FROM THE LIBRARY OF REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON. D. D. BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO THE LIBRARY OF PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Dhrtrio:) Section 3 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from Princeton Theological Seminary Library http://archive.org/details/revjohn04wesl THE JOURNAL OF THE REV. JOHN WESLEY, A.M. v / V /// ./A /, THE JOURNAL OF THE REV. JOHN WESLEY, A.M. SOMETIME FELLOW OK LINCOLN COLLEGE, OXFORD ENLARGED FROM ORIGINAL MSS., WITH NOTES FROM UNPUBLISHED DIARIES, ANNOTA- TIONS, MAPS, AND ILLUSTRATIONS EDITED BY NEHEMIAH CURNOCK ASSISTED BY EXPERTS STANDARD EDITION Vol. IV NEW YORK: EATON & MAINS CINCINNATI : JENNINGS & GRAHAM Several of the illustrations accompanying this volume have keen reproduced from photographs taken by the Rev. Nehemiah Curnock, and others are inserted through the courtesy of friends and of the Wesley Historical Society. CONTENTS PART THE NINTH Issued in 1759 PAGE FROM NOVEMBER 2, 1751, TO OCTOBER 28, 1754 . . 3 Reply to Bishop Lavington — An Ex-Moravian — An Interlude — Journey North — John Bennet's Renunciation — West Riding — Epworth — Persecution at Hull — North Riding — Northumbria — The Dales — Whitehaven — Lancashire — Chester — Ireland — Philip Embury and Barbara Ruckle — First Irish Conference — Thomas Walsh — Cork to Bristol — Sermon Register — Ministry in London— Northern Journey — Remarkable Cases — Return to London — Walsh preaches in Irish — Isle of Wight, Cornwall, South Wales, Somerset. Wilts, and Gloucestershire— Bedford to Canterbury — Illness — Notes on the Netu Testament — Convalescence — Sir James Lowther. PART THE TENTH Issued in 1761 : another edition 176S FROM FEBRUARY 16, 17$$, TO JUNE 16, 1758 . . IO/ The Midlands — Yorkshire— The Leeds Conference — Scotland — A Strange Phenomenon — York and Sheffield — Review of the Work — Norwich — Virginia — The Covenant Service— Cornwall and the West — London and Essex — Public Affairs — Kent — Political Unrest — Howell Harris at Trevecca — Ireland— North Wales — The Thirteenth Conference — Rules of the Bands and of Kingswood School — John Fletcher — The Mayor of Bedford — Wednesbury — Liverpool — Judith Beresford — Huddersfield, Wakefield, Birstall, Heptonstall — Grimshaw— Cumberland — Dr. Gillies and Glasgow — Tyneside — Yarm, Osmotherley, Helmsley — Lincolnshire and Leicestershire — The Fourteenth Conference — Western Journey — Public Fast — Return to Ireland. vi C ati tents PART THE ELEVENTH Issued in ,764 pAGR FROM JUNE 17, 1758, TO MAY 5, 1760 . . . .275 Ireland— Fifteenth Conference — Wales— Story of a Siege — Taber- nacle at Norwich— Everton— Evangelical Leaders at Lady Huntingdon's — Foundery at Norwich — Mr. Cudworth — Boston, The Fens, and the Wolds— Baron Dykern — York Castle — Magistrates of Manchester — Cheshire— Millom Sands — Scot- land— Everton Revival — Pleasant Town of Newcastle— Colliers at Gateshead—' Original Sin ' — North and West Ridings- Work near Everton— Sir Nevil Hickman's Hall— Sixteenth Conference — West Street — French Prisoners at Knowle — General Thanksgiving — A Chancery Bill — East Anglia— Ex- periences—A Mountain Journey — Liverpool to Ireland — The Carrickfergus Raid. PART THE TWELFTH [ssued in 1767 FROM MAY 6, 1760, TO OCTOBER 28, 1 762 . . . 388 Ireland — Seventeenth Conference— Cornwall— London Chronicle — Kingswood — Newgate, Bristol— Death of George II — Lloyd's Evening Post — Colchester, Norwich, and Yarmouth — Hicks and Berridge — Pastoral Work in London — Oxford and Eve- sham— Birmingham— Shrewsbury — Bilbrook and Burslem — Northern Societies— Aberdeen Ministers and Professors — Edinburgh — Societies in the Dales — Stokesley and Guis- borough — Grimshavv and Christian Perfection — Explanation with Mr. Venn — Bristol and Kingswood— London and Canter- bury— The Society at Norwich — Sir Thomas I'Anson — Shrop- shire— Death of Grimshaw— Ireland — Through Cheshire to London — Cornwall and the West. PART THE THIRTEENTH [ssued in 1768 FROM OCTOBER 29, 1 762, TO MAY 25, 1765 . . . 535 The Maxfield Controversy — Jane Cooper — Reply to Bishop War- burton. (Continued in next volume.) NOTES On the Sermon Register ....... On the Relation of Methodism to the Church of England 106 On Wesley's Veterans ..... . 274 On Wesley's Isolation ........ 3^3 On Wesley's Influence upon National History . . 386 On Christian Perfection ......•• 534 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS the rf.v. samuel weslev, m.a. .... Frontispiece I'AGE AN EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY MAP OF IRELAND, ILLUSTRATING Lesley's itineraries Facing page i LETTER OF THE REV. SAMUEL WESLEY TO HIS SON JOHN BEFORE HIS ORDINATION Vlii FACSIMILE OF THE AGREEMENT OF JANUARY 29, 1752 . 9 TWO OF THE EARLIEST ENTRIES IN THE OSMOTHERLEY SOCIETY BOOK 25 wesley's electrical machine 49 typical open-air preaching-places of wesley: i. oxwich ; 2. bolton cross j 3. the old horse-block, high bullen, wednesbury ....... -57 bonner's hall; zoar chapel, southwark .... 127 THOMAS WALSH ...... ... l8l 'THE CABBAGE GARDEN,' DUBLIN l8l the parish church, haworth j the old parsonage, haworth j william grimshaw ; grimshaw's pulpit .... 213 specimen page of the sermon register . . . .225 early plan of the lqndon circuit 293 facsimile of michael fenwick's expulsion .... 293 the old hall of sir nevil hickman, gainsborough ; the rev. john berridge ; everton church .... 345 exterior of whitefriar street chapel, dublin j st. mary's church, dublin 375 pulpit in st. Paul's, Bedford, from which the 'great assize sermon ' was preached 403 st. Paul's church, Bedford . ..... 403 cottage preaching-places: francis ward's cottage, bridge street, wednesbury \ interior and exterior of john Clarke's cottage at oxwich ...... 443 specimen page of a manuscript hymn-book used by wesley 453 the octagon chapel, rotherham ; interior and exterior of new bounds, the residence of the l'anson family . 487 james herveyj vincent perronet ; william roma1ne ; henry VENN . . . 511 vii Tippet, iflrtf «t J tatt-pyif-etU nrfh.u rtny hum, Chr ofrv?^wtL>ft*r eufisTrVOnrdt, {n-hvu a. J^/ylf/-, fir- £ntf» ,AJa/v*, ^ JteT c£*r i^hrUn fh« ScyU*'* <*""*£* l£ J) est**- flsytjwy Jm. . LETTER OF THE REV. SAMUEL WESLEY (see FRONTISPIECE) TO HIS SON JOHN, BEFORE HIS ORDINATION. 2lfade/rvm Adita/ Surreys by ■ /'///-for &c-' t_/ former. 1r*y /?*£' M/Zi*: Xf4* /1* AM«U ,#/ die Jfjt tit-Mi' UtFn f 17 78 AN EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY MAP OF IRELAND. ILLUSTRATING WESLEY'S ITINERARIES. PART THE NINTH THE JOURNAL FROM NOVEMBER 2, 1751, TO OCTOBER 28, 1754 VOL. IV In the Colman Collection is a Sermon Register and tnanuscript hymn-book which Wesley used from 1747 to 1 762. The earlier entries in the Register are in the hand- writing oj a secretary ; the later entries Wesley has tnade himself. A study of the Register reveals interesting facts. I. On his journeys, Wesley took with him a collection of sermons and expository notes. 2. He did not win pulpit popularity on the strength of a comparatively small hand- ful of sermons. Certain sermons useful as manifestoes, as expositions of doctrine, or as means oj effectual appeal, were preached frequently. But these were supplemented by a large number of sermons neiu or newly remade. In this Register he has summarized the preaching of fifteen years thus : The services held are grouped in forty-three sets varying from 40 to 234 services in each, giving a total of sermons preached between 1747 andlj6l. A pencil note, partly obliterated, analyses the texts : Old Testament, 266; New Testament, 1,088 — a total oj 1,354. 3. The Journal minimizes the actual work done. He preached on every possible occasion, and never held a society-class or band-meeting without an exposition. The Journal says ' Preached.' We compare the date in the Register, and find three texts or more, the explanation being that he stayed the night, preaching on arrival, in the evening, expounding in a society-meeting, preaching at five the following morning, and again in the open air before leaving. The earliest entries in the year 1752 may be quoted in illustration. On Wednesday, fan. 1, he was at West Street, and used twelve texts. Even if we assume that ' Wed. Jan. I , ' in the Register, also covers Thursday and Friday, it is a fair amount of preach- ing for a delicate man in the depth of a bitter winter. Saturday he devotes to Snowsfields with nine texts ; Sunday, Jan. 5, to Spitalfields with six; Mon- day to the Foundery with eleven. It is evident that Wesley did not limit his visitation of societies to the quarterly renewal of tickets, and that he never visited a class without expounding the Scriptures. Probably also pastoral visitation in the homes of members was accom- panied by exposition . THE JOURNAL From November 2, 1 75 1 , to October 28, 1754 1751. Nov. 2, Sat. — Mr. Arvin, according to my desire, informed Mr. M that I was willing to give him twenty pounds a year for assisting me once a week. He refused it with the utmost indignation, and from that time spoke all manner of evil.1 Mon. 11. — I rode to Rochester,2 and the next day to Canter- bury, where I preached, morning and evening, in what was lately the French church.3 We had not any disturbance from first to last, the Court of King's Bench having broke the spirits of the rioters. Sat. 16. — I set out early in a clear, calm morning, and in the afternoon came to London.4 Tues. 19. — I began writing a letter to the Comparer of the Papists and Methodists.5 Heavy work, such as I should never 1 ' Sun. Nov. 3, Spitalfields ' (five s Canterbury Cathedral gave the hos- sermons or expositions). This was not pitality of its crypt to French Protestant the ' Eglise Neuve, Church Street,' the refugees from very early times. A lease of which afterwards came into the Huguenot service is still held there, possession of the Methodists, but another A French church, using the English 'dissolved' French church. In the Liturgy, met in the 'Malthouse.' This Registrar-General's Lists six (additional may have been the church of which for to Church Street) are named. This does a while Edward Perronet became pastor, not exhaust the eighteenth-century list ot and in which Wesley preached on this French Protestant congregations in Spital- occasion. The Perronets were a Hugue- fields. There is reason to believe that not family. through the Religious Societies, or by the ' 'Sun. Nov. 17, The Foundery ' (6 temporary occupancy of disused or par- texts). tially used buildings, early Methodism • Dr. George Lavington, bishop ot came into close contact with the Huguenot Exeter (1683-1762), was one of Wesley's exiles or their descendants in both East bitterest opponents. Bishop Lavington's and West London. Enthusiasm of Methodists and Papists - In the Sermon Register there is no Compared was published in three parts record of preaching during this journey —1749-51— and republished in two at Rochester, Chatham, or Brompton. volumes. ' Enthusiasm ' was the stand- John Wesley s Journal rDec. 1751. choose ; but sometimes it must be done. Well might the ancient say, ' God made practical divinity necessary, the devil controversial.' But it is necessary : we must ' resist the devil,' or he will not ' flee from us.' 1 DEC. 21, Sat. — Being informed that Mr. K ,2 for some years zealously attached to the Brethren, had now burst his chain, I had a desire to hear, from his own mouth, how he was delivered. So a day or two after I talked with him at large, and wrote down the substance of his account, that I might make ing libel on earnestness and spirituality in religion. To brand as ' Papists ' was, in that age, to cry ' Mad dog ! ' To prove that Methodist clergymen held Romanist principles was, in effect, to prove that they were plotting with the enemies of their country for the restora- tion of the Stuarts and of papal domina- tion. Bishop Lavington must have known that the keynote of Methodist preaching in the parishes of Shoreham and Haworth, of Bexley and Great St. Bartholomew's, was Justification by Faith —the doctrine of the Reformation, of the Thirty-nine Articles, of the Homilies, and of Wesley's manifesto-sermon in St. Mary's, Oxford. No doctrine was more absolutely opposed to the first principles of Romanism, and no doctrine more frequently sounded its trumpet-note in the Foundery and the Tabernacle. Bishop Lavington's attack was as pre- posterous as it was unfair. Whitefield, Wesley, Vincent Perronet and others replied. Wesley's letters, addressed directly to the bishop of Exeter, are included in the Works, vol. ix. See also below, p. 526 ; W.H.S. Proceedings, vol. iv. p. 79, and Green's Wesley Bibliography, pp. 67, 76 ; also Green's Anti-Methodist Publications, No. 213, &c. Wesley's letter to Bishop Laving- ton, we now learn, must have been written in his Newington retreat, for the Sermon Register shows that he was there on Nov. 21, also on Wednesday, Nov. 27. See also W.H.S. vol. iii. p. 23, where the Rev. T. E. Brigden shows that John Fursman, Chancellor, and William Hole, archdeacon, accompanied the bishop in his visitation to Cornwall, and evidently busied themselves in collecting the gar- bled tales about the Methodists and their sayings of which Lavington made such scurrilous use. 1 The Sermon Register shows he preached as follows: 'Sun. Dec. 1, Snowsfields ' (8 texts) ; ' Mon. Dec. 2, Mill Hill' (10 texts); 'Mon. Dec. 16, Chapel' (West Street, 6 texts) ; 'Mon. 23, Westminster' (2 texts) ; 'Wed. 25, Spitalfields ' (2 texts) ; ' Thur. and Fri. 26 and 27, Leigh,' Essex (4 texts). In November and December he wrote four letters to John Downes — preacher, mathematician, engraver, printer — one of Wesley's intimate friends. The letters {Works, vol. xii. pp. 193-6) incidentally flash light on the early societies, and on Wesley's personal relations with his preachers. - An examination of the Hutton Lists of Moravian Brethren strengthens the belief that this was William Peter Knolton (fan-maker, corner of Star Alley, Fenchurch Street), described as ' an important man,' who went to Pennsyl- vania and then left the Brethren. Thomas M'Cullagh had no doubt as to the identi- fication. He suggested the omission of the whole story as irrelevant ; but, how- ever useless the account may be in itself, its presence in the text illustrates Wesley's attitude (which may or may not be de- fensible) towards the Moravians, an historical note that cannot be ignored. Dec. 1751. An Ex- Moravian no mistake. After a few days I called upon him ; I read over to him what I had written, and desired him to tell me if I had misunderstood him in anything. And this account alone may be abundantly sufficient to pull off the mask from those cruel and deceitful men. I do not speak this of all, but of them with whom he had to do. i. I was (said he) one of the first members of the society at the Foundery ; and continued there till William Oxlee, about the latter end of the year 1740, persuaded me to join the Brethren. It was not long before I was admitted to most of their Conferences, and my love for them increased more and more, till, in the year 1741, I went over to Heerendyk. 2. Here I saw several things I did not approve, particularly the arbitrary power with which the heads of the Church governed, and the vast respect they showed to the rich, while the poor were little regarded; but I forgot all this when I returned to England, and gave myself up to their disposal. 3. I was soon after employed to collect money for repairing the chapel in Fetter Lane. The manner of the Brethren was, to write to each of those who were accustomed to hear the preaching, and desire them, if they found their hearts free, to send five or ten guineas. As many of these were not at all awakened, I thought this was quite wrong. So I told Mr. M[olther] ; but he answered me short, ' That does not concern you.' 4. I saw several other things which I could not approve ; and I spoke of them, but without effect. Some months after, Mr. Sp[angenberg] told me, ' My brother, we are going to settle an economy of children at Lamb's Inn * ; and it is the Saviour's will that you should go there and be the physician of the house.' I thought it strange, for I did not understand physic. However, I did not dare to reason ; so I went. 5. The management here gave me a great shock. Without any regard to the rules laid down, R[ichard] U[tleyJ and his wife, the directors of the economy, behaved in the most haughty and tyrannical manner.2 Those who were set over the children had no gifts for the work, and some of them little care for their own souls. Several of the children were whipped without cause, and sometimes out of measure ; by which ill management, one of mine was utterly ruined, and has had no fear of God ever since. As for me, I might give advice if I would ; ' A Moravian hoarding - school at ' I Ie married a widow who, before her Broad Oaks, in Essex, chiefly for first marriage, was Hutton's maid-servant children of members of the London (Sarah Morgan). Mr. and Mrs. Uiley Society (Memoirs of Hulton, p. 88). went to Pennsylvania. 6 John Wesley s Journal roec. 1751. but none regarded it. And when I rose one night and covered the children, who had thrown the clothes off in their sleep, Mr. U[tley] sharply reproved me before the whole family, telling me I had done what I had no business to do, adding that I was the most useless person in the whole house. I desired that, if so, I might return to London. With much difficulty they consented, and I made all haste back to my own house. 6. But I grew more and more uneasy at their management, which, the Brethren perceiving, sent me to Yorkshire. When I had been there a few days one of them told me I was to go to Great Horton in the morning, it being made out to the Brethren that I was to preach there. I was amazed, having never had one thought of preaching. Yet I did not dare to refuse, and from that time they employed me to preach, and to visit all the souls through that circuit. 7. At Holbeck we had an economy of young men. When I visited them, and examined them strictly, they declared to me so much of their onanism, wh[oredo]ms, and other abominations, that I was utterly astonished. I was constrained to rebuke them sharply ; for which, in a few days, I received a severe letter from Mr. Sp[angenberg], telling me I was destroying God's dear children instead of building them up ; and that therefore I was neither to preach nor labour any more in Yorkshire. 8. In a little while I was sent for to London, to accompany Mrs. St into Germany ; but the letter being delayed, although I ode post, she was gone before I came.1 Some time after I was appointed a member of the Committee of Six, to whom an account was to be trans- mitted by all the Labourers of all the steps which they took, either at home or abroad. One of our fundamental rules was, not to run in debt above thirty pounds ; therefore, when Mr. Sp[angenberg] brought in a bill of more than three hundred, I was exceedingly startled, and moved that the particulars of it might be given in, and that all our accounts might be clearly and fairly stated. AVenzel Neisser, being present (though not one of our members), took me up for this very severely, telling me they were servants of the Saviour, and would give no account to men. 9. I was more and more uneasy at their way of proceeding till, one day, Mr. SI 2 came to me, and asked me if I was willing to go to 1 Probably Mrs. Stonehouse, who was book, and who set hymns to music— a at Marienborn in 1 743-4, and was now quaint, shadowy, scholarly Brother of the a deaconess of the congregation in Ger- Anglo-German community in Kngland. many (Memoirs of Hut ion, p. 230). lie probably edited the 1746 ed. of the - This probably was Mr. Schlicht, who English Moravian book. See Index of about this time was ' ordinary or pastor ' 1912 ed. He is associated with Spangen- at Lamb's Hill, several of whose hymns berg, Toltschig, Neisser, and Hutton on are in the first English Moravian Hymn- occasions of importance. Dec. 1751.] An Ex- Moravian Bedford for six or eight days. I told him I was ; and in a day or two set out. But Mr. Br l told me, ' Brother K , you must not expect to do much good here ; for there is the hidden curse among the souls, which I believe arises chiefly from the practice of procuring abortion, which is so common among the women.' Nevertheless, I did find a great blessing during the two or three months that I laboured there ; but I could not stay, having a strong impression on my mind that I was to labour in Jamaica. 10. Upon my mentioning this to the Brethren they said I should go thither as soon as possible ; but it would be proper for me to go to Pennsylvania first, and spend a little time at Bethlehem. I believed they knew best ; so, in the year 1744, I quitted my shop, left all my affairs unsettled, and sailed to Pennsylvania. n. I had full employ at Bethlehem, being appointed General Preacher, and expected to bear a part in all the Conferences ; but it was not long before I was troubled more than ever, seeing so much craft and subtlety, and withal so much pride, stateliness, and tyranny in those that governed the Church. One instance, out of very many, was this : W. Harding, who came over some time before me, and was a stated preacher, had spoken to them freely and warmly of several things which he thought reprovable. Upon this he was put out of all his offices, and all the Brethren were forbid to speak to him. Being forsaken of all, he was more uneasy still ; on which the Brethren said he was mad. As such he was confined, and food was brought to him once or twice a day by two or three young men, who likewise many times beat him very severely. At length he watched his opportunity, and made his escape ; but they followed after, and took him, and a wooden house was built for him, not a quarter of a mile from the town, about ten feet square, and very dark. I was walking along near the place when they were bringing him thither. His cries and entreaties might have pierced a heart of stone. He begged that he might clean shoes, fetch them water, cleave wood, or whatever they pleased, in the open air. But it availed not ; he was shut up. About six weeks after, as they opened the door one day in order to give him some meat, he rushed out, got by them, and made toward Philadelphia with all the speed he could. Being close pursued, he ran to the river (being an excellent swimmer), leaped in, sank, and rose no more. ' Probably Mrs. James Hutton's several of which, including those of brother, Abraham Lewis Brandt, the John Cennick and Bishop Gambold, were artist of the early Anglo-German com- published by J. West, 10 Nevill's Court, munity, to whom wc are indebted for Fetter Lane {Memoirs of Hutton, p. 375, Moravian portraits and engravings, note ; also above, vol. ii. p. 10), 8 John Wesley s Journal fDec. mi 12. I was then at New York, whence I returned to Bethlehem in January 1746; but I had no rest in my spirit, till, after three weeks, I removed to Philadelphia. Here two of the Brethren and a widow woman lived in the Brethren's house. I hired a room in it, and desired the widow, as I had not convenience myself, to boil me a little water in the morning for my tea. Meantime all the Brethren in Philadelphia were charged not to converse with me. And not long after the two Brethren wrote Mr. Sp[angenberg] word that I lived in adultery with the widow. When I was informed of this, I went straight to Bethlehem, and told Mr. Sp[angenberg] the whole affair ; who immediately wrote back to them in Philadelphia that I had confessed the charge. 13. Being now thoroughly weary of mankind, I procured a little house in a wood, at some miles distant from any town, and resolved to spend the remainder of my days by myself. Here I stayed about four years, till one afternoon Mr. Sp[angenberg] and the Count's son- in-law called upon me. We talked together till two in the morning. They acknowledged many things that had been wrong, promised they should be amended without delay, and persuaded me to join with them once more. But nothing was amended ; so that, after a few months, I was constrained to leave them again. I followed my business in Philadelphia till I had earned money for my passage, and a year ago returned to London. Was there ever so melancholy an account ? Oh what is human nature ! How low are they fallen who were once burning and shining lights, spreading blessings wherever they came ! But what infatuation is it which makes this very man attend their preaching still, and his wife (though she believes most of what her husband says) 1 to remain in close connexion with them ! 2 1 The 1st ed. reads : ' Though she can- preaching-day at this mysterious spot, not believe all her husband says.' Wednesday, 15, West Street (6 texts) ; 2 Between Dec. 21, I75i,and March 15, Tuesday, 28, Deptford (2) ; Wednesday, 1752, an interval occurs which may now 29, West Street (4). Also in January be partially filled from three sources : he visits Hayes, preaching twice ; but 1. The Sermon Register described in we do not know the exact date, the prefatory note, p. 2, and published On Wednesday, Feb. 5, he is in in extenso in a later volume of this edi- Bristol (9 texts). During this month, tion, enables us to fill many of Wesley's but on days not known, he visited preaching appointments during the Sarum (3) and Reading (1). Sunday, interval. March 8, he was at Snowsfields doing On Tuesday, Jan. 7, he was in retreat the usual full day's work, at Newington. Four texts are given. 2. On January 29, 1752, an Agree- Tuesday seems to have been a regular ment was written by John Wesley and S A a >-£ &* ^/^/ ^_ ?// -. i/V^/ —* *- fits-*— rr A r» ?~i r» , w»y u' ' ' — -7T^- - /^ 9 t^- o'erTS-C- riZix. ^Z> <2ivS_~ o/?ttL-> K"v*r> e/i- X. / FACSIMILE OF THE AGREEMENT SIGNED BY JOHN AND CHARLES WESLEY AND THE PREACHERS, JANUARY Jy, I752 [see OPPOSITE). March 1752.1 At West Street in a Storm I ! 1752. MARCH 15, Sun.— While I was preaching at West signed by certain of the preachers. A facsimile of this will be found on p. 9. On March 16 a second Agreement was drawn up in the handwriting of Charles Wesley. Thomas Marriott published this document from the original in his possession (see Meth. Mag. 1847, p. 869; also Tyerman's Life of Wesley, vol. ii. pp. 137, 138). The following is the text, with the signatures : We whose names are under-written, being clearly and fully convinced, 1. That the suc- cess of the present work of God does in great measure depend on the entire union of all the labourers employed therein ; 2. That our present call is chiefly to the mem- bers of that Church wherein we have been brought up; are absolutely determined, by the grace of God, 1. To abide in the closest union with each other, and never knowingly or willingly to hear, speak, do, or suffer anything which tends to weaken that union ; 2. Never to leave the communion of the Church of England without the consent of all whose names are subjoined : Charles Wesley, John Jones, William Shent, John Downes, John Wesley, John Nelson. Similar Agreements were made at the Conferences of 1755 and 1756. See Jackson's Life of C. Wesley, vol. ii. p. 104. 3. The Commonplace Book of Mrs. Maria Frances Cecilia Cowper yields one incident that belongs (if the weather is a reliable clue) to the earlier portion of this hitherto vacant period. Her mother, Mrs. Madan, was one of Wesley's converts. Her sister, Pene- lope, married General Maitland. Her brother Martin, rich, musical, brilliant, a mimic, on his way to legal distinction, was converted as the result of a frolic. His companions in a coffee-house asked him to hear Wesley and take off ' the old Methodist.' As he entered the preaching-place Wesley was announcing his text, ' Prepare to meet thy God.' Returning to the coffee-house, Madan told his comrades, ' No, gentlemen, but he has taken me off.' Ordained through the influence of Lady Hunting- don, he became one of the leaders in the Evangelical Revival. As minister at the Lock Hospital he compiled a Collection of Psalms and Hymn-tunes, to which we are indebted for the once popu- lar setting to ' Before Jehovah's awful throne,' ' Hotham,' the recognized Methodist tune for ' Jesu, Lover of my soul,' until Dykes's ' Hollingside ' super- seded it, ' Olivers' or * Helmsley,' ' Mos- cow ' and other permanent favourites. His younger brother was Bishop Spencer Madan. Among the letters and family memoranda in Mrs. Cowper's Common- place Book are two entries that bring her mother into renewed correspond- ence, and her father, Colonel Madan, into intimate pastoral friendship, with Wesley. In spiritual perplexity arising out of the exigencies of her social duties, Mrs. Madan consulted Wesley. His reply, which will be found in the new issue of Wesley letters now preparing for publication, ranks among the finest examples of pastoral instruction on record. The other entry falls into the vacant space between Jan. 1 and March 15, 1752. Her husband, Mr. Madan, had held deistical views; but, on the occasion of a great illness at Hertingfordbury Park in 1752, he was led back to orthodox belief, and, ' having received the Blessed Sacra- ment with great awe and devotion,' he bade his wife write to their son Martin, who was gone to town for a few days, to procure him a visit from Mr. John- West ley. Mrs. Madan said, ' On his repeated commands I did this : and lie (Wesley), notwithstanding the severity of the weather (being frost and snow), set immediately out, and arrived in the morning at the Park House' Wesley remained the rest of the day with the family, conversing and praying with the sick man repeatedly, and over- coming the prejudice of some who happened to be present by his truly Christian tenderness. Mr. Westley being obliged to go again early in the day . . . was up before daybreak, and I went down to breakfast with hjm 1 2 John Wesley s Journal [March 1752. Street1 in the afternoon there was one of the most violent storms I ever remember. In the midst of the sermon great part of a house opposite to the chapel was blown down. We heard a huge noise, but knew not the cause ; so much the more did God speak to our hearts ; and great was the rejoicing of many in confidence of His protection. Between four and five I took horse, with my wife and daughter. The tiles were rattling from the houses on both sides ; but they hurt not us. We reached Hayes about seven in the evening, and Oxford the next day. Tues. 17. — The rain continued without intermission till we came to Enstone. Soon after we set out from thence it was succeeded by so vehement a wind as on Broadway Hill often drove us clear out of the path, and was ready to carry away both horse and rider. But our strength was as our day, and before six in the evening we came unhurt to Evesham. I preached in the evening at the Town Hall, where several of the clergy and gentry were present. Wed. 18. — I rode over with Mr. to his house,2 which I had not seen for upwards of twenty years. The place I found, (and one who had accompanied him in this ' On the same day he preached at journey) and made such acknowledgements Snowsfields. as I thought justly due for his great goodness ., extreme probability is that the and humanity, in every instance so strongly f ,,,,'< rrir,_ nvpr impressed, through the course of this short Mr. with whom Wesley rode over but edifying visit— which many would have to his house' was his old friend the thought the unusual severity of the weather Rgv R0Dert Kirkham, who succeeded a sufficient reason at least to have delayed. ^ fa[her (Lionel Kirkham) in the family Rut ' the faith that worketh by love finds no \ , , j___ __« difficulties in the path that leads to Christian living of Stanton, though he docs not charity appear (for some not very clearly denned Mr. Madan recovered. For a time reason) to have taken actual possession his religious impressions seemed to of the living until January i754- That decrease, but in his last illness in the rectory remained in the possession 17S6 earnestness returned, and his wife of the Kirkham family after the father s bu ied him in sure and certain hope. death we know from Charles Wes.eys See WH.S vol. v. pp. 142-5 (which Journal, March 30, 1737- Whether the was indebted to Rev. F H. Benson and ' aunt' referred to in the text was aunt Prof T E. B. Mayor, of Cambridge) for or sister to Robert we have no means these valuable extracts. of ascertaining ; or whether she ,s to A long letter, written on Dec. 20, to be identified with the Mrs. S. K. whose •A Friend' {Arm. Mag. i779. P- 3»- wedding Wesley attended ,n 1725-6 we 17), belongs to this interval; also the cannot say. See above vol. .1 ; p. 53 ; also, Preface to the Works of Mr. John Smith for the Kirkham family, WH.S. vol. y. ( Works, vol. xiv. p. 230, in 1831 ed. p. P- 54 : of. notice of Dr. A. Leger on this 245), written on March to. edition ofWesley's Journal, vol. vm.p. i47- March 1752.] Revisiting Old Scenes 13 but not the inhabitants. Most of them were gone to their long home. I saw not one whom I knew but Mr. 's aunt, who could not long forbear telling me how sorry she was that I should leave all my friends to lead this vagabond life. Why, indeed it is not pleasing to flesh and blood ; and I would not do it if I did not believe there was another world. Our dispute did not con- tinue long, and ended in much love. Mr. rode back with me to Evesham, attended the preaching both at seven and at five in the morning, and walked with me from the room after sermon ; but it was some time before he could speak. He then broke out, ' I am to take care of two thousand souls, and I never yet knew how to take care of my own ! ' I left him full of conviction and good resolutions. How many days will they continue ? Thur. 19. — I rode to Birmingham, and, from the behaviour of the people, both this and the following evening, found reason to hope that some of the seed which has been sown here will bear lasting fruit. Sat. 21. — I rode to Wednesbury, where Mr. , Vicar of , had appointed to meet me.1 I rejoiced to find so great a change. Since he has known the pardoning love of God he has been swiftly going on from faith to faith, and growing not in knowledge only, but in love. Sun. 22. — After preaching at five I returned to Birming- ham.2 Many were much afraid of my preaching in the street, expecting I know not what mischief to be done. Vain fear ! I saw not one person behave amiss while I declared, ' There is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.' At one I preached at Tipton Green to a large congregation, though the wind was ready to cut us in two ; and about five to ' The society, by this time, had sue- ' The society, still in Steelhouse Lane, ceeded in renting a large room near to had enlarged its borders from a room in the present Bell Inn, Church Street, a dwelling-house to an independent out- which they continued to use till 1760. building. Fears of mischief were doubt- At this time, and until 1782, the Rev. less based on recent hostilities, when an Edward Best was vicar of Wednesbury attack was made upon the room, the pulpit and incumbent of Bilston, a Christian and many seats being taken and burned, gentleman and county justice, who ' Some of the principal inhabitants ' ' scorned to arouse the brutal passions assisted the constable in dispersing the of his parishioners against ' Wesley rioters {Early Meth. in Birmingham. {Meth. Rec. March 21, 1901) p. 18). 14 John Wesley 's Journal [March 1752. a much larger at Wednesbury, where, in spite of all the wiles of Satan and the cunning craftiness of men, the plain, genuine gospel runs and is glorified. Mon. 23. — I spent an agreeable hour with Mr. , curate of W ' ; an honest, upright man, I verily believe, and willing to know the whole counsel of God. In the evening I preached to a small, serious congregation at Bilbrook. The storm of wind, snow, and hail was ready for us in the morning, almost as soon as we set out, and continued most part of the day. When we had heaths or commons to cross, it was not easy to sit a horse, especially as the wind was full in our teeth. However, we reached Poole (two miles from Nantwich) in the evening, and found a congregation gathered from many miles round, several of whom sat up all night for fear of losing the morning sermon. Wed. 25. — After preaching at five and at nine, I rode on to Alpraham, where a large congregation of serious, sensible people attended, both at one and at seven in the evening.2 Thur. 26. 3 — We rode on through wind and snow, and reached Manchester. At night I was grieved to hear, in all places, from my coming into Cheshire till now, that John Bennet was still speaking all manner of evil ; averring, wherever he came, that Mr. W[esley] preached nothing but Popery, denying justification by faith, and making nothing of Christ. Lord, lay not this sin to his charge ! Fri. 27 (being Good Friday). — \ went to the old church, where Mr. Clayton read prayers ; I think the most distinctly, solemnly, and gracefully of any man I have ever heard ; and the behaviour of the whole congregation was serious and solemn in every part of the service. But I was surprised to see such a change in the greater part of them as soon as ever the sacra- 1 There seems to be a misprint here. of St. John's Church in that town, where, W is probably to be construed as according to tradition, Wesley preached. ' Dudley,' in which case the ' curate ' The data as to Mr. Clement are due to would be the Rev. Benjamin Clement, the courtesy of Mr. A. A. Rollason. B.A., who was in other ways indebted to 2 On the 25th he wrote a letter to the Wesley's teaching. In 1752 he was head society at Monyash. John Bennet, who master of Dudley Grammar School, and had left him, was troubling the Derby- curate of St. Edmund's Church. He shire societies {Works, vol. xii. p. 267). afterwards became head master of Wol- * On this day he also preached at verhampton Grammar School and vicar Booth Bank. Marcni762.] John Bennet 's Renunciation 15 ment was over.1 They were then bowing, courtesying, and talking to each other, just as if they were going from a play. On Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday I spoke severally to each member of the society ; and found reason, after the strictest search, to believe that there was not one disorderly walker therein. Tues. 31. — T[homas] Mfitchell] gave me a full account of J[ohn] B[ennet]'s2 renouncing all connexion with me; adding, 1 On the 30th of December last, after he had said many bitter things of you to the congregation at Bolton, he spread out his arms, and cried, [three times] " Popery ! popery ! popery ! I have not been in connexion with him these three years, neither will I be any more." And the same thing he said to all the stewards, at the Quarterly Meeting on New Year's Day.' 3 1 May we infer that Wesley adminis- tered the sacrament, or assisted his old friend ? ' John Bennet had been continued by Wesley in the itinerant work. See .Minutes, vol. i. p. 709. Of the Con- ference beginning March 8, 1750, we have no detailed account ; but there can be no doubt as to Bennet's reappoint- ment. Not long after, he wrote to White- field, complaining of Wesley's discipline and doctrines, probably in the hope that Whitefield would invite his co-operation. Whitefield's reply (June 27, 1750) gave him good advice but no encouragement (Whitefield's Works, vol. ii. p. 362). Bennet was present at a meeting of preachers convened in Leeds by Charles Wesley in September 1 75 1. The following notices of Bennet are given by Jackson in his Charles Wesley, taken from his manuscript Journal : Sept. 11, 1751.— I began to speak on the work and trials of a preacher. . . . This conversation lasted till one. I carried Mr. Griinshaw, Milner, and Bennet to dinner at Miss Norton's. . . . Sept. 12. — I took horse with Mr. Grimshaw, Milner, Shent, Bennet for Birstall .... and concluded the happy day with John Bennet in prayer. Sept. 13.— 1 let him preach in the morning, which he did to the satisfaction of all. . . . Sept. 14. — 1 heard John Bennet again. He spake eound words that could not be reproved. These sentences are selected from a much longer fragment of Charles Wesley's ' private Journal,' the MS. of which was in Thomas Jackson's possession when he wrote Charles Wesley's biography, and is there printed in full, but has now dis- appeared. See the new edition of Charles Wesley's Journal, in which Jackson's version of the missing fragment is pub- lished. Charles does not appear to have been aware of Bennet's disaffection. Thomas Mitchell, one of the preachers, was present at the meeting in Bolton when Bennet renounced his connexion with Wesley, and drew after him the larger part of the society. Two years after his secession he settled as an in- dependent minister at Warburton, a small village near Warrington. There he died in 1759, aged forty-five years. Grace, his widow, after several years, rejoined the Methodists. For many years she lived a saintly and useful life among her own people, and left a family name which has been held in honour not only among the Methodists but also in the Church of England. n On April 2 Wesley preached three times in Bolton. In John Bennet's Journal, under April 1, he records an interview with Wesley concerning the deeds of the new house at Bolton. See Musgrave's Bolton Methodism, p. 16; also below, p. 32. 16 John Wesley s Journal [April 1752. April 3, Fri. — I rode to Bank House,1 near Rochdale, where T[homas] Mitchell gave me the following account : On Sunday, August 4 last, I preached at Wrangle,2 at five in the morning, as usual. About six two constables came, and carried me to a public-house, where I was kept till near four in the afternoon. Then one of them said he would go and ask the minister whether they might not let me go. Upon his return they brought me out to a large mob, who carried me and threw me into a standing water ; and as often as I tried to come out, they pitched me in again. At last some of them said I should come out, and kept the others off till I got up the bank. I found myself very happy all the time, for I knew I was in the Lord's hand. I got back to the house where I lodged, and went to bed. But in less than an hour the mob came again, broke open the doors of the house and the chamber, and dragged me away with them. They carried me to a great pond, which was railed round, being ten or twelve feet deep. Then four men took me up by my legs and arms. I felt the flesh shrink a little at first ; but it was soon over, and I did not care whether I lived or died, just as pleased the Lord. They swung me backward and forward two or three times, and then threw me as far as they could into the water. The fall took away my senses, so that I felt nothing more ; but some that did not care to have me drowned, when I came above water, catching hold of my clothes with a long pole, pulled me out. I lay senseless for some time. When I came to myself I saw many people about me. One of them helped me up and bade me go with him. He brought me to a little house, and put me to bed ; but I had not laid long before the mob came again, pulled me out of bed, and drove me before them, almost naked, to the end of the parish, where they left me. I made shift to get on to a place three miles off, where I got to bed again, and slept in peace.3 Sun. 5. — About one I preached at Birstall. Observing that several sat on the side of the opposite hill,4 I afterward 1 Bank House farm at Bagslate, two Bailey, to whom Wesley wrote a re- miles north of Rochdale. ' Blomley's markable letter in which he claimed re- Bam ' was the preaching-house — an dress and religious freedom (see above, illustrious place in the history of early vol. iii. p. 533). The Court of King's Methodism in Rochdale. See Meth. Bench, on appeal, gave protection to the Rec. Aug. 24, 1905, Jan. 18, 1906, persecuted Methodists. Mar. 10, 1910. ' The Sermon Register gives Leek in ' Also spelt ' Rangdale.' This, April, at which he preached, apparently obviously, is another version ot the early in the month ; also Mirfield, Hali- tragic story of Thomas Mitchell's en- fax, Haworth, Leeds, Fersley, Bradford, counter with ' the lions of Wrangle.' Ferry. Their leader was the Rev. Richard * Called Brown Hill. Apm 1752.] In tfie West Riding 17 desired one to measure the ground ; and we found it was seven score yards from the place where I [had] stood. Yet the people there heard perfectly well. I did not think any human voice could have reached so far. Between four and five I preached in our new house ' at Leeds ; but it was so full, consequently so hot, and my voice was so damped by the breath of the people, that I suppose many could not hear." Wed. 8. — We rode to Heptonstall, a little town on the round top of a very high mountain, with a steep descent on every side. I preached in a vacant place on the brow of the hill. A captain who came from the minister's house laboured much to divert the attention of the people, but none regarded him at all. When we went away he followed us down the hill. One took him by the hand, and spoke a few words ; on which he shook like a leaf, and said he hoped this would be a happy day for him, and that he should think more than he had done in time past. Fri. 10. — I preached at Dewsbury,3 where the case of the vicar and his curate will not soon be forgotten. After a con- versation I had with the vicar, above three years ago, he was deeply serious, till he conversed again with rich and honourable men, who soon cured him of that distraction. Yet in a while he relapsed, and was more serious than ever, till he was taken ill. The physician made light of his illness, and said he would do well enough if they did but keep those Methodists from him. ' In May 1751 he had preached within ii. pp. 21-2, 143. The story of the vicars the walls. See above, vol. iii. p. 526. and curates of Dewsbury has interesting * On April 7 he preached at Halifax points of contact with the history of and Haworth, and at Mirfield on the Methodism in the town. Wesley is said 10th. to have preached Robson's funeral 3 Dewsbury Methodism has been well sermon. Matthew Powley, vicar from served by its chroniclers. This is the 1 777 to 1806, was presented to the living more fortunate because bom early times by the King at the desire of Lord Dart- it became a strong centre of Yorkshire mouth. He was denied all college Methodism. For studies of early Metho- preferment at Oxford because of his dist life and other reliable information evangelical views. He married Miss see J. Riley Robinson's Dewsbury, pp. Unwin, of Huntingdon, and is men- 39, 41, 45 ; Historical and Biographical tioned in Cowper's Letters. For Charles Notices, by ('•. G. Waddington, Dews- Wesley's visits to Dewsbury and contact bury, 1886 ;also Life 0/ C. oj Huntingdon, with the clergy see his Journal, Oct. 21 vol. i. pp. 276, 291, 301, 378, 428 ; vol. 1746, and Oct. 12, 1756. 1 8 John Wesley s Journal [April 1702. They did so. However, in a few days he died,1 and, according to his own express order, was carried to the grave at seven in the morning by eight poor men (whom he had named), and buried on the north side of the church. The curate who buried him,2 sickening the same week, insisted that the Metho- dists should not be kept from him. About ten days after, he died, and, according to his desire, was, about the same hour, carried also by eight poor men, and laid in a grave close to that of Mr. Robson.3 Sat. 11. — I preached at R , once a place of furious riot and persecution ; but quiet and calm since the bitter rector is gone to give an account of himself to God.4 Sun. 12. — I came to Wakefield as the bells were ringing in, and went directly to Mr. W[ilson] 5 in the vestry. The behaviour of the congregation surprised me. I saw none light, none careless or unaffected, while I enforced ' What is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul ? ' Hath not God the hearts of all men in His hand ? Who would have expected to see me preaching in Wakefield Church to so attentive a congregation a few years ago, when all the people were as roaring lions, and the honest man c did not dare to let me preach in his yard lest the mob should pull down his houses ! Mon. 13. — In the evening I preached at Sheffield, in the shell of the new house. All is peace here now, since the trial at York, at which the magistrates were sentenced to rebuild the house which the mob had pulled down. Surely the magistrate has been the minister of God to us for good ! Tues. 14. — I went to B ,7 whence the vicar, Mr. Drake, had sent a messenger on purpose to desire he might see me. I 1 April 14, 1749. to early morning preaching in Leeds and 2 ' Rev. James Medley, curate of to a service later in the day at R . Dewsbury, died May 2, 1749, aged Wesley often preached twice in the early twenty-eight.' morning, at five and eight. 3 Wesley preached at Skircoat Green '' Rev. Benjamin Wilson, M.A., vicar, in April. Cf. above, vol. iii. p. 368. s Francis Scott. See above, vol. iii. 1 The Sermon Register gives 'April p. 368. 11, Leeds,' with two texts. But Wesley's ' According to the Sermon Register, secretary may have omitted to insert about this time he preached at Ewood, ' R ' or possibly this entry refers Grimshaw's home. Apru 1752] /* and Around Eptvorth 19 found him in deep distress for the loss of his wife, mixed with strong desires after God. Hearing I was going to preach at Rotherham,1 he offered to go with me. He seemed to stagger at nothing ; though as yet his understanding is not opened. Oh that he may not rest till it is ! Wed. 15. — I rode on toward Epworth.2 But I was nigh shipwrecked in sight of the port. Attempting to ride over the common the nearest way, my mare was quickly imbogged. But being lively and strong, she made a shift to get out, and I was glad to go round by Torne Bank. Thur. 16. — I walked over to Burnham.3 I had no thought of preaching there, doubting if my strength would allow of preaching always thrice a day, as I had done most days since I came from Evesham ; but, finding a house full of people, I could not refrain. Still, the more I use my strength, the more I have. I am often much tired the first time I preach in a day ; a little the second time ; but, after the third or fourth, I rarely feel either weakness or weariness. Fri. 17. — I called on the gentleman who told me he was ' sinner enough,' 4 when I preached first at Epworth on my father's tomb, and was agreeably surprised to find him strong in faith, though exceeding weak in body. For some years, he told me, he had been rejoicing in God, without either doubt or fear ; and was now waiting for the welcome hour when he should ' depart and be with Christ.' Sat. 18. — I preached at Belton, and felt an uncommon de- gree of the presence of God among a handful of poor, despised people. Oh how precious is the least of these in His sight who bought them with His own blood ! Sun. 19. — At eight I preached at Clay worth, where, a year ago, the mob carried all before them. But an honest Justice quelled them at once ; so that they are now glad to be quiet and mind their own business. At one I preached at Misterton to a deeply attentive con- ' See Everett's Meth. in Sheffield, p. 89. Wesley wrote to Blackwell from Ep- 2 The Sermon Register gives 'Bunham' worth: 'All his cows are dead, and all and Belton for April 15. Probably this his horses but one; and all his meadow should be April 16 and 18. land has been under water these two 1 His brother-in-law, R. Ellison, was years' {Works, vol. xii. p. 176). now reduced to poverty. On the 16th ' See above, vol. iii. p. 23. VOL. IV 2 20 John Wesley s Journal iApnii752. gregation assembled from all parts, and between four and five at Epworth Cross. The congregation here was somewhat lessened by a burial at Belton, that of poor Mr. R[ichar]d P[opplewe]ll 1 ; emphatically poor,2 though, while he lived, he possessed (not enjoyed) at least a thousand pounds a year. Mon. 20. — I rode by Hainton 3 to Coningsby. The next day I preached at Wrangle, where we expected some disturbance, but found none. The light punishment inflicted on the late rioters (though their expense was not great, as they submitted before the trial), has secured peace ever since. Such a mercy it is to execute the penalty of the law on those who will not regard its precepts ! So many inconveniences to the innocent does it prevent, and so much sin in the guilty. Wed. 22. — I rode to Grimsby. The crowd was so great in the evening that the room was like an oven. The next night I preached at the end of the town, whither almost all the people, rich and poor, followed me, and I had a fair opportunity of closely applying that weighty question, ' Lord, are there few that be saved ? ' 4 Fri. 24. — We rode by a fine seat,6 the owner of which (not much above fourscore years old) says he desires only to live thirty years longer : ten to hunt, ten to get money (having at present but twenty thousand pounds a year), and ten years to repent. Oh that God may not say unto him, ' Thou fool, this night shall thy soul be required of thee ! ' When I landed at the quay in Hull,6 it was covered with people inquiring, ' Which is he ? Which is he ? ' But they only stared and laughed ; and we walked unmolested to Mr. A 's house. 1 His mural tablet is in Belton Church. Sarah Snowdcn, by W. L. Thornton, See W.H.S. vol. v. p. 197. Meth. Mag. 1837, pp. 8S5 sqq., where a 2 See W.H.S. vol. v. p. 115. full account of the early history of Hull 's But he preached there. Methodism is given. See below, pp. 330, * This illustrates the extent of his 331). When John Pawson was eighteen work outside the Journal limits. He (1755) he found the Methodists in an preached at Grimsby four sermons, not * obscure place ' in Hull (E.M.P. vol. ii. two. p. 3). A chapel was built in 1 760, and ten '■" Probably he refers to Brockesby. years later it was superseded by a larger ' The pioneer of Hull Methodism was building. In 1771 Manor Alley Chapel Mrs. Elizabeth Blow, who crossed the was built, it is said, on the site of the Humber from Grimsby (see W.M. Mag. gateway tower of the town house of De 1898, p. 483 ; also Memoirs of Mrs. la Poles. April 1762.1 Persecution at Hull 21 I was quite surprised at the miserable condition of the fortifications, far more ruinous and decayed than those at Newcastle, even before the rebellion. It is well there is no enemy near. I went to prayers at three in the old church ] — a grand and venerable structure. Between five and six the coach called, and took me to Myton Car,2 about half a mile from the town. A huge multitude, rich and poor, horse and foot, with several coaches, were soon gathered together ; to whom I cried with a loud voice and a composed spirit, ' What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul ? ' Some thousands of the people seriously attended, but many behaved as if possessed by Moloch. Clods and stones flew about on every side, but they neither touched nor disturbed me. When I had finished my discourse, I went to take coach ; but the coachman had driven clear away. We were at a loss till a gentlewoman invited my wife and me to come into her coach. She brought some inconveniences on herself thereby, not only as there were nine of us in the coach, three on each side, and three in the middle, but also as the mob closely attended us, throwing in at the windows (which we did not think it prudent to shut) whatever came next to hand. But a large gentlewoman who sat in my lap screened me, so that nothing came near me. The mob, who were increased to several thousands, when I stepped out of the coach into Mr. A 's house, perceiving I was escaped out of their hands, revenged themselves on the windows with many showers of stones, which they poured in, even into the rooms four stories high. Mr. A walked through them to the mayor's house, who gave him fair words but no assistance — probably not knowing that himself (the mayor) might be compelled to make good all the damage which should be done. He then went in quest of constables, and brought two with him about nine o'clock. With their help he so thoroughly dispersed the mob that no two of them were left 1 Holy Trinity, the vicar of which was * The unenclosed lands stretched from the Rev. William Mason, father of Mason the town in the direction of what is now the poet, whom Wesley regarded as ' full known as ' Pottery ' {Hull Methodism, as good a poet ' as Gray. pp. 7, 8). 2 2 John Wesley s Journal [Apm 1752. together ; but they rallied about twelve, and gave one charge more, with oaths, and curses, and bricks, and stones. After this all was calm, and I slept sound till near four in the morning. About five, Saturday the 25th, we took horse, and made to Pocklington.1 I was sorry, when I found it was the fair-da)', that notice had been given of my preaching ; especially when I heard there was no society, and scarce any one awakened in the town. The unusual bitterness of several who met us in the street made the prospect still more unpromising. How- ever, I went to see the room provided for preaching, but found it was not above five yards square. I then looked at a yard which was proposed ; but one circumstance of this I did not like. It was plentifully furnished with stones — artillery ready at hand for the devil's drunken companions. Just then it began to rain, upon which a gentleman offered a large, commodious barn. Thither I went without delay, and began preaching to a few, who increased continually. I have known no such time since we left London. Their tears fell as the rain. None opposed or mocked, so that these made full amends for the behaviour of those at Hull. The man and his wife at whose house we dined had been bitterly persecuted both by his and her mother. These were some of the first whose hearts were touched. Immediately after preaching they came up into the room where we were, and confessed, with many tears, how eagerly they had opposed the truth of God, and troubled their children for adhering to it. How wise are all the ways of God ! Had it not been fair-day, these had not been here. Yet some of our company had dreadful forebodings of what was to be at York. A worthy Justice of the Peace (doubtless to quiet the mob there) had just caused to be cried about the streets, stuck up in public places, and even thrown into many houses, part of the Comparison between the Papists and Methodists? Perhaps this might be the occasion of some bitter curses which were given us almost as soon as we entered the gates ; but the vain words of those Rabshakehs returned into their own bosoms. 1 For Methodism in Pocklington see ■ Lavington's attack, originally pub- Meth Rec. Feb. 1 8, 1 909. lished in three parts. See above, p. 3. Apm 1782.] In the North Riding 23 I began preaching at six. The chapel x was filled with hearers, and with the presence of God. The opposers opened not their mouths. The mourners blessed God for the consolation.2 Sun. 26. — At seven God was with us as before, and His word brake the rocks in pieces. We left York about nine, as quietly as we came, and rode to Acomb.3 Mon. 27. — We reached Osmotherley. After preaching in the evening I was desired to visit a person who had been an eminent scoffer at all religion, but was now, they said, ' in a strange way.' I found her in a strange way indeed, either raving mad or possessed of the devil. The woman herself affirmed that the devil had appeared to her the day before, and, after talking some time, leaped upon and grievously tormented her ever since. We prayed with her. Her agonies ceased ; she fell asleep, and awakened in the morning calm and easy.4 Tues. 28. — About noon we reached Stokesley, where I found none had ever yet preached abroad. Samuel Larwood5 had attempted it, but in vain ; and so had Mr. [William] Roberts, some time after ; but a clergyman came at the head of a large mob and obliged him to desist. About one the person in whose house we were came in trembling, and told us what threatenings were breathed out. I answered, ' Then there is no time to lose,' and went out immediately. I suppose the mob expected to hear us sing ; but they were disappointed, for I began preaching without delay. By this means, missing their signal, they came, not in a body, but two or three at a time ; and as fast as they came their minds were changed, so that all were quiet from the beginning to the end. 1 In College Street, near the Bedern. ing : ' Laid out for Mr. John Wesley, It belonged to the Countess of Hunting- Wife, daughter, William Shent and don, and was only borrowed by Wesley John Haime, 5*. 2d.' See p. 25. For an on this occasion. interesting account of this, the oldest : On March 25 he also preached at Stewards' Book in existence, see W.H.S. Poppleton. vol. iii. p. 89. * The place where the ' gentlemen ' of s See below, p. 140. He was at the York so brutally treated John Nelson. Bristol Conference of 1745 {Works, vol. See above, vol. iii. p. 290. viii. p. 281). For his work in Ireland see ' Tradition calls her Elizabeth Whit- Crookshank, vol. i., Index, especially field. See Wesley Studies, p. 224. In p. 25. Atmore is brief (Memorial, the Osmotherley Stewards' Book, under p. 239; see also E.M.P. vol. i. p. 246, date April 28, 1752, appears the follow- vol. ii. p. 10). 24 John Wesley s Journal rMayi762. It rained all the way we rode to Stockton ; but was fair all the time I stood in the main street, and explained to a listening multitude the joy that is in heaven ' over one sinner that repenteth.' Wed. 29. — I preached at Durham to a quiet, stupid con- gregation, and the next day went on to Newcastle.1 On Friday and Saturday we enjoyed a little respite from labour, and were refreshed both in soul and body. MAY 3, Sun. — We had the best-dressed congregation that ever I saw in this place. I spoke very plain, yet all were patient, and looked as if they understood what was said.2 Sat. 9. — I rode to Sunderland,3 where I found one of the liveliest societies in the north of England. This is the effect of their being so much ' under the law ' as to scruple, one and all, the buying even milk on a Sunday. The house hardly contained the people at five the next morning. At eight and at twelve I preached in the street, none opposing or interrupting. About four I began at Newcastle, near the Keelmen's Hospital. It was just as I expected. Many who had turned back from the holy commandment once delivered to them flocked together, and seemed convinced that God was still ready to return and leave a blessing behind Him. Mon. 11. — After preaching at Morpeth in my way, though with little present effect, I rode on to Alnwick, and preached at the Cross4 to a far more numerous and more serious congregation. Wed. 13. — I rode to Berwick; and, after preaching, desired all who had been of the society to meet me. I spoke to seventeen, who were thoroughly willing to unite again ; and (what was remarkable) all of them still retained a sense of the 1 The Sermon Register also gives for bishop of Exeter (Worts, vol. ix. p. 61). April, Shecphill, Warcla, 'Kighley' On May 5 he preached at Morpeth. (Keighley), Swalwell (apparently en :1 The services were held in the north- roule) ; and, on Thursday, April 30, west coiner of a lane adjoining Ettrick Newcastle. Garth, or Chipchase Street. See Meth. 2 Fourteen texts are entered under Rec. March 13, 1902 ; IV. M. Mag. May 3 for Newcastle. They represent 1910, p. 885. The Sermon Register his work in Newcastle during this visit, has no reference to Sunderland in 1752. filling the gap between May 3 and 9. ' But not there alone. Five texts are On May 8 he wrote to Lavington, entered. p? 1 ^ -s I , X <5 I - c v. Pi z1 $ ".I . s v \, f ^ Sxvc ). v vl". --' "i -' a S 5 25 May 1762.! In Northumbria 27 pardoning love of God, although they were convinced they had suffered great loss by a famine of the word. Thar. 14. — At five the soldiers made a considerable part of the congregation. At noon they came again in troops. One of them, T W , came last year from the Highlands, and went through Westmorland to beat up for recruits. He had been earnestly warned, before he left Scotland, on no account to go near the Methodists. But in Kendal he lighted on two or three ; from which time they were not one day asunder. It was not long before God clearly assured him of His pardoning love. A fortnight after he was ordered to follow the regiment to Berwick, where he is continually ex- horting his comrades to be ' good soldiers of Jesus Christ.' And many already have listed under His banner. Fri. 15.— In the afternoon I preached at Alnmouth. How plain an evidence have we here that even our outward work, even the societies, are not of man's building ! With all our labour and skill, we cannot, in nine years' time, form a society in this place ; even though there is none that opposes, poor or rich : nay, though the two richest men in the town, and the only gentlemen there, have done all which was in their power to further it. Sat. 16. — I rode on to the poor colliers at Plessey.1 When we came hither first, John Lane, then nine or ten years old, was one of the first who found peace with God. From that hour he continued to walk day and night in the light of His countenance. I saw him last year, longing to be with Christ ; but he was detained here a little longer, that he might witness ' a good confession ' in death as well as in life. He praised God as long as he had breath, and was buried a day or two before I came. Sun. 17 (being Whit Sunday). — I preached in the morning at Gateshead to a huge congregation, on our Lord's words, 'If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink.' About five I began near the Keelmen's Hospital, many thousands standing round or sitting on the grass. The wind was high just before, but scarce a breath was felt all the time we were 1 Seaton, Gateshead Fell, Gateshead, Garth Heads, and Barnard Castle, are also in the Sermon Register. 28 John Wesley s Journal [May 1752. assembled before God. I praised God for this also. Is it enthusiasm to see God in every benefit which we receive ? Mon. 18. — I preached at Newlands, and endeavoured to remove the offences which had crept in among the simple people. In the evening I preached at Sheep Hill.1 It rained all the time, but that little disturbed either the congregation or me. Tues. 19. — I preached at Whickham, before Mrs. Armstrong's door. I was a little surprised at the account she gave of God's late dealings with her. When her ancient husband, with whom she had lived from her youth, was, on account of a debt con- tracted by his son, hurried away, and thrown into Durham Jail — which soon put an end to his life ; when she was likely to lose all she had, and to be turned out of doors at fourscore years of age ; still the oracles of God, which she had loved from a child, were her delight and her counsellors. But one day, when she put on her spectacles to read, she could not see a word. She was startled at first ; but soon said, ' It is the Lord ; let Him do what seemeth Him good.' She laid her spectacles down, and casting her eye on the corner of the Bible, thought she could discern some letters. Taking up the book, she read as well as her daughter could, and from that hour she could not only read without spectacles, but sew, or thread the finest needle, with the same ease as when she was thirty years of age. Wed. 20. — I preached at Biddick to a multitude of colliers, though it rained hard all the time. They seemed all, even some who had long drawn back, to be melted down as wax before the fire. So strong and general an influence on a congregation I do not remember to have seen for some years.2 Sun. 24. — The congregation at the Keelmen's Hospital was far too large for my voice to command. I doubt not more than two-thirds could hear, but all were still till I commended them to the grace of God. Mon. 25. — We rode to Durham, and thence, through very 1 The Sermon Register gives Wid- ( Works, vol. xii. p. 177). He consults drington for May. the leading layman in London Methodism - On May 21 he returned to Newcastle, on his Book affairs. The Newcastle and on the 23rd preached at Gateshead Methodists, he says, ' are plain, artless, Fell and wrote a letter to Blackwell and simple of heart.' Ma? i752.i In the Dales 29 rough roads and as rough weather, to Barnard Castle.1 I was exceeding faint when we came in ; however, the time being come, I went into the street, and would have preached, but the mob was so numerous and so loud that it was not possible for many to hear. Nevertheless, I spoke on, and those who were near listened with huge attention. To prevent this, some of the rabble fetched the engine, and threw a good deal of water on the congregation ; but not a drop fell on me. After about three-quarters of an hour, I returned into the house.2 Tues. 26. — At five the preaching-house would not contain one half of the congregation. Many stood at the door and windows — far more than could hear. When I come again, perhaps they will hear while they may. We rode hence to Weardale. I had been out of order all night, and found myself now much weaker. However, I trusted in the Strong for strength, and began preaching to a numerous congregation ; and I did not want strength till I had finished my discourse, nor did the people want a blessing. In the evening we came to Allendale, and found the poor society wellnigh shattered in pieces. Slackness and offence had eaten them up. When I came into the room 1 was just like one of them, having neither life nor strength, and being scarce able either to speak or to stand. But immediately we had a token for good. In a moment I was well. My voice and strength were entirely restored, and I cried aloud, ' How shall I give thee up, Ephraim ? ' The mountains again flowed down at His presence, and the rocks were once more broken in pieces. Wed. 27. — I preached at Clifton, near Penrith, to a civil people, who looked just as if I had been talking Greek. The next day we went on to Lorton,3 a little village lying in a green, 1 He preached at Chester-le-Street en Rev. Thomas S. Monkhouse, seized the route. In 1747 Joseph Cheeseborough, nozzle and diverted the stream of water a native of Barnard Castle, became from Wesley (Life of T. S. Monkhouse, acquainted with the Methodists in Leeds, p. 4). In May Wesley preached at Miller where he was then residing. On his Barn (see below, p. 32, which may removal to his native town he began to have been a second visit), tell his neighbours of the new life. He ' See Wordsworth's poem, ■ Yew- found a helper in Mrs. Catherine Graves, trees ' : who had travelled with Whitefield in Scotland, and settled in Barnard Castle. ™"? is a ^"'J"' prid? of Lo'ton Vale- c m „i d m- t».t o Which to this day stands single, in the bee Meth. Rec. Winter No., 1900, p. 84. midst ' John Monkhouse, grandfather of the Of its own darkness, as it stood of yore. 30 John Wesley s Journal tJune 1752. fruitful valley, surrounded by high mountains, the sides of which are covered with grass and woods, and the bottom watered by two small rivers. Here I found myself much out of order again. However, at six I preached to a very large and serious congrega- tion. The ministers of Lorton and of the next parish were among them, that they might hear and judge for themselves. Fri. 29. — I preached at noon to a very different congregation, in the Castleyard at Cockermouth. However, they behaved with decency, none interrupting or making any noise. About five we reached Whitehaven. After a little rest, I went to the room ; but it was rather to be seen than heard. However, I spoke as I could for about half an hour, and then immediately went to bed. But I could not sleep, having a violent flux, with a fever, and continual pain in my stomach. Yet at twelve I fell into a doze, and from that time began to recover. On Sunday \ in the afternoon, I ventured to church, and in the evening preached as I was able.1 June i, Mon. — I examined the society, and praised God on their behalf. Tues. 2. — I rode to Seaton, a town of colliers, ten measured miles from Whitehaven. The poor people had prepared a kind of pulpit for me, covered at the top and on both sides, and had placed a cushion to kneel upon of the greenest turf in the country. But my voice was still so low that I fear not half of those who were present could hear. Wed. 3. — I was able to preach again in the morning. One of our friends, who was master of a ship, purposing to set sail on Thursday the 4th for Dublin, I knew not but it would be well to go over with him, supposing the wind should turn fair. It did turn fair that very morning ; but, being suddenly called on board, he sailed without us. In about six hours the wind turned foul. So I suppose he came back the next morning. In the afternoon we rode to Mr. Blencowe's, about fifteen miles from Whitehaven. We took a walk in the evening to a little town called Drigg, about a mile from his house, where I preached to a small company of plain, serious people ; but I fear they understood very little of what they heard. 