguished from an essential doctrine. Whatever is ‘compatible with love to Christ, and a work of grace,’ I term an opinion. And certainly the holding Particular Election and Final Perseverance is compatible with these. ‘Yet what fundamental errors,’ you ask, ‘have you opposed with half that fervency as you have these opinions?’ — I have printed near fifty sermons, and only one of these opposes them at all. I preach about eight hundred sermons in a year; and, taking one year with another, for twenty years past, I have not preached eight sermons in a year upon the subject. But, ‘how many of your best Preachers have been thrust out because they dissented from you in these particulars?’ Not one, best or worst, good or bad, was ever ‘thrust out’ on this account. There has not been a single instance of this kind. Two or three (but far from the best of our Preachers) voluntarily left us, after they had embraced those opinions. But it was of their own mere motion: And two I should have expelled for immoral behavior; but they withdrew, and pretended ‘they did not hold our doctrine.’ Set a mark, therefore, on him that told you that tale, and let his word for the future go for nothing.

“‘Is a man a believer in Jesus Christ, and is his life suitable to his profession?’ are not only the main, but the sole inquiries I make in order to his admission into our society. If he is a Dissenter, he may be a Dissenter still; but if he is a Churchman, I advise him to continue so; and that for many reasons; some of which are mentioned in the tract upon that subject.

“I think on Justification just as I have done any time these seven-and-twenty years; and just as Mr. Calvin does. In this respect I do not differ from him an hair’s breadth. “But the main point between you and me is Perfection. ‘This,’ you say, ‘has no prevalence in these parts; otherwise I should think it my duty to oppose it with my whole strength; not as an opinion, but as a dangerous mistake which appears to be subversive of the very foundation of Christian experience; and which has, in fact, given occasion to the most grievous offenses.’

“Just so my brother and I reasoned thirty years ago, ‘as thinking it our duty to oppose Predestination with our whole strength; not as an opinion, but as a dangerous mistake which appears to be subversive of the very foundation of Christian experience; and which has, in fact, given occasion to the most grievous offenses.’ “That it has given occasion to such offenses, I know; I can name time, place, and persons. But still another fact stares me in the face. Mr. H—— and Mr. N—— hold this, and yet I believe these have real Christian experience. But if so, this is only an opinion: It is not ‘subversive’ (here is clear proof to the contrary) ‘of the very foundation of Christian experience.’ It is ‘compatible with love to Christ, and a genuine work of grace.’ Yea, many hold it, at whose feet I desire to be found in the day of the Lord Jesus. If, then, I ‘oppose this with my whole strength,’ I am a mere bigot still. I leave you in your calm and retired moments to make the application.

“But how came this opinion into my mind? I will tell you with all simplicity. In 1725 I met with Bishop Taylor’s ‘Rules of Holy Living and Dying.’ I was struck particularly with the chapter upon intention, and felt a fixed intention ‘to give myself up to God.’ In this I was much confirmed soon after by the ‘Christian Pattern,’ and longed to give God all my heart. This is just what I mean by Perfection now: I sought after it from that hour.

“In 1727 I read Mr. Law’s ‘Christian Perfection,’ and ‘Serious Call,’ and more explicitly resolved to be all devoted to God, in body, soul, and spirit. In 1730 I began to be homo unius libri¹ to study (comparatively) no book but the Bible. I then saw, in a stronger light than ever before, that only one thing is needful, even faith that worketh by the love of God and man, all inward and outward holiness; and I groaned to love God with all my heart, and to serve Him with all my strength.

“January 1, 1733, I preached the sermon on the Circumcision of the Heart; which contains all that I now teach concerning salvation from all sin, and loving God with an undivided heart. In the same year I printed, (the first time I ventured to print any thing,) for the use of my pupils, ‘A Collection of Forms of Prayer;’ and in this I spoke explicitly of giving ‘the whole heart and the whole life to God.’ This was then, as it is now, my idea of Perfection, though I should have started at the word.

“In 1735 I preached my farewell sermon at Epworth, in Lincolnshire. In this, likewise, I spoke with the utmost clearness of having one design, one desire, one love, and of pursuing the one end of our life in all our words and actions.

“In January, 1738, I expressed my desire in these words: — O grant that nothing in my soul

May dwell but thy pure love alone!

O may thy love possess me whole,

My joy, my treasure, and my crown!

Strange flames far from my heart remove,

My every act, word, thought be love!

“And I am still persuaded this is what the Lord Jesus hath bought for me with his own blood.

“Now, whether you desire and expect this blessing or not, is it not an astonishing thing that you, or any man living, should be disgusted at me for expecting it; and that they should persuade one another that this hope is ‘subversive of the very foundations of Christian experience?’ Why then, whoever retains it cannot possibly have any Christian experience at all. Then my brother, Mr. Fletcher, and I, and twenty thousand more, who seem both to fear and to love God, are, in reality, children of the devil, and in the road to eternal damnation!

“In God’s name I entreat you make me sensible of this! Show me by plain, strong reasons, what dishonor this hope does to Christ, wherein it opposes Justification by Faith, or any fundamental truth of religion. But do not wrest, and wiredraw, and color my words, as Mr. Hervey (or Cudworth) has done, in such a manner, that when I look in that glass, I do not know my own face! ‘Shall I call you,’ says Mr. Hervey, ‘my father, or my friend? For you have been both to me.’ So I was, and you have as well requited me! It is well my reward is with the Most High. Wishing all happiness to you and yours, I am, dear Sir,

“Your affectionate brother and servant,

“John Wesley.”

On Wednesday and Thursday I spoke severally to the members of the society. I found (just as I expected) that the work of God here is exceeding shallow; yet while so many flock to hear, one cannot doubt but God will cut some of them to the heart.

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Mr. S——, one of the Curates, preached an excellent sermon on receiving the Holy Ghost. I afterwards accepted his invitation to dinner; and found a well-natured, sensible man, and one well acquainted with every branch of learning which we had occasion to touch upon. At seven I preached on, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” And truly the people of this place will hear sound doctrine. Wednesday, 22. I exhorted the little society to avoid sloth, prodigality, and sluttishness; and, on the contrary, to be patterns of diligence, frugality, and cleanliness.

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Lighting on a volume of Mr. Seed’s sermons, I was utterly surprised. Where did this man lie hid, that I never heard of him all the time I was at Oxford? His language is pure in the highest degree, his apprehension clear, his judgment strong. And for true, manly wit, and exquisite turns of thought, I know not if this century has produced his equal.

