1776

Being pressed to pay a visit to our brethren at Bristol, some of whom had been a little unsettled by the patriots, so called, I set out early; but the roads were so heavy, that I could not get thither till night. I came just time enough, not to see, but to bury, poor Mr. Hall, my brother-in-law, who died on Wednesday morning; I trust, in peace; for God had given him deep repentance. Such another monument of divine mercy, considering how low he had fallen, and from what height of holiness, I have not seen, no, not in seventy years! I had designed to visit him in the morning; but he did not stay for my coming. It is enough, if, after all his wanderings, we meet again in Abraham’s bosom. AN EXTRACT

OF THE

REV. MR. JOHN WESLEY’S

JOURNAL.

FROM JANUARY 1, 1776, TO AUGUST 8, 1779.

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About eighteen hundred of us met together in London, in order to renew our covenant with God; and it was, as usual, a very solemn opportunity.

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I set out for Bristol. Between London and Bristol, I read over that elegant trifle, “The Correspondence between Theodosius and Constantia.” I observed only one sentiment which I could not receive, that “youth is the only possible time for friendship; because every one has at first a natural store of sincerity and benevolence; but as in process of time men find every one to be false and self-interested, they conform to them more and more, till, in riper years, they have neither truth nor benevolence left.” Perhaps it may be so with all that know not God; but they that do, escape “the corruption that is in the world; “and increase both in sincerity and in benevolence, as they grow in the knowledge of Christ.

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I returned to London; and I returned just in time; for on Sunday, 7, the severe frost set in, accompanied with so deep a snow, as made even the high road impassable. For some days before the frost broke up, it was observed, by means of the thermometer, that the cold was several degrees more intense than that in the year 1741. But God then removed the cup from us, by a gentle, gradual thaw.

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As I was going to West-Street chapel, one of the chaise-springs suddenly snapped asunder; but the horses instantly stopping, I stepped out without the least inconvenience. At all my vacant hours in this and the following week, I endeavored to finish the “Concise History of England.” I am sensible it must give offense, as in many parts I am quite singular; particularly with regard to those greatly injured characters, Richard III., and Mary Queen of Scots. But I must speak as I think; although still waiting for, and willing to receive, better information.

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I was desired to preach a charity sermon in All-hallows church, Lombard-Street. In the year 1735, about forty years ago, I preached in this church, at the earnest request of the Churchwardens, to a numerous congregation, who came, like me, with an intent to hear Dr. Heylyn. This was the first time that, having no notes about me, I preached extempore.

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I preached at Shoreham. How is the last become first! No society in the county grows so fast as this, either in grace or number. The chief instrument of this glorious work is Miss Perronet, a burning and a shining light.

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I looked over Mr. Bolt’s “Considerations on the Affairs of India.” Was there ever so melancholy a picture? How are the mighty fallen! The Great Mogul, Emperor of Hindostan, one of the mightiest Potentates on earth, is become a poor, little, impotent slave to a Company of Merchants! His large, flourishing empire is broken in pieces and covered with fraud, oppression, and misery! And we may call the myriads that have been murdered happy, in comparison of those that still groan under the iron yoke. Wilt not thou visit for these things, O Lord? Shall the fool still say in his heart, “There is no God?”

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I buried the remains of William Evans, one of the first members of our Society. He was an Israelite indeed, Open (if it could be) to a fault; always speaking the truth from his heart. Wednesday, 28. I looked over a volume of Lord Lyttelton’s Works. He is really a fine writer, both in verse and prose, though he believed the Bible; yea, and feared God! In my scraps of time I likewise read over Miss Talbot’s Essays; equal to any thing of the kind I ever saw. She was a woman of admirable sense and piety, and a far better poet than the celebrated Mrs. Rowe. But here too Heaven its choicest gold by torture tried!

After suffering much, she died of a cancer in her breast.

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As we cannot depend on having the Foundery long, we met to consult about building a new chapel. Our petition to the City for a piece of ground lies before their Committee; but when we shall get any farther, I know not: So I determined to begin my circuit as usual; but promised to return whenever I should receive notice that our petition was granted.

On Sunday evening I set out, and on Tuesday reached Bristol. In the way I read over Mr. Boehm’s Sermons, Chaplain to Prince George of Denmark, husband to Queen Anne. He was a person of very strong sense, and, in general, sound in his judgment. I remember hearing a very remarkable circumstance concerning him, from Mr. Fraser, then Chaplain to St. George’s Hospital. “One day,” said he, “I asked Mr. Boehm, with whom I was intimately acquainted, ‘Sir, when you are surrounded by various persons, listening to one, and dictating to another, does not that vast hurry of business hinder your communion with God?’ He replied, ‘I bless God, I have just then as full communion with him, as if I was kneeling alone at the altar.’”

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I went down to Taunton, and at three in the afternoon opened the new preaching-house. The people showed great eagerness to hear. Will they at length know the day of their visitation? Thursday, 7. I returned to Bristol; which I left on Monday, 11; and having visited Stroud, Painswick, and Tewkesbury, on Wednesday, 20, came to Worcester. Thursday, 21. I was much refreshed among this loving people; especially by the select society, the far greater part of whom could still witness that God had saved them from inward as well as outward sin.

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About noon I preached in the Town-Hall at Evesham, to a congregation of a very different kind. Few of them, I doubt, came from any other motive than to gratify their curiosity. However, they were deeply attentive; so that some of them, I trust, went away a little wiser than they came.

I had been informed that Mr. Weston, the Minister of Campden, was willing I should preach in his church; but, before I came, he had changed his mind. However, the Vicar of Pebworth was no weathercock; so I preached in his church, Sunday, 24, morning and evening; and, I believe, not in vain.

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I went on to Birmingham. I was surprised to hear that a good deal of platina was used there; but, upon inquiry, I found it was not the true platina, an original metal between gold and silver, (being in weight nearest to gold, even as eighteen to nineteen,) but a mere compound of brass and spelter.

