1790

I am now an old man, decayed from head to foot. My eyes are dim; my right hand shakes much; my mouth is hot and dry every morning; I have a lingering fever almost everyday; my motion is weak and slow. However, blessed be God, I do not slack my labor: I can preach and write still.

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I preached at Snowsfields, to the largest congregation I have seen there this year, on, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.” Sunday, 3. I suppose near two thousand met at the new chapel to renew their covenant with God; a scriptural means of grace which is now almost everywhere forgotten except among the Methodists.

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I paid a visit to my old friend Mark Davis; and in the evening I preached to a small audience at Leytonstone. Wednesday, 6. I preached to a larger and more awakened congregation at Stratford. Tuesday, 12. I retired to Highbury-Place to answer my letters. Sunday, 17. I buried Mrs. Dornford, (a good woman,) and preached her funeral sermon. In the afternoon, I preached in Great St. Helen’s, to a large congregation. It is, I believe, fifty years since I preached there before. What has God wrought since that time!

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I paid a visit to an eminent sister, of whom every one despaired. She resolved to set out once more. May God uphold her with his right hand! Sunday, 24. We had a love-feast for all the society, at which many spoke their experience with much simplicity. Monday, 25. I went to Dorking; and labored to awaken a harmless, honest, drowsy people, who for many years have seemed to stand stock-still, neither increasing nor decreasing.

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We had our general Quarterly Meeting, whereby it appeared, that the society received and expended about three thousand pounds a year; but our expense still exceeded our income. Saturday, 30. I began meeting the classes, which took up this day and all the next week.

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I preached the funeral sermon of that saint of God, Robert Windsor, many years a burning and a shining light. He was born a few months after me; was a prudent, serious, diligent man, full of mercy and good fruits; without partiality, and without hypocrisy. He seemed on the brink of death some months ago; but was suddenly raised up again; praised God without ceasing a few days; and then laid down, and died.

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We found much of the presence of God in the chapel at Brentford, where the congregation was exceeding large. So it was the next evening at Lambeth, though perhaps not so much alive. Saturday, 13. The meeting of the penitents in the evening was exceeding solemn; as indeed it generally is. Sunday, 14. I preached a sermon to the children at West-Street chapel. They flocked together from every quarter; and truly God was in the midst of them, applying those words, “Come, ye little children, hearken unto me; and I will teach you the fear of the Lord.”

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I retired to Balham for a few days, in order to finish my sermons, and put all my little things in order.

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I preached once more at poor Wandsworth. The House was more crowded than it has been for several years; and I could not but hope that God will once more build up the waste places. Friday, 19. I preached to a large audience at Chelsea; and examined the little society, who do not decrease; but rather grow in grace, and strengthen each other’s hands.

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I preached to the children at the new chapel; and I believe not in vain. Monday, 22. We had a comfortable opportunity at West-Street; and another on Tuesday evening at the new chapel, where we had also a solemn meeting of the Leaders. I submitted to importunity, and once more sat for my picture. I could scarce believe myself; — the picture of one in his eighty-seventh year! Wed. 24. — I preached once more at Wapping, to a crowded audience; and the next evening at the new chapel, thoroughly filled. Friday, 26. I preached at Rotherhithe, where also there is lately a remarkable revival of the work of God. Saturday, 27. I dined at Mr. Baker’s, one of the Sheriffs of London; a plain man, who still lives in an inn-yard! In the evening I had such a congregation at Snowsfields, as has not been seen there before for many years. Afterwards I met the penitents for the last time. They quite filled the Room; and God was in the midst of them.

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We have not had such a congregation at the new chapel since the renewal of the covenant; nor such a blessing: The hearts of the people were like melting wax. Most of them were in tears; and I trust they will not soon forget the exhortation which was then given them. In the afternoon I preached at West-Street chapel, on Ephesians 5:1, 2. The chapel would not near contain the congregation. All that could squeeze in seemed much affected; and it was with difficulty I broke through and took chaise for Brentford; where I came before six o’clock. The congregation here also was by far the largest I ever saw here; so that, it seems, our labor even here will not be in vain.

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I left Brentford early in the morning, and in the evening preached at Newbury. The congregation was large, and most of them attentive; but a few were wild as colts untamed. We had none such at Bath the following evening, but all were serious as death. Indeed, the work of God seems to flourish here, deepening as well as widening. Wednesday, 3. I took a view of the new buildings. There are at present none like them in England. They have not only added a second Crescent, with two beautiful rows of houses, near Ludstown, but a whole town on the other side of the city, which is swiftly increasing everyday. And must all these fine buildings be burned up? Yea, —

Earth and heaven destroy’d,

Nor left even one in the mighty void!