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Both in the morning and evening, I spoke as closely and sharply as I could; but yet I cannot find the way to wound the people. They are neither offended, nor convinced.

Ever since I came hither, I have been amazed at the honesty which runs through this city. None scruples to leave his house open all day, and the door only on the latch at night. Such a thing as theft is scarce heard of at Derry; no one has the least suspicion of it. No wonder, therefore, that the inhabitants never suspect themselves to be sinners. O what pity that honesty should be a bar to salvation! Yet so it is if a man puts it in the place of Christ.

Having a remarkable anecdote put into my hands, which some will probably be pleased to see, I may insert it here, as well as elsewhere. It is a conversation between my father’s father, (taken down in short-hand by himself,) and the then Bishop of Bristol. I may be excused if it appears more remarkable to me, than it will do to an unconcerned person: — Bishop. What is your name?

Wesley. John Wesley.

B. There are many great matters charged upon you.

W. May it please your Lordship, Mr. Horlock was at my house on Tuesday last, and acquainted me that it was your Lordship’s desire I should come to you; and on that account I am here to wait on you. B. By whom were you ordained? Or are you ordained?

W. I am sent to preach the Gospel.

B. By whom were you sent?

W. By a Church of Jesus Christ.

B. What Church is that?

W. The Church of Christ at Melcomb.

B. That factious and heretical Church!

W. May it please you, Sir, I know no faction or heresy that Church is guilty of.

B. No! Did not you preach such things as tend to faction and heresy? W. I am not conscious to myself of any such preaching. B. I am informed by sufficient men, gentlemen of honor of this county, viz., Sir Gerard Napper, Mr. Freak, and Mr. Tregonnel, of your doings. What say you?

W. Those honored gentlemen I have been with, who being by others misinformed, proceeded with some heat against me.

B. There are oaths of several honest men; and shall we take your word for it, that all is but misinformation?

W. There was no oath given or taken. Besides, if it be enough to accuse, who shall be innocent? I can appeal to the determination of the great day of judgment, that the large catalogue of matters laid to me are either things invented or mistaken.

B. Did not you ride with your sword in the time of the Committee of Safety, and engage with them?

W. Whatever imprudences in civil matters you may be informed I am guilty of, I shall crave leave to acquaint your Lordship, that, His Majesty having pardoned them fully, I shall wave any other answer. B. In what manner did the Church you spake of send you to preach? At this rate every body might preach.

W. Not every one. Everybody has not preaching gifts and preaching graces. Besides, that is not all I have to offer to your Lordship to justify my preaching.

B. If you preach, it must be according to order; the order of the Church of England upon ordination.

W. What does your Lordship mean by ordination?

B. Do not you know what I mean?

W. If you mean that sending spoken of in Romans 10, I had it. B. I mean that. What mission had you?

W. I had a mission from God and man.

B. You must have it according to law, and the order of the Church of England.

W. I am not satisfied in my spirit therein.

B. Not satisfied in your spirit! You have more new-coined phrases than ever were heard of! You mean your conscience, do you not? W. Spirit is no new phrase. We read of being sanctified in soul, body, and spirit.

B. By spirit there we are to understand the upper region of the soul. W. Some think we are to take it for the conscience; but if your Lordship like it not so, then I say I am not satisfied in conscience, as touching the ordination you speak of.

B. Conscience argues science, science supposes judgment, and judgment reason. What reason have you that you will not be thus ordained?

W. I came not this day to dispute with your Lordship; my own inability would forbid me so to do.

B. No, no; but give me your reason.

W. I am not called to office, and therefore cannot be ordained. B. Why have you then preached all this while?

W. I was called to the work of the ministry, though not the office. There is, as we believe, vocatio ad opus, et ad munus.¹ B. Why may you not have the office of the ministry? W. May it please your Lordship, because they are not a people who are fit subjects for me to exercise office-work among them. B. You mean a gathered Church: But we must have no gathered Churches in England, and you will see it so; for there must be a unity without divisions among us, and there can be no unity without uniformity. Well, then, we must send you to your Church, that they may dispose of you, if you were ordained by them.

W. I have been informed, by my cousin Pitfield and others, concerning your Lordship, that you have a disposition inclined against morosity. However you may be prepossessed by some bitter enemies to my person, yet there are others who can and will give you another character of me. Mr. Glisson hath done it; and Sir Francis Tulford desired me to present his service to you, and, being my hearer, is ready to acquaint you concerning me.

B. I asked Sir Francis Tulford whether the presentation to Whitchurch was his. Whose is it? He told me it was not his.

W. There was none presented to it these sixty years. Mr. Walton lived there. At his departure, the people desired me to preach to them; and when there was a way of settlement appointed, I was by the Trustees appointed, and by the Triers approved.

B. They would approve any who would come to them, and close with them. I know they approved those who could not read twelve lines of English.

W. All that they did I know not; but I was examined touching gifts and graces.

B. I question not your gifts, Mr. Wesley. I will do you any good I can; but you will not long be suffered to preach, unless you will do it according to order.

W. I shall submit to any trial you shall please to make. I shall present your Lordship with a Confession of my Faith, or take what other way you please to insist on.

B. No, we are not come to that yet.

W. I shall desire those severals laid together which I look on as justifying my preaching: —

1. I was devoted to the service from mine infancy.

2. I was educated in order thereto at school, and in the University of Oxford.

B. What age are you?

W. Twenty-five.

B. No, sure you are not.

W. 3. As a son of the Prophets, after I had taken my degrees, I preached in the country; being approved of by judicious, able Christians, Ministers and others.

4. It pleased God to seal my labor with success, in the apparent conversion of many souls.

B. Yea, that is, it may be, to your way.

W. Yea, to the power of godliness, from ignorance and profaneness. If it please your Lordship to lay down any evidences of godliness agreeing with Scripture, and that are not found in those persons intended, I am content to be discharged the ministry. I will stand or fall on the issue thereof.

B. You talk of the power of godliness, such as you fancy. W. Yea, to the reality of religion. Let us appeal to any common-place book for evidences of graces, and they are found in and upon them. B. How many are there of them?

W. I number not the people.

B. Where are they?

W. Wherever I have been called to preach: — At Radpole, Melcomb, Turnwood, Whitchurch, and at sea. I shall add another ingredient of my mission: —

5. When the Church saw the presence of God going along with me, they did, by fasting and prayer, in a day set apart for that end, seek an abundant blessing on my endeavors.