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Editorial note: The supplied edition prints the heading “Tues. 27. —”. The independent 1872 Jackson edition, volume 4, reads “Wed. 27” (PDF page 78). The indexed weekday is Wednesday, following that printed heading. The supplied heading and journal prose are retained. John Wesley, Works, Jackson edition (1872), volume 4, PDF page 78.

I preached at Dudley, in the midst of Antinomians and backsliders, on, “We beseech you not to receive the grace of God in vain.” In the evening I preached to our old flock at Wednesbury; and the old spirit was among them.

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About eight I preached to a very large congregation even at Wolverhampton; and at six in the evening, to a mixed multitude in the market-place at Newcastle-under-Lyne. All were quiet now; the gentleman who made a disturbance when I was here last having been soon after called to his account.

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I preached at Congleton. The Minister here having much disobliged his parishioners, most of the Gentry in the town came to the preaching, both at two in the afternoon, and in the evening; and it was an acceptable time: I believe very few, rich or poor, came in vain.

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I went on to Macclesfield. That evening I preached in the House; but it being far too small, on Tuesday, 2, I preached on the Green, near Mr. Ryle’s door. There are no mockers here, and scarce an inattentive hearer. So mightily has the word of God prevailed!

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Having climbed over the mountains, I preached at the New-Mills, in Derbyshire. The people here are quite earnest and artless, there being no public worship in the town but at our chapel: So that they go straight forward, knowing nothing of various opinions, and minding nothing but to be Bible-Christians.

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I began an answer to that dangerous Tract, Dr. Price’s “Observations upon Liberty;” which, if practiced, would overturn all government, and bring in universal anarchy. On Easter-Day the preaching-house at Manchester contained the congregation pretty well at seven in the morning; but in the afternoon I was obliged to be abroad, thousands upon thousands flocking together. I stood in a convenient place, almost over against the Infirmary, and exhorted a listening multitude to “live unto Him who died for them and rose again.”

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I came to Chester, and had the satisfaction to find an earnest, loving, well-established people.

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In the evening, the House at Liverpool was well filled with people of all ranks.

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I visited one formerly a Captain, now a dying sinner. His eyes spoke the agony of his soul; his tongue having well-nigh forgot its office. With great efforts he could but just say, “I want — Jesus Christ!” The next day he could not utter a word; but if he could not speak, God could hear.

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About noon I preached in the new House at Wigan, to a very quiet and very dull congregation. But considering what the town was some years ago, wicked even to a proverb, we may well say, God hath done great things already. And we hope to see greater things than these. In the evening I was obliged to preach abroad at Bolton, though the air was cold, and the ground wet. Tuesday, 16. I preached about noon at Chowbent, once the roughest place in all the neighborhood. But there is not the least trace of it remaining: Such is the fruit of the genuine Gospel. As we were considering in the afternoon what we should do, the rain not suffering us to be abroad, one asked the Vicar for the use of the church; to which he readily consented. I began reading Prayers at half-hour past five. The church was so crowded, pews, alleys, and galleries, as I believe it had not been these hundred years; and God bore witness to his word.

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After preaching at Bury about noon, I went on to Rochdale, and preached in the evening to a numerous and deeply serious congregation. Thursday, 18. I clambered over the horrid mountains to Todmorden, and thence to Heptonstall, on the brow of another mountain. Such a congregation scarce ever met in the church before. In the evening I preached in the Croft, adjoining to the new House at Halifax.

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I preached at Smith-House, for the sake of that lovely woman, Mrs. Holmes. It does me good to see her; such is her patience, or, rather, thankfulness, under almost continual pain. Sunday, 21. After strongly insisting at Daw-Green on family religion, which is still much wanting among us, I hastened to Birstal church, where we had a sound, practical sermon. At one I preached to many thousands at the foot of the hill, and to almost as many at Leeds in the evening.

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I had an agreeable conversation with that good man, Mr. O— —. O that he may be an instrument of removing the prejudices which have so long separated chief friends!

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I preached in the press-yard at Rothwell, and have seldom seen a congregation so moved. I then spoke severally to the class of children, and found every one of them rejoicing in the love of God. It is particularly remarkable, that this work of God among them is broke out all at once; they have all been justified, and one clearly sanctified, within these last six weeks.

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I went on to Otley, where the word of God has free course, and brings forth much fruit. This is chiefly owing to the spirit and behavior of those whom God has perfected in love. Their zeal stirs up many; and their steady and uniform conversation has a language almost irresistible. Friday, 26. I preached in the new chapel at Eccleshall, to a people just sprung out of the dust, exceeding artless and exceeding earnest; many of whom seemed to be already saved from sin. O, why do we not encourage all to expect this blessing every hour, from the moment they are justified! In the evening I preached at Bradford, on the Wise Man that builds his house upon a rock; that is, who builds his hope of heaven on no other foundation than doing these sayings contained in the Sermon on the Mount; although, in another sense, we build not upon his sayings, but his sufferings.

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I preached in the church at Bingley; perhaps not so filled before for these hundred years. Sunday, 28. The congregation at Haworth was far greater than the church could contain. For the sake of the poor parishioners, few of whom are even awakened to this day, I spoke as strongly as I possibly could upon these words, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.”

The church at Colne is, I think, at least twice as large as that at Haworth. But it would not in any wise contain the congregation. I preached on, “I saw a great white throne coming down from heaven.” Deep attention sat on every face; and, I trust, God gave us his blessing.

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About two I preached at Padiham, in a broad street, to a huge congregation. I think the only inattentive persons were, the Minister and a kind of gentleman. I saw none inattentive at Clough in the evening. What has God wrought, since Mr. Grimshaw and I were seized near this place by a furious mob, and kept prisoners for some hours! The souls of him who headed that mob now gladly receive our saying.

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In the evening I preached in a kind of Square, at Colne, to a multitude of people, all drinking in the word. I scarce ever saw a congregation wherein men, women, and children stood in such a posture: And this in the town wherein, thirty years ago no Methodist could show his head! The first that preached here was John Jane, who was innocently riding through the town, when the zealous mob pulled him off his horse, and put him in the stocks. He seized the opportunity, and vehemently exhorted them “to flee from the wrath to come.”