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I went on to Bristol, where I found a people ready prepared for the Lord. The Preachers are in earnest, the fruit of which plainly appears in the congregations. Friday, 5. Hearing Mr. W——, of Bolton, was dying, I went over, and spent an hour with him. His spirit was much comforted, and in a few days he was nearly as well as ever. Saturday, 6. I preached in the evening at Temple church. Mr. Basterbrook has lately been very ill; but God has again lifted up his head to be a father to the poor a little longer. Sunday, 7. I preached at the Room morning and evening; and about two in the afternoon at Kingswood. Just as I concluded my sermon in the Room, a lady came in her carriage in all haste; and, finding the sermon was over, earnestly desired to stay at the society. Afterwards she importuned me much to call on her at the Hot Wells, where her husband, Governor Johnstone, died two years ago. On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, she came to the preaching, and seemed to be much affected. On Friday evening I was at Kingswood, and preached to such a congregation, as I have not seen there on a week-day for forty years, unless it was at a watch-night. Saturday, 13. I spent two hours with her at Granby-House, and answered all her questions. She appeared quite willing to know the truth, and to be altogether a Christian; and vehemently desired, if our lives were prolonged, that I would visit her in London. But if we should live, would she then be willing to see me? If she is, it would be a miracle indeed.

This week I visited the classes in Bristol. I wonder we do not increase in number, although many are convinced, many justified, and a few perfected in love. I can impute the want of increase to nothing but want of self-denial. Without this, indeed, whatever other helps they have, no believers can go forward.

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Sunday, 14, was a comfortable day. In the morning I met the Strangers’ Society, instituted wholly for the relief, not of our society, but for poor, sick, friendless strangers. I do not know that I ever heard or read of such an institution till within a few years ago. So this also is one of the fruits of Methodism.

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I set out early, and dined at Stroud; but in the evening we knew not what to do. The preaching-house was far too small to contain the congregation; so that several hundreds (it was supposed) were obliged to go away. But the power of God remained with us; and great was our rejoicing in him.

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At noon I preached at Painswick, to as many as the House would contain: In the evening, at Gloucester, we had a large multitude; but many of them would neither hear nor let others hear. Indeed, they that sat in the galleries could hear well; but very few of them that were below.

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In the way to Tewkesbury, at the earnest desire of Samuel Vernon, I called on him and his five daughters, (all grown up,) who are lately joined to that society; all of whom are now in great earnest, and bid fair to adorn the Gospel of God our Savior. I preached at Tewkesbury about twelve; but here also the House would not contain the congregation. We went on to Worcester in the afternoon, and found much comfort among a well-established people. They have no jars now, but all hold the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Thursday, 18. We went on to Stourport, which is now full twice as large as it was two years ago. The first chapel was built about three years ago, by the joint contributions of Arminians and Calvinists, agreeing that they should preach by turns. But in a short time the poor Arminians were locked out. On this one or two gentlemen built another, far larger and more commodious. But it was not large enough to contain them in the evening, to whom I explained that solemn passage in the Revelation, “I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God.” They seemed to be all serious and attentive as long as I was speaking; but the moment I ceased, fourscore or one hundred began talking all at once. I do not remember ever to have been present at such a scene before. This must be amended; otherwise (if I should live) I will see Stourport no more.

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About eleven, coming to Quinton, I found a congregation waiting for me. So, that I might not disappoint them, I preached immediately, on, “We love him, because he first loved us;” and then went on to Birmingham, which I think is thrice as large as when I saw it fifty years ago.

The congregation in the evening were well squeezed together, and most of them got in. The behavior of the rich and poor is such, as does honor to their profession; so decent, so serious, so devout, from the beginning to the end! It was the same the next evening. Sunday, 21. The Prayers began at the new House about half an hour after ten. It is a little larger than the new House at Brompton, and admirably well constructed. But several hundreds, I suppose, could not get in. I think all who did, found that God was there. The great House likewise in the evening was utterly insufficient to contain the congregation. But God is able to supply this want also; and his time is best.

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I went on to our old friends at Wednesbury, where the work of God greatly revives. Business has exceedingly decreased, and most of them have left the town. So much the more have the poor grown in grace, and laid up treasure in heaven. But we were at a great loss in the evening. I could not preach abroad after sunset, and the House would not near contain the people. However, as many as possibly could squeezed in; and their labor was not in vain.

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About one I preached in the new House at Dudley; one of the neatest in England. It was a profitable season, where two persons, they informed me, found peace with God. We had a pleasant ride to Wolverhampton. This evening the rain began, and continued about twenty hours, after more than four-and-twenty weeks of fair weather; such a winter as I never saw before.

A melancholy event fell out the day before: — The mistress of the house adjoining boiling some varnish, it boiled over, and took fire, which seized on her, and burnt her so that her life is despaired of. The rain a little lessened our congregation, so that the House contained us tolerably well; and many, even of the genteel hearers, seemed almost persuaded not to halt between two opinions.

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We rode to Madeley through a pleasant rain, which did not hinder the church from being thoroughly filled; and, I believe, all who had spiritual discernment perceived that it was filled with the presence of God.