B. A particular Church?

W. Yes, my Lord: I am not ashamed to own myself a member of one. B. Why, you may mistake the Apostles’ intent. They went about to convert Heathens: You have no warrant for your particular Churches. W. We have a plain, full, and sufficient rule for Gospel worship, in the New Testament, recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, and in the Epistles.

B. We have not.

W. The practice of the Apostles is a standing rule in those cases which were not extraordinary.

B. Not their practice, but their precepts.

W. Both precepts and practice. Our duty is not delivered to us, in Scripture, only by precepts, but precedents, by promises, by threatening, mixed. We are to follow them as they followed Christ. B. But the Apostle said, “This speak I, not the Lord; that is, by revelation.

W. Some interpret that place, “This speak I now by revelation from the Lord;” not the Lord in that text before instanced concerning divorces. May it please your Lordship, we believe that cultus non institutus est indebitus²

B. It is false.

W. The second commandment speaks the same: “Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven image.”

B. That is, forms of your own invention.

W. Bishop Andrews, taking notice of Non facies tibi,³ satisfied me that we may not worship God but as commanded.

B. Well, then, you will justify your preaching, will you, without ordination according to law?

W. All these things, laid together, are satisfactory to me, for my procedure therein.

B. They are not enough.

W. There has been more written in proof of preaching of gifted persons, with such approbation, than has been answered yet by any one.

B. Have you any thing more to say to me, Mr. Wesley? W. Nothing; your Lordship sent for me.

B. I am glad to hear this from your mouth; you will stand to your principles, you say?

W. I intend it, through the grace of God; and to be faithful to the King’s Majesty, however you deal with me.

B. I will not meddle with you.

W. Farewell to you, Sir.

B. Farewell, good Mr. Wesley.

AN EXTRACT

OF THE

REV. MR. JOHN WESLEY’S

JOURNAL

FROM MAY 27, 1765, TO MAY 5, 1768.

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I took my leave of Londonderry. Mr. Knox sent his servant to conduct me to Sligo, being now as affectionate as Mr. K. of Sligo was the first time I was there. Keeping a steady pace, we rode fifteen miles, so called, in four hours and a half, and came, at noon, to Ballymafay. Here we were shown into a room, where lay a young man, brought near death by a vomiting of blood. Perhaps we were brought into this room, at this time, to save a poor man’s life. As we were riding through the mountains, in the afternoon, we overtook one who was just come from Derry, and had heard me preach all the time I was there, both in the evening and the morning. I talked plainly both to her and her husband, and they expressed all possible thankfulness.

At five we reached Donegal, the county-town. What a wonderful set of county-towns are in this kingdom! Donegal and five more would not make up such a town as Islington. Some have twenty houses in them, Mayo three, and Leitrim, I think, not one. Is not this owing in part to the fickleness of the nation, who seldom like anything long, and so are continually seeking new habitations, as well as new fashions, and new trifles of every kind?

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We breakfasted at Ballyshannon, I believe the largest and pleasantest town in the county. Beyond it, a good-natured man overtook me, with whom I talked largely and closely. He seemed much affected: If it continues, well; if not I am clear of his blood.

About twelve we stopped at a little house; but a cloud of smoke soon drove us out of the first room into another, where the landlord lay with a grievously bruised and swelled leg. I directed him how to cure it, and thence took occasion to give him some farther advice. Several eagerly listened as well as himself. Perhaps some will remember it. In the evening I took my usual stand in the market-house, at Sligo; but here how was the scene changed! I have seen nothing like this since my first entrance into the kingdom. Such a total want of good sense, of good manners, yea, of common decency, was shown by not a few of the hearers! It is good to visit Sligo after Londonderry: Honor and dishonor balance each other. Have we done nothing here yet? Then it is high time to begin, and try if something can be done now. In the two following days I spoke as strongly as I could; and my labor was not in vain. The congregation increased very considerably, and appeared to be of another spirit. They behaved better the second night than the first, and far better the third night than the second. Many of them, I believe, had a fresh call from God; and at the meeting of the society he was eminently present: So that, notwithstanding their decay, I could not but hope there would be a “blessing in the remnant.”

I expected one to meet me at Sligo; but none appearing, I set out alone at five in the morning, JUNE 1, purposing to ride the new road to Castlebar; but on second thoughts I rode straight on to Foxford. At the entrance of the town I met three gentlewomen. One of them turned and cried out, “Is not that Mr. Wesley?” I thought it odd, but rode on. At the other end of the town a gentleman met me, and, taking hold of my bridle, said, “Sir, I must beg you to turn back, and dine with me at the barracks. There is a lady whom you know, and who will be very glad to see you.” I went back, and found one whom I had wished to see, more than most persons in the nation, but scarce ever expected to see her more. It was Miss B——n, of Sligo; and I found Mrs. S——n (now a widow) just the same amiable woman that Miss B——n was. I spent an hour or two in close, serious conversation, admiring the good providence of God. So I could not go the new road, which misses Foxford, because God had work for me to do there.

About seven I preached at Castlebar, on “the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ.” I found another kind of people here than at Sligo, and was much refreshed among them. Sunday, 2. Most of the Gentry in the town being at the Courtyard in the evening, my text was, “We preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling-block, and to the Greeks foolishness.” I know not that ever I spake more plain, though I supposed many would be offended; but I was mistaken; high and low seemed to approve: Some, I hope, profited.

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Editorial note: The supplied edition prints the heading “Mon. 2. —”. The independent 1872 Jackson edition, volume 3, reads “Mon. 3” (PDF page 230). The entry is indexed as 1765-06-03 following that printed heading and the surrounding dated entries. The supplied heading and journal prose are retained. John Wesley, Works, Jackson edition (1872), volume 3, PDF page 230.

I rode to Newport, and preached at one to the largest congregation I remember to have seen there; and on Tuesday evening I took a solemn leave of the congregation at Castlebar.