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I set out early, and the next afternoon reached Whitehaven; and my chaise-horses were no worse for travelling near a hundred and ten miles in two days.

In travelling through Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Westmoreland, and Cumberland, I diligently made two inquiries: The first was, concerning the increase or decrease of the people; the second, concerning the increase or decrease of trade. As to the latter, it is, within these two last years, amazingly increased; in several branches in such a manner as has not been known in the memory of man: Such is the fruit of the entire civil and religious liberty which all England now enjoys! And as to the former, not only in every city and large town, but in every village and hamlet, there is no decrease, but a very large and swift increase. One sign of this is the swarms of little children which we see in every place. Which, then, shall we most admire, the ignorance or confidence of those that affirm, population decreases in England? I doubt not but it increases full as fast here, as in any province of North America.

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After preaching at Cockermouth and Wigton, I went on to Carlisle, and preached to a very serious congregation. Here I saw a very extraordinary genius, a man blind from four years of age, who could wind worsted, weave flowered plush on an engine and loom of his own making; who wove his own name in plush, and made his own clothes, and his own tools of every sort. Some years ago, being shut up in the organ-loft at church, he felt every part of it, and afterwards made an organ for himself, which, judges say, is an exceeding good one. He then taught himself to play upon it psalm-tunes, anthems, voluntaries, or anything which he heard. I heard him play several tunes with great accuracy, and a complex voluntary: I suppose all Europe can hardly produce such another instance. His name is Joseph Strong. But what is he the better for all this, if he is still “without God in the world?”

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I went on to Selkirk. The family came to prayer in the evening, after which the mistress of it said, “ Sir, my daughter Jenny would be very fond of having a little talk with you. She is a strange lass; she will not come down on the Lord’s day but to public worship, and spends all the rest of the day in her own chamber.” I desired she would come up; and found one that earnestly longed to be altogether a Christian. I satisfied her mother that she was not mad; and spent a little time in advice, exhortation, and prayer.

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We set out early, but found the air so keen, that before noon our hands bled as if cut with a knife. In the evening I preached at Edinburgh; and the next evening near the river-side in Glasgow.

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I went to Greenock. It being their fast-day before the sacrament, (ridiculously so called, for they do not fast at all, but take their three meals, just as on other days,) the congregation was larger than when I was here before, and remarkably attentive. The next day I returned to Glasgow, and on Sunday, 12, went in the morning to the high-kirk, (to show I was no bigot,) and in the afternoon to the Church of England chapel. The decency of behavior here surprises me more and more. I know nothing like it in these kingdoms, except among the Methodists. In the evening the congregation by the river-side was exceeding numerous; to whom I declared “the whole counsel of God.” Monday, 13. I returned to Edinburgh, and the next day went to Perth, where (it being supposed no house would contain the congregation) I preached at six on the South-Inch, though the wind was cold and boisterous. Many are the stumbling-blocks which have been laid in the way of this poor people. They are removed; but the effects of them still continue.

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I preached at Dundee, to nearly as large a congregation as that at Port-Glasgow. Thursday, 16. I attended an Ordination at Arbroath. The Service lasted about four hours; but it did not strike me. It was doubtless very grave; but I thought it was very dull.

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I reached Aberdeen in good time. Saturday, 18. I read over Dr. Johnson’s “Tour to the Western Isles.” It is a very curious book, wrote with admirable sense, and, I think, great fidelity; although, in some respects, he is thought to bear hard on the nation, which I am satisfied he never intended. Sunday, 19. I attended the Morning Service at the kirk, full as formal as any in England; and no way calculated either to awaken sinners, or to stir up the gift of God in believers. In the afternoon I heard a useful sermon in the English chapel; and was again delighted with the exquisite decency both of the Minister and the whole congregation. The Methodist congregations come the nearest to this; but even these do not come up to it. Our House was sufficiently crowded in the evening; but some of the hearers did not behave like those at the chapel.

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I preached about eleven at Old Meldrum, but could not reach Banff till near seven in the evening. I went directly to the Parade, and proclaimed, to a listening multitude, “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.” All behaved well but a few Gentry, whom I rebuked openly; and they stood corrected.

After preaching, Mrs. Gordon, the Admiral’s widow, invited me to supper. There I found five or six as agreeable women as I have seen in the kingdom; and l know not when I have spent two or three hours with greater satisfaction. In the morning I was going to preach in the assembly-room, when the Episcopal Minister sent and offered me the use of his chapel. It was quickly filled. After reading prayers, I preached on those words in the Second Lesson, “What lack I yet?” and strongly applied them to those in particular who supposed themselves to be “rich and increased in goods, and lacked nothing.” I then set out for Keith. Banff is one of the neatest and most elegant towns that I have seen, in Scotland. It is pleasantly situated on the side of a hill, sloping from the sea, though close to it; so that it is sufficiently sheltered from the sharpest winds. The streets are straight and broad. I believe it may be esteemed the fifth, if not the fourth, town in the kingdom. The county quite from Banff to Keith is the best peopled of any I have seen in Scotland. This is chiefly, if not entirely, owing to the late Earl of Findlater. He was indefatigable in doing good, took pains to procure industrious men from all parts, and to provide such little settlements for them as enabled them to live with comfort.

About noon I preached at the New-Mills, nine miles from Banff, to a large congregation of plain, simple people. As we rode in the afternoon the heat overcame me, so that I was weary and faint before we came to Keith; but I no sooner stood up in the market-place than I forgot my weariness; such were the seriousness and attention of the whole congregation, though as numerous as that at Banff. Mr. Gordon, the Minister of the parish, invited me to supper, and told me his kirk was at my service. A little society is formed here already; and is in a fair way of increasing. But they were just now in danger of losing their preaching-house, the owner being determined to sell it. I saw but one way to secure it for them, which was to buy it myself. So (who would have thought it?) I bought an estate, consisting of two houses, a yard, a garden, with three acres of good land. But he told me flat, “Sir, I will take no less for it than sixteen pounds ten shillings, to be paid, part now, part at Michaelmas, and the residue next May.” Here Mr. Gordon showed me a great curiosity. Near the top of the opposite hill, a new town is built, containing, I suppose, a hundred houses, which is a town of beggars. This, he informed me, was the professed, regular occupation of all the inhabitants. Early in spring they all go out, and spread themselves over the kingdom; and in autumn they return, and do what is requisite for their wives and children.