1 The Sermon Register adds Seaton for May, and Oldfield Brow for June. June 1762.1 In Lancashire 31 Fri. 5. — I went on with Mr. Milner 1 to Ulverston. Here a very convenient place for preaching was offered ; but few people had any desire to hear, so I went quietly back to my inn. Sat. 6. — We reached Chipping, and were immediately informed that several there were consulting together how to hinder me from preaching. Mr. Milner, hearing they were met at the next house, went thither, and brought them all with him, who were the churchwardens and three or four persons more. I spent about a quarter of an hour with them in calm and friendly debate ; and they went away much cooler than they came. Sun. 7. — Understanding some designed to go out of church when I went into the pulpit, I thought it would be better for them to go out sooner ; and to read prayers as well as preach. Such a congregation was present as I believe was never seen there before ; and a solemn awe seemed to rest on the whole congregation, from the beginning of the service to the end. I preached in the afternoon on the conclusion of the Second Lesson, ' God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself The people were all attention. Surely there is no counsel or strength against the Lord. Mon. 8. — We rode to Roughlee, and found a large, serious, and quiet congregation. There have been no tumults since Mr. White was removed.2 He was for some years a Popish priest. Then he called himself a Protestant, and had the living of Colne. It was his manner first to hire, and then head the mob, when they and he were tolerably drunk. But he drank himself first into a jail, and then into his grave. In the evening I preached at Heptonstall. An attorney who happened to be in the town endeavoured to interrupt, relating some low, threadbare stories with a very audible voice. But some of the people cut him short in the midst by carrying him quietly away. 1 Rev. J. Milner, vicar of Chipping. and, on the recommendation of Arch- See above, vol. iii. p. 521 ; also Laycock's bishop Potter, was presented to Colne Methodist Heroes,^. 77-83. Milner re- and Marsden by the vicar of Whalley. tained the living till his death in 1777. See Moore's Burnley, p. 16 ; W.H.S. ~ See above, vol. iii. p. 370. White had vol. iii. p. 53 ; Life of C. of Huntingdon, been educated at Douay. He recanted, vol. i. pp. 259, 261. 32 John Wesley s Journal rjunei752. Tues. g. — I preached at six to abundance of people near Ewood, and with an uncommon blessing. Hence we rode to Todmorden. The minister was slowly recovering from a violent fit of a palsy, with which he was struck immediately after he had been preaching a virulent sermon against the Methodists. I preached on the side of a mountain to a large and earnest congregation, and then went on to Miller Barn. I preached at six in the town, and I suppose all the inhabitants, young and old, were present. Nor have I often seen so large a congregation so universally and deeply affected. My lodging was not such as I should have chosen, but what Providence chooses is always good. My bed was considerably under ground, the room serving both for a bed-chamber and a cellar. The closeness was more troublesome at first than the coolness, but I let in a little fresh air by breaking a pane of paper (put by way of glass) in the window, and then slept sound till the morning. Fri. 12. — I rode to Bolton.1 So hot a day as this I do not remember to have felt in England. The congregation seemed to forget the heat, though the room was like an oven. For it was a comfortable hour — God refreshing many souls with the multitude of peace. Sat. 13. — The house was fuller this evening than the last, while I enforced that gracious invitation, ' Come unto Me, all ye that are weary and heavy laden.' Sun. 14. — After preaching in the evening I took occasion to tell the whole congregation that there had been a mistake concerning the house, which J[ohn] B[ennet] imagined I had contrived to make my own property 2 ; but Mr. Grimshaw had now cleared it up, having assured Mr. B[ennet] (1) that I knew nothing of the deed relating to the house till after it was made ; (2) that I had no property in it still ; only a clause was inserted whereby Mr. G[rimshaw], my brother, and I were empowered to appoint the preachers therein. Mon. 15. — I had many little trials in this journey of a kind I had not known before. I had borrowed a young, strong mare when I set out from Manchester ; but she fell lame before I got 1 Musgrave's Early Methodism in '-' The 'house' was in Acresfield. Bolton, p. 16. See above, p. 15. June 1752.] An ' Account ' 33 to Grimsby. I procured another, but was dismounted again between Newcastle and Berwick. At my return to Manchester I took my own ; but she had lamed herself in the pasture. I thought, nevertheless, to ride her four or five miles to-day ; but she was gone out of the ground, and we could hear nothing of her. However, I comforted myself that I had another at Manchester which I had lately bought ; but when I came thither I found one had borrowed her too, and rode her away to Chester. About noon I preached near Shackerley, at an old man's house who was groaning for redemption. We walked together a little way after preaching, and almost as soon as we parted the power of God fell upon him, so that he hardly knew whether he was on earth or in heaven. From that hour he has been continually filled with peace and joy in believing. At my return to Bolton I wrote down a particular account of one that lately adorned the gospel. It was as follows : In April 1746, Catherine Whitaker went to Halifax to hear John Nelson. She was before convinced of the truth by reading, and from that time grew more and more serious. The next year John H called at our house. As he was going he turned back, took her by the hand, and said, ' You must believe, whether you can or no.' As soon as he was gone she began crying to God, and ceased not till she knew she did believe in Christ. She never afterward lost the sense of His love, nor could she rest, if she found the least cloud, till it was wholly removed, and the clear light shone again upon her soul. In May 1750 she removed to Bolton, and soon after appeared to be consumptive. But she did not spare herself on that account, still rising at five, four, or three in the morning, and continuing to teach her scholars as usual, till about Christmas 175 1. From that time her bodily strength failed, though she did not keep her room till March. She was then afraid lest she should live to be a burden to her relations ; but that fear soon vanished away, and she said, ' Now I can leave it all to God. Let me die sooner or later, it is all one.' But she had still some struggle concerning her husband before she was thoroughly willing to give him up. The next Friday but one before she died one of her sisters, sitting by her, began singing : ' Oh happy, happy day, That calls the exiles home 34 John Wesley s Journal fjune 1752. She immediately joined with her, and sung on to the end of the hymn. The Thursday after she looked round upon us, and said, ' Oh how I love you all ! I am all love. I love every soul God has made.' Her husband asked, ' Are you happy ? ' She said, ' Oh yes : 'Sing on, sing on ' I cannot fear, I cannot doubt, I feel the sprinkled blood, ' Let every soul with me cry out, "Thou art my Lord, my God."' At breakfast she desired a little cold water, on receiving which she looked up and said, ' In a little while I shall drink new wine in the kingdom of my Father.' About ten o'clock she broke out : ' My God is reconciled, His pard'ning voice I hear, He owns me for His child, I can no longer fear.' One asking her how she did, she said, ' I long to be with Him whom my soul loveth.' On Friday and Saturday, being extremely weak, she spake very little. On Sunday morning she said, ' So the Lord hath brought us to another Sabbath. " Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin." ' She then partly sung, and partly repeated, that hymn : 1 Oh when shall I sweetly remove, Oh when shall I enter my rest ? Return to the Sion above, The mother of spirits distressed ? ' She then said, ' Who is in the house ? Oh, I do not love the staying at home on a Sunday. Desire them all to go to church. When I was most diligent in going to church I always found the greatest blessings.' At night she said, ' Swelled legs. For a little time : there will be no swelled legs in heaven.' About five on Monday morning, March 23, her husband asked, ' Do you know me ? ' She said, ' Yes, I do ' ; and, putting her arm round his neck, quickly began to slumber. Waking soon after, she said, ' 1 must make haste and dress myself for the Bridegroom.' She then dozed afresh ; but, waking in a few minutes, said, ' I am going to Christ ' ; and fell asleep.1 Sat. 20. — I rode to Chester,2 and preached at six in the ' On June 1 7, according to the Sermon '' For the introduction of Methodism into Register, he returned to Manchester Chester see Bretherton's Early Metho- and preached two days, hut he does not dism in Chester, p. 26 ; Janion's Metho- say where. There seems to be an allusion dism in Chester, p. 16 ; Meth. Rec. March to this return visit on p. 33. 23, 1899 ; and W.M. Mag. 1904, p. 207. June 1752.] The Walls and Rows of Chester 35 accustomed place, a little without the gates, near St. John's Church. One single man, a poor alehouse keeper, seemed disgusted, spoke a harmless word, and ran away with all speed. All the rest behaved with the utmost seriousness while I declared ' the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.' Sun. 21. — I preached at seven in a much larger house, which was just taken near St. Martin's Church — as eminent a part of the town as Drury Lane is in London, or as the Horsefair was in Bristol. At church Mr. L preached a strong, plain, useful sermon upon the faith of Abraham. At one I began preaching again on ' We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord ' ; but, the house not containing half the congregation, I was obliged to stand at the door, on one side of a kind of square, large enough to contain ten or twelve thousand people. I had a few hours before spoken to the captain of a vessel, with whom I proposed to sail for Dublin ; and, the wind being fair, I knew not whether I should stay to preach another sermon in Chester. I find it useful to be in such a state of suspense, wherein I know not what will be the next hour, but lean absolutely on His disposal, who knoweth and ruleth all things well. At four I preached in the Square to a much larger con- gregation, among whom were abundance of gentry. One man screamed and hallooed as loud as he could, but none seconded or regarded him. The rest of the congregation were steadily serious from the beginning to the end. Mon. 22. — We walked round the walls of the city, which are something more than a mile and three quarters in circum- ference ; but there are many vacant spaces within the walls, many gardens, and a good deal of pasture ground ; so that I believe Newcastle-upon-Tyne, within the walls, contains at least a third more houses than Chester. The greatest convenience here is what they call 'the Rows'; that is, covered galleries, which run through the main streets on each side, from east to west, and from north to south, by which means one may walk both clean and dry in any weather from one end of the city to the other. I preached at six in the evening in the Square to a vast multitude, rich and poor. The far greater part, the gentry in 3 6 John Wesley s Journal [July 1782. particular, were seriously and deeply attentive, though a few of the rabble, most of them drunk, laboured much to make a disturbance. One might already perceive a great increase of earnestness in the generality of the hearers. So is God able to cut short His work, to wound or heal, in whatever time it pleaseth Him. Tues. 23. — Having received letters which made me judge it necessary to be at Bristol as soon as possible, about ten I set out, dined at Birmingham the next day, and thence rode to Redditch. Thur. 25. — Finding the congregation waiting, I began preaching between three and four. I preached at Wallbridge, near Stroud, in the evening, and the next day, before noon, reached Kingswood.1 JULY i, Wed. — Having finished my business at Bristol, I took horse again, and preached that evening at Evesham. Thur. 2. — I reached Bilbrook and Chester. Fri. 3. — I was saying in the morning to Mr. Parker, ' Con- sidering the good which has been done there already, I wonder the people of Chester are so quiet.' He answered, ' You must not expect they will be so always.' Accordingly, one of the first things 1 heard after I came into the town was that for two nights before the mob had been employed in pulling down the house where I had preached. I asked, ' Were there no magistrates in the city ? ' Several answered me, ' We went to the mayor after the first riot, and desired a warrant to bring the rioters before him ; but he positively refused to grant any, or to take any informations about it.' So, being undisturbed, they assembled again the next night, and finished their work. Sat. 4. — I preached in our old room.2 Sun. 5. — I stood, at seven in the morning, near the ruins of the house, and explained the principles and practice of that sect which is ' everywhere spoken against.' I went afterwards to St. Martin's Church, which stands close to the place. The gentleman who officiated 3 seemed to be extremely moved at 1 In June he preached at Thompson's s Probably the Rev. John Baldwin, Cross, and at Bristol on June 27 and 29. M. A., vicar from 1739-93 (Bretherton's 2 He preached also, during this visit, Early Methodism in Chester, p. 34). at Tattenhall. July 1752.] Chester, Bolton, Whitehaven 37 several passages of the Second Lesson, Luke xvii. ; particularly, ' It is impossible but that offences will come ; but woe unto him through whom they come. It were better for him that a mill- stone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.' He began his sermon nearly in these words : ' The last Lord's Day I preached on " Doing as you would be done to," in hopes of preventing such proceedings as are contrary to all justice, mercy, and humanity. As I could not do that, I have chosen these words for your present consideration, " Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of Man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." ' He concluded nearly thus : ' I am sorry any such outrage should be committed, particularly in this parish, where I have been teaching so many years. And to how little purpose ! I will remove, as soon as possibly I can, from a place where I can do so little good. Oh what an account have they to make, who have either occasioned or encouraged these pro- ceedings ! May God grant that they may repent in time ! That they may know what spirit they are of! That they may, before it is too late, acknowledge and love the truth as it is in Jesus ! ' I preached again in the same place at one and at four, and the whole congregation were quiet and serious. Mon. 6. — Finding no ship ready to sail, I determined to return to Whitehaven ; so I took horse with my wife between nine and ten, and in the evening preached at Manchester. Tues. 7. — We rode to Bolton ; on Wednesday, to Chipping ; and on Friday the 10th reached Whitehaven.1 Sun. 12. — I took my old stand in the market-place, about seven in the morning, and proclaimed ' The Lord God, gracious and merciful, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin.' In the afternoon we had an awakening sermon at the new church on ' One thing is needful.' At five I preached in the room on ' To fear the Lord, that is wisdom ; and to depart from evil is understanding.' Mon. 13. — I bespoke the cabin in a ship bound for Dublin, which only waited for a wind. About ten at night word was 1 On July 10 he preached at Wall- near Whitehaven, during this month, and bridge ; he also preached at the Gins, at Passage, in Ireland. VOL. IV 3 38 John Wesley s Journal [Juiyi762. brought that she was ready to sail. We went down to the quay immediately, and found she had sailed out a quarter of an hour before, and was then off at sea ; but as another ship had just weighed anchor, we went on board, and sailed without delay. But having contrary winds, it was Friday the 17th, in the evening, before we reached Dublin. The house ' here is nearly of the same size, and of the same form, with that at Newcastle ; but, having deep galleries on three sides, it will contain a larger number of people. Sun. 19. — I preached at five and eight, but not to so large a congregation as I expected. I was greatly shocked at the behaviour of the congregation in St. Patrick's Church. But all their carelessness and indecency did not prevent my finding an uncommon blessing. Between five and six our house was nearly filled, but great part of the hearers seemed utterly unawakened. I marvel how it is that, after all our labour here, there should still be so little fruit. Mon. 20. — I learned the particulars of the late riot. Some weeks ago a large mob assembled one evening, broke many of the windows, and had just broke into the house, when a guard of soldiers came. The chief rioters were apprehended and tried ; but ten or eleven of the jurymen, being Papists, frightened the twelfth, so that he did not contradict when they brought in their fellows ' Not guilty.' 2 Tues. 21. — I inquired into the state of the society, still consisting of about four hundred and twenty members, though many had been much shaken, chiefly by various opinions, which some even of our own preachers had propagated. Thur. 23. — We went to see a friend a few miles from Dublin. Before dinner Mr. [Joseph] Cownley and I took a walk on the sea-shore. Being somewhat tired, we thought to return a shorter way, by climbing over the rocks. We found little difficulty at first, the ascent not being steep toward the bottom ; but, as we went higher, it grew steeper and steeper, till we would gladly have gone back if we could. But we 1 The new chapel in Whitefriar Street. on the voyage, on Book Affairs, on See Crookshank, Methodism in Ireland, the trial of the rioters, and on a non- vol. i. p. 88 ; below, p. 375. helpful companionship (Works, vol. xii. 2 On this day he wrote to Black well, p. 178). Aug. 1753.1 An Irish Tour 39 could neither go nor look back ; so that we had only this choice — to get quite to the top, or to make one step to the bottom. The stones, likewise, on which we stood, or which we took hold of, frequently gave way, and tumbled ; so that I know not whether we were ever in so much danger on the sea as we were now on the shore. But in half an hour, I know not how, we got upon firm, even ground.1 Sun. 26. — I met one whom I had formerly seen at Bristol heaping up money with both hands ; and he has now all that the world can give. But he enjoys nothing ; having such a continual lowness of spirits, as they call it, that his very life is a burden. He seems partly to understand his own case. May the great Physician heal his sickness ! Mon. 27. — I preached in Edenderry at one, and at Closeland in the evening. Tues. 28. — I preached at Portarlington, though I was ex- tremely ill, and it was a pain to me to speak ; but it was a comfortable pain. I could from my heart praise God for His fatherly visitation. Wed. 29. — I rode to Mountmellick, but was so hoarse and weak that I could only preach in the house. Fri. 31. — Being not well able to ride, I borrowed Mr. P 's chair to Tullamore ; and on Saturday reached Coolalough,2 and met many of my friends from all parts. I now found my strength increasing daily. It must be as my day is. Aug. 2, Sun. — I baptized Joseph English (late a Quaker), and two of his children. Abundance of people were at Tyrrell's Pass in the evening, many more than the house could contain. At five in the morning one who had tasted of the love of God but had afterwards relapsed into his former sins, nay, and sunk into Deism, if not Atheism, was once more cut to the heart. At six in the evening I preached at Drumcree, where many now know in whom they have believed. Mr. Booker,3 the minister of 1 See W.H.S. vol. v. p. 70. This which the Methodists resorted from far looks like a holiday jaunt. But the and near. See also below, p. 175. Sermon Register shows that he preached 3 Rev. Moore Booker, of Drumcree, three times. vicar of Delvin. See Meth. Mag., 2 This was probably the beginning of Dublin, 1810, pp. 81-3, and Crook- the quarterly meetings which for many shank's Methodism in Ireland, vol. i. years were held at Coolalough, and to p. go. 40 John Wesley s Journal [Aug. 1762. D[elvin], met me here — the last man I should have expected. But it cannot last. The same person cannot long admire both John Wesley and John Taylor.1 Tues. 4. — I preached about noon at Street to a civil, uncon- cerned congregation, and about six in the evening at Abbeyderg, a mile short of Keenagh. Many Romanists being present, I found much concern for them, and could not but address myself to them in particular, and exhort them wholly to rely on the one Mediator between God and man. Wed. 5.— We rode to Athlone.2 Thur. 6. — I preached in a large open space near the house, to many of the rich as well as poor. Sat. 8. — I called on a lively man, who is just married in the ninety-second year of his age. He served as an officer both in King William's and Queen Anne's wars, and a year or two ago began to serve the Prince of Peace. He has all his faculties of body and mind entire, works in his garden some hours every day, and praises God who has prolonged his life to so good a purpose.3 Sun. 9. — At eight we had the usual congregation in the market-house, and the usual blessing. Mr. G[rueber] preached an excellent sermon at church on the necessity of the religion of the heart. At five I preached on the Connaught side of the river to abundance of Romanists as well as Protestants, all of whom seemed convinced that they ought not any longer to ' halt between two opinions.' Here I learned, from her husband, that — Rose Longworth found peace with God in June 1749. This she never lost, and often rejoiced with joy unspeakable. From that time she was always remarkably serious, and walked closely with God. About Easter 1751 she found a great decay of her bodily strength, but of this she never complained, being only concerned lest her soul should suffer loss. In July following she was removed into the country, but still continued walking in the light. Toward the latter end of the month, apprehending her time was short, she desired to return to Athlone. On Saturday the 21st she returned, extremely weak, but 1 Dr. John Taylor of Norwich. ' On Aug. 8 he wrote to his brother 2 At Athlone he preached eleven Charles ( Works, vol. xii. p. 1 14) ; he re- sermons, vises his belief on unconditional election. Aug. 1752.1 An Irish Tour 41 continually praising God, and all the following week expressing a strong 'desire to depart and be with Christ.' Mr. 1 administered the sacrament to her on Sunday. She could speak little, but said she had no doubt of her salvation. He was deeply affected, and said he believed her, but could scarce speak for tears. When she could not be heard she had her eyes constantly fixed upward and her lips moving. In the afternoon she fainted away. Coming to herself she said, ' Ah ! I was disappointed ; I thought I had escaped.' She then prayed for her husband, for her parents, for the society, the Church, and the whole world. Fainting again, and coming to herself, she cried out, ' See my Redeemer ! See my Redeemer ! See how His blood streams ! I see the Lamb in glory. I see the Lamb in glory. Fare ye well. God be with you. Fare ye well.' She then ceased to speak, and went to God. Mon. 10. — I preached at Aughrim, and found the people much alive to God. Tues. 11. — I rode over to Mr. M 's. How gracious has God been to this family ! Three years ago his youngest daughter, after she had received a clear sense of the love of God, was brought to the gates of death, and continues still just on the wing for eternity. His other daughter was suddenly struck last year, and, after having witnessed a good confession to all that were round about her, went to God in the full triumph of faith. Some months since Mr. M 's brother began to decline, and two or three weeks ago, full of unutterable peace and joy, went to Him whom his soul loved. Wed. 12. — In the evening I preached at Birr. I scarce ever saw so large, so genteel, and so serious a congregation there before. The next evening I reached Limerick.2 I spent Friday and Saturday in conference with our preachers,3 and the next week spake with each of the members of the society, many of whom, I now found, were ' rooted and grounded in love' and ' zealous of good works.' 1 Probably Mr. Grueber. of which are in vol. i. of the Irish -' Philip Embury heard Wesley at this Minutes. Larwood, Haughton, Cown- visit to Limerick, and was impressed, ley, Fisher, Walsh, Rowell, Read, though not until Dec. 25 did he find Swindells, and Whitford were present, peace. In this year also Barbara Ruckle See Crookshank, vol. i. pp. 91-3. In (Mrs. Heck) joined the society at Bal- another account the name of John lingarrane. (Crookshank, Methodism in Fenwick appears instead of Thomas Ireland, vol. i. p. 96.) Walsh (see Meth. Mag., Dublin edition, The first Irish Conference, Minutes 1807, p. 565). 42 John Wesley s Journal tsept.1752. Fri. 21. — I rode through heavy rain to Shronell, and to Cork the next day. Sun. 23. — At eight the house would not near contain the congregation, yet I judged a small congregation with peace preferable to a large one with noise and tumult. On Monday and Tuesday I carefully examined the society, put away those who did not walk according to the gospel, and found about three hundred who still strive to have ' a conscience void of offence toward God and toward man.' x Tues. 25. — I preached in the market-place at Kinsale. The next morning, at eight, I walked to the Fort. On the hill above it we found a large, deep hollow, capable of containing two or three thousand people. On one side of this the soldiers soon cut a place with their swords for me to stand, where I was screened both from the wind and sun, while the congregation sat on the grass before me. Many eminent sinners were present, particularly of the army, and I believe God gave them a loud call to repentance. In the evening I called sinners to repentance in the main street at Bandon. On Thursday and Friday the rain drove us into the market-house. Indeed, I hardly remember two dry days together since I landed in Ireland. Sat. 29. — I returned to Cork and spent a comfortable day, having a strong hope that God will ' lift up the hands that hang down.' Mon. 31. — I rode to Clonmel. A wide door was opened here a year ago, but one evening, just after sermon was ended, the room in which the preaching had been, fell. Two or three persons were hurt thereby, for which reason (could one desire a better ?) the people of the town vowed that no Methodists should ever more preach in Clonmel.2 SEPT. i, Tues. — I preached at Waterford. Only one poor man behaved amiss ; his case is really to be pitied. Some time 1 The Sermon Register records a large most extraordinary among many re- number of sermons preached during, the suits. fifteen days from August 10. It was the - The Sermon Register shows him at seed-sowingltime in Cork, Limerick, and Bandon in September as well as in also in many other Irish towns and October, but does not fix the day. villages, American Methodism being the sept. 1762.] Thomas Walsh since he had strong desires to serve God, and had broke off his outward sins, when Mr. , one of the prebendaries, told him he did very wrong to go after those fellows, and made him promise to hear them no more. He kept his word, and turned back as a dog to his vomit, wallowing in sin as he did before. But he does not go to the Methodists, so all is well ; he may go to the devil and welcome. Wed. 2. — At eleven Mr. [Thomas] Walsh began preaching in Irish in the market-house. It being market-day, the people flocked from all sides. Many of them seriously attended. A few of the rabble cursed and swore, but did not make a con- siderable interruption.1 At five I went to the court-house and began preaching, but the mob was so numerous and noisy that few could hear. Per- ceiving the noise increase more and more, I walked through the midst of the mob to my lodgings. They hallooed, and shouted, and cursed amain ; hitherto could they come, but no further. Thur. 14. — (So we must call it now, seeing the New Style now takes place.) I rode to the bog of Boira,2 where a great and effectual door is opened. On Friday evening we rode on to Gorey, and the next day to Dublin. Sun. 17. — I made an end of Mr. V[illette]'s Essay on tJie Happiness of the Life to come? I am glad it is wrote in French ; probably not many in Ireland will be at the pains of reading it. He is a lively, sensible writer, but I cannot believe his hypothesis while I believe the Bible. Mon. 18. — We had our first watch-night in the new house, and it was a night that will not soon be forgotten. On Tuesday I rode to Portarlington, and the next day to Birr, through so violent a storm that my strength was utterly exhausted, and how I should preach I knew not. But God soon renewed my strength, and on Thursday the 21st I arose lively and well, and 1 This was the last day of the Old parenthesis. He rides to the bog of Style Calendar. Eleven days are dropped Boira, enters 'an effectual door,' and between Wednesday, the 2nd of Septem- preaches on the Royal Law and the ber, 1752, and Thursday, the 14th. One of works that make faith perfect, the wonders of the day is the fact that in ■ Parish of Kiltrisk. his Journal John Wesley— not the least 3 Essai sur la felicity de la vie & venir, observant man either in England or Ire- en dialogues. Dublin, 1748, afterwards land— lets the day pass with a mere translated into English (1793). 44 John Wesley s Journal [Oct. vm. in the afternoon, through continued rain, came, very wet, but not tired, to Limerick.1 Sat. 23. — We reached Cork. Sun. 24. — In the evening I proposed to the society the build- ing a preaching-house.2 The next day ten persons subscribed an hundred pounds ; another hundred was subscribed in three or four days, and a piece of ground taken. I saw a double providence now in our not sailing last week. If we had, pro- bably this house had never been built, and it is most likely we should have been cast away. Above thirty ships, we were informed, have been lost on these coasts in the late storm.3 Oct. i, Sun. — We had in the morning at St. Paul's a strong, close, practical sermon ; and another at our own church in the afternoon, delivered in an earnest, affectionate manner. We had a solemn season likewise at the room, so that this day was a day of joy and thanksgiving. The wind being contrary still, on Monday the 2nd I rode once more to Bandon. But though I came unexpected, the house was too small to contain one half of the congregation, so I preached in the street, both this evening and at five on Tuesday morning, the moon giving us as much light as we wanted till the sun supplied her place. I then returned to Cork. On Friday the 6th, the ship being under sail, we took boat and came to Cove 4 in the evening. All the inns being full, we lodged at a private house ; but we found one inconvenience herein : we had nothing to eat, for our provisions were on board, and there was nothing to be bought in the town — neither flesh, nor fish, nor butter, nor cheese. At length we procured some eggs and bread, and were well contented. Sun. 8. — We were called early by the pilot, and told we must rise and go on board. We did so, and found a large number of passengers ; but the wind turning, most of them went on shore. At eleven I preached to those that were left. 1 The Sermon Register has no record starts a new preaching-house scheme, of preaching at Limerick in September. buys a site, raises ,£200, and visits all his He was worn down with incessant work, people. and with travel in wind and rain and 2 On Hammond's Marsh, Cork, fog. Nevertheless, he boldly faces eight 3 On the 26th, 28th, and 29th he days of work in the chief centre of brutal preached in Cork, persecution, preaches eighteen sermons, * Now Queenstown. Oct. 1752. From Cork to Bristol 45 About six it blew a storm, but we were anchored in a safe harbour, so it neither hurt nor disturbed us. Mon. 9. — Finding there was no probability of sailing soon, we went up to Mr. P[arson]'s, near Passage. I preached there in the street, about four, to most of the inhabitants of the town. They behaved very quietly, but very few seemed either con- vinced or affected.1 Tucs. 10. — We had another violent storm. It made Mr. P[arson]'s house rock to and fro, though it was a new, strong house, and covered on all sides with hills as well as with trees. We afterwards heard that several ships were lost on the coast. Only one got into the harbour, but grievously shattered, her rigging torn in pieces, and her mainmast gone by the board. Wed. 11. — I rode to Cork once more, and was very fully employed all the day. The next morning we returned to Cove, and about noon got out of the harbour. We immediately found the effects of the late storm, the sea still boiling like a pot. The moon set about eight, but the Northern Lights abundantly supplied her place. Soon after God smoothed the face of the deep, and gave us a small, fair wind. Fri. 13. — I read over Pascal's Thoughts? What could pos- sibly induce such a creature as Voltaire to give such an author as this a good word, unless it was that he once wrote a satire? And so his being a satirist might atone even for his being a Christian. Sat. 14. — About seven we sailed into Kingroad, and happily concluded our little voyage. I now rested a week at Bristol and Kingswood, preaching only morning and evening.3 Sun. 22. — Having heard grievous complaints of the society in Kingswood, as if there were many disorderly walkers therein, 1 He also preached at ' Balligarne.' * Many authorities (e.g. Myles, Smith, Barbara Ruckle's home was at Ballin- and Crowther) report a Conference in garrane, among the Palatines ; it was Bristol on October 16, at which it was also Philip Embury's birthplace. agreed that each preacher should receive 2 Pensces sur la religion el sur quelqttes £\2 per annum, 'in order to provide attires sujets. First appeared in 1669. himself with necessaries.' Myles's Voltaire said that ' the best comedies of Chronological I/istory, p. 76 ; Smith's Moliere have not more wit than the first History of Methodism, vol. i. p. 258 ; Provincial Letters.' See W.H.S. vol. iv. Crowther's Portraiture of Methodism, pp. 79, 80 ; vol. vii. p. 86. p. 57. 45 John Wesley 's Journal [Oct. 1752. ^made^ particular inquiry, and I found there was one member who drank too much in January or February last. But I could not find one who at this time lived in any outward sin whatever. When shall we be aware of the accuser of the brethren ? How long shall we be ignorant of his devices, and suffer him, by these loose, indeterminate accusations, to make our minds evil-affected toward each other ? Wed 25 —I rode to Wick, and rejoiced over a people who have run well from the beginning. The person at whose house I preached was supposed to be at the point of death. But ease or pain, life or death, was welcome to her. She desired, indeed < to depart and to be with Christ'; but it was with perfect resignation, her will being swallowed up in the will of H.m whom her soul loved. Tliur 26— The remains of Elizabeth Man being brought to the Room, I preached on ' Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord * How plain an instance is here of grace so changing the heart as to leave no trace of the natural temper ! I remember her fretful, peevish, murmuring, discontented with everything. But for more than a year before she died God laid the axe to the root of the tree; all her peevishness and fretfulness were gone ; she was always content, always thankful. She was not only constant in prayer and in all the ordinances of God, but abundant in praise and thanksgiving. Often her soul was so filled with love and praise that her body was quite overpowered. On Sunday morning she said, 'I am struck with death.' Her pains were violent all the day, but they interrupted not her prayer and praise and exhortation to those about her; till, about three in the morning, having finished her work, she was set at liberty. Sunday the 29th was a useful day to my soul. I found more than once trouble and heaviness, but I called upon the name of the Lord, and He gave me a clear, full appro- bation of His way, and a calm, thankful acquiescence in His ' I cannot but stand amazed at the goodness of God. Others are most assaulted on the weak side of their soul, but with me T^T^^sume that the sorrows of his married life are becoming acute. Nov. 1752.1 The Sermon Register 47 it is quite otherwise. If I have any strength at all (and I have none but what I have received}, it is in forgiving injuries. And on this very side am I assaulted more frequently than on any other. Yet leave me not here one hour to myself, or I shall betray myself and Thee ! Mon. 30. — I rode to Salisbury, and in the two following days examined severally the members of the society ; and on Thursday left them determined to stand in the good old way, in all the ordinances and commandments of God. In the evening I endeavoured to reunite the little scattered flock at Winterbourne.1 . Nov. 3, Fri. — I rode to Reading, and on Saturday to London.2 Mon. 6.3 — A remarkable note was given me in the evening. It ran in these words : ' He also preached here. In October he preached again at Sarum. Wilton is also named. From the Sermon Register we find that during November he spent at least three days in Canterbury. 2 On the day of his arrival in London (but where we do not know) he preached three times. The entries (in the Sermon Register) that follow are almost in- credible : TSunday] Nov. 5-— 1 Tim. vi. 17 ; Mai. iii. 2 ; La. ix. 55; 2 Thess. i. ult. ; John iv. 14. Foundery : Col. iii. and iv. ; Lu. ix. 55; 1 Pet. iv. 12 ; 1 Pet. i. 13. West Street Chapel: Col. iii. it; iii. 16; iii. 18; Rom. xiii. 11. Spitalfields : Col. iii. 15 ; Heb. ii. 3 ; Acts iv. 12; xvii. 23. Westminster: Heb. x. 36. We are not to assume that these places were visited in this order. A com- parison of Journal and Register shows that the all-important details in this particular record were the visits on speci- fied days, and the texts from which sermons or expositions were given. The Register was kept solely to enable Wesley to avoid repetition. What hap- pened, probably, was the following : (1) Devotional exercises with the Foundery family and classes, or bands, together with one or more sermons. For Wesley the day began at 4 a.m. (2) Visits to all the Foundery classes, and one or two preaching services. (3) A similar visit and exercises, but much shorter, at Spitalfields. (4) At West Street, which is always ' the Chapel,' the visit would be much longer. It is open to question whether in this London Sunday itinerary West Street, with Holy Communion, should not be placed second. If so, Westminster would have its rapid visit immediately after. Tradition says that either now or later the preaching-room at Westminster was on, or near, the site of the Wesleyan Methodist Central Hall opposite Westminster Abbey, dedicated Oct. 3, 1912. 3 Deptford must be fitted into this busy, but scantily reported period ; also the following, each with its equipment of sermons and expositions : Shoreham. On Nov. 19, Snowsfields and Foundery. Christmas Day, Foundery, West Street, and Spitalfields. Dec. 26, London (pro- bably Foundery), and Snowsfields. In Dec. he preached at Fernhall, also at Mill Hill. It may be thought that wherever, in the Sermon Register, an almost impossible number of sermons and expositions are concentrated on one day, as, for instance, on Nov. 5, 1752 (see above), the date named, being a Sunday, is intended, as on 48 John Wesley s Journal [Jan. 1753. James Thompson, sailor on board the George and Mary, a Sunder- land collier, bound for Middelburgh, in September last, met with a gale of wind, which wrecked her on the Baynard Sands, off the coast of Zeeland. Here every soul perished save himself, who was for three days and three nights floating on a piece of the wreck, with another man dead by his side, in which time the poor sufferer had lost his senses. At length he was taken up by the Dolphin packet, and escaped safe to land. He is now willing to return hearty thanks to God, and to proclaim his deliverance to the world, that all who hear it may ' praise the Lord for His goodness, and declare the wonders that He doeth for the children of men.' In the remaining part of this, and in the following month, I prepared the rest of the books for Tlie Christian Library, a work by which I have lost above two hundred pounds. Perhaps the next generation may know the value of it. 1753. Jan. i, Mon. — A large congregation met at four, and praised Him with joyful hearts and lips who had given us to see another year.1 Tues. 2. — I breakfasted at Ephraim Bedder's. How strangely diversified is the scene of his life ! How often had he been, both outwardly and inwardly, in the deep ! But at length God has lifted up his head. Thur. 4. — I visited one on the borders of eternity, who did not know his interest in Christ. Oh how melancholy is it to leave all below, unless we have an earnest of a better inherit- ance ! How can any reasonable man bear the thoughts of death till he has a prospect beyond the grave ? 2 Sun. 7. — I breakfasted with M Y , an uncommon a modern English Methodist Plan, to in- compared with many modern engage- elude all the days of that week. It may ment lists, excessive — Foundcry, Spital- be so. But this explanation, though fields, Westminster. But when it is providing relief from a difficulty, does discovered that Wesley, beginning at four not fit in with all the facts. Such an o'clock in the morning, gave nineteen explanation does not, for instance, help sermons or expositions, we wonder. On us with Christmas Day of this year 1752, January 8th, or more probably (cf. also a crowded day — a day standing by Journal) 28th, he was at West Street with itself, and followed by a day (Dec. 26) the more moderate provision of ten texts, fairly occupied. z On Jan. 6 he wrote a Preface to 1 The number of appointments for Whateley's Directions for Married Ptr- New Year's Day, 1753, is not, even as sons {Works, vol. xiw p. 231). WESLEY'S ELECTRICAL MACHINE (see PAGE I90). >»• 111 the Mission House Museum. Formerly at Woodhouse Grove School, where it was used to illustrate lectures on natural science, and to amuse the boys. 49 Jan. 1753] Ministry in London 51 monument of mercy. For a long time he was ' turned back as a dog to his vomit,' and wallowed in all manner of wickedness. Yet his wife could never give him up, nor could he ever escape from the hell within, till she said to him one day, ' Go upstairs and ask of God, and you know not but He may yet bless you.' He went, but with a dull, heavy heart, and stayed about two hours. When he came down she stared upon him, and said, ' What is the matter now? What is come to you? You do not look as you did.' He answered, ' No, for I have found the Lord.' And from that hour he has endeavoured to walk worthy of God, who has again called him ' to His kingdom and glory.' ' [Tues. 9. — I talked largely with Mr. , and pressed him much to come and see me. He spoke as if he would. But Mrs. told me frankly ' he never designed it.' This separa- tion likewise of chief friends I ascribe entirely to the good orifices of Mr. M n.2] Mon. 15. — We had our first watch-night at Snowsfields. Scarce any went away till between twelve and one. How is it that never any one, in England or Ireland, has been hurt for all these years in going to all parts at the dead of night ? Are not the hairs of our head all numbered ? Sat. 20. — I advised one who had been troubled many years with a stubborn paralytic disorder to try a new remedy. Accordingly she was electrified, and found immediate help. By the same means I have known two persons cured of an inveterate pain in the stomach, and another of a pain in his side, which he had had ever since he was a child. Never- theless, who can wonder that many gentlemen of the faculty, as well as their good friends the apothecaries, decry a medicine so shockingly cheap and easy, as much as they do quicksilver and tar-water ? Sun. 28. — A solemn awe spread over the whole congregation while I was explaining at West Street the parable of the Ten Virgins, more especially those who knew they had not ' oil in their lamps.' 3 1 On the 9th of this month he was at 3 Tues. Jan. 30, West Street, Snows- Shoreham. fields. Sat. Feb. 3, Snowsfields and ■ Probably Meriton. West Street. 5 2 John Wesley s Journal [Feb. 1763. Feb. 3, Sat. — I visited one in the Marshalsca Prison — a nursery of all manner of wickedness. Oh shame to man that there should be such a place, such a picture of hell upon earth ! And shame to those who bear the name of Christ that there should need any prison at all in Christendom ! 1 Thur. 8. — A proposal was made for devolving all temporal business, books and all, entirely on the stewards,2 so that I might have no care upon me (in London at least) but that of the souls committed to my charge. Oh when shall it once be ! From this day ? In me mora non erit ulla. In the afternoon I visited many of the sick ; but such scenes, who could see unmoved ? There are none such to be found in a pagan country. If any of the Indians in Georgia were sick (which, indeed, exceeding rarely happened till they learned gluttony and drunkenness from the Christians), those that were near him gave him whatever he wanted.3 Oh who will convert the English into honest heathens ! On Friday and Saturday I visited as many more as I could. I found some in their cells under ground, others in their garrets, half starved both with cold and hunger, added to weakness and pain. But I found not one of them unemployed who was able to crawl about the room. So wickedly, devilishly false is that common objection, ' They are poor only because they are idle.' If you saw these things with your own eyes, could you lay out money in ornaments or superfluities? Sun. II.— I preached at Hayes. Here we have a fair in- stance of overcoming evil with good. All but the gentry of the parish patiently hear the truth. Many approve of, and some experience it. Thur. 15.4 — I visited Mr. S , slowly recovering from a 1 On Tuesday, Feb. 6, he preached at appointment about this time of T. Butts Deptford. and W. Briggs as ' book stewards ' was - For an account of the stewards, part of the general plan of devolution, their appointment, business, rules, the It seems probable that these two honest manner of their work, see Works, vol. and capable business men conceived the viii. pp. 261, 262. The Latin quotation plan which Wesley cheerfully adopted. ' In me shall no delay occur ' is taken s But see his description of the Chic- from Virgil, Eel. iii. 52 : Quin age, saws and Creeks, Dec. 2, 1737, above, si quid habes : in me mora non erit ulla. vol. i. pp. 407, 409. (IV.H.S. vol. v. p. 29.) Cf. Tyerman's ' At the Foundery he preached and account, Life, vol. ii. p. 176. The expounded five times. Feb. 1763.] Benjamin Franklin 53 severe illness. He expressed much love, and did not doubt, he said, inasmuch as I meant well, but that God would con- vince me of my great sin in writing books ; seeing men ought to read no book but the Bible. I judged it quite needless to enter into a dispute with a sea-captain, seventy-five ! years old. This day Mr. Steward ■ was released. For two or three years he had been ' instant in season, out of season, doing the work of an evangelist, and making full proof of his ministry.' Three or four weeks ago he fell ill of a fever, and was for a while in heaviness of soul. Last week all his doubts and fears vanished ; and, as he grew weaker in body, he grew stronger in faith. This morning he expressed a hope full of immortality, and in the afternoon went to God. Sat. 17. — From Dr. Franklin's Letters'1' I learned (1) that electrical fire (or ether) is a species of fire, infinitely finer than any other yet known ; (2) that it is diffused, and in nearly equal proportions, through almost all substances ; (3) that, as long as it is thus diffused, it has no discernible effect ; (4) that if any quantity of it be collected together, whether by art or nature, it then becomes visible in the form of fire, and inex- pressibly powerful ; (5) that it is essentially different from the light of the sun, for it pervades a thousand bodies which light cannot penetrate, and yet cannot penetrate glass, which light pervades so freely ; (6) that lightning is no other than electrical fire, collected by one or more clouds ; (7) that all the effects of lightning may be performed by the artificial electric fire ; (8) that anything pointed, as a spire or tree, attracts the lightning, just as a needle does the electrical fire ; (9) that the electrical fire, discharged on a rat or a fowl, will kill it instantly, but dis- charged on one dipped in water, will slide off, and do it no hurt at all. In like manner the lightning which will kill a man in a moment will not hurt him if he be thoroughly wet. What 1 ' Twenty-five ' in 1st ed. man's Life of Whitefield, vol. ii. p. 298. * See Life of C. of Huntingdon, vol. i. 3 Benjamin Franklin. Experiments pp. 193, 194. The Mr. Steward of this and Observations on Electricity, first paragraph must not be confounded with published in Gentleman 's Mag. See the ' Mr. S 'above. See also letter of W.H.S. vol. iv. p. 80; Tyerman, Whitefield to Charles Wesley, in Tyer- vol. ii. pp. 161, 162 ; also below, p. 190. 54 John Wesley s Journal f March 1763. an amazing scene is here opened for after-ages to improve upon ! ' Wed. 21. — I visited more of the poor sick. The industry of many of them surprised me. Several who were ill able to walk were nevertheless at work, some without any fire (bitterly cold as it was), and some, I doubt, without any food ; yet not without that ' meat which endureth to everlasting life.' Mon. 26. — I set out in the machine 2 for Bristol ; and on Tuesday evening preached at Bath. Wed. 28. — We rode to Bristol. I now looked over Mr. Prince's Christian History? What an amazing difference is there in the manner wherein God has carried on His work in England and in America ! There, above a hundred of the established clergy, men of age and experience, and of the greatest note for sense and learning in those parts, are zealously engaged in the work. Here almost the whole body of the aged, experienced, learned clergy are zealously engaged against it ; and few, but a handful of raw young men, engaged in it, without name, learning, or eminent sense. And yet by that large number of honourable men the work seldom flourished above six months at a time, and then followed a lamentable and general decay before the next revival of it ; whereas that which God hath wrought by these despised instruments has continually increased for fifteen years together ; and at whatever time it has declined in any one place, has more eminently flourished in others.4 March 5, Mon. — I called on Mr. Farley,0 and saw a plain confutation of that vulgar error that consumptions are not 1 Sunday, Feb. 1 8, he spent at Spital- 3 Thomas Prince, the younger (1722- fields, and Saturday 24th at Snowsfields. 48), edited the earliest American periodi- On Thursday the 22nd he wrote to cal, The Christian History : containing J. Maskew, who had remained longer in accounts of the revival of religion in Great Newcastle than the terms of his appoint- Britain and America in 1743. Boston, ment justified. But Wesley's letter 1744-5. 2 vols, published. See W.H.S. must have cheered the good man : ' You vol. iv. p. 80. are still wanted there ; but you are * On Thursday, March 1, he preached wanted more elsewhere ' ( Works, vol. xii. at Bristol, and on the 3rd at Kingswood. p. 254). 5 His death is announced in Felix " i.e. stage-coach. See W.H.S. vol vii Farley's Journal, April 28, 1753. See ,,. 51. Latimer's Bristol, p. 292. March 1753.] A Northern Journey 55 catching. He caught the consumption from his son, whereby he soon followed him to the grave. Wed. 14. — I preached at Frome,1 a dry, barren, uncomfort- able place. The congregation at Shaftesbury in the evening were of a more excellent spirit. Thur. 15. — I met the stewards of the neighbouring societies at Bearfield, and was much refreshed among them. Fri. 16. — I returned to Bristol, and on Monday the 19th set out with my wife for the north. I preached in the evening at Wallbridge, near Stroud. The house being too small, many stood without ; but neither before nor after preaching (much less while I was speaking), did I hear the sound of any voice ; no, nor of any foot ; in so deep a silence did they both come, hear, and go away. Tues. 20. — I preached in the town hall at Evesham. At the upper end of the room a large body of people were still and attentive. Meantime, at the lower end, many were walking to and fro, laughing and talking, as if they had been in West- minster Abbey. Wed. 21. — After dinner abundance of rabble gathered near the town hall, having procured an engine, which they exercised on all that came in their way. So I gave them the ground and preached at our own room in great quietness. Thur. 22. — I rode to Birmingham. A few poor wretches, I found, had occasioned fresh disturbance here. The chief was Sarah B , with whom I talked at large. Sat. 24. — She said, ' I am in heaven in the spirit ; but I can speak in the flesh. I am not that which appears, but that which disappears. I always pray, and yet I never pray : for what can I pray for ? I have all.' I asked, ' Do not you pray for sinners?' She said, ' No ; I know no sinners but one. I know but two in the world : God is one, and the devil is the other.' I asked, ' Did not Adam sin of old ; and do not adulterers and murderers sin now?' She replied, 'No; Adam never sinned ; and no man sins now : it is only the devil.' ' And will no man ever be damned ? ' ' No man ever will.' ' Nor the devil ?' 'I am not sure ; but I believe not.' ' Do you receive the sacrament ? ' ' No ; I do not want it.' ' Is the word of God ' For early Methodism in Frome see Meth. Rec, Nov. 30, 1899. VOL. IV 56 John Wesley s Journal [March 1753. your rule ? ' ' Yes, the Word made flesh ; but not the letter. I am in the spirit.' Sun. 25. — Upon inquiry, I found these wild enthusiasts were six in all — four men and two women. They had first run into the height of Antinomianism, and then were given up to the spirit of pride and blasphemy. We reached Bilbrook in the evening, and a little before six, on Monday the 26th, Poole, near Nantwich. I was pretty much tired, but soon recovered my strength, and explained to a serious people, ' I determined not to know anything but Jesus Christ and Him crucified.' Tues. 27. — We rode to Chester, where we found the scene quite changed since I was here before. There is now no talk of pulling down houses. The present mayor,1 being a man of courage as well as honesty, will suffer no riot of any kind ; so that there is peace through all the city. Wed. 28. — The house was full of serious hearers at five. In the evening some gay young men made a little disturbance, and a large mob was gathered about the door ; but in a short time they dispersed of themselves. However, we thought it best to acquaint the mayor with what had passed ; on which he ordered the city crier to go down the next evening, and pro- claim that all riots should be severely punished ; and promised, if need were, to come down himself and read the Act of Parlia- ment. But it needed not ; after his mind was known, none was so hardy as to make a disturbance. I did not expect the mob at Nantwich (whither I was now much pressed to go) would be so quiet as that at Chester. We were saluted with curses and hard names as soon as we entered the town. But from the time I alighted from my horse, I heard no one give us an ill word ; and I had as quiet and attentive an audience as we used to have at Bristol, while I exhorted the ' wicked to forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts.' Sat. 31. — I preached at Booth Bank,2 where I met Mr. C , 1 Thomas Broster. of Warrington, the last Earl, died in 2 The house at which Mr. C 1759- The title was revived for his served as head gardener would probably daughter's son, George Henry Grey, 5th be Dunham Hall. George Booth, Earl Earl of Stamford, in 1796. Mr. C TYPICAL OPEN-AIR PREACHING-PLACES OF WESLEY. 1. CXWICH. 2. BOLTON CROSS (FROM A RECONSTRUCTED MODEL). 3. THE OLD HORSE-BLOCK IN THE HIGH BULLEN, WEDNESBURY. Ko 2 is reproduced by kind permission of All. J.T. Brooke, Chairman of Bolton Park, Committee, and No. 3 by the courtesy ot Dr. Dudley. 57 April 1763.] A Northern Journey 59 late gardener to the Earl of W . Surely it cannot be ! Is it possible the Earl should turn off an honest, diligent, well-tried servant, who had been in the family above fifty years, for no other fault than hearing the Methodists ? In the evening I preached at Manchester, and on Monday y APRIL 2, at Davyhulme. Here I found (what I had never heard of in England) a whole clan of infidel peasants. A neighbouring alehouse-keeper drinks, and laughs, and argues into Deism all the ploughmen and dairymen he can light on. But no mob rises against him ; and reason good : Satan is not divided against himself. Wed. 4. — I made an end of examining the society at Manchester, among whom were seventeen of the Dragoons. It is remarkable that these were in the same regiment with John Haime in Flanders ; but they utterly despised both him and his Master till they removed to Manchester : here it was that one and another dropped in, he scarce knew why, to hear the preaching. And they now are a pattern of seriousness, zeal, and all holy conversation. Tliur. 5. — I rode to Bolton, and found the society just double to what it was when I was here last ; and they are increased in grace no less than in number, walking closely with God, lovingly and circumspectly with one another, and wisely toward those that are without. Sat. 7. — I rode to Chipping. Sun. 8. — As soon as we came into the aisle of the church from the vestry a man (since dead) thrust himself between Mr. Milner and me and said, ' You shall not go into the pulpit.' I told him, ' I am only going into the desk.' He said, ' But you shall not go there neither ' ; and pushed me back by main strength. Eight or ten noisy men joined with him quickly, and set themselves in battle-array. Fearing some might take fire on the other side, I desired Mr. Milner to begin the service. After prayers (for he had no sermon with him) great part of the con- we may possibly identify as Mr. Cross. that he never heard it suggested that his But David Cross, great-grandson of great-grandfather was ' turned off ' for John and Alice Cross, who figure so hearing the Methodists. Wesley himself honourably in the history of early seems to have been incredulous. The Methodism in one of its most remarkable Crosses, in personal character and ability centres, assured the Rev. Henry J. Foster were pure gold. 60 John Wesley s Journal [Aprui76s, gregation followed us to the vicarage. They came thither again after the evening service, and God made them large amends for their little disappointment in the morning. Mon. 9. — Mr. Milner rode with us to Kendal. I preached there in a large, convenient room (the weather not allowing me to preach abroad), where Mr. Ingham's society used to meet. I was a little disgusted at their manner of coming in and sitting down, without any pretence to any previous prayer or ejaculation ; as well as at their sitting during the hymn, which indeed not one (though they knew the tune) sung with me. But it was far otherwise after sermon, for God spake in His word. At the second hymn every person stood up, and most of them sang very audibly; and the greatest part of the society followed us to our inn, nor did they leave us till we went to rest. Tues. 10. — We breakfasted at Ambleside, where our land- lord ! appeared quite open to conviction. We spoke plainly to him, prayed with and left him full of desire and thankfulness. Soon after, we lost our way in a vehement shower of snow ; but recovered it in about an hour, and got over the mountains safe. The woman of the house where we dined seemed to be one that feared God greatly ; yet when I spake of being saved by faith, she appeared to be utterly astonished. About six, after several heavy showers, we came, moderately weary, to Whitehaven. Wed. II. — Upon examining the society, I found that ' the love of many ' was ' waxed cold.' Nevertheless, I found a considerable number who appeared to be growing in grace. But surely here, above any other place in England, ' God hath chosen the poor of this world.' In comparison of these, the society at Newcastle are a rich and elegant people. It is enough that they are ' rich in faith,' and in the ' labour of love.' Sat. 14. — As we rode to Clifton, John Ilampson2 and I 1 Of the Salutation Inn. his death. For some account of Hamp- 2 Father of John Hampson, junior, son, father and son, and curious ob- afterwards a Nonconformist pastor and servations on 'democratic principles,' see master of a charity school, whose bio- Moore's Life of Wesley, Preface, vol. i. graphy of Wesley was written during See also Atmore's Memorial, p. 176, for his life and published immediately after a graphic description of the son. April 1753.] A Northern Journey 6 1 could not but observe a little circumstance. A black hail- cloud was driven full upon us by a strong north-east wind, till, being just over us, it parted asunder, and fell on the right and left, leaving us untouched. We observed it the more, because three several storms, one after another, went by in the same manner. Sun. 15. — I preached in the afternoon at Cockermouth, to wellnigh all the inhabitants of the town. Intending to go from thence into Scotland, I inquired concerning the road, and was informed I could not pass the arm of the sea which parts the two kingdoms, unless I was at Bowness, about thirty miles from Cockermouth, soon after five in the morning. At first I thought of taking an hour or two's sleep, and setting out at eleven or twelve. But, upon further consideration, we chose to take our journey first, and rest afterward. So we took horse about seven, and, having a calm, moonshiny night, reached Bowness before one. After two or three hours' sleep we set out again without any faintness or drowsiness. Our landlord, as he was guiding us over the Firth, very innocently asked how much a year we got by preaching thus. This gave me an opportunity of explaining to him that kind of gain which he seemed utterly a stranger to. He appeared to be quite amazed ; and spake not one word, good or bad, till he took his leave. Presently, after he went, my mare stuck fast in a quagmire, which was in the midst of the high-road. But we could well excuse this ; for the road all along, for near fifty miles after, was such as I never saw any natural road either in England or Ireland : nay, far better, notwithstanding the continued rain, than the turnpike road between London and Canterbury. We dined at Dumfries, a clean, well-built town, having two of the most elegant churches (one at each end of the town) that I have seen. We reached Thornhill in the evening. What miserable accounts pass current in England of the inns in Scotland ! Yet here, as well as wherever we called in our whole journey, we had not only everything we wanted, but everything readily and in good order, and as clean as I ever desire. Tues. 17. — We set out about four, and rode over several 62 John Wesley s Journal [Apmi763. high but extremely pleasant mountains, to Lead Hill ; a village of miners, resembling Plessey, near Newcastle. We dined at a village called Lesmahagow, and, about eight in the evening, reached Glasgow. A gentleman who had overtaken us on the road sent one with us to Mr. Gillies's house.1 Wed. 1 8. — I walked over the city, which I take to be as large as [Cork or] Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The University (like that of Dublin) is only one college, consisting of two small squares ; I think not larger, nor at all handsomer, than those of Lincoln College, in Oxford. The habit of the students gave me surprise. They wear scarlet gowns, reaching only to their knees. Most I saw were very dirty, some very ragged, and all of very coarse cloth. The high church is a fine building. The outside is equal to that of most cathedrals in England ; but it is miserably defaced within, having no form, beauty, or symmetry left. At seven in the evening Mr. G[illies] began the service, at his own (the college) church. It was so full before I came that I could not get in without a good deal of difficulty. After singing and prayer he explained a part of the Cate- chism, which he strongly and affectionately applied. After sermon he prayed and sung again, and concluded with the blessing. He then gave out, one after another, four hymns, which about a dozen young men sung. He had before desired those who were so minded to go away ; but scarce any stirred till all was ended. Thur. 19. — At seven I preached about a quarter of a mile from the town ; but it was an extremely rough and blustering morning, and few people came either at the time or place of my preaching : the natural consequence of which was that I had but a small congregation. About four in the afternoon a tent, as they term it, was prepared : a kind of moving pulpit, covered with canvas at the top, behind, and on the sides. In this I preached near the place where I was in the morning, to 1 For an account of Wesley's friendship experience, &c, see Tyerman's Life of with Dr. Gillies, the introduction of Wesley, vol. ii. pp. 164, 165 ; Meth.Mag. hymns into the College Kirk, Wesley's 1797, p. $11. See also Butler's Wesley work on Dr. Gillies' Historical Col- and Whitefield in Scotland, pp. 123-7, lections, their correspondence on religious for a short account of Dr. Gillies. April 1703.) With Dr. Gillies in Glasgow 63 near six times as many people as before ; and I am persuaded what was spoken came to some of their hearts, ' not in word only, but in power.' Fri. 20. — I had designed to preach at the same place, but the rain made it impracticable. So Mr. G[illies] desired me to preach in his church, where I began between seven and eight. Surely with God nothing is impossible ! Who would have believed, five-and-twenty years ago, either that the minister would have desired it or that I should have consented to preach in a Scotch kirk ? We had a far larger congregation at four in the afternoon than the church could have contained. At seven Mr. G[illies] preached another plain, home, affectionate sermon. Has not God still a favour for this city ? It was long eminent for serious religion ; and He is able to repair what is now decayed, and to build up the waste places. Sat. 21. — I had designed to ride to Edinburgh ; but, at the desire of many, I deferred my journey till Monday. Here was now an open and effectual door, and not many adversaries. I could hear of none but a poor Seceder, who went up and down, and took much pains. But he did not see much fruit of his labour ; the people would come and hear for them- selves, both in the morning, when I explained (without touching the controversy), ' Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect ? ' and in the afternoon, when I enforced ' Seek ye the Lord while He may be found.' Sun. 22. — It rained much : nevertheless, upwards (I suppose) of a thousand people stayed with all willingness while I explained and applied 'This is life eternal, to know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.' I was desired to preach afterwards at the prison, which I did about nine o'clock. All the felons, as well as debtors, behaved with such reverence as I never saw at any prison in England. It may be some even of these sinners will occasion joy in heaven. The behaviour of the people at church, both morning and afternoon, was beyond anything I ever saw but in our con- gregations. None bowed or courtesied to each other, either before or after the service ; from the beginning to the end of 64 John Wesley's Journal [April nos. which none talked or looked at any but the minister. Surely much of the power of godliness was here, when there is so much of the form still. The meadow where I stood in the afternoon was filled from side to side. I spoke as closely as ever in my life. Many of the students and many of the soldiers were there ; and I bear them witness they could bear ' sound doctrine.' Mon. 23. — I had a great desire to go round by Kilsyth, in order to see that venerable man, Mr. Robe,1 who was every day expecting (what his soul longed for) ' to depart and be with Christ.' But the continual rains had made it impracticable for us to add so many miles to our day's journey ; so we rode on, straight by the Kirk o' Shots ; reached Edinburgh by five in the afternoon ; lodged at Tranent ; and on Tuesday the 24th came to Berwick in good time, where I preached on the bowling-green at six. The wind was extremely sharp, and we had several showers while I was speaking ; but I believe scarce five persons went away. Wed. 25. — We came to Alnwick on the day2 whereon those who have gone through their apprenticeship are made free of the corporation. Sixteen or seventeen, we were informed, were to receive their freedom this day ; and, in order thereto (such is the unparalleled wisdom of the present corporation, as well as of their forefathers), to walk through a great bog (purposely preserved for the occasion, otherwise it might have been drained long ago), which takes up some of them to the neck, and many of them to the breast. TV///'. 26. — I spoke severally to those of the society,3 and found they had been harassed above measure by a few violent Predestinarians, who had at length separated themselves from us. It was well they saved me the trouble, for I can have no connexion with those who will be contentious. These I reject, not for their opinion, but for their sin ; for their unchristian temper and unchristian practice ; for being haters of reproof, ' The parish minister of Kilsyth, about in the year 1742. Seeabove, vol. iii. p. 178. twelve miles north-east of Glasgow, - St. Mark's Day. See Stamp's through whose earnest preaching a re- Orphan House, p. 102. markable revival of religion took place, 3 Of this society Jenny Keith was one an account of which Mr. Robe published (IV.H.S. vol. vii. p. 65). May 1753.] A Northern Journey 65 haters of peace, haters of their brethren, and, consequently, of God. Sat. 28. — I returned to Newcastle. Sun. 29. — I preached at Sunderland at eight and at twelve. As we were riding back the wind was exceeding high ; but as we entered Newcastle a shower began, which laid the wind and then gave place to clear sunshine. I was extremely weary when we came in, having preached four times on Saturday. But my strength soon returned, so that the whole congregation near the Keelmen's Hospital could distinctly hear the entire sermon. And great was the Lord in the midst of us. May 3, T/iur. — I preached at Gateshead Fell to many more than the house x would contain. The society here was increased when I met them last from nine or ten to sixty members. They are now double the number, and, I trust, will ere long overtake their brethren in Kingswood. Fri. 4. — We had the first General Quarterly Meeting of all the stewards round Newcastle, in order thoroughly to under- stand both the spiritual and temporal state of every society. Mon. 7. — After preaching in Durham at noon I rode on to Stockton, and took my usual stand in the High Street about six in the evening. Tues. 8. — I rode to Robin Hood's Bay, near Whitby. The town is very remarkably situated : it stands close to the sea, and is in great part built on craggy and steep rocks, some of which rise perpendicular from the water ; and yet the land both on the north, south, and west is fruitful and well cultivated. I stood on a little rising near the quay, in a warm, still evening, and exhorted a multitude of people from all parts to ' seek the Lord while He may be found.' They were all attention, and most of them met me again at half an hour after four in the morning. I could gladly have spent some days here ; but my stages were fixed, so on Wednesday the 9th I rode on to York. We had a rough salute, as I went to preach, from a company of poor creatures in the way ; but they were tolerably quiet during the preaching. The greatest inconvenience arose from ' This, Tyerman says, was the second chapel built by the Methodists in the neighbourhood of Newcastle. 