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At five I took horse with a friend who undertook to bear me company to Galway. We faced the sun all the day; but light clouds and a small breeze made the heat tolerable. After resting an hour at Hollymount, (where the gardens, water-works, and once-lovely walks, swiftly running to ruin, give a striking proof that “the fashion of this world passeth away,”) we rode on to Mr. Lambert’s, near Headford, (a plain, open, hospitable man,) and thence to Galway, one of the largest towns I have seen since I left Glasgow. Our Room being small, some of our well-meaning friends were earnest for my preaching in the Exchange. Because I would not disoblige them, I began at seven; and was suffered to go on for a full quarter of an hour! The beasts of the people (just as I expected) then roaring louder and louder, I walked through them without any hindrance or affront, and returned quietly to my lodgings. A large retinue attended me to the door; but it was only to gape and stare; none taking the pains either to lift up an hand, or to say anything bad or good.

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I was brought on my way by Lieutenant Cook, who was in all the actions at Fort-William-Henry, at Louisbourg, Quebec, Martinico, and the Havannah; and gave a more distinct account of those eminent scenes of Providence than ever I heard before. Although he was so often in the front of the battle, both against Indians, French, and Spaniards, and in the hottest fire, both advancing and retreating, he never received one wound. So true is the odd saying of King William, that “every bullet has its billet.” Between five and six we reached Ennis, after a warm day, which much exhausted my strength; but it was soon repaired; and the serious well-behaved congregation (though many of them were people of fortune) made amends for the turbulent one at Galway. Such is the chequer-work of life!

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I rested at Ennis: And it was well I did; for even in the house the heat was scarce supportable. Saturday, 8. I rode to Limerick, and found the preaching-house just finished. I liked it the best of any in the kingdom; being neat, yea, elegant, yet not gaudy. Sunday, 9. In the evening I preached at Mardyke. The heat was violent, even at six; nevertheless there was a numerous congregation, both of Protestants and Papists. Some of the latter behaved with remarkable indecency, — talking and laughing as at a play. I turned and reproved them. They took it well, and neither laughed nor talked any more.

In the following week I spoke to each member of the society, and had much satisfaction among them. Concerning several of them, there is all reasonable proof that they have given God all their heart: Many others are groaning after full salvation; and all the rest are free from outward blame. Why may not every Christian community come as far as this?

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In the evening I preached near Mardyke, On a smooth, grassy place, to, I think, the largest congregation which I ever saw in Limerick. A solemn awe seemed to sit on every face, while I declared, in strong words, “He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him.” The next day the rain began; so that all the following days I was constrained to preach in the house.

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About noon I preached at Ballygarane, to the small remains of the poor Palatines. As they could not get food and raiment here, with all their diligence and frugality, part are scattered up and down the kingdom, and part gone to America. I stand amazed! Have landlords no common sense, (whether they have common humanity or no,) that they will suffer such tenants as these to be starved away from them? In the evening I preached at Newmarket, to a larger congregation of Papists as well as Protestants, both in the evening and morning, than I remember to have seen there before. For the present, many were full of good resolutions; and “why should ye revolt any more?”

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Sunday, 16, was a Sabbath indeed. Both in the morning and afternoon many were filled with consolation. Few were absent at five, Monday, 17, when I cheerfully commended them to the grace of God.

Two or three of them were desirous to bear me company for a day’s journey. Before noon we were met by a violent shower, which drove us into a little cabin, where were a company of children with their mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. They seemed much frightened; but one of our company, who spoke Irish, soon took away their fears. We then sang a hymn, and went to prayer. They gaped and stared abundantly; and when we went away, after giving them a small piece of money, followed us with a thousand blessings.

At seven I preached in the market-house at Kilfinnan. Well nigh all the town, Irish, English, and Germans, Protestants and Papists, presently gathered together. At first, most of the Papists stood aloof, and so did several of the genteeler people; but by degrees they drew in and mixed with the congregation; and I believe all of them felt that God was there. When I went to my lodging, they crowded after me, so that the house was quickly filled. I exhorted and prayed again, till I found it was full time both for them and me to go to rest.

Today I received from Prudence Nixon herself the strange account of her late husband: — In November last, on a Sunday evening, he was uncommonly fervent in prayer, and found such a desire as he never had before, “to depart, and to be with Christ.” In the night she awaked, and found him quite stiff, and without either sense or motion. Supposing him to be either dying or dead, she broke out into a vehement agony of prayer, and cried for half an hour together, “Lord Jesus! give me George! Take him not away.” Soon after he opened his eyes, and said earnestly, “You had better have let me go.” Presently he was raving mad, and began to curse and blaspheme in the most horrid manner. This he continued to do for several days, appearing to be under the full power of an unclean spirit. At the latter end of the week she cried out, “Lord, I am willing! I am willing he should go to thee.” Quickly his understanding returned, and he again rejoiced with joy unspeakable. He tenderly thanked her for giving him up to God, kissed her, lay down and died.

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The town seemed to be all alive a little after four o’clock: So, finding the congregation ready, I began a little before five. A cry soon arose of young and old, on the right hand and on the left; but in many it was not so much the voice of sorrow as of joy and triumph. A fair beginning this! But who can tell what the end will be?

About nine we rode through Doneraile, one of the pleasantest towns in the kingdom: But a man came galloping after us, and said, “All the town begs you will stop and give them a sermon.” I turned back, and took my stand in the main street. Men, women, and children flocked from all sides. There was no disturbance of any kind, while I declared “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Fair blossoms again! And who knows but some of these may bring forth fruit unto perfection?

In the evening I came to Cork; and at seven was surprised at the unusual largeness of the congregation. I had often been grieved at the smallness of the congregation here; and it could be no other, while we cooped ourselves up in the House. But now the alarm is sounded abroad, people flock from all quarters. So plain it is, that field preaching is the most effectual way of overturning Satan’s kingdom.

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At seven in the evening I stood in a vacant place near Blackpool, famous from time immemorial for all manner of wickedness, for riot in particular, and cried aloud, “Why will ye die, O house of Israel?” Abundance of Papists gathered at a distance; but they drew nearer and nearer, till nine parts in ten mingled with the congregation, and were all attention. Surely this is the way to spread religion: To publish it in the face of the sun.

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I rode over to Bandon, and preached at seven in the main street. The congregation was exceeding large: So it was, in proportion, at five in the morning. Sunday, 23. I preached at eight near the upper market-house. Till now I did not observe that all I could say made any impression upon the hearers. But the power of God was now eminently present; and all seemed to be sensible of it. About five I began in George’s Street, at Cork, the opposite corner of the town from the new Room. Many of the chief of the city were of the audience, Clergy as well as laity; and all but two or three were not only quiet, but serious and deeply attentive. What a change! Formerly we could not walk through this street but at the peril of our lives.