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At nine I preached to a select congregation, on the deep things of God; and in the evening, on, “He is able to save unto the uttermost all them that come unto God through him.” Friday, 26. I finished my sermon on the Wedding Garment; perhaps the last that I shall write. My eyes are now waxed dim; my natural force is abated. However, while I can, I would fain do a little for God before I drop into the dust. In the evening I preached to a crowded audience at Salop, on, “Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace.” But I was much ashamed for them. The moment I had done speaking, I suppose fifty of them were talking all at once; and no wonder they had neither sense nor good manners, — for they were gentlefolks!

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I preached in the evening to a sensible and well-behaved congregation at Newcastle-under-Lyne. (Observe, that is the name of the river which runs above the town.) Sunday, 28. I preached soon after one in Mr. Myat’s yard, at Lane-End: The House would not have contained a quarter of the people. At Burslem also I was obliged to preach abroad, such were the multitudes of the people. Surely the people of this place were highly favored. Mercy embraced them on every side.

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At nine I preached in the new chapel, at Tunstal; the most elegant I have seen since I left Bath. My text was, “Let us go on unto perfection;” and the people seemed to devour the word.

In the evening I preached at Congleton. The Minister, the Mayor, and all the heads of the town, were present; so, that I might not overshoot them, I preached on Psalm 90:12: And, I believe, God applied it to their hearts.

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I went on to Macclesfield, and preached to a crowded audience, both this and the following night. On Thursday morning one of my horses died. I judged it best to leave the other till I could procure another, and took post-chaises to Stockport. A large congregation was ready at six in the evening. In the morning, on Good-Friday, we went on to Oldham. The new House would in nowise contain the congregation; but I preached to as many as it would contain, on 1 Corinthians 6:19; and at Manchester in the evening, Saturday, APRIL 3, on Hebrews 4:14. April 4. — (Being Easter-Day.) I think we had about one thousand six hundred communicants. I preached, both morning and evening, without weariness; and in the evening lay down in peace.

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Calling at Altringham, I was desired to speak a few words to the people in the new chapel; but almost as soon as I got thither, the House was filled; and soon after, more than filled. So I preached on l Peter 1:3; and many praised God with joyful lips. About twelve I preached in the chapel at Northwich, to a large and very lively congregation, and, in the evening, met once more with our old affectionate friends at Chester. I have never seen this chapel more crowded than tonight; but still it could not near contain the congregation. Both this and the following evening, I was greatly assisted to declare the power of Christ’s resurrection; and to exhort all that were risen with him to set their affections on the things above. Here I met with one of the most extraordinary phenomena that I ever saw, or heard of: — Mr. Sellers has in his yard a large Newfoundland dog, and an old raven. These have fallen deeply in love with each other, and never desire to be apart. The bird has learned the bark of the dog, so that few can distinguish them. She is inconsolable when he goes out; and, if he stays out a day or two, she will get up all the bones and scraps she can, and hoard them up for him till he comes back.

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About eleven I preached at Warrington. The chapel was well filled with serious hearers; but the great congregation was at Liverpool. If those without were added to those within, I believe it would have exceeded even that at Manchester; and surely the power of God was present with them also.

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Such another congregation we had on Thursday, among whom were many that had never been there before. They seemed utterly amazed when I explained, “Now faith is the evidence of things unseen.” I believe many were then convinced; but, alas, how soon will that conviction die away!

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We went to Wigan, for many years proverbially called, wicked Wigan: But it is not now what it was: The inhabitants in general have taken a softer mold. The House in the evening was more than filled; and all that could get in seemed to be greatly affected, while I strongly applied our Lord’s words, “I will; be thou clean.” Saturday, 10. I crossed over to Northwich, and again found the wisdom of judging nothing before the time. The removal, which I used to ascribe to caprice, I find was the effect of necessity. A wretched man, who had persuaded his father-in-law to give the staff out of his own hands, now abridges him of half his five hundred a year; and has the conscience to take fifty pounds a year out of the remainder, for the board of his son, apprenticed to him. In the evening I preached in the lovely House at Bolton, to one of the loveliest congregations in England; who, by patient continuance in well-doing, have turned scorn and hatred into general esteem and goodwill. [Part of the manuscript having been lost, causes a chasm here.]

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We set out at four, and reached Forglen about noon. The face of the country is much changed for the better since I was here before. Agriculture increases on every side; so do manufactories, industry, and cleanliness.

But I found poor Lady B. (one of the most amiable women in the kingdom) exceeding ill; and I doubt whether she will be much better till she removes to her own country. I spent a very agreeable afternoon with the lovely family, and preached to a serious congregation in the evening.

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We returned to Aberdeen; and I took a solemn farewell of a crowded audience. If I should be permitted to see them again, well; if not, I have delivered my own soul.