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The wind turning north, we stepped at once from June to January. About one I preached at Inverury, to a plain, earnest, loving people, and before five came to Aberdeen. Thursday, 23. I read over Mr. Pennant’s “Journey through Scotland;” a lively as well as judicious writer. Judicious, I mean, in most respects; but I cannot give up to all the Deists in Great Britain the existence of witchcraft, till I give up the credit of all history, sacred and profane. And at the present time, I have not only as strong, but stronger proof of this, from eye and ear witnesses, than I have of murder; so that I cannot rationally doubt of one any more than the other.

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I returned to Arbroath, and lodged at Provost Gray’s. So, for a time, we are in honor! I have hardly seen such another place in the three kingdoms, as this is at present. Hitherto there is no opposer at all, but every one seems to bid us God-speed! Saturday, 25. I preached at Westhaven (a town of fishermen) about noon; and at Dundee in the evening. Sunday, 26. I went to the new church, cheerful, lightsome and admirably well finished. A young gentleman preached such a sermon, both for sense and language, as I never heard in North-Britain before; and I was informed his life is as his preaching. At five we had an exceeding large congregation; and the people of Dundee, in general, behave better at public worship than any in the kingdom, except the Methodists, and those at the Episcopal chapels. In all other kirks the bulk of the people are bustling to and fro before the Minister has ended his prayer. In Dundee all are quiet, and none stir at all till he has pronounced the blessing.

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I paid a visit to St. Andrew’s, once the largest city in the kingdom. It was eight times as large as it is now; and a place of very great trade: But the sea rushing from the northeast, gradually destroyed the harbor and trade together: In consequence of which, whole streets (that were) are now meadows and gardens. Three broad, straight, handsome streets remain, all pointing at the old cathedral; which, by the ruins, appears to have been above three hundred feet long, and proportionally broad and high: So that it seems to have exceeded York Minster, and to have at least equaled any cathedral in England. Another church, afterwards used in its stead, bears date 1124. A steeple, standing near the cathedral, is thought to have stood thirteen hundred years.

What is left of St. Leonard’s College is only a heap of ruins. Two Colleges remain. One of them has a tolerable Square; but all the windows are broke, like those of a brothel. We were informed, the students do this before they leave the College. Where are their blessed Governors in the mean time? Are they all fast asleep? The other College is a mean building, but has a handsome library newly erected. In the two Colleges, we learned, were about seventy students; near the same number as at Old-Aberdeen. Those at New-Aberdeen are not more numerous: Neither those at Glasgow. In Edinburgh, I suppose there are a hundred. So four Universities contain three hundred and ten students! These all come to their several Colleges in November, and return home in May! So they may study five months in the year, and lounge all the rest! O where was the common sense of those who instituted such Colleges? In the English Colleges, every one may reside all the year, as all my pupils did: And I should have thought myself little better than a highwayman, if I had not lectured them everyday in the year, but Sundays.

We were so long detained at the Passage, that I only reached Edinburgh time enough to give notice of my preaching the next day. After preaching at Dunbar, Alnwick, and Morpeth, on Saturday, JUNE 1, I reached Newcastle.

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I visited Sunderland, where the society then contained three hundred and seventy-two members. Thursday, 6. I preached at Darlington and Barnard-Castle: On Friday, in Teesdale and Weardale. Here many rejoiced with joy unspeakable, and seemed determined never to rest till they had recovered that great salvation which they enjoyed some years ago. Saturday, 8. As we rode to Sheep-Hill, we saw and heard at a distance, much thunder, and rain, and lightning. The rain was before and behind, and on each side: But none fill upon us. About six, I preached at Sheep-Hill. It rained hard very near us; but not a drop came upon us. After eight, I reached Newcastle, thoroughly tired. But a night’s rest set me up again. On Monday and Tuesday I met the classes. I left three hundred and seventy-four in the society, and I found about four hundred: And I trust they are more established in the “faith that worketh by love.” While I was here, I talked largely with a pious woman, whom I could not well understand. I could not doubt of her being quite sincere, nay, and much devoted to God: But she had fallen among some well-meaning enthusiasts, who taught her so to attend to the inward voice, as to quit the society, the preaching, the Lord’s Supper, and almost all outward means. I find no persons harder to deal with than these. One knows not how to advise them. They must not act contrary to their conscience, though it be an erroneous one. And who can convince them that it is erroneous? None but the Almighty.

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After preaching at Durham, I went on to Darlington. The society here, lately consisting of nine members, is now increased to above seventy; many of whom are warm in their first love. At the love-feast, many of these spoke their experience with all simplicity. Here will surely be a plentiful harvest, if tares do not grow up with the wheat.

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I preached to my old, loving congregation at Osmotherley; and visited, once more, poor Mr. Watson, just quivering over the grave. Part of this week I read, as I traveled, a famous book, which I had not looked into for these fifty years. It was Lucian’s “Dialogues.” He has a good deal of humour, but wonderful little judgment. His great hero is Diogenes, the Cynic; just touch another brute as himself. Socrates (as one might expect) he reviles and ridicules with all his might. I think there is more sense in his “Timon,” than in all his other Dialogues put together: And yet, even that ends poorly, in the dull jest of his breaking the heads of all that came near him. How amazing is it, that such a book as this should be put into the hands of school-boys!

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I went on to Scarborough. I think the preaching-house here is the most elegant of any square Room which we have in England; and we had as elegant a congregation: But they were as attentive as if they had been Kingswood colliers.

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I visited a poor backslider, who has given great occasion to the enemy to blaspheme. Some time since, he felt a pain in the soles of his feet, then in his legs, his knees, his thighs. Now it has reached his stomach, and begins to affect his head. No medicines have availed at all. I fear he has sinned a sin unto death; a sin which God has determined to punish by death.

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I am seventy-three years old, and far abler to preach than I was at three-and-twenty. What natural means has God used to produce so wonderful an effect?

1. Continual exercise and change of air, by traveling above four thousand miles in a year:

2. Constant rising at four:

3. The ability, if ever I want, to sleep immediately:

4. The never losing a night’s sleep in my life:

5. Two violent fevers, and two deep consumptions. These, it is true, were rough medicines; but they were of admirable service; causing my flesh to colue again, as the flesh of a little child. May I add, lastly, evenness of temper? I feel and grieve; but, by the grace of God, I fret at nothing. But still “the help that is done upon earth, He doeth it himself.” And this he doeth in answer to many prayers.

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I preached, about eleven, to a numerous and serious congregation at Pocklington. In my way from hence to Malton, Mr. C—— (a man of sense and veracity) gave me the following account: — His grandfather, Mr. H——, he said, about twenty years ago, ploughing up a field, two or three miles from Pocklington, turned up a large stone, under which he perceived there was a hollow. Digging on, he found at a small distance, a large, magnificent house. He cleared away the earth; and, going into it, found many spacious rooms. The floors of the lower story were of Mosaic work, exquisitely wrought. Mr. C—— himself counted sixteen stones within an inch square. Many flocked to see it, from various parts as long as it stood open: But after some days, Mr. P—— (he knew not why) ordered it to be covered again; and he would never after suffer any to open it, but ploughed the field all over. This is far more difficult to account for, than the subterraneous buildings at Herculaneum. History gives us an account of the time when, and the manner how, these were swallowed up. The burning mountain is still assured, and the successive lavas that flowed from it still distinguishable. But history gives no account of this, nor of any burning mountains in our island. Neither do we read of any such earthquake in England, as was capable of working that effect.

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I went to York. The House was full enough in the evening, while I pointed the true and the false way of expounding those important words, “Ye are saved through faith.” Wednesday, 3. I preached about noon at Tadcaster, with an uncommon degree of freedom; which was attended with a remarkable blessing. A glorious work is dawning here, against which nothing can prevail; unless the ball of contention be thrown in among the plain people, by one or two that have lately embraced new opinions. In the evening I preached at York, on the fashionable religion, vulgarly called morality; and showed at large, from the accounts given of it by its ablest patrons, that it is neither better nor worse than Atheism.

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I met the select society, and was a little surprised to find, that, instead of growing in grace, scarce two of them retained the grace they had two years ago. All of them seemed to be sincere; and yet a faintness of spirit ran through them all.

In the evening I showed, to a still more crowded audience, the nature and necessity of Christian love: — AGAPE, vilely rendered charity, to confound poor English readers. The word was sharper than a two-edged sword, as many of the hearers felt. God grant the wound may not be healed, till he himself binds it up!

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About eleven I preached at Foggathorp, a lone house, a few miles from Howden. Abundance of people were gathered together, notwithstanding heavy rain; and they received the truth in the love thereof. I came to Howden a little before three; when a large congregation was soon gathered. All were serious; the more so, because of a few claps of thunder that rolled over our heads.

I preached at Swinfleet in the evening. These are the most sensible and gentlemanlike farmers that I have seen anywhere; and many of them are “rooted and grounded in love,” and have adorned the Gospel many years.

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I went on to Epworth, and found my old friend, Mr. Hutton, in the deepest melancholy. I judged it to be partly natural, partly diabolical; but I doubt not he will be saved, though as by fire.

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I preached at Brigg in the morning. All behaved well, but a few gentlemen, (so called,) who seemed to understand no more of the matter, than if I had been talking Greek.

I went thence to Horncastle and to Spilsby, with Mr. Br——. While he was at Cambridge, he was convinced of sin, though not by any outward means, and soon after justified. Coming to Hull, he met with one of our Preachers. By long and close conversation with him, he was clearly convinced it was his duty to join with the people called Methodists. At first, indeed, he staggered at Lay Preachers; but, after weighing the matter more deeply, he began preaching himself; and found a very remarkable blessing, both on his own soul, and on his labors.

After visiting a few more places in these parts, on Saturday, 13, it returned to Epworth. Sunday, 14. I preached in the morning at Gringley; about one, at Ouston; and at four, in Epworth market-place; where God “struck with the hammer of his word, and broke the hearts of stone.” We had afterwards a love-feast, at which a flame was soon kindled; which was greatly increased while Mr. Cundy related the manner how God perfected him in love: A testimony which is always attended with a peculiar blessing.

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I preached at Doncaster, in one of the most elegant Houses in England, and to one of the most elegant congregations. They seemed greatly astonished; and well they might; for I scarce ever spoke so strongly on, “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, that leadeth unto life.”

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At Sheffield I talked at large with one whose case is very peculiar. She never loses a sense of the love of God; and yet is continually harassed by the devil, and constrained to utter words which her soul abhors; while her body feels as if it was in a burning flame. For this her father turned her out of doors; and she had no money, nor any friend to take her in. To cut her off from every human comfort, our wise Assistant turned her out of society. Yet in all this she murmured not, neither “charged God foolishly.”

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Having been desired, by one of Chesterfield, to give them a sermon in the way, I called there; but he did not come to own me. So, after resting awhile at another house, I stood at a small distance from the main street, and proclaimed salvation by faith to a serious congregation. After preaching at a few other places, on Thursday, 18, I preached at Nottingham; and, having no time to lose, took chaise at noon, and the next evening, Friday, 19, met the Committee at the Foundery.

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I read Mr. Jenyns’s admired tract, on the “Internal Evidence of the Christian Religion.” He is undoubtedly a fine writer; but whether he is a Christian, Deist, or Atheist, I cannot tell. If he is a Christian, he betrays his own cause by averring, that “all Scripture is not given by inspiration of God; but the writers of it were sometimes left to themselves, and consequently made some mistakes.” Nay, if there be any mistakes in the Bible, there may as well be a thousand. If there be one falsehood in that book, it did not come from the God of truth.

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Perceiving the immense hurt which it had done, I spoke more strongly than ever I had done before, on the sin and danger of indulging “itching ears.” I trust, here at least, that plague will be stayed.

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We made our first subscription toward building a new chapel; and at this, and the two following meetings, above a thousand pounds were cheerfully subscribed.

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Many of the Preachers being come to town, I enforced that solemn caution, in the Epistle for the day, “Let him that standeth take heed lest he fall.” And God applied it to many hearts. In the afternoon I preached in Moorfields to thousands, on Acts 2:32, “This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.”

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Our Conference began, and ended on Friday, 9, which we observed with fasting and prayer, as well for our own nation as for our brethren in America. In several Conferences, we have had great love and unity; but in this there was, over and above, such a general seriousness and solemnity of spirit as we scarcely have had before. Sunday, 11. About half an hour after four I set out; and at half an hour after eleven on Monday, came to Bristol.

I found Mr. Fletcher a little better, and proposed his taking a journey with me to Cornwall; nothing being so likely to restore his health, as a journey of four or five hundred miles; but his Physician would in nowise consent; so I gave up the point.

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I preached at Taunton, and afterwards went with Mr. Brown to Kingston. The large, old parsonage-house is pleasantly situated close to the church-yard, just fit for a contemplative man. Here I found a Clergyman, Dr. Coke, late Gentleman Commoner of Jesus College in Oxford, who came twenty miles on purpose. I had much conversation with him; and an union then began, which I trust shall never end.

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I preached at Tiverton; and on Thursday went on to Launceston. Here I found the plain reason why the work of God had gained no ground in this Circuit all the year. The Preachers had given up the Methodist testimony. Either they did not speak of Perfection at all, (the peculiar doctrine committed to our trust,) or they spoke of it only in general terms, without urging the believers to “go on unto perfection,” and to expect it every moment. And wherever this is not earnestly done, the work of God does not prosper.

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I was going to preach in the market-place at Camelford, where a few are still alive to God, when a violent storm drove us into the House; that is, as many as could squeeze in. The fire quickly kindled among them, and seemed to touch every heart. My text was, “What doest thou here, Elijah?” and God himself made the application. A flame was once more raised in this town: May it never more be put out!

In the evening I preached in Mr. Wood’s yard, at Port-Isaac, to most of the inhabitants of the town. The same spirit was here as at Camelford, and seemed to move upon every heart. And we had all a good hope, that the days of faintness and weariness are over, and that the work of God will revive and flourish.

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We found Mr. Hoskins, at Cubert, alive; but just tottering over the grave. I preached in the evening, on 2 Corinthians 5:1-4, probably the last sermon he will hear from me. I was afterwards inquiring, if that scandal of Cornwall, the plundering of wrecked vessels, still subsisted. He said, “As much as ever; only the Methodists will have nothing to do with it. But three months since a vessel was wrecked on the south coast, and the sinners presently seized on all the goods; and even broke in pieces a new coach which was on board, and carried every scrap of it away.” But is there no way to prevent this shameful breach of all the laws both of religion and humanity? Indeed there is. The Gentry of Cornwall may totally prevent it whenever they please. Let them only see that the laws be strictly executed upon the next plunderers; and after an example is made of ten of these, the next wreck will be unmolested. Nay, there is a milder way. Let them only agree together, to discharge any sinner or laborer that is concerned in the plundering of a wreck, and advertise his name, that no Cornish gentleman may employ him any more; and neither sinner nor laborer will any more be concerned in that bad work.

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The passage through the sands being bad for a chaise, I rode on horseback to St. Agnes, where the rain constrained me to preach in the House. As we rode back to Redruth, it poured down amain, and found its way through all our clothes. I was tired when I came in; but after sleeping a quarter of an hour all my weariness was gone.

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I joined together once more the select society, who are continually flying asunder, though they all acknowledge the loss they have sustained thereby. At eleven I met fifty or sixty children. How much depends upon these! All the hope of the rising generation. Tuesday, 20. In the evening I preached at Helstone, where prejudice is at an end; and all the town, except a few Gentry, willingly hear the word of salvation.

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I preached at Penzance in a gentleman’s balcony, which commanded the market-place, to a huge congregation, on, “Without holiness no man shall see the Lord.” The word fell heavy, upon high and low, rich and poor. Such an opportunity I never had at Penzance before.

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I preached at six in the market-place at St. Just’s. Two or three well-dressed people walked by, stopped a little, and then went on. So they did two or three times. Had it not been for shame, they might have heard that which is able to save their souls.

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The congregation, both morning and evening, was large; and great was our rejoicing in the Lord. Saturday, 24. In the evening I preached in a meadow at St. Ives, to one of the largest congregations I had seen in the county. Sunday, 26. I met the children; the most difficult part of our office.

About five in the evening I began preaching at Gwennap, to full twenty thousand persons. And they were so commodiously placed, in the calm, still evening, that every one heard distinctly.

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About noon I preached in the piazza, adjoining to the Coinage-Hall in Truro. I was enabled to speak exceeding plain, on, “Ye are saved through faith.” I doubt the Antinomians gnashed on me with their teeth; but I must declare “the whole counsel of God.” In the evening I preached in an open space at Mevagissey, to most of the inhabitants of the town; where I saw a very rare thing, — men swiftly increasing in substance, and yet not decreasing in holiness.

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The rains drove us into the House at St. Austle, where I think some of the stout-hearted trembled. The next evening I preached at Medros, and was pleased to see an old friend, with his wife, his two sons and two daughters. I believe God sent a message to their hearts, as they could not help showing by their tears.

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I got to Plymouth church a little after the Service began. I admired the seriousness and decency of the congregation: None bowed or curtesied, or looked about them. And at the Lord’s Supper, although both the Ministers spoke so low in delivering the elements, that none who were not very near could hear a word they said, yet was the congregation as still as if no one had been in the church. I was likewise agreeably surprised at their number: When I was in the church in Hull, I think we had six communicants, beside those that came with me: Here I suppose were full three hundred.

Immediately after Service I went to the quay, and preached on those words in the Epistle for the day, “The Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.” I wondered at the exquisite stupidity of the hearers, particularly the soldiers; who seemed to understand no more of the matter than so many oxen. So I told them in very plain terms; and some of them were ashamed.

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In my way to Exeter, I read over an ingenious tract, containing some observations which I never saw before. In particular, that if corn sells for twice as much now as it did at the time of the Revolution, it is in effect no dearer than it was then, because we have now twice as much money; that if other things sell now for twice as much as they did then, corn ought to do so too; that though the price of an things increases as money increases, yet they are really no dearer than they were before; and, lastly, that to petition Parliament to alter these things, is to put them upon impossibilities, and can answer no end but that of inflaming the people against their Governors.

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I was desired to call at Ottery, a large town, eleven miles from Exeter. I preached in the market-house to abundance of people, who behaved with great decency. At five, I preached in the market-place at Axminster, to a still larger congregation. I have seldom heard people speak with more honesty and simplicity than many did at the love-feast which followed. I have not seen a more unpolished people than these; but love supplies all defects. It supplies all the essentials of good breeding, without the help of a dancing-master.

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I went on to Corfe-Castle, in the Isle of Purbeck. At six I preached in the yard adjoining to the preaching-house. It was a season both of conviction and consolation. Friday, 6. I preached at the new House in Melcomb, to as many as it would well contain. Saturday, 7. About noon I stood upon the Cross, at Bruton, and proclaimed “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Many seemed to be astonished; all were quiet; and a few deeply affected.

In the evening I preached at Shepton-Mallet; where the people in general appeared to be more serious, ever since the late terrible riot, in which two of them were killed. On Saturday I went on to Bristol.

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I began, what I had long intended, visiting the society from house to house, setting apart at least two hours in a day for that purpose. I was surprised to find the simplicity with which one and all spoke, both of their temporal and spiritual state. Nor could I easily have known, by any other means, how great a work God has wrought among them. I found exceeding little to reprove; but much to praise God for. And I observed one thing which I did not expect: — In visiting all the families, without Lawford-Gate, by far the poorest about the city, I did not find so much as one person who was out of work.

Another circumstance I critically inquired into, What is the real number of the people? Dr. Price says, (doubtless to encourage our good friends, the French and Spaniards,) “The people of England are between four and five millions; supposing them to be four, or four and a half, on an average, in one house.” I found, in the families which I visited, about six in a house. But one who has lately made a more general inquiry, informs me, there are, without Lawford-Gate, seven in a house. The same information I received, from one who has lately made the inquiry, concerning the inhabitants of Redcliff. Now, if at four in a house, we are four millions, must we not, at seven in a house, be seven millions?

But even this is far short of the truth; for a plain reason, the houses are miscomputed. To give one instance: — The houses without Lawford-Gate are computed to be a thousand. Now, at the sitting of the Justices, some years since, there were two hundred public-houses. Was then one house in five a public-house? No, surely; one in ten at the utmost. If so, there were two thousand houses; and, consequently, fourteen thousand persons. I believe, there are now full twenty thousand. And these are nothing near a quarter of the present inhabitants of Bristol.

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I preached about one at Bath; and about six, in a meadow, near the preaching-house, in Frome, besought a listening multitude “not to receive the grace of God in vain.”

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I spent about two hours in Mr. Hoare’s gardens, at Stourton. I have seen the most celebrated gardens in England; but these far exceed them all:

1. In the situation; being laid out on the sloping sides of a semicircular mountain:

2. In the vast basin of water inclosed between them, covering, I suppose, sixty acres of ground:

3. In the delightful interchange of shady groves and sunny glades, curiously mixed together.

Above all, in the lovely grottoes, two of which excel everything of the kind which I ever saw; the fountain grotto, made entirely of rock-work, admirably well imitating nature; and the castle grotto, into which you enter unawares, beneath a heap of ruins. This is within totally built of roots of trees, wonderfully interwoven. On one side of it is a little hermitage, with a lamp, a chair, a table, and bones upon it.

Others were delighted with the temples, but I was not:

1. Because several of the statues about them were mean:

2. Because I cannot admire the images of devils; and we know the gods of the Heathens are but devils:

3. Because I defy all mankind to reconcile statues with nudities, either to common sense or common decency.

Returning from thence through Maiden-Bradley, we saw the clumsy house of the Duke of Somerset; and afterwards the grand and elegant one of Lord Weymouth, beautifully situated in a lovely park.

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I went on to Midsummer-Norton, where the Rector, being applied to, cheerfully granted me the use of his church, and himself made one of the congregation. I preached on those words in the Second Lesson, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” About two I preached in the new House, at Paulton, to a plain, simple, loving people; and spent the evening at Kingswood, endeavoring to remove some little offenses, which had arisen in the family.

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About one I preached at Bath, as usual, to a crowded audience; in the afternoon at Keynsham, where, at length, we see some fruit of our labors. Thursday, 19. Finding few would come to the Room at Pill, I preached in the market-place. Many attended, and I am persuaded, God cut some of them to the heart. About six I preached at Pensford, and spent the evening with the lovely family at Publow.

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Editorial note: The supplied edition prints the heading “Sat. 24. —”. The independent 1872 Jackson edition, volume 4, reads “Sat. 21” (PDF page 97). The entry is indexed as 1776-09-21 following that printed heading and the surrounding dated entries. The supplied heading and journal prose are retained. John Wesley, Works, Jackson edition (1872), volume 4, PDF page 97.

I preached in the Paddock, at Bedminster. It is plain (notwithstanding what some affirm) that the time of field-preaching is not past, while the people flock to it from every quarter.

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Editorial note: The former website date, October 22, was a metadata error. This Sunday entry belongs to September 22, 1776, in the source’s September sequence (WES_WW04.PDF, page 94). The historical entry text is unchanged. The independent 1872 Jackson edition, volume 4, also prints “Sun. 22” (PDF page 97). 1872 Works, volume 4, PDF page 97.

After reading Prayers, preaching, and administering the sacrament, at Bristol, I hastened away to Kingswood, and preached under the trees to such a multitude as had not been lately seen there. I began in King’s Square a little before five, where the word of God was quick and powerful. And I was no more tired at night than when I rose in the morning. Such is the power of God!

After settling all things at Bristol and Kingswood, and visiting the rest of the societies in Somersetshire, Wiltshire, and Hants, I returned, in October, to London, with Mr. Fletcher.

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I was desired to preach at St. Vedast’s church, Foster-Lane, which contained the congregation tolerably well. I preached on those words in the Gospel for the day, (how little regarded even by men that fear God!) “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s.”

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I set out with Mr. Fletcher to Norwich. I took coach at twelve, slept till six, and then spent the time very agreeably, in conversation, singing, and reading. I read Mr. Bolt’s account of the affairs in the East Indies: I suppose much the best that is extant. But what a scene is here opened! What consummate villains, what devils incarnate, were the managers there! What utter strangers to justice, mercy, and truth; to every sentiment of humanity! I believe no heathen history contains a parallel. I remember none in all the annals of antiquity: Not even the divine Cato, or the virtuous Brutus, plundered the provinces committed to their charge with such merciless cruelty as the English have plundered the desolated provinces of Indostan.

When we came to Norwich, finding many of our friends had been shaken by the assertors of the Horrible Decree, I employed the three following mornings in sifting the question to the bottom. Many were confirmed thereby; and, I trust, will not again be removed from the genuine Gospel.

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I showed in the evening what the Gospel is, and what it is to preach the Gospel. The next evening, I explained, at large, the wrong and the right sense of, “Ye are saved by faith.” And many saw how miserably they had been abused by those vulgarly called Gospel Preachers.

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In the morning we had about a hundred and fifty communicants, and a remarkable blessing. In the afternoon and in the evening we were crowded enough. Monday, 18. We set out for Yarmouth. Here I knew not where to preach; the Mayor refusing me the use of the Town-Hall. But the Chamberlain gave me the use of a larger building, formerly a church. In this a numerous congregation soon assembled, to whom I described the “sect which is everywhere spoken against.” I believe all that were attentive will be a little more candid for the time to come.

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I opened the new preaching-house at Lowestoft, — a new and lightsome building. It was thoroughly filled with deeply attentive hearers. Surely some of them will bear fruit unto perfection. Wednesday,

20. Mr. Fletcher preached in the morning, and I at two in the afternoon. It then blew a thorough storm, so that it was hard to walk or stand, the wind being ready to take us off our feet. It drove one of the boats, which were on the strand, from its moorings out to sea. Three men were in it, who looked for nothing every moment but to be swallowed up. But presently five stout men put off in another open boat, and, rowing for life, overtook them, and brought them safe to land.

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I preached at Beccles. A duller place I have seldom seen. The people of the town were neither pleased nor vexed, as “caring for none of these things.” Yet fifty or sixty came into the house, either to hear or see. The people of Loddon seemed in the evening of another spirit, resolved to “enter in at the strait gate.” Friday, 22, We had a solemn parting with our friends at Norwich; and on Saturday evening I brought Mr. Fletcher back to London, considerably better than when he set out.

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We considered the several plans which were offered for the new chapel. Having agreed upon one, we desired a Surveyor to draw out the particulars, with an estimate of the expense. We then ordered proposals to be drawn up for those who were willing to undertake any part of the building.

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I set out for Bedford, in the diligence, and came thither at four in the afternoon. I found great freedom of speech in the evening, and perceived God was reviving his work in this people.

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I crossed over to St. Neot’s, and had an hour’s friendly conversation with Mr. V. O that all men would sit as loose to opinions as I do; that they would think and let think! I preached in the evening to a numerous congregation with much enlargement of spirit. Wednesday, 4. I preached at Godmanchester, and on Thursday returned to London. In the way, I read over Mr. Gray’s Works, and his Life wrote by Mr. Mason. He is an admirable poet, not much inferior to either Prior or Pope; but he does not appear, upon the whole, to have been an amiable man. His picture, I apprehend, expresses his character; — sharp, sensible, ingenious; but, at the same time, proud, morose, envious, passionate, and resentful. I was quite shocked at the contempt with which he more than once speaks of Mr. Mason; one full as ingenious as himself, yea, full as good a poet; (as even “Elfrida” shows, as much as Mr. Gray despises, or affects to despise it;) and, over and above, possessed of that modesty and humanity, wherein Mr. Gray was so greatly deficient.

Friday, 13, was the national fast. It was observed not only throughout the city, but (I was afterwards informed) throughout the nation, with the utmost solemnity. I shall not wonder if God should now interpose and send us prosperity, since, at length, we are not too proud to acknowledge “there is a God that judgeth the earth.”

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I preached at Canterbury; on Tuesday, at Dover; Wednesday, about eleven, at poor, dry, dead Sandwich. But I now found more hope for the poor people, than I had done for many years. In the evening I preached at Margate, to a very genteel, and yet very serious, congregation; and I believe (although it blew a storm) near a hundred were present in the morning.

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I had another truly comfortable opportunity at Canterbury. God lifted up the hands that hung down, and gave many a strong hope that they should yet see good days, after all the days of darkness and heaviness. Friday, 20. I returned to London; and on Sunday, 22, buried the remains of Elizabeth Duchesne; a person eminently upright of heart, yet for many years a child of labor and sorrow. For near forty years she was zealous of good works, and at length shortened her days by laboring for the poor beyond her strength. But her end was peace. She now rests from her labors, and her works follow her.

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We concluded the year with solemn praise to God for continuing his great work in our land. It has never been intermitted one year or one month, since the year 1738; in which my brother and I began to preach that strange doctrine of salvation by faith.

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