Monday and Tuesday I spoke, one by one, to the members of the society. They are now two hundred and ninety-five, — fifty or sixty more than they have been for some years. This is owing partly to the preaching abroad, partly to the meetings for prayer in several parts of the city. These have been the means of awakening many gross sinners, of recovering many backsliders, of confirming many that were weak and wavering, and bringing many of all sorts to the public preaching. At seven I went once more to Blackpool, where the congregation was far larger than before. Abundance of Papists stole in among them, a very few standing aloof. O what a day of God’s power is this! May he fulfill in us all His good pleasure!

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After giving our brethren a solemn caution, not to “love the world, nor the things of the world,” I left them with more satisfaction than ever; as there is reason to hope that they will be tossed to and fro no more, but steadily adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

About seven in the evening I began in the Exchange at Youghall. Four or five noisy men disturbed those that were near them, till I reproved them sharply. The whole congregation then behaved with the utmost decency.

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I preached at five in a Room that would contain four or five hundred people. But the word does not yet sink into their hearts: Many are pleased; but few convinced. In the evening I went to the Exchange again. The congregation was almost doubled, whom I exhorted to “ask for the old path, the good way, and to walk therein.” Afterwards I met the infant society, consisting of nineteen members; all of whom are full of good desires, and some know in whom they have believed.

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At eight the congregation was both larger and more affected than ever. I was glad to see a large and tolerably serious congregation in the church. It was once a spacious building; but more than half of it now (a common thing in Ireland!) lies in ruins. In the evening I preached to a multitude of people in the main street. A few Gentry soon walked away; but the bulk of the congregation were deeply attentive. What an harvest is ready for zealous laborers! When wilt thou thrust them out into thy harvest?

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I rode to Waterford, and preached in a little court, on our “great High Priest that is passed into the heavens” for us. But I soon found I was got above most of my hearers: I should have spoke of death or judgment. On Tuesday evening I suited my discourse to my audience, which was considerably increased: But much more the next evening; and deep attention sat on almost every face. The Room was well filled on Thursday morning; and the poor people were so affectionate, that it was with difficulty we were able to break from them, amidst abundance of prayers and blessings.

At seven in the evening I preached in the Assemblyroom at Kilkenny, to many well-dressed, reputable people, some of whom attended again at five in the morning. In the evening the congregation was increased in seriousness as much as in number, while I enforced those awful words, “God now commandeth all men everywhere to repent.” I never spoke plainer; yet I did not hear of any that were offended. What an alteration is there in this city within six or eight years!

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We rode to Portarlington. At seven I preached in the market-house to a numerous congregation. Near as many were present at eight in the morning. I had great liberty of speech; and the manner wherein they “suffered the word of exhortation” persuaded me it would not be in vain.

We came to Mount-Mellick before the church began, and were glad to find it was sacrament Sunday. In the evening I preached on one side of the market place, on our Lord’s lamentation over Jerusalem, to almost all the Protestants in the town, and not a few of the Papists. To these I made a particular application in the conclusion of my discourse. Indeed, I never found so great a concern for them as since I came last into the kingdom.

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I preached in the market place once more; and it was a solemn hour. I left many of the people much alive to God, and athirst for his whole image. I preached at Tullamore in the evening. At five in the morning the House was near full. While I was preaching on Tuesday evening in the market place we had several showers; but few went away. Here, likewise, I was constrained to address myself to the Papists in particular, and to exhort them never to rest till they were partakers of the common salvation.

About eleven we were waked with a cry of “Fire,” which was at the next door but one. The flames shone so that one might see to pick up a pin, and the sparks flew on every side; so that it was much feared the neighboring houses would take fire, as several of them were thatched: But the violent vain, which fell an hour before, had made the thatch so wet that it could not catch quickly; and in less than two hours all the fire was quenched; so we slept the rest of the night in peace.

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I preached at Clara about noon, and in the evening at Athlone. The two next evenings I preached in the market-house, for the sake of the Papists, who durst not come to the Room. Saturday, 13. I read Sir Richard Cox’s “History of Ireland.” I suppose it is accounted as authentic as any that is extant. But surely never was there the like in the habitable world! Such a series of robberies, murders, and burning of houses, towns, and countries, did I never hear or read of before. I do not now wonder Ireland is thinly inhabited, but that it has any inhabitants at all! Probably it had been wholly desolate before now, had not the English come, and prevented the implacable wretches from going on till they had swept each other from the earth.

In the afternoon I rode to Aghrim, and preached about seven to a deeply serious congregation, most of whom were present again at eight in the morning. On Sunday, 14, about five, I began in my usual place at Athlone, on the Connaught side of the river. I believe the congregation (both of Protestants and Papists) was never so large before. Some were displeased at this; and several pieces of turf were thrown over the houses, with some stones; but neither one nor the other could in the least interrupt the attention of the people. Then a Popish miller (prompted by his betters, so called) got up to preach over against me; but some of his comrades throwing a little dirt in his face, he leaped down in haste to fight them. This bred a fray, in which he was so roughly handled that he was glad to get off with only a bloody nose.

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I had the pleasure of meeting many of my friends from various parts at Coolylough. I preached at twelve under the shade of some spreading trees, and again at six in the evening. Tuesday, 16. I preached at Tyrrel’s Pass, with a peculiar blessing from God, though many persons of fortune were in the congregation. But the poor and the rich are his.

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I preached in the Grove at Edinderry. Many of the Quakers were there, (it being the time of their General Meeting,) and many of all sorts. I met here with the Journal of William Edmundson, one of their Preachers in the last century. If the original equaled the picture, (which I see no reason to doubt;) what an amiable man was this! His opinions I leave; but what a spirit was here! What faith, love, gentleness, long-suffering! Could mistake send such a man as this to hell? Not so. I am so far from believing this, that I scruple not to say, “Let my soul be with the soul of William Edmundson!”

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The wind in our face tempering the heat of the sun, we had a pleasant ride to Dublin. In the evening I began expounding the deepest part of the holy Scripture, namely, the first Epistle of St. John, by which, above all other, even inspired writings, I advise every young Preacher to form his style. Here are sublimity and simplicity together, the strongest sense and the plainest language! How can any one that would “speak as the oracles of God,” use harder words than are found here?

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Between eight and nine I began preaching in the Barrack-Square, to such a congregation as I never saw in Dublin before; and every one was as quiet as if we had been in the new Square at Bristol. What a change since Mr. Whitefield, a few years ago, attempted to preach near this place!