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Taking the midland road, we spent an hour at Lawrence-Kirk; which, from an inconsiderable village, is, by the care and power of Lord Gordon, soon sprung up into a pleasant, neat, and flourishing town. His Lordship has also erected a little library here, adjoining to a handsome and well-furnished inn. The country from hence to Brechin is as pleasant as a garden: Happy would Scotland be, if it had many such gentlemen and noblemen. In the evening I began preaching at Brechin, in the Freeman’s Lodge; but I was so faint and ill, that I was obliged to shorten my discourse. Thursday, 27. We went on through Forfar (now a handsome and almost a new town) and Cupar to Auchterarder. Here we expected poor accommodations, but were agreeably disappointed. Food, beds, and everything else, were as neat and clean as at Aberdeen or Edinburgh.

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We traveled through a delightful country, by Stirling and Kilsythe, to Glasgow. The congregation was miserably small; verifying what I had often heard before, that the Scots dearly love the word of the Lord — on the Lord’s day. If I live to come again, I will take care to spend only the Lord’s day at Glasgow.

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We set out at two, and came to Moffat soon after three in the afternoon. Taking fresh horses, we reached Dumfries between six and seven, and found the congregation waiting: So, after a few minutes, I preached on Mark 3:35: “Whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

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Mr. Mather had a good congregation at five. In the day I conversed with many of the people; a candid, humane, well-behaved people; unlike most that I have found in Scotland. In the evening the House was filled; and truly God preached to their hearts. Surely God will have a considerable people here.

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We set out early, and reached Carlisle about noon. The work a little increases here: A small handful of people stand firm; and those that opposed are broken to pieces. Our House would not near contain the congregation; and the word of God was with power. Thursday, 3. We rode to Hexham, through one of the pleasantest countries that I have lately seen. The road lay (from Haisle) on the side of a fruitful mountain, shaded with trees, and sloping down to a clear river; which ran between ours and another fruitful mountain, well wooded and improved. At Hexham they have lately built a convenient preaching-house; but it is too small already. Here is a loving people, much alive to God, and consequently increasing daily. Friday, 4. We reached Newcastle. In this and Kingswood house, were I to do my own will, I should choose to spend the short remainder of my days. But it cannot be; this is not my rest. This and the next evening we had a numerous congregation; and the people seemed much alive.

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I was invited to preach in Lemsley church, on the side of Gateshead-Fell; but some hours after, the Minister changed his mind. So I preached in our own preaching-house, which contained the greater part of the congregation tolerably well; among whom were Sir Henry Lyddal and his Lady, with a great number of his servants. The chapel was hot as a stove; but neither high nor low seemed to regard it: For God was there! The Orphan-House was equally crowded in the evening; but the rain would not suffer me to preach abroad.

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I transcribed the Stations of the Preachers. Tuesday, 8. I wrote a form for settling the preaching-houses, without any superfluous words, which shall be used for the time to come, verbatim, for all the Houses to which I contribute anything. I will no more encourage that villainous tautology of lawyers which is the scandal of our nation. In the evening I preached to the children of our Sunday-school; six or seven hundred of whom were present. N.B. None of our masters or mistresses teach for pay: They seek a reward that man cannot give.

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Having dispatched all the business I had to do here, in the evening I took a solemn leave of this lovely people; perhaps never to see them more in this life; and set out early in the morning, Thursday, 10. About noon I preached at Wolsingham, in a House thoroughly filled, on Isaiah 35:8; and in the evening in Weardale, which hardly contained the congregation. The same spirit was still in the congregation, that has been for many years; and many felt, the Lord’s hand is not shortened that it cannot save, nor his ear heavy that it cannot hear.

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About seven I preached at Stanhope; but no House would contain the congregation. So I stood in a broad place near the church; and enforced, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.” In going through Wolsingham, we called at Mr. W.’s, who was in low circumstances till a few years ago, when many thousands were heaped upon him unawares; and yet he seems to walk unhurt in fire! What is too hard for God?

Hence we went on to Durham. Here likewise I was obliged to preach in the open air, to a multitude of people, all of whom were serious and attentive.

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We went through a lovely country to Sunderland, where I preached in the evening to a numerous congregation. Sunday, 13. In the morning I preached a charity sermon in Monkwearmouth church, for the Sunday-school; which has already cleared the streets of all the children that used to play there on a Sunday from morning to evening. I preached at five near the Pens, to several thousands of people. Here, it is plain, our labor has not been in vain.

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In the evening I preached to as many as the Town-Hall would contain at Hartlepool. Tuesday, 15. I received a farther account of Mrs. B., from two that had lived with her a year and a quarter; and was thoroughly convinced, that she is a woman of strong sense, and a lively imagination; but that she is given up to a strong delusion, (whether natural or diabolical I know not,) to believe a lie. One proof may suffice: Some time since, she told the community, as from God, that the day of judgment would begin that evening. But how could she come off when the event did not answer? Easily enough. “Moses,” said she, “could not see the face of God, till he had fasted forty days and forty nights. We must all do the same.” So for three weeks they took no sustenance, but three gills of water per day; and three weeks more, they took each three gills of water-gruel per day. What a mercy that half of them did not die in making the experiment l About noon I preached abroad to a large congregation, and in the afternoon went on to Stockton. The congregation was at least double to that at Hartlepool, all of whom seemed to feel that God was there. Wednesday,

16. I preached in the main street at Yarm, to a dull, attentive people.

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About noon I preached at Potto, to a deeply serious congregation; and to another such in the evening at Hutton-Rudby. Twenty years this society was a pattern to all the country for seriousness and deep devotion. I think seventeen of them were perfected in love; but only three of them remain, and most of the rest are either removed, or grown cold and dead.