66 John Wesley s Journal may 1753. the number of people, by reason of which the room 1 (though unusually high) felt as hot as an oven. Fri. II. — I rode over to Rufforth 2 and preached at one to an earnest congregation. A young man, remarkably serious and well-behaved, and rejoicing in his first love, who set out but a few minutes before me, was thrown by his horse, and (as it is termed) broke his neck. Just at the instant a person going by who understood the case took hold of him and pulled it into its place. Oh mystery of Providence ! Why did not this man die when he was full of humble, holy love ? Why did he live to 'turn from the holy commandment ' which was then written in his heart ? Sat. 12. — I observed a remarkable change in the behaviour of almost all I met. The very rabble were grown civil, scarce any one now speaking a rude or an angry word. Sun. 13. — I began preaching at seven, and God applied it to the hearts of the hearers.3 Tears and groans were on every side, among high and low. God, as it were, bowed the heavens and came down. The flame of love went before Him ; the rocks were broken in pieces, and the mountains flowed down at His presence. I had designed to set out for Lincolnshire this morning ; but, finding that a day of God's power was come, I sent one 4 thither in my place, and, after preaching (as I had appointed) at Stamford Bridge s and at Pocklington, returned to York in the evening. Let us work together with Him, when, and where, and as He pleases ! Every night, while I stayed, many of the rich and honourable crowded in among us. And is not ' God able, even of these stones, to raise up children to Abraham ' ? 6 1 In Pump Yard. See Lyth's Early Wesley on this visit, describes the effect Methodism in York, p. 77. of his preaching (E.M.P. vol. i. p. 252). - Mrs. Martha Thompson, who ' Thomas Mitchell, possessed a considerable estate at Ruf- '' Tradition says in an old barn of one forth, two miles and a half from Robert Dilcock (Meth. Welcome, 1902, Acomb, had ' opened her house to re- p. 245). ceive the Methodist preachers, and 6 On May 16, and again on the 28th, appears to have used her influence to he wrote to Blackwell, with greetings obtain their admission into York.' See from his wife, who accompanied him on Lyth's Early Methodism in York, pp. 53, this journey, and a joyful assurance of a 54. ' plentiful harvest ' in all the North of 3 Thomas Mitchell, who accompanied England. ( Works, vol. xii. pp. 179, 180.) May i753.i A Northern Journey 67 Sat. 19. — I preached at Pocklington again, and rode on to Whitgift Ferry. It rained a great part of the way, and just as we got to the water a furious shower began, which continued above half an hour, while we were striving to get John Haime's horse into the boat ; but we were forced, after all, to leave him behind. We set out from Whitgift soon after four ; but the violent rain which attended us till after seven made the road so dirty and slippery that our horses could hardly keep their feet, so that it was nine before we reached Epworth. Sun. 20. — We had, as usual, most of the inhabitants of the town at the Cross in the afternoon. I called afterwards on Mr. M • and his wife, a venerable pair, calmly hastening into eternity. If those in Paradise know what passes on earth, I doubt not but my father is rejoicing and praising God, who has, in His own manner and time, accomplished what he had so often attempted in vain.2 Mon. 21. — I rode to Sykehouse, and preached about noon, and then went on for Leeds. In the afternoon we called at a house where a company of rough, butcherly men, exceeding drunk, were cursing and swearing at an unusual rate. I spoke to them, in spite of German prudence, and they were not only patient but exceeding thankful. Tues. 22. — Most of our preachers met3 and conversed freely together, as we did, morning and afternoon, to the end of the week, when our Conference ended with the same blessing as ' Probably Mr. Maw. See above, appointed for six months only. When vol. iii. p. 135, and references. his appointed time expired he refused 2 Wesley Studies, p. 74 — thepostscript to give up the preacher's house or the of Samuel Wesley's last letter to his son chapel. Ejected, he drew part of the John. society with him, embraced Calvinistic J The tenth Conference, at which opinions, built the White Chapel, and Wesley, Grimshaw, Milner, twenty- ministered usefully in Leeds for thirty six itinerants, and sixteen local preachers years. See Methodist Heroes in the were present (see Tyerman, vol. ii. Great Hawortk Round, chap. xiii. p. 166). The Minutes of this Con- During this Conference the brethren ference, taken by Jacob Rowell, were entered complaint respecting some published in an appendix to vol. i. of allegations made by Whitefield with the Octavo Edition. At this Conference reference to the preachers, the societies, John Edwards, one of the preachers, and the general discipline. In a friendly asked for a permanent appointment to letter Wesley conveyed these complaints Leeds. This was refused, and he was to Whitefield. 68 John Wesley s Journal (May 1753. it began, God giving us all to be not only of one heart but of one judgement. This week I read over Mr. Rimius's Candid Narrative} It informed me of nothing new. I still think several of the incon- siderable members of that community are upright ; but I fear their governors ' wax worse and worse, having their conscience seared as with a hot iron.' Sun. 27. — I was afraid many of the congregation at Birstall would not be able to hear ; but my fear was needless, for my voice was so strengthened that even those who sat in John Nelson's windows, a hundred yards off, could (as they after- wards told me) distinctly hear every word. Tues. 29. — I preached at Keighley, where the loving spirit and exemplary behaviour of one young man 3 has been a means of convincing almost all the town, except those of his own household. Wed. 30. — I rode to Haworth, where Mr. Grimshaw read prayers, and I preached to a crowded congregation ; but, having preached ten or eleven times in three days, besides meeting the societies, my voice began to fail. Not that I was hoarse at all, but I had not strength to speak. However, it was restored at Heptonstall in the afternoon, so that the whole congregation could hear. When shall we learn to take thought only for the present hour? Is it not enough that God gives help when we want it ? Thur. 31. — 1 rode through a delightful vale to General Wood,3 near Todmorden. The sun was burning hot, but they set up a little tent for me, resembling that I had at Glasgow. The people stood or sat on the grass round about. The after- noon was the hottest I ever remember in England, so that by the time we came to Bolton I was fit for nothing but to lie down. However, in the evening my strength was renewed, and we rejoiced together in God our Saviour. 1 Henry Rimius {W.H.S. vol. iv. and Whitefield, vol. ii. p. 301. p. 80). A Candid ATarrative of the Rise - Probably Thomas Colbeck, one of and Progress of the Herrnhuters, com- the most amiable characters in Yorkshire. monly called Moravians, or Unitas See above, vol. iii. p. 369, and Laycock's Fratrum ; London, 1753. See Gentle- Methodist Heroes, p. 139. man's Mag. 1753, p 236; also refer- 3 A farmstead. See W.H.S. vol. vi. encesinTyerman's Wesley, vol. ii. p. 156, p. 79. June 1783. An ' Odd Story ' 69 JUNE 2, Sat. — Hardly knowing how to give credit to an odd story which I had heard, that one of our preachers ' was accus- tomed to preach in his sleep, I inquired more particularly concerning it, and received the following account : On Friday, May 25, about one in the morning, being then fast asleep, he began to speak. There were present, in two or three minutes, William, Mary, Amelia Shent, John Haime, John Hampson, Joseph Jones, Thomas Mitchell, and Ann Foghill. He first exhorted the congregation to ' sing with the spirit and the understanding also,' and gave them directions how to do it. He then gave out that hymn, line by line — Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove, With all Thy quick'ning powers ; pitching the tune, and singing it to the end. He added an exhortation to take heed how they heard; then he named his text, 1 John v. 19: ' We know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.' He divided his discourse into six parts, undertaking to show (1) that all true believers are of God ; (2) that they know they are of God ; (3) that the world lieth in wickedness ; (4) that every individual who is of the world is in this condition ; (5) the dreadful end of such. He (6) closed with an exhortation to those who were of God and those who were of the world. After he had gone through two or three heads he broke off, and began to speak to a clergyman, who came in and interrupted him. He disputed with him for some time, leaving him space to propose his objections, and then answering them one by one. Afterwards he desired the congregation, now the disturber was gone, to return thanks to God, and so gave out and sang — Praise God, from whom pure blessings flow ! When he had done preaching he desired the society to meet, to whom he first gave out a hymn, as before, and then exhorted them to love one another: (1) because they had one Creator, Preserver, and Father ; (2) because they had all one Redeemer ; (3) because they had all one Sanctifier ; (4) because they were walking in one way of holiness ; and (5) because they were all going to one heaven. Having sung a parting verse, he said (as shaking each by the hand), ' Good-night, brother ; good-night, sister.' This lasted till about a 1 Jonathan Catlow. See, on the case, Catlow, see Everett's Manchester, pp. 93, Watson's Reply to Southey, p. 197 n. : ' a 94 ; Meth. Rec. Winter No., 1904, p. 86 ; peculiarity known in the family.' For and Atmore's Methodist Memorial, p. 73. jo John Wesley s Journal [June 1753. quarter after two, he being fast asleep all the time. In the morning he knew nothing of all this, having, as he apprehended, slept from night to morning without dreaming at all. By what principles of philosophy can we account for this ? Mon. 4. — I rode from Manchester to Chelmorton Mn-the- Peak, where I preached in a little meadow, and reached Sheffield in the evening. Tues. 5. — I rode over to Jonathan Booth's at Woodseats, whose daughter had been ill in a very uncommon manner. The account her parents gave of it was as follows : About the middle of December 1752 Elizabeth Booth,2 junior, near ten years old, began to complain of a pain in her breast, which con- tinued three days. On the fourth day, in a moment, without any provocation, she began to be in a vehement rage, reviling her mother, and throwing at the maid what came next to hand. This fit continued near an hour ; then in an instant she was quite calm. The next morn- ing she fell into a fit of another kind — being stretched out, and stiff as a dead carcase. Thus she lay about an hour. In the afternoon she was suddenly seized with violent involuntary laughter ; and she had some or other of these fits several times a day for about a month. In the intervals of them she was in great heaviness of soul, and continually crying for mercy, till one Saturday, as she lay stretched out on the bed, she broke out, ' I know that my Redeemer liveth.' Her faith and love increased from that time ; but so did the violence of her fits also. And often while she was rejoicing and praising God she would cry out, ' O Lord ! ' and, losing her senses at once, lie as dead, or laugh violently, or rave and blaspheme. In the middle of February she grew more outrageous than ever. She frequently strove to throw herself into the fire or out of the window. Often she attempted to tear the Bible, cursing it in the bitterest manner ; and many times she uttered oaths and blasphemies too horrid to be repeated. Next to the Bible, her greatest rage was against the Metho- dists— Mr. W[esley] in particular. She frequently told us where he was and what he was then doing, adding, ' He will be here soon ' ; and at another time, ' Now he is galloping down the lane, and two men with him.' In the intervals of her fits she was unusually stupid, and moped, as if void of common understanding ; and yet sometimes broke out into vehement prayer, to the amazement of all that heard. 1 ForBennet's invitation to Chelmor- - See Methodism in Sheffield, p. 89; ton by the Marsdens and the grand- Arm. Mag. 1783, p. 412 ; and especially father of Robert Lomas see Memoir of Seed's History of Norfolk Street Chapel, J. Marsden, Met A. Mag. 1808, p. 32. p. 20. June 1753.] The Case of Elizabeth Booth 7 1 Sometimes she would strip herself stark naked and run up and down the house, screaming and crying, ' Save me ! Save me ! He will tear me in pieces.' At other times she cried out, ' He is tearing off my breasts ; he is pouring melted lead down my throat. Now I suffer what the martyrs suffered ; but I have not the martyrs' faith.' She frequently spoke as if she was another person, saying to her father, 'This girl is not thine, but mine. I have got possession of her, and I will keep her,' with many expressions of the same kind. She often seemed to be in a trance, and said she saw many visions — sometimes of heaven or hell or judgement, sometimes of things which she said would shortly come to pass. In the beginning of March Mrs. G[reen] came over to Rotherham, who herself gave me the following account : ' Soon after I came in she fell into a raging fit, blaspheming and cursing her father and me. She added, " It was I that made Green's horse so bad the other day " (which had been taken ill in a most unaccountable manner as soon as he was put into the stable). " I did it that thou mightest have the preaching no more ; and I had almost persuaded thee to it. It was I that made thee bad last night." She was then taken in an unusual way. All the time she spoke she was violently convulsed, and appeared to be in strong agony. After about a quarter of an hour she brake out into prayer, and then came to herself, only still dull and heavy.' John Thorpe, of Rotherham,1 had often a desire to pray for her in the congregation ; but he was as often hindered by a strong and sudden impression on his mind that she was dead. When he came to Wood- seats and began to mention what a desire he had had, the girl, being then in a raging fit, cried out, ' I have made a fool of Thorpe ! ' and burst out into a loud laughter. In the beginning of May all these symptoms ceased, and she con- tinues in health both of soul and body.2 Wed. 6. — It being still sultry hot, I preached under a shady tree at Barley Hall, and in an open place at Rotherham in the evening. On Friday the 8th we reached Nottingham. Mr. S. 1 Methodism in Sheffield, p. 15 ; Life A letter from J. Wesley to his great - of C. of Huntingdon, vol. i. pp. 148, niece, Patience Whereat (formerly 266. Mr. Thorpe, after his conversion, Ellison) brings him, in extreme old age, joined the Methodists, and Wesley again into contact with this circle, stationed him at Rotherham. Later he W. Thorpe's ministry was remarkably became pastor of an Independent con- powerful. gregation. His son, the Rev. William - The girl was afterwards married to Thorpe, was minister of Castle Green John Oliver, one of the preachers, Chapel, Bristol, in which the Ellisons who left the work in 1784 {Methodism and some of the Whereats worshipped. in Sheffield, p. 92). 72 John Wesley s Jottrnal [June 1763. met us here, and gave us a pleasing account of his congregation at S , continually increasing, and growing more earnest and more scandalous every day. At Nottingham also God is greatly reviving His work, and pouring water upon the dry ground. In the afternoon I rode to Markfield,1 where I carefully read over Mr. Stinstra's tract upon Fanaticism.2 He is doubtless a well-meaning man, but deeply ignorant of the subject he treats of ; and his arguments are of no force at all, for they prove abundantly too much. They utterly overthrow many of the grand arguments for Christianity ; and every man may, on those principles, prove the Apostles to have been fanatics to a man. Sun. 10 (being Whit Sunday). — The church contained the congregation tolerably well. After dinner a gentleman who came from Leicester, eight miles off, invited me thither.3 About eight I preached there, in a place near the walls, called the Butt Close. The people came running together from all parts, high and low, rich and poor ; and their behaviour surprised me ; they were so serious and attentive, not one offering any interruption. Mon. n. — We rode to Woburn. Tuesday the 12th promised to be an exceeding hot day ; but the clouds rose as soon as we set out, and continued till we were near Markyate Street. The sun was then burning hot, so that how my fellow travellers would get forward I knew not. But God knew. As soon as we set out a cloud arose and covered us again. The wind then came about and blew in our faces, so that we had a tolerable cool ride to London. I found the town much alarmed with Mr. Rimius's Narrative * and Mr. Whitefield's Letter to Count Z[inzendorf].5 It seems, ' Methodism in this village was the vol. ii. p. 463 ; J\/eth. Rec. Nov. I, mother church in these parts ( W.M. Mag. 1 900. 1834, p. 102). Mr. Ellis, the vicar, was 4 Heber, in his Bampton Lecture, very favourable to Methodism. See says : ' The calumnies of Rimius and above, vol. ii. pp. 462-3. Stinstra against the Moravian Brethren - See IV.H.S. vol. iv. p. 80 ; Ben- are cases in point. No one now believes ham's Memoirs of James Hut /on, p. 343; them. Yet they could deceive even Abbey and Overton's English Church, Warburton. ' (Quoted in D'Israeli's vol. i. p. 593. Curiosities of Literature, vol. iii. p. 145.) 3 Some have thought that this was 5 G. Whitefield's Expostulatory Letter Mr. Coltman. See Catherine Hutlon to Count Zinzendorf, &c. See Tyer- and her Friends, pp. 62, 87 ; above, man's Whitefield, vol. ii. p. 301. July 1753.1 In London 73 indeed, that God is hastening to bring to light those hidden works of darkness. [And undoubtedly none who reads those tracts with any degree of impartiality will ever more (unless he be himself under a strong delusion) go near the tents of those wicked men.] Tues. 19. — Mr. Wh[itefield] showed me the letters he had lately received from the Count, Cossart,1 P. Bohler, and James Hutton.2 I was amazed. Either furious anger or settled con- tempt breathed in every one of them.3 Were they ashamed after all the abominations they had committed ? No ; they were not ashamed : they turned the tables upon Mr. Wh[itefield]. C[ossart] protested before God he had never made Lynde any offer at all. The C[ount] blustered, like himself, and roundly averred he could say something if he would. J[ames] H[utton] said flat, ' You have more than diabolical impudence : I believe the devil himself has not so much.' Sun. 24. — Mr. Walsh preached at Short's Gardens in Irish. Abundance of his countrymen flocked to hear, and some were cut to the heart. How many means does God use to bring poor wanderers back to Himself! JULY i, Sun. — He preached in Irish in Moorfields. The congregation was exceeding large, and behaved seriously, though probably many of them came purely to hear what manner of language it was. For the sake of these he preached afterwards in English, if by any means he might gain some. Tues. 3. — I rode over to Mr. K 's, at Teddington, ' an Israelite indeed.' Dr. Hales4 sent after dinner to desire our company, and showed us several experiments. How well do philosophy and religion agree in a man of sound under- standing ! Sun. 8. — After preaching at the chapel, morning and after- noon, I took horse with Mr. P . We had designed to ride only two or three hours, in order to shorten the next day's 1 Henry Frederick Cossart, a Moravian to attack so that their hearts quake ' pioneer. See W.H.S. vol. iii. p. 149; (MemoirsoJ fames //w/tow, p.568, No. ix). Moravian Messenger, 1876, p. 247. * The celebrated scientist and philo- 2 For their letters see Memoirs of James sopher. See ' Wesley's Interviews with Button, pp. 304, 305. Famous People,' Wesley Studies, p. 182. 3 ' Method with the chief in any sect is Known to C. Wesley, and Pope's friend — to treat with a sovereign contempt or and neighbour. VOL. IV ; 74 John Wesley s Journal uuiy 1753. journey. But a young man who overtook us near Kingston induced us to change our purpose. So we only rested about half an hour at Cobham ; and, leaving it between nine and ten, rode on softly in a calm, moonshiny night, and about twelve came to Godalming. We took horse again at half an hour past four, and reached Portsmouth about one. I was surprised to find so little fruit here, after so much preaching. That accursed itch of disputing had wellnigh destroyed all the seed which had been sown.1 And this ' vain jangling ' they called ' contending for the faith.' I doubt the whole faith of these poor wretches is but an opinion.2 After a little rest we took a walk round the town, which is regularly fortified, and is, I suppose, the only regular fortifica- tion in Great Britain or Ireland. Gosport, Portsmouth, and the Common (which is now all turned into streets), may probably contain half as many people as Bristol ; and so civil a people I never saw before in any seaport town in England. I preached at half an hour after six in an open part of the Common adjoining to the new church.3 The congregation was large and well-behaved ; not one scoffer did I see, nor one trifler. In the morning, Tuesday the 10th, I went on board a hoy, and in three hours landed at Cowes, in the Isle of Wight : as far exceeding the Isle of Anglesey, both in pleasantness and fruit- fulness, as that exceeds the rocks of Scilly. We rode straight to Newport, the chief town in the Isle,4 and found a little society in tolerable order. Several of them had found peace with God. One informed me it was about eight years ago since she first knew her interest in Christ, by means of one who called there in his way to Pennsylvania ; but, having none to speak to, or advise with, she was long tormented with doubts and fears. After some years she received a fresh mani- festation of His love, and could not doubt or fear any more. She is now (and has been long) confined to her bed, and con- ' See Memoir of Mr. Joseph Webb, * The society belonged, not to Wesley, Meth. Mag. 1819, p. 881; Rev. H. but to the Countess of Huntingdon (Tyer- Smith's Wesleyan Methodism in Ports- man's Life of Wesley ', vol. ii. p. 170). mouth; article in Meth. Rec. Jan. 1, 1903. ' St. George's. Whitefield had spent a fortnight here in * ' One of the preachers had been there 1749. for some time' ( Works, vol. xiii. p. 336). July 1763.' In the Isle of Wight 75 / suming away with pining sickness ; but all is good to her, for she has learned in everything to give thanks. At half an hour after six I preached in the market-place to a numerous congregation, but they were not so serious as those at Portsmouth. Many children made much noise, and many grown persons were talking aloud, almost all the time I was preaching. It was quite otherwise at five in the morning. There was a large congregation again, and every person therein seemed to know this was the word whereby God would judge them in the last day. In the afternoon I walked to Carisbrooke Castle ; or rather, the poor remains of it. It stands upon a solid rock on the top of a hill, and commands a beautiful prospect. There is a well in it, cut quite through the rock, said to be seventy-two yards deep ; and another in the citadel, near a hundred. They drew up the water by an ass, which they assured us was sixty years old. But all the stately apartments lie in ruins. Only just enough of them is left to show the chamber where poor King Charles was confined, and the window through which he attempted to escape. In the evening the congregation at Newport was more numerous and more serious than the night before. Only one drunken man made a little disturbance. But the mayor ordered him to be taken away.1 TJiur. 12. — We set out early from Newport, and crossed over from Cowes to Southampton. In the afternoon we came to Salisbury, and on Saturday rode on to Shaftesbury.2 I preached in the new house in the evening, on Sunday afternoon at Longbridge Deverill ; and on Monday the 16th, before noon, praised God with our brethren at Bristol. Tues. 17. — At their earnest desire, I preached to the poor colliers confined in Newgate on account of the late riot.3 They would not hear the gospel while they were at liberty. God grant they may profit by it now ! Wed. 18. — We set out for the west, and on Friday the 20th 1 He makes no allusion to his earlier the colliers arose. The riot was quelled visit to the island in 1735. by the Scots Greys. (Latimer's History, - He preached at Bradford, Sarum, p. 303 ; Tyerman's Life of Wesley, Frome, and Freshford in July. vol. ii. p. 171 ; Pawlyn's Bristol s Provoked by the dearness of bread, Methodism, p. 48.} 76 John Wesley s Journal [Juiyi753. came to Plymouth Dock. I found much hurt had been done here by the bitter zeal of two or three bigots for their opinion. Two years ago they promised, in the most solemn manner, to let all controversy alone ; but quickly after the fire broke out anew, and has been devouring ever since. Sat. 21. — I endeavoured to convince them that they were destroying, not promoting, the work of God ; and on Sunday, when I spake to the society one by one, they seemed once more aware of Satan's devices. Mon. 23. — I rode to Launceston, and had the first general meeting of the stewards for the eastern part of Cornwall. In the evening I preached in perfect peace — a great blessing, if it be not bought too dear : if the world does not begin to love us because we love the world. Tues. 24. — In the road to Camelford I was taken with such a bleeding at the nose as I have not had since my return from Georgia. For a mile or two it increased more and more, and then at once stopped of itself ; so I rode on comfortably (though the day was extremely hot), and reached St. Agnes in the evening. On Wednesday the 25th the stewards met at St. Ives from the western part of Cornwall. The next day I began examin- ing the society, but I was soon obliged to stop short. I found an accursed thing among them : wellnigh one and all bought or sold uncustomed goods. I therefore delayed speaking to any more till I had met them all together. This I did in the evening, and told them plain, either they must put this abomination away, or they would see my face no more. Fri. 27. — They severally promised so to do. So I trust this plague is stayed.1 Sat. 28. — After preaching to the little flock at Zennor, we rode on to St. Just ; and found such a congregation at six in the evening as we used to have ten years since. I did not find any society in the county so much alive to God as this. Fifty or threescore have been added to it lately, and many children filled with peace and joy in believing. Sun. 29. — I preached at eight to a still larger congregation ; and in Morvah at one, to near the same number. Many back- 1 On Friday, July 27, he preached at Besore. Aug. 1753 .1 In Cornivall 7 7 sliders were among them ; to whom I cried, ' How shall 1 give thee up, Ephraim? ' Few of the congregation were unmoved, and when wc wrestled with God in prayer we had a strong hope He would not cast them off for ever.1 About five I began preaching at Newlyn on part of the Gospel for the day : ' Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in nc case enter into the kingdom of heaven.' In the morning I waked between two and three. I had had a looseness for several days. On Sunday it increased every hour ; but I was resolved, with God's help, to preach where I had appointed. I had now, with the flux, a continual headache, violent vomitings, and, several times in an hour, the cramp in my feet or legs ; some- times in both legs and both thighs together. But God enabled me to be thoroughly content, and thankfully resigned to Him. I desired one to preach in my place in Ludgvan at noon, and at Helston in the evening ; and another on Tuesday noon at Porkellis ; promising, if I was able, to meet them in the evening. Tues. 31. — After living a day and a half on claret and water, I found myself so easy that I thought I could ride to Crowan. I found no inconvenience the first hour, but in the second my disorder returned. However, I rode on, being unwilling to disappoint the congregation, and preached on 1 Be careful for nothing.' I then rode straight, as fast as I conveniently could, to Mr. Harris's in Camborne.2 AUG. 1, Wed. — At half an hour after two in the morning my disorder came with more violence than ever. The cramp likewise returned — sometimes in my feet or hand, sometimes in my thighs, my side, or my throat. I had also a continual sickness, and a sensation of fullness at my stomach, as if it were ready to burst. I took a vomit, but it hardly wrought 1 In July he preached also at St. he frequently preached in Besore, the Agnes. reason doubtless being that Truro at this * In July he preached at Besore thrice. time was amply served with evangelical Sir George Smith, whose house (Treliske) preaching by the Rev. Samuel Walker, is within two miles of Besore, notes the the vicar, who was one of Wesley's curious fact that, whereas Wesley is only trusted friends. He went where he was known to have preached once in Truro, most needed. 7% John Wesley s Journal fAug. 1753. at all ; nor did anything I took make any alteration. Thus I continued all day, and all the following night ; yet this I could not but particularly observe — I had no headache, no colic, nor any pain (only the cramp), from first to last. Thur. 2. — Perceiving I gained no ground, but rather grew weaker and weaker, my stomach being drawn downward, so that I could not stand nor lie but on my right side, I sent to Redruth for Mr. Carter, who came without delay. Here again I saw the gracious providence of God in casting me on so sensible and skilful a man. He advised me to persist in the same regimen I was in, and prescribed no physic, except a small dose of rhubarb. But even this (as I expected it would) was thrown up again immediately. I was now well satisfied, having had the best advice which could be procured, though my disorder continued much as before. But about five in the afternoon it ceased at once, without any visible cause. The cramp also was gone, my stomach was easy, and I laid down and slept till six in the morning. Fri. 3. — I began to recover my strength, so that I could sit up near two hours together. And from this time I felt no inconvenience ; only that I could not talk, nor stand long without resting. Sun. 5. — In the afternoon I rode to Redruth, and preached to a large congregation in an open part of the street. My voice was low, but, the day being calm, I believe all could hear ; and after I had done, I felt myself considerably stronger than when I begun. Mon. 6. — 1 preached at Gwennap at five, and afterwards saw a strange sight— a man that is old and rich, and yet not covetous. In the evening I preached at Penryn, and found my strength so restored that I could speak loud enough to be heard by a numerous congregation ; and thrice the next day, at Penryn, Besore i (near Truro), and St. Ewe.2 Wed. 8. — We were invited to Mevagissey, a small town on the south sea. As soon as we entered the town many ran together, crying, 'See, the Methodees are come.' But they In the Ordnance Map it appears as - In August he preached also at ' Mary Bezoar. See above, p. 77. Week,' St. Me wan, and Sand. Aug. 1753/ In North Cornivall 79 only gaped and stared ; so that we returned unmolested to the house I was to preach at, a mile from the town. Many serious people were waiting for us, but most of them deeply ignorant. While I was showing them the first principles of Christianity many of the rabble from the town came up. They looked as fierce as lions, but in a few minutes changed their countenance and stood still. Toward the close some began to laugh and talk, who grew more boisterous after I had concluded. Rut I walked straight through the midst of them, and took horse without any interruption. On TJiursday the 9th I rode to Port Isaac, and the next day to Trewalder. The little society here meet every night and morning, with a preacher or without ; and whoever comes among them quickly feels what spirit they are of. Sat. 11. — The rain stopped at twelve, and gave me an oppor- tunity of preaching in the market-place at Camelford. I saw only one person in the congregation who was not deeply serious. That one (which I was sorry to hear) was the curate of the parish. Almost as soon as we set out we were met by such a shower of rain as I never saw before in Europe. But it did us no hurt ; we came very well, though very wet, to St. Gennys. Sun. 12. — I never saw so many people in this church; nor did I ever before speak so plainly to them. They hear ; but when will they feel? Oh what can man do toward raising either dead bodies or dead souls ! Mon. 13. — The rain attended us all the way to Launceston. I preached at noon, but was not dry till the evening. Yet I did not catch any cold at all. What can hurt, without leave from God? Tues. 14. — I willingly accepted the offer of preaching in the house lately built for Mr. Whitefield at Plymouth Dock. Thus it behoveth us to trample on bigotry and party zeal. Ought not all who love God to love one another ? ' Thur. 16. — I rode to Cullompton, but could not reach it till it was too late to preach.2 1 At this time Whitefield was visiting " But the Sermon Register indicates and preaching in Wesley's societies in preaching, probably the day following in the north, and on the 14th was at the early morning and later in the day, Newcastle. giving three texts. 80 John Wesley s Journal tsept 1763. Sun. 19. — I preached thrice at Tiverton, rode to Middlezoy the next day, and on Tuesday to Bristol. Fri. 24. — I endeavoured once more to bring Kingswood School into order. Surely the importance of this design is apparent, even from the difficulties that attend it. I have spent more money and time and care on this than almost any design I ever had ; and still it exercises all the patience I have. But it is worth all the labour. Mon. 27. — I came early to the New Passage ; but the wind, shifting, obliged me to wait near six hours. When we were almost over it shifted again, so that we could not land till between six and seven. Tues. 28. — I reached Cardiff. Finding I had all here to begin anew, I set out as at first, by preaching in the Castle Yard on ' Lord, are there few that be saved ? ' I afterwards met what was once a society, and in the morning spoke severally to a few who were still desirous to join together, and build up, not devour, one another. I preached in the evening at Fonmon, and on Thursday the 30th spake to many at Cardiff who were resolved to set out once more in the Bible-way and strengthen each other's hands in God. Fri. 31. — We had a pleasant ride and a ready passage; so that we reached Bristol in the afternoon. I preached in the evening over the remains of Mary Henley, a good soldier of Jesus Christ, who died rejoicing in His love the same day I set out for Cardiff. Sept. 3, Mon. — I began visiting the little societies in Somersetshire and Wiltshire. This evening I preached at Shepton Mallet, and found much life among the poor, plain people. It was not so at Oakhill the next day, where many once alive have drawn back to perdition. But at Coleford, in the evening, I found many living souls, though joined with some who did not adorn the gospel. Wed. 5. — I rode over to Kingswood, a little town near Wotton-under-Edge.1 Some weeks since W S was invited to preach at Wotton ; which he did once, in great 1 Kingswood junior it is called in the Sermon Register. In September 1753 he preached at Road and Westbury. sept. 1753 Gloucestershire and Somerset 8 1 peace. But the next time he went the mob was so turbulent that he could not finish his sermon, upon which one desired him to come to Kingswood ; which he did, and many people heard him gladly. Soon after I came in, a multitude of people was gathered from all parts. A large congregation was there at five in the morning, and a larger than ever in the evening. The next morning I accepted of Mr. B[aylis]'s offer ; and, after reading prayers, preached at the church. All the people expressed huge good-will, but none appeared to be deeply affected. At half an hour after twelve I preached in the street at Wickwar, about four miles from Kingswood, where there has been a small society for some years, many of whom can rejoice in God. The rest of the audience gave a civil attention, and seemed little pleased or displeased at the matter. Moii. 10. — I preached to the condemned malefactors in Newgate, but I could make little impression upon them.1 I then took horse for Paulton, where I called on Stephen Plummer, once of our society, but now a zealous Quaker. He was much pleased with my calling, and came to hear me preach. Being straitened for time, I concluded sooner than usual ; but as soon as I had done Stephen began. After I had listened half an hour, finding he was no nearer the end, I rose up to go away. His sister then begged him to leave off, on which he flew into a violent rage, and roared louder and louder, till an honest man took him in his arms and gently carried him away. What a wise providence was it that this poor young man turned Quaker some years before he ran mad ! So the honour of turning his brain now rests upon them, which otherwise must have fallen upon the Methodists. I preached at six in the evening at Buckland, about two miles from Frome, in a meadow of Mr. [Jeremiah] Emblem's,2 a wonderful monument of the grace of God, who, from the day he 1 See Latimer's History, p. 305. Pro- pp. 35-40 (Society Rolls of Frome and bably in connexion with the Bristol four other places, 1759-62). Mr. Em- riots, but no actual executions are re- blem seems to have removed to Bristol, ferred to in Latimer's History. where Wesley's Roll for 1783 gives names • See Tuck's Methodism in Frome, that support this view. 82 John Wesley s Journal Sept. 1763. received peace (being then acquainted with no Methodist), has continually walked in the light of God's countenance. The curate had provided a mob, with horns and other things con- venient, to prevent the congregation's hearing me. But the better half of the mob soon left their fellows, and listened with great attention. The rest did no harm, so that we had a comfortable opportunity, and another at five in the mornine Tues. ii. — I rode once more to ' New Kingswood. The hearers were more numerous than ever. As I did not expect to see them soon again, I used once more all possible plainness of speech, and their behaviour seemed to show that the word of God found its way into their hearts.1 Fri. 14. — I read with great attention the Chevalier Ramsay's Philosophical Principles of Religion.2 He undertakes to solve all the difficulties in the Christian revelation, allowing him only a few postulata : (i)That human souls all existed, and personally sinned in Paradise ; (2) that the souls of brutes are fallen angels ; (3) that pain is the only possible means whereby God Himself can cure sin ; and (4) that He will in the end, by the pains of purgatory, purify and restore all men and all devils. Amazing work this ! Mon. 17. — I began visiting the societies in Wiltshire, and found much cause to praise God on their behalf.3 Thur. 27. — I was desired by Lady F.4 to visit her daughter, ill of a consumption. I found much pity, both for the parent and the child, pining away in the bloom of youth, and yet not without joy, as she was already much convinced of sin, and seemed to be on the very brink of deliverance. I saw her once more on Saturday the 29th, and left her patiently waiting for God. Not long after my brother spent some time with her in prayer, and was constrained, to the surprise of all that were present, to ask of God again and again that He would perfect 1 On Wednesday, Sept. 12, he preached of Gallanc), who married her first cousin at Bath, and on the 22nd at Bearfield. John, Earl of Shelburne. Her son, born 2 See W.H.S. vol. iv. p. 80. in 1737, was first Marquis of Lansdowne, 3 In Sept. he preached in Bristol, Prime Minister in 1782. She led her Road, Melksham, and Freshford. On the husband to leave Ireland and buy the 24th he wrote to Dr. Robertson ( Works, Bowood property. Her husband's sister vol. xii. p. 210). See below, p. 99. was Lady Arabella Denny (see below, 1 Lady Fitzmaurice (Mary Fitzmaurice Mays, 1783). Oct. 1753. In the Isle of Wight 83 His work in her soul, and take her to Himself. Almost as soon as he had done, she stretched out her hands, said, ' Come, Lord Jesus,' and died. OCT. I, Mon. — I rode to Salisbury, and the next day to a village in the New Forest, eight miles wide of Southampton,1 where I preached in the evening to a well-meaning, serious congregation. Wed. 3. — We rode to Southampton, thence crossed over to Cowes, and reached Newport before eleven. At five in the afternoon I went to the market-place. The congregation was large and deeply attentive. It was near the same at six in the evening, and all seemed to drink in the exhortation to ' present themselves a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God.' A little before noon we set out for Shorwell, a village six miles south from Newport. I never saw a more fruitful or a more pleasant country than the inland part of this island. About one I preached at Shorwell to (I suppose) all the poor and middling people of the town. I believe some of the rich also designed to come, but something of more importance — a dinner — came between. At five I preached again at Newport to most of the town, and many who came from the neighbouring villages. Surely, if there was any here to preach the word of God with power, a multitude would soon be obedient to the faith. Fri. 5. — After preaching at six, I left this humane, loving people, rode to Cowes, and crossed over to Portsmouth. Here 1 found another kind of people, who had disputed themselves out of the power, and wellnigh the form, of religion. How- ever, I laboured (and not altogether in vain) to soften and compose their jarring spirits, both this evening and the next day. On Sunday noon I preached in the street at Fareham. Many gave great attention, but seemed neither to feel nor understand anything. At five I began on Portsmouth Common. I admired not so much the immense number of people as the un- common decency of behaviour which ran through the whole congregation. After sermon I explained to them at large the nature and design of our societies, and desired that, if any of 1 The village may have been Ower, near Castle Malwood. 8 4 John Wesley s Journal rOct. 1763. them were ^willing to join ,therein, they would call on me, either that evening or in the morning. I made no account of that shadow of a society which was before, without classes, without order or rules, having never seen, read, or heard the printed rules which ought to have been given them at their very first meeting.1 Mon. 8.— I rode to Godalming, and the next day to London. After resting there five days,2 on Monday the 15th I rode to Bedford. The melancholy account which I received here was as follows : 1. In the year 1739 Mr. [Ingham] and W[illiam] Djelamotte] came to Bedford.3 By them I was convinced that I was in a state of damnation, though I was outwardly unblamable. Some of the Germans came down in 1741, and engaged (1) to draw no one from the Church; (2) to hold a meeting on Sunday nights for us that were of the Church. On these conditions I joined with them. But in the beginning of 1742 they dropped the Sunday-night preaching, and required us to attend their meeting at the same hour that we used to go to church. I was much troubled at this, and wrote to Mr. John Wesley, entreating him to come down and help us. 2. When the Brethren learned this they gave me abundance of fair words, and persuaded me to write again, and desire Mr. W[esley] not to come. I was then made servant at the lovefeast. I still received the sacrament at the church once a year, but I regarded the church less and less, and, being continually taught that works signified nothing, and that we could not do them without trusting in them, I, in a while, left off all works of charity, as well as reading the Bible and private prayer. 3. Their first church was settled here in the beginning of the year 1744. On February 18 I was received into the congregation at London, and likewise into the Helpers' Conference. In 1746 Heckenwalder, the Chief Labourer,4 insisted on my putting myself 'The Sermon Register in October first met for worship at the house of Mrs. has also Sarum, Shaftesbury, and Wick. Okeley, in High Street, and chiefly at 2 His ideas as to ' rest ' were peculiar. her expense the first Moravian chapel On October 9 he expounded seven chap- was built in 1751. (J. A. Sharp, Bedford ters and preached six sermons. Meth. Mag. Jan. 1894.) A Mr. Francis 3 On the invitation of Mr. Francis Okeley was Mayor of Bedford in 1719- Okeley and the Rev. Jacob Rogers, ex- 20. curate o fSt. Paul's (see below, Oct. 16). « Minister of the congregation. For The work of Mr. Rogers was the occa- his appointment to Bedford see Hutton's sion of the invitation. The Moravians Memoirs, p. 101. Oct. 1763.1 A 'Melancholy Account' '85 out of the corporation.1 I was in much doubt whether it was right so to do, but he commanded, and I obeyed. The next year he went to London, and, at his return to Bedford, spoke to this effect : ' My brethren, we have received new orders. In London, Yorkshire, and all other places no person is to go out of the town without the leave of the Chief Labourer. So it must be here. Observe, no one must go out of the town, no, not a mile, without leave from me.' 2 4. In spring 1750 they began building the chapel, for which they collected near two hundred pounds, and borrowed eight hundred more, for which eight of the English brethren were engaged. Two of the English were bound for a hundred more, but none of the ten have any security at all. They promised, indeed, to lodge the writings of the house in their hands, but it was never done. 5. About this time a relation left me two houses near that wherein the single men lived. The Brethren advised me to rebuild them and add another, for a marriage plan, promising to let me have whatever ground I wanted behind the houses. This promise they renewed over and over. About Michaelmas I began, and followed their direction in the whole building ; but the night before I began I went to Anton,3 the Chief Labourer, and told him ' the workmen were ready. If I am to have ground I will go on, but not else.' He said, ' Go on, you shall have ground.' Soon after he set out the ground, for which I was to give eight pounds ; but, just as the houses were finished, Anton and Schlicht sent for me and told me they had received a letter from London, and I must have no ground, neither would they use the houses for a marriage plan. They were too near the single men, some of whom might perhaps see a woman sometimes in the yard. At the same time they desired I would stop up my doors and windows on that side ; if I would, they would either buy the houses or take a lease of them. I did as they desired. We then made several agreements, one after another ; but they would stand to none of them. I offered them ' This points to W P (see See Nov. 14, 1757; March 9, 1758. below, par. 9) being none other than This last reference may be to Okeley. William Parker, afterwards mayor See Telford's John Wesley, p. 210; cf. (Journal, April 12, 1757 ; Feb. 3, 1758 ; VV.M. Mag. 1833, p. 51. Feb. 5, 1761 ; Oct. 16, 1772; Nov. 30, 2 A somewhat forced extension of 1784). His son-in-law, E C , Order No. 19 of Bohler's Societies (see his successor in the mayoralty (Oct. 16, llutton's version of these Orders, p. 29 1772), is, as the identification requires, ff., and cf. above, vol. i. p. 458). Edward Chapman. Doubtless the ori- Under this rule Wesley's proposed first ginal document is in the Fetter Lane visit to Bristol was debated (see above, Archives. Possibly also Parker's con- vol. ii. p. 157). flict of mind is traceable in the entries. 3 Anton Scifart. 86 John Wesley s Journal [0ct 1753. to lose thirty pounds, nay, at last fifty, out of my pocket ; but in vain. So at this day I have but three pounds a year rent in all, out of which the land-tax is to be paid. 6. It is a general observation in Bedford that the Brethren are the worst paymasters in the town. They contract debts, and take no care or thought about discharging them. I have too much proof of this in my own case ; for many of them are in my debt, and never come near me. 7. Most of the English who are with them, that are of any trade, now trade for the Saviour ; that is, they work for the Germans, who take all the profits, and use them as their journeymen. As such they punctually give in their accounts and cash ; and if they want a coat, or anything, ask it of the Brethren. Mr. traded for and lent money to the Saviour till he was absolutely ruined. After he had sunk above seven hundred pounds, he begged to have forty or fifty repaid ; but in vain. But, at length, by vehement importunity, he procured eighteen pounds. 8. Mr. Rimius 1 has said nothing to what might have been said concerning their marriage economy. I know a hundred times more than he has written ; but the particulars are too shocking to relate. I believe no such things were ever practised before ; no, not among the most barbarous heathens. 9. A fortnight before Christmas last a young man of their con- gregation having married my daughter without having first obtained the leave of their Head Labourer, one of the Labourers came to my house, and read to me nearly these words : ' We, the Elders of the congregation of the Brethren, declare to you, W[illiam] P[arker J, M P[arker], your wife, E[dward] C[hap- man], and E , your daughter, are utterly cut off from all church communion, from all fellowship and connexion whatsoever, with the Brethren, and that for ever and ever.' In the evening I met the little society,2 just escaped with the skin of their teeth. From the account which each of these likewise gave, it appeared clear to a demonstration (1) that their Elders usurped a more absolute authority over the con- science than the Bishop of Rome himself does ; (2) that to gain and secure this they use a continued train of guile, fraud, and falsehood of every kind ; (3) that they scrape their votaries to ' See above> P- 72. Harpur) Street, in a large brick house 2 Possibly meeting in Parker's house. next to the oldest building of the Pre- Later William Parker lived in Angel (i.e. paratory Council School. Oct. 1753.1 Bedford to Canterbury 87 the bone as to their worldly substance, leaving little to any, to some nothing, or less than nothing ; (4) that still they are so infatuated as to believe that theirs is the only true Church upon earth. Tues. 16. — I preached on St. Peter's Green at seven in the morning and at five in the evening. It is amazing that any congregation should be found here, considering what stumbling- blocks have been thrown in their way. Above fourteen years ago Mr. Rogers,1 then curate of St. Paul's, preached the pure gospel with general acceptance. A great awakening began, and continually increased, till the poor weathercock turned Baptist. He then preached the absolute decrees with all his might ; but in a while the wind changed again, and he turned and sunk into the German whirlpool. How many souls has this unhappy man to answer for ! Fri. 19. — I returned to London. Sat. 20.2 — I found myself out of order, but believed it would go off. On Sutiday the 21st I was considerably worse, but could not think of sparing myself on that day. Mon. 22. — I rose extremely sick, yet I determined, if it were possible, to keep my word, and accordingly set out soon after four for Canterbury. At Welling I was obliged to stop ; after resting an hour, I was much better ; but soon after 1 took horse my sickness returned, and accompanied me to Brompton, near Chatham. In the evening I preached to a serious con- gregation,3 and at five in the morning. We came to Canterbury about one, when I was presently seized with the cold fit of an ague. About twelve I fell fast asleep, and waked well at seven in the morning.4 Wed. 24. — I preached in the evening without any incon- 1 See Life of C. of Huntingdon, vol. i. unjust to all parties concerned, enter pp. 245, &c. into details. We must content ourselves 2 He wrote to his brother ( Works, here with the quotation of references, vol. xii. p. 114; see Tyerman, vol. ii. 3 In the house of Mr. Millen, belong- p. 172). The unhappiness resulting from ing to the Dockyard [Meth. Mag, 1S16, a hasty and ill-assorted marriage affected p. 202). He died about 1760 or 1 76 1, not only Mr. and Mrs. Wesley, but also and the services were for a while sus- Charles and his wife. The trouble was pended. now becoming acute. We cannot, with- * In October he preached at Chatham out a condensation of facts that might be and Canterbury. 88 John Wesley s Journal fNov. 1753. venience, and at five in the morning ; but about nine I began shivering again. After the hot fit, I lay in a profuse sweat till eight. I then gradually cooled till I fell fast asleep, and rested sweetly till the morning. Fri. 26. — Being determined to use that interval of health, I procured a chaise, and reached Brompton in the evening. I spoke, as I was able, in the evening ; and God bore witness to the word of His grace. Sat. 27. — I came to London, having received no hurt, but rather benefit, by the journey.1 Nov. 1, Thur. — I began visiting the classes, though I found, by the loss of my voice, that my bodily strength was not so far recovered as I before imagined. Sat. 3. — I read over Andrew Frey's 2 reasons for leaving the Brethren. Most of what he says I knew before ; yet I cannot speak of them in the manner which he does. I pity them too much to be bitter against them. Sun. 4. — I rode to Hayes, because I had promised, though I was much out of order. It was with the utmost difficulty that I read prayers,3 and preached, and administered the sacrament. I went through the evening service with more ease ; but at night my strength quite failed. I should have taken some rhubarb the next day, but I had no time, having classes to meet from morning to night. Thur. 8. — In the night my disorder returned more violent than it had been since I left Cornwall. I should have taken some ipecacuanha in the morning, but had no time to spare, my business being fixed for every hour till four in the afternoon ; and by that time all my complaints were gone, so that I needed only a little food and rest. A/on. 12. — I set out in a chaise for Leigh, having delayed my journey as long as I could. I preached at seven, but was 1 On Oct. 31 he wrote to his brother yoke.' See W.H.S. vol. vi. pp. 94. 95. Charles from London (Works, vol. xii. - See W.H.S. vol. iv. p. 81 ; Tyer- p. 116). The original, in the Thursfield man's Oxford Meth. p. 136; Whitefteld, Smith collection, adds a remarkable vol. ii. p. 308. expostulation to this letter, on which 3 In the church of his friend, Charles Charles has written the following endorse- Manning, where some think he was ment : ' Trying to bring me under his married. Nov. 1763.1 In a ' Consumption ' 89 extremely cold all the time, the wind coming strong from a door behind, and another on one side ; so that my feet felt just as if I had stood in cold water. Tues. 13. — The chamber wherein I sat, though with a large fire, was much colder than the garden ; so that I could not keep myself tolerably warm, even when I was close to the chimney. As we rode home on Wednesday the 14th, the wind was high and piercing cold, and blew just in our faces, so that the open chaise was no defence, but my feet were quite chilled. When 1 came home I had a settled pain in my left breast, a violent cough, and a slow fever ; but in a day or two, by following Dr. Fothergill's x prescriptions, I found much alteration for the better ; and on Sunday the 18th, I preached at Spitalfields, and administered the sacrament to a large congregation.2 Mon. 19. — I retired to Shoreham, and gained strength con- tinually ; till about eleven at night, on Wednesday the 21st, I was obliged by the cramp to leap out of bed, and continue, for some time, walking up and down the room, though it was a sharp frost. My cough now returned with greater violence, and that by day as well as by night. Sat. 24. — I rode home, and was pretty well till night ; but my cough was then worse than ever. My fever returned at the same time, together with the pain in my left breast ; so that I should probably have stayed at home on Sunday the 25th, had it not been advertised in the public papers that I would preach a charity sermon at the chapel, both morning and after- noon. My cough did not interrupt me while I preached in the morning; but it was extremely troublesome while I administered the sacrament. In the afternoon I consulted my friends whether I should attempt to preach again or no. They thought I should, as it had been advertised. I did so ; but very few could hear. My fever increased much while I was preaching ; however, I ventured to meet the society, and for near an hour 1 Tyerman (vol. ii. p. 174) gives an proved modern treatment for consump- interesting account of this clever though tion, of which all his friends believed eccentric Quaker physician, who in this Wesley was actually dying. At Leigh crisis saved Wesley's life. He prescribed he lodged with Dr. Cook. * country air. with rest, asses' milk, and * In November he preached at Fern- riding daily,' anticipating the most ap- hall (Sermon Register). VOL. IV 6 go John Wesley s Journal [Nov. 1753. my voice and strength were restored, so that I felt neither pain nor weakness.1 Mon. 26. — Dr. Fothergill told me plain, I must not stay in town a day longer ; adding, ' If anything does thee good, it must be the country air, with rest, asses' milk, and riding daily." So (not being able to sit a horse) about noon I took coach for Lewisham. In the evening (not knowing how it might please God to dispose of me), to prevent vile panegyric, I wrote as follows : U;ere licti? the -Bon? OF JOHN WESLEY, A BRAND2 PLUCKED OUT OF THE BURNING: WHO DIED OF A CONSUMPTION IN THE FIFTY-FIRST YEAR OF HIS AGE, NOT LEAVING, AFTER HIS DEBTS ARE PAID, TEN POUNDS BEHIND HIM : PRAYING, GOD BE MERCIFUL TO ME, AN UNPROFITABLE SERVANT ! He ordered that this, if any, inscription should be placed on his tombstone. Wed. 28. — I found no change for the better, the medicines which had helped me before now taking no effect. About noon (the time that some of our brethren in London had set apart for joining in prayer) a thought came into my mind to make an experiment. So I ordered some stone brimstone to be powdered, mixed with the white of an egg, and spread on brown paper, which I applied to my side. The pain ceased in five minutes, the fever in half an hour, and from this hour ' The texts from which he preached on this memorable Sunday, when it was believed his career was closing, are pathetic. ' For our conversation is in heaven,' &c. (Phil. iii. 20), and in the afternoon, ' Who shall change this vile body ' (Phil. iii. 21). Charles did not reach London until Dec. 1. On the 2nd he writes : ' I attended my brother while he rode out for the air, and was surprised to see him hold out for three quarters of an hour, and even gallop back the whole way ' (C. Wesley's Journal, Dec. 2, 1753). ' Mrs. Gallatin assured us she thought he would have expired at the altar last Sunday ' (C. Wesley's Journal, Nov. 29, 1753.) On the evening of Tuesday Charles writes, ' All last Tuesday they expected his death every hour.' His last request was that Mrs. Wesley and Charles might be reconciled. 2 Charles Wesley adds, ' not once only ' (Journal, vol. ii. p. 97). Jan. 1764.1 At the Hot Well 91 I began to recover strength. The next day I was able to ride, which I continued to do every day till January 1. Nor did the weather hinder me once, it being always tolerably fair (however it was before) between twelve and one o'clock.1 DEC. 14, Fri. — Having finished all the books which I de- signed to insert in The Christian Library, I broke through the doctor's order not to write, and began transcribing a Journal for the press ; and in the evening I went to prayers with the family without finding any inconvenience.2 Thur. 20. — I felt a gradual increase of strength till I took a decoction of the bark, which I do not find (such is the peculiarity of my constitution) will agree with me in any form whatever. This immediately threw me into a purging, which brought me down again in a few days, and quite disappointed me in my design of going out on Christmas Day. 1754. Jan. i, Tues. — I returned once more to London. On Wednesday the 2nd I set out in the machine, and the next afternoon came to Chippenham. Here I took a post-chaise, in which I reached Bristol about eight in the evening. Fri. 4. — I began drinking the water at the Hot Well, having a lodging at a small distance from it3 ; and on Sunday the 6th I began writing Notes on the New Testament — a work which I should scarce ever have attempted had I not been so ill as not to be able to travel or preach, and yet so well as to be able to read and write.4 1 Charles Wesley's letters (xxii., xxiii.) Downs, where the wind is ready to carry and Journal, vol. ii. pp. 95-100, 192, 193, me away' {Works, vol. xii. p. 180). help to fill up December. His brother Tradition says he lodged in the Colon- is ' considerably better,' but still ' in nade. imminent danger, being far gone, and ' The notes were founded on Bengel's very suddenly, in a consumption.' Gnomon (see Preface), and were there- ■ On the 14th he journeyed up to the fore concise in the extreme. They were Foundery ' for a few minutes,' and on intended for the use of the preachers, the 18th Whitefield called to see him. with the four volumes of sermons serving See Tyerman's Whitefield, vol. ii. pp. as a body of divinity— in fact a doctrinal 321, 322. standard, still accepted by the Metho- ' On Jan. 5 he wrote to Blackwell, dists. We know, from letters and the de- full of gratitude for his friend's kindness, ciphered shorthand diary, that Charles and contrasting the fine air of Lewisham Wesley assisted his brother in transcrib- and its comfort with ' this cold, bleak ing the Notes for the press. The First place. . . . Nor have I any place to ride, Edition quarto included a fine copy of the but either by the river-side or over the 'Williams' portrait. See also below, p. 137. 92 John Wesley s Journal iMarchi7M. Mon. 7. — I went on now in a regular method, rising at my hour, and writing from five to nine at night ; except the time of riding, half an hour for each meal, and the hour between five and six in the evening. Sun. 13. — I went in a coach to Bristol, and gave a short exhortation to the society. Mon. 14. — In the evening one or two of our neighbours desired to join in our family prayers ; a few more soon made the same request, so that I had a little congregation every night. After a few nights I began to add a short exhortation, so pre- paring myself for a larger congregation. Sat. 19. — Mr. Bruce came with Mr. Milner, who had been for some time melancholy, even to madness ; but by proper application to his mind, as well as body, the disorder sensibly abated in a short time. Thur. 31. — My wife, desiring to pay the last office to her poor dying child, set out for London, and came a few days before he went home, rejoicing and praising God. Feb. 3, Sun. — I went in a chaise to Kingswood, and ad- ministered the sacrament to a small congregation. I expected Mr. M[ilner] to assist ; but he slipped away, and hid himself till I had done. Wed. 13. — 1 was sent for by one of my neighbours,1 dying of a consumption. She seemed full of good desires : but who does not, when death stands at the door ? Wed. 27. — My brother came down from London, and we spent several days together in comparing the translation of the Evangelists with the original, and reading Dr. Heylyn's Lectures 2 and Dr. Doddridge's Family Expositor. March 10, Sun. — I took my leave of the Hot Well, and removed to Bristol. Tues. 19. — Having finished the rough draft, I began tran- scribing the Notes on the Gospels. Tues. 26. — I preached for the first time,3 after an inter- mission of four months. What reason have I to praise God 1 In Bristol. iv. p. 18; also above, vol. iii. p. 241. 2 Theological Lectures at Westminster * The Sermon Register entry shows Abbey, &c, by Dr. John Heylyn, rector that he preached or expounded more of St. Mary-le-Strand. See W.H.S. vol. than once. Apm 1764.1 Writing at Paddington 93 that He does not take the word of His truth utterly out of my mouth ! Sat. 30. — I took my leave of a venerable monument of divine mercy, Colonel T d l ; who, after wandering from God fourscore years, has at length found the way of peace, and is continually panting after God.'-' April i, Mon. — We set out in the machine, and the next evening reached the Foundery. Wed. 3. — I settled all the business I could, and the next morning retired to Paddington. Here I spent some weeks in writing ; only going to town on Saturday evenings, and leaving it again on Monday morning.3 In my hours of walking I read Dr. Calamy's Abridgement of Mr. Baxter's Life} What a scene is opened here! In spite of all the prejudices of education, I could not but see that the poor Nonconformists had been used without either justice or mercy ; and that many of the Protestant Bishops of King Charles had neither more religion, nor humanity, than the Popish Bishops of Queen Mary. Sun. 2 15. — Mr. [Charles] Skelton told me, 'Sir, I intend, on Friday next, to go down to Bury, and settle there.' Finding he was fully determined, I said nothing against it. So we parted civilly. Mon. 29. — I preached at Sadler's [the New] Wells,6 in what 1 Possibly Colonel Trapand (W.H.S. entertainment not far from Sadler's Wells, vol. iii. p. 180). But see an account of in what is now Lower Rosoman Street ; Col. Townsend in Arm. Mag. 1786, and it seems certain that this, and not p. 37. On March 30 he wrote to Samuel ' Sadler's Wells,' as in former editions, Furly (Tyerman, Life of Wesley, vol. ii. is the place referred to. The Gentleman 's p. 187). Mag. of May 1752 says: 'The theatri- 2 In March he also preached in Bearfield. cal edifice called the New Wells, near the 3 On April 7 he preached at West London Spaw, was preached in [on Street, and also on the 14th, when his May 17] for the first time by a clergy- sermon was the means of the conversion of man methodist, it being taken by the Alexander Mather {E.M.P. vol. ii. p. 167, Rev. John Wesley for a tabernacle.' It reprinted as Wesley's Veterans, vol. ii. had been closed since 1750. Sadler's p. 88 ; Telford's Two West End Chapels, Wells, however, was in continuous use p. 19). as a place of entertainment throughout ' See W.H.S. vol. iv. p. 107. the eighteenth century. Confusion has 5 On April 21 he preached at Spital- often arisen respecting the identity of fields ; April 22 at the Founder}' ; April 25 the numerous 'Wells' in this vicinity. at Westminster ; May 3 at West Street. See Wroth's London Pleasure Gardens of 6 The ' New Wells ' was a place of the Eighteenth Century. 94 John Wesley s Journal [Mayi764. was formerly a play-house. I am glad when it pleases God to take possession of what Satan esteemed his own ground. The place, though large, was extremely crowded, and deep attention sat on every face. Tues. 30. — I rode to S[undon], with one to whom a large estate is fallen, by her uncle's dying without a will. It is a miracle if it does not drown her soul in everlasting perdition.1 May 12, Sun. — I laboured to convince Mr. Green2 that he had not done well in confuting (as he termed it) the sermon I had preached the Sunday before in the morning, from the same pulpit in the afternoon ; but he was absolutely above conviction. I then asked, 'Will you meet me half-way? I will never preach publicly against you : will not you against me?' But he disclaimed any such agreement, and walked away, as one who did not design to come any more. He told all he met I had put him away. Indeed, not I ; but I adore the providence of God. He has put himself away ; nor shall I desire him to come again till he has a more sound judgement, or a more teachable spirit.3 Mon. 13. — I began explaining to the morning congregation Bolton's Directions for Comfortable Walking with God.* I wish all our preachers, both in England and Ireland, would herein follow my example, and frequently read in public and enforce select portions of The Christian Library? Wed. 22. — Our Conference6 began, and the spirit of peace and love was in the midst of us. Before we parted, we all willingly signed an agreement not to act independently on each other ; so 1 But it did not. The person referred ' Robert Bolton (1572-1631), Fellow to was Mrs. Cole, wife of Wesley's of Brasenose College, and rector of friend, William Cole (magistrate and Broughton, Northamptonshire. Wesley sheriff in 1757), and niece of Lord inserted his Life and some of his writings, Sundon, from whom she inherited the including the ' Directions,' in The Chris- Manor House, where the Coles resided tian Library. See vol. iv. (1827 ed.) from 1753 to 1771 {W.M. Mag. 1901, pp. 231-330. p. 922; 1886, p. 59). See also below, 5 On Wednesday, May 15, he preached Nov. 30, 1780. at Deptford. '-' See Life of C. of Huntingdon, vol. i. ' This was the eleventh Conference, pp. 217, 358, 38S ; vol. ii. p. 350. See Myles's Chronological History of 3 On the 1 2th he was at Snowsfields. Methodism. June 1764. Convalescence 95 that the breach lately made 1 has only united us more closely together than ever. Sun. 26. — I rode to Hillingdon, and preached to a very genteel congregation, who behaved with abundantly more decency and seriousness than I expected. This is the church to which many of Mr. M[anning's] parishioners have gone, ever since he preached salvation by faith.2 And how has God over- taken them, who, by the long illness of the curate, has brought Mr. M[anning] to preach at this very place ! JUNE 2 (being Whit Sunday). — I preached at the Foundery, which I had not done before in the evening. Still I have not recovered my whole voice or strength ; perhaps I never may. But let me use what I have.3 Tues. 1 1. — I rode to Cookham. The next evening I preached in a magnificent apartment 4 to a suitable congregation. How seldom is the gospel heard in a palace ! But what is too hard for God ? Mon. 17. — I took another ride to Sundon, and on the road read Strada5 De Bello Belgico, an historian scarce inferior in any respect either to Livy or Tacitus. As to his religion, I should rather compare him to the former, for Tacitus was no friend either to superstition or cruelty. Thur. 20. — We spent some hours at Wrest,6 a seat of the late Duke of Kent, who was forty years laying out and improving the gardens, which I cannot but prefer even before Lord Cobham's.7 But how little did the place answer its name ! How little rest did its miserable master enjoy ! Thou, O God, 1 This refers to the following cases : preached at Fernhall, and on May 6 at Jonathan Reeves, who obtained Episco- Wapping. pal ordination, and became minister of 3 On June 15 he preached at Snows- Magdalen Hospital ; Samuel Larwood, fields ; June 16 at West Street ; June 23 who settled as an Independent minister at Spitalfields and the Foundery ; July 6 at Southwark ; J. Edwards (see Crook- at Snowsfields. shank's Meth. in Ireland, vol. i. pp. 97, * Sir George Young's ' elegant seat,' 98), who settled at Leeds, where he built on Grounan's Eyot. formed an Independent church, of which ~° Famianus Strada, a Roman Jesuit, he became pastor ; Charles Skelton, who See W.H.S. vol. iv. p. 107. settled at Southwark, and J. Whitford at * Wrest Park, near Sitsoe, Beds. Mrs. Bolton. See also W.M. Mag. 1855, Delany (vol. i. p. 608) and Wesley both p. 223. spell it ' Rest.' 2 See Feb. 12, 1758. During May he ' At Stowe. 