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I rode to Donard, a little town in the county of Wicklow. Here I met with more noise, and stupid, senseless impudence, than I have found since I left England; but the chief man of the town having handled one of the disturbers roughly, and another of them being knocked down, (not by a Methodist,) I concluded my discourse without any farther hindrance.

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I began, as usual, at five. About the middle of the sermon, the rain (which was exceedingly wanted) began, and drove us into our friend’s house; where I found his daughters, five sisters, all rejoicing in God their Savior. Hence I rode to Baltinglass. But I had scarce spoken five minutes when the rain drove us into the house here also. I had designed to preach at Carlow in the evening; but the difficulty was, where to find a place: Our House was too small, and there was little prospect of preaching quietly in the street. While we were considering, one of the chief persons in the town sent to desire I would preach in her court-yard. This I did to a multitude of people, rich and poor; and there was no disturbance at all; nor did I observe that any went away, though we had a sharp shower almost as soon as I began.

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I rode, in the hottest day I have felt this year, to Dublin. Thursday and Friday morning I spent in a conference with our Preachers. In the afternoons I spoke to the members of the society. I left four hundred and forty, and find above five hundred; more than ever they were since my first landing in the kingdom. And they are not increased in number only, but many of them are rejoicing in the pure love of God; and many more refuse to be comforted till they can witness the same confession.

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I preached in the Barrack-Square, both morning and afternoon. The morning congregation was far larger than last week; but this was doubled in the afternoon. At both times my heart was much enlarged towards them, and my voice so strengthened, that I suppose several thousands more might have distinctly heard every sentence.

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I was desired by some friends to take a ride to the Dargle, ten or twelve miles from Dublin; one of the greatest natural curiosities, they said, which the kingdom afforded. It far exceeded my expectation. You have a high and steep mountain, covered with stately wood, up the side of which a path is cut, and seats placed at small distances. A deep vale, through which a clear river runs, lies between this and another high mountain, whose sides are clothed with tall trees, row above row, from the river to the very top. Near the summit of the first mountain, you have an opening on the one hand which commands the fruitful counties of Kildare, Dublin, and Louth, as far, in a clear, sunshiny day, as the huge mountains of Newry; on the other hand is a fine landscape of meadows and fields, that terminates in a sea-prospect. Adding this to the rest, it exceeds anything which I have seen in Great Britain. And yet the eye is not satisfied with seeing! It never can, till we see God.

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At the earnest desire of a friend, I suffered Mr. Hunter to take my picture. I sat only once, from about ten o’clock, to half an hour after one; and in that time he began and ended the face; and with a most striking likeness.

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One informed me that the Captain with whom I had agreed for my passage, was gone without me, but had taken my horse. I was content, believing all was for the best; but we soon heard he was only fallen down a few miles; so we took a boat and followed him: and about ten we went on board the Felicity bound for Whitehaven. In about an hour we set sail. Soon after the wind turned, and was against us most part of Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday, I preached to our little congregation, thirteen in all, on, “The Kingdom of heaven is at hand; repent ye, and believe the Gospel.” In a short time, the wind sprung up fair, but with intervals of calm; so that we did not reach Whitehaven quay till Tuesday, 6, between twelve and one in the morning.

After sleeping two or three hours, I hastened away, and in the afternoon came to Carlisle. Some friends waited for me here. We purposed setting out early in the morning; but one of our company being taken ill, we waited some hours; so that we did not reach Newcastle till about one on Thursday morning.

I scarce ever saw the people here so much alive to God; particularly those who believe they are saved from sin. I was ready to say, “It is good for me to be here;” but I must not build tabernacles. I am to be a wanderer on earth, and desire no rest till my spirit returns to God.

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I preached about seven at the Fell, to our honest, lively colliers; and about two in the afternoon in the Square at Hartley, eleven miles from Newcastle. Thence I hastened back to the Garth-heads, where was the largest congregation which has been there for many years. Afterwards, several hundreds of us met at the Room, and solemnly renewed our covenant with God. About eight I was so tired, I could hardly stand; but after speaking another hour all my weariness was gone, and I was as lively and strong as at eight in the morning.

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I went to Sunderland. Here likewise is a people ready prepared for the Lord. Tuesday, 13. I purposed to preach abroad at Durham; but the rain hindered. As many as could hear behaved well; and many felt that God was there. At Yarm in the evening, one would have thought the whole congregation loved or feared God; so much thought appeared in all their faces; so much decency in their behavior.

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I preached in the evening at Leeds, and the next morning rode to Huddersfield. Mr. Venn having given notice on Sunday of my preaching, we had a numerous congregation. We had a warm ride from hence to Manchester; but as my day, so was my strength.

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I rode over to Chester, and preached to as many as the new house would well contain. We had likewise a numerous congregation on Saturday, morning as well as evening. How the grace of God concurs with his providence! A new House not only brings a new congregation, but likewise (what we have observed again and again) a new blessing from God. And no wonder, if every labor of love finds even a present reward.

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The House contained the morning congregation; but in the evening multitudes were constrained to go away. So does truth win its way against all opposition, if it be steadily declared with meekness of wisdom.

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I preached in Northwich at ten, and at Manchester in the evening. Our Conference began on Tuesday, 20, and ended on Friday, 23.

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Having been all the week greatly straitened for room, I preached at seven in the new Square. The congregation was exceeding large; yet generally and deeply attentive. About one I preached at Stockport on a Green at the south end of the town. It was sultry hot, but few regarded it; for God “sent a gracious rain upon his inheritance.”

At six in the evening I preached at Maxfield; and, setting out early in the morning, by long stages came to Birmingham, where a large congregation waited for me. I began immediately to apply those comfortable words, “Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.” I soon forgot my weariness, and the heat of the place: God was there, and it was enough. On Tuesday, 27, I rode on to Stroud, and the next morning to Bristol. After resting three or four days, on Monday, SEPTEMBER 2, I set out for Cornwall, and preached that evening at Middlesey. Tuesday, 3. I rode to Tiverton, and in the evening preached near the east end of the town to a large and quiet audience. Wednesday, 4. I rode on to North-Tawton, a village where several of our Preachers had preached occasionally. About six I went to the door of our inn; but I had hardly ended the Psalm, when a Clergyman came, with two or three (by the courtesy of England called) gentlemen. After I had named my text, I said, “There may be some truths which concern some men only; but this concerns all mankind.” The Minister cried out, “That is false doctrine, that is predestination.” Then the roar began, to second which they had brought an huntsman with his hounds: But the dogs were wiser than the men; for they could not bring them to make any noise at all. One of the gentlemen supplied their place. He assured us he was such, or none would have suspected it; for his language was as base, foul, and porterly, as ever was heard at Billingsgate. Dog, rascal, puppy, and the like terms, adorned almost every sentence. Finding there was no probability of a quiet hearing, I left him the field, and withdrew to my lodging.

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We had a pleasant ride to Mill-House, where I preached at five to a deeply serious congregation. The next day at noon I preached in a field near Camelford, it being the fair day, on, “Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” I preached within at Port-Isaac, because of the rain; but many were constrained to stand without. It was a glorious opportunity; God showering down his blessing on many souls.

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I rode to Cuthbert, (that is the true spelling,) and found Mr. Hoskins weak in body, but happy in God. He was just able to ride to the Church-Town in the evening, where a serious congregation soon assembled. Sunday, 8. About eight I preached at St. Agnes; at one, in the main street at Redruth; but a still larger congregation was at Gwennap in the evening, equal to any I have seen in Moorfields. Yet, I think, they all heard, while I enforced, “Why will ye die, O house of Israel?” After preaching I returned to Redruth; where, hearing an exceeding strange story, I sent for the person herself, Grace Paddy, a well-bred, sensible young woman I can speak of her now without restraint, as she is safe in Abraham’s bosom. She said, “I was harmless, as I thought, but quite careless about religion, till about Christmas, when my brother was saying, ‘God has given to me all I want; I am as happy as I can live.’ This was about ten in the morning. The words went like an arrow to my heart. I went into my chamber and thought, ‘Why am not I so? O, I cannot be, because I am not convinced of sin.’ I cried out vehemently, ‘Lord, lay as much conviction upon me as my body can bear.’ Immediately I saw myself in such a light, that I roared for the disquietness of my heart. The maid running up, I said, ‘Call my brother.’ He came; rejoiced over me; said, ‘Christ is just ready to receive you; only believe!’ and went to prayer. In a short time all my trouble was gone, and I did believe all my sins were blotted out; but in the evening I was thoroughly convinced of the want of a deeper change. I felt the remains of sin in my heart; which I longed to have taken away. I longed to be saved from all sin, to be ‘cleansed from all unrighteousness.’ And at the time Mr. Rankin was preaching, this desire increased exceedingly. Afterwards, he met the society. During his last prayer I was quite overwhelmed with the power of God. I felt an inexpressible change in the very depth of my heart; and from that hour I Have felt no anger, no pride, no wrong temper of any kind; nothing contrary to the pure love of God, which I feel continually. I desire nothing but Christ; and I have Christ always reigning in my heart. I want nothing; He is my sufficient portion in time and in eternity.”

Such an instance I never knew before; such an instance I never read; a person convinced of sin, converted to God, and renewed in love, within twelve hours! Yet it is by no means incredible; seeing one day is with God as a thousand years.

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The Room would by no means contain the congregation at five in the morning. How is this town changed! Some years since a Methodist Preacher could not safely ride through it. Now, high and low, few excepted, say, “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” About one I preached at Porkellis; at six in Crowan. I admire the depth of grace in the generality of this people; so simple, so humble, so teachable, so serious, so utterly dead to the world!

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They filled the House at five. I preached in Breage at twelve, under a lovely shade of trees. About six I began at St. John’s near Helstone, once as furious a town as Redruth. Now almost all the Gentry of the town were present, and heard with the deepest attention.

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Perceiving my voice began to fail, I resolved to preach, for a while, but twice a day. In the evening I preached in a little ground at Newlyn, to a numerous congregation. None behaved amiss but a young gentleman who seemed to understand nothing of the matter.

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Coming to St. Just, I learned that John Bennets had died some hours before. He was a wise and a good man, who had been above twenty years as a father to that society. A little before his death he examined each of his children concerning their abiding in the faith. Being satisfied of this, he told them, “Now I have no doubt but we shall meet again at the right hand of our Lord.” He then cheerfully committed his soul to Him, and fell asleep.

On the numerous congregation in the evening I enforced those solemn words, “There is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave, whither thou goest.”

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I rode to St. Ives; and in the evening preached on the seashore; but though there was little wind, yet the noise of the waves prevented many from hearing. Saturday, 14. About noon I preached at the Hayle, a small arm of the sea, which runs up into the land, two or three miles from St. Ives, and makes a tolerable harbor. In the evening we procured a more convenient place at St. Ives, a meadow on the side of the hill, where the people stood before me, row above row, to a considerable distance. On Sunday, 15, we had nearly the same congregation at seven in the morning; to whom I explained, “Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” At one I preached in Lelant, three miles from St. Ives; and at five in the same meadow, to a larger congregation than before. Indeed the whole town seems moved; the truths we preach being so confirmed by the lives of the people.

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We had our Quarterly Meeting at Redruth; and it appeared, by the accounts from all parts, that the flame which was kindled the last year, though abated, is not extinguished. At six I began on the market-house steps, as usual, to a very numerous congregation; but I had not finished the hymn, when Mr. C. came and read the Act against riots. I said, “Mr. C., I did not expect this from you; I really thought you had more understanding.” He answered not, but stood like one astonished, neither moving hand nor foot. However, I removed two or three hundred yards, and quietly finished my discourse.

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I rode to Medros, near St. Austle, where we had the Quarterly Meeting for the eastern circuit. Here likewise we had an agreeable account of a still increasing work of God. This society has eighty-six members, and all rejoicing in the love of God. Fifty-five or fifty-six of these believe He has saved them from all sin; and their life no way contradicts their profession. But how many will endure to the end?

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I set out for Plymouth-Dock. In the way we called on one of our friends near Liskeard, and found his wife, once strong in faith, in the very depth of despair. I could not but admire the providence of God which sent us so seasonably thither. We cried strongly to God in her behalf, and left her not a little comforted.

The society at the Dock had been for some time in a miserable condition. Disputes had run so high, concerning a worthless man, that every one’s sword was set, as it were, against his brother. I showed them how Satan had desired to have them, that he might sift them as wheat; and afterwards told them there was but one way to take, — to pass an absolute act of oblivion; not to mention, on any pretense whatever, any thing that had been said or done on either side. They fully determined so to do. If they keep that resolution, God will return to them.

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I rode to Tiverton, and preached to a deeply serious congregation. Friday, 20. I preached at noon in Hillfarrance, near Taunton, where I had not been for fifteen years. Saturday, 21. I preached about noon at Shepton-Mallet, and then went on to Bristol.

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About one I preached at Paulton, under a large, shady tree. My own soul, and I trust many others, were refreshed, while I was describing our fellowship with the Father and the Son. After visiting the other neighboring places, on Saturday, 28, at noon, I preached at Bath: But I had only the poor to hear; there being service at the same time in Lady H.’s chapel. So I was just in my element. I have scarce ever found such liberty at Bath before.

Monday, 30, and the two following days, I examined the society at Bristol, and was surprised to find fifty members fewer than I left in it last October. One reason is, Christian Perfection has been little insisted on; and wherever this is not done, be the Preachers ever so eloquent, there is little increase, either in the number or the grace of the hearers.

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I spent some time with the children at Kingswood. They are all in health: They behave well. They learn well: But, alas! (two or three excepted) there is no life in them!

About this time, the oldest Preacher in our connection, Alexander Coats, rested from his labors. A little account of his death, one who was in the house sent me, in these words: —

“Newcastle, October 7, 1765.

“I HAD an opportunity, the last evening, of seeing our dear, aged brother Coats. A few days before, he was sore tempted by the enemy; but near the close he had perfect peace. His faith was clear, and he found Christ precious, his portion, and his eternal all. I asked him, a little before he died, if he had ‘followed cunningly devised fables.’ He answered, ‘No, no, no.’ I then asked him whether he saw land. He said, ‘Yes, I do;’ and, after waiting a few moments at anchor, he put into the quiet harbor.”

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I read Mr. Jones’s ingenious “Essay On the Principles of Natural Philosophy.” He seems to have totally overthrown the Newtonian principles; but whether he can establish the Hutchinsonian is another question.

Friday, 11, we observed as a day of fasting and prayer. Tuseday, 13. We met in the evening jointly to renew our covenant with God. It was, as usual, a time of remarkable blessing.

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In the evening I preached at Shaftesbury; and on Tuesday, at Wincanton. Riding homeward, we saw the pond in which a great man, a few weeks since, put an end to a wretched life. And is death more welcome than life, even to a man that wallows in gold and silver?

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I preached a funeral sermon at Kingswood, over the remains of Susanna Flook; who, a few days before, rose up and said, “I am dying,” and dropped down dead. So little security is there in youth or health! Be ye therefore likewise ready.

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I went in the coach to Salisbury, and on Thursday, 24, came to London. Monday, 28. I breakfasted with Mr. Whitefield, who seemed to be an old, old man, being fairly worn out in his Master’s service, though he has hardly seen fifty years: And yet it pleases God, that I, who am now in my sixty-third year, find no disorder, no weakness, no decay, no difference from what I was at five-and-twenty; only that I have fewer teeth, and more gray hairs.

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A fire broke out near the corner of Leadenhall-Street, which (the wind being exceeding high) soon seized on both the corners of the street, and both the corners of Cornhill, and in a few hours destroyed above threescore houses. Yet no lives were lost. Even Mr. Rutland (at whose house it began) and his whole family were preserved; part escaping through the chamber window, part over the top of the house.

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I preached on those words in the Lesson for the day, “The Lord our righteousness.” I said not one thing which I have not said, at least, fifty times within this twelvemonth: Yet it appeared to many entirely new, who much importuned me to print my sermon, supposing it would stop the mouths of all gainsayers. Alas, for their simplicity! In spite of all I can print, say, or do, will not those who seek occasion of offense find occasion?

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I went to Canterbury. I had received most tragical accounts, as if the society were all fallen from grace, if ever they had any. I determined to search this to the bottom. To this end I examined them, one by one; and was agreeably surprised to find them all (none excepted) upright and blameless in their behavior.

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I rode to Dover, and found a little company more united together than they have been for many years. Whilst several of them continued to rob the King, we seemed to be ploughing upon the sand; but since they have cut off the right hand, the word of God sinks deep into their hearts.

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I preached about noon at Sandwich, and in the evening at Margate. A few people here also join in helping each other to work out their salvation. But the Minister of the parish earnestly opposes them, and thinks he is doing God service!

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I rode back to Feversham. Here I was quickly informed that the mob and the Magistrates had agreed together to drive Methodism, so called, out of the town. After preaching, I told them what we had been constrained to do by the Magistrate at Rolvenden; who perhaps would have been richer, by some hundred pounds, had he never meddled with the Methodists; concluding, “Since we have both God and the law on our side, if we can have peace by fair means, we had much rather; we should be exceeding glad; but if not, we will have peace.”

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I returned to London. Wednesday, 11. I had much conversation with Mr. D——e, lately a Romish Priest. What wonder is it, that we have so many converts to Popery, and so few to Protestantism; when the former are sure to want nothing, and the latter almost sure to starve?

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I rode over to Leytonstone, and found one truly Christian family: That is, what that at Kingswood should be, and would, if it had such Governors. Friday, 13. I examined the children, one by one. Several of them did find the love of God. One enjoys it still, and continues to walk humbly and closely with God.

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I buried the remains of Henry Perronet, who had been a child of sorrow from his infancy. But from the time he was taken ill, his mind was more and more composed. The day and night before his death, he was praying continually; till, all fear being taken away, he cheerfully gave up his spirit to God.

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Riding through the Borough, all my mare’s feet flew up, and she fell with my leg under her. A gentleman, stepping out, lifted me up, and helped me into his shop. I was exceeding sick, but was presently relieved by a little hartshorn and water. After resting a few minutes, I took a coach; but when I was cold, found myself much worse; being bruised on my right arm, my breast, my knee, leg, and ankle, which swelled exceedingly. However, I went on to Shoreham; where, by applying treacle twice a day, all the soreness was removed, and I recovered some strength, so as to be able to walk a little on plain ground. The word of God does at length bear fruit here also, and Mr. P. is comforted over all his trouble.

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Being not yet able to ride, I returned in a chariot to London.

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I was ill able to go through the service at West Street; but God provided for this also. Mr. Greaves, being just ordained, came straight to the chapel, and gave me the assistance I wanted.

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I should have been glad of a few days’ rest, but it could not be at this busy season. However, being electrified morning and evening, my lameness mended, though but slowly.

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