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I preached at Stokesley in the morning; and then went on to Whitby. It was very providential, that part of the adjoining mountain fell down, and demolished our old preaching-house, with many houses besides; by which means we have one of the most beautiful chapels in Great Britain, finely situated on the steep side of the mountain. At six it was pretty well filled with such a congregation of plain, earnest people, as is not often seen. I conversed with many of them the next day, who were much alive to God. Sunday, 20. The House contained us at seven tolerably well. The church likewise was well filled. But in the evening we were much straitened for room; but as many as could hear, stood on the pavement without. In all England I have not seen a more affectionate people than those at Whitby.

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Being importuned by our friends at Malton to call there, (it being but about thirty miles out of the way,) I set out early, to prevent the heat of the day. Calling at Pickering, some of the society soon found me out, with whom I went to the preaching-house; which was full enough in a few minutes’ time. So was the House at Malton, in the evening; where I found the society more loving and limited together than they had been for many years.

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I crossed over to Scarborough. The congregation in the evening was unusually small, being not yet recovered from the blessed fruits of the election. This was the hottest day we have had this year: And about one in the afternoon, the thunder, which had long lain at a distance, came near, with thick flashes of lightning, and impetuous rain: The thunder continued in one roll for an hour and a quarter. I never heard the like before, since my return from America. Thursday, 24. The Dissenting Minister offering me the use of his chapel in Bridlington, twice as large as our own, (the wind being too high for me to stand abroad,) I willingly accepted his offer. Friday, 25. About noon I preached at Beverley, to a serious, well-behaved congregation; and in the evening to one equally serious, and far more numerous, at Hull.

Saturday, 26, was a day of satisfaction. I preached at seven in the morning, and at six in the evening, to as many as our House could contain; the ground being too wet for the congregation to stand abroad. Monday,

28. This day I enter into my eighty-eighth year. For above eighty-six years, I found none of the infirmities of old age; my eyes did not wax dim, neither was my natural strength abated: But last August I found almost a sudden change. My eyes were so dim, that no glasses would help me. My strength likewise now quite forsook me; and probably will not return in this world. But I feel no pain from head to foot; only it seems nature is exhausted; and, humanly speaking, will sink more and more, till The weary springs of life stand still at last.

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I crossed over through Epworth to Owstone, and passed a comfortable day with many of the Preachers. This, which was one of the last societies in the Circuit, is now become first in grace, as well as number. The new preaching-house not being able to contain one-half of the congregation, I preached abroad in the calm, mild evening; and I believe God applied his word to many hearts.

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I went to Lincoln. After dinner we took a walk in and round the Minster; which I really think is more elegant than that at York, in various parts of the structure, as well as in its admirable situation. The new House was thoroughly filled in the evening, and with hearers uncommonly serious. There seems to be a remarkable difference between the people of Lincoln and those of York. They have not so much fire and vigor of spirit; but far more mildness and gentleness; by means of which, if they had the same outward helps, they would probably excel their neighbors.

Some miles short of Lincoln, our post-boy stopped at an inn on the road, to give his horses a little water. As soon as we went in, the innkeeper burst into tears, as did his wife; wringing her hands, and weeping bitterly. “What!” he said, “are you come into my house! My father is John Lester, of Epworth.” I found both he and his wife had been of our society, till they left them. We spent some time in prayer together; and I trust not in vain.

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About eleven I preached at Newton; but the preaching-house would not contain half the congregation. No rain fell during the time of preaching; but it rained both before and after. I was struck with the preaching-house at Gainsborough, (one of the handsomest towns in Lincolnshire,) so neat, so elegant! just taking up one side of a small, neat Square. I found uncommon liberty of speech, and received it as a token for good. Surely this poor society, which has been so miserably depressed, will again lift up its head! Saturday, 3. I reached Epworth; and, after preaching in the evening, met the society; and reminded them of what they were some years ago, and what they are now; scarce retaining the shadow of their former zeal and activity in all the ways of God.

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I went over to Misterton, where likewise the work of God was exceedingly decayed. The House being far too small to contain the multitude of people, I stood under a spreading tree; and strongly exhorted them to “strengthen the things that remained,” which were “ready to die.” Thence I hastened back to Epworth; but I could not reach it till the Church Service was begun. It was observed Mr. Gibson read the Prayers with unusual solemnity; and I believe he was not displeased to see five times as many at church, and ten times as many at the Lord’s table, as usual. As soon as the Afternoon Service ended, I began the market-place to press that awful question, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” on such a congregation as was never seen at Epworth before.

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I returned to Bristol. In the evening, and at the watch-night, the House was sufficiently filled. Finding the account of Mrs. Scudamore’s life and death (an excellent woman, though mistaken in this point) has revived in some the imagination of the expiatory nature of sufferings, and hence their absolute necessity to salvation, I discussed the subject at large; and showed that both these notions had their rise in Popery; and that neither the one nor the other of them had any foundation in Scripture.

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Mr. Baddiley being gone to the north, and Mr. Collins being engaged elsewhere, I had none to assist in the service, and could not read the Prayers myself; so I was obliged to shorten the service, which brought the Prayers, sermon, and Lord’s supper, within the compass of three hours. 1 preached in the afternoon near King’s Square; and the hearts of the people bowed down before the Lord.

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About noon I preached at Castle-Carey. Since I was here God has taken to himself that amiable woman, Mrs. Clark; who, to a fine person and a good understanding, joined a very uncommon degree of deep religion. This inclined me to apply earnestly Ecclesiastes 9:10; and all the people seemed to feel it. Afterwards, I called on her deeply afflicted husband, who spent some hours with us the next day. I hope he will no longer sorrow as one without hope, but will trust to meet her in a better place. In the evening I preached in the new house at Ditcheat. It would not hold the congregation; but many could hear at the windows, which they seemed right willing to do. A flame appears to be kindled here already. God grant it may continue and increase! Tuesday, 31. William Kingston, the man born without arms, came to see me of his own accord. Some time since he received a clear sense of the favor of God; but after some months he was persuaded by some of his old companions to join in a favorite diversion, whereby he lost sight of God, and gave up all he had gained: But God now touched his heart again, and he is once more in earnest to save his soul. He is of a middling height and size, has a pleasing look and voice, and an easy, agreeable behavior. At breakfast he shook off his shoes, which are made on purpose, took the tea-cup between his toes, and the toast with his other foot. He likewise writes a fair hand, and does most things with his feet which we do with our hands. About noon I preached to a lovely congregation at Shepton Mallet; and in the evening at Pensford. The House was crowded with earnest hearers, and I trust the word did not fall to the ground.

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I returned to Bristol; and, it being the first day of the fair, I spoke strongly from the words of Solomon, “Buy the truth, and sell it not.” In the two following days, I corrected and abridged the account of that excellent woman, Mrs. Scudamore; a burning and shining light, till the Mystics persuaded her to put her light under a bushel: So that for above two years she renounced all conversation with even her pious friends! How does this agree with Scripture? “All my delight is in the saints that are on the earth, and with them that excel in virtue!” How far was the experience of Jane Cooper, or Elizabeth Harper, preferable to that of such a solitary!

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I went on to Bath, and preached in the evening to a serious, but small congregation, for want of notice. Sunday, 5. At ten we had a numerous congregation, and more communicants than ever I saw here before. This day I cut off that vile custom, I know not when or how it began, of preaching three times a day by the same Preacher, to the same congregation; enough to weary out both the bodies and minds of the speaker, as well as his hearers. Surely God is returning to this society! They are now in earnest to make their calling and election sure.

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This evening the congregation was almost as large as it was the night before; and the power of God was mightily present: And so it was on Tuesday and Wednesday evening at Bristol. Thursday, 9. I read over the experience of Joseph Humphrys; the first Lay Preacher that assisted me in England, in the year 1738. From his own mouth I learn, that he was perfected in love, and so continued for at least a twelvemonth. Afterwards he turned Calvinist, and joined Mr. Whitefield, and published an invective against my brother and me in the newspaper. In a while he renounced Mr. Whitefield, and was ordained a Presbyterian Minister. At last he received Episcopal ordination. He then scoffed at inward religion; and when reminded of his own experience, replied, “That was one of the foolish things which I wrote in the time of my madness!”

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I preached to a large congregation at Chew-Stoke, nine miles from Bristol on those words in the Second Lesson, “Come unto me, all ye that are weary and heavy laden;” and in the evening at Mrs. Griffith’s house.

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I intended to preach abroad; but the weather would not permit. Monday, 13, and the three following days, I met the classes of the society, which contains nine hundred and forty-four members. Still I complain of false musters. It was told in London that this society contained above a thousand members; and yet it falls so far short of a thousand. There is altogether a fault in this matter.

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I was desired to see a monster properly speaking. He was as large as the largest lion in the tower; but covered with rough hair, of a brown color; has the head of a swine, and feet like a mole. It is plain to me, it was begotten between a bear and a wild boar. He lives on fruit and bread, chiefly the latter. The keeper handles him as he pleases, putting his hand in his mouth, and taking hold of his tongue; but he has a horrible roar, between that of a lion and of a bull.

At the same time I saw a pelican. Is it not strange that we have no true account or picture of this bird? It is one of the most beautiful in nature; being indeed a large swan, almost twice as big as a tame one; snow-white and elegantly shaped. Only its neck is three quarters of a yard long, and capable of being so distended as to contain two gallons of liquid or solid. She builds her nest in some wood, not far from a river; from which she daily brings a quantity of fish to her young: This she carries in her neck, (the only pouch which she has,) and then divides it among her young; and hence is fabricated the idle tale of her feeding them with her blood.

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I went over to Thornbury, and preached at noon to a very lame and deeply serious congregation. In the evening we had a solemn watch-night at Kingswood. Saturday, 18. I called upon Mr. Easterbrook, ill of a disorder which no Physician understands, and which it seems God alone can cure. He is a pattern to all Bristol, and indeed to all England; having beside his other incessant labors, which never were intermitted, preached in every house in his parish! It was while he was preaching in his own church, that he was suddenly struck with a violent pain in his breast. This confounds all the Physicians, and none of their medicines alter it.

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Mr. Collins assisted me in the morning, so I had an easy day’s work. Monday, 20, and the next day, I read over the King of Sweden’s tract, upon the Balance of Power in Europe. If it be really his, he is certainly one of the most sensible, as well as one of the bravest, Princes in Europe; and if his account be true, what a woman is the Czarina! But still God is over all!

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I preached once more in Temple church, on, “All things are possible to him that believeth.”

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Mr. Hay, the Presbyterian Minister of Lewensmead meeting, came to desire me to let him have the use of our preaching-house on Sundays, at those hours when we did not use it ourselves, (near ten in the morning and two in the afternoon,) while his House was re-building. To this I willingly consented, and he preached an excellent sermon there the next day at two. I preached at five in the morning to more than the House would well contain.

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I left Bristol; about eleven I preached in the Devizes; and in the evening at Sarum. I do not know that ever I saw the House so crowded before, with high and low, rich and poor: So that I hope we shall again see fruit here also.

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About noon I preached at Winton. The congregation was larger than usual, and, what was stranger still, seemed not a little affected! How long have we cast our bread upon the waters here! And shall we find it again after many days? In the evening I preached to a crowded and deeply attentive congregation at Portsmouth-Common. Thursday, 30. It being a lovely morning, we went in a ferry, through Cowes harbor, to Newport; one of the pleasantest, neatest, and most elegant towns in the King’s dominions. Both the nights I preached here, the preaching-house would by no means contain the congregation. I was likewise well pleased with the poor, plain, artless society. Here, at least, we have not lost our labor. Friday, OCTOBER 1. We purposed to return to Portsmouth, (about twenty miles,) it being a calm sunshiny morning, in the ferry; but a friend offering us a kind of hoy, we willingly accepted his offer. It was well he did; for as soon as we were out of the harbor, the wind rose, and the sea raged horribly. The ferry would soon have been swallowed up. The waves washed over us on both sides. Having no decks, we were well soaked from head to foot; but, before noon, we got safe to Portsmouth.

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Setting out, as usual, at two, we came to Cobham between ten and eleven; and found a party of our friends from London ready to receive us. We walked an hour in the gardens; but the innkeeper informed us, strangers were not admitted, unless on Tuesday and Friday. However, hearing Mr. Hopkins was at home, I sent in my name, and desired that favor; which was immediately granted. We spent an hour very agreeably in those lovely walks; but still the eye was not satisfied with seeing. An immortal spirit can be satisfied with nothing but seeing God. In the afternoon we went on to London.

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Sunday, 3, was indeed a comfortable day. I preached at the new chapel, morning and evening, with great enlargement of spirit. At the love-feast which followed, great was our rejoicing; many declared what God had done for their souls; and many were filled with consolation. Having answered my letters, and finished my other little business for the present, on Tuesday, 5, I went to Rye. Though the warning was short, the congregation was exceeding large, and behaved with remarkable seriousness. While our people mixed with the Calvinists here, we were always perplexed, and gained no ground; but since they kept to themselves, they have continually increased in grace as well as in number. I was now informed how signally God had overtaken that wretch who murdered Mr. Haddock some years since. Being lately overtaken by Captain Bray in one of the King’s cutters, he made a desperate resistance; and even when boarded, fought still, and drew a pistol at Captain Bray; who then hewed him in pieces with his cutlass.

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I went over to that poor skeleton of ancient Winchelsea. It is beautifully situated on the top of a steep hill, and was regularly built in broad streets, crossing each other, and encompassing a very large Square; in the midst of which was a large church, now in ruins. I stood under a large tree, on the side of it, and called to most of the inhabitants of the town, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand; repent, and believe the Gospel.” It seemed as if all that heard were, for the present, almost persuaded to be Christians.

Here an eminently pious woman, Mrs. Jones, at whose house I stopped, gave me a very strange account: — Many years since she was much hurt in lying-in. She had various Physicians, but still grew worse and worse; till, perceiving herself to be no better, she left them off. She had a continual pain in her groin, with such a prolapsis uteri, as soon confined her to her bed: There she lay two months, helpless and hopeless; till a thought came one day into her mind, “Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me whole! Be it according to thy will!” Immediately the pain and the disorder ceased. Feeling herself well, she rose, and dressed herself. Her husband coming in, and seeing her in tears, asked, “Are those tears of sorrow or joy?” She said, “Of joy!” on which they wept together. From that hour she felt no pain, but enjoyed perfect health. I think our Lord never wrought a plainer miracle, even in the days of his flesh.

In the evening I preached once more at Rye; and the word did not fall to the ground. In the morning we left this loving, well-limited people, and dined at Sevenoaks. After dinner, we spent an hour in the Duke of Dorset’s house. I could not but observe some change for the worse here. The silk covers are removed from several of the pictures, particularly that of Count Ugolino and his sons; and it is placed in a worse light; so that I could hardly discern the little boy that, when he saw his father gnawing his own arm for anguish, cried out, “Papa, if you are hungry, do not eat your own arm, but mine.” The preaching-house was filled in the evening with people, and with the presence of God.

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We returned to London. Monday, 11. I went on to Colchester, and still found matter of humiliation. The society was lessened, and cold enough; preaching again was discontinued, and the spirit of Methodism quite gone, both from the Preachers and the people. Yet we had a wonderful congregation in the evening, rich and poor, Clergy and laity. So we had likewise on Tuesday evening. So that I trust God will at length build up the waste places.

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We set out early, but found no horses at Cobdock; so that we were obliged to go round by Ipswich, and wait there half an hour. Nevertheless, we got to Norwich between two and three. In the way we read Captain Carrel’s Travels, admirably well wrote, and giving, I believe, a just account of the interior parts of North-America. Here is no gay account of the Islands of Pelew, or Lapita, but a plain relation of matter of fact. Surely eastern and western savages are much alike; and some good might be found in the east as well as the west. But to see nature in perfection, either at Pelew, or elsewhere, we need only look on the savages at Fort-William Henry, butchering, in cold blood so many hundreds of helpless, unresisting men, in the very spirit of the old murderer. In the evening I preached at Norwich; but the House would in no wise contain the congregation. How wonderfully is the tide turned! I am become an honorable man at Norwich. God has at length made our enemies to be at peace with us; and scarce any but Antinomians open their mouth against us.

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I went to Yarmouth; and, at length, found a society in peace, and much united together. In the evening the congregation was too large to get into the preaching-house; yet they were far less noisy than usual. After supper a little company went to prayer, and the power of God fell upon us; especially when a young woman broke out into prayer, to the surprise and comfort of us all. Friday, 15. I went to Lowestoft, to a steady, loving, well-united society. The more strange it is, that they neither increase nor decrease in number.

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I preached at London about one; and at six in Norwich.

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At seven I administered the Lord’s Supper to about one hundred and fifty persons, near twice as many as we had last year. I take knowledge that the last year’s Preachers were in earnest. Afterwards we went to our own parish church; although there was no sermon here, nor at any of the thirty-six churches in the town, save the cathedral and St. Peter’s. I preached at two. When I had done, Mr. Horne called upon me, who preached at the cathedral in the morning; an agreeable man, both in temper and person; and, I believe, much alive to God. At half an hour after five I preached again, to as many as the House would contain; and even those that could not get in stayed more quiet and silent than ever I saw them before. Indeed they all seemed to know that God was there; and I have no doubt but he will revive his work here also.

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No coach going out for Lynn today, I was obliged to take a post-chaise. But at Dereham no horses were to be had; so we were obliged to take the same horses to Swaffham. A congregation was ready here, that filled the House, and seemed quite ready to receive instruction. But here neither could we procure any post-horses; so that we were obliged to take a single-horse chaise. The wind, with mizzling rain, came full in our faces; and we had nothing to screen us from it; so that I was thoroughly chilled from head to foot before I came to Lynn. But I soon forgot this little inconvenience; for which the earnestness of the congregation made me large amends.

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In the evening all the Clergymen in the town, except one who was lame, were present at the preaching. They are all prejudiced in favor of the Methodists; as indeed are most of the townsmen; who give a fair proof by contributing so much to our Sunday-schools; so that there is near twenty pounds in hand. Wednesday, 20. I had appointed to preach at Diss; a town near Scoleton; but the difficulty was, where I could preach. The Minister was willing I should preach in the church, but feared offending the Bishop, who, going up to London, was within a few miles of the town. But a gentleman asking the Bishop whether he had any objection to it, was answered, “None at all.” I think this church is one of the largest in this county. I suppose it has not been so filled these hundred years. This evening and the next I preached at Bury, to a deeply attentive congregation, many of whom know in whom they have believed. So that here we have not lost all our labor. Friday, 22. We returned to London.

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I explained, to a numerous congregation in Spitalfields church, “the whole armor of God.” St. Paul’s, Shadwell, was still more crowded in the afternoon, while I enforced that important truth, “One thing is needful;” and I hope many, even then, resolved to choose the better part.

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