96 John Wesley s Journal rxu«. i7M. hast made our heart for Thyself, and it cannot rest till it resteth in Thee. Wed. 26. — I read one of the prettiest trifles which perhaps is extant in the English tongue — Mr. Hay On Deformity} Surely such a writer deserves a better subject. JULY 6, Sat. — I spent two hours in the gardens at Ken- sington. They are just fit for a king, far more grand than pleasant ; and yet nothing so grand as many parts of the Peak in Derbyshire. Mon. 8. — I set out with my brother,2 and on Wednesday the 10th reached Lakenham,3 near Norwich. Here we had a full account of that wretched man, James Wheatley, for whom, I fear, it had been good if he had not been born. All Norwich was in an uproar concerning him, so that it did not appear we could have any place there. However, on Sunday the 14th, at seven in the morning, my brother took his stand in the street.4 A multitude of people quickly gathered together, and were tolerably quiet, all things considered. I would willingly have taken his place in the evening, but had neither voice nor strength. However, on Thursday the 18th, being a little recovered from the illness which had attended me for several days, after my brother had done, I spoke to the congregation for a few minutes, and promised to see them again, if God should restore my strength, at the first opportunity. Fri. 19. — I rode to Newmarket, and the next day to Bedford. Sun. 21. — I preached near St. Peter's Green, having never preached abroad since I was there before. Mon. 22.5 — I returned to London.6 AUG. 5, Mon. — I set out for Canterbury. On the way I read Mr. Baxter's History of the Councils? It is utterly astonishing, and would be wholly incredible but that his vouchers are beyond 1 By William Hay, M.P. See W.H.S. ' John Wesley stood by him, but could vol. iv. p. 107. take no part (H. Moore's Life of Wesley, - See C. Wesley's account of the vol. ii. p. 186). ' leisurely travelling ' for his brother's s C. Wesley's Journal, July 22. An sake — ' God in the weather favoured us,' old brewhouse was offered at Norwich and see also the new and enlarged for a preaching-room, edition of C. Wesley's Journal, July" 6 On July 30 he preached at the 1754. Foundery in London. Here he was entertained by Capt. T Published in London in 1680. See Gallatin. W.H.S. vol. iv. p. 107. Aug. 1754.] At the New Hot Well 97 all exception. What a company of execrable wretches have they been (one cannot justly give them a milder title) who have almost in every age, since St. Cyprian, taken upon them to govern the Church ! How has one Council been perpetually cursing another, and delivering all over to Satan, whether pre- decessors or contemporaries, who did not implicitly receive their determinations, though generally trifling, sometimes false, and frequently unintelligible or self-contradictory ! Surely Maho- metanism was let loose to reform the Christians ! I know not but Constantinople has gained by the change. Tues. 6. — I was much out of order ; however, I preached in the evening, but could do nothing the next day. On Thursday I hastened back to London, and came pretty well to the Foundery. I consulted Dr. F[othergill] the next morning, who advised me to return to the Hot Well without delay. Sun. 1 1. — I buried the body of Mary Doxsey,1 long a pattern of patience and gentleness. Mon. 12. — I set out in the machine, and on Tuesday night (taking horses at Bath) came to Bristol.2 Wed. 14. — I took a lodging at the New Hot Well, where I was free both from noise and hurry, and had an opportunity of drinking the water late in the evening and early in the morning. But my course of physic was near being cut short the next day by a large stone which was hung up as the weight of a jack. I applied to my head cloths dipped in cold water, which presently stopped the bleeding, and so abated the swelling that in a few hours I found no further inconvenience.3 Sat. 31. — After preaching at Weaver's Hall, one of the audience, a clergyman (who had then a parish near Bridgwater, but is now, I trust, in Abraham's bosom), desired to have some conversation with me, and spoke without reserve. His experi- ence was of a peculiar kind, much resembling that of Gregory Lopez. But he soon determined to seek Christ for the time to come, not in a desert, but in the congregation of His people.1 1 See Stevenson's City Road lists of been the place intended) ; also Kingswood. members; also the Colman lists. He 3 On Wednesday, Aug. 21, he preached also preached at West Street. at Westbury. "■ The Sermon Register for August ' On Sunday, Sept. I, he preached at gives Bristol (Weaver's Hall may have Bristol. 98 John Wesley s Journal t8ept 1754. Sept. 2, Mon. — I set out for the west. About eleven one stopped me on the road and earnestly desired me to turn aside and pray with one who was near death. I found her worn away to a skeleton and rotting in pieces with the King's evil.1 But her greatest trouble seemed to be that she was not so alive to God as formerly. After prayer her mind was more composed, and she could trust God both with her soul and body. At noon I met the little, loving society at Shepton, and in the evening preached at Middlezoy. My work to-day was full enough for my strength. Tues. 3. — We rode easily to Taunton. After we had rested a while one desired me to step to his father, who was dying of a consumption. He had been always a very honest, moral man, but now found this was not the one thing needful, and appeared earnestly desirous of knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection. A little before twelve we set out from Taunton. The sun shone exceeding hot, so that I was almost worn out when we called at the house of a friend on Maiden Down. But after a little rest my strength returned, and I went on, not much tired, to Tiverton.2 Wed. 4. — We took horse early, and rode to Okehampton. Our landlord here informed us he was upwards of ninety, yet had not lost either his sight, hearing, or teeth. Nor had he found that for which he was born. Indeed, he did not seem to have any more thought about it than a child of six years old. We could not but observe that, although the sky appeared continually between the clouds, which drove to and fro, yet the sun scarce shone upon us for six minutes together, from six in the morning to six in the evening. Soon after six I preached at Launceston and met the society. Thur. 5. — At noon I preached at the town hall to a very wild yet civil congregation. At two the stewards, not only from the upper part of Cornwall, but several from the western societies, met. At six I preached in the town hall again, and for the sake of this hour only (had no other end been answered) I should have thought all the labour of my journey well bestowed 1 For similar cases in the same neigh- • And preached there, bourhood see below, p. 285. sept. 1784.1 From Devon to Bristol 99 Fri. 6. — I rode to Plymouth Dock, and preached in the room lately built ; but, though it was three or four times as large as the old, it would not contain the congregation. Is the time come when even this barren soil shall bring forth ' fruits of righteousness ' ? Sat. 7. — I set out at three, reached Cullompton by six in the evening, and, after half an hour's rest, was enabled to preach in the little meadow, without any faintness or weariness. Sun. 8. — In the evening I preached at Tiverton, in the garden which adjoins to the preaching-house. It was a re- freshing season. Mon. 9. — I preached at Charlton, a village six miles from Taunton, to a large congregation gathered from the towns and country for many miles round. All the farmers here had, some time before, entered into a joint engagement to turn all out of their service and give no work to any who went to hear a Methodist preacher. But there is no counsel against the Lord. One of the chief of them, Mr. G , was not long after con- vinced of the truth, and desired those very men to preach at his house. Many of the other confederates came to hear, whom their servants and labourers gladly followed. So the whole device of Satan fell to the ground, and the word of God grew and prevailed. Tues. 10. — I rode to Dr. Robertson's, at Pitcombe,1 and, after spending a few agreeable and useful hours in that delightful recess, went forward, about four miles, to West Combe. I preached on a green place in the town, about eight in the morning, to a deeply attentive congregation, and came in the afternoon to Bristol, at least as well as when I set out.2 Tues. 17. — I rode to Trowbridge, where one3 who found 1 John Robertson, M.D. On Sept. 24, Oliphant, who had been one of John 1753, Wesley wrote him a long letter Haime's flock in Flanders. The room criticizing Ramsay's Principles of Religion was in Waldron Square, Frog Lane, (see above, p. 82), which Robertson had Dyer (1862) says, ' Procured at his own annotated. (Works, vol. xii. pp. 210-16 ; expense.' Oliphant was a member of IV.H.S. vol. v. p. 15 ; see his letter to the first class, formed by John Mason Wesley in Arm. Mag. 1779, p. 89 ; also (1781), 'Oliphant, Knapp, Welby, and 1780, p. 552.) their wives.' See articles on Trowbridge ' On Sept. 15 he preached at Kings- Methodism in Meth. A'ec. March 6, 1902, wood, and on the i6ih in Bristol. and May II, 1905 ; and W.H.S. vol. vi. 3 The person referred to by Wesley in p. 115 (Notes and Queries, No. 381, with the text seems to have been Laurence illustrations). ioo John Wesley s Journal [Oct. nsi. peace with God while he was a soldier in Flanders, and has been much prospered in business since his discharge, has built a preaching-house at his own expense. He had a great desire that I should be the first who preached in it ; but, before I had finished the hymn, it was so crowded, and consequently so hot, that I was obliged to go out and stand at the door : there was a multitude of hearers, rich and poor. Oh that they may not all hear in vain ! ' Fri. 27. — I thought I had strength enough to keep a watch- night, which I had not done before for eleven months. But though I broke off at eleven, I almost lost my voice ; and the next evening, at Weaver's Hall, it entirely failed, so that I had much difficulty to conclude my sermon. Mon. 30. — I preached at Coleford, our other Kingswood, where also the lions are become lambs. On Tuesday we went on to Salisbury. Oct. 2, Wed. — I walked to Old Sarum,2 which, in spite of common sense, without house or inhabitant, still sends two members to the Parliament. It is a large, round hill, encom- passed with a broad ditch, which, it seems, has been of a con- siderable depth. At the top of it is a corn-field, in the midst of which is another round hill, about two hundred yards in diameter, encompassed with a wall and a deep ditch. Probably, before the invention of cannon, this city was impregnable. Troy was 3 ; but now it is vanished away, and nothing left but ' the stones of emptiness.' Thur. 3. — I rode to Reading, and preached in the evening. Observing a warm man near the door (which was once of the society), I purposely bowed to him ; but he made no return. During the first prayer he stood, but sat while we sung. In the sermon his countenance changed, and in a little while he turned his face to the wall. He stood at the second hymn, and then kneeled down. As I came out he catched me by the hand and dismissed me with a hearty blessing. Fri. 4. — I came to London. ' On Sept. 24 he wrote to Blackwell 2 And preached from the following {Works, vol. xii. p. 181). Freshford is texts: Isa. xlii. 19; I John iii. 21; named in the Sermon Register for this Matt. xvi. 23. month (the 21st). ' Ubi Trojafuit (where Troy was). Oct. 1764 Sir James Lowther 101 On Monday the 7th I retired to a little place near Hackney, formerly a seat of Bishop Bonner's ' (how are the times changed !), and still bearing his name. Here I was as in a college. Twice a day we joined in prayer. The rest of the day (allowing about an hour for meals, and another for walking before dinner and supper), I spent quietly in my study.2 Sat. 12. — I administered the sacrament to R A .3 Some years ago he found peace with God, and was freed at once, without any human means, from a distemper naturally incurable ; but after three years, on his falling back into the world, it returned more violent than ever, and will probably now be cured no more but by the universal remedy — death.4 Sat. 26. — Mr. Gilbert Tennent,5 of New England, called upon me and informed me of his design, now ready to be executed, of founding an American College for Protestants of every denomination. An admirable design, if it will bring Protestants of every denomination to bear with one another. Mon. 28. — I delivered my own soul by one more conversa- tion with Sir [James Lowther], the substance of which I wrote to him the next day in the following letter : October 28, 1754. Sir, Whether I see you any more in this life or no, I rejoice that I have seen you this once ; and that God enabled you to bear with patience what I spoke in the simplicity of my heart. The substance of what I took the liberty to mention to you this morning was, you are on the borders of the grave, as well as I ; shortly we must both appear before God. When it seemed to me, some months since, that my life was near an end, I was troubled that I had not dealt plainly with you. This you will permit me to do now, with- out any reserve, in the fear and in the presence of God. I reverence you for your office as a magistrate ; I believe you to be an honest, upright man ; I love you for having protected an innocent 1 An old manor-house and palace ot 219, for postscript of a letter written the bishops of London, on part of the there, site of the present Victoria Park Chest '' Oct. 5, Snowsfields. Hospital, not far from the Children's 3 (?) Richard Annesley, the brother ot Home buildings in Bonner Road. See Mrs. Susanna Wesley, an article by Rev. T. E. Brigden in 4 Oct. 13, Spitalfields and Foundery : W.M. Mag. 1910, pp. 136 and 369. Oct. 20, Snowsfields, Luke vi., Eph. vi. 11, See also below, pp. 127 and 187 ; Luke xiii. 1, Col. ii. 6. and C. Wesley's Journal, vol. ii. p. 4 Whitefield's friend. 102 John Wesley s Journal ioct. 1754. people from their cruel and lawless oppressors. But so much the more am I obliged to say (though I judge not, God is the judge), I fear you are covetous ; that you love the world. And if you do, as sure as the Word of God is true, you are not in a state of salvation. The substance of your answer was : ' That many people exhort others to charity from self-interest ; that men of fortune must mind their fortune ; that you cannot go about to look for poor people ; that when you have seen them yourself, and relieved them, they were scarce ever satisfied ; that many make an ill use of what you give them ; that you cannot trust the account people give of themselves by letters ; that, nevertheless, you do give to private persons, by the hands of Colonel Hudson and others ; that you have also given to several hospitals a hundred pounds at a time ; but that you must support your family ; that the Lowther family has continued above four hundred years ; that you are for great things — for public charities, and for saving the nation from ruin ; and that others may think as they please, but this is your way of thinking, and has been for many years.' To this I replied: ' (1) Sir, I have no self-interest in this matter; I consult your interest, not my own ; I want nothing from you, I desire nothing from you, I expect nothing from you. But I am concerned for your immortal spirit, which must so soon launch into eternity, (2) It is true, men of fortune must mind their fortune ; but they must not love the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (3) It is true, likewise, you cannot go about to look for poor people ; but you may be sufficiently informed of them by those that can. (4) And if some of these are never satisfied, this is no reason for not relieving others. (5) Suppose, too, that some make an ill use of what you give, the loss falls on their own head ; you will not lose your reward for their fault ; what you laid out, God will pay you again. (6) Yet certainly you do well to have all the assurance you can that those to whom you give are likely to make a good use of it ; and therefore to expect a stronger recommendation of them than their own, whether by letter or otherwise. (7) I rejoice that you have given to many by so worthy a man as Colonel Hudson, whose word is certainly a sufficient recommendation. (8) I rejoice likewise that you have given some hundreds of pounds to the hospitals, and wish it had been ten thousand. (9) To the support of the family I did not object ; but begged leave to ask whether this could not be done without giving ten thousand a year to one who had as much already ? And whether you could answer this to God, in the day wherein He shall judge the world ? (10) I likewise granted that the family had continued above four hundred years ; but observed, meantime, that God regarded it not one jot the more for this ; and that four hundred or one thousand years are but a moment, compared to eternity, (n) I observed, likewise, that Oct. 1764.] Sir James Lowther 103 great things may be done, and little things not left undone. (12) And that if this or any other way of thinking he according to Scripture, then it is sound and good ; whereas, if it be contrary to Scripture, it is not good, and the longer we are in it, so much the worse.' Upon the whole, I must once more earnestly entreat you to con- sider yourself, and God, and eternity. (1) As to yourself, you are not the proprietor of anything ; no, not of one shilling in the world. You are only a steward of what another entrusts you with, to be laid out, not according to your will, but His. And what would you think of your steward, if he laid out what is called your money according to his own will and pleasure ? (2) Is not God the sole proprietor of all things ? And are not you to give an account to Him for every part of His goods ? And oh how dreadful an account, if you have expended any part of them not according to His will, but your own ? (3) Is not death at hand ? And are not you and I just stepping into eternity ? Are we not just going to appear in the presence of God ; and that naked of all worldly goods ? Will you then rejoice in the money you have left behind you ? Or in that you have given to support a family, as it is called — that is, in truth, to support the pride, and vanity, and luxury which you have yourself despised all your life long ? Oh sir, I beseech you, for the sake of God, for the sake of your own immortal soul, examine yourself, whether you do not love money? If so, you cannot love God. And if we die without the fear of God, what re- mains ? Only to be banished from Him for ever and ever ! I am, with true respect, sir, Vour servant, for Christ's sake.1 1 During the interval between Oct. 28, craved more drastic treatment of his 1754, and Feb. 16, 1755, Wesley's leisure work. Wesley consented. But now was partly occupied in studying and Hervey was offended, and a breach took criticizing the earlier portion of Hervey's place which was never repaired. Her- TJieron and Aspasio. Early in 1755 this, vey's views on the doctrine of the the largest and most important of ' Imputed Righteousness of Christ ' Hervey's works, was published. It alarmed Wesley. He thought their consisted of a series of dialogues in which tendency was towards Antinomianism — scenic descriptions were used to make the greatest moral peril of the times, more attractive grave discussions on especially among the imperfectly in- theological questions. The writer, in structed new converts of the Evangelical frail health, was abnormally sensitive to Revival. For a full description of this opinion. He consulted a large number once popular work and of the painful of literary and evangelical friends, sending controversy which clouded the closing them sections of his work in manuscript months of Hervey's beautiful life, see or in proof-sheets. Wesley returned the Tyerman's Oxford Methodists, pp. 285- first three dialogues sent to him with ' a 333 ; see also below, pp. 302-3, and few inconsiderable corrections.' Hervey Works, vol. x. pp. 316-35- PART THE TENTH THE JOURNAL FROM FEBRUARY 16, 1755, TO JUNE 16, 1758 VOL. IV The question as to the relationship of Methodism to the Church of England, always present in Wesley's mind, was rapidly passing into a more acute stage. Whatever may have been the case at a later period, in 1755 the two brothers were of one mind. They both with equal earnestness deprecated the tendency towards Dissent which so often revealed itself among the preachers. John and Charles Wesley at this time differed only as to future possibilities. John, with keener vision than Charles, saw that in a more or less remote future the Methodists might drift, or be ' thittst out.' Against such a con- tingency it behoved him to prepare. Meantime, both by example and argument he sought to check the drift, and to minimize the practical difficulties of a situation which was becoming more and more painful. The purpose of this note is not to discuss a many-sided question, but to emphasize the Leeds Conference of 1755 as a point of departure in an extremely important dis- cussion, and to draw attention to those original sources of information which, when they shall have been rearranged in order of date, will more fully illuminate the Church- manship of John Wesley and the attitude of the early Methodists towards all the Churches of the Reformation. In a collection of Charles Wesley MSS. now in the Conference Office there has recently been found a small volume which contains a much longer version of ' Reasons Against a Separation from the Church of England' ( Works, vol. xiii. p. 225. The date is probably a late error). From internal evidence we may assume that this manu- script version is a copy by Charles Wesley's amanuensis of the original draft 'written by John Wesley in 1755 *'" connexion with the Leeds Conference. This draft may be the ' manuscript ' referred to by fackson (Life of C. W., vol. ii., p. 84. See also below, p. 115). Several copies of this clearly reasoned and popularly worded document were made at the lime. The one in Charles Wesley's note-book is entitled, ' Ought zue to separate from the Church of England? ' Another copy was sent to the Rev. Samuel Walker of Truro, and a third to the Rev. Thomas Adams of Wintringham. In the same handwriting is a copy of John Wesley's Minutes on the Leeds Conference, including his closing admonition to the preachers ; and Copies, partly in Charles Wesley's handwriting, of the correspondence between Wesley, Walker, and Adams. There are also several letters in shorthand by Charles Wesley ; also shorthand Minutes of the Conference of 1756— Aug. 26-28. THE JOURNAL From February 16, 1755, to June 16, 1758 1755. Feb. 16.1 — Having heard a confused account from a place near Camelford, in Cornwall, I wrote to a friend near it, and received the following answer : According to your desire, I have inquired into the particulars of the late affair at Delabole Quarry. The rock is about thirty yards thick ; but the most valuable part of the stone lies undermost. There were nine partners who shared the advantage of this part of the Quarry. Being greedy of gain, they brought out as much of the under part as possible ; and the rather because the time for which they had hired it was within a month of expiring. On Monday, Dec. 2, William Lane, John Lane, William Kellow, and five more of the partners met in the morning and sent one of their number for Theophilus Kellow to come to work. He came, but was so uneasy he could not stay, but quickly returned home. William Kellow was sent for in haste, and went to look after his mare, which had cast her foal. The other seven continued labouring till twelve. All the workmen usually dine together; but these wrought on, when the rest withdrew, till in a moment they were covered with rocks of all sizes, falling about ten yards, some of which were thought to be three tons weight. William Lane had, some years since, known the love of God. He was sitting, cleaving stones, when the rock calved 2 in upon 1 The Sermon Register shows that, Street and Foundery ; Sun. 19, Snowsfields. during the interval between the last date Sat- Feb- 8> Snowsfields ; Sun. 9, West Street t> .. tv in * o _ \ j »i_ a"d Foundery; Mon. 10, We. [It might be in Part IX. (Oct. 28, 1754) and the ,vu„nc- ,■ „ n' w ,, ,,7 J ■ * v ' 1 jt' Wells i.e. New Wells or Westminster, not first in Part X. (Feb. 16, 1755), he West Street, which is always 'C or 'Ch' or preached asunder: 'The Chapel']; Tues. 11, Westminster] ; Sun. Nov. 3, I7S4, West Street and Mon- '?> Foundery; Thur. 20, Foundery; Snowsfields; Mon. n, Wapping ; Sun. 17, Sun. 23, Spitalfields ; Fri. 28, West Street. Snowsfields; Mon. 18, Foundery. Sun. Dec. i, Spitalfields; Sat. 7, Snowsfields; Mon. 9, 2 'Calved,' for 'caved in,' is still N.W. [New Wells]; Sat. ax, Snowsfields; dialect English in many parts, North Sun. 22, Spitalfields; Mon 23, Foundery; T !___i__i,{__ ~~„. .1, c- _, ' r .. ,, ,. ' _ " r , J ' Lincolnshire among the rest. See Thur. 26, Spitalfields; Tues. 31, Foundery. . & Wed. Jan. 1, 1755, Spitalfields; Fri. 3, Murray s Dictionary, and Notes and Foundery ; Sat. 4, Snowsfields ; Sun. s, West Queries, 4th series, vol. xii. pp. 1 16 275. 107 108 John Wesley s Journal [April 1756. him, with a concave surface, which just made room for his body ; only one edge of it light upon him, and broke one of his thigh-bones. When they dug away the stones he was earnestly praying to God, and confessing his unfaithfulness. As soon as he looked up he began ex- horting all around instantly to make their peace with God. His bone being set, he soon recovered both his bodily strength and the peace and love which he had lost. Another, who sat close by his side, was covered over and killed at once. Close to him John Lane (son of William) was standing : he was thrown upon his face, he knew not how, and a sharp-edged stone pitched between his thighs ; on which a huge rock fell, and was suspended by it, so as to shadow him all over. The other five were entirely dashed in pieces. Doth not God save those that trust in Him ? April i, Tues.1 — I rode from Bristol to a village named Kingswood,2 near Wotton-under-Edge. The church was ex- ceeding full, and the congregation was serious and well- behaved ; and I had since the satisfaction of being informed that many of them are much changed, at least in their outward behaviour. Wed. 2. — With some difficulty we reached Stanley. There has been lately a great awakening in this country. I never saw such a congregation here before, notwithstanding the wind and rain ; and all present seemed to receive the word with gladness and readiness of mind. There is a solid, serious people in these parts, who stand their ground against all opposition. The warmest opposers are the Jacobites, who do not love us, because we love King George. But they profit nothing ; for more and more people ' fear God, and honour the King.' We rode on Thursday in the afternoon, through heavy rain and almost impassable roads, to Evesham ; and on Friday the 4th to Birmingham, a barren, dry, uncomfortable place. Most of the seed which has been sown for so many years the ' wild boars ' have ' rooted up ' ; the fierce, unclean, brutish, blasphem- ous Antinomians have utterly destroyed it. And the mystic foxes have taken true pains to spoil what remained, with their new gospel. Yet it seems God has a blessing for this place 1 The Sermon Register gives a few 29, Bristol; March 21, Freshford ; and dates in March as follows : March 16, March 25 and 30, Kingswood. West Street ; March 20, 22, 24 and '* Cf. above, p. 80. April 1755.] In the Midlands 109 still ; so many still attend the preaching, and He is eminently present with the small number that is left in the society. Sat. 5. — I preached at Wednesbury, and at eight on Sunday morning. But the great congregation assembled in the after- noon, as soon as the service of the church was over, with which we take care never to interfere. A solemn awe seemed to run all through the company in the evening, when I met the society. We have indeed preached the gospel here ' with much con- tention,' but the success overpays the labour. Mom. 7. — I was advised to take the Derbyshire road to Manchester. We baited at a house six miles beyond Lich- field.1 Observing a woman sitting in the kitchen, I asked, ' Are you not well ? ' and found she had just been taken ill (being on her journey), with all the symptoms of an approaching pleurisy. She was glad to hear of an easy, cheap, and (almost) infallible remedy — a handful of nettles, boiled a few minutes, and applied warm to the side. While I was speaking to her an elderly man, pretty well dressed, came in. Upon inquiry, he told us he was travelling, as he could, towards his home near Hounslow, in hopes of agreeing with his creditors, to whom he had surrendered his all. But how to get on he knew not, as he had no money, and had caught a tertian ague. I hope a wise Providence directed this wanderer also, that he might have a remedy for both his maladies. Soon after we took horse we overtook a poor man creeping forward on two crutches. I asked whither he was going. He said toward Nottingham, where his wife lived. But both his legs had been broke while he was on shipboard, and he had now spent all his money. This man likewise appeared exceeding thankful, and ready to acknowledge the hand of God. In the afternoon we came to Barton Forge, where a gentle- man of Birmingham had set up a large iron-work, and fixed five or six families, with a serious man over them, who lost near all he had in the great riot at Wednesbury. Most of them are seeking to save their souls. I preached in the evening, not to them only, but to many gathered from all parts, and exhorted them to love and help one another. 1 Alrewas seems to fulfil all the conditions. It is en route to Barton-under- Needwood and Hayfield. 1 1 o John Wesley s Journal fApru 1755. Tues. 8. — I had designed to go straight on to Hayfield ; but one from Ashbourne l pressed me much to call there, which accordingly I did at seven in the morning, and preached to a deeply serious congregation. Seventeen or eighteen then desired to join in a society, to whom I spoke severally, and was well pleased to find that near half of them knew the pardoning love of God. One of the first I spoke to was Miss [Judith] Beresford — a sweet, but short-lived flower ! 2 Through much hail, rain, and wind we got to Mr. B[addiley]'s,3 at Hayfield, about five in the afternoon. His favourite daughter died some hours before we came, such a child as is scarce heard of in a century. All the family informed me of many remarkable circumstances, which else would have seemed incredible. She spake exceeding plain, yet very seldom ; and then only a few words. She was scarce ever seen to laugh, or heard to utter a light or trifling word. She could not bear any that did, nor any one who behaved in a light or unserious manner. If any such offered to kiss or touch her, she would turn away, and say, ' I don't like you.' If her brother or sisters spoke angrily to each other, or behaved triflingly, she either sharply reproved (when that seemed needful) or tenderly entreated them to give over. If she had spoke too sharply to any, she would humble herself to them, and not rest till they had forgiven her. After her health declined she was particularly 1 Thomas Hanby, afterwards a of a child who, protesting against the preacher, tells an interesting story of defiant dancing in his father's alehouse, the beginnings of Methodism at or near lost his life (vol. ii. p. 195, 196). In a Ashbourne, in Thomas Thompson's toll- letter, dated ' Chinley, Oct. 22, 1748,' house, where Miss Beresford was con- John Bennet tells Wesley of Mr. Baddiley's verted, and at Mr. Hurd's, a gentleman conversion : ' The minister of Hayfield, farmer's. Ashbourne is near the head of a church town within two miles of my Dovedale. See Meth. Rec. Jan. 29, 1903 ; father's, is lately converted, and preaches cf. Meth. Mag. 1805, p. 97 ; also pp. 600 the pure gospel of Jesus Christ. The and 606. town is up in arms against him already, 2 See fully below, p. 204 ; also Wesley's breathing out slaughter. Notwithstand- lettcr to II. A. Roe {Works, vol. xiii. ing he is as bold as a lion.' After reading p. 75.). the first volume of Wesley's sermons, * Mr. Baddiley is described as ' a weighing their ' orthodoxy by the stan- sort of second Grimshaw.' See Works, dard of Primitive Christianity,' he vol. xiii. p. 209. Tyerman quotes a writes warmly approving, and John manuscript letter from Baddiley to Wes- Bennet copies his letter {Meth. Rec. ley, in which he tells a tragic story Winter No. 1902, p. 30). Apm 1755.] Manchester and Liverpool m pleased with hearing that hymn sung, ' Abba, Father,' and would be frequently singing that line herself : Abba, Father, hear my cry ! On Monday, April 7, without any struggle, she fell asleep, having lived two years and six months.1 Wed. 9. — In the evening I preached at Manchester.2 The mob was tolerably quiet as long as I was speaking, but imme- diately after raged horribly. This, I find, has been their manner for some time. No wonder, since the good Justices encourage them.3 Thur. 10. — I rode to Hayfield again, to bury Mr. B[addiley]'s child. Abundance of people were gathered together, and I found uncommon liberty in preaching. Who would have looked for such a congregation as this in the Peak of Derby- shire ? I returned to Manchester the next day, and had a quiet congregation both that evening and the following. Sun. 13. — I met the society at five, and showed them wherein I feared they had grieved the Spirit of God, and provoked Him to deliver them to be thus outraged by ' the beasts of the people.' I then rode to Hayfield once more, where Mr. B[addiley] read prayers, and preached a solemn and affecting sermon relative to the late providence. In the after- noon I again found great liberty of spirit in applying those awful words, ' What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul ? ' Mon. 14. — I rode by Manchester (where I preached about twelve) to Warrington.4 At six in the morning, Tuesday the 15th, I preached to a large and serious congregation, and then went on to Liverpool,5 one of the neatest, best-built towns I have seen in England. I think it is full twice as large as Chester ; 1 These two lines omitted in 1st ed. 3 1st ed. gives ' the Justice encourages.' 2 He wrote to Blackwell respecting * See W.H.S. vol. viii. pp. 57 and 81 for his proof-sheets which he wished to send articles on Wesley's visits to Warrington, to Mr. Belchier {Works, vol. xii. p. 182). 5 When Wesley was a boy the popula- Mr. Perronet also was helping him with tion of Liverpool was about 8,000. At proof-reading. Tyerman says these were the time of this visit it was 18,500. Like the proofs of the Notes on the New Bristol, it was largely indebted for its Testament. initial prosperity to the slave-trade, 1 1 2 John Wesley s Journal [APru ms. most of the streets are quite straight. Two-thirds of the town, we are informed, have been added within these forty years. If it continue to increase in the same proportion, in forty years more it will nearly equal Bristol.1 The people in general are the most mild and courteous I ever saw in a seaport town ; as indeed appears by their friendly behaviour, not only to the Jews and Papists who live among them, but even to the Methodists (so called). The preaching-house is a little larger than that at Newcastle. It was thoroughly filled at seven in the evening, and the hearts of the whole congregation seemed to be moved before the Lord, and before the presence of His power.2 Every morning, as well as evening, abundance of people gladly attended the preaching. Many of them, I learned, were dear lovers of controversy ; but I had better work. I pressed upon them all 'repentance toward God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.' Sun. 20. — I explained, after the evening preaching, the rules of the society, and strongly exhorted the members to adorn their profession by all holiness of conversation. Mon. 21. — I rode to Bolton. Being now among those who were no ' strangers to the covenant of promise,' I had no need to lay the foundation again, but exhorted them to ' rejoice ever- more.' Their number is a little reduced since I was here before ; and no wonder, while the sons of strife are on every side — some for Mr. Bennet, and some for Mr. Wh .3 The little flock, notwithstanding, hold on their way, looking straight to the prize of their high calling. Thur. 24. — We rode in less than four hours the eight miles (so called) to New Hall Hey.4 Just as I began to preach, the sun broke out, and shone exceeding hot on the side of my head. I found, if it continued, I should not be able to speak long, and lifted up my heart to God. In a minute or two it was covered with clouds, which continued till the service was over. Let any who please call this cfiance ; I call it an answer to prayer. 1 For early Methodism in Liverpool, 3 The reference is probably to White- see W.H.S. vol. i. p. 104. field, or possibly Wheatley. 2 For the first society-room in Cable 4 He lodged with Mr. Robert Cun- Street, and for Pitt Street Chapel, &c, liffe (Meth. in Rossendale, p. 84). see Tyerman's Wesley, vol. ii. p. 197. Apru 1755.] In Yorkshire Fri. 25. — About ten I preached near Todmorden.1 The people stood, row above row, on the side of the mountain. They were rough enough in outward appearance ; but their hearts were as melting wax. One can hardly conceive anything more delightful than the vale through which we rode from hence. The river ran through the green meadows on the right ; the fruitful hills and woods rose on either hand. Yet here and there a rock hung over, the little holes of which put me in mind of those beautiful lines : Te, Domine, intonsi montes, te saxa loquentur Summa Deum, dum montis amat juga pendulus hircus, Saxorumque colit latebrosa cuniculus antra ! 2 At three in the afternoon I preached at Heptonstall, on the brow of the mountain. The rain began almost as soon as I began to speak. I prayed that, if God saw best, it might be stayed till I had delivered His word. It was so, and then began again. But we had only a short stage to Ewood.3 Sat. 26. — I preached at seven to a large and serious con- gregation, and again at four in the afternoon. When I began, in a meadow near the house, the wind was so high I could hardly speak. But the winds too are in God's hand ; in a few minutes that inconvenience ceased, and we found the Spirit of God breathing in the midst of us, so that great was our rejoicing in the Lord. Sun. 27. — A little before I took horse I looked into a room as I walked by, and saw a good old man bleeding almost to death. I desired him immediately to snuff vinegar up his nose, 1 At Mankinholes (see Meth. Rec. of Psalm civ. by Dr. John Burton, April 18, 1912). The 'delightful vale' Wesley's friend (see above, vol. i. p. 28), of the next paragraph is the Halifax who introduced him to Oglethorpe. Road Valley. Intonsi montes is a reminiscence of 2 "Thee, O Lord, the leafy mountains, Virgil's Ed. v. 63. The lines are Thee, the highest rocks, speak [the idea repeated below, April 1786, where he suggested is that of rustling mountain attributes them to Dr. Burton. Cf. woods] as God, whilst the poised wild W.H.S. vol. v. p. 29. goat loves the mountain ridges, and the 3 Then in possession of Mr. Grim- coney hides in the coverts of the cliffs — shaw's son (J. U. Walker's Methodism in the caverns.' This is from a paraphrase Halifax, p. 93). H4 John Wesley s Journal [MayrzcB. and apply it to his neck, face, and temples. It was done, and the blood entirely stopped in less than two minutes. The rain began about five, and did not intermit till we came to Haworth ; notwithstanding which a multitude of people were gathered together at ten. In the afternoon I was obliged to go out of the church, abundance of people not being able to get in. The rain ceased from the moment I came out till I had finished my discourse. How many proofs must we have that there is no petition too little, any more than too great, for God to grant? Mon. 28. — I preached at Keighley, on Tuesday x at Bradford, which is now as quiet as Birstall. Such a change has God wrought in the hearts of the people since John Nelson was in the dungeon here. My brother met me at Birstall in the afternoon.2 Wed. 30. — We began reading together A Gentleman's Reasons for his Dissent from the Church of England? It is an elaborate and lively tract, and contains the strength of the cause ; but it did not yield us one proof that it is lawful for us (much less our duty) to separate from it. May 1, Thnr. — I finished the Gentleman s Reasons (who is a dissenting minister at Exeter). In how different a spirit does this man write from honest Richard Baxter ! The one dipping, as it were, his pen in tears, the other in vinegar and gall. Surely one page of that loving, serious Christian weighs more than volumes of this bitter, sarcastic jester.4 Sun. 4. — I preached at one, and again at five, to some thousands at the foot of the hill. I believe this hollow would contain sixty thousand people, standing one above another ; and a clear, strong voice might command them all. Although, 1 On April 29 he wrote to Blackwell 3 Written by Micaiah Towgood in the {Works, vol. xii. p. 182), and preached form of three letters to John White, B.D., at Birstall. Fellow of St. John's College, Cambridge, 2 C. Wesley, in a letter to his wife, and vicar of Ospringe, near Faversham, refers to this meeting, adding ' I pity his who wrote a defence of the Established poor wife, if now upon the road. There Church. Towgood's book was published she is likely to stick till the warm in 1746. See Green's Bibliography, p. weather comes. The roads are almost 107 ; also below, p. 247. impassable for wheels ' (C. Wesley's ' On May 2 he preached at Halifax, Journal, vol. ii. p. 201). and on Monday the 5th at Leeds. May 1755.] The Tzvelfth Conference 1 1 5 if they stood upon a plain, I doubt whether any human voice could be distinctly heard by half the number. Tues. 6. — Our Conference began at Leeds.1 The point on which we desired all the preachers to speak their minds at large was, ' Whether we ought to separate from the Church ? ' What- ever was advanced on one side or the other was seriously and calmly considered ; and on the third day we were all fully agreed in that general conclusion — that (whether it was lawful or not) it was no ways expedient? Mo?i. 12. — We rode (my wife and I) to Northallerton. Tues. 13. — I rode on to Newcastle. I did not find things here in the order I expected. Many were on the point of leaving the Church, which some had done already ; and, as they supposed, on my authority ! Oh how much discord is caused by one jarring string ! How much trouble by one man who does not walk by the same rule and agree in the same judgement with his brethren ! Sun. 18 (being Whit Sunday). — I preached about eight at Gateshead Fell, and returned before the service at St. Andrew's began. At the sacrament many found an uncommon blessing, and felt God has not yet left the Church. In the following week I spake to the members of the society 1 The Twelfth Conference, the Minutes and Mr. Crook, perpetual curate of of which are said to be ' in the hand- Hunslet, exchanged visits. The latter writing of John Jones,' apparently from had preached two sermons in the Leeds notes taken by John Wesley {Octavo parish church which Wesley strongly Minutes, vol. i. p. 708). This was approved. They were afterwards pub- the largest Conference yet held. Sixty- lished. He was attacked, bitterly and three preachers were present — twelve with misrepresentation of facts, by Sedge- ' half itinerants,' fifteen ' our chief wick, master of the Grammar School, in local preachers.' Wesley's address The Leeds Intelligencer. In a spirited delivered at the close of the Con- reply he incidentally gives information ference has been preserved — a most of interest (see W.H.S. vol. ii. trenchant pastoral. Tyerman gives a pp. 1 1 5-18). The Conference was held long account of the discussion and in the ' Boggard House,' Wesley living correspondence respecting separation for the week in the Preachers' House in from the Church, with many of Charles ' Boggard Close.' See also Henry Moore's Wesley's letters, vol. ii. pp. 200-11 ; see Life of Wesley, vol. ii. pp. 194, 195. also Charles Wesley's letter to his wife The Sermon Register gives an appoint- (Journal, vol. ii. No. xxxiv.) ; John ment at Manchester also on May 6 (!) and Wesley to Charles ( Works, vol. xii. at Birstall on the 10th. pp. 1 16-18), and below, June 6, 1755. 2 On May 10 he wrote to Samuel During this visit to Leeds Wesley Furly {Christian Advocate^ 1907, p. 487). 1 1 6 John Wesley s Journal [May 1766 severally, and found far fewer than I expected prejudiced against the Church ; I think not above forty in all. And I trust the plague is now stayed. Wed. 21. — I preached at Nafferton, near Horsley, about thirteen miles from Newcastle. We rode chiefly on the new western road, which lies on the old Roman wall. Some part of this is still to be seen, as are the remains of most of the towers, which were built a mile distant from each other, quite from sea to sea. But where are the men of renown who built them, and who once made all the land tremble ? Crumbled into dust ! Gone hence, to be no more seen, till the earth shall give up her dead ! Thur. 22. — Mr. Wardrobe,1 minister of Bathgate, in Scot- land, preached at the Orphan House in the evening, to the no small amazement and displeasure of some of his zealous countrymen. Sat. 24. — I preached at Sheephill. The cold drove us into the house ; which being much crowded, was as hot as an oven. Riding afterwards in the keen north wind, it seized upon my breast immediately. However, I made a shift to preach at Chester 2 ; and then went on to Sunderland. Sun. 25. — I preached at eight, though not without pain, not having recovered my voice. We had a useful sermon at church. As soon as the sacrament was over I preached in the High Street (it being Trinity Sunday), upon ' There are three that bear record in heaven ' ; and my voice was so restored that I could command the whole congregation, though it was exceeding large. Mon. 26. — I rode to Morpeth, and preached in the market- place to a small but quiet congregation. In the evening I preached in the new room at Alnwick ; but I could scarce be heard, my voice being very weak. In the morning it was stronger ; so I preached with more ease at five, and then returned to Newcastle.3 1 Whitehead (Life of Wesley, vol. i. that the true name should be lost — p. 285 «.) gives an account of this de- Chester-on-the-Strate. voted minister, whom Wesley so greatly 3 On Monday, May 26, he preached admired. See a letter of his in Arm. Mag. before leaving Sunderland. During May 1 778, p. 375, inviting Wesley to Hexham he preached, on a day not specified, at in 1746. For his death see below, p. 164. Seacroft in Yorkshire. 2 Chester-le-Street. It is unfortunate June 1755.] A Strange Phenomenon 1 1 7 Thur. 29. — I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Gillies,1 from Glasgow. He preached for me in the evening, to the still greater astonishment of the warm men, who ' could never have thought it of him ! ' Shall we not have more and more cause to say — Names, and sects, and parties fall; Thou, 0 Christ, art all in all? Fri. 30. — I walked to the Infirmary. It is finely situated on the top of the hill, and is the best ordered of any place of the kind I have seen in England. Nor did I ever see so much seriousness in a hospital before. None were laughing or talking lightly ; many were reading the Bible ; and when I talked to and prayed with one, the whole ward listened with deep attention. June 2, Mon. — I left Newcastle, and came to Durham, just as Jacob Rowell had done preaching, or rather, attempting to preach ; for the mob was so noisy that he was constrained to break off. I reached Osmotherley in the evening, and found a large congregation waiting. I preached immediately, God renewing my strength and comforting my heart.2 Here I inquired, of eye and ear witnesses, concerning what lately occurred in the neighbourhood.3 On Tuesday, March 25 last, being the week before Easter, many persons observed a great noise near a ridge of mountains in Yorkshire, called Black Hamilton. It was observed chiefly in the south-west side of the mountain, about a mile from the course where the Hamilton races are run ; near a ridge of rocks, commonly called Whiston Cliffs, or Whiston-White-Mare ; two miles from Sutton, about five from Thirsk. The same noise was heard on Wednesday by all who went that way. On Thursday, about seven in the morning, Edward Abbot, weaver, and Adam Bosomworth, bleacher, both of Sutton, riding under Whiston Cliffs, heard a roaring (so they termed it), like many cannons, or loud and rolling thunder. It seemed to come from the cliffs, looking up to which they saw a large body of stone, four or five yards broad, 1 Cf. above, p. 62. 3 See IV. M. Mag. 1843, pp. 206-8. 2 The Osmotherley society book re- Wesley contributed this account to the cords, ' Laid out for Mr. John Wesley, London Mag., Gentleman's Mag., The wife and daughter, Mr. Shent, and Public Advertiser, and Scots Mag. Mr. Downes, 5-r.' 1 1 8 John Wesley s Journal [June 1755. split and fly off from the very top of the rocks. They thought it strange, but rode on. Between ten and eleven a larger piece of the rock, about fifteen yards thick, thirty high, and between sixty and seventy broad, was torn off and thrown into the valley. About seven in the evening, one who was riding by observed the ground to shake exceedingly, and soon after several large stones or rocks, of some tons weight each, rose out of the ground. Others were thrown on one side, others turned upside down, and many rolled over and over. Being a little surprised, and not very curious, he hasted on his way. On Friday and Saturday the ground continued to shake and the rocks to roll over one another. The earth also clave asunder in very many places, and continued so to do till Sunday morning. Being at Osmotherley, seven miles from the cliffs, on Monday, June 2, and finding Edward Abbot there, I desired him, the next morning, to show me the way thither. I walked, crept, and climbed, round and over great part of the ruins. I could not perceive, by any sign, that there was ever any cavity in the rock at all ; but one part of the solid stone is cleft from the rest, in a perpendicular line, and smooth, as if cut with instruments. Nor is it barely thrown down, but split into many hundred pieces, some of which lie four or five hundred yards from the main rock. The ground nearest the cliff is not raised, but sunk considerably beneath the level ; but at some distance it is raised in a ridge of eight or ten yards high, twelve or fifteen broad, and near a hundred long. Adjoining to this lies an oval piece of ground, thirty or forty yards in diameter, which has been removed, whole as it is, from beneath the cliff, without the least fissure, with all its load of rocks, some of which were as large as the hull of a small ship. At a little distance is a second piece of ground, forty or fifty yards across, which has been also transplanted entire, with rocks of various sizes upon it, and a tree growing out of one of them. By the removal of one or both of these, I suppose, the hollow near the cliff was made. All round them lay stones and rocks, great and small ; some on the surface of the earth, some half sunk into it, some almost covered, in a variety of positions. Between these the ground was cleft asunder in a thousand places : some of the apertures were nearly closed again, some gaping as at first. Between thirty and forty acres of land, as is commonly supposed (though some reckon above sixty), are in this condition. On the skirts of these I observed, in abundance of places, the green turf (for it was pasture land), as it were pared off, two or three inches thick, and wrapped round like sheets of lead. A little farther it was not cleft or broken at all, but raised in ridges five or six foot long, June 1755.] A Strange Phenomenon 1 1 9 exactly resembling the graves in a churchyard. Of these there is a vast number. That part of the cliff from which the rest is torn lies so high and is now of so bright a colour that it is plainly visible to all the country round, even at the distance of several miles. We saw it distinctly not only from the street in Thirsk, but for five or six miles, as we rode towards York. So we did likewise in the Great North Road, between Sandhutton and Northallerton. But how may we account for this phenomenon ? Was it effected by a merely natural cause ? If so, that cause must either have been fire, water, or air. It could not be fire ; for then some mark of it must have appeared, either at the time, or after it. But ho such mark does appear, nor ever did ; not so much as the least smoke, either when the first or second rock was removed, or in the whole space between Tuesday and Sunday. It could not be water ; for no water issued out when the one or the other rock was torn off, nor had there been any ;rains some time before. It was, in that part of the country, a remarkably dry season. Neither was there any cavity in that part of the rock wherein a sufficient quantity of water might have lodged. On the contrary, it was one single, solid mass, which was evenly and smoothly cleft in sunder. There remains no other natural cause assignable, but imprisoned air. I say imprisoned ; for, as to the fashionable opinion that the exterior air is the grand agent in earthquakes, it is so senseless, un- mechanical, unphilosophical a dream as deserves not to be named but to be exploded. But it is hard to conceive how even imprisoned air could produce such an effect. It might, indeed, shake, tear, raise, or sink the earth ; but how could it cleave a solid rock ? Here was not room for a quantity of it sufficient to do anything of this nature ; at least, unless it had been suddenly and violently expanded by fire, which was not the case. Could a small quantity of air, without that violent expansion, have torn so large a body of rock from the rest to which it adhered in one solid mass ? Could it have shivered this into pieces, and scattered several of those pieces some hundred yards round ? Could it have transported those promontories of earth, with their incumbent load, and set them down, unbroken, unchanged, at a distance ? Truly I am not so great a volunteer in faith as to be able to believe this. He that supposes this must suppose air to be not only a very strong (which we allow) but a very wise agent ; while it bore its charge with so great caution as not to hurt or dislocate any part of it. What, then, could be the cause ? What, indeed, but God, who arose to shake terribly the earth ; who purposely chose such a place, where there is so great a concourse of nobility and gentry every year ; 1 20 John Wesley s Journal [June 1755. and wrought in such a manner that many might see it and fear ; that all who travel one of the most frequented roads in England might see it, almost whether they would or no, for many miles together.1 It must likewise for many years, maugre all the art of man, be a visible monu- ment of His power, all that ground being now so encumbered with rocks and stones that it cannot be either ploughed or grazed. Nor will it serve any use but to tell all that see it, ' Who can stand before this great God ? ' Hence we rode to Thirsk, where I met the little society, and then went on to York. The people had been waiting for some time, so I began preaching without delay, and felt no want of strength, though the room 2 was like an oven through the multitude of people. Fri. 6. — I read Dr. Sharp's3 elaborate tracts on the Rubrics and Canons. He justly observes, with regard to all these : (1) that our governors have power to dispense with our observance of them ; (2) that a tacit dispensation is of the same force with an explicit dispensation ; (3) that their continued connivance at what they cannot but know is a tacit dispensation. I think this is true ; but, if it be, he has himself answered his own charge against the Methodists (so called). For, suppose the Canons did forbid field-preaching, as expressly as playing at cards and frequenting taverns, yet we have the very same plea for the former as any clergyman has for the latter. All our governors, the king, the archbishop, and bishops, connive at the one as well as the other. Sat. 7. — One of the residentiaries sent for Mr. Williamson, who had invited me to preach in his church, and told him, ' Sir, I abhor persecution, but if you let Mr. Wesley preach it will be the worse for you.' He desired it, nevertheless ; but I declined.4 1 VVhiston Cliff was a noted place for man's Life, vol. ii. p. 213; W.M. Mag. training and matching racehorses. An 1843, P- 2°6 '> also Works, vol. xi., in anonymous writer in The Gentleman' s Thoughts on the Earthquake at Lisbon.) Mag., professedly after inquiry, denied * This was the room in Pump Yard, the facts in toto. Wesley replied March 8, Newgate. It held 120 persons, and was 1756, reaffirming the facts as ' punctually registered for public worship {Methodism true, having been an eye-witness of every in York, pp. 80, 81). particular of it.' John Langhorne, then 3 Archdeacon of Northumberland, a private tutor near Thirsk, afterwards See W.H.S. vol. iv. p. 108. translator of Plutarch's Lives, wrote fully 4 Charles Wesley preached there twice confirming Wesley's statements. (Tyer- in October 1756. June 1765.) Fro?n York to Sheffield 1 2 1 Perhaps there is a providence in this also. God will not suffer my little remaining strength to be spent on those who will not hear me but in an honourable way. Sun. 8. — We were at the Minster in the morning, and at our parish church in the afternoon. The same gentleman preached at both ; but though I saw him at the church, I did not know I had ever seen him before. In the morning he was all life and motion, in the afternoon he was as quiet as a post. At five in the evening the rain constrained me to preach in the 'oven' again. The patience of the congregation surprised me. They seemed not to feel the extreme heat, nor to be offended at the close application of those words, ' Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.' ' Mon. 9. — I took my leave of the richest society, number for number, which we have in England. I hope this place will not prove (as Cork has for some time done) the Capua 2 of our preachers. When I came to Epworth the congregation was waiting. So I went immediately to the Cross, and great was our glorying in the Lord. Tues, 10. — I met the stewards of the Lincolnshire societies, who gave us an agreeable account of the work of God in every place. Wed. 11. — I preached in a meadow at Misterton to a larger congregation than ever met there before. Thur. 12. — At eight I preached at Clay worth, and at Rotherham in the evening. Here likewise was such a number of people assembled as was never before seen in that town. Is not this one clear proof of the hand of God that, although the novelty of this preaching is over, yet the people flock to hear it in every place far more than when it was a new thing ? Fri. 13. — In the evening I preached at Sheffield.3 In the 1 See Arm. Mag. 1779, p. 319 : letter On p. 641, letter from Walker to Wesley, from Rev. John Baddiley, rector of Hay- 'Truro, Aug. 16, 1756 ' : ' Advices con- field, Derbyshire, to J. W. re the Separa- cerning the Church.' Wesley's reply, tion debates at 'your last Conference in 'Kingswood, Sept. 3, 1756,' p. 644. Leeds.' On p. 368, John Wesley to - For same allusion see below, p. 332. Walker of Truro, dated Bristol, Sept. 24, 3 Sheffield was part of the Epworth ' Difficulties with regard to the Church.' Circuit until August 1757. It included On p. 371, Thos. Adams (Wintringham, also Gainsborough, Grimsby, Barrow, Oct. 10, 1755): 'On leaving the Church ' ; Doncaster, Rotherham, 'and divers reply to this (Lond. Oct. 31, 1755) p. 373. other circuits.' VOL. IV 8 122 John Wesley s Journal [June i766. morning I examined the members of the society, and was agreeably surprised to find that though none had visited them since I did it myself two years ago, yet they were rather increased than diminished in number, and many of them growing in grace.1 Mon. 1 6. — I preached in the evening at Nottingham,2 and on Thursday afternoon reached London. From a deep sense of the amazing work which God has of late years wrought in England, I preached in the evening on those words (Ps. cxlvii. 20), ' He hath not dealt so with any nation ' ; no, not even with Scotland or New England. In both these God has indeed made bare His arm, yet not in so astonishing a manner as among us. This must appear to all who impartially consider (1) the numbers of persons on whom God has wrought ; (2) the swift- ness of His work in many, both convinced and truly converted in a few days ; (3) the depth of it in most of these, changing the heart as well as the whole conversation ; (4) the clearness of it, enabling them boldly to say, ' Thou hast loved me ; Thou hast given Thyself for me ' ; (5) the continuance of it. God has wrought in Scotland and New England, at several times, for some weeks or months together ; but among us He has wrought for near eighteen years together, without any observable inter- mission. Above all, let it be remarked that a considerable number of the regular clergy were engaged in that great work in Scotland ; and in New England above a hundred, perhaps as eminent as any in the whole province, not only for piety, but also for abilities, both natural and acquired ; whereas in England there were only two or three inconsiderable clergymen, with a few young, raw, unlettered men ; and these opposed by well- nigh all the clergy, as well as laity, in the nation. He that remarks this must needs own, both that this is a work of God and that He hath not wrought so in any other nation.3 ' On Friday the 13th he preached tingham ' in Hutton's Memoirs, p. 231. again at Rotherham, and on the 14th at s On Thursday, June 19, he preached Barley Hall as well as Sheffield. at West Street. On the 20th he wrote 2 Harwood's History of Wesleyan from London to Charles Wesley ( Works, Methodism in Nottingham (pp. 8-43), vol. xii. p. 1 16), still on the burning ques- describes the sequence of events which tion of Separation. On Sunday the 22nd rooted Methodism here. Cf. ' Howe's he again preached at West Street. Society,' p. 13, with 'John How, Not- July 1765.] In Norwich 123 Mon. 23. — I was considering what could be the reasons why the hand of the Lord (who does nothing without a cause) is almost entirely stayed in Scotland, and in great measure in New England. It does not become us to judge peremptorily, but perhaps some of them may be these : (1) Many of them became ' wise in their own eyes ' ; they seemed to think they were the men, and there were none like them. And hence they refused God the liberty of sending by whom He would send, and required Him to work by men of learning, or not at all. (2) Many of them were bigots, immoderately attached either to their own opinions or mode of worship. Mr. Edwards himself was not clear of this. But the Scotch bigots were beyond all others, placing Arminianism (so called) on a level with Deism, and the Church of England with that of Rome. Hence they not only suffered in themselves and their brethren a bitter zeal, but applauded themselves therein, in showing the same spirit against all who differed from them as the Papists did against our forefathers. (3) With pride, bitterness, and bigotry, self- indulgence was joined ; self-denial was little taught and practised. It is well if some of them did not despise, or even condemn, all self-denial in things indifferent, as in apparel or food, as nearly allied to Popery. No marvel, then, that the Spirit of God was grieved. Let us profit by their example. Tues. 24. — Observing in that valuable book, Mr. Gillies's Historical Collections} the custom of Christian congregations in all ages to set apart seasons of solemn thanksgivings, I was amazed and ashamed that we had never done this, after all the blessings we had received, and many to whom I mentioned it gladly agreed to set apart a day for that purpose.2 Mon. 30. — I set out for Norwich, and came thither the next evening. As a large congregation was waiting, I could not but preach, though weary enough.3 The two following days I spoke to each member of the society ; and on Friday, JULY 4, took 1 See above, p. 62, and W.H.S. of Assurance. See Works, vol. xii. vol. iv. p. 108. p. 466 ; Tyerman, vol. ii. p. 214. On 2 On June 28 he wrote another letter the same day (June 28) and on Sunday confident in the preachers' loyalty to the the 29th he preached at West Street. Church, to Charles Wesley ( Works, vol. s At a place called the Foundery, near xii. p. 118); also one (the first of six) to Orford Hill (Lorkin's Methodism in Mr. Richard Tompson, on the doctrine Norwich, p. 2). 124 John Wesley s Journal [juiy 1755. horse again, though how I should ride five miles I knew not. But God so strengthened both man and beast that I reached Bury the same night, and London the next, far less tired than when I set out from Norwich.1 Monday the 7th was our first day of solemn thanksgiving for the numberless spiritual blessings we have received. And I believe it was a day which will not soon be forgotten.2 Thur. 17. — One spent the evening with us who is accounted both a sensible and a religious man. What a proof of the Fall ! Even with all the advantages of a liberal education, this person, I will be bold to say, knows just as much of heart religion, of scriptural Christianity, the religion of love, as a child three years old of algebra. How much, then, may we suppose a Turk or heathen to know? Hardly more ; perhaps just as much.3 Tues. 22. — To oblige a friendly gentlewoman, I was a witness to her will, wherein she bequeathed part of her estate to charit- able uses and part, during his natural life, to her dog Toby. I suppose, though she should die within the year, her legacy to Toby may stand good, but that to the poor is null and void by the statute of Mortmain ! 4 Sun. 27? — I buried the body of Ephraim B[edder],6 once a pattern to all that believed ; but, from the time he left off fasting and universal self-denial, in which none was more exemplary for some years, he sunk lower and lower, till he had neither the power nor the form of religion left. In the beginning of his illness he was in black despair. But much prayer was made for him. Toward the close of it it pleased God to restore to him the li«ht of His countenance. So, I ' On July 4 he preached at Bury St. donor ... to be enrolled within . . . Edmunds, and on Saturday the 5th at six months after execution.' Bishop Bonner's. The term ' charitable uses ' is applic- 2 On Thursday the 10th he preached able only to gifts for what are called at Bishop Bonner's, and on Sunday the public charities, the objects of which are 13th at Moorfields. not particular individuals, but a class or 3 On Monday the 21st he preached at the public in general. West Street and Wapping. s On July 25 he wrote the second letter 4 So not very correctly, though com- to Richard Tompson (Works, vol. xii. monly, called 9 Geo. II. c. 36: 'No p. 467), noting 'concessions' in the sums of money . . . shall be given . . . Minutes with regard to ' assurance ' and in trust for any charitable uses ... ' perfection.' unless by deed . . . twelve calendar 6 See above, p. 48 months at least before the death of such July 1755.] A Letter from Virginia 1 2 5 trust, his backsliding only cost him his life, and he may yet live with God for ever.1 I was much affected about this time by a letter sent from a gentleman in Virginia.2 Part of it runs thus : The poor negro slaves here never heard of Jesus, or His religion, till they arrived at the land of their slavery in America, whom their masters generally neglect, as though immortality was not the privilege of their souls in common with their own. These poor Africans are the principal objects of my compassion, and, I think, the most proper subject of your charity. The inhabitants of Virginia are computed to be about three hundred thousand, and the one half of them are supposed to be negroes. The number of these who attend on my ministry at particular times is uncertain, but I think there are about three hundred who give a stated attendance. And never have I been so much struck with the appear- ance of an assembly as when I have glanced my eye on one part of the house, adorned (so it has appeared to me) with so many black coun- tenances, eagerly attentive to every word they heard, and some of them covered with tears. A considerable number of them, about a hundred, have been baptized, after they had been fully instructed in the great truths of religion, and had evidenced their sense of them by a life of the strictest virtue. As they are not sufficiently polished to dissemble with a good grace, they express the sensations of their hearts so much in the language of simple nature, and with such genuine indications of artless 3 sincerity, that it is impossible to suspect their professions, especially when attended with a suitable behaviour. Mr. Todd, minister of the next congregation, has near the same number under his care, and several of them also, he informs me, dis- cover the same seriousness. Indeed, there are multitudes of them in various parts who are eagerly desirous of instruction. They have generally very little help to read ; and yet, to my agreeable surprise, sundry of them, by dint of application in their very few leisure hours, have made such a progress that they are able to read their Bible, or a plain author, very intelligibly. But few of their masters will be at the expense of furnishing them with books. I have supplied them to the utmost of my ability. They are exceedingly delighted with Watts's Songs, and I cannot but observe that the negroes, above all of the human species I ever knew, have the nicest ear for music. They have 1 On Saturday, Aug. 2, he preached Virginia). See below, for other letters, at West Street. pp. 149, 194. 2 Rev. Samuel Davies, of Hanover (in 3 1st ed. 'earth-less.' 126 John Wesley s Journal [Aug. 1755. a kind of ecstatic delight in psalmody ; nor are there any books they so soon learn, or take so much pleasure in, as those used in that heavenly part of divine worship. Aug. 3, Sun. — I dined with one who lived for many years with one of the most celebrated beauties in Europe. She was also proud, vain, and nice to a very uncommon degree. But see the end ! After a painful and nauseous disease, she rotted away above ground, and was so offensive for many days before she died that scarce any could bear to stay in the room. Mon. 4. — Hearing my old friend Mr. H s was now a beggar, and forsaken of all, I called (after a separation of sixteen years) at his lodgings to offer him any service in my power. I was pleasingly surprised to find him reading the Bible ! But still I am afraid all is not right, for the hand of God seems to be upon him still, and his mind is so hurried he can settle to nothing. Oh what a pattern of holiness and stability of mind was this very man till he was stolen away by the men whose ' words are smoother than oil ' ! But were they not to him very swords ? x Wed. 6. — I mentioned to the congregation another means of increasing serious religion, which had been frequently practised by our forefathers and attended with eminent blessing, namely, the joining in a covenant to serve God with all our heart 2 and with all our soul. I explained this for several mornings follow- ing, and on Friday many of us kept a fast unto the Lord, beseeching Him to give us wisdom and strength to promise unto the Lord our God and keep it.3 Mon. 11. — I explained once more the nature of such an engagement, and the manner of doing it acceptably to God. At six in the evening we met for that purpose at the French church in Spitalfields. After I had recited the tenor of the covenant proposed, in the words of that blessed man, Richard Alleine, all the people stood up, in testimony of assent, to the number of about eighteen hundred persons. Such a night I scarce ever saw before. Surely the fruit of it shall remain for ever. 1 On Monday, Aug. 4, he preached at 3 On Thursday, Aug. 7, he preached West Street, and on the 5th at Deptford. at Bishop Bonner's, and on Sunday the 2 1st ed. ' with all our soul ' only. 10th in Moorfields. 1. BONNER'S HALL, 'NEAR HACKNEY ' (sec PAGE IOl) 2. ZOAR CHAPEL, SOUTH WARK (SCC PAGE I40). 127 Aug. 1765.) In Cornwall 129 Sat. 16. — I buried the remains of a rough, honest, friendly man, Captain Edward Stotesbury.1 But the lion was become a lamb before God took him to Himself. Sun. 1 7. — I took leave of the congregation in Moorfields by applying those awful words, ' It is appointed for men once to die,' and early in the morning set out for Cornwall. In the evening I preached to a sleepy congregation at Reading on ' It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God,' and to much such another on Tuesday evening at Salisbury on 1 Harden not your hearts.' On Wednesday the 20th, at noon, I preached at Shaftesbury to a much more lively people. In the afternoon both my fellow traveller and I were fairly worn out. We betook ourselves to prayer, and received strength. Nor did we faint any more till, on Friday the 22nd, we reached Plymouth Dock. And I found myself far less weary then than on Monday, when I came to Colebrook. Having spent two days comfortably, and I hope usefully, on Monday the 25th I rode over the mountains, close by the sea, to Looe, a town near half as large as Islington, which sends four Members to the Parliament ! And each county in North Wales sends one ! At Fowey a little company met us, and conducted us to Luxulyan.2 Between six and seven I preached in what was once the courtyard of a rich and honourable man ; but he and all his family are in the dust, and his very memory is almost perished. The congregation was large and deeply serious ; but it was still larger on Tuesday evening, and several seemed to be cut to the heart. On Wednesday they flocked from all parts. And with what eagerness did they receive the word ! Surely many of these last will be first. Thur. 28. — I preached at St. Mewan. I do not remember ever to have seen the yard in which I stood quite full before, but it would not now contain the congregation : many were 1 Charles Wesley, Thursday, June 7, at Newington that provided a quiet re- 1750, wrote : ' I carried Sally to see our treat for Wesley when he had literary old friends at Newington Green. It is work on hand ? Charles Wesley wrote an remarkable that the first time Mrs. elegy on Mrs. Stotesbury when she died, Stotesbury ever saw her she said within March 17, 1759 : ' Friendly, faithful soul, herself, " That person is to be my minis- adieu ' (C. Wesley'sjournal,vol.ii. p. 352). ter's wife." ' Is this the unnamed family 2 See below, p. 240. 1 30 John Wesley s Journal [Aug. 1755 obliged to stand without the gate. At five in the morning I preached at St. Austell x to more than our room could contain. In the evening I was at St. Ewe. One or two felt the edge of God's sword and sank to the ground, and indeed it seemed as if God would suffer none to escape Him — as if he both heard and answered our prayer : Dart into all the melting flame Of love, and make the mountains flow. Sat. 30. — As I was riding through Truro one stopped my horse and insisted on my alighting. Presently two or three more of Mr. Walker's2 society came in, and we seemed to have been acquainted with each other many years ; but I was constrained to break from them. About five I found the con- gregation waiting in a broad, convenient part of the street in Redruth. I was extremely weary, and our friends were so glad to see me that none once thought of asking me to eat or drink ; but my weariness vanished when I began to speak. Surely God is in this place also. Sun. 31. — Understanding there were many present who did once run well, I preached at eight (the rain ceasing just in time) on ' How shall I give thee up, Ephraim ? ' Many en- deavoured, but in vain, to hide their tears. I was agreeably surprised at church to hear the prayers read, not only with deliberation, but with uncommon propriety. At one the con- gregation was nearly double to what it was in the morning, and all were still as night. Surely these are patient hearers. God grant they may be fruitful ones ! At five I preached in Gwennap to several thousands, but not one of them light or inattentive. After I had done the storm arose, and the rain poured down till about four in the 1 Richard Vercoe was one of the first there, and preached from his doorstep, members of society in this place. He See also Meth. Kec. May 9, 191 2. had preaching and prayer-meetings in his - Rev. Samuel Walker. ' Evangelical house. See obituary of his son in W.M. opinions, an awakening ministry, and Mag. 1830, p. 507. Another pioneer great ministerial success.' See W.M. Methodist was Mr. Flamank, in Fore Mag. 1847, p. 1099, and Tyerman's Street. Wesley was always his guest Wesley, vol. ii. p. 207. Sept. 1755.] In Cornwall I3i morning. Then the sky cleared, and many of them that feared God gladly assembled before Him.1 Sept. i, Man. — I preached at Penryn to abundantly more than the house could contain. Tues. 2. — We went to Falmouth.2 The town is not now what it was ten years since. All is quiet from one end to the other. I had thoughts of preaching on the hill near the church, but the violent wind made it impracticable, so I was obliged to stay in our own room. The people could hear in the yard likewise, and the adjoining houses, and all were deeply attentive. Wed, 3. — At four Mrs. M.3 came into my room, all in tears, and told me she had seen, as it were, our Lord standing by her, calling her by her name, and had ever since been filled with joy unspeakable. Soon after came her sister, in almost the same condition, and afterwards her niece, who likewise quickly melted into tears and refused to be comforted. Which of these will endure to the end ? Now, at least, God is among them. 1 The following brief and painfully graphic letter, -written on this date from Redruth, shows the kind of irritations which, coupled with jealousies, were straining to breaking-point the relations between two persons who ought never to have become husband and wife. To Mr. Blackwell, In Change Alley, London. Redruth, Aug. 31, 1755- Dear Sir, In my last journey to the North [see Journal, May 12], all my patience was put to the proof again and again, and all my endea- vours to please, yet without success. In my present journey I leap as broke from chains. I am content with whatever entertainment I meet with, and my companions are always in good humour, 'because they are with me.' This must be the spirit of all who take journeys with me. If a dinner ill drest, a hard bed, a poor room, a shower of rain, or a dusty road will put them out of humour, it lays a burden upon me greater than all the rest put together. By the grace of God I never fret. I repine at nothing. 1 am dis- contented with nothing. And to hear persons at my ear fretting and murmuring at every- thing is like tearing the flesh off my bones. I see God sitting upon His throne and ruling all things well. Although, therefore, I can bear this also, to have His government of the world continually found fault with— for in blaming the things which He alone can alter we in effect blame Him — yet it is such a burden to me as I cannot bear without pain, and I bless God when it is removed. The doctrine of a particular providence is what exceeding few persons understand, at least not practically, so as to apply it to every cir- cumstance of life. This I want, to see God acting in everything, and disposing all for His own glory and His creatures' good. I hope it is your continual prayer that you may- see Him, and love Him, and glorify Him with all you are and all you have. Peace be with you all ! Your affectionate Servant, J. Wesley. - ' Our own room ' at Falmouth, on Smithick Hill. The society removed later to Porhan Street. In 1791 a new chapel was built. The present chapel (1912) is on the same site. 3 See above, vol. iii. p. 190. Mrs. M. is believed to have been Mrs. Maddern, the woman in Falmouth who received him from the mob into her house. 132 John Wesley s Journal [Sept. 1755 After preaching again to a congregation who now appeared ready to devour every word, I walked up to Pendennis Castle, finely situated on the high point of land which runs out between the bay and the harbour, and commanding both. It might easily be made exceeding strong ; but our wooden castles are sufficient. In the afternoon we rode to Helston, once turbulent enough, but now quiet as Penryn. I preached at six on a rising ground about a musket-shot from the town. Two drunken men strove to interrupt ; but one soon walked away, the other leaned on his horse's neck and fell fast asleep. What has done much good here is the example of W T . He was utterly without God in the world when his father died and left him a little estate, encumbered with huge debt. Seven or eight years ago he found peace with God. He afterwards sold his estate, paid all his debts, and with what he had left furnished a little shop. Herein God has blessed him in an uncommon manner. Meantime all his behaviour is of a piece, so that more and more of his neighbours say, ' Well, this is a work of God ! ' Thur. 4. — In the evening heavy rain began just as I began to give out the hymn, but it ceased before I named my text. I spoke very plain, and it seemed to sink into many hearts, as they showed by attending at five in the morning, when we had another happy and solemn hour. About noon, Friday the 5th, I called on W. Rowe, in Breage, in my way to Newlyn. ' Twelve years ago,' he said, ' I was going over Gulval Downs, and I saw many people together, and I asked what was the matter, and they told me a man was going to preach. And I said, " To be sure it is some mazed man." But when I saw you I said, " Nay, this is no mazed man." And you preached on God's raising the dry bones, and from that time I could never rest till God was pleased to breathe on me and raise my dead soul.' I had given no notice of preaching here, but, seeing the poor people flock from every side, I could not send them empty away. So I preached at a small distance from the house, and besought them to consider our ' great High-Priest, who is passed through into the heavens.' And none opened his mouth, Sept. 1755.] In Cornwall 133 for the lions of Breage too are now changed into lambs. That they were so fierce ten years ago is no wonder, since their wretched minister told them from the pulpit (seven years before I resigned my fellowship) that ' John Wesley was expelled the College for a base child, and had been quite mazed ever since ; that all the Methodists, at their private societies, put out the lights,' &c, with abundance more of the same kind. But a year or two since it was observed he grew thoughtful and melancholy, and, about nine months ago, he went into his own necessary house — and hanged himself. When we came to Newlyn we were informed that a strong, healthy man was, the morning before, found dead in his bed. Many were startled, so I endeavoured to deepen the impres- sion by preaching on those words, ' There is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave, whither thou goest.' Sat. 6. — In the evening I preached at St. Just. Except at Gwennap, I have seen no such congregation in Cornwall. The sun (nor could we contrive it otherwise) shone full in my face when I began the hymn ; but just as I ended it a cloud arose, which covered it till I had done preaching. Is anything too small for the providence of Him by whom our very hairs are numbered ? Sun. 7. — Last year a strange letter, written at Penzance, was inserted in the public papers.1 To-day I spoke to the two persons who occasioned that letter. They are of St. Just parish, sensible men, and no Methodists. The name of one is James Tregear, of the other Thomas Sackerly. I received the account from James two or three hours before Thomas came, but there was no material difference. In July was twelvemonth, they both said, as they were walking from St. Just church-town toward Sancreed, Thomas, happening to look up, cried out, ' James, look, look ! What is that in the sky ? ' The first appearance, as James expressed it, was three large columns of horsemen, swiftly pressing on, as in a fight, from south-west to north-east, a broad streak of sky being between each column. Sometimes they seemed to run thick together, then to thin their ranks. Afterwards they saw a large fleet of ' See Gentleman's Mag., 1754, p. 482. 134 John Wesley s Journal rsept.1755. three-mast ships in full sail toward the Lizard Point. This continued above a quarter of an hour ; then, all disappearing, they went on their way. The meaning of this, if it was real (which I do not affirm), time only can show. I preached at eight in the morning and five in the after- noon,1 and then hastened to St. Ives ; but we did not reach it till between nine and ten, so I delayed visiting Mr. K.2 till the morning. He is a young attorney who for some time past frequently attended the preaching. On Saturday morn- ing he fell raving mad. I never saw him till this morning. He sung, and swore, and screamed, and cursed, and blas- phemed as if possessed by legion ; but as soon as I came in he called me by my name and began to speak. I sat down on the bed, and he was still. Soon after he fell into tears and prayer. We prayed with him, and left him calm for the present. Tues. 9. — I desired as many of our brethren as could to observe Wednesday the 10th as a day of fasting and prayer. Just as we were praying for him (we were afterwards informed) he left off raving, and broke out, ' Lord, how long ? Wilt Thou hide Thy face for ever ? All my bones are broken. Thy wrath lieth heavy upon me : I am in the lowest darkness, and in the deep. But the Lord will hear : He will rebuke thee, thou unclean spirit : He will deliver me out of thy hands.' Many such expressions he uttered for about half an hour, and then raved again.3 Thur. 11. — He was more outrageous than ever, but while we were praying for him in the evening he sunk down into a sound sleep, which continued for ten hours ; nor was he 1 At Penzance. hamshire, and died in 1811. Nearly every 2 We can hardly doubt that this is prominent man in St. Ives came into the John Knill, whose 'Pyramid,' and a vortex of the Methodist movement, legacy providing for annual dancing K[nill']s madness opened Wesley's way around it. are so well known in St. Ives. into his uncle's, the mayor's, family. He was born in 1733, and would at this See letter to Blackwell, Works, vol. time be twenty-two. He was articled to xii. p. 1S4. See especially J. Hobson Robert Kitchen, of Penzance, solicitor, MMhews's M/s/ory of the parishes of St. and possibly had not, in 1755, left this Ives, Lelant, Towednack, and Zennor. office for London. He returned to St. 3 On Wednesday the 10th Wesley Ives as agent for the Earl of Bucking- preached at Lelant. Sept. 1755.] In Cornwall 135 furious any more, although the time of deliverance was not come.1 Sat. 13. — I preached once more at St. Just, on the first stone of their new society-house.2 In the evening, as we rode to Camborne, John Pearce of Redruth was mentioning a remark- able incident. While he lived at Helston, as their class was meeting one evening, one of them cried, with an uncommon tone, ' We will not stay here, we will go to' such a house, which was in a quite different part of the town. They all rose immediately and went, though neither they nor she knew why. Presently, after they were gone, a spark fell into a barrel of gunpowder which was in the next room, and blew up the house. So did God preserve those who trusted in Him, and prevent the blasphemy of the multitude. Sun. 14. — I preached about eight, at [Cam Brea], to a very numerous congregation ; and I believe God spoke to the hearts of many — of backsliders in particular. Soon after ten we went to Redruth church. A young gentlewoman in the next pew, who had been laughing and talking just before, while the Confession was reading seemed very uneasy, then screamed out several times, dropped down, and was carried out of church. Mr. Collins3 read prayers admirably well, and preached an excellent sermon on ' Christ also suffered, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps.' At one I preached on faith, hope, and love. I was surprised at the behaviour of the whole multitude. At length God seems to be moving on all their hearts. About five I preached at St. Agnes, where all received the truth in love, except two or three, who soon walked away. Thence I rode on to Cubert. At noon I was much tired ; but I was now as fresh as in the morning. Man. 15. — We walked an hour near the sea-shore, among 1 On Sept. 12 he wrote to Blackwell fell — 'it contained a few lines which I ( Works ,vo\.\\\.-p. i83),and to Christopher had writ to Mrs. Lefevre, in answer to a Hopper {Orphan House, p. 103). The letter,' &c. ; and 'a young gentleman, Blackwell letter is especially interesting nephew to the present mayor,' who was for its information about three notable the Mr. K[nill] above-mentioned. persons, namely : Michael Fenwick ; Mrs. " The second chapel, 40 ft. by 28 ft. Wesley, into whose hands a packet in- (IV.Af. Mag. 1833, p. 874.) tended for Charles Perronet accidentally s See above, vol. iii. p. 191. 1 36 John Wesley s Journal tsept. 1755. those amazing caverns, which are full as surprising as Poole's Hole, or ,any other in the Peak of Derbyshire. Some part of the rock in these natural vaults glitters as bright and ruddy as gold1; part is a fine sky-blue; part green; part enamelled, exactly like mother-of-pearl ; and a great part, especially near the Holy Well 2 (which bubbles up on the top of a rock, and is famous for curing either scorbutic or scrofulous disorders), is crusted over, wherever the water runs, with a hard, white coat, like alabaster. At six in the evening I preached at Port Isaac. The next day I rode to Camelford, and preached in the market-place about six, on ' Ye must be born again.' Some were much afraid there would be disturbance ; but the whole congregation was quiet and attentive. Thur. 18. — Just as we came in at Launceston the heavy rain began. Between five and six I preached in a gentleman's dining-room, capable of containing some hundreds of people. At five in the morning I preached in the Town Hall, and soon after took my leave of Cornwall. Fri. 19. — In the evening I reached North Molton ; but, being wet and tired, and the people not having notice, I did not preach till the next morning. A few, I found, stand steadfast here also, though a neighbouring gentleman has threatened them much unless they will leave this way, has turned many out of their work or farms, and headed the mob in person.3 On Saturday evening I preached at Tiverton to a well- established people. Sun. 21. — I rode to Cullompton,4 where the minister preached an excellent practical sermon. At one I preached on the parable of the Sower, and about five in the market- 1 Pope's arbour was adorned with first that planted the gospel in this place.' these Cornish stones. 4 The ride from Tiverton ; church 2 About one and a half miles north- service ; preaching, probably out of doors, west of the parish church. A full account at five indoors ; meeting the society ; of this famous well is given in the History writing a long, plain, practical letter of Cornwall. Borlase also mentions the which seems to have saved a faulty spar. Southey celebrates another Cornish preacher, John Trembath ( Works, vol. xii. Holy Well, that of St. Keyne's. p. 251)— compare letter written five * See Charles Wesley's letter (Journal, years later— this was a fair day's work for vol. ii. p. 221) : ' Mr. Robarts was the a convalescent. Oct 1766.] In the West 137 house at Tiverton. The congregation was larger than for some years, yet all behaved as though they really desired to save their souls. Mon. 22. — It rained the greater part of the day, which lessened the congregation at Charlton. Tues. 23. — We walked up to Glastonbury Tower,1 which a gentleman is now repairing. It is the steeple of a church, the foundation of which is still discernible. On the west side of the tower there are niches for images, one of which, as big as the life, is still entire.2 The hill on which it stands is extremely steep, and of an uncommon height ; so that it commands the country on all sides, as well as the Bristol Channel. I was weary enough when we came to Bristol,3 but I preached till all my complaints were gone, and I had now a little leisure to sit still, and finish 4 the Notes on the New Testament? OCT. 3, Fri. — I rode over to Pill, a place famous from generation to generation, even as Kingswood itself, for stupid, brutal, abandoned wickedness. But what is all the power of the world and the devil, when the day of God's power is come ? Many of the inhabitants now seem desirous of turning from the power of Satan to God.6 Sun. 5. — I preached on the south-west side of Bristol.7 I 1 On the top of Glastonbury Tor, task soon after Sept. 23, 1755. The volume 500 feet high. was published in London as a quarto of = St. Michael holding in his hands a 759 pages, price eighteen shillings. Five pair of scales. editions were issued during Wesley's life, 1 Sept. 24, Bristol, letter to Rev. with corrections and additions. The Mr. Walker (Works, vol. xiii. p. 193), Dr. Heylyn (not the more celebrated on the question of separation, clearly Peter Heylyn) to whose Theological stating the arguments for it urged in the Lectures he acknowledges indebtedness, Leeds Conference, his own difficulty in was the man whom Wesley heard in answering, and the dilemma as to per- St. Mary-le-Strand on Whit Sunday, 1738, mining or appointing lay preachers. As and whom he assisted at the Holy Com- to the doctrine and liturgy of the Estab- munion. See above, vol. i. p. 463-4. lished Church, and also the unlawfulness 5 On Wednesday the 24th and Thurs- of separation, he has no doubt. As he clay the 25th he again preached in Bristol, puts it to Mr. Adams two months later : During September he preached also at 'We will not go out : if we are thrust Crowan, Coleford, and Kingswood. out, well.' The series of letters — four to 6 On Saturday the 4th he preached in Mr. Walker and one to Mr. Adams — is Bristol, worth careful study. "' Bedminster. He afterwards specifies 1 Wesley began his Notts on the Nnu The Green and the Paddock as open-air Testament Jan. 6, 1754, and finished his preaching-places. 138 fohn Wesley s Journal [Oct. ms. suppose a considerable part of the congregation had hardly ever heard a sermon in the open air before ; but they were all (rich and poor) serious and attentive. No rudeness is now at Bristol. Tkur. 9.1 — I preached on the Green, near Pill, to a large and serious congregation. It rained most of the time ; but none went away, although there were many genteel hearers.2 Mon. 13. — I preached, about noon, at Shepton Mallet, and in the evening at Ccleford, where the congregation is so increased that they must enlarge the house.3 Tues. 14. — About one I preached near Bradford, and again in the evening. Wed. 15. — I preached at Bath. Even here a few are joined together, and hope they shall be scattered no more.4 I dined with some serious persons in a large, stately house standing on the brow of a delightful hill.5 In this paradise they live in ease, in honour, and in elegant abundance. And this they call retiring from the world ! What would Gregory Lopez have called it ? In the evening the society met at Bristol. I had desired again and again that no person would come who had not calmly and deliberately resolved to give himself up to God. But I believe not ten of them were wanting, and we now solemnly and of set purpose, by our own free act and deed, jointly agreed to take the Lord for our God. I think it will not soon be forgotten ; I hope not to all eternity.6 [Sun. 19. — I preached once more in Stokes Croft, to a deeply serious congregation.] 7 Mon. 20. — I left Bristol, and, taking several societies in the 1 On Oct. 8 he wrote to Christopher Grove of Sept. 17-19, 1764. In Hunt's Hopper [Orphan House, p. 104) : also Life 0/ Warburton, prefixed to Works, vol. to Paul Greenwood ( W.H.S. vol. vii. i. p. 50, of Prior Park Hunt says : ' In p. 20). so agreeable, or rather splendid a retreat 2 On Friday the 10th he preached in Warburton enjoyed health, affluence, and Bristol. leisure ; the best company when he 3 See above, vol. iii. p. 161. could partake of it.' 4 Oct. 16, Bristol, is the date of the 6 On Friday the 17th he preached at PS. to the Introd. to Primitive Physick Kingswood. ( Works, vol. xiv. p. 316). ' Insertion from 1st ed. Why omitted 5 Certainly Prior Park, not Combe in later editions is not known. Nov. 1765 i London and Essex 139 way,1 on Thursday the 23rd preached at Reading. Several soldiers were there, and many more the next night, when I set before them ' the terrors of the Lord.' And I scarce ever saw so much impression made on this dull, senseless people. Sat. 25. — I reached London, notwithstanding all the forebodings of my friends, in at least as good health as I left it. Sun. 26. — I entered upon my London duty, reading prayers, preaching, and giving the sacrament at Snowsfields in the morning ; preaching and giving the sacrament at noon in West Street Chapel ; meeting the leaders at three ; burying a corpse at four ; and preaching at five in the afternoon. Afterwards I met the society, and concluded the day with a general lovefeast. Mon. 27. — We set out for Leigh, in Essex 2 ; but, being hindered a little in the morning, the night came on, without either moon or stars, when we were about two miles short of Rayleigh. The ruts were so deep and uneven that the horses could scarce stand, and the chaise was continually in danger of overturning ; so that my companions thought it best to walk to the town, though the road was both wet and dirty. Leaving them at Rayleigh, I took horse again. It was so thoroughly dark that we could not see our horses' heads ; however, by the help of Him to whom the night shineth as the day, we hit every turning ; and, without going a quarter of a mile out of our way, before nine came to Leigh. Wed. 29. — 1 returned to London.3 In my scraps of time, on this and two or three other days, I read over (what I had often heard much commended) Lord Anson's Voyage} What pity he had not a better historian ! — one who had eyes to see and courage to own the hand of God.5 Nov. 5, Wed. — Mr. Whitefield called upon me. Disputings 1 On Tuesday the 21st he preached at Published in 1748. The 'historian' was Bray, on Wednesday the 22nd at Salis- Benjamin Robins, F.R.S. bury and Westcombe, and on Friday the * On Oct. 31 he wrote a letter to 24th at Bearfield. Rev. Thomas Adams ( Works, vol. xiii. 2 See Metk. Rec. April 21, 1898. p. 207) defining the Methodist position s And preached at Bishop Bonner's. in relation to the Church of England. 1 A Voyage Round the World, I 740-4. On Nov. 3 he preached at Wapping. VOL. IV 9 1 40 John Wesley s Journal mov. 17M. are now no more ; we love one another, and join hand in hand to promote the cause of our common Master. In the afternoon I buried the remains of Samuel Larwood,1 who died of a fever on Sunday morning, deeply convinced of his unfaithfulness, and yet hoping to find mercy. He had lately taken and repaired a building in Southwark, called by the vener- able men who built it, Zoar.2 His executor offering it to me on the evening of Friday the 7th, that solemn day which we observed with fasting and prayer for our King and country, I preached there to a large and quiet congregation ; but most of them appeared wild enough : and such were we, till grace made the difference. Mon. 10. — I preached at the Wells 3 ; and I did not wonder that God gave an uncommon blessing to those who then assembled in His name, considering the difficulties they had broke through. The frost was very severe, accompanied with such a fog as perhaps the oldest man there never saw before. The lamps could not be seen across the street, and hardly the ground, by those who had lights in their hands. Many lost their way when they were just at their own doors. And it was almost as hard to breathe as to see. How easy it is for God to punish a sinful nation, even without employing an arm of flesh! Mon. 17. — As we were walking towards Wapping the rain poured down with such violence that we were obliged to take shelter till it abated. We then held on to Gravel Lane, in many parts of which the waters were like a river. However, we got on pretty well till the rain put out the candle in our lantern. We then were obliged to wade through all, till we came to the chapel-yard. Just as we entered it a little streak of lightning appeared in the south-west. There was likewise a small clap of thunder, and a vehement burst of rain, which rushed so plentifully through our shattered tiles that the vestry was all in a float. Soon after I began reading prayers the 1 See above, p. 23. preached in by John Bunyan. Old and 2 Zoar Street preserves the name. New London, vol. vi. p. 40, says Zoar The chapel stood on the north side, became first a brewery, then a factory, near the west end, and the site is now See W.H.S. vol. vii. p. HO; also above, covered by a block of model dwellings. p. 127. It was originally a Presbyterian meeting- 3 And at West Street. For the Wells house, and, tradition affirms, was see above, p. 93. Dec 1756 hi London 141 lightning flamed all round it, and the thunder rolled just over our heads. When it grew louder and louder, perceiving many of the strangers to be much affrighted, I broke off the prayers, after the Collect, ' Lighten our darkness, we beseech Thee, 0 Lord,' and began applying ' The Lord sitteth above the water-flood ; the Lord remaineth a King for ever.' Presently the lightning, thunder, and rain ceased, and we had a remark- ably calm evening. It was observed that exactly at this hour they were acting Macbeth in Drury Lane, and just'as the mock-thunder began the Lord began to thunder out of heaven. For a while it put them to a stand ; but they soon took courage, and went on. Other- wise it might have been suspected that the fear of God had crept into the very theatre ! Tues. 18. — We had a solemn watch-night at Zoar. Wed. 26. — Being much importuned thereto, I wrote Serious Tlioughts on the Earthquake at Lisbon^ directed, not as I designed at first, to the small vulgar, but the great — to the learned, rich, and honourable heathens, commonly called Christians. Dec. 2, Tues. — I received a remarkable letter,2 part of which 1 have here subjoined : It may seem strange, sir, that I, whom you have no personal know- ledge of, should write with the freedom I am now going to take. But, I trust you desire as much to instruct as I to be instructed. I have long laboured under a disease which comes the nearest to that which is named scepticism. I rejoice at one time in the belief that the religion of my country is true ; but how transient my joy ! While my busy imagination ranges through nature, books, and men, I often drop into that horrible pit of Deism, and in vain bemoan my fall. The two main springs which alternately move my soul to these opposite opinions are, first, Can it be, that the great God of the boundless universe, containing many thousand better worlds than this, should become incarnate here, and die on a piece of wood ? There I lose my belief of Christianity. But on the other hand I think, Well, let me examine the fitness of 1 The earthquake took place on Nov. I, ■ From John Walsh, Wesley's corre- 1 755- A large part of the city was spondent also in 1758. See Arm. Mag. destroyed, and over 30,000 lives were 1780, p. 103. In Arm. Mag. 1779 are lost. The Serious Thoughts soon ran two letters following up this correspond- into six editions. See Works, vol. xi. ence. They are dated Dec. 21, 1755, and pp. 1-13 ; Green's Bibliog. No. 171. Feb. I, 1756 (pp. 376, 432). 142 John Wesley s J ournal [Dec. 1765. things which Deism boasts of. And certain it is I discern nothing but beauty and wisdom in the inanimate parts of the creation. But how is the animate side of nature ? It shocks me with powerful cruelty and bleeding innocence. I cannot call the earth (as Fontenelle does) ' a great rolling globe covered over with fools,' but rather a great rolling globe covered over with slaughter-houses, where few beings can escape but those of the butcher kind — the lion, wolf, or tiger. And as to man himself, he is undoubtedly the supreme lord, nay, the uncontrollable tyrant, of this globe. Yet survey him in a state of Deism, and I must pronounce him a very poor creature ; he is then a kind of Jack Ketch, an executioner-general. He may, nay, he must, destroy, for his own subsistence multitudes of beings that have done him no wrong. He has none of that heavenly power to restore life ; and can he be fond of the permission to take it away ? One who, like me, is subject to the tender passions, will never be proud of this. No dying brute I view in anguish here, But from my melting eye descends a tear. The very beasts are entitled to my compassion ; but who can express the anxieties I feel for the afflictions sustained by virtuous men, and my abhorrence of the cruel ? Yet in Deism I can discern no reward for the one or punishment for the other. On this view of things the Castilian King might well say he could have directed God to amend His creation. I think, upon the whole, the God of wisdom would not have made a world so much in want of a Redeemer as this and not give it one ; therefore at present I am again a Christian. Oh that the Son of God would confirm me His ! As yet my soul is like a weather-beaten bird that hovers over the great ocean, tired and afraid of dropping. Death and eternity are ready to receive it ; the pleasant land is out of sight, hid by fogs and mists, and the way unknown to gain the happy groves. I was formerly apt to mention my scepticism, both to clergymen and laymen, with a view of lessening the evil, but they rather increased it. Few clergymen cared to discourse on the subject, and if they did they generally expected that a few weak reasons should eradicate at once strong and deep-rooted prejudices ; and most laymen discovered an utter ignorance of the religion they pretended to believe, and looked upon me as if I had the plague for owning I did not believe it. What method could I take ? I long avoided speaking of religion to any but its Great Author, who, I hope, has at last led me to one that is capable of removing my spiritual darkness. May the Giver of all goodness reward you in that day when (according to the prophet Daniel) ' the Dec. 1766. /// London 143 wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever ' ! 1 Fri. 12. — As I was returning from Zoar I came as well as usual to Moorfields ; but there my strength entirely failed, and such a faintness and weariness seized me that it was with difficulty I got home. I could not but think how happy it would be (suppose we were ready for the Bridegroom) to sink down and steal away at once, without any of the hurry and pomp of dying ! Yet it is happier still to glorify God in our death as well as our life. About this time I received a serious, sensible letter, the substance of which was as follows 2 : Scarce any nation passes a century without some remarkable fluctuation. How should it be otherwise ? For how can that be perpetually stable wherein man, full of instability, is principally con- cerned ? It is certain, therefore, that all the quiet in a nation is ordered by divine wisdom, as all the confusions and convulsions are permitted by divine justice. Let us view the present state of Great Britain in this light, resting assured that all which befalls us is intended to promote our good in this world and that which is to come. This land is ripe for judgements. How few are there herein who even intend to please God in all they do ! And all besides are subjects of divine wrath. For all who live without any regard to God are wilful sinners against God, and every hour liable to the stroke of His offended justice. And what shall these do when visited by the sword, the plague, the famine, or the furious elements ? Oh that they would turn to God through the Saviour of sinners ! Surely then they would find mercy ! Yea, and probably see the salvation of God, even in the land of the living. But what shall the Christians do in the time of public calamities ? Be still, look up, and follow Providence. Be still, O my soul ! in the midst of tumults and the distress of nations. Take no comfort in any- thing but in the consciousness of divine love. Listen to His voice, and quietly wait to see the hand of God over all. If you are uncertain what to do, look up and expect wisdom from above. If you fear, look up for courage and faith to act well on all occasions. If the sword is at your throat, look up for submission to the wise and gracious will of 1 On . Sunday, Dec. 7, he preached at '' This was reprinted in the Arm. Mag. West Street. 1795, p. 155. 1 44 John Wesley s Journal [Dec. 1756. God. Look up for power to pray without ceasing, and in everything to give thanks. Follow Providence. Do not run before, but after, the hand that leads the simple-hearted, with a steady attention and a determinate purpose to do what is pleasing to Him. But what shall the Christians do if the storm come — if our country be actually invaded ? The general answer must be the same : ' Be still ; look up ; follow Providence.' A particular answer is hard to give yet. Only so far one may say : (1) We must take great care of our spirits. If we sink into the world's fears or joys we shall lose our hold on God. The spirit of the Christians and the spirit of the world are entirely different. They can never agree in what appertains to the work of God, either in His dispensations of grace or justice. (2) Every one should deeply consider what he is called to. Some may think it would be a sin to defend themselves. Happy are they if they can refrain from judging or condemning those that are of a different persuasion. Certain it is some have fought and died in a just cause with a conscience void of offence. To some, therefore, it may be matter of duty to repel the common enemy. (3) They who believe they are called to this should proceed in all things in a Christian spirit. They should, if possible, join in one body. They should endeavour to avoid trifling company and conversation. They should learn the exercise with prayers and hymns. But who of us is sufficient for these things ? Sun. 14. — The minds of many people being deeply affected with a prospect of public calamities, I explained those comfort- able words in the First Lesson (Isa. xxvi. 20): 'Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee. Hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.' Tues. 16. — I set out for Lewisham, appointing one to meet me with my horse at the Stone's End.1 But he mistook his way, and so left me to walk on, in my boots and great-coat When I came within a quarter of a mile of Lewisham Bridge a coach drove swiftly by me. I wondered why the coachman stopped, till he called, and desired me to come up to him. The reason then appeared — -the low grounds were quite covered with water, so that I could not have attempted to reach the bridge without hazarding my life.2 1 Stone's End, near the Marshalsea in Dover Road. See W.H.S. vol. vii. p. 71. the Borough. In Paterson's Road Map • On Friday the 19th he preached at miles are counted from this point on the West Street. Jan. 1756.1 Public Affairs 145 Tries. 23.1 — I was in the robe-chamber adjoining to the House of Lords when the King put on his robes.2 His brow was much furrowed with age, and quite clouded with care. And is this all the world can give even to a king ? All the grandeur it can afford? A blanket of ermine round his shoulders, so heavy and cumbersome he can scarce move under it ! A huge heap of borrowed hair, with a few plates of gold and glittering stones upon his head ! Alas, what a bauble is human greatness ! And even this will not endure. Cover the head with ever so much hair and gold, yet — Scit te Proserpina canum ; Personam capiti detrahet ilia tuo.3 1756. Jan. i. — We had a large congregation at four in the morning.' How much are men divided in their expectations concerning the ensuing year ! Will it bring a large harvest of temporal calamities, or of spiritual blessings ? Perhaps of both — of temporal afflictions preparatory to spiritual blessings. Mon. 5. — This week I wrote An Address to the Clergy? which, considering the state of public affairs, I judged would be more seasonable and more easily borne at this time than at any other.6 Wed. 14. — Mr. Walsh wrote to me as follows : Rev. and very dear Sir, In Mr. Booker's letter are many palpable falsehoods.7 But what exasperated him so he does not tell. It was my opposing his 1 On Thursday the 25th he preached 6 Jan. 6 is the date at the end of A at West Street. Letter to the Reverend W. Law. At the 2 George II was then seventy-two beginning is the date 'Dec. 15, 1755' years of age— the last King of England (Green's Bibliography, No. 174, and to lead an army into battle (Dettingen, Works, vol. ix. p. 466). He also wrote to 1743). He reigned thirty-three years ; Joseph Cownley on the 10th (vol. xii. was also Elector of Hanover : died in p. 224). On the 9th he preached at Zoar. 1760. ' The reference is probably to one of ' ' Proserpine knows you to be white- the Two Letters Concerning the Methodists, haired ; she will strip off the mask from published in 1752, a rare publication, the your head ' (Martial, Epigr. iii. 43). originals of which are in Trinity College W.H.S. vol. v. p. 30. Library, Dublin. His roughness not- 4 At the Founder y ; also, later in the withstanding, there is evidence to show day, at West Street. that Booker admired both the scholarship 4 See Works, vol. x. p. 480 ; also and character of Walsh. See above, Green's Wesley Bibliography , No. 175. p. 39. 1 46 John Wesley s Journal [Jan. 1766. Arian principles, my telling him I had the same arguments to prove the Divinity of Christ as to prove the Godhead of the Father. (1) The Father is called God, bx ; so is the Son, Isa. ix. 6. (2) The Father is called Dv6x ; so is the Son, Hos. i. 7. (3) The Father is called nirv ; so is the Son, Jer. xxiii. 6. (4) The Father is said to be from everlasting ; so the Son is called iy »3K, Isa. ix. 6. Not the everlasting Father, but the Father or Author of eternity. (5) The Father is said to create all things ; so is the Son, John i. and Col. i. (6) The Father is said to be almighty ; so is the Son. (7) The Father is omnipresent ; so is the Son, Matt, xviii. 20. (8) The Father is omniscient ; so is the Son, Rev. ii. 23. (9) The Father forgives sins; so does the Son, Mark ii. 5-1 1. (10) The Father is Judge of all ; so is the Son. But still he disputed whether any man should pray to Christ. I gave these reasons for it : (1) All men are bound to honour the Son as they honour the Father. But we are to honour the Father by praying to Him, therefore we should so honour the Son. (2) God commands, ' Let all the angels of God worship Him.' This is done, Rev. v. 12, 13. And it is certain praise and thanksgiving are superior rather than inferior to prayer. (3) St. Paul prayed to Him, 2 Cor. xii. 8, 9. (4) St. Stephen prayed to Him, Acts vii. 59. (The word God is not in the original.) (5) All believers in the apostolic age prayed to Him, 1 Cor. i. 2. For what is to call upon His name but to pray to Him ? When he could not answer these reasons he called them cant, and said, ' Much learning has made thee mad.' What he calls ' contempt ' was confronting him with Scripture and reason in defence of the Godhead of Christ. I acknowledge I have been an opposer of Arianism ever since I knew what it was, but especially since my late illness, during which I had such glorious evidences of the eternal power and Godhead of my great Redeemer. I bless God I love Mr. B[ooker], as well as all mankind ; but it grieves me to see people led in the high road to hell instead of heaven, especially at a time which calls upon all to awake and prepare to meet their God.1 Saturday the 17th, and in the spare hours of the following days, I read over Mr. Pike's Philosophia Sacra,2 a treatise admirably well wrote by an ingenious man, who says all that 1 On Thursday the 15th he preached sophia Sacra; or, the Principles of at Bishop Bonner's Hall (see above, Natural Philosophy Extracted from p. 101). Divine Revelation. London, 1753. 8vo. 2 Samuel Pike (I7i7(?)-i773). Philo- See W.H. S. vol. iv. p. 108 ; below, p. 190. Feb. 1766.- In Kent and London 147 can be said for Mr. Hutchinson's hypothesis.1 But it is only an hypothesis still ; much supposition and little proof? Mon. 26. — I rode to Canterbury, and preached in the evening to such a congregation as I never saw there before, in which were abundance of the soldiers, and not a few of their officers. Wed. 28. — I preached about noon at Dover3 to a very serious but small congregation. We afterwards walked up to the Castle, on the top of a mountain. It is an amazingly fine situation, and from hence we had a clear view of that vast piece of the cliff which a few days ago divided from the rest and fell down upon the beach. Fri. 30. — In returning to London I read the life of the late Czar, Peter the Great. Undoubtedly he was a soldier, a general, and a statesman, scarce inferior to any. But why was he called a Christian ? What has Christianity to do either with deep dissimulation or savage cruelty ? i Feb. 6, Fri. — The fast-day was a glorious day, such as London has scarce seen since the Restoration.5 Every church in the city was more than full, and a solemn seriousness sat on every face. Surely God heareth the prayer, and there will yet be a lengthening of our tranquillity. Even the Jews observed this day with a peculiar solem- nity. The form of prayer which was used in their synagogue began : ' Come, and let us return unto the Lord, for He hath torn and He will heal us,' and concluded with those remarkable words : ' Incline the heart of our Sovereign Lord King George, as well as the hearts of his lords and counsellors, to use us kindly, and all our brethren, the children of Israel, that in his days and in our days we 1 John Hutchinson, bom in 1674, was 3 For early preaching-places in Dover steward to the Duke of Somerset. His (and the Cliff) see Meth Rec. Aug. 16, Principia were an attempt to set aside 1906. the Newtonian doctrine of gravitation. * From Feb. 1 he was in London (see - Between Saturday the 17th and Sermon Register), and on Feb. 5 he Monday the 26th he seems to have been wrote his third letter to R. Tompson in London. The places at which he ( Works, vol. xii. p. 469). He also wrote preached are not named, but the Sermon to Dr. Dodd ( Works, vol. xi. p. 448). Register gives many texts. In this month s Humiliation was turned into national he also preached at Lewisham,Wapping, rejoicing, for the threatened invasion by and Bromley. the French was averted. 148 John Wesley s Journal Feb i7w. may see the restoration of Judah, and that Israel may dwell in safety, and the Redeemer may come to Zion. May it be Thy will ! And we all say, Amen.' 1 Feb. 14-19, 1756 [. . . to recover, though slowly, from that hour. [T/iur. 19. — Daniel Car, whom I never saw before, but heard from others that he had been for some time remarkably serious — a prentice to one Mr. Rogers, a tailor, on Stepney Causeway — gave me the account following : [About the beginning of last month there were strange noises in our house, which were heard by many. Jan. 10, about a quarter past ten at night, I went up into a two-pair-of-stairs room and sat down to read my Bible, when I heard a knocking under my feet, as if it was in the room below. I took the candle in my left hand, and the book in my right, and went down immediately. As soon as I went into the room the candle went out, and I saw a man standing in the middle of the chamber, in light-coloured cloths and a green velvet waistcoat, with a lighted torch in his hand. I said, ' In the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, who are you, and what do you want ? ' He said, 'I am the spirit of Richard Sims, who died here in the year 1702. I have a nephew at Kingston-upon-Thames, Thomas Roberts, an apothecary ; you must go and warn him and his sister from me that they immediately turn to God, for he will die on the 26th of next month, and she will die on the 30th.' I said, ' I can't go, for my time is not my own.' He answered, ' Can you write ? ' I said ' Yes.' ' Then,' said he, ' you must write to them. Go and fetch pen, ink, and paper, and I will tell you what to write.' I went and fetched a pen and ink, with a sheet of paper. When I came in again the table, which used to stand near the window, was removed to the feet of the bed. So I sat down, and he stood before the table, and told me, word by word, what to write. I wrote a whole sheet of paper on all four sides, describing the torment of hell in such words as I had never heard in my life, enough to make one's blood run cold. When I had done he said, ' I will give them a mark that it comes from me.' So he struck the burning end of his torch on the paper, and it turned that part of it into the colour of half-burnt tinder. He then said, 'What book is that ? ' I answered, ' The Bible.' He said, ' Open it, and read where your eye falls.' I did so, and read, John v. 28, 29 : ' The hour is coming in which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come 1 On Tuesday the 17th he preached letter to R. Tompson was written, at Deptford. On Feb. 18th the fourth {Works, vol. xii. p. 472.) March 1756.1 Canterbury : London: Bristol 149 forth ; they that have done good unto the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation.' At that word he gave such a groan and shriek as I never heard and . . .] l J/on. 23. — I paid another visit to Canterbury, but came in too late to preach. Tues. 24. — Abundance of soldiers and many officers came to the preaching. And surely the fear and the love of God will prepare them either for death or victory. Wed. 25. — 1 dined with Colonel ,2 who said : • No men fight like those who fear God ; I had rather command five hundred such than any regiment in his Majesty's army.' TJiur. 26. — I had so severe a cold that I could hardly speak to be heard. However, I preached morning and evening, as I could, and the next day returned to London.3 MARCH i, Mon. — I set out for Bristol. Some time after I received the copy of another letter, dated March 2, from the Rev. Mr. Davies in Virginia,4 part of which I have subjoined : When the books arrived I gave public notice after sermon, and desired such negroes as could read, and such white people as would make good use of them and were not able to buy, to come to my house. For some time after the poor slaves, whenever they could get an hour's leisure, hurried away to me, and received them with all the genuine indications of passionate gratitude. All the books were very acceptable, but none more so than the Psalms and Hymns, which enabled them to gratify their peculiar taste for psalmody. Sundry of them lodged all night in my kitchen, and sometimes, when I have awaked at two or three in the morning, a torrent of sacred psalmody has poured into my chamber. In this exercise some of them spend the whole night. The good effects of this charity are already apparent. It convinces the heathen that, however careless about religion the generality of the 1 The above is a fragment of another a On Friday the 27th he preached at version of the Journal in the handwriting Zoar, and on Sunday the 29th in of Wesley. This narrative, and also London. another given below, pp. 250-3, were ' Of Hanover, Virginia. For his first discovered among Wesley letters in the letter to Wesley see above, p. 125, Colman Collection. They have not and for his third letter below, p. 194. In hitherto been published, so far as we have Anderson's History of the Colonial been able to ascertain. Church, vol. iii. p. 133, is an account * Probably Colonel Gallatin, who was of this able, zealous, and eloquent Presby- stationed at Canterbury. terian minister. 150 John Wesley s Journal rMarcni756. white people are, yet there are some who think it a matter of im- portance. It has excited some of their masters to emulation, and they are ashamed that strangers on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean should be at such pains to teach their domestics, while themselves are negligent about it. Such of the negroes as can read already are evidently improving in knowledge. It has excited others to learn to read, for as I give books to none but such as can read, they consider them as a reward for their industry. And I am told that, in almost every house in my congregation, and in many other places, they spend every leisure hour in endeavouring to learn. Many do this from a sincere desire to know the will of God, and if some should do it from the meaner principle of vanity or curiosity, yet I cannot but rejoice that it renders them the more capable of receiving instruction. To all this I may add that the very distributing these books gives me an opportunity of speaking seriously, and with particular application, to many who would not otherwise come in my way. There are thousands of negroes in this colony who still continue in the grossest ignorance, and are as rank pagans now as they were in the wilds of Africa. Not a few of these are within the bounds of my congregation. But all are not of this character. Upon some my ministry of late has been successful. Two Sundays ago I had the pleasure of seeing forty of their black faces at the Lord's Table, several of whom give unusual evidence of their sincerity in religion. Last Sunday I baptized seven or eight, who had been catechized for some time. Indeed, many of them appear determined to press into the kingdom, and, I am persuaded, will find an abundant entrance when many of the children of the kingdom are shut out. I have distributed some of the books among the poor white people, with a charge to circulate them among such of their neighbours as would seriously read them, that they might be as extensively serviceable as possible, and some of them have since discovered to me what solemn impressions they received in reading them. I sent a few of each sort to my friend Mr. Wright, minister of Cumberland, about ninety miles hence, where there are not a few negroes thoughtful about Christianity, and sundry real converts, and he informs me they have met with a very agreeable and pro- mising reception. He takes much pains in instructing them, and has set up two or three schools among them, where they attend on Sundays before and after sermon, for they have no other leisure time. Wed. 3.— I found Bristol all in a flame,1 voters and non-voters 1 And, indeed, the whole country. many believed) for rebellion ; the Ameri- War with France ; Ireland ripe (so can colonies in danger ; a Franco- Papal March 1766. Political Unrest \ 5 1 being ready to tear each other in pieces. I had not recovered my voice so as either to preach or speak to the whole society, but I desired those members who were freemen to meet me by themselves, whom I mildly and lovingly informed how they ought to act in this hour of temptation ; and I believe the far greater part of them received and profited by the advice.1 Thiir. n. — I rode to Pill and preached to a large and atten- tive congregation. A great part of them were sea-faring men. In the middle of my discourse a press-gang landed from a man- of-war and came up to the place, but, after they had listened awhile, they went quietly by and molested nobody.2 Mon. 15. — I rode to the Old Passage, but, finding we could not pass, we went on to Purton, which we reached about four in the afternoon ; but we were no nearer still, for the boatmen lived on the other side, and the wind was so high we could not possibly make them hear. However, we determined to wait a while, and in a quarter of an hour they came of their own accord. We reached Coleford 3 before seven, and found a plain, loving people, who received the word of God with all gladness. invasion threatened, — such were the con- which, as in John Wesley's days, soldiers ditions under which Wesley intervened were converted and received into the in two unlooked-for ways. First he Methodist society. See Tyerman's Life tried in the only way then open to him of Wesley, vol. ii. pp. 234, 235. Mr. to influence an election ; and, secondly, West, to whom Wesley wrote, was he volunteered to raise a company of member for St. Albans and joint Secre- soldiers for service at home, that is to tary to the Treasury. For the letter see say, for home defence. What happened Unpublished Letters, British Museum in Bristol he describes in a letter to Autographs, 32,685, p. 64, endorsed Blackwell (W.M. Mag. 1848, p. 777), 'March 2, 1756, Mr. Westley.' See where also will be found the letter also Charles Wesley's satirical reference to the Hon. James West, in which he to his brother's soldiers (Journal, vol. ii. offers, if acceptable to his Majesty, to p. 200). raise ' a company of at least two hundred ' On Sunday, March 7, he preached at volunteers to be supported by contribu- Bristol and Kingsvvood ; and on the 8th tions among themselves, and to be ready, wrote to ' Mr. Urban ' of the Gentleman's in case of invasion, to act for a year, if Magazine, declaring that he had been an needed so long, at his Majesty's plea- eyewitness of every particular of the sure, only within miles of London.' Whiston Cliff phenomena. If his offer is accepted, he asks for a loan 2 From Kingswood, March 12, he of arms from the Tower and sergeants to wrote to Dr. Dodd, discussing Christian train the corps of Methodist 'territorials.' Perfection. Four days later, March 16, Such a company was actually raised early he wrote his fifth letter to Richard in the next century, was billeted within Tompson. ( Works, vol. xii. p. 473.) a stone's-throw of the New Room in ' This was the Forest-of-Dean Cole- Bristol, and held prayer-meetings at ford. 1 5 2 John Wesley s Journal [March nee. Tues. 1 6. — Examining the little society, I found them grievously harassed by disputations. Anabaptists were on one side and Quakers on the other ; and hereby five or six persons have been confused. But the rest cleave so much the closer together. Nor does it appear that there is now one trifler, much less a disorderly walker, among them. Wed. i J. — I learned the particulars of that surprising storm which was here the year before last. It began near Cheltenham on June 14, 1754, and passed on over Coleford in a line about three miles broad. It was rain mixed with hail. The hail broke all the windows it had access to, stripped all the trees both of fruit and leaves, and destroyed every green thing. Many of the stones were as large as hen-eggs ; some were fourteen or fifteen inches round. The rain occasioned such a torrent of water in the street as bore away man and beast. A mile or two farther it joined with the waters of a mill-dam, which it broke down, and carried away several houses. How frequent would accidents of this kind be if chance, not God, governed the world ! Thur. 18. — We rode through hard rain to Brecknock,1 and came just at the hour appointed for preaching. The town hall, in which I was desired to preach, is a large and commodious place, and the whole congregation (one poor gentleman excepted) behaved with seriousness and decency. Fri. 19. — I rode over to Howell Harris at Trevecca,2 though not knowing how to get any farther ; but he helped us out of our difficulties, offering to send one with us who would show us the way and bring our horses back. So I then determined to go on to Holyhead after spending a day or two at Brecknock. Sat. 20. — It being the day appointed for the Justices and Commissioners to meet, the town was extremely full, and curiosity (if no better motive) brought most of the gentlemen to the preaching. Such another opportunity could not have been of speaking to all the rich and great of the county ; and they all appeared to be serious and attentive. Perhaps one or two may lay it to heart. 1 Or Brecon, the county town of Breck- Tyerman's Life of Wesley, vol. iii. nockshire. pp. 35, 36 ; also Meth. Rec. Winter No., - For Trevecca at a later date see 1896, p. 83. March 1756.1 In Wales 153 Sun. 21. — I delayed preaching till nine for the sake of the tender and delicate ones. At two we had near the whole town, and God reserved the great blessing for the last. Afterward we rode to Trevecca. But our guide was ill, so in the morning we set out without him. Before I talked with him myself I wondered H[owell] Harris did not go out and preach as usual. But he now informed me he preached till he could preach no longer, his constitution being entirely broken. While he was thus confined, he was pressed in spirit to build a large house, though he knew not why or for whom. But as soon as it was built, men, women, and children, without his seeking, came to it from all parts of Wales, and, except in the case of the Orphan House at Halle, I never heard of so many signal interpositions of divine Providence.1 Mon. 22. — It continued fair till we came to Builth,2 where I preached to the usual congregation. Mr. Phillips 3 then guided us to Rhayader, about fourteen English miles. It snowed hard behind us, and on both sides, but not at all where we were. Tues. 23. — When we took horse there was nothing to be seen but a waste of white ; the snow covered both hills and vales. As we could see no path, it was not without much difficulty, as well as danger, that we went on. But between seven and eight the sun broke out and the snow began to melt, so we thought all our difficulty was over, till, about nine, the snow fell faster than ever. In an hour it changed into hail, which, as we rode over the mountains, drove violently in our face. About twelve this turned into hard rain, followed by an impetuous wind. However, we pushed on through all, and before sunset came to Dolgelly. Here we found everything we wanted except sleep, of which we were deprived by a company of drunken, roaring sea-cap- tains, who kept possession of the room beneath us till between two and three in the morning, so that we did not take horse till after six ; and then we could make no great speed, the frost 1 The foundation stone was laid in Welsh CaJvinistic Methodism, by Rev. April 1752. At the end of 1755 there William Williams, pp. 1 15-21. was a settled family of about a hundred 2 He preached both at Builth and persons that boarded, worked, and slept Trevecca. in the house, and ten families lived out 3 The Rev. Mr. Phillips, the always on farms in the neighbourhood. See friendly rector of Maesmynys. 154 John Wesley s Journal march 1766. being exceeding sharp, and much ice in the road. Hence we were not able to reach Tan-y-bwlch till between eleven and twelve. An honest Welshman here gave us to know (though he spoke no English) that he was just going over the sands. So we hastened on with him, and by that means came in good time to Carnarvon. Here we passed a quiet and comfortable night, and took horse about six in the morning. Supposing, after we had rode near an hour, that a little house on the other side was the ferry- house, we went down to the water and called amain, but we could not procure any answer. In the meantime it began to rain hard, though the wind was extremely high. Finding none would come over, we went to a little church which stood near for shelter. We had waited about an hour when a woman and girl came into the churchyard, whom I did not mind, supposing they could speak no English. They were following a sheep, which ran close to us. I then asked, ' Is not this Moel-y-don Ferry ? ' The girl answered, ' Moel-y-don Ferry ! No. The Ferry is two miles further.' So we might have called long enough.1 When we came to Moel-y-don the wind fell, the sky cleared up, the boat came over without delay, and soon landed us in Anglesey. On our way to Holyhead one met and informed us the packet sailed the night before. I said, ' Perhaps it may carry me for all that.' So we pushed on, and came thither in the afternoon. The packet did sail the night before, and got more than half-sea over ; but, the wind turning against them and blowing hard, they were glad to get back this afternoon. I scarce ever remember so violent a storm as blew all the night long. The wind continued contrary the next day. Sun. 28. — About nine in the morning 1 spent some time with a few serious people, and gave notice of preaching at four in the afternoon, as soon as the evening service was ended. It began soon after three. Ten minutes before four Mr. D. began catechizing the children in Welsh. I stayed till after five. As there was no sign of his concluding, I then went home, and found the people waiting, to whom I expounded those solemn words, ' Watch and pray always, that ye may See above, vol. iii. p. 31 1. April 1766.1 In Dublin 155 be counted worthy to escape all these things which are coming upon the earth.' Mon. 29. — We left the harbour about twelve, having six or seven officers and abundance of passengers on board. The wind was full west, and there was great probability of a stormy night. So it was judged best to put back ; but one gentleman making a motion to try a little longer, in a short time brought all over to his opinion. So they agreed to go out and ' look for a wind.' The wind continued westerly all the night. Nevertheless, in the morning we were within two leagues of Ireland ! Between nine and ten I landed at Howth, and walked on for Dublin. The congregation in the evening was such as I never saw here before. I hope this also is a token for good. Wed. 31. — In conversing with many, I was surprised to find that all Ireland is in perfect safety.1 None here has any more apprehension of an invasion than of being swallowed up in the sea, every one being absolutely assured that the French dare not attempt any such thing. APRIL i, Tkur. — I bought one or two books at Mr. Smith's2 on the Blind Quay. I wanted change for a guinea, but he could not give it, so I borrowed some silver of my companion. The next evening a young gentleman came from Mr. Smith's to tell 1 See Crookshank. Hist, of Methodism to fail. The situation was eventually in Ireland, vol. i. p. 107. Wesley had not saved, after great losses, by the accession been in Ireland since the autumn of to power of William Pitt. Although 1752. He came now — though, to his Wesley only occasionally alludes to pub- great surprise, the Irish did not seem to lie affairs in his Journal, and never dwells be aware of it — in a time of political at length on them, it is impossible to unrest and grave national peril. In 1755 understand his allusions or to appreciate the French ambassador had been recalled the difficulties of the situation or the from London, and the English ambas- importance of the influence Methodism sador from Paris. Formidable naval was increasingly wielding over the preparations were made at Brest. With- national character unless we vividly out formal declaration, England and remember what was happening outside France were practically at war in the the ring-fence of the Methodist societies. New World and in India. In 1756 began Unconsciously, but very really, as modern the Seven Years War, when England historians clearly see, John Wesley was joined Frederick of Prussia against in alliance with William Pitt to save the France, Austria, Saxony, and Russia. nation. The reins of government in England 2 Mr. L. Smith, bookseller, who in were in hands inadequate to the strain. 1728 resided at the ' Philosophers' Heads.' The hearts of English statesmen began Blind Quay. VOL. IV IO 156 John Wesley s Journal [Aprurr56. me I had left a guinea on his counter. Such an instance of honesty I have rarely met with, either in Bristol or London. Sat. 3.1 — I went to the college chapel, at which about forty persons were present. [Dr. James Knight] preached a plain, practical sermon, after which the sacrament was administered. I never saw so much decency at any chapel in Oxford, no, not even at Lincoln College. Scarce any person stirred or coughed or spit from the beginning to the end of the service. In the evening our house was crowded above and below, yet many were obliged to stand without. The whole congregation appeared staid and solid. Do even the people of Dublin know the day of their visitation ? Mon. 5. — Inquiring for one whom I saw three or four days ago in the height of a violent pleurisy, I found he was perfectly recovered and returned into the country. A brimstone-plaster in a few minutes took away both the pain and the fever. Oh why will physicians play with the lives of their patients ? Do not others (as well as old Dr. Cockburn) 2 know that ' no end is answered by bleeding in a pleurisy which may not be much better answered without it ' ? 3 To-night the sleepers here began to open their eyes, it being rumoured that an express was come to the Lord-Lieutenant to inform him the French were hastening their preparation, being determined to land in Ireland. And so they will if God gives them leave ; but He has the reins in His own hand. Tues. 6. — One was informing me of an eminent instance of the power of faith. ' Many years ago,' said she, ' I fell and sprained my ankle so that I never expected it would be quite well. Seven years since last September I was coming home from the preaching in a very dark night, and, stumbling over a piece of wood, fell with the whole weight of my body upon my lame foot. I thought, " O Lord, I shall not be able to hear Thy word again for many weeks ! " Immediately a voice went through my heart, " Name the name of Christ, and thou shalt stand." I leaped up and stretched out my foot and said, " Lord 1 It is suggested that this may be an 2 Charles Wesley's old school-fellow, error for Sunday the 4th. See W.H.S. See index to Charles Wesley's Journal, vol. v. p. 70. 3 Cf. below, p. 196. April 1756. In Dublin 1 5 7 Jesus Christ, I name Thy name ; let me stand ! " And my pain ceased, and I stood up, and my foot was as strong as ever.' Fri. 9.— I spent an hour with Dr. F , a sensible, agreeable man. He said : ' Six weeks ago the informed the Lord- L[ieutenant] that he had express orders from his Majesty to put this kingdom in a posture of defence against the intended invasion, and he was empowered to raise what men he pleased. And nothing has ever been done since ; so that we conclude the whole to be a grimace, a mere trick of State.' x Sun. n. — I met about a hundred children, who are cate- chized publicly twice a week. Thomas Walsh began this some months ago, and the fruit of it appears already. What a pity that all our preachers in every place have not the zeal and wisdom to follow his example ! Tues. 13. — I breakfasted with one of the most lovely old men I ever saw : John Garret,2 a Dutchman by birth, and a speaker among the Quakers. Thence we went to a poor dying backslider. When we came in he was crying to God out of the deep ; but before we left him his heaviness was gone, and he desired nothing but to be with Christ. Wed. 14. — I looked over a celebrated book, The Fable of the Bees? Till now I imagined there had never appeared in the world such a book as the works of Machiavel. But de Mandeville goes far beyond it. The Italian only recom- mends a few vices, as useful to some particular men and on some particular occasions. But the Englishman loves and cordially recommends vice of every kind ; not only as useful now and then, but as absolutely necessary at all times for all communities ! Surely Voltaire would hardly have said so much ; and even Mr. Sandeman could not have said more. Fri. 16 (being Good Friday). — Near four hundred of the society met, to follow the example of their brethren in 1 On Saturday, April 10, he preached See also W.H.S. vol. ii. p. 129, and at Dublin. Crookshank's Methodism in Ireland, ■ See Charles Wesley's Journal, Oct. 7, vol. i. p. 123. 1748. Gharrett van Hessen, 1695, came s Or, Private Vices Public Benefits. to Ireland in 1707; he died in 1765. See W.H.S. vol. iv. p. 108. Friends' Historical Society, vol. iii. p. 2. 158 John Wesley s Journal rApmi756. England, and renew their covenant with God. It was a solemn hour. Many mourned before God, and many were comforted.1 In the following week all our preachers met.2 I never before found such unanimity among them. They appeared now to be not only of one heart, but likewise of one mind and judgement. Sun. 25. — One of the Germans stumbled in while I was expounding, ' Is Christ the minister of sin ? ' For a time she seemed greatly diverted ; but the application spoiled her mirth. She soon hung down her head, and felt the difference between the chaff and the wheat. Mon. 26. — I set out for Cork, purposing to see as many societies as I could in my way. In the afternoon I came to Edenderry, where the little society have built a commodious preaching-house. I had designed to preach abroad ; but the keen north wind drove us into the house. The congregation (though they had no previous notice) filled it from end to end ; but some of them found it too hot, and hurried out while I applied 'Ye must be born again.' About this time I received the following letter : Reverend Sir, I once, through the influence of those about me, was ready to join the common cry against you, not knowing what I did ; but since, by hearing your discourses, with some of Mr. Walsh's, and by reading your Sermons and Appeals, I have learned a better lesson. I have learned that true Christianity consists, not in a set of opinions, or of forms and ceremonies, but in holiness of heart and life — in a thorough imitation of our divine Master. And this I take to be the doctrine of the Church of England ; nor do I apprehend you differ from her at all in doctrine. And I am grieved to know you have too much cause to differ from many of her present clergy. Why then should I cavil at you for feeding those sheep that are starved by their own shepherds ? for endeavouring to recover them from that stupid lethargy and open wickedness which involve the generality of mankind ? This is your happiness : would to God it could be mine ! I have often had a strong desire for it ; and would now gladly dedicate my life to it, 1 On April 19 he wrote to Blackwell. vasion said to be a trick to get money.' He reports 'no fortifying of sea-ports ; (JVoris, vol. xii. p. 184.) no military preparations ; but all is in 2 The second Irish Conference, at absolute peace and safety — talk of in- which Mark Davis was received. April 1766.1 In Ireland 1 59 if my poor abilities and mean education, together with the twenty-third Article of our Church, did not crush the thought. However, as I do not see you vary from the doctrine of the Church, I should not scruple to join with you. My chief motives (beside that strong desire) are : First, I reflect, there is scarce a situation in life, at least in the trading world, without its attendant frauds or vices, which are now scarce separable from it. Secondly, I am at present of no use in society ; so that, on account of any advantage that now accrues from me to the public, I need not scruple giving myself to my darling employment. Thirdly, I am convinced a man may instruct and reform himself by instructing and reforming others. But may I attempt this otherwise than by the ordinary method of admitting labourers into the Lord's vineyard ? Your thoughts on this subject would be received as a singular favour ; for which I shall impatiently wait, who am, Reverend Sir, Your affectionate and ready servant. Wed. 28. — I rode to Tullamore, where one of the society, Edward Willis, gave me a very surprising account of himself. He said : When I was about twenty years old I went to Waterford for business. After a few weeks I resolved to leave it, and packed up my things in order to set out the next morning. This was Sunday ; but my landlord pressed me much not to go till the next day. In the afternoon we walked out together, and went into the river. After a while, leaving him near the shore, I struck out into the deep. I soon heard a cry, and, turning, saw him rising and sinking in the channel of the river. I swam back with all speed, and, seeing him sink again, dived down after him. When I was near the bottom, he clasped his arm round my neck, and held me so fast that I could not rise. Seeing death before me, all my sins came into my mind, and I faintly called for mercy. In a while my senses went away, and I thought I was in a place full of light and glory, with abundance of people. While I was thus, he who held me died, and I floated up to the top of the water. I then immediately came to myself, and swam to the shore, where several stood who had seen us sink, and said they never knew such a deliverance before ; for I had been under water full twenty minutes. It made me more serious for two or three months. Then I returned to all my sins. But in the midst of all, I had a voice following me everywhere, ' When an able minister of the gospel comes, it will be well with thee ! ' Some years after I entered into the army ; our troop lay at Philipstown. 1 60 John Wesley s Journal rway 1756. when Mr. W. came.1 I was much affected by his preaching, but not so as to leave my sins. The voice followed me still ; and when Mr. J. W. came, before I saw him, I had an unspeakable conviction that he was the man I looked for ; and soon after I found peace with God, and it was well with me indeed.' Thur. 29. — I preached on one side of the market-place to a numerous congregation. I was afterwards invited by some of the officers to spend an hour with them at the barracks. It at least freed them from prejudice against the present work of God, if it answered no further end. Fri. 30. — I was pressed to turn aside to Athlone, a gentle- woman of Barbados,2 who was obliged to return thither shortly, having a great desire to see me. So I went to Athlone, and spent one or two hours in close conversation with her and her husband. We had a comfortable meeting in the evening, and most of the gentry in the town were present ; but who can warn them to flee from the wrath to come ? They are ' increased in goods, and need nothing.' May 1, Sat. — I rode to Birr3 through rain, hail, and snow such as is usual on the first of January. I had designed to preach abroad, but the wind was too sharp to be borne either by me or the people. Sun. 2. — We rode to Mountmellick. About five I preached in the market-place. I was on the point of concluding, when a violent storm came. Till then the bottles of heaven were stayed. Tues. 4. — We rode to Portarlington, where, on Wednesday the 5th, at the desire of several who could not attend the early preaching, I preached in the assembly-room at ten, on ' Ye must be born again.' Many of the best in the town (so called) were present, and seemed not a little amazed. Many more came in the evening, among whom I found an unusual liberty of spirit. For the present most of them seemed much affected. But how soon will the thorns grow up ? Thur. 6. — I rode to Kilkenny. One of the Dragoons4 who 1 Probably 'W.' should be Wesley (see 1 The soldiers then in Ireland were above, vol. iii. p. 339), and 'J. W.' is a mostly English Protestants. They were misprint for T. W., i.e. T. Walsh. rarely, if ever, hostile, but sympathized ■ See below, p. 292. with Wesley when furious mobs attacked 3 Parsonstown. him or his people. May 1756.1 In Ireland 1 6 1 were quartered here soon found us out. A few, both of the army and of the town, are joined,1 and constantly meet together. I preached in the barracks, in one of the officers' rooms. Still, in Ireland, the first call is to the soldiery. Fri. 7. — We rode to Waterford, where, after preaching, I earnestly exhorted the society to ' love as brethren.' On the same subject I preached in the morning, and spent great part of the day in striving to remove misunderstandings and offences. It was not lost labour. Six-and-twenty were left in the morning ; before night seven-and-fifty were joined to- gether. T[homas] Walsh preached at five, but, the room being too small, they were obliged to go into the yard. In the evening we had high and low, rich and poor, both in the yard and adjoining gardens. There seemed now to be a general call to this city, so I thought it best the next morning, Monday the 10th, to leave Mr. Walsh there, while I went forward to Clonmel, the pleasantest town, beyond all comparison, which I have yet seen in Ireland. It has four broad, straight streets of well-built houses, which cross each other in the centre of the town. Close to the walls, on the south side, runs a broad, clear river. Beyond this rises a green and fruitful mountain, and hangs over the town. The vale runs many miles both east and west, and is well cultivated throughout. I preached at five in a large loft, capable of containing five or six hundred people ; but it was not full, many being afraid of its falling, as another did some years before, by which several of the hearers were much hurt, and one so bruised that she died in a few days. Tues. 11. — I was at a loss where to preach, the person who owned the loft refusing to let me preach there or even in the yard below. And the commanding officer, being asked for the use of the barrack-yard, answered it was not a proper place. ' Not,' said he, ' that I have any objection to Mr. Wesley. I will hear him if he preaches under the gallows.' It remained to preach in the street ; and by this means the congregation was more than doubled. Both the officers and soldiers gave 1 i.e. united in the membership of the society. 1 62 John Wesley s Journal (Mayi7B6. great attention till a poor man, special drunk, came marching down the street, attended by a Popish mob, with a club in one hand and a large cleaver in the other, grievously cursing and blaspheming, and swearing he would cut off the preacher's head. It was with difficulty that I restrained the troopers, especially them that were not of the society. When he came nearer the mayor stepped out of the congregation and strove by good words to make him quiet, but he could not prevail ; on which he went into his house and returned with his white wand. At the same time he sent for two constables, who presently came with their staves. He charged them not to strike the man unless he struck first ; but this he did immediately, as soon as they came within his reach, and wounded one of them in the wrist. On this the other knocked him down, which he did three times before he would submit. The mayor then walked before, the constables on either hand, and conducted him to the jail. Wed. 12. — In the evening I preached in the new house l at Cork, very near as large as that in Dublin,2 and far better finished in every respect, though at four hundred pounds less expense. Mon. 17. — Walking up the Red House Walk (which runs between two rows of meadows, with the river winding through them, and a chain of fruitful hills on the right hand and on the left), I saw the plain reason why strangers usually complain of the unwholesomeness of the water in Cork. Many women were filling vessels with river water (which is that commonly used in the city for tea and most other purposes) when the tide was at the height. Now, although this is not salt, yet it cannot but affect both the stomach and bowels of tender persons. Wed. 19. — I preached in the evening on ' Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling-block, and to the Greeks foolishness.' While I was speaking, a gentleman in the gallery cried out with a loud voice, and swore to it, ' I am of the Church ; I stand up for the Church ; I will shed my blood for the Church.' But, 1 In Hammond's Marsh. Like the houses at Dublin, Bristol, and Newcastle, it had rooms overhead. 2 In Whitefriar Street. May 1756.] I* Ireland 163 finding none to contradict him, he sat down, and I finished my discourse. Thur. 20. — One came in a great consternation to inform us, Captain F. (the gentleman who spoke) was raising a mob against the evening. This report spread up and down, and greatly increased the evening congregation. But no mob appeared, nor was there any disturbance, but such a blessing as we have seldom found : I suppose, in answer to the prayers of many who had been earnestly crying unto God.1 On Sunday last I was desired by one to call on her dying father, though she said he was speechless and senseless. But as soon as I spoke, he appeared sensible ; while we prayed, he recovered his speech. The next day he was able to walk abroad, but continued deeply serious. On Friday the 21st his illness returned, and he lay down and died in peace. Mon. 24. — I preached in the market-place at Kinsale. Tues. 25. — I walked to the Fort. It commands the entrance of the harbour, and has three tier of guns, one over the other. It is built upon the firm rock ; is of a large extent, and the upper part of a great height from the water. But all is out of repair ; many of the cannon are dismounted ; most of them unfit for service ; so that many think a second-rate man-of-war might take it in a few hours' time. At one I preached in the Exchange. Abundance of soldiers, and the colonel, with several officers, were present ; so that I conceived some hopes that the seed sown even at Kinsale will not all be lost. At five I preached in the market-house at Inishannon to a very large and well-behaved congregation, and then went on to Bandon. Fri. 28. — I rode out with Mrs. Jones,2 as I did every day, to save her life if possible. From the hill we had a fair view of Castle Bernard, with the park adjoining ; in which, a few years ago, Judge Bernard 3 used to take such delight. Indeed, it is a 1 During this visit Wesley met John above, vol. iii. pp. 2i6, 313 and 330, Trembath. He had married again, and and Crookshank, vol. i. p. 109. had profited spiritually from Wesley's 'l See above, vol. iii. p. 470. faithful dealing and through trials. He 3 Died in 1721 ; great-grandfather of became a local preacher in Cork. See Francis, first Earl of Bandon. 164 John Wesley s Journal rMayi766. beautiful place in every respect. The house is one of the most elegant I have seen in the kingdom, both as to the structure and the situation ; standing on the side of a fruitful hill, and having a full command of the vale, the river, and the opposite mountain. The ground near the house is laid out with the finest taste, in gardens of every kind ; with a wilderness, canals, fish-ponds, waterworks, and rows of trees in various forms. The park includes part of each hill, with the river between, running through the meadow and lawns, which are tufted over with trees of every kind, and every now and then a thicket or grove. The Judge finished his plan, called the land after his name, and dropped into the dust ! Sun. 30. — I returned to Cork. About that time I received a letter from Mr. Gillies, part of which follows : The Lord hath been pleased to inflict a heavy stroke upon us by calling home His faithful servant Mr. Wardrobe.1 Concerning his death a Christian friend writes thus : ' May 7, four in the morning. — I am just come from witnessing the last sighs of one dear to you, to me, and to all that knew him. Mr. Wardrobe died last night. He was seized on Sabbath last, just as he was going to the kirk, with a most violent colic, which terminated in a mortification of his bowels. The circumstances of his death are worthy to be recorded. With what pleasure he received the message, and went off in all the triumph of a conqueror; crying out, "My warfare is accomplished : I have fought the good fight ; my victory is completed. Crowns of grace shall adorn this head (taking off his cap), and palms be put into these hands. Yet a little while, and I shall sing for ever. I know that my Redeemer liveth." When he was within a few moments of his last he gave me his hand, and a little after said, " Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace ; for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation." Were I to repeat half what he spoke I should write you three hours. It shall suffice at this time to say that, as he lived the life, so he died the death, of a Christian. We weep not for him ; we weep for ourselves. I wish we may know how to improve this awful judgement so as to be also ready, not knowing when our Lord cometh.' Mr. Adams, minister of Falkirk, writes thus : On Friday night, about ten, I witnessed Mr. Wardrobe's (of Bath- gate) entrance into the joy of his Lord. But, ah ! who can help 1 See above, p. 1 16. June 1786. ' /// Ireland 165 mourning the loss to the Church of Christ ? His amiable character gave him a distinguished weight and influence, which his Lord had given him to value only for its subserviency to His honour and glory. He was suddenly taken ill on the last Lord's Day, and from the first moment believed it was for death. I went to see him on Thursday evening, and heard some of the liveliest expressions of triumphant faith, zeal for the glory of Christ and the salvation of souls, mixed with the most amiable humility and modesty. ' Yet a little while,' said he, ' and this mortal shall put on immortality. Mortality shall be swallowed up of life ; this vile body fashioned like to His glorious body. Oh for the victory ! I shall get the victory. I know in whom I have believed.' Then, with a remarkably audible voice, lifting up his hands, he cried out, ' Oh for a draught of the well of the water of life, that I may begin the song before I go off to the Church triumphant ! I go forth in Thy name, making mention of Thy righteousness, even Thine only. I die at the feet of mercy.' Then, stretching out his arms, he put his hand upon his head, and with the most serene and steady, majestic eye I ever saw, looking upward, he said, ' Crowns of grace, crowns of grace, and palms in their hands ! O Lord God of truth, into Thy hands I commend my spirit ! ' After an unexpected revival, he said, ' Oh, I fear His tarrying, lest the prospect become more dark. I sometimes fear He may spare me to live, and be less faithful than He has helped me to be hitherto.' He says to me, ' You that are ministers, bear a proper testimony against the professors of this age, who have a form of godliness without the power.' Observing some of his people about his bed, he said, ' May I have some seals among you ! Oh where will the ungodly and sinners of Bathgate appear ? Labour all to be in Christ.' Then he stretched out his hand to several, and said, ' Farewell, farewell, farewell ! And now, O Lord, what wait I for ? My hope is in Thee ! ' Once or twice he said, ' Let me be laid across the bed to expire, where I have sometimes prayed, and sometimes meditated with pleasure.' He expressed his grateful sense of the assiduous care which Mr. Wardrobe, of Cult, had taken of him ; and on his replying, ' Too much could not be done for so valuable a life,' he said, ' Oh speak not so, or you will provoke God ! Glory be to God that I have ever had any regard paid me for Christ's sake ! ' I am greatly sunk under the event. O help me, by your prayers, to get the proper submission and improvement ! 1 June 3, Thur. — I received a remarkable letter from a clergyman with whom I had been a day or two before. Part of it ran thus : Tuesday, June I, Wesley preached at Cork. 1 66 John Wesley s Journal uune 1766. I had the following account from the gentlewoman herself, a person of piety and veracity. She is now the wife of Mr. J B , silversmith, in Cork : ' About thirty years ago I was addressed, by way of marriage, by Mr. Richard Mercier, then a volunteer in the army. The young gentleman was quartered at that time in Charleville, where my father lived, who approved of his addresses, and directed me to look upon him as my future husband. When the regiment left the town he promised to return in two months and marry me. From Charleville he went to Dublin, thence to his father's, and from thence to England, where, his father having bought him a cornetcy of horse, he purchased many ornaments for the wedding, and, returning to Ireland, let us know that he would be at our house in Charleville in a few days. On this the family was busied to prepare for his reception and the ensuing marriage, when one night, my sister Molly and I being asleep in our bed, I was awakened by the sudden opening of the side-curtain, and, starting up, saw Mr. Mercier standing by the bed-side. He was wrapped up in a loose sheet, and had a napkin folded like a night-cap on his head. He looked at me very earnestly, and, lifting up the napkin, which much shaded his face, showed me the left side of his head, all bloody and covered with his brains. The room meantime was quite light. My terror was excessive, which was still increased by his stooping over the bed and embracing me in his arms. My cries alarmed the whole family, who came crowding into the room. Upon their entrance he gently withdrew his arms, and ascended as it were through the ceiling. I continued for some time in strong fits. When I could speak I told them what I had seen. One of them a day or two after, going to the postmaster for letters, found him reading the news- papers, in which was an account that Cornet Mercier, going into Christ Church belfry in Dublin just after the bells had been ringing, and standing under the bells, one of them, which was turned bottom upwards, suddenly turning again, struck one side of his head and killed him on the spot. On further inquiry we found he was struck on the left side of his head.' Sun. 6. — I gave my last exhortation to the society in Cork, and, setting out early on Monday the 7th, in the evening came to Limerick. Sat. 12. — The account which one of our sisters gave of Ann Beauchamp was as follows : Aug. 18, 1753. — I went to see Ann Beauchamp,1 who had been ill for about a week. I asked her in what state she found her soul. 1 The great-aunt of the late John Beauchamp, of London. June 1766. In Ireland 167 She answered, ' I am quite happy. I know that my Redeemer Hveth, and has taken away all my sins. And my heart is comforted with the presence of God : I long to die, that I may be with Him.' I asked, ' But are you resigned either to live or die, as He shall see fit ? ' She answered, ' I cannot say I am willing to live : it would go hard with me to live now. Pray that the Lord may perfect His work of sanctification in my soul.' Being asked if she could freely part with all her friends, she said, 1 Yes. And, as to my children, I have cast them upon the Lord. I know He will take care of them, and I give them freely up to Him without one anxious thought.' She then prayed for her friends and acquaintances one by one, and afterwards, fervently and with tears, for each person in her band; then for Mr. John Wesley, desiring she might be found at his feet in the day of the Lord. Soon after she called her mother, desired forgiveness for anything wherein she had ignorantly offended her, and exhorted her not to grieve, adding, ' God will comfort you, and give you strength to bear your trial. It is your loss, but it is my everlasting gain, and I am going but a little before you.' She then prayed over her, and, kissing her, took her leave. In the same manner she took leave of all about her, exhorting, praying for, and kissing them one by one. Afterwards she called for, and took her leave of, her servants. Seeing one of her neighbours in the room, she called her, and said, ' O Mary, you are old in years and old in sin. The Lord has borne long with you, and you know not the day or the hour when He will call you. I am young, and He is calling me away, and what should I do without an interest in Christ ? Was my work now to do, it would never be done. But, blessed be God, it is not. I know the Lord hath washed me from my sins in His own blood, and is preparing me for Himself. Oh, fly from the wrath to come, and never rest till you rest in the wounds of Jesus ! I am almost spent, but had I strength I could exhort you all till morning.' To another she said, ' Martha, Martha ! thou art careful and troubled about many things ; but one thing is needful, and this one thing you have neglected. Oh, seek God, and He will supply all your wants. It is time for you to begin ; your glass is almost run, and what will all your toil profit when you come to be as I am now ? Find time for this, whatever goes undone. My neighbours used to wonder how I could find time, and think me foolish for spending it so ; but now I know it was not foolishness. Soon I shall receive an exceeding great reward. ' Perhaps some of you will say you was never called. Then remem- ber, I call you now. I exhort every one of you to " seek the Lord while He may be found." Think not to make excuses in that day. 1 68 John Wesley s Journal f jun, 1756. God will have His witnesses, and I shall appear as a witness against you. If you repent not, these my dying words will rise up in judgement against you.' To her she said, ' I forgive you all that you have done against me, and I have prayed the Lord to forgive you. Return to Him now, and He will receive you, for He desires not the death of a sinner. I am a witness of this, for He has forgiven all my sins. Oh, I want strength to sing His praise ! But I am going where I shall sing His praise for ever.' Then, calling for her husband, she said, ' My dear, God has given you many calls, even in dreams ; and when we will not hear His call it is often His way to make us feel His rod by removing our darling from us. I was your darling, and, seeing you refused the many calls of God, He is now taking me away from you, if by any means He may bring you to Himself.' She then prayed for and took her leave of him. The next day, when I came in and asked, ' How do you find yourself now ? ' she answered, ' Blessed be God, very well. I know that my Redeemer lives : He is dear to me, and I am dear to Him. I know He is preparing me for Himself, and I shall soon be with Him.' She then prayed earnestly for entire sanctification, till, a friend coming in, she said, 'The Lord has brought you and all my dear friends to my remembrance ; I have not forgotten you in my prayers. You must come and pray my last prayer. When you see me near my deliverance, go all to prayer, and continue therein till my spirit is gone. Let there be no crying over me, but all of you sing praises and rejoice over me.' She never once complained of her pain, but behaved from the beginning with that patience, sweetness, and love to all that bespoke a soul which knew herself just entering into the joy of her Lord. Thus she died the next morning, August the 20th, after crying out as in ecstasy — Bold I approach th' eternal throne, And claim the crown through Christ my own. Wed. 16. — I rode over to Newmarket and preached to an earnest congregation of poor people. In the morning, at the request of some of the neighbouring gentry, I deferred preaching till ten o'clock. Many of them were then present, and seemed not a little astonished ; perhaps they may remember it — a week. In the afternoon I rode to Ballingarrane, a town of Palatines,1 1 For the Palatines see Crookshank's Methodism 'in Ireland, vol. i. p. 56 ; also below, pp. 275 and 397. June 1766. In Ireland 169 who came over in Queen Anne's time. They retain much of the temper and manners of their own country, having no resemblance of those among whom they live. I found much life among this plain, artless, serious people. The whole town came together in the evening, and praised God for the consola- tion. Many of those who are not outwardly joined with us walk in the light of God's countenance ; yea, and have divided themselves into classes, in imitation of our brethren, with whom they live in perfect harmony. Fri. 18. — In examining the society I was obliged to pause several times. The words of the plain, honest people came with so much weight as frequently to stop me for a while, and raise a general cry among the hearers. I rode back through Adare, once a strong and flourishing town, well-walled and full of people, now without walls and almost with- out inhabitants — only a few poor huts remain. At a small distance from these are the ample ruins of three or four convents, delightfully situated by the river, which runs through a most fruitful vale. Mon. 21. — I talked with one who was in deep distress. She had been represented to me as in despair ; but I soon found her disorder (natural or preternatural) had nothing to do with religion. She was greatly troubled, but knew not why ; not for her sins — they scarce came into her mind. I know not that prayer will avail for her till she is troubled in quite another manner — till she cries out, from her inmost soul, ' God be merciful to me, a sinner ! ' Tues. 22. — I called on Mrs. F., whom I saw some years since in despair of quite another kind. Between nine and ten years ago her daughter married without her consent ; this was followed by other distressing circumstances, in the midst of which she cried out, ' God has forsaken me.' She was immedi- ately seized with violent pain ; she could not see the sun, or the light, only a dim twilight ; she could not taste her meat or drink, any more than the white of an egg ; she had a constant impulse to kill herself, which she believed she must do, and attempted several times. After having continued thus three years and a half, she resolved to endure it no longer ; accord- ingly, she procured a knife to cut her throat, and did cut 1 70 John Wesley s Journal rjune 1766. through the skin, but could get no farther ; it seemed to her as if the flesh were iron. She threw down the knife, burst into tears, fell upon her knees, and began (what she had not done all the time) to pour out her soul before God. Fear and sorrow fled away. She rejoiced in God ; she saw the light of the sun ; her natural taste returned ; and she has been ever since in health of body and peace of mind. Wed. 23. — I took my leave of Limerick, and rode to Six- Mile-Bridge. There I left T[homas] Walsh to preach in Irish, and went on to Rathlaheen. Thur. 24. — I went on to Ennis, a town consisting almost wholly of Papists, except a few Protestant gentlemen. One of these (the chief person in the town) had invited me to his house, and walked with me to the court-house, where I preached to a huge, wild, unawakened multitude, Protestants and Papists, many of whom would have been rude enough if they durst. Fri. 25. — Mr. Walsh preached at six, first in Irish and then in English. The Papist priest had contrived to have his service just at the same hour ; and his man came again and again with his bell, but not one in ten of his people would stir. At eight I preached to a far more serious congregation ; and the word seemed to sink into their hearts. We took horse about ten, and rode through the fruitful and pleasant county of Galway. After having heard so much of the barrenness of this county I was surprised, in riding almost the whole length of it, from south-east to north-west, to find only four or five miles of rocky ground, like the west of Cornwall ; all the rest exceeded most that I have seen in Ireland. We came to Galway pretty well tired, and would willingly have rested at the inn where we alighted from our horses ; but the landlord informed us he had no room, both his house and stables were full. Two regiments of soldiers, passing through the town, had taken up all the inns. However, we procured a private lodging, which was full as agreeable. The town is old, and not ill-built, most of the houses being of stone, and several stories high. It is encompassed with an old, bad wall, and is in no posture of defence, either toward the land or toward the sea. Such is the supine negligence of both English and Irish ! June 1756.] In Ireland 171 Five or six persons, who seemed to fear God, came to us at our lodgings. We spent a little time with them in prayer, and early in the morning set out for Castlebar. This day, likewise, I was agreeably surprised at the pleasant- ness and fruitfulness of the country. About noon two or three friends met us and begged us to turn aside to Hollymount, a town twelve miles from Castlebar, where the minister 1 readily consented to my preaching in the church. Many Papists as well as Protestants were there, and my heart was much enlarged toward them. Through a delightful mixture of vales and gently rising hills, we then rode on to Castlebar. Sun. 27. — The rector2 having left word that I should have the use of the church, I preached there morning and afternoon, to such a congregation as (they said) was never there before ; and surely the word of God had free course ; I saw not one light or inattentive hearer. Mr. Walsh afterward preached in the sessions-house, to another large and serious congregation. And, Tuesday the 29th, being St. Peter's Day, I read prayers and preached to as large a congregation as on Sunday. In the afternoon I rode over to Newport, eleven miles from Castlebar. About thirty years ago, a little company of Protestants settled here, by a river-side, on the very extremity of the land, and built a small town. It has a fruitful hill on each side, and a large bay to the west, full of small fertile islands, containing from one to several thousand acres. Of these they compute above three hundred, and near a hundred are inhabited ; but by Papists alone, there not being so much as a single Protestant among them ! I went directly to the rector's,3 who had before given me an invitation. Between seven and eight I preached to (I suppose) more than all the Protestants in the town. 1 The Rev. James Clark, rector of priety, doctrinal orthodoxy, and morality Hollymount (Tyerman's Lift, vol. ii. of life. In a tender, but perfectly frank pp. 373-5. For Hollymount see Life fashion, he reproves his correspondent and Letters of Mrs. Delany). Wesley's for sins of drunkenness, swearing, and letters to him are worth reading ( Works, temper, to which he seems to have been vol. xiii. pp. 210-16). They define more or less addicted. Cf. below, pp. 'schism,' 'heresy,' and Wesley's views 173 and 268; see also Green's Anti- of the relation of Methodism to the Methodist Publications, pp. 75, 76. Anglican Church, of the religious law- a Rev. Mr. Ellison, fulness of ' lay-preaching,' and of the 3 Rev. James Hern, relative importance of ecclesiastical pro- VOL. IV II 172 John Wesley s Journal [juiyi756. Deep attention sat on every face. Perhaps God touched some hearts. Wed. 30. — At eleven Mr. H[ern] read prayers, and I preached on Gal. vi. 14. The church stands at a distance from the town, and it rained hard ; but that could not stop the congregation. In the afternoon I returned to Castlebar. JULY i, Thur. — There is just such a work here as was some years since at Athlone. The whole town is pleased, but few are convinced. The stream runs very wide, but very shallow.1 Sun. 4. — I read prayers and preached at Ballyhean, Mr. E[llison]'s other church. The congregation at Castlebar in the afternoon was larger than ever before. In the morning, Monday the 5th, the greater half of them were present, and we had a solemn parting. In the afternoon we came to Hollymount, some years since one of the pleasantest places in Ireland. Dr. Vesey, then Archbishop of Tuam, fixed on this spot, nine miles from his see, built a neat, commodious house on a little eminence, laid out fruit and flower gardens round it, brought a river to run through them, and encompassed the whole with walks and groves of stately trees. When he had finished his plan, round a stone pillar, which stands in a basin surrounded by a small green plat of ground, he placed the following inscription : Linquenda tellus, et domus, et placens Uxor, [cum numerosa et speciosa prole, Chara charae matris sobole :] Neque harum quas colis arborum Te praeter invisam cupressum Ulla brevem dorainum sequetur ! 2 1 On July 3 he wrote the first of the none, except the loathed cypress, will letters to the Rev. James Clark (see follow you, their short-lived owner, to above, p. 171). the tomb.' Mr. Lawrence Ford's com- 2 Horace, Odts, ii. 14, 21-4. Thomas ment on this fairly illustrates Wesley's Jackson's translation in the third irregular methods of using classical edition of the Works is as follows : quotations, which, like his quotations 'You must leave behind you these from the text of Holy Scripture, are often, grounds, this house, and your charm- perhaps always, either from memory or ing wife [with your numerous and from his notebooks. Mr. Ford says: 'Is handsome progeny, the endearing off- the interpolated " Cum numerosa et spe- spring of their beloved mother !]. And ciosa prole Chara charae matris sobole " of all those trees which you are planting, a quotation from some Latin author, or July 1756.] In Ireland 173 I was just going to preach in the churchyard, when Mr. C[lark] sent his son with the key of the church. Almost half the congregation were Papists, whom all the threats of their priest could not keep away. Not expecting to see any of them again, I spake very plain once for all. In the morning we rode through Tuam, a neat little town, scarce half so large as Islington ; nor is the cathedral half so large as Islington church. The old church at Kilconnell, two miles from Aughrim, is abundantly larger. If one may judge by the vast ruins that remain (over all which we walked in the afternoon), it was a far more stately pile of building than any that is now standing in Ireland. Adjoining to it are the ruins of a large monastery ; many of the cells and apartments are pretty entire. At the west end of the church lie abundance of skulls, piled one upon another, with innumerable bones round about, scattered as dung upon the earth. O sin, what hast thou done ! Wed. 7. — I preached at Aughrim morning and evening, and then rode over to Castlebar. Mr. M. has now lost both his brother and his two daughters, two of the most agreeable women in the kingdom, caught away in the full bloom of youth and beauty — if they can be termed lost who all committed their souls unto Him they loved, in the full triumph of faith. Thur. 8. — A coach-full of us, with several horsemen, and others on foot, went to Ahascragh in the morning. The rest of the congregation were mostly Papists ; but all heard with earnest attention. I preached in the evening at Athlone, where, on Friday the 9th, we had a solemn watch-night. Sun. 11. — We had a blessed opportunity in the evening on the Connaught side of the river. Almost all the Protestants in the town were present, with abundance of Papists. And many of them acknowledged the doctrine of Christ crucified to be ' the power of God and the wisdom of God.' Mon. 12. — After preaching at Abbeyderg about noon I went on to Longford. Many supposed the mob would be too violent Wesley's own? The foot-note renders given both below (Oct. 13, 1779) and the whole fairly well. The true reading in Sermon xxvii. (Sth on the Sermon on in Horace's third line is the plural, the Mount), Works, vol. v. p. 371.' " invisas cupressos," which Wesley has (IV.H.S. vol. v. p. 30.) 1 74 John Wesley s Journal [juiy 1756. there to allow me a peaceable hearing. I began at five in the yard of the old barrack. A huge crowd soon flocked in, but most of the Papists stood at the gate, or just without the wall. They were all still as night ; nor did I hear an uncivil word while we afterwards walked from one end of the town to the other. Tues. 13. — A large congregation was present at five, and stood unmoved, notwithstanding some heavy showers. At noon I preached at Cleggill ; at five in the barrack-yard again, where the concourse of people was greater than before. Mr. P[iers], the minister of a neighbouring parish,1 and another clergyman who came with him, received the truth in love. Mrs. P[iers] (his wife) found rest to her soul. But how is it that almost in every place, even where there is no lasting fruit, there is so great an impression made at first upon a considerable number of people ? The fact is this : Everywhere the work of God rises higher and higher till it comes to a point. Here it seems for a short time to be at a stay. And then it gradually sinks again. All this may easily be accounted for. At first curiosity brings many hearers ; at the same time God draws many by His preventing grace to hear His word, and comforts them in hearing. One then tells another. By this means, on the one hand, curiosity spreads and increases, and, on the other, draw- ings of God's Spirit touch more hearts, and many of them more powerfully than before. He now offers grace to all that hear, most of whom are in some measure affected, and more or less moved, with approbation of what they hear, desire to please God, and good-will to His messenger. These principles, variously combined and increasing, raise the general work to its highest point. But it cannot stand here, for in the nature of things curiosity must soon decline. Again, the drawings of God are not followed, and thereby the Spirit of God is grieved. The consequence is, He strives with this and this man no more, and so His drawings end. Thus both the natural and supernatural power declining, most of the hearers will be less and less affected. Add to this that, in the process of the work, ' it must be that ' Killashee, of which the Rev. Fletcher Piers was rector (Crookshank's Methodism in Ireland, vol. i. p. 149 ; Arm. Mag. 1797, p. 408). July 1756.) In Ireland 175 offences will come.' Some of the hearers, if not preachers also, will act contrary to their profession. Either their follies or faults will be told from one to another, and lose nothing in the telling. Men once curious to hear will now draw back ; men once drawn, having stifled their good desires, will disapprove what they approved before, and feel dislike instead of good-will to the preacher. Others, who were more or less convinced, will be afraid or ashamed to acknowledge that conviction. And all these will catch at ill stories (true or false) in order to justify their change. When by this means all who do not savingly believe have quenched the Spirit of God the little flock goes on from faith to faith ; the rest sleep on and take their rest. And thus the number of hearers in every place may be expected first to increase, and then decrease. Wed. 14. — At noon I preached at Coolalough,1 where the preachers and stewards met. Tliur. 15. — In the evening I preached at Tullamore, in Barrack Street, and many who never had so much curiosity as to walk a hundred yards to hear the preaching vouchsafed to hear it at their own doors. In the middle of the sermon came a quartermaster, very drunk, and rushed in among the people. In a short time he slipped off his hat and gave all the attention of which he was capable. So did many of the soldiers and many officers. Oh let some lay it to heart ! Fri. 16. — We walked down to Lord Tullamore's 2 (that was his title then), an old mile from the town. His gardens are extremely pleasant. They contain groves, little meadows, kitchen gardens, plats of flowers, and little orchards, inter- mixed with fine canals and pieces of water. And will not all these make their owner happy ? Not if he has one unholy temper ! Not unless he has in himself a fountain of water, springing up into everlasting life. About this time I received a letter without a name, part of which I have subjoined : Sir, Having observed your Christian condescension in those labours of love so truly calculated for the use of common people, I presume to 1 See above, p. 39. Tullamore, who in 1758 was created Earl ' Or, more correctly, Baron Moore of of Charleville. 176 John Wesley s Journal uuiyrrse. beg your pen in behalf of the next class of God's creatures. And I would ask if nature, reason, and revelation do not all plead in favour even of the brute creation. Is it not unnatural and inhuman to put them to more pain than is necessary for the service of man ? Can reason consent to the making sport with the life or misery of any creature ? May not the great law of equity, doing as we would be done to, be extended even to them ? May we not suppose ourselves in their place, and thence determine what they may fairly expect from us ? Hath not the Supreme Being given injunctions against cruelty toward them and commanded that they should enjoy the rest of His day ? Did He not rebuke the prophet for smiting his beast without cause, and mention the ' much cattle ' as one motive to the divine compassion in sparing the ' great city ' ? The Scripture saith, ' A good man is merciful to his beast.' And can he be a good man that is not so, if goodness consists in imitating Him whose ' mercy is over all His works ' ? For ' He openeth His hand, and satisfieth the desire of every living thing.' If tenderness, mercy, and compassion to the brute creatures were impressed on the infant breast, and conducted into action according to its little power, would it not be confirmed in the human heart ? And might not this early prepossession be for ever established there, and through a happy bias extend its benevolence to the whole creation ? Does not experience show the sad effects of a contrary education ? While children, instead of being taught benevolence to irrationals, are suffered to torment first poor little insects and then every helpless creature that comes in their way, can it be expected that, being thus inured to cruelty and oppression even in their tender years, they should relent when they come to age and be susceptible of compassion even to rationals ? It cannot. For is pity shown to man only because he has reason ? If so, those would lose their claim to our compassion who stand in the greatest need of it, namely, children, idiots, and lunatics. But if pity is shown to all that are capable of pain, then may it justly be expected that we should sympathize with everything that has life. I am persuaded you are not insensible of the pain given to every Christian, every humane heart, by those savage diversions, bull-baiting, cock-fighting, horse-racing, and hunting. Can any of these irrational and unnatural sports appear otherwise than cruel, unless through early prejudice or entire want of consideration and reflection ? And if a man is void of these, does he deserve the name of man ? Or is he fit for society ? And, besides, how dreadful are the concomitant and the con- sequent vices of these savage routs ! Yet such cowards are we grown that scarce any man has courage to draw his pen against them ! Sat. 17. — I preached in Tyrrell's Pass at five, and T[homas] Walsh at eight. Hence we rode to Ballybeg, near Drumcree, July 1756.] In Ulster TJJ where we found a little company of earnest people, most of them rejoicing in the love of God. To these were added a few from the county of Cavan. Joseph Charles going thither some time since on temporal business, occasionally spoke of the things of God. Many believed his report, and some found his words ' the power of God unto salvation.' Sun. 1 8. — A little before twelve (the usual hour in Ireland) the morning service began at Rosmead church, where Mr. Booker ' preached a useful sermon. I preached at five to abundance of plain country people, and two coaches full of gentry. Oh how hard is it for these to enter into the kingdom of heaven ! Mon. 19. — No sooner did we enter Ulster than we observed the difference. The ground was cultivated just as in England, and the cottages not only neat, but with doors, chimneys, and windows. Newry, the first town we came to (allowing for the size), is built much after the manner of Liverpool. I preached soon after seven to a large congregation, and to great part of them at five in the morning. Afterwards I spoke to the members of the society, consisting of Churchmen, Dissenters, and Papists that were. But there is no striving among them, unless to ' enter in at the strait gate.' Wed. 21. — In the morning there was such violent lightning, thunder, and rain that the very beasts ran out of the fields and the birds flew from their usual coverts to take shelter in the houses. But before we took horse the sky cleared up, and we had a pleasant ride to Terryhoogan, near Scarva. The road lay on the edge of a smooth canal, with fruitful, gently rising hills on either side. We were at a lone house, but the people found their way thither in the evening from all quarters. I preached in a meadow near the house, the congregation sitting on the grass. And surely they had ears to hear. God give them hearts to understand ! Thur. 22. — We rode through heavy rain to Lisburn.2 I preached in the market-house at seven. One man only gain- ' Rev. Moore Booker. See above, packet, which foundered in a storm, p. 39. He was drowned in the 2 Wesley was the guest of Mr. and summer of 1759 when crossing from Mrs. Hans Cumberland. See also Crook- Parkgate to Ireland in the Chester shank's Memorable Women, pp. 31-8. [July 1756. i 78 John Wesley s Journal sayed, but the bystanders used him so roughly that he was soon glad to hold his peace. Fri. 23. — The rector, with his curate, called upon me, can- didly proposed their objections, and spent about two hours in free, serious, friendly conversation. How much evil might be prevented or removed would other clergymen follow their example ! I rode in the afternoon to Belfast, the largest town in Ulster.1 Some think it contains near as many people as Limerick. It is far cleaner and pleasanter. At seven I preached in the market-house to as large a congregation as at Lisburn, and to near the same number in the morning. But some of them did not stay till I concluded. They went away in haste when I showed how ' Christ crucified ' is ' to the Greeks foolishness.' Hence we rode along the shore to Carrickfergus, said to be the most ancient town in Ulster. The walls are still, as it were, standing, and the castle built upon a rock ; but it is little more than a heap of ruins, with eight or nine old, dismounted, rusty cannon. What it was in the reign of its founder, King Fergus, does not much concern us to know. I preached in the session-house at seven to most of the inhabitants of the town ; but Satan had prepared one of his instruments, when I had done, to catch the seed out of their hearts. A poor enthusiast began a dull, pointless harangue about hirelings and false prophets ; but the door-keeper crying out, ' I am going to lock the doors,' cut his discourse short. Sun. 25. — I preached at nine in the upper court-house, which was considerably larger than the other. James Relly2 began his bad work again as soon as I had done speaking, but I walked quietly away, as did also the congregation. At eleven I went to church, to the surprise of many, and 1 Its population at this time was 8,500, of a meeting-house in BartholomewClose, with 1,779 houses, mostly thatched. where he continued to preach till his 2 See Life of C. of Huntingdon, vol. ii. death, April 25, 1778. He was buried p. 371, where a remarkable account of at Maze Pond, Southwark— one of the James Relly is given. Converted under eccentric figures of the Evangelical Re- Whitefield, he ultimately became minister vival. See also E.M.P. vol. v. p. 16. July 1756.] In Ulster 179 heard a lively, useful sermon. After dinner one of our brethren asked if I was ready to go to meeting. I told him ' I never go to meeting.' He seemed as much astonished as the old Scot at Newcastle, who left us because we were mere Church of England men. We are so, although we condemn none who have been brought up in another way. About five, even the larger court-house being too small to contain the congregation, I the more readily complied with the desire of the prisoners to preach in the street, near the prison door. I spoke plain and home as ever in my life on ' Ye must be born again.' Poor James was now resolved to speak, and got on a little eminence on purpose. And what could hinder him ? Why — Vox faucibus haesit.1 He cawed and cawed, but could utter nothing, hardly three words together. This also hath God wrought. He hath stopped the mouth of the gainsayer, and preserved the weak from being offended. Mon. 26. — Mr. Walsh met me at Belfast and informed me that the day before he was at Newtownards, intending to preach. But while he was at prayer, Mr. M[ortimer] 2 came with a drunken mob, seized him by the throat, and dragged him along, till a stout man 3 seized him, and constrained him to quit his hold. Mr. W[alsh], having refreshed himself at a friend's house, began a second time ; but in a quarter of an hour Mr. M[ortimer], having rallied his mob, came again, on which Mr. W[alsh] gave him the ground, and walked away over the fields.4 In the evening I spoke very plain at Lisburn, both to the great vulgar and the small. But between Seceders, old self- conceited Presbyterians, New-Light men, Moravians, Came- ronians, and formal Churchmen, it is a miracle of miracles if any here bring forth fruit to perfection. The country between Lisburn and Moira is much like Berkshire, having fruitful vales on each side of the road, and 1 The sound stuck fast in his throat. mountain Walsh received a wetting 2 Lanktree's Narrative, p. 352. which laid the foundation of the disease ' Mr. Beers. that hastened his end (Crookshank's 4 In hurrying through the fields to the Methodism in Ireland, vol. i. p. 1 16). 180 John Wesley s Journal [Aug. 1706. well-wooded hills running even with them, at a small distance. At seven I preached in the market-house at Lurgan. Many of the gentry were met at the room over it, it being the time of the assembly. The violins were just tuning, but they ceased till I had done, and the novelty at least drew and fixed the attention of the whole company. Wed. 28.— I read Mr. Barton's ingenious Lectures on Lough Neagk,1 near Lurgan, which turns wood into stone, and cures the King's evil and most cutaneous distempers. Under part of this lake there is first a stratum of firm clay, and under that a stratum of trees four foot thick, all compacted into one mass doubtless by the pressure of the incumbent earth (perhaps water too), which it has probably sustained ever since the General Deluge. In the evening we had the largest congregation which I have seen since we left Cork. It was almost as large at five in the morning. Why should we despair of doing good at Lurgan also? Thur. 29. — I preached at Newry, and the three following days. On Monday, AUG. 2, I returned to Rosmead. Tues. 3. — We rode to Tullamore through heavy rain, which a strong wind drove full in our face. The only wild Irish whom I have seen yet, a knot of officers, were present at the preaching in the evening, and behaved tolerably well. Wed. 4. — I preached at Portarlington in the evening, and was going to take horse in the morning, when a gentleman came and said he was just setting out for Dublin, and would be glad of my company in his chariot. I accompanied him to Johnstown, where we dined, and then took horse and rode on to Dublin. Fri. 6. — On this and the next day I finished my business in Ireland, so as to be ready to sail at an hour's warning. Sun. 8. — We were to sail, the wind being fair, but as we were going aboard it turned full east. I find it of great use to be in suspense ; it is an excellent means of breaking our will. May we be ready either to stay longer on this shore or to launch into eternity ! Published in Dublin in 1 751. See W.H.S. vol. iv. p. 108. THOMAS WALSH. ST. NICHOLAS'S GRAVEYARD, CALLED 'THE CABBAGE GARDEN,' DUBLIN", IN WHICH WALSH IS BURIED. Photo : Lafayette. 181 Aug. 1756] In North Wales 183 On Tuesday evening I preached my farewell sermon. Mr. Walsh did the same in the morning. We then walked to the quay, but it was still a doubt whether we were to sail or no, Sir T. P. having sent word to the captain of the packet that if the wind was fair he would go over, and it being his custom (Jiominis magnificcntiam !) 1 to keep the whole ship to himself ; but, the wind coming to the east, he would not go, so about noon we went on board. In two or three hours we reached the mouth of the harbour. It then fell calm. We had five cabin passengers beside Mr. [Thomas] Walsh, [John] Haughton, [James] Morgan, and me. They were all civil and tolerably serious. The sailors likewise behaved uncommonly well. Thur. 12. — About eight we began singing on the quarter- deck, which soon drew all our fellow passengers, as well as the captain, with the greatest part of his men. I afterwards gave an exhortation. We then spent some time in prayer. They all kneeled down with us ; nor did their seriousness wear off all the day. About nine we landed at Holyhead, after a pleasant passage of twenty-three hours. Fri. 13. — Having hired horses for Chester, we set out about seven. Before one we reached Bangor, the situation of which is delightful beyond expression. Here we saw a large and handsome cathedral, but no trace of the good old monks of Bangor,2 so many hundreds of whom fell a sacrifice at once to cruelty and revenge. The country from hence to Penmaen- mawr is far pleasanter than any garden. Mountains of every shape and size, vales clothed with grass or corn, woods and smaller tufts of trees, were continually varying on the one hand, as was the sea prospect on the other. Penmaenmawr itself rises almost perpendicular to an enormous height from the sea.3 The road runs along the side of it, so far above the beach that ' ' Such was the expensive stateliness of Canon Cooper Scott, History of the the man ' (T. Jackson's translation). Church of St. John, Chester, tells the C. L. Ford says : ' Possibly an imitation tragic story of the massacre of the monks of Plautus, Menoechmi, IV. iv, 16 : who were praying for victory against the • Hominis impudentem audaciam.' pagan Saxon king of Northumbria. A - He mistook Bangor on the coast for window in the church commemorates the other Bangor — Bangor-is-y-coed — the massacre. ( W.H.S. vol. ii. p. 217.) (now known as Bangor-on-Dee) — near 3 1,563 feet. See Thomson's Seasons, Wrexham, in the valley of the Dee. quoted below. 184 John Wesley s Journal [Aug. 1756. one could not venture to look down but that there is a wall built all along, about four foot high. Meantime, the ragged cliff hangs over one's head, as if it would fall every moment.1 An hour after we had left this awful place we came to the ancient town of Conway. It is walled round, and the walls are in tolerably good repair. The castle is the noblest ruin I ever saw. It is four-square, and has four large round towers, one at each corner, the inside of which have been stately apartments.2 One side of the castle is a large church, the windows and arches of which have been curiously wrought. An arm of the sea runs round two sides of the hill on which the castle stands — once the delight of kings, now overgrown with thorns, and inhabited by doleful birds only. About eight we reached Plas Bach, where, as soon as I named my name, William Roberts received us with all glad- ness. But neither he nor any of his family could speak one sentence of English ; yet our guide helped us out pretty well. After supper we sung and went to prayers. Though they could not speak it, most of them understood English ; and God spoke to their hearts. Sat. 14. — Several of the neighbours came early in the morn- ing, and gladly received a few words of exhortation. We then rode on, through one of the pleasantest countries in the world, by Holywell to Chester. Here we had a comfortable meeting in the evening, as well as the next day, both in the room and in the Square. Mon. 16. — The rain was suspended while I preached to a large and quiet congregation. Tues. 17. — I rode to Bolton. Though I came unexpected, the house was well filled. After resting a day, on Thursday the 19th 1 See Bradley's Highways and Byways Amid Carnarvon's mountains rages loud in North Wales, pp. 267-8 : ' The terrors The ^P^cussive roar : with mighty crash, . . , . , ,,-r , Into the flashing deep, from the rude rocks of the narrow road cut in the cliff, and of Penmaenmawr, heaped hideous to the sky, rendered only less appalling with each Tumble the smitten cliffs ; and Snowdon's generation, are the burden of a score of peak writers. Dr. Johnson tells us how Dissolving, instant yields his wintry load. frightened he was at the prospect, and Thomson's Seasons, 'Summer,' 11. 1611- how relieved when he got safely to 16. Bangor.' 1 One 130 feet square. Aug. 1756.] The Thirteenth Conference 185 I went on to Manchester, and preached in the evening to a large congregation, without the least disturbance. The tumults here are now at an end, chiefly through the courage and activity of a single constable. Fri. 20. — I rode to Chelmorton-in-the-Peak. Although the poor people had no previous notice, they supplied the want of it by sending quickly to the neighbouring villages. Between seven and eight the house was pretty well filled, and many of them were extremely thankful. Sat. 21. — We set out early, and, after spending an hour at Ashbourne, hastened on to Lichfield. But it was not without difficulty, the waters being out to a very uncommon degree in many places.1 About eight we reached Wcdnesbury, tired enough. There we stayed the next day. Mon. 23. — We rode forward to Redditch. It had rained all the way, so that Mr. Walsh was obliged to go to bed as soon as we came in. Having dried some of our clothes, Mr. Bruce and I took horse again about two ; having one with us who knew the by-roads, the common road being unpassable through the floods. About five we came to a broad water,2 which our guide did not care to pass. Mr. Bruce, seeing a foot-bridge, walked over it, leading his horse by a long rein through the water; but in an instant the horse disappeared. However, he soon emerged and gained the bank. I rode through, at a small distance, very safely, and in the evening preached at Evesham. Tries. 24. — Finding we could not ride the usual way, we procured another guide, and rode by Andoversford 3 to Stroud. Mr. Jones and my brother met us here.4 Wed. 25. — We rode on to Bristol. Thur. 26. — About fifty of us being met,5 the Rules of the Society were read over, and carefully considered one by one ; but we did not find any that could be spared. So we all agreed to abide by them all, and to recommend them with our misht. 1 See VV.H.S. vol. vii. p. 6. 4 They met on their way to the Con- 2 Probably the Arrow, between Alcester ference. and Wixford. 5 The thirteenth Conference (Tyer- ' Andoversford, near Cheltenham, on man's Life, vol. ii. p. 240 ; Myles's the road to London, at cross roads, six Chronological History, p. 78). miles. 1 86 John Wesley s Journal [Sept 1766. We then largely considered the necessity of keeping in the Church, and using the clergy with tenderness ; and there was no dissenting voice. God gave us all to be of one mind and of one judgement. Fri. 27. — The Rules of the Bands were read over and con- sidered one by one ; which, after some verbal alterations, we all agreed to observe and enforce. Sat. 28.— The Rules of Kingswood School 1 were read and considered, one by one ; and we were all convinced they were agreeable to Scripture and reason ; in consequence of which it was agreed : (1) that a short account of the design and present state of the School be read by every assistant in every society ; and (2) that a subscription for it be begun in every place, and (if need be) a collection made every year. My brother and I closed the Conference by a solemn declara- tion of our purpose never to separate from the Church ; and all our brethren concurred therein.2 For a few days I was laid up with a flux ; but on Sunday, Sept. 5, I crept out again, and preached at Kingswood in the morning and Stokes Croft 3 in the afternoon. Mon. 6. — I set out in the machine, and on Tuesday evening came to London.4 Wednesday and Thursday ,5 I settled my temporal business. It is now about eighteen years since I began writing and printing books ; and how much in that time have I gained by printing ? Why, on summing up my accounts, I found that on March 1, 1756 (the day I left London last), I had gained by 1 See History of Kitigswood School, at Sheffield {Works, vol. xiii. p. 66); on pp. 41-6, Works, vol. xiii. p. 294. Sept. 3, from Kingswood, to Walker of 2 An agreement in the same words as Truro (vol. xiii. p. 197), and to Mr. Nor- that of March 16, 1 752 (see above, pp. 8, 9) ton (vol. xiii. p. 218). was signed on the 30th, with the ad- 3 Stokes Croft at that time was resi- ditional names of Thomas Johnson, dential, and planted with trees. James Jones, Peter Jaco, William Hit- ' He went to London intending to chens, John Johnson, John Haughton print a new edition of his Notes (who afterwards left him, as did John (letter of Charles Wesley to Walker Maddern and James Morris), Thomas of Truro — see the latter's Life, p. 228). Mitchell, William Roberts, Richard 5 On Sept. 9 he wrote his first letter Lucas. {W.M. Mag. 1847, p. 869.) to the Monthly Reviewers {Works, vol. On the 31st he wrote to Robert Marsden xiii. p. 382). Sept. 1756.] In London 187 printing and preaching together, a debt of twelve hundred and thirty-six pounds. Fri. 10. — I preached at a famous place, commonly called ' The Bull-and-Mouth Meeting,' x which had belonged, I sup- pose, near a -hundred years, to the people called Quakers. As much of real religion as was ever preached there, I trust will be preached there still ; and perhaps in a more rational scriptural, and intelligible manner.2 Sat. 11. — I read over Mr. Fry's Case of Marriage between Near Relations Considered? It is the best tract I ever read upon the subject ; I suppose the best that is extant. And two points, I think, he has fully proved : (1) that many marriages commonly supposed to be unlawful are neither contrary to the law of nature, nor the revealed law of God, nor the law of the land ; (2) that Ecclesiastical Courts have no right to meddle with any case of this kind.4 Thur. 16. — I walked over to Bishop Bonner's,5 and preached to a large and serious congregation. I found some faintness, the sun being extremely hot ; but more in walking from thence to Westminster, where I preached at seven. In the night my old disorder returned, and gradually increased, in spite of all medicines. However, on Sunday and Monday it was so far suspended that I abated nothing of my usual employment. Wed. 22. — I was considering I had not yet asked help of the Great Physician ; and I resolved to delay no longer. In 1 Bull-and-Mouth Street is a cross- letter to Rev. Mr. Clark (IVor&s, vol. street leading from St. Martin's-le-Grand xiii. p. 212). See above, p. 171. to Butcher Hall Lane. Here stood for 3 The title is ' John Fry : Marriage many years a meeting-house built origin- between near Kindred.' London, 1756. ally for the Quakers, who occupied it as Second ed. in 1 773- See Gentleman's early as the reign of Charles II. They Magazine, 1788. pp. 882, 965 ; Monthly relinquished it in 1760, when the Sande- Review, vol. xv. p. 174. manians removed there, and Mr. Pike * On Sunday, Sept. 12, he preached at united with them. (Wilson's History West Street, Snowsfields, and Moor- and Antiquities of Dissenting Churches fields ; and on Monday the 13th at Wap- in London, vol. iii. p. 364.) Wesley ping. Other preaching engagements not ceased preaching there Dec. 21, 1763. mentioned in the Journal during this Neale's History of the Puritans mentions month are: Sunday the 19th, Bull-and- this famous place. Mouth, Foundery ; and Friday, 24, Zoar. 2 On Sept. 10 he wrote his second 5 See above, p. 101. 1 88 John Wesley s Journal [Oct. 1756. that hour I felt a change. I slept sound that night, and was well the next day. Oct. 3, Sun. — My disorder returned as violent as ever ; but I regarded it not while I was performing the service at Snowsfields in the morning, or afterward at Spitalfields ; till I went to the Lord's Table in order to administer. A thought then came into my mind, ' Why do I not apply to God in the beginning rather than the end of an illness ? ' 1 did so, and found immediate relief; so that I needed no further medicines. Tues. 5. — I wrote a second letter to the authors of The Monthly Review1 — ingenious men, but no friends to the Godhead of Christ. Yet, upon further consideration, I judged it best to drop the controversy. It is enough that I have delivered my own soul ; if they scorn, they alone shall bear it. Sun. 10. — I preached to a huge multitude in Moorfields on 'Why will ye die, O house of Israel?' It is field-preaching which does the execution still ; for usefulness there is none comparable to it. Mon. 1 1. — I went to Leigh. Where we dined, a poor woman came to the door with two little children. They seemed to be half-starved, as well as their mother, who was also shivering with an ague. She was extremely thankful for a little food, and still more so for a few pills which seldom fail to cure that disorder. In this little journey I read over a curiosity indeed — a French heroic poem, Voltaire's Heuriade.2 He is a very lively writer, of a fine imagination ; and allowed, I suppose, by all competent judges, to be a perfect master of the French language ; and by him I was more than ever convinced that the French is the poorest, meanest language in Europe ; that it is no more comparable to the German or Spanish than a bag-pipe is to an organ ; and that, with regard to poetry in particular, considering the incorrigible uncouthness of their measure, and their always writing in rhyme (to say nothing of their vile double rhymes, nay, and frequent false rhymes), it is as 1 Works, vol. xiii. p. 384. Footc lished in French, London, 1728, 8vo. ridicules this Review in his plays. See Ruskin's Fors Clavigera, letter 34, - Voltaire, Francois Marie Arouet de p. 7 (' most prosaic ') ; John Morley's (1694-1778). La Henriade: first pub- Voltaire, p. 145. Oct. 1766.] In London 189 impossible to write a fine poem in French as to make fine music upon a jews'-harp. Sat. 16. — I baptized Hannah C , late a Quaker. God, as usual, bore witness to His ordinance. A solemn awe spread over the whole congregation, and many could not refrain from tears.1 Wed. 20. — I received the following letter : Rev. Sir, The glory of God and the good of mankind are the motives that induce me to write the following. As it is our duty to do all we can to make all around us happy, I think there is one thing that may be done to promote so blessed an end, which will at the same time be very advantageous to them that practise it ; namely, to efface all the obscene words which are written on houses, doors, or walls by evil-minded men. This, which I recom- mend to others, I constantly practise myself ; and if ever I omit doing it, I am severely checked, unless I can produce some good reason for that omission. I do it with a sponge, which for that purpose I carry in my pocket. The advantages I reap from hence are : (1) peace of con- science in doing my duty ; (2) it helps me to conquer the fear of man, which is one of my greatest trials ; (3) it is matter of joy that I can do any the least service to any one : and as all persons, especially the young, are liable to temptations to impurity, I cannot do too much to remove such temptations, either from myself or others. Perhaps, too, when the unhappy writers pass by, and see their bad labours soon effaced, they may be discouraged from pursuing so shameful a work ; yea, and brought to a better mind. Perhaps in some places it might not be amiss, in the room of what is effaced, to write some serious sentence, or short text of Scripture ; and, wherever we do this, would it not be well to lift up our heart to God, in behalf of those sinners, in this or the like manner : ' Lord, lay not this sin to their charge ! Father, forgive them ; for they know not what they do ! ' ? Mon. 25. — I began reading that excellent book, T/te Gospel Glass? to the morning congregation : a method which 1 On the 16th he began a long letter in Exeter Cathedral ; ejected for Non- to James Hervey concerning his recently conformity, 1662. A Gospel Glass, published Theron and Aspasio ( Works, representing the Miscarriages of English vol. x. p. 317-35). See above, p. 103. Professors, &c, London, 1667. See - Stuckley [Stukely], Lewis, preacher W.H.S. vol. iv. p. 109. VOL. IV 12 1 90 John Wesley s Journal [Nov. 17M. I find more profitable for ' instruction in righteousness ' than any other manner of preaching. Tues. 26. — I began reading over, with the preachers that were in town, Mr. Pike's PhilosopJiia Sacra} It contains the marrow of Mr. Hutchinson's philosophy clearly and modestly proposed ; but, upon a close examination, I found the proofs were grievously defective. I shall never receive Mr. Hutchinson's creed, unless ipse dixit pass for evidence. Sat. 30. — I yielded to importunity, and spent an hour with poor Mr. V—, who was awakened and found peace in attending our preaching, and soon after turned Quaker. I did wonder at it once, but I do not now. One so full of himself might turn Papist or Mahometan.2 Nov. 1, Monday, was a day of triumphant joy, as All-Saints' Day generally is.3 How superstitious are they who scruple giving God solemn thanks for the lives and deaths of His saints ! Tues. 9. — Having procured an apparatus on purpose, I ordered several persons to be electrified, who were ill of various disorders ; some of whom found an immediate, some a gradual, cure. From this time I appointed, first some hours in every week, and afterward an hour in every day, wherein any that desired it might try the virtue of this surprising medicine. Two or three years after, our patients were so numerous that we were obliged to divide them ; so part were electrified in Southwark, part at the Foundery, others near St. Paul's, and the rest near the Seven Dials. The same method we have taken 1 See Tyerman, vol. ii. p. 260 : W.H.S. D. {Works, vol. xii. p. 464) should be vol. iv. p. 108 : Works, vol. xii. p. 464. read. Incidentally, this is one of many Why he should apparently waste time proofs that Wesley bestowed all the by reading with his London preachers time he could spare from other and still an author in whose teaching he had no more pressing duties, and his best thought, confidence can only be explained on the on the training of his preachers. He supposition that this and similar books made the itinerancy a peripatetic school were being read, and he judged it prudent of learning. to guide, and if necessary, correct, the " During October he preached at reading. Thomas Walsh, whose extra- Clapham, and in November at West ordinary knowledge of Hebrew he notes Street, The Bull-and-Mouth, and Snows- in his letter to Dean D., was a powerful fields. intellectual force at this time, and was 3 It was always observed by Wesley, now with Wesley. The letter to Dean See below, Nov. I, 1766, and 1767. Dec. 1766.) In London 191 ever since ; and to this day, while hundreds, perhaps thousands, have received unspeakable good, I have not known one man, woman, or child, who has received any hurt thereby. So that, when I hear any talk of the danger of being electrified (especi- ally if they are medical men who talk so), I cannot but impute it to great want either of sense or honesty. Fri. 12. — I read over Leusden's Dissertation in Defence of the Hebrew Points,1 and was fully convinced there is at least as much to be said on this as on the other side of the question ; but how is it that men are so positive on both sides while demonstration is to be had on neither ? Certainly to be per- emptory and dogmatical can never be so inexcusable as in a point so doubtful as this. Mon. 22. — I read with the preachers this week the Glasgow Abridgement of Mr. Hutchinson's Works,2 wherein the abridgers have expressed, with surprising exactness, not only his sense, but his very spirit. But, in truth, I cannot admire either; nay, I admire his hypothesis less and less, as I see the whole is unsupported by Scripture. Very ingenious, but quite precarious.3 Dec. 1, Wed. — One or two remarkable letters were put into my hands. Part of the first ran thus : Blessed be God, who desireth not the death of a sinner ! It pleased Him not to cut off my son in his sins. He gave him time to repent ; and not only so, but a heart to repent. He showed him his lost estate by nature, and that, unless he was reconciled to God by His Son, and washed in His blood from all his sins, he could never be saved. After he was condemned at York for a robbery on the highway I attended him in the condemned room ; and, blessed be God, He enabled me to preach the everlasting gospel to him. It was on Saturday he was con- demned. It was on the Saturday following the Lord touched his heart. He then began to wrestle with God in prayer, and left not off till Sunday in the afternoon, when God, who is rich in mercy, applied the blood of His Son, and convinced him He had forgiven him all his sins. He felt his soul at peace with God, and longed to depart and to be 1 Jan Leusden, Dutch Orientalist, 3 Nov. 30, at Lewisham : Preface (1624-99); Dissertation in Defence to The Doctrine of Original Sin {Works, of the Hebrew Points (IV.H.S. vol. iv. vol. ix. p. 192). In December he wrote p. 109). a letter to ' a friend ' (Whitehead's Life, 1 IV.H.S. vol. iv. p. 109 ; below, p. 280. vol. ii. p. 286). 192 John Wesley s Journal [Dec. 1756. with Christ. The following week his peace increased daily, till on Saturday, the day he was to die, he came out of the condemned room clothed in his shroud, and went into the cart.1 As he went on, the cheerfulness and composure of his countenance were amazing to all the spectators. At the place of execution, after he had spent some time in prayer, he rose up, took a cheerful leave of his friends, and said, ' Glory be to God for free grace !' His last words were, ' Lord Jesus, receive my soul.' Part of the other letter, wrote by himself to his wife, was as follows : My Dear, Righteous is the Lord, and just are His judgements ! His hand of justice cuts my life short, but His hand of mercy saves my soul. You, for one, are a witness of the course of life I led. Were it in my power, I would gladly make amends to you and every one else that I have wronged. But, seeing it is not, I hope that God and you, and every one else, will accept of my willing mind. In a few hours I shall be delivered out of this miserable world. But, glory be to God, He has given repentance and remission of sins to me, the worst of sinners ; He has taken away the sting of death, and I am prepared to meet my God. Let my example encourage every sinner to forsake sin and come unto God through Jesus Christ. As a dying man I give you this advice : give yourself wholly up to God. Pray to Him, and never rest till you have secured an interest in the blood of Christ. Live in His fear, and you (as well as I) shall die in His favour. So no more from Your dying husband, Richard Varley. York Castle, Aug. 20. Mon. 6. — I began reading to our preachers the late Bishop of Cork's excellent Treatise on Human Understanding? in most points far clearer and more judicious than Mr. Locke's, as well as designed to advance a better cause. Fri. 10. — A person who was dying of a cancer in her breast, and deeply convinced of sin, sent a post-chaise, in which I went to her at Epsom. I left her on Saturday morning in strong 1 Note the incidental touch of ghastly Extent, and Limits of Human Under- realism. standing. London, 1728. See Rigg's 2 Dr. Peter Browne (Bishop of Cork, Living Wesley, p. 184; W.H.S. vol. iv. 1710-1735): The Procedure {or Progress), p. 109. Jan. 1757.1 In London 193 hope she should not go hence till her eyes had seen His salvation. In my fragments of time, in the following week, I read Mr. Hanway's accurate History of Shah Nadir, commonly called Kouli Khan} A scourge of God indeed ! A prodigy of valour and conduct, but an unparalleled monster of rapine and cruelty. Alexander the Great, yea, Nero or Domitian, was an innocent in comparison of him. Sun. 2C2 — I buried the remains of Joseph Yarner, an Israelite indeed. The peace which filled his heart during his last hours gave such a bloom to his very countenance as remained after death, to the surprise of all who remembered the cloud that used to hang upon it. 1757. Jan. 3, Mon. — I visited a poor dying backslider, full of good resolutions ; but who can tell when these imply a real change of heart ? And when they do not, when they spring from fear only, what will they avail before God ? 3 Mon. 10. — I walked to Bishop Bonner's with Mr. D , lately entered at Cambridge, full of good resolutions. May God continue him humble and simple of heart ! Then his sense and learning will do him good; but how great are the odds against him!4 Sat. 22. — I called upon one who did run well for several years, but for a considerable time he had cast off the very form of religion. Yet his heart was not utterly hardened. He determined to set out once more, and since that time he has been more confirmed in walking suitably to the gospel.5 Fri. 28. — Mr. Meier, chaplain to one of the Hanoverian regiments, called and spent an hour with me. I am surprised at the seriousness of all the German ministers with whom I 'See W.H.S. vol. iv. p. 109. West Street Chapel, and Bull-and-Mouth. Apparently he did not read the trading 4 The date at end of one of the section of the work, but only the history sections in Part II. of Wesley's Doctrine of Nadir Kouli. of Original Sin (see below, p. 327) is 2 On the 22nd he wrote to Miss Furly Jan. 18, 1757, and Part II. itself is (Works, vol. xii. p. 196). signed ' Lewisham,' Jan. 25. 1 The Sermon Register gives, for s In January Wesley also preached at Mon. Jan. 3, texts used at the Foundery, Lewisham, Leigh, and Lambeth. 1 94 John Wesley s Journal [Jan. 1757. have had occasion to converse ; entirely different from that pertness and affectation of wit which is too common in our own country.1 The following letter (which I received two or three months after) was dated on this day 2 : Though you and I may differ in some little things, I have long loved you and your brother, and wished and prayed for your success, as zealous revivers of experimental Christianity. If I differ from you in temper and design, or in the essentials of religion, I am sure the error must lie on my side. Blessed be God for hearts to love one another ! As I knew your correspondence must be very extensive, and your labours various and incessant, I intended to have kept my peculiar love for you a secret till we arrived where seas shall no more roll between us. But your late pious charity 3 constrains me to give you the trouble of a letter. I am confident God will attend it with His blessing, and render you useful at the distance of near four thousand miles. How great is the honour God has conferred upon you in making you a restorer of declining religion ! And after struggling through so much opposition, and standing almost single, with what pleasure must you behold so many raised up, zealous in the same cause, though perhaps not ranked under the same name, nor openly connected with you ! I am endeavouring, in my poor manner, to promote the same cause in this part of our guilty globe. My success is not equal to my wishes, but it vastly surpasses both my deserts and my expectation. I have baptized near one hundred and fifty adult negroes, of whom about sixty4 are communicants. Unpolished as they are, I find some of them have the art to dissemble. But, blessed be God, the generality of them, as far as I can learn, are real Christians, and I have no doubt but sundry of them are genuine children of Abraham. Among them in the first place, and then among the poor white people, I have distributed the books you sent me. I desire you to communicate this to your brother, as equally intended for him. And let me and my congregation, particularly my 1 Cf. another statement to the same the sake of his real life-work so provi- effect, Jan. I. 1778. dentially, failed. Cf. above, pp. 125, s His correspondence with the Rev. 149. Samuel Davies, of Virginia, interested 3 He refers to the books Wesley had him, as did everything relating to the sent, country in which he so painfully, yet for ' The 1st ed. says 'fifty.' Feb. 1757.] In London 195 poor negro converts, be favoured with your prayers. In return for which I hope neither you nor your cause will be forgotten by, Reverend sir, Your affectionate fellow labourer And obliged servant, Samuel Davies. Hanover (in Virginia), Jan. 28, 1757. Sun. 30. — Knowing God was able to strengthen me for His own work, I officiated at Snowsfields as usual before I went to West Street, where the service took me up between four and five hours. I preached in the evening, and met the society, and my strength was as my day. I felt no more weariness at night than at eight in the morning. Feb. 6, Sun. — The number of communicants at Spitalfields made this Lord's Day a little more laborious than the former. But God added proportionably to my strength, so I felt no difference. Thur. 10. — At the request of the author, I took some pains in correcting an ingenious book, shortly to be published. But the more I consider them, the more I doubt of all systems of astronomy. I doubt whether we can certainly know either the distance or magnitude of any star in the firmament. Else why do astronomers so immensely differ, even with regard to the distance of the sun from the earth ? — some affirming it to be only three,2 others ninety, millions of miles ! About this time the following note was given into my hand at Wapping : John White, master-at-arms aboard his Majesty's ship Tartar, now at Plymouth, desires to return Almighty God thanks for himself and all the ship's company for their preservation in four different engagements they have had with four privateers which they have taken, particularly the last, wherein the enemy first boarded them. They cleared the deck, boarded in their turn, and took the ship, thirty of the enemy being killed, and fifty more wounded. Only two of our crew were wounded, who, it is hoped, will recover. 1 He preached during February in or the Sermon Register), but not the dates. near London. The texts are given (see - The 1st ed. has ' twelve.' 196 John Wesley s Journal [Feb. 1757. Wed. 16. — Calling on a friend, I found him just seized with all the symptoms of a pleurisy.1 I advised him to apply a brimstone plaster, and in a few hours he was perfectly well. Now to what end should this patient have taken a heap of drugs and lost twenty ounces of blood ? To what end ? Why, to oblige the doctor and apothecary. Enough ! Reason good ! 2 Tues. 22. — I preached at Deptford. Even this wilderness does at length ' blossom and bud as the rose.' Never was there such life in this little flock before, nor such an increase in the number of hearers.3 The following letter was wrote on Saturday the 28th 4 : Reverend and dear Sir, When I was at Freshford, on January 30, in the morning I scrupled singing those words, Ye now afflicted are, And hated for His name, And in your bodies bear The tokens of the Lamb. I thought I was not afflicted or hated for the name of Christ. But this scruple was soon removed, for at Bradford,5 in the evening, I was pressed for a soldier, and carried to an inn where the gentlemen were. Mr. Pearce, hearing of it, came and offered bail for my appearance the next day. They said they would take his word for ten thousand pounds, but not for me ; I must go to the Round-house6 (the little stone room on the side of the bridge) ; so thither I was conveyed by five soldiers. There I found nothing to sit on but a stone, and nothing to lie on but a little straw. But soon after a friend sent me a chair, on which I sat all night. I had a double guard, twelve soldiers in all — 1 Cf. above, p. 156. He lost no oppor- writer is described as 'one of our tunity of practising his 'primitive physic,' preachers'; also above, vol. iii. p. 263. in the value of which he firmly be- 5 In Wiltshire. Thomas Mitchell lieved, both for himself and his people. says : ' I went into Wiltshire, where 8 On Feb. 18 he preached at the Bull- Mr. Pearce, of Bradford, was a father to and-Mouth. me.' So he was to Thomas Olivers in 3 See E.M.P. vol. iv. p. 139. the horrors of small-pox and in a terror 4 For the remarkable family of of debt. E.M.P. vol. i. p. 252 ; vol. ii. Hitchens — father and four sons— see pp. 65, 72; also above, July 1751 ; and Green's Bibliography, Nos. 89 and 102 ; W.H.S. vol. vi. p. 116. Works., vol. xiii. p. 341, where this <• Still standing. See W.H.S. vol. vi. letter ii given in shorter form, and the p. 115. Feb. 1757.] In London 197 two without, one in the door, and the rest within. I passed the night without sleep, but not without rest ; for, blessed be God, my peace was not broken a moment. My body was in prison, but I was Christ's freeman ; my soul was at liberty. And even there I found some work to do for God : I had fair opportunity of speaking to them who durst not leave me. And I hope it was not in vain. In the morning I had leave to go to a private house with only one soldier to guard me. About three in the afternoon I was carried before the Commissioners, and part of the Act read, which empowered them to take such able-bodied men as followed no business and had no lawful or sufficient maintenance. Then I said, ' If these are the men you are to take, I am not a proper person, for I do follow a lawful calling in partnership with my brother, and have also an estate.' The Justice said, ' If you will make oath of that, I think we must let you go.' But the Commissioners said no man could swear for himself. I said, ' Gentlemen, give me time, and you shall have full proof.' After a long debate they took a fifty-pound bond for my appearance on that day three weeks. All the time I could bless God that He counted me worthy to suffer for His name's sake. The next day I set out for Cornwall. I tarried at home four days, and then, setting out with my brother James, came to Bradford last Saturday. On Monday, in the afternoon, I appeared before the Commissioners with the writings of my estate. When the Justice had perused them, and my brother had taken his oath, I was set at liberty. So the fierceness of man turns to God's praise, and all this is for the furtherance of the gospel. I hope you will return God thanks for my deliverance out of the hands of unreasonable and wicked men. William Hitchens.1 Sun. 27. — After the service at Snowsfields I found myself much weaker than usual, and feared I should not be able to go through the work of the day, which is equal to preaching eight times. I therefore prayed that God would send me help, and as soon as I had done preaching at West Street, a clergyman who was come to town for a few days came and offered me his service. So when I asked for strength, God gave me strength ; when for help, He gave this also. I had been long desired to see the little flock at Norwich, but this I could not decently do till I was able to rebuild part of the Foundery there, to which I was engaged by my lease. A sum 1 He was an itinerant preacher from 1745 t0 '758. 198 John Wesley s Journal [March 1757. sufficient for that end was now unexpectedly given me by one of whom I had no personal knowledge. So I set out on Monday the 28th, and preached in Norwich on Tuesday evening, MARCH 1. Mr. Walsh had been there twelve or fourteen days, and not without a blessing. After preaching I entered into contract with a builder, and gave him part of the money in hand. On Wednesday and Thursday I settled all our spiritual and temporal business, and on Friday and Saturday returned with Mr. Walsh to London. Sun. 6. — I had no help, and I wanted none, for God renewed my strength. But on Sunday the 13th, finding myself weak at Snowsfields, I prayed (if He saw good) that God would send me help at the chapel, and I had it. A clergyman whom I never saw before came and offered me his assistance, and as soon as I had done preaching, Mr. Fletcher ' came, who had just then been ordained priest, and hastened to the chapel on purpose to assist, as he supposed me to be alone. Mon. 14. — I went with T[homas] Walsh to Canterbury, where I preached in the evening with great enlargement of spirit, but with greater in the morning, being much refreshed at the sight of so large a number of soldiers. And is not God 1 Rev. John Fletcher. John William Sacred Subjects, Dublin, 1784, p. 17 ; de la Flechere, born at Nyon, Switzer- Meth. Mag. 1798, p. 92 (quoted in Tyer- land, in 1729. A military officer, in man's Life of Wesley, vol. ii. p. 263). 17152 he came to England and obtained See also, and especially, Wesley's a tutorship in the family of Thomas ' Short Account of the Life and Death Hill M.P-, Tern Hall, Shropshire. In of Rev. John Fletcher' {Works, vol. xi. the parliamentary season he accom- pp. 273-365) and Tyerman's Wesley's panied the family to London, heard Designated Successor. In Wesley's the Methodists, and joined the society Sermon Register ' C,' the Chapel, (probably at West Street). After con- is always West Street. Dr. George suiting Wesley, he took orders in the Smith {Hist, of Methodism, vol. i. Church of England. He was ordained p. 276) says that Fletcher came to the at Whitehall and hastened to West Foundery ; Tyerman says that he came Street to help Wesley. From this time to Snowsfields ; but both are wrong. In onward he became Wesley's close ally in the absence of proof to the contrary, personal friendship, work, and contro- Wesley's statement in the text holds the versv_his confidential adviser. For field. Moreover, it was physically im- Fletcher's correspondence with Wesley probable, if not impossible, that Fletcher in 1756 with respect to his acceptance of could have reached either the Foundery a title to ordination, and, a month later, or Snowsfields in time for the com- with reference to ' the sacrament in your munion service so quickly after his ordi- chapels,' see Collection of Letters on nation at Whitehall. March 1757.) In London 199 able to kindle the same fire in the fleet which He has already begun to kindle in the army? Wed. 16. — I had the satisfaction to find an old stout-hearted sinner, who had been defying God for near fourscore years, now become as a little child, and complaining of his own ignorance and ingratitude to God. Fri. 18. — I returned to London.1 Sun. 20. — Mr. Fletcher helped me again. How wonderful arc the ways of God ! When my bodily strength failed, and none in England were able and willing to assist me, He sent me help from the mountains of Switzerland, and an helpmeet for me in every respect. Where could I have found such another ? ' Fri. 25. — After I had read to a serious clergyman the con- clusion of The Doctrine of Original Sin? he moved that we might spend some time in prayer. And I found great liberty of spirit in praying for Dr. Taylor, and a strong hope that God would show him ' the truth as it is in Jesus.' About this time many of the children of God rested from their labours. On Sunday the 13th I buried Elizabeth Langdon, who, after severe inward trials, was for several days in great pain, but in great peace. On Sunday the 20th I buried Hannah Lee, a pattern of industry, meekness, and patience. And on Sunday the 27th I buried Mary Naylor,4 who for several years was a most eminent pattern of truly Christian courage, plainness of speech, and plainness of apparel. A week before I had an opportunity of telling her all that was in my heart concerning her change (not for the better) in all these particulars. In the beginning of her illness she was in great darkness and distress of soul, but while prayer was made for her her bodily pain ceased and her 1 And preached at Snowsfields. pp. 406, 448 ; vol. ii. pp. 14, 82, 96, 194, - On March 24, from London, he 214. Tuck's Meth. in Frome gives wrote to Thomas Olivers (Metk. Rec. Betty and Sarah [Naylor], toy-makers, Sept. 23, 1881, p. 717). Avon Street, Bath, Sept. 1757. John ' March 23 is the date at the end of Wesley does not say he buried her in Part IV. See Green's Bibliography, London. She was with C. Wesley in No. 182; Works, vol. ix. pp. 196-464; the Devizes riots, Feb. 1747. He greatly W.H.S. vol. viii. p. 53. admired ' our faithful Mary Naylor,' and 4 For the identification of Mary Naylor, wrote eight hymns on her death. See compare C. Wesley's Journal, vol. i. also W.H.S. vol. vi. p. 57. 200 John Wesley s Journal rApmi757. soul received comfort; and on Monday the 2ist, just at midnight, she quietly fell asleep. Wed. 30.1 — I rode to a gentleman's near Beaconsfield, and preached at six in the evening in a large convenient place filled with serious hearers, several of whom had come five or six miles. Thur. 31.— I was earnestly importuned to go over to High Wycombe. I went and preached there at noon on the parable of the Sower. Perhaps some of the seed which has been sown here for many years will at length bring forth fruit.2 At six it seemed as if the whole town of Beaconsfield was assembled together. And I bear them witness, they gave earnest heed, high and low, to the things which were spoken. A large number of them were present in the morning, on Friday, APRIL i. Fair beginnings, these! But 'he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.' In returning to London I read a tract on TJie Law of Nature, wrote by a counsellor of Geneva. I am sorry to find Dr. Taylor's poison spread to the Alps also ! And even printed and published at Geneva, without any hindrance or animadversion ! Sun. 3. — I paid one more visit to Thomas Singleton, an amiable young man, called away at five-and-twenty, in the dawn of a flourishing business. The next day his spirit returned to God. On Good Friday, in the evening, at the meeting of the society, God was eminently present with us. I read over and enlarged upon Joseph Alleine's Directions for a Tliorough Conversion to God, and desired all who were able would meet me on Monday that we might ' perform our vows unto the Lord.' Mon. n. — At five in the evening about twelve hundred of the society met me at Spitalfields. I expected two to help me, but none came. I held out till between seven and eight. I was then scarce able to walk or speak, but I looked up and received strength. At half-hour after nine God broke in ' On Saturday, March 26, he preached places named in the Journal ; also at at Wapping. 'Chester Nor' (?) Westminster, and 2 During March he preached at the Deptford. April 1757.] In the Midlands 201 mightily upon the congregation. ' Great ' indeed ' was our glorying' in Him; we were 'filled with consolation.' And when I returned home between ten and eleven I was no more tired than at ten in the morning. Tues. 12. — I set out at five for Bedford. About seven the rain began. It did not intermit till noon, and was driven upon us by a most furious wind. In the afternoon we had some intervals of fair weather, and before five we reached Bedford. Mr. Parker,1 now mayor, received us gladly. He hath not borne the sword in vain. There is no cursing or swearing heard in these streets ; no work done on the Lord's Day. Indeed, there is no open wickedness of any kind now to be seen in Bedford. Oh what may not one magistrate do who has a single eye and a confidence in God ! Both in the evening and the following morning I preached 2 the law as well as the gospel. The next evening I preached on ' All things are ready : come ye to the marriage.' And God eminently confirmed His word. It seemed as if not one would be left behind. TJiur. 14. — We rode to Leicester, where John Brandon3 has gathered a small society. I preached at seven; the house4 (supposed to contain a thousand people) was thoroughly filled. I believe there were forty or fifty soldiers ; and all heard as for life. Fri. 15. — Being informed the straight road to Birmingham was scarce passable, we went round by Coventry. Before six we reached Birmingham. Sat. 16. — I spoke to each member of the society. What havoc have the two opposite extremes, Mysticism and Anti- 1 See above, p. 85. history dating from 1682. Among the 2 In the room over the hog-stye. See original trustees was John Coltman. In below, pp. 358, 359. 1753 it was purchased by Mr. William s A dragoon, said to have been the Lewis, a hosier, High Street, Leicester, first Methodist in Leicester. He entered in a licensed room of whose house the the itinerancy in 1765 and left it in 1766 first Methodist service was held. Mr. (MetA. Mag. 1834, pp. 102-3). ar*d Mrs- Lewis never belonged to the * See article by W. W. Stamp, Methodists, but to the Presbyterian Meth. Mag. 1834, p. 102. Also above, Great Meeting. This was the ' House ' vol. ii. p. 463. If, as seems more than referred to in the text. Wesley refers to probable, the ' House ' is the same as John Brandon in a letter to Walter ' The Barn,' Millstone Lane, it had a Sellon ( Works, vol. xiii. p. 43). 202 John Wesley s Journal [Apmi767 nomianism, made among this once earnest and simple people ! Had it not been good for those men not to have been born, by whom these little ones have been offended ? In the afternoon I rode to Dudley, where the work of God increases greatly, notwithstanding the immense scandal which has been given by those who once rejoiced in the love of God. One of these has lately killed his own child by a blow upon the head. After preaching I talked with M. B., who has been long ' a mother in Israel.' I was under strong convictions [said she] when twelve or thirteen years old, and soon after found peace with God. But I lost it by degrees, and then contented myself with living a quiet, harmless life till Mr. Charles Wesley came to Wednesbury in the year 1742. Soon after this my convictions returned, though not with terror, as before, but with strong hope, and in a little time I recovered peace and joy in believing. This I never lost since, but for forty-eight hours (by speak- ing angrily to my child). Not long after Mr. Jones talked particularly with me about the wickedness of my heart. I went home in great trouble, which did not cease, till one day, sitting in my house, I heard a voice say, in my inmost soul, ' Be ye holy ; for I am holy.' From that hour for a year and a quarter (though I never lost my peace) I did nothing but long and weep and pray for inward holiness. I was then sitting one day, Aug. 23, 1744, about eight in the morning, musing and praying as usual, when I seemed to hear a loud voice, saying at once to my heart and to my outward ears, ' This day shall salvation come to this house.' I ran upstairs, and presently the power of God came upon me, so that I shook all over like a leaf. Then a voice said, ' This day is salvation come to this house.' At the instant I felt an entire change. I was full of love and full of God. I had the witness in myself that He had made an end of sin and taken my whole heart for ever. And from that moment I have never lost the witness nor felt anything in my heart but pure love. Sun. 17. — The rain constrained me to preach within at eight, though the house would ill contain the congregation ; but we prayed that God, if He saw good, would ' stay the bottles of heaven ' for the sake of those at Wednesbury. And before we came thither the rain stayed, so that I proclaimed Christ crucified in the open air to such a congregation as no house could have contained. At five I preached to a still larger congregation on ' He that believeth shall be saved.' Apm 1757.] In Liverpool 203 As soon as I had done the rain returned, and continued great part of the night. Mon. 18. — In the evening I preached at Bilbrook to an earnest congregation, and joined twenty of them in a society, one of whom had Christ clearly revealed in him thirty years ago ; but he could find none who understood what he said till the Methodists (so called) came. He clave to them immediately, rejoicing with them, and over them, who were partakers of like precious faith.1 Tues. 19. — Between Nantwich and Poole a thick, black cloud came across us, out of which issued such a violent wind as was ready to bear us off our horses ; but in five minutes' time the wind fell, and the cloud bore clear away. Wed. 20. — The congregation at Chester in the evening was as quiet and serious as that at the Foundery, and the society was near a third part larger than when I was here in autumn. Thur. 21. — I rode to Liverpool,2 where I found about half of those I left in the society. James S[cholefie]ld had swept away the rest, in order to which he had told lies innumerable. But none who make lies their refuge will prosper. A little while and his building will moulder away. Sun. 24. — We had two very useful sermons at St. Thomas's church 3 : the one on counting the cost before we begin to build, the other on ' Be ye angry, and sin not' And both of them were exactly suitable to the present case of many in the congregation. The upper part of the high spire of the church was blown down in the late storm. The stones, being bound together by strong iron cramps, hung waving in the air for some time. Then they broke through roof, gallery, pews, and pavement, and made a deep dint in the ground. 1 He preached at Alpraham probably 3 ' Our parish church,' Wesley calls on the 18th (Sermon Register); also, in it; see May 6, 1759, April 5, 1761, April, at Dewsbury. March 22, 1778. It stood about midway ■ See Tyerman, vol. ii. p. 274 ; W.H.S. between the Custom House and Pitt vol. ii. p. 67 ; Myles's Chron. Hist. p. Street Chapel. It was consecrated in 448. 'James Schofield' appears in the 1750, the year of the erection of the first account-book of the Manchester Round. Pitt Street, and demolished in 1906. This Wesley preached in and around Liver- was not the 'Old Church,' which was pool from the 21st to the 30th. named St. Nicholas. 204 John Wesley s Journal (May 1767. Mon. 25. — I walked to the Infirmary, standing on a hill, at the north end of the town. The Seamen's Hospital is joined to it on each side by semicircular piazzas. All is extremely clean and neat, at least equal to anything in London. The old seamen have smaller or larger allowance, according to their families ; so that nothing is wanting to make their lives easy and comfortable — but the love of God. I afterwards spent an hour with Mr. Peter Whitefield,1 a man of strong understanding and various learning. His Dissertation in Defence of the Hebrew Points (which he sent me the next morning) is far more satisfactory than anything which I ever heard or read upon the subject. Thur. 28. — I talked with one who, by the advice of his pastor, had, very calmly and deliberately, beat his wife with a large stick till she was black and blue almost from head to foot. And he insisted it was his duty so to do, because she was surly and ill-natured ; and that he was full of faith all the time he was doing it, and had been so ever since. Sat. 30. — I took a view of the Free School, a truly noble benefaction. Here seventy boys and thirty girls are entirely provided for. The building forms three sides of a square, and is rather elegant than magnificent. The children are taught to work, in their several ways, as well as to read and write. The school, the dining-rooms, and the lodgings are all plain and clean. The whole was the gift of one man, Mr. Blundell, a merchant of Liverpool. May 2, Mon. — I preached at Warrington about noon to a wild, staring people (very few excepted), who seemed just ripe for mischief. But the bridle was in their jaws. In the evening I preached at Manchester.2 Wed. 4. — I rode over to Hayfield, and preached at one in the church to a congregation gathered from all parts. Thur. 5. — I inquired of John Johnson concerning Miss Beres- ford.3 The sum of his account was this : She was always an innocent, sober young woman, having the form of godliness, till she was convinced of sin, and soon after justified. She See W.H.S. vol. iv. pp. no, 151. s ' Miss Judith Beresford-asweet, but Early in May he preached at Bolton. short-lived flower.' See above, p. HO. May 1757,] Judith Beresford 205 was a pattern both of piety and industry. Notwithstanding her fortune and her sickliness, she was never unemployed ; when she had no other work, working for the poor. And the whole tenor of her conversation was such that it is still a common saying, ' If Miss Beresford is not gone to heaven, nobody ever will.' She had a vehement love to the word of God, and spared no pains in order to hear it. Frequently she would not go to bed all night lest she should miss the morning preaching. She lost no opportunity of meeting with her brethren, to whom her heart was closely united : nor was she afraid or ashamed to own the poorest of them, wherever she met them, and whatever company she was in. The very sight of them occasioned a joy in her soul which she neither could nor desired to hide. ^Vhen her weakness confined her to her room she rejoiced with joy unspeakable ; more especially when she was delivered from all her doubts concerning Christian perfection. Never was any one more athirst for this, for the whole mind that was in Christ. And she earnestly exhorted all her brethren vehemently to press after it. The more her bodily strength decayed, the more she was strengthened in spirit. She called upon all that were with her, ' Help me to rejoice ; help me to praise God ' ; having no fear, but a jealousy over herself lest she should exceed in her desire to be with Christ. As soon as I came to Ashbourne she sent for me, and broke out, ' I am just at my journey's end. What a mercy that I, who have done so little for God, should be so soon taken up to Him ! Oh, I am full of the love of God ! I dare not exercise my faith fully upon God. The glory of the Lord is so great that I cannot bear it ; I am over- whelmed ; my natural life is almost gone with the brightness of His presence. Sometimes I am even forced to cry out, Lord, stay Thy hand till I come into glory? I asked, ' Have you lately felt any remains of sin in you ? ' She said, ' I felt pride some weeks ago.' And it seems this was the last time. She added, ' I have now no will ; the will of God is mine. I can bring my dearest friends before the Lord ; and, while I am praying for them, the glory of the Lord so overpowers me that I am lost, and adore in silence the God of heaven.' She cried out, ' Tell all from me that perfection is attainable ; and exhort all to press after it. What a blessing is t that I have no weary hours ; though I am confined to my bed night and day, and can take scarce anything but water to refresh me, yet I am like a giant refreshed with wine.' Afterward she broke out, ' If I had lived in what the world calls pleasure, what a miserable creature should I have been now ! What should I be if I had no God on my side ? When the fire has made me bright, then I shall go to my God.' She prayed largely for all states of mankind ; but particularly for the prosperity of the Church, and for VOL. IV 13 2o6 John Wesley s Journal [May it67. the society at Ashbourne, that God would continue and increase His work among them. When she altered for death, she called for her mother and brothers, to each of whom she gave an earnest exhortation. Then she said, ' Now I have no more to do here ; I am ready to die. Send to Mr. W[esley], and tell him I am sorry I did not sooner believe the doctrine of perfect holiness. Blessed be God, I now know it to be the truth ! ' After greatly rejoicing in God for two days more, she said one morning, ' I dreamed last night I heard a voice, Christ will come to-day for His bride. It is for me. He will come for me to-day.' And a few hours after, without one struggle, or sigh, or groan, she sweetly fell asleep. One who was intimately acquainted with her writes thus : Glory be to God for the blessed privilege I enjoyed of being with her, night and day, for a month before she died ! When I went to her first, she had kept her bed some days, and was extremely weak. And yet she spoke considerably plainer than ever I heard her in my life. She called as soon as I entered the room, 'My dear friend, give me your hand. Let us rejoice that my time is so near approaching. Do not mourn ; you know it is what we expected.' I was soon brought to wish her safe on the happy shore. She said, 'This is true friendship. But how is it that I do not feel greater transports of love, now I am so near the time of seeing my Lord face to face ? Indeed I am ashamed to approach Him before whom the angels veil their faces ! ' She often said, ' I take it as a fresh token of His love that He sent you to me at this time.' Her pains were great ; but she bore all with invincible patience and resignation, and often said, ' I find it good for me to be afflicted ; in His time I shall come out throughly purified.' Afterward she said, ' I experience more upon this bed of my own nothingness, and the free grace of God in Christ, than ever I did in all my life. The best of my performances would be damnable without Christ.' Several days before her death her love was so great that she cried, ' I am overcome, I am overcome, I am overcome ! ' And when she had scarce strength to speak she praised God in a wonderful manner. Even when she was light-headed her talk was wholly concerning the things of God. She called to Mr. Wesley, as if he had been by her, and said, ' O sir, how hard it is for the rich to enter into the kingdom of heaven ! I am saved ; but I am but just saved.' When her fever abated she told me she had dreamed that she was with him. And sometimes I could scarce persuade her but he had been there. She after asked if I saw no more appearance of death in her face yet. When I told her there was, she begged I would indulge her with May 1767.) Judith Beresford 207 a looking-glass ; and, looking earnestly into it, she said with transport, ' I never saw myself with so much pleasure in my life.' On Saturday morning at six she said, ' My Saviour will come to- day and fetch His bride.' Yet about eight she said, ' If you had felt what I have done this morning, it would have killed you. I had lost sight of God.' (Perhaps in the last conflict ' with principalities and powers.') From this time she was filled with joy, but spoke little. Her eyes were still lifted up to heaven, till her soul was released, with so much ease that I did not know when she drew her last breath. So died Judith Beresford, as it were a hundred years old, at the age of four-and-twenty. A little more of her life and of her spirit may be learned from one or two of her letters. How can you love me, since there is still such a mixture of evil in all I say and do ? But why should I ask this question ? The Lord Himself loves me ; and in the late dispensation of His providence He has mercifully discovered to me some sins of a refined nature, which before I was almost ignorant of, and now wait and pray to be delivered from. And I can joyfully add, the Lord is nigh to all that call upon Him. He will fulfil my desire, though not as I desired ; His way and His will are best. But how long shall I acknowledge this without implicitly submitting to it ? My own will I am apt to think good in such cases, and to grieve when it is crossed. So that I easily discern how needful it is for me to be tried, and made to sacrifice to the Lord of that which costs me something. I need not say — for the above, alas ! will tell you — that I cannot answer all your questions in the affirmative ; for did I continually find God present with me, and always walk in the light of His countenance, most surely there could be no part dark in me. Yet this I can say, that I see His hand stretched out to save and to deliver ; and my trust is that before I go hence I shall behold all His salvation ; and if it can serve any good purpose, He will open my lips to declare His praise, and let a poor creature glorify Him in her death. For this I pray, and rejoice in hope, knowing the God whom I serve is able to fulfil in me all the good pleasure of His will, and the work of faith with power. As to the shadows of this world, I think I may truly say they are as nothing to me. The evil (for certainly it must be some) that at times interposes between God and my soul is, I believe, of a more spiritual nature. The stirrings of pride I sometimes feel, and, I trust, shall bewail as long as one spark remains. My dear friend, adieu ! I trust we shall have a happy meeting at 208 John Wesley s Journal [May 1757. last. In the meantime, I am persuaded a few lines from you would add greatly to my peace and comfort. I am Your very loving, and (I hope) obedient child, J. B. September 7, 1756. In answer to a letter wherein I desired some account of her experience she wrote as follows : How does it add to the glory of the Almighty Saviour that, from my very infancy, this rebel heart has felt the drawings of His love ! Therefore since you desire to know how I was first convinced that I was a poor guilty sinner, I must begin with saying that goodness and mercy have followed me all my days. But I know not how to proceed ; the workings of sin and grace that I have felt are beyond description. Yet out of the mouth of babes and sucklings the Lord can perfect praise. My childhood was spent in much simplicity and peace. The Lord drew me to Himself with the cords of love, and I found great joy in pouring out my soul before Him. Original sin I was quite ignorant of; but actual sins I felt and bewailed ; and after some time spent in weeping for them, I felt peace, and renewed my resolutions. But they could not last long ; for pride, envy, and all manner of evil now sprung up in my heart. Yet at times I had strong convictions, and often resolved to be very serious when I was older. So I went on from eight or ten years old till seventeen ; then I was indeed as bad as bad could be, desired nothing but to be admired, and was filled with all that foolish vanity which poor young women are most prone to. Christmas 1750, I was advised to partake of the Lord's Supper. I knew it was right, but was conscious of my ignor- ance and unfitness for it. However, I endeavoured to prepare myself, and was pretty well satisfied, after I had made a formal confession of my sins, and shed some tears for them. About this time there was a great talk of Methodism, and a cousin of mine was brought to seek the Lord. I went to visit her in January 1751, and told her, before I came away, I knew I was not what I ought to be, and should be glad to be instructed. From this time we carried on a correspondence, and by degrees light broke in upon my heart. But, alas ! though I well knew that in me was no good thing, and seemed to disclaim my own righteousness, yet the idol lurked within, and I really trusted in my own prayers and other duties. In this manner I went on that whole year, toward the end of which my corruptions were more violent. Sin took occasion by the command- ment, and I was often ready to be carried away by the torrent. May 1757.] Judith Beresford 209 February 1752, it pleased God to take my dear friend. This appeared to me a heavy judgement ; yet I afterwards saw how it was tempered with mercy, as it taught me to trust in none but the ever- lasting arm. Her death happily proved the occasion of her elder sister's conversion. The blessing of a Christian friend was restored to me, and we received each other as from the Lord. In 1753 and 1754 I had great outward afflictions, and at times strong inward conflicts ; though, blessed be God, I generally found comfort in pouring out my complaints before Him. But towards the end of 1754 I began to feel my hope decline ; and for several nights in secret prayer I was in strong agony of spirit. The Lord then, while I was upon my knees, stripped off all my fig-leaves. At the same time He showed me the all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ to save sinners, to save me, the chief ; and I was enabled to cry out, ' My Lord and my God ! I have redemption in Thy blood.' From this happy time I went on my way rejoicing, though I was at times grievously assaulted, both by the stirrings of my old corruptions, and temptations from the devil, blasphemous thoughts in particular. I always experienced something of this before the sacrament ; but the Lord made a way for me to escape. In the beginning of the year 1 755 we had preaching near Ashbourne. This I had wished for long ; and now I was honoured with suffering a little for the name of Christ. At first I was rather ashamed, but the Lord strengthened me ; and so great a blessing did I find by conversing with these dear people that I feared none of those things which I did or might suffer. My acquaintance were now less fond of my company, and they that looked upon me shaked their heads. This proved an unspeakable blessing ; for often had I cause to fear the love of men. From the time of my becoming serious, or rather beginning to aim at it, my health visibly declined. This at first occasioned me some trouble, because all cried out it was being too religious ; but afterwards I saw great mercy in this chastisement, and the consequences of it ; one of which was that I had a just excuse, even in the judgement of others, for refraining from many things which in my circumstances could not otherwise have been avoided without great opposition from those who were near and dear unto me. Not that I ever fasted : God knows I have been deficient in this as well as every other duty ; but I had a happy liberty of using some little self-denial, for which the Lord be praised ! Oh how has He led me and carried me in His bosom ! Is it not wonderful ? And yet I have not told you a tenth part ; but the time fails, and my strength fails. Praise God with me, and let us magnify His name together. October I, 1756. 210 John Wesley s Journal rMayi7B7. I believe this was one of the last letters she wrote. Shortly after she was called hence. So unaffected, so composed a mind, So firm yet soft, so strong yet so refined, Heaven, as its purest gold, with torture tried ; The saint sustained it — but the woman died.1 An account of a widely different nature I received about this time from Ireland : Thomas B., about three miles from Tyrrell's Pass, was at the point of death by a violent rupture. While they were praying for him in the society he was at once restored to perfect health. He continued in health for several years, and in the knowledge and love of God ; but no sooner did he return to folly than his disorder returned, and in some months it put an end to his life. He died as stupid as an ox. Mon. 9. — I rode over the mountains to Huddersfield. A wilder people I never saw in England. The men, women, and children filled the street as we rode along, and appeared just ready to devour us. They were, however, tolerably quiet while I preached ; only a few pieces of dirt were thrown, and the bell- man came in the middle of the sermon, but was stopped by a gentleman of the town. I had almost done when they began to ring the bells ; so that it did us small disservice. How intolerable a thing is the gospel of Christ to them who are resolved to serve the devil ! Wed. II. — I preached, about one, at Wakefield, in a small meadow2 near the town. When I began the sun shone ex- ceeding hot, but in a few minutes it was covered with clouds. The congregation was more quiet and serious than ever I saw there before. Almost as soon as I had done speaking the sun broke out again. Thur. 12. — I finished Dr. Roger's Essay on the Learning of the Ancients} I think he has clearly proved that they had micro- scopes and telescopes, and knew all that is valuable in the modern astronomy ; but, indeed, he has fully shown the whole frame of this to be quite uncertain, if not self-contradictory. 1 From Pope's epitaph on Mrs. Corbet. July 5, 1764, and the ' inconvenient ' sun. ; The meadow is. mentioned again on ' See W.H.S. vol. iv. p. no. May 1757.1 In Yorkshire 2 1 1 The latter end of the week I spent at Bradford.1 Sun. 15. — At five the house2 contained the congregation, but at eight they covered the plain adjoining to it. The sun was hot till the clouds interposed ; it was a solemn and comfortable season. As soon as the service of the church was ended I began at the end of the house again, and exhorted a willing multitude to ' follow after charity.' A shower of rain and hail fell as I drew to a conclusion, but it did not disturb the congregation. Soon after I took horse for Birstall. The congregation here was treble to that at Bradford, but, as they stood one above another on the circular slope of the hill, my voice commanded them all. Though I spoke longer than I usually do, I found no weariness or weakness. Shall not ' they that trust in the Lord renew their strength ' ? Yea, as long as the sun and moon endureth. On Monday and Tuesday I preached in the neighbouring towns.3 Wed. 18. — I rode in the afternoon, from Halifax, over the huge, but extremely pleasant and fruitful, mountains to Hepton- stall. A large congregation was waiting for us, not only on the ground, but on the side and tops of the neighbouring houses. But no scoffer or trifler was seen among them. It rained in the adjoining valley all or most of the time that I was preaching, but it was fair with us on the top of the mountain. What an emblem of God's taking up His people into a place of safety while the storm falls on all below ! Here I was informed of the earthquake the day before. On Tuesday, May 17, many persons in several parts, within five or six miles, heard a strange noise under the ground, which some compared to thunder, others to the rumbling of carts. Quickly after they felt the earth rock under them and wave to and fro. Many who were within doors heard their pewter and 1 See Stamp's Methodism in Bradford, s During May he preached at Cleck- pp. 36-8. heaton, Leeds, Redhill, Wigton, Wy- 2 An old cock-pit near the junction of combe, Warton, and Wednesbury. From Bond Street with Aldermanbury, taken 'Bristol' (see Works, vol. xii. p. 196 — by the Society in 1756. See Dickons's this should probably read ' Birstall') he Kirkgate Chapel, pp. 30-32, with illus- wrote to Miss Furly (May 18). tration of the building. 2 1 2 John Wesley s Journal. [May 1757. glass clatter ; many in the fields felt the ground shake under their feet ; and all agreed as to the time, though they knew nothing of each other's account. Thur. 19. — I preached at Ewood about seven, not intending to preach again till the evening ; but Mr. Grimshavv begged I would give them one sermon at Gaulksholme, after which we climbed up the enormous mountain, I think equal to any I saw in Germany, on the brow of which we were saluted by a severe shower, which a high wind drove full in our faces almost till we came to Haslingden.1 Here I learned that the earthquake observed near Heptonstall had been sensibly felt by very many persons from Bingley, three miles eastward of Keighley, to the neighbourhood of Preston. It was everywhere preceded by a hoarse rumbling about three o'clock, so that in a few minutes it had run from east to west, between fifty and sixty miles. Fri. 20. — I preached near Padiham at eight to a large, wild congregation 2 ; about noon at Roughlee, where those who stood firm in the storm had melted away in the calm. At Keighley I had neither voice nor strength left, but while I was preaching my strength returned. Sat. 21. — I had a little conference with our preachers. In the afternoon I preached at Bingley. I have not lately seen so genteel a congregation, yet the word of God fell heavy upon them. Sun. 22. — After preaching at five, I took horse for Haworth. A December storm met us upon the mountain, but this did not hinder such a congregation as the church could not contain. I suppose we had near a thousand communicants, and scarce a trifler among them. In the afternoon, the church not containing 1 Near Todmorden, where, in 1744, For Gaulksholme see also below, p. 332. William Darney had preached and '-' One of his ' wild ' hearers was formed a society, as soon after he did at Robert Worsick, whose grandmother ran Heap Barn and Miller Barn (B. Moore, after Wesley brandishing an axe and Burnley Methodism). One of the earliest threatening to kill him. A year later a converts was Mrs. Sarah Fielden, mother chapel was built, the trustees of which of Rev. Joshua Fielden, who wrote her were William Grimshaw and two weavers, memoir (Meth. Mag. 1815, p. 443)- James Hunter and James Moor. See T. E. Brigden (IV.H.S. vol. iii. p. Tyerman's Life of Wesley, vol. ii. p. 275 ; 199) quotes details from John Stott's B. Moore's Burnley Methodism, p. 20 ; and Notices of Methodism in Haslingden. Meth. Ree. Feb. 14, 1907. 1. THE PARISH CHURCH, HAWORTH, IN GRIMSHAW S TIME 2. THE OLD PARSONAGE, HAWORTH. 5. WILLIAM GRIMSHAW. 4. THE PULPIT NEAR THE WINDOW OF HAWORTH CHURCH. The above are from photograph* by Mr. J. W. Laycock. 2*3 May 1757.1 In Cumberland 215 more than a third of the people, I was constrained to be in the churchyard. The rain began as soon as I began to speak, but they regarded it not, for God sent into their hearts — The former and the latter rain ; The love of God, and love of man.1 Man. 2$. — I took horse at four. It rained till noon without any intermission, and we had heavy showers in the afternoon ; however, we reached Ambleside in the evening. Tues. 24. — We rode by Keswick 2 to Whitehaven. Within a few miles of the town I was so tired that I could scarce either ride or walk, but all weariness was gone before I had preached a quarter of an hour. Wed. 25. — I was surprised to see not only hedges and shrubs without a green leaf upon them, but abundance of trees likewise naked as in the depth of winter. Upon inquiring, I found that, some time before, a violent wind had gone through all these parts, which not only threw down chimneys, walls, and barns, and tore up trees by the roots, but scorched every green thing it touched as with fire, so that all the leaves immediately fell off, and not only bushes and fruit-trees, but elms, oaks, and firs withered away to the very roots. Fri. 27. — I preached at Branthwaite about noon. Many of the congregation came from far. The rain was suspended from ten till evening, so that they had opportunity both of coming and returning. This also was an answer to prayer ; and is any such too little to be remembered ? 3 Sun. 29 (being Whit Sunday). — After preaching at eight and at two, I hastened to Cockermouth. I began without delay, and cried to a listening multitude, ' If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink.' The word had free course. Even the gentry seemed desirous to drink of the ' living water.' Mon. 30. — I rode to Wigton,4 a neat, well-built town on the edge of Cumberland. I preached in the market-place at twelve. 1 From Charles Wesley's Version of wrote a letter to Blackwell — one of his Ps. exxxiii. most comforting letters ( Works, vol. xii. - He breakfasted at Keswick (Works, p. 185). vol. xii. p. 185). ' See article in Meth. Rec. Nov. 12, ' On May 28, from Whitehaven, he 1903, for Methodism in Wigton. 2 1 6 John Wesley s Journal rjune 1757. The congregation was large and heavily attentive. Between four and five we crossed Solway Frith, and before seven reached an ill-looking house called the Brow, which we came to by mistake, having passed the house we were directed to. I believe God directed us better than man. Two young women, we found, kept the house, who had lost both their parents, their mother very lately. I had great liberty in praying with them and for them. Who knows but God will fasten something upon them which they will not easily shake off? Tues. 31. — I breakfasted at Dumfries, and spent an hour with a poor backslider of London, who had been for some years settled there. We then rode through an uncommonly pleasant country (so widely distant is common report from truth) to Thornhill, two or three miles from the Duke of Queensberry's seat — an ancient and noble pile of building, delightfully situated on the side of a pleasant and fruitful hill. But it gives no pleasure to its owner, for he does not even behold it with his eyes. Surely this is a sore evil under the sun : a man has all things and enjoys nothing. We rode afterward partly over and partly between some of the finest mountains, I believe, in Europe — higher than most, if not than any, in England, and clothed with grass to the very top. Soon after four we came to Leadhills, a little town at the foot of the mountains, wholly inhabited by miners. JUNE i, Wed. — We rode on to Glasgow, a mile short of which we met Mr. Gillies x riding out to meet us. In the evening the tent (so they called a covered pulpit) was placed in the yard of the poorhouse, a very large and commodious place. Fronting the pulpit was the infirmary, with most of the patients at or near the windows. Adjoining to this was the hospital for lunatics ; several of them gave deep attention. And cannot God give them also the spirit of a sound mind ? After sermon they brought four children to baptize. I was at the kirk in the morning while the minister baptized several imme- diately after sermon, so I was not at a loss as to their manner of baptizing. I believe this removed much prejudice. frn\ 3, — At seven the congregation was increased, and Hev. Dr. Gillies ; see above, p. 62. June 1757.' A Scotch Tour 217 earnest attention sat on every face. In the afternoon we walked to the College and saw the new library, with the collection of pictures. Many of them are by Raphael, Rubens, Van Dyck, and other eminent hands ; but they have not room to place them to advantage, their whole building being very small. Sat. 4. — I walked through all parts of the old cathedral, a very large and once beautiful structure — I think more lofty than that at Canterbury, and nearly the same length and breadth. We then went up the main steeple, which gave us a fine prospect both of the city and the adjacent country. A more fruitful and better cultivated plain is scarce to be seen in England. Indeed, nothing is wanting but more trade (which would naturally bring more people) to make a great part of Scotland no way inferior to the best counties in England. I was much pleased with the seriousness of the people in the evening, but still I prefer the English congregation. I cannot be reconciled to men sitting at prayer or covering their heads while they are singing praise to God. Sun. 5. — At seven the congregation was just as large as my voice could reach, and I did not spare them at all. So, if any will deceive himself, I am clear of his blood. In the afternoon it was judged two thousand at least went away not being able to hear, but several thousands heard very distinctly, the evening being calm and still. After preaching I met as many as desired it of the members of the praying societies. I earnestly advised them to meet Mr. Gillies every week, and at their other meetings not to talk loosely and in general (as their manner had been) on some head of religion, but to examine each other's hearts and lives. Mon. 6.— We took horse early, and in three hours reached the Kirk o' Shots, where the landlord seemed to be unusually affected by a few minutes' conversation, as did also the woman of the house where we dined. We came to Musselburgh at five. I went to an inn, and sent for Mr. Bailiff Lindsey, whom I had seen several years ago. He came immediately, and desired me to make his house my home. At seven I preached in the Poorhouse to a large and deeply attentive congregation ; but, the number of people making the room extremely hot, I preached in the morning before the door. Speaking afterwards to the 218 John Wesley s Journal {June 1757. members of the society, I was agreeably surprised to find more than two-thirds knew in whom they had believed. And the tree was known by its fruits. The national shyness and stubbornness were gone, and they were as open and teachable as little children. At seven five or six and forty of the fifty Dragoons, and multitudes of the town's-people, attended. Is the time come that even these wise Scots shall become fools for Christ's sake ? Wed. 8. — I rode to Dunbar.1 Here also I found a little society, most of them rejoicing in God their Saviour. At eleven I went out into the main street, and began speaking to a congregation of two men and two women. These were soon joined by above twenty little children, and not long after by a large number of young and old. On a sudden the sun broke out and shone full in my face, but in a few moments I felt it not. In the afternoon I rode to Berwick-upon-Tweed. They did not expect me till the next day. However, a congregation quickly assembled, and one as large, if not larger, at five in the morning. Thur. 9. — To-day Douglas? the play which has made so much noise, was put into my hands. I was astonished to find it is one of the finest tragedies I ever read. What pity that a few lines were not left out, and that it was ever acted at Edinburgh ! Fri. 10. — I found myself much out of order, till the flux stopped at once without any medicine ; but being still weak, and the sun shining extremely hot, I was afraid I should not be able to go round by Kelso. Vain fear ! God took care for this also. The wind, which had been full east for several days, turned this morning full west, and blew just in our face ; and about ten the clouds rose, and kept us cool till we came to Kelso. 1 See Rankin's autobiography in John Home, a minister of the Kirk. It E.M.P. (vol. v.) for account of early was first performed Dec. 14, I7SS- Tne Methodism in Dunbar, especially pp. author and certain ministers who at- 140-2, 156-9. Andrew Affleck {Meth. tended the performance were cited by Mag. 1813, p. 73) had been awakened the Kirk. Home resigned June 7, 1757. before the Methodist preachers visited About the objectionable lines pamphlets Dunbar by attending the prayer- meet- were written. See W.H.S. vol. iv. pp. ings of some pious English Dragoons. 240, 241 ; also Dublin Univ. Mag. 1868, 2 The play was written by the Rev. p. 659, quoted in- W.H.S. above. June 1757.] In Northumberland 219 At six William Coward and I went to the market-house.1 We stayed some time, and neither man, woman, nor child came near us. At length I began singing a Scotch psalm, and fifteen or twenty people came within hearing, but with great circum- spection, keeping their distance as though they knew not what might follow. But while I prayed their number increased, so that in a few minutes there was a pretty large congregation. I suppose the chief men of the town were there, and I spared neither rich nor poor. I almost wondered at myself, it not being usual with me to use so keen and cutting expressions, and I believe many felt that, for all their form, they were but heathens still. Sat. 11.— Near as many were.present at five, to whom I spoke full as plain as before. Many looked as if they would look us through ; but the shyness peculiar to this nation prevented their saying anything to me, good or bad, while I walked through them to our inn. About noon I preached at Wooler, a pretty large town eighteen miles from Kelso. I stood on one side of the main street, near the middle of the town. And I might stand, for no creature came near me till I had sung part of a psalm. Then a row of children stood before me, and in some time about a hundred men and women. I spoke full as plain as I did at Kelso ; and Pharisees themselves are not out of God's reach. In the afternoon we came to Alnwick, and at six I preached in the court-house to a congregation of another spirit.2 Sun. 12. — At seven they were gathered from all parts, and I was greatly refreshed among them. At five, the court-house being too small, I was obliged to go out into the market-place. Oh what a difference is there between these living stones and the dead, unfeeling multitudes in Scotland ! Mon. 13. — I proclaimed the love of Christ to sinners in the market-place at Morpeth. Thence we rode to Plessey. The society of colliers here may be a pattern to all the societies in England. No person ever misses his band or class, they have no jar of any kind among them, but with one heart and one 1 Tyerman, Life of Wesley, vol. ii. 2 During this journey he preached at P- 276. Berwick. 2 20 John Wesley s Journal [June 1757. mind ' provoke one another to love and to good works.' After preaching I met the society in a room as warm as any in Georgia. This, with the scorching heat of the sun when we rode on, quite exhausted my strength ; but after we came to Newcastle I soon recovered, and preached with as much ease as in the morning.1 TJmr. 16. — In the evening I preached at Sunderland. I then met the society, and told them plain none could stay with us unless he would part with all sin — particularly, robbing the King, selling or buying run goods, which I could no more suffer than robbing on the highway. This I enforced on every member the next day. A few would not promise to refrain, so these I was forced to cut off. About two hundred and fifty were of a better mind. Sat. 18. — The desk was placed in the evening just opposite the sun, which, when I began, was covered with a cloud ; but it broke out in a few minutes, and shone full in my face for three-quarters of an hour. But it was no inconvenience at all, nor were my eyes any more dazzled than if it had been under the earth. Sun. 19. — I preached at eight to the usual congregation, and hastened to Shields,2 lest I should be too late for the church. Between twelve and one I preached in a kind of square. But here we had a new kind of inconvenience — every four or five minutes a strong wind covered us over with a shower of dust, so that it was not easy to look up or to keep one's eyes open. But not long after the rain began, which constrained me to preach within, at Newcastle. I took the opportunity of making a collection for the poor, many of whom can very hardly support life in the present scarcity. Wed. 22. — In the evening and the following morning I preached at Chester-le-Street.3 Observing some very fine but not very modest pictures in the parlour where we supped, I 1 On June 14, from Newcastle, he South Shields see an anecdote mainly wrote to Miss Furly (Works, vol. xii. connected with Richard Sellars, who p. 197), and 'to Mrs. Crosby (vol. xii. turned a cockpit into the first chapel for P- 353)- O" tne ^th he again wrote to Shields. (Meth. Mag. 1813, pp. 440, Miss Furly (vol. xii. p. 198). 44I-) James Everett is the authority. 2 For the beginning of Methodism in 3 See above, vol. iii. p. 170. July 1767.] Tyneside 221 desired my companion, when the company was gone, to put them where they could do no hurt. He piled them on a heap in a corner of the room, and they have not appeared since. Thur. 23. — I preached at South Biddick about noon on ' I will heal thy backsliding.' God was with us at Sunderland in the evening in an uncommon manner, and the next day I left the people there more in earnest than they have been for some years. Sat. 25. — We walked to Swalwell about noon. The sun was scorching hot, and there was no wind or cloud ; but it did us no hurt. The congregation was such as I never saw there before, and I believe God blessed His word to them that were nigh, and them that had been far from Him. Sun. 26. — I preached at Gateshead at eight, at Sheephill about noon, and at five in the evening at Newcastle, near Pandon Gate. The rain only threatened till I had done, but soon after poured down. How well does God time great and small events for the furtherance of His kingdom ! Mon. 27. — I preached at Horsley, and found some life even there. Thence we rode across the Tyne to Prudhoe, a little town on the top of a high hill. I preached at the side of Mr. H.'s house, and I suppose all the town who could get out were present, and most of them at five in the morning. At both times it pleased God to make bare His arm, not only to wound but to heal. Tues. 28. — I returned to Newcastle hoarse and weak ; but who can be spent in a better cause ? Thur. 30. — I read Mr. Baxter's account of his own Life and Times. It seems to be the most impartial account of those times which has yet ever appeared. And none that I have seen so accurately points out the real springs of those public calamities.1 JULY 3, Sun. — The high wind obliged me to stand on the western side of Gateshead. By this means the sun was just in my face. But it was not long before the clouds covered it. As I began speaking in the afternoon, near Pandon Gate, the rain began, scattered the careless hearers, and ceased. An earnest, ' July 1 (or, more probably, July n), from York, letter to Miss Furly (Works, vol. xii. p. 199). 222 John Wesley s Journal [Juiyrw. attentive multitude remained, to whom I explained part of the Second Lesson for the day, concerning the ' joy ' which is ' in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.' Mon. 4. — I took my leave of Newcastle, and about noon preached at Durham in a pleasant meadow, near the river's side. The congregation was large, and wild enough, yet in a short time they were deeply attentive. Only three or four gentlemen put me in mind of the honest man at London, who was so gay and unconcerned while Dr. Sherlock was preaching concerning the Day of Judgement. One asked, 'Do you not hear what the doctor says ? ' He answered, ' Yes ; but I am not of this parish ! ' Toward the close I was constrained to mention the gross ignorance I had observed in the rich and genteel people throughout the nation. On this they drew near, and showed as serious an attention as if they had been poor colliers. We took horse at two. The clouds and wind in our face kept us cool till we came to Hartlepool. Mr. Romaine x has been an instrument of awakening several here ; but for want of help they soon slept again. I preached in the main street to near all the town, and they behaved with seriousness. Tues. 5. — At seven in the evening I preached in the main street at Stockton. None but two or three gentlemen seemed unconcerned. I went thence to meet the society ; but many others begged to stay with them, and so earnestly that I could not refuse. And indeed it was a day of God's power ; I scarce know when we have found the like. Wed. 6. — At eleven 1 preached near the market-place in Yarm. Many gentry were there, and all serious. I find in all these parts a solid, serious people, quite simple of heart, strangers to various opinions, and seeking only the faith that worketh by love ; and most of the believers are waiting and longing for the fullness of the promises. One young woman, late a Papist, I talked with at large, who last night took leave of her priest. Instead of staying to be sent for, she sent for him, and, after asking him several questions, frankly told him she had now found the true religion, 1 Rev. William Romaine, who was a native of Hartlepool, and whose father died here in this year (1757). July 1757.) North-Easl Yorkshire 223 and, by the grace of God, would continue therein. She has been concerned for her soul from thirteen years of age. About two years ago she began to hear our preachers : soon after she found the peace of God, and has never lost it since. About seven I preached at Osmotherley.1 Tliur. 7. — I rode through one of the pleasantest parts of England to Hawnby.2 Here the zealous landlord turned all the Methodists out of their houses. This proved a singular kindness, for they built some little houses at the end of the town, in which forty or fifty of them live together. Hence, with much ado, I found my way to Robin Hood's Bay, and preached on the quay to the greatest part of the town. All (except one or two, who were very wise in their own eyes) seemed to receive the truth in love. This day, between Helmsley and Kirby Moorside, we rode over a little river, which suddenly disappears, and, after running a mile underground, rises again and pursues its course.3 Sun. 10. — I preached at seven on ' Repent and believe the gospel.' At the church, which stands on the hill, a mile from the town, we had a sound, useful sermon. Afterwards I preached at a little village called Normanby, and about five on the quay. In the evening, talking with the society, I saw more than ever the care of God over them that fear Him. What was it which stopped their growing in grace ? Why, they had a well-meaning preacher among them, who was inflaming them more and more against the clergy. Nor could he advise them to attend the public ordinances, for he never went either to church or sacra- ment himself. This I knew not ; but God did, and by His wise providence prevented the consequences which would naturally have ensued. William Manuel was pressed for a soldier,4 so the people go to church and sacrament as before. 1 Society Book : ' Laid out for Mr. Hawnby, where a society was early John Wesley, Wm. Fugill, and Mich. formed. Phenick [Fenwick] 2/6.' (Tyerman, * See note on ' The Sinking River ' in vol. ii. p. 277.) W.H.S. vol. v. p. 129. 2 The circumstances mentioned make 1 In the hands of a local solicitor is the it clear that it was Hawnby Wesley following official document : visited, not Hornby, the fact being familiar to the Hawnby villagers to this 18//1 Dec. 1756. I acknowledge to have received from the day. The scattered Methodist members nands of tne Commissioners of the Land Tax about Snailesworth met in class at for the Liberty of Whitby Strand in the VOL. IV 14 224 John Wesley s Journal [Juiyi757. Mon. ii. — We set out early. This and the three next days were the hottest I ever knew in England. A gentleman who formerly traded to Guinea assured me that the spirits in his thermometer (the same he had when abroad) rose as high as the)' did within a few degrees of the Line. About nine we should have been glad to bait ; but, there being no inn to be found, we lay down for a quarter of an hour under some trees, and then rode on to Slingsby. The minister, an old acquaintance of my father's, having desired to see me, I called at his house before I preached ; and I could gladly have stayed longer with him, but I knew the congregation waited. One poor drunkard made a little disturbance, but after he was silenced all were still and steadily attentive. It continued intensely hot ; but, having the wind in our faces (as we generally had, all along from Newcastle, and that which way soever we rode), we received no hurt till we came to York. But the difficulty was how to preach there in a room which in winter used to be as hot as an oven. I cut the knot by preaching in Blake's Square, where (the mob not being aware of us) I began and ended my discourse to a numerous congregation without the least disturbance. Tues. 12. — I set a subscription on foot for building a more commodious room.1 In the evening I preached at Acomb, to a calm, solid congregation. The next evening I preached at Poppleton, where the poor gladly received the gospel. The rich heard it,2 and even seemed to approve. God give them to understand and practise it ! North Riding of Yorkshire, who are like- See W.H.S. vol. vii. p. 70. Cf. wise Commissioners for putting in execution Atmore.s Memorial on William Thomp- an Act instituted for the speedy and effectual , , . _ . , , recruiting of His Majesty's Land Forces and son> who was the first President of Marines, John Gilbert, William Petts, and the Conference subsequent to Wesley's James Plane alias Daniel, who were pressed death. by the Constables according to the directions 1 The ch , in Peaseholme Green of the said Act, I say received by me the day . .,, ,. r . . T . and year above.-IsA. Antrobus, Lieut, in i Treland 277 customs among people of rank, as fully justify the remark made seventeen hundred years ago : Rarus enim ferme sensus communis in ilia Fortuna.1 JULY 2, Sun. — I preached in the island near Limerick, both morning and evening, standing on the side of a large hollow adjoining to the old camp. The ground on the sides of it sloped upward, so that the people sat on the grass, row above row. Such an amphitheatre I never saw before, in which thousands of hearers were so commodiously placed, and they seemed earnestly to attend to our Lord's invitation, ' Come, for all things are now ready ! ' I did not then observe that I strained myself, but in the morning I was extremely hoarse. This increased all day, to- gether with a load and stoppage in my breast. On Tuesday morning I began spitting blood, found a pain in my left side, a sensible decay of strength, and a deep wheezing cough, just the symptoms which I had some years since. I immediately applied a brimstone plaster to my side and used a linctus of roasted lemon and honey. Wed. 5. — My side was quite easy, and my hoarseness much abated, so in the evening I made shift to preach again, though not without difficulty. I had purposed preaching the next day at Shronell (about twenty-four English miles from Limerick), and at Clonmel, about the same distance from Shronell ; but, per- ceiving my strength would not suffice, and yielding to the advice of my friends, I rested another day. Tliur. 6. — The news of Prince Ferdinand's victory2 had half 1 'For in such an elevated condition of Crefeld he won a signal victory. His life, common sense is generally very rare' purely German army was now reinforced (Juvenal, Sat. viii. 73). See note on by a British contingent of six squadrons Wesley's use of sensus communis (■ a of cavalry and six infantry battalions, sense held in common with others ') under the Duke of Marlborough. Their ( W.H.S. vol. v. p. 47). dispatch showed that the Ministry fully - Professor Oman, in his History of the recognized the importance of enabling Hanoverian Period, says : ' The tide in Ferdinand to act as a true containing America had turned. . . . Pitt was force to work in concert with Frederick learning from events. For generals who and protect Hanover, Brunswick, and blundered Great Britain had no use, and Hesse, if possible, against the army of . . . Ferdinand, however, had justified the Rhine under Contades and the army his appointment. By skilful operations of the Main under Soubise. By the end he drove the French back behind the of 1758 Ferdinand occupied a line frq Aller and then across the Rhine. At Munster to Paderborn.' 278 John Wesley s Journal juiyrrss. turned the heads of most of the Protestants, till they were brought to themselves by news of another kind, which ran through the city as in an instant. One who was well known therein, a great curser and blasphemer, and eminently ' without God in the world,' went a-fishing a little way from his own door, and stood with his angling-rod on the edge of the water. Many were looking on when, his foot slipping, he fell forward and sunk. As help was at hand he was soon drawn out, but it was too late; there were no remains of life — his soul was gone to give its account. Fri. 7. — I rode in a chaise to Charleville, and thence on an easy horse to Cork. James Massiot died in peace the morning before, so I was just in time to perform the last office for him.1 Sat. 8. — The congregation was large, but my voice was so weak that many could not hear. Sun. 9. — After the burial of James Massiot I preached to a multitude of people on ' Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord,' and the longer I spoke the more my voice was strengthened. Tues. 11. — I rode with James Morgan2 to Bandon, and preached in the market-house to a listening multitude.3 Wed. 12. — I read over the Analysis of Lord Bolingbroke's Works} Surely never did any man so flatly contradict and so fully answer himself.3 Thur. 13. — About noon I preached in the Exchange at 1 The first Irish Methodist preacher overflow of the congregation. Both in who entered into his rest. Ireland and England provision had to be '-' Thomas Walsh's biographer. For made at ' the room ' for man and beast. James Morgan see Atmore's Memorial, ' The Rev. Thomas Church. M.A., p. 282. On the title-page of Walsh's published this Analysis anonymously in Life Morgan calls himself a ' member of 1755- Church was vicar of Battersea, the Church of England.' Yet he was a and an early but not discourteous recognized Methodist preacher. critic of Whitefield and Wesley. The 3 Wesley refers on the next page to Bolingbrokes held the manor of Chelsea, the ' shell ' of the new preaching- and several of them are buried in the house here. In a corner of the church. gallery, erected a little later, a room 5 For part of a letter to Blackwell on with removable partitions was con- this date see Works, vol. xii. p. 186. It structed, which served alike as a lodging appears in full in the new edition o for the itinerant preachers and for an Wesley Letters. July i7M.) In Ireland 279 Kinsale.1 The townsfolks ' care for none of these things.' But we had a large congregation of soldiers, many of whom are good soldiers of Jesus Christ. In the evening I preached in the main street at Bandon. Having now need of all my voice, it was given me again, only with a little pain in my side, which ceased while I was speaking. Sat. 15. — I preached about noon at Inishannon, and re- turned to Bandon. A fortnight since they laid the foundation of their preaching-house.2 This evening I preached in the shell of it, but it would not contain the congregation. Truly these are ' swift to hear,' though not ' slow to speak.' Sun. 16. — I preached again in the shell of the house at eight, and in the main street at six in the evening. Observing many of the French officers there, I could not but pray for them in particular. Some of them were deeply attentive. Perhaps it was not for nothing that God brought them into a strange land. Mon. 17. — I returned to Cork. Wed. 19. — I began speaking severally to the members of the society. Many of them, I found, were truly alive to God. Old misunderstandings were removed, and I had the satisfaction of seeing them so united together as they had not been for many years. Fri. 21. — I met with a tract which utterly confounded all my philosophy. I had long believed that microscopic animals were generated, like all other animals, by parents of the same species ; but Mr. Needham makes it highly probable that they constitute a peculiar class of animals, differing from all others in this, that they neither are generated or generate, nor subsist by food, in the ordinary way.3 Tues. 25. — In the evening I assisted the society in renewing their covenant with God. It was to many a season of great refreshment, and the fear of God was upon all. Sun. 30. — I began meeting the children in the afternoon, ' The Sermon Register is blank in secretary to make them (see above, p. 3), July until now, because of Wesley's '-' On Kilbrogan Hill, illness ; but, apart from this, entries are 3 See W.H.S. vol. iv. p. 134. irregular because there is no longer a 280 John Wesley s Journal rAug. itss. though with little hopes of doing them good. But I had not spoke long on our natural state before many of them were in tears, and five or six so affected that they could not refrain from crying aloud to God. When I began to pray their cries increased, so that my voice was soon lost. I have seen no such work among children for eighteen or nineteen years. Mon. 31. — I finished the Glasgow Abridgement of Mr. Hutchinson s Works} He was doubtless a man of uncommon understanding, and indefatigable application. Yet the more I consider it, the less can I subscribe to his system either of divinity or philosophy, as I am more and more convinced that they have no foundation in Scripture or sound reason. AUG. 1, Tues. — The captain with whom we were to sail was in great haste to have our things on board ; but I would not send them while the wind was against us. On Wednesday he sent message after message : so in the evening we went down to the ship, near Passage [West] ; but there was nothing ready or near ready for sailing. Hence I learned two or three rules, very needful for those who sail between England and Ireland : (1) Never pay till you set sail ; (2) Go not on board till the captain goes on board ; (3) Send not your baggage on board till you go yourself. Tliur. 3. — I returned to Cork. On Saturday the 5th we were called on board in all haste ; but, the captain being in no haste to sail, I preached at Cork again on Sunday at five, and then returned to Passage. He now said he would fall down to Cove 2 directly ; so we took boat and went down thither ; but no captain appeared either this day or the next. So that I might not lie idle, I went down to the beach, and began preaching to as wild, unpromising a congregation as ever I saw in this kingdom. However, they performed more than they promised, for they grew more and more quiet and attentive, and some of them appeared to be deeply affected. Mon. 7. — Hearing nothing of our captain yet, in the after- noon I went to the middle of the town. Abundance of people ran together, but they were far too wild and noisy to admit of my giving out a psalm or naming a text in the usual way ; so I fell abruptly upon as many as could hear, in a free and 1 See above, pp. 190-1. '-" Now called Queenstown. Aug. 1768.] The Fifteenth Conference 28 1 familiar manner. In a few minutes the whole body were quiet, and tolerably attentive. They were more and more serious, till I concluded with a hymn and a short prayer. Immediately after preaching I was sent for to a gentleman who was struck with the palsy. I found the house full of his friends and relations, to whom I spoke freely and largely. They seemed to be more than ordinarily affected. Perhaps for this also we were detained at Cove. Tues. 8. — I preached, not far from the beach, to a very decent and serious congregation. Presently after, a vessel sailed by, bound for Wales. We went on board without delay, got out of the harbour by eleven, and by Wednesday noon were abreast of the Isle of Lundy. But we had not yet done our work, for the wind fell, and we did not get into the river till near sunset. Observing three or four sailors standing together, I began explaining to them the nature of religion. In a few minutes all within the ship came together, and, without the ceremony of naming a text, I enlarged on ' The kingdom of heaven is not meat and drink ; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.' About eleven we landed at Penclawdd,1 and in the morning rode to Swansea. Tkitr. 10. — We rode through a pleasant country to Pyle. We were setting out from thence when a violent shower drove us into the house again, and constrained us to talk with two or three travellers. I believe our labour was not lost, for they appeared to be greatly affected. I preached at Cardiff in the evening and the next morning. We reached the New Passage about noon. But they did not tell us till half-hour after five that the boat would not pass that night. With much difficulty I procured a small boat to carry us over, leaving our horses behind. Landing soon after six, we walked on, and between nine and ten came to Bristol. Here I met with a trial of another kind 2 ; but this also shall be for good. On the following days was our yearly Conference, begun and ended in perfect harmony.'5 1 See Meth. Rec. Winter No., 1900, more and more strained. See his cor- p. 17. respondence with Black well. 2 This probably refers to his relations 3 The Fifteenth Yearly Conference with Mrs. Wesley, which were becoming commenced in Bristol on Aug. 12. John 282 John Wesley s Journal [Aug. i708. Thur. 17.1 — I went to the cathedral to hear Mr. Handel's Messiah. I doubt if that congregation was ever so serious at a sermon as they were during this performance. In many parts, especially several of the choruses, it exceeded my expectation. Having promised to take a little journey into Wales, on Monday the 21st I set out with Joseph Jones.2 We were in the boat before nine, but did not land our horses till a quarter before three. However, I reached Cardiff time enough to preach in the room,3 though not in the Castle. Tues. 22. — I gathered up, as well as I could, the fragments of the society. At six in the evening I preached in the Castle. Wed. 23. — We rode to Fonmon. The behaviour of Mr. Jones surprised me. It seemed as if he inherited the spirit of his father.4 I preached at seven to a deeply serious congregation, and to a good part of them at five in the morning. Thur. 24. — I wrote a second letter to Dr. Free,5 the warmest opponent I have had for many years. I leave him now to laugh, and scold, and witticize, and call names just as he pleases ; for I have done. Fri. 25. — I rode to Cowbridge, and preached at three in the afternoon, in the new assembly room. I observed no trifler there, though there were several of the better rank. About six I preached in a green court at Llanmaes, to a company of right old simple Christians. I could not get from them so soon as I designed ; so that we did not reach Fonmon till near nine. Sat. 26. — One undertook to guide me the nearest way into the main road ; but in five or six miles he lost his way, so that for some time we wandered upon the mountains. About noon, and Charles Wesley, Francis Okeley, ' See Atmore's Memorial, p. 225. and thirty-four preachers were present. * In St. John the Baptist Street, now Kingswood School, the membership of Church Street. children, a severe discipline for the bands, • Unhappily for himself, he did not and the doctrine of Christian Perfection inherit the spirit of his father. He was were the chief topics of conversation. a spendthrift, and greatly reduced the (Tyerman, vol. ii. pp. 306-8.) estates. ' The Sermon Register records preach- s See above, pp. 262-3; also Green's ing at Bristol on Aug. 13, 15, and 17. Bibliography, No. 187. aur i768.i In Wales 283 however, we got into the road, and an hour and half after to Pyle. Before wc left it I spoke a few words to the woman of the house. She seemed quite struck. How few words suffice, when God applies them to the heart ! I knew not where to go at Neath ; but, as we entered the town, a man fixed his eyes upon me (though he had never seen me before) and said, ' Sir, that is the house where the preachers put up their horses.' I had been there only a few minutes when another came in and said, ' Sir, Mrs. Morgan expects you. I will show you the way.' To Mrs. Morgan's we went, and were as cordially received as if she had known us twenty years. It was market-day ; so I preached about five in the room, a large, commodious place. I believe most that were present (several of whom were backsliders) felt that God was there. Sun. 27. — We reached Swansea at seven, and were met by one who conducted us to his house, and thence to a kind of castle,1 in which was a green court, surrounded by high old walls. A large congregation assembled soon, and behaved with the utmost decency. A very uncommon blessing was among them, as uses to be among them that are simple of heart. The congregation was considerably more than doubled at five in the afternoon. Many gay and well-dressed persons were among them ; but they were as serious as the poorest. Peter Jaco, who was driven to us by contrary winds, was agreeably surprised at them. Mon. 28. — I scarce ever saw such a rain in Europe as we had for considerable part of this morning. In one of the main streets the water ran with a stream capable of turning a mill. However, having appointed to preach at noon, in Newton, about six miles from Swansea, I was determined not to break my word, though I supposed but few would attend. But I was mistaken ; such a number of people came together as no house in the town could contain. A barn was soon prepared ; and it pleased God to send a gracious rain upon their hearts. After preaching at Swansea in the evening I met those who 1 The castle in part may still be seen, upon. See Melh. Rec. Winter No., 1900. but the ' green court ' has been built p. 18. 284 John Wesley s Journal (Sept. 176$. desired to join in a society, and explained to them the nature and design of it, with which they were quite unacquainted. Tttes. 29. — I rode back to Neath, in order to put the society there (an unlicked mass) into some form. This on Saturday they had begged me to do ; but they seemed now to have quite forgotten it. Mr. Evans, the Presbyterian minister, had turned them upside down. They looked as if they had never seen me before ; all but five or six, who were much ashamed of their brethren.1 Wed. 30 — I rode on to Margam. There used to be preach- ing here, till Lord Mansell,2 dying without children, left the estate to Mr. Talbot. He forbad all his tenants to receive the preachers, and so effectually put a stop to it. But he did not glory in it long. A few months after God called him home. At noon I preached again in the assembly-room at Cow- bridge ; in the castle at Cardiff in the evening. Thur. 31. — I talked with several of the people, and found the old spirit swiftly reviving. In the evening I preached in the town hall. Several eminent sinners were present ; and God was present in an uncommon manner, as also at the meeting of the society. Sept. i, Fri. — After a busy and comfortable day, I preached once more in the Castle. The word seemed to sink deep into the hearers, though many of them were of the genteeler sort. In the society we were much refreshed. Many followed me to Thomas Gl[ascot]'s house,3 where two or three were cut to the heart, particularly both his daughters, and cried to God with strong cries and tears. Sat. 2. — We rode to the New Passage, crossed over in half an hour, and about five came to Bristol.4 Sat. 9. — I wrote the account of an extraordinary monument of divine mercy — Nathaniel Othen, who was shot for desertion ' On Tuesday, Aug. 29, he preached ' One of the overseers of the poor, at ' Lanceston,' and on the same day He entertained Charles Wesley on his John Newton wrote to him from Liver- first visit to Cardiff (IV.ff.S. vol. iii. p. pool. 176). • Or rather, Sir Thomas Mansell, 4 On Sunday the 3rd he preached at Bart., who died Nov. 29, 1750, and left Bristol and Kingswood ; on Sunday the the fine estate to his son-in-law, Mr. John 10th at Bristol; and, without date, at Talbot, of Laycock Abbey. Paulton. Oct 1768] In Bristol 285 at Dover Castle, in October 1757.1 In the following week I met Mr. Fletcher and the other preachers that were in the house, and spent a considerable time in close conversation on the head of Christian Perfection. I afterwards wrote down the general propositions wherein we all agreed. Tliur. 14. — I rode to Coleford, and was much refreshed among the simple, zealous colliers. Sat. 16. — In the evening I preached at Bradford, as also at five and eight on Sunday morning. At two, as soon as we were in the house at Freshford, it poured down with rain ; so that, after as many as could had crowded in, the rest were con- strained to go away. But the rain ceased as soon as we took horse, and we had a pleasant ride to Bristol. Wed. 20. — I rode over to Bath ; but the room would ill contain the congregation, so I encouraged them in their design of taking a piece of ground, and building without delay. In the evening I preached at Shepton ; and several of the rich and honourable took it into their mind to come. But they came too late, for the house was already thoroughly filled with the poor. Thur. 21. — As we rode homeward we saw a sight in- deed - — a woman in the extremity of pain, rotting away piece- meal by the King's evil, full of sores from head to foot, with several of her bones appearing through the skin, and continually praising God with tears of joy for dealing ' so mercifully ' with her.3 Sufi. 24. — The famous Roger Ball 4 had planted himself in Stokes Croft before I came. However, as there was a large congregation, I did not think it right to leave them to him, but began as usual, and preached till near six o'clock, without paying any regard to him. OCT. 1, Sun. — I took my leave of the congregation and of the children in Kingswood, and God gave us a parting blessing. ' See Green's Bibliography, No. 188. Sept. 24, at Kingswood, and on Sunday, - This case is almost exactly parallel Oct. I, at 'Lanceston.' to the one described Sept. 2, 1754. Both * Or rather, 'infamous Roger Ball,' incidents occurred at or near Shepton. who for years plagued Wesley so much. * On Saturday the 23rd he preached at See W. C. Sheldon's Early Methodism Bristol and Kingswood ; also on Sunday, in Birmingham., p. 7. 286 John Wesley s Journal rocti768. Mon. 2. — I preached at Bradford ' (noon and night), and met the stewards of the Wiltshire and Somersetshire societies. In the evening I baptized a young woman, deeply convinced of sin. We all found the power of God was present to heal, and she herself felt what she had not words to express. Tues. 3. — One of Warminster who was at Bristol last week had desired me to call at his house. I did so this morning,2 and preached in his yard, to a numerous congregation of saints and sinners, rich and poor, Churchmen, Quakers, and Presby- terians, both of the old and new way.3 Some disturbance was expected, but there was none. The whole assembly behaved well ; and, instead of curses or stones, we had many blessings as we rode through the town for Salisbury. Wed. 4. — I rested there. Thur. 5. — 1 rode by Redbridge and Farcham to Portsmouth, where at seven I preached in Mr. Whitefield's Tabernacle to a small, serious congregation. Fri. 6. — I designed to go in a wherry to the Isle of Wight ; but the watermen were so extravagant in their demands that I changed my mind, and went in the hoy. And it was well I did, for the sea was so high it would not have been easy for a small boat to keep above water. We landed at two, and walked on, five little miles, to Newport. The neighbouring camp had filled the town with soldiers, the most abandoned wretches whom I ever yet saw. Their whole glorying was in cursing, swearing, drunkenness, and lewdness. How gracious is God, that He does not yet send those monsters to their own place ! 4 ' On Monday, October 2, he is also of England, allowed the force of several entered as preaching at Bristol. objections. Among other things he says, - This was Wesley's first and last visit. referring to the Liturgy : ' I should not Some time afterwards a class was formed. dare to declare my assent and consent to Amidst the bitterest persecution it held that book in the terms prescribed. In- on its way. (Tyerman, vol. ii. p. 308. deed, they are so strong that I think See also W.M. Mag. 1835, p. 810 ; and they cannot safely be used with regard to Tuck's Hist, of Meth. in Frome, p. 41.) any book but the Bible. Neither dare I 3 Tradition says in Mr. Bowden's confine myself wholly to forms of prayer, tan-yard ( City Road Mag. 1876, p. 297). not even in the church. I use indeed 4 In October Wesley wrote to the all the forms ; but I frequently add Rev. S. Walker of Truro an instructive extemporary prayer, either before or letter showing to what extent he at this after sermon.' {Works, vol. xiii. p. 206; time sympathized with those who, whilst also above, pp. 137 and 236.) not wishful to separate from the Church Oct 175&] The Story of a Siege 287 At five I preached in the corn-market, and at six in the morning. A few even of the soldiers attended. One of these, Benjamin Lawrence, walked with us to Wootton Bridge, where we intended to take boat. He was in St. Philip's Fort during the whole siege,1 concerning which I asked him many questions. He said: '(1) Abundance of cattle was left in the fields, till the French (long expected) came and took them. (2) Abun- dance of wine was left in the town, even more than the French could use ; and there was not enough in the Castle even for the sick men. (3) A large, strong, stone house was left stand- ing, within a small distance of the Fort. Behind this the French often formed themselves, particularly before the last assault. (4) This might easily be accounted for. We had few officers of any experience ; and the governor never came out of his house. (5) The French made two general assaults, and were repulsed, and many blown up by our mines. But the mines having never been looked after till just when we wanted them, most of them were utterly useless ; so that only two, out of threescore, did any execution. (6) In their third assault (which they were very hardly persuaded to make) Captain , who commanded the guard of a hundred men at the sally port, ran away before he was attacked ; and his men, having none to command them, went after. I was left alone, till I retired also ; and the French, having none to oppose them, came in. (7) In the morning our men were mad to drive them out, and would have done it in an hour, but that they were told the Fort was given up, and ordered to cease firing. (8) We had, at the approach of the enemy, three thousand eight hundred and thirty-three effective men ; and we had very near as many when we surrendered, with plenty of provision and ammunition.' O human justice ! One great man is shot,2 and another is made a lord ! We hired a small fisher-boat at Wootton Bridge, there being scarce any wind ; but it increased more and more when we were on the sea, which was seven miles over. Our cock-boat danced on the waves, and must have sunk if one large wave ' For an account ol the capture ot Port Mahon and its citadel Fort St. Philip, with map of fortification, see Gentleman s Mag. 1756, p. 374. - Byng. 288 John Wesley s Journal [Oct. 1768. had come over her ; but God suffered it not. We landed in two hours, and walked away to Gosport. Sun. 8. — The wind and rain drove us into the Tabernacle.1 In the afternoon 1 preached in the main street at Fareham. A wild multitude was present, yet a few only mocked. The greater part were soon deeply attentive. Mon. g. — 1 set out for Sussex, and in the evening reached Rottingdean, a village four miles east of Brighthelmstone.2 The next day we rode over the Downs to Rye, lying on the top of a round, fruitful hill. I preached at seven to a crowded audience, with great enlargement of spirit. Wed. ii. — I rode to Rolvenden, about ten miles from Rye, and preached at five to a large, serious congregation. A few drunkards stood in the road at some distance, and took some pains to divert their attention ; but it was labour lost. Thur. 12. — It was a rainy morning, so that the house con- tained the congregation. Many of them were in tears, being deeply convinced that they were as yet ' without God in the world.' About one I preached at Northiam. The house was stowed as full as possible, but still many were constrained to stand without, though it rained much. About five in the evening I preached again at Rye. Fri. 13. — In the evening we had a solemn season. After I had concluded my sermon I read over the Rules of the Society in the open congregation. The number of those who came at five in the morning showed that God had touched many hearts. On Saturday evening many were obliged to stand without, though the wind was high and extremely cold. Sun. 15. — After preaching at eight I rode again to Northiam, and preached in Mr. Stonestreet's orchard, to far the largest congregation I have seen in Sussex. One of Rye, in our return thither, gave us a remarkable account 3 : ' Mr. , one most eminent for profaneness, drunkenness, and all manner of wickedness, when you met the society on Thursday evening at your lodgings, was curious to listen at the window. The next day he surprised his company by crying out, " I am the greatest 1 At Portsmouth. ' On Nov. 3, 1767, the same man, • The Brighton of to-day. apparently, is ' exceeding drunk.' Oct. 1768.1 Canterbury to Colchester 289 sinner on the whole earth." On Friday evening he was wounded more deeply still, and was at the preaching at five in the morning.' Surely thus far God has helped him ; but, a thousand to one, he will ' return as a dog to his vomit.' Mori. 16. — I rode to Canterbury. As we came into the city a stone flew out of the pavement and struck my inare upon the leg with such violence that she dropped down at once. I kept my seat till, in struggling to arise, she fell again and rolled over me. When she arose I endeavoured to rise too, but found I had no use of my right leg or thigh ; but an honest barber came out, lifted me up, and helped me into his shop. Feeling myself very sick, I desired a glass of cold water, which instantly gave me ease. Tues. 17. — I found reason to rejoice over this little flock, now free from all divisions and offences. And on Saturday I cheerfully returned to London, after an absence of near eight months. Here I rested four days,1 and on Wednesday the 25 th went, partly by coach, partly on horseback, to Maldon. Fri. 27. — I rode on, through an extremely pleasant and fruitful country, to Colchester. I have seen very few such towns in England. It lies on the ridge of a hill, with other hills on each side which run parallel with it, at a small distance. The two main streets, one running east and west, the other north and south, are quite straight, the whole length of the town, and full as broad as Cheapside. I preached at four on St. John's Green, at the side of a high old wall (a place that seemed to be made on purpose),2 to an extremely attentive audience ; and again at eight in the morning on Saturday the 28th, and at four in the afternoon. In the hours between I took the opportunity of speaking to the members of the society. In three months here are joined together a hundred and twenty persons. A few of these know in whom they have believed, and many are sensible of their wants. 1 But according to the Sermon Register ' In a letter to the Countess of preached at Snowsfields, at some un- Huntingdon he adds: ' The people stood named place in London, and at West on a smooth sloping ground, sheltered by Street. On the 26th he preached at the walls of an old castle ' {.Life and Wapping, probably on his way to Maldon. Times, vol. i. p. 399). VOL. IV l8 2 go John Wesley s Journal [Nov. n&8. Sun. 29. — At eight the congregation was very large, and I believe God made His word quick and powerful. At four in the afternoon we had a Moorfields congregation. Many of the baser sort stood at a distance ; but they made no disturbance, knowing the magistrates are determined to suffer no riot at Colchester. Mon. 30. — Though I was not quite recovered from the lameness occasioned by the fall of my horse, I made shift to ride to Norwich, where, on the following days, I had the satisfaction to observe that the society had not lessened (as I had feared), but rather increased, since I left them. And there is a probability they will increase still, as they are far more established in grace.1 Nov. 3, Fri. — James Wheatley called upon me, and offered me the Tabernacle.2 But whether to accept the offer or not I cannot tell ; this must be maturely considered. I found all this week great liberty of spirit ; and the congregations were large and attentive. It seems the time is come when our labour even at Norwich will not be in vain.15 Sun. 5. — We went to St. Peter's church, the Lord's Supper being administered there. I scarcely ever remember to have seen a more beautiful parish church 4 ; the more so because its beaut)' results not from foreign ornaments, but from the very form and structure of it. It is very large, and of an uncommon 1 He preached in Norwich on the 31st. preached, often with great success, in the 2 A detailed account of the Tabernacle Tabernacle. For many years Methodism at Norwich is given in Lady Hunting- in the 'Foundery ' and Calvinistic Metho- don's Life, vol. ii. chapters xlv. and xlvi. dism in the Tabernacle ran together or Wheatley, expelled by the Wesleys for im- side by side. James Wheatley finally morality (see above, vol. iii. p. 532), re- leased the Tabernacle to Lady Ilunting- pented, and preached in Norwich so sue- don in February 1775, and died in the cessfully that the Tabernacle was built for May following. him. Later Whilefield appeared on the ' On Nov. 4, whilst still in Norwich, scene. Wheatley, who had passed from the he began a letter to the Rev. Mr. Potter, extreme of contempt to the extreme of in reply to his sermon on 'The Pie- popularity — a sinner turned saint — again tended Inspiration of the Methodists.' fell into contempt. John and Charles Wes- See Green's Bibliography, No. 189, and ley, Lady Huntingdon, Cudworth, Robin- Anti- Methodist Publications, No. 272. son, Madan, students trained at Trevecca, 4 With the exception of St. Mary John Hook (grandfather of Dr. Hook and Redcliffe at Bristol, St. Peter's, Norwich, Theodore Hook). Toplady, and other was regarded as the finest parish church leaders in the Evangelical movement in England. \ 2 T 1 L> &■%&.. . - t. &r 9*f, J eu LsJ^si. #SL~ S"J^ . y^JL PLAN OF THE LONDON CIRCUIT, UNDATED, IN JOHN WESLEY S HANDWRITING. The Foundery, Spitalfields, Snowsfields, Wapping, Wells, 'Chapel' (West Street). Westminster, and Deptford, giving also many names oi the early preachers Hf7&€- / m. Ar>*J# fip (/**/ && ?%OuJfc /, e/tf*- • .Tc /- y - ' »f '"■ X ■ 20&U4 <&£>K>tSl0i ; &n&>> t^ arts fa / \7 £&?z fist? tn-*>z. A» sc* a4 ' A* *>***>/ ' £^-A t-/ .t<,{i^/ ' £ J A V /£i. \"; \ ft //<-*?, / SIMILE OF MICHAEL FENWICK'S EXPULSION (WITH ENDORSEMENT). The justification for this extreme act r.f discipline is found in one of Charles Wesley's unpublished shorthand Journal-notes. Michael Fenwick was fully restored, and died in the odour of sanctity and usefulness. See above, page 229. 293 Nov. 1758. With Mr. Ber ridge 291 height, and the sides are almost all window ; so that it has an awful and venerable look, and, at the same time, surprisingly cheerful. Mon. 6. — A large congregation attended between four and five in the morning. I set out at six with much comfort, leaving a settled and well-united society. I preached at Kenninghall about ten, and at Lakenheath in the evening. After resting a day, on Wednesday the 8th I went on a hard day's journey to Bedford.1 I had designed to spend two evenings here, but Mr. Parker informing me that Mr. Berridge desired I would come to him as soon as possible, I set out for Everton on Thursday the 9th. I found Mr. B. just taking horse, with whom I rode on, and in the evening preached at Wrestlingworth, in a large church, well filled with serious hearers. We lodged at Mr. Hicks's, the vicar, a witness of the faith which once he persecuted. The next morning I preached in his church again. In the middle of the sermon a woman before me dropped down as dead, as one had done the night before. In a short time she came to herself, and remained deeply sensible of her want of Christ. Hence we rode to Mr. Berridge's at Everton.2 For many years he was seeking to be justified by his works ; but a few months ago he was thoroughly convinced that ' by grace ' we 'are saved through faith.' Immediately he began to proclaim aloud the redemption that is in Jesus ; and God confirmed His own word exactly as He did at Bristol, in the beginning, by working repentance and faith in the hearers, and with the same violent outward symptoms. 1 John Walsh, the sometime Deist of 2 Berridge, whose labours were inti- Bedford, wrote a letter to Wesley (see mately associated with the MethoUi Arm. Mag. 1 780, p. 103), describing revival, supplied an epitaph for himselt Bedford Methodism. He had visited which compresses into a few words the Everton from Bedford on June 2, 1758 details of his career : 'I was born in sin, (the letter is dated June 21, 1758). This February 1 7 16, remained ignorant of my letter gives an account of Berridge, fallen state till 1730. Lived piously on 'who,' says Walsh, 'has read several Faith and Works for Salvation till 1754. of your works, and greatly longs to see Admitted to Everton Vicarage, 1755. you.' Walsh is probably the writer of Fled to Jesus alone for Refuge. 1756. the second account of the Everton re- Fell asleep in Christ [Feb. 22, 1793].' vival, July 29, 1759 (see below, p. 333). See IV. M. Mag. 1906, p. 388. 292 John Wesley s Journal [Dec. 1758. I preached at six in the evening and five in the morning, and some were struck, just as at Wrestlingworth. One of these was brought into the house, with whom we spent a considerable time in prayer. I then hastened forward, and, a little before it was dark, reached the Foundery.1 Sun. 26.2 — I was well pleased to have some conversation with Mrs. A 1, lately come from Barbadocs. She gave me an account of her poor husband (first a red-hot Predestinarian, talking of God's 'blowing whole worlds to hell,' then a Quaker, now a Deist) ; as also of the narrow escape which Mr. H. lately had : ' Ten negroes broke into his house ; one of whom was upon the point of cutting his throat when E. R. knocked him down with a pewter pot ; which put the rest into such confusion that she had time to secure herself and her children, and Mr. H. to leap out of a balcony.' 3 Wed. 29. — I rode to Wandsworth, and baptized two negroes belonging to Mr. Gilbert, a gentleman lately come from Antigua.4 One of these is deeply convinced of sin, the other rejoices in God her Saviour, and is the first African Christian I have known. But shall not our Lord, in due time, have these heathens also 1 for His inheritance '? Dec. 4, Mon. — I was desired to step into the little church behind the Mansion House, commonly called St. Stephen's, Walbrook.8 It is nothing grand, but neat and elegant beyond expression. So that I do not wonder at the speech of the famous Italian architect, who met Lord Burlington in Italy : ' My lord, go back and see St. Stephen's in London. Wc have not so fine a piece of architecture in Rome.' c 1 The record of preaching for this his chief favourite.' The latter died in period in the Sermon Register is as the West Indies. Hall returned to ollows : Thur., Nov. 9, Wrestlingworth ; England in 176-, in some degree Sat. the nth, Kverton and Bull-and- humbled. For H. J. Foster's Notes on Mouth ; Fri. the 17th, Spilalfields ; Mon. this sordid but in many respects remark- the 20th, Zoar ; Sat. the 25th, Bull-and- able case see W.H.S. vol. v. pp. 146, Mouth, Snowsfields, and Foundery. 211, 239. 2 On Sun. the 26th he preached in 4 See above, p. 247. ' London.' 5 An example of Sir Christopher Wren's 3 On Tues. the 28th he preached at work at his best. Wapping, on Thur. the 30th at Wands- 6 On Tues. the 5th he preached at worth, and on Friday, Dec. I, at the Bull-and-Mouth, on Fri. the 8th Zoar. The references to 'Mr. H.' and at Bishop Bonner's, and on Sat. the 9th ' E. R.' are to Westley Hall and ' E. R., at West Street. Dec. 1768.) From Ever ton to Nonvich 295 Fri. S. — Poor Mr. Goudicheau called upon me, formerly a Romish priest, now ready to perish for want of bread, though of an unblemished character. Can any one wonder that we have not many converts from the Church of Rome?1 Mon. 11. — Most of this week I spent in preparing materials for A Survey of t/ie Wisdom of God in the Creation ; or, a full, plain, and correct system of Natural Philosophy.2 Mom. 18. — I rode to Everton. The church was well filled soon after six in the evening. God gave me great liberty of speech, and applied His word to the hearts of the hearers, many of whom were not able to contain themselves, but cried aloud for mercy. Tues. 19. — I rode on to Lakenheath. How surprising a providence has been over this little village ! Forty years ago a poor man lived here who walked with God, and was the means of awakening a few others. When these were nearly extinct Charles Skelton came, awakened a few more, and forsook them.3 A year ago, one of Lakenheath, seeing me pass through Thetford, desired me to come and preach there. I did so ; and occasionally mentioned to them Mr. Madan, then at Thetford.4 They went over, and invited him to Lakenheath, where, soon after, he preached in the church. The rector desired he would help him to a curate : so now they have one that both preaches and lives the gospel. Wed. 20. — I rode to Norwich. James Wheatley now repeated his offer of the Tabernacle. But I was in no haste. I wanted to consult my friends, and consider the thing thoroughly. One glaring objection to it was, ' The congregation there will not hear me.' He replied, ' Sir, you cannot tell that, unless you will make the trial.' I consented so to do, on Thursday, the 21st. But many declared, ' No, he shall never come into that pulpit ' ; and planted themselves in the way to prevent it. Hitherto only 1 At this period Wesley was corre- two volumes, afterwards expanded to sponding with Toplady, who was at three, and finally to five. See Green's Trinity College, Dublin. In September Bibliography, No. 220, &c. Wesley received a letter from him (Tyer- 3 See above, p. 93 ; vol. iii. p. 403. man, vol. ii. p. 315), and on Dec. 9 ' See Arm. Mag. 1779, p. 536 — a Wesley wrote to Toplady (IV./f.S. vol. letter written to Wesley by Mr. Madan viii. p. 12). on the occasion of the increase of his - It was first published in 1763, in fortune. 296 John Wesley s Journal [Dec nos. could they go. I went up and preached to a large congregation, without any let or hindrance. I preached there again on Saturday evening, and again God stopped the mouths of the lions. Sun. 24. — I preached in the Tabernacle at eight, to a very serious congregation, and at the Foundery between four and five. About six the Tabernacle was thoroughly filled, and mostly with quiet hearers. I saw none who behaved amiss but two soldiers, who struck some that desired them to be silent. But they were seized and carried to the commanding officer, who ordered them to be soundly whipped. A/on. 25. — Our service began in the Foundery at four ; in the Tabernacle at eight. God was now especially pleased to make bare His arm. There was a great cry among the people. Stony hearts were broke ; many mourners comforted ; many believers strengthened. Prejudice vanished away ; a few only kept their fierceness till the afternoon. One of these, still vehemently angry, planted himself just over against me. But before I concluded, he cried out, ' I am overcome ! I am overcome ! ' Having now weighed the matter thoroughly, I yielded to the importunity of our brethren. So in the evening the copy of the lease was perfected, which was executed the next morning. A whole train of providences so plainly concurred thereto, that all might clearly see the hand of God. Tues. 26. — I took my leave of Norwich for the present; about noon preached at Kenninghall, and in the evening came to Lakenheath. Being informed some of the gentry in the town were very desirous to hear me preach if I would preach in the church, I sent them word I had designed to be at Colchester the next day ; but, as they desired it, I would delay my journey, and preach at ten the next morning. Wed. 27. — I was so much out of order that I knew not how I should get to church. Between nine and ten I was informed that some hot men in the parish would not consent to my preaching there. I saw the hand of God, and was thankful, having now a little more time to rest. In the afternoon the sun broke out through the fog, and we had a pleasant ride to Bury ; but I was so extremely sick, soon after I came in, that I knew not how I should be able to preach. An hour's sleep, however, D«C. 1758.' In Essex 297 refreshed me much ; so that I found no want of strength in preaching. Indeed my disorder increased during the night ; but while I was preaching in the morning I felt myself well, and I found no more sickness or complaint of any kind. In the evening I reached Colchester. Fri. 29. — I found the society had decreased since L[awrence] C[oughlan] ' went away ; and yet they had had full a? good preachers. But that is not sufficient. By repeated experiments we learn that, though a man preach like an angel, he will neither collect, nor preserve a society which is collected, without visiting them from house to house. To-day I walked all over the famous castle, perhaps the most ancient building in England. A considerable part of it is, without question, fourteen or fifteen hundred years old. It was mostly built with Roman bricks, each of which is about two inches thick, seven broad, and thirteen or fourteen long. Seat of ancient kings, British and Roman, once dreaded far and near ! But what are they now ? Is not ' a living dog better than a dead lion ' ? And what is it wherein they prided themselves, as do the present great ones of the earth ? A little pomp, a little sway, A sunbeam in a winter's day, Is all the great and mighty have Between the cradle and the grave ! 2 Sat. 30. — I returned to London, and received a pressing letter from Bristol, in consequence of which I took horse on 1 This Irish preacher dates from an asking Wesley's advice as to his future, early period. Atmore describes him as For a short time he was minister of the ' a deeply pious man, and a very lively, chapel at Holywell Mount, London. He zealous preacher . . . owned of God, earnestly desired to resume his place as especially at Colchester.' In 1764 he an itinerant preacher ; but one day, whilst was ' ordained, with some other Metho- conversing with Wesley in his study, he dist preachers, by a Greek bishop . . . was seized with paralysis, and so ended on which account, I am informed,' says his useful life. His biography would be Atmore, 'he was put away from the an interesting study from the ecclesiastical, Methodist connexion.' In 1768 ' he pro- pioneer missionary, and experimental cured ordination from the Bishop of points of view. London, and was sent as a missionary to 2 From John Dyer's Grongar Hill. In Newfoundland.' In 1772 he wrote a line 1 'pomp 'should be 'rule'; inline remarkable letter to Weslev describing 3 'great' should be 'proud' (W.l/.S. his work, claiming to be r. 'Methodist,' vol. v. p. 116). Also quoted, and again announcing his return to England, and inexactly, Aug. 19, 1760. 298 John Wesley s Journal uan. 1759. Monday morning,1 JANUARY 1, 1759, and came thither the next evening. After resting two days (only preaching morning and evening) I examined severally the members of the society. This was one great end of my coming down. Another was, to provide for the poor.2 Accordingly, on Sunday the 7th 1 preached a sermon for them, to which God was pleased to give His blessing ; so that the collection was a great deal more than double of what it used to be.3 Wed. 10. — Having finished my work at Bristol, I rode to Salisbury, and advised our brethren concerning the preaching- house which they are about to build.4 On Friday the 12th I went on to Whitchurch, and preached at one to a large and serious congregation. In the afternoon we rode to Basingstoke, where the people put me in mind of the wild beasts at Ephesus. Yet they were unusually attentive in the evening, although many of them could not hear. Sat. 13. — After preaching to a small, serious company, I went on to London.5 Sat. 27. — I began reading, with huge expectation, a tract wrote by a son-in-law of the great Bengelius, Mr. Oetinger, De Sensu Communi et Rationed But how was I disappointed ! ' On Sun. Dec. 31, he preached at ■ The Sermon Register gives Bristol Spitalfields, Snowsfields, the Bull-and- and Kingswood as his appointments for Mouth, and the Foundery. Sunday, Jan. 7. 2 He does not say that these were the * And preached there, only reasons for this sudden journey to 6 Where, on Sunday, Jan. 14, he Bristol. Probably the letter summoning preached at the Foundery and West him was from Lady Huntingdon, who Street, and on Mon. the 15th at Wapping; was staying at Bath with Lady Fanny on Thur. the iSth at the Bull-and-Mouth Shirley and Lady Selina Hastings. ' On and Zoar ; Fri. the 19th again at the the 4th of January the Countess went to Bull-and-Mouth ; Sat. the 20th, Spital- Bristol to meet Mr. Wesley, who accom- fields ; Sun. the 2ist, at the Foundery panied her to Bath, and, after preaching and Spitalfields ; Tues. the 23rd, at to several of the nobility at her house, Deptford and Welling ; and Thur. the proceeded to Salisbury, on his way to 25th, at Bishop Bonner's. London.' It was at this time that Lady u On Common Sense and Reason. The Huntingdon 'felt a particular call in author, F. C. Oetinger, or Ottinger, was Providence to wrestle mightily with God a German Pietist theologian, who wrote on behalf of our nation.' It is not un- commentaries on the Scriptures, &c. He reasonable to suppose that her letter to translated several of the works of Sweden- Wesley and their consultation referred borg, and was a friend of Zinzendorf. to the scheme of prayer-meetings held (Vaughan's Hours with the Mystics, during February. (See below, Feb. 27.) vol. ii. p. 305 ; W.H.S. vol. iv. p. 134.) Feb. 1759.: In London 299 So obscure a writer I scarce ever saw before ; I think he goes beyond Persius himself. When I had with huge labour read fifty or sixty pages, finding the sense did by no means make amends for the time and pains bestowed in searching it out, I took my leave of him for ever.1 FEB. 3, Sat. — I spent an hour with one who, by the loss of his sight, his fortune, and his liberty (for he has been a prisoner some time), is likely to gain more than all the world can give. Tuts. 6. — I took much pains to convince Mr. S n - that he was not the wisest man in the world ; but I could not change the Ethiopian's skin. Yet even this is not too hard for God. Fri. 9. — I felt suddenly as if a needle had been run into the side of my face. I supposed it would be well by the morning, but found it abundantly worse, the tonsil being come down (as they term it), and the side of my face much swelled. It grew worse all day, so that it was with great difficulty I preached at Snowsfields in the evening; but on Sunday the nth it went away as unaccountably as it came. In the afternoon I called on E[lisabeth] H[arland] in St. George's Hospital. Many there had been greatly prejudiced against me ; but it was now vanished away. Her behaviour had reconciled them quite ; and all in the ward (sixty or seventy persons) seemed hardly to breathe all the time I was speaking and praying by her bedside. Tues. 13. — I preached at Deptford and Welling, and in the morning rode to Wandsworth.3 I preached, Wednesday and Thursday evening, in the town ; in the mornings at Mr. Gilbert's. Will this barren tree bear fruit at last? How long has God had patience with it ! Fri. 16. — Being the Public Fast,4 I preached at five in 1 On Wednesday, Jan. 31, he preached worth as his appointments for Wednesday at the Bull-and-Mouth ; on Saturday, the 14th and Thursday the 15th ; and on Feb. 3, he was preaching at Spitalfields ; Friday the 16th Spitalfields and the on Monday the 5th at the Bull-and- Foundery, also on Sunday the 18th. Mouth ; and Tuesday the 6th at West- ' It was a time of national panic. A minster. French invasion was threatened. Charles -' Probably his old friend, Mr. Simpson. Wesley, writing to his wife, expressed * The Sermon Register enters Wands- the general belief. His brother John 300 John Wesley s Journal [March 1759. Wandsworth ; at nine and three in the church at Spitalfields ; and at half-hour past eight in the Foundery.1 Every place of public worship was crowded on this, as on the two preceding fast-days ; and it is plain even outward humiliation has been a means of outward blessings. Fri. 23. — I saw a surprising spectacle : one who, by a blow, first lost her nose, then one eye, and then the other, with most of the roof of her mouth, and yet, instead of murmuring, acknowledges the love of God in all, and praises Him continually.2 Tues. 27. — I walked with my brother and Mr. Maxfield to L[ady] H[untingdon]'s. After breakfast came in Mr. White- field, Madan, Romaine, Jones, Downing, and Venn, with some persons of quality, and a few others. Mr. Whitefield, I found, was to have administered the sacrament ; but he insisted upon my doing it. After which, at the request of L[ady] Huntingdon], I preached on 1 Cor. xiii. 13. Oh what are the greatest men to the great God ! As the small dust of the balance.3 MARCH, Thur. 1. — I reached Everton about four in the afternoon ; but Mr. Berridge did not expect me till the next day, so he thought it best I should preach in his house. The next evening the church was well filled, and my mouth was filled with arguments, which I trust God applied for the conviction of some and the consolation of others.4 was ' alarmed by false intelligence that her ladyship's house, when Mr. Wesley, ve have only eleven thousand soldiers Mr. Venn, and Mr. Madan engaged in in all England." Charles Wesley wrote the solemn service, which was closed by eight hymns for use in the meetings held a short exhortation from Mr. White6eld.' for prayer. One only has survived : Charles Wesley gave the address on ' Come, Thou Conqueror of the Nations.' Friday evening (C of Huntingdon, vol. i. Lady Huntingdon held prayer-meetings p. 396). See Charles Wesley's graphic in her own house (see above, Feb. 27). account of this prayer-meeting in a letter Hawke's signal victory on Nov. 20 ended to his wife (Journal, vol. ii. p. 219). the panic. ' A week later, apparently, Wesley 1 Lady Huntingdon (who had been wrote to the Countess. The letter is to the Tabernacle in the morning, published in her Life (vol. i. pp. 398-9). where Whitefield addressed an immense He refers to the ' instruments God lately congregation), was at this Foundery raised up ' — Romaine, Madan, Berridge, service. &c. ' But still there is — I know not - On Saturday the 24th he preached what — in them whom we have known at Spitalfields. from the beginning . . . which we do 3 ' On Wednesday evening (the 28th) not find in those who have but lately the usual prayer- meeting was held at conic into the harvest.' He describes March 1759.1 The Norwich Society 301 Sat. 3. — We had a mild, delightful day, and a pleasant ride to Colchester. In the evening, and on Sunday morning, the house contained the congregation tolerably well ; but in the afternoon I was obliged to go out, and I suppose we had on St. John's Green five or six times as many as the room would contain. Such is the advantage of field-preaching. Man. 5. — On examining the society I found that, out of the hundred and twenty-six members I had left in October, we had lost only twelve, in the place of whom we have gained forty ; and many of these whom we left in sorrow and heaviness are now rejoicing in God their Saviour. Tues. 6. — I rode to Norwich. Wed. 7. — I inquired into the state of affairs at the Taber- nacle, and found the society, once consisting of many hundred members, was mouldered into nothing. Of the fifteen or sixteen hundred subscribers, not twenty, not one, was left ; but every one that pleased went into the galleries without any questions asked. So that everything was to be wrought out of the ore, or rather out of the cinders. Surely whatever help is done here, God must do it Himself. In the evening I desired that those who were willing to join in a society would speak with me the next evening. About twenty did so ; but the greater part of these appeared like frightened sheep ; and no marvel, when they had been so long accustomed to hear all manner of evil of me. Fri. 9. — I preached morning and evening at the Foundery.1 How pleasing would it be to flesh and blood to remain in this little quiet place, where we have at length weathered the storm ! Nay, I am not to consult my own ease, but the advancing the kingdom of God. On Saturday and Sunday about forty more gave in their names. On Sunday, in the afternoon, I met the society, after ordering the doors to be shut, which they had not been for two years before. Thirty or forty more spoke to me on Monday. Berridge, whom he has just left : ' He Mr. Blackwell (see new edition of speaks as plain and home as John Nelson, Wesley Letters, where several additional but with all the propriety of Mr. letters will be found). Romaine and the tenderness of Mr. ' i.e. the Foundery in Norwich. See Hervey.' On March 2 he also wrote to above, pp. 107, 290. 302 John Wesley s Journal [March 1709. I think two-thirds of those I have yet seen have had a clear sense of God's pardoning love. Doth He not 'send by whom He will send ' ? ' Sun. 1 8. — I administered the Lord's Supper to near two hundred communicants. So solemn a season I never remember to have known in the city of Norwich. As a considerable part of them were Dissenters, I desired every one to use what posture he judged best. Had I required them to kneel, probably half would have sat. Now all but one kneeled down. Finding it was needful to see them once more at Colchester, I took horse between four and five in the morning. The frost was extremely sharp for some hours ; it was then a fair, mild day. About two in the afternoon it began to rain ; but we reached Colchester before we were wet through. The room was more than filled in the evening, so that many were obliged to go away. Wed. 21. — I baptized seven adults, two of them by immersion; and in the evening (their own ministers having cast them out for going to hear the Methodists) I administered the Lord's Supper to them, and many others, whom their several teachers had repelled for the same reason. Thur. 22. — Before we set out the rough north wind fell and we had a calm, sunshiny day. I preached in the Tabernacle at Norwich in the evening. Sun. 25. — I rode to Forncett, twelve miles from Norwich, where also was a building of James Wheatley's, which, without my desire, he had included in the lease. We found William Cudworth 2 had preached there in the morning. It was ex- 1 On Monday the 12th he wrote to Wesley, vol. i. p. 482. As Stevens, in Blackwell concerning his wife, with his History of Methodism (vol. i. p. 372), whom for the present he was upon fairly truly says : ' William Cudworth . . . was good terms ; also respecting his work in chiefly responsible for Hervey's aliena- Norwich — ' the most critical ' he had tion from the Wesleys. It was at his ever bad. ' I am endeavouring to gather instigation that the unfortunate Eleven up those who were once gathered to- Letters were published. Hervey died in gether, and afterwards scattered, by James 1758- As his end approached he directed Wheatley' {Works, vol. xii. p. 187). that the MS. of this work should - Wesley's opinion of Cudworth was be destroyed. His brother, however, diametrically opposed to Lady Hunting- judged that it would be a desirable don's. See Lady Huntingdon's Life, pecuniary speculation to publish it, and vol. ii. p. 338, and Tyerman's Life oj placed it in the hands of Cudworth to be April 1769.; Interviezv ivilh Cudivorth 303 ceeding good for my sense of honour to come just after him. The people looked as direful upon me as if it had been Satan in person. However, they flocked from all parts, so that the Tabernacle would not near contain them. I preached about two. God bare witness to His truth, and many were cut to the heart. After preaching I found Mr. Cudworth sitting in the pulpit behind mc, whom I quietly and silently passed by. About six I preached at the Tabernacle in Norwich, crowded with attentive hearers. Perhaps these too will be brought into order by-and-by ; hitherto there has been no king in Israel. Monday and Tuesday I spoke to as many of both societies,1 now united together, as had leisure and inclination to come. The whole number is about four hundred and twenty ; of whom I do not think it improbable two hundred may continue together. Tues. 27. — I had an interview with Mr. Cudworth. I observed upon the whole (1) that his opinions are all his own, quite new, and his phrases as new as his opinions ; (2) that all these opinions, yea, and phrases too, he affirms to be necessary to salvation ; maintaining that all who do not receive them worship another God ; and (3) that he is as incapable as a brute beast of being convinced even in the smallest point. Wed. 28. — I rode over to Forncett again, and preached to a large congregation. Great part of them were now exceedingly softened ; but some were still bitter as wormwood. In the evening we had another kind of congregation at the Foundery, by whom I was much comforted ; but much more in meeting the bands, when all our hearts were melted down by the power of God. Thur. 29. — I divided the Norwich society into classes, with- out any distinction between them who had belonged to the Foundery or the Tabernacle.2 finished, giving him liberty ' to put out one who had sustained friendly relations and put in ' whatever he judged expedient. to him.' Cudworth's Antinomian sentiments led ' That is, this Tabernacle and the him to abhor Wesley's opinions. He Foundery. See above, p. 290. caricatured them relentlessly by his in- " This is the date of an interesting terpolations of Hervey's pages, and sent letter to \V. Alwood concerning the forth in Hervey's name the first and Peaseholme Green chapel at York, then most reckless and odious caveat against in course of erection — first published, witli Methodism that ever emanated from any notes, in W.H.S. vol. iii.p. 181. 304 John Wesley s Journal Aprui759. April i, Sun. — I met them all at six, requiring every one to show his ticket when he came in — a thing they had never heard of before. I likewise insisted on another strange regulation, that the men and women should sit apart. A third was made the same day. It had been a custom, ever since the Tabernacle was built, to have the galleries full of spectators while the Lord's Supper was administered. This I judged highly improper, and therefore ordered none to be admitted but those who desired to communicate. And I found far less difficulty than I expected in bringing them to submit to this also. The society now contained above five hundred and seventy members, a hundred and three of whom were in no society before, although many of them had found peace with God. I believe they would have increased to a thousand if I could have stayed a fortnight longer. Which of these will hold fast their profession ? The fowls of the air will devour some, the sun will scorch more, and others will be choked by the thorns springing up. I wonder we should ever expect that half of those who ' hear the word with joy ' will bring forth fruit unto perfection. Mon. 2. — I left Norwich, and about seven o'clock came to Cross-keys Wash. They would fain have persuaded us we could not pass ; but, finding we were resolved to try, our guide put forward, and brought us over in half an hour ; so that about eight we reached Sutton, and found a quiet, civil house, with everything we wanted. Tues. 3. — We came to Fossdykc Wash just time enough to pass. At three in the afternoon I preached at Boston. A rude multitude quickly ran together to a paddock adjoining to the town. A more unawakened congregation I have not seen for some years. However, the far greater part were attentive, nor did any interrupt or offer the least rudeness. At seven I met the little society in the house, but they were the least part of the company. People crowded in from all sides ; and I believe God touched most of their hearts. Wed. 4. — At six, finding the house would not contain one- fourth of the congregation, I was constrained to stand in the street. Abundance of people assembled together, whom I ex- horted to ' repent and believe the gospel.' The word of God fell heavy upon them, and, I trust, broke some of the stony hearts. April 1759.) In Lincolnshire 305 Hence we rode over the Fens, fifteen miles broad and near thirty miles long, to Coningsby, where we found a numerous congregation of a far different spirit. Scarce one of these but had tasted, more or less, ' of the powers of the world to come.' After a comfortable opportunity here we rode on to Horncastle.1 We were but roughly saluted at our entrance, and the mob increased more and more till six. I then began to preach in a yard near the market-place to a large concourse of people. But their behaviour quite disappointed us ; for there was no tumult, no noise, but an earnest attention through the whole congregation. Tliur. 5. — 1 preached again at seven to nearly the same congregation, and was again refreshed by the remarkable decency and seriousness of their behaviour. At four in the afternoon I preached at Mareham-on-the-hill, two miles from Horncastle. The number of people constrained me to preach without, and the rain to shorten my sermon ; though none went away. Indeed I believe none were present who had not known some work of grace in their hearts. Fri. 6. — We rode over the Wolds (a chain of hills) to North Elkington, three miles from Louth. The congregation was large, notwithstanding the rain, which drove full in our face till we came to Grimsby. Sun. 8. — The house was pretty well filled at eight. At two I was obliged to go into the old churchyard, where was such a concourse of people as had hardly ever, they said, been seen at Grimsby before. As many as the room would well contain were present at the watch-night, and at seven in the morning. I then commended them to the grace of God. Mon. 9. — I preached in the evening at Laceby, the next afternoon at Ferry (after riding through much water and con- tinued rain), and in the evening in the new house at Epworth.2 Fri. 13. — Having appointed to preach at Alkborough at 1 Mr. Marshall, of Kirkby-on-the- 1895 ; letter of Erasmus Middleton to Bain, stood by Wesley in the town John Wesley, Horncastle, Feb. 27, 1762 street of Horncastle when the mob was (Arm. Mag. 178 1, p. 338). violent, but whether on this or another ' He had preached in the 'shell of the early visit we do not know. See notices new house' on March 13, 1758, when, as of his grandson in Church Record, Jan. now. there was a 'great rain.' 306 John Wesley s Journal [April 1759. one, I set out between seven and eight. I was in hopes of coming thither before church began ; but I did not consider the Lincolnshire roads. With some difficulty we reached it before noon, and found there was no service at the church. I preached in the churchyard at one to a listening multitude, most of whom, I suppose, had never heard this kind of preaching before. Many of them were in tears, and pressed after me into the house where we met the society. I could not but hope that some of these will press into the kingdom of heaven. Returning thence, I called on Mr. Romley,1 of Burton, one of my former parishioners, a lively, sensible man of eighty- three years old, by whom I was much comforted. An hour or two after we took boat, but could not cross over. The violence of the stream, swollen by the late rains, bore us down in spite of all we could do. Having striven against it a con- siderable time, we were obliged to cast anchor. After waiting some time, we got near the shore and were towed up to the place of landing. A toilsome day was followed by a comfort- able night. At half-hour after eight the house at Epworth was well filled, and most of the congregation stayed till the whole service was concluded. It was on this day that, after the battle of Bergen, in Germany2 — Among the many wounded who were brought into Frankfort-on-the- Main, there was the Right Honourable George Charles Dykern, Baron, Lieutenant-General of the Saxon troops in the service of the King of Fiance. He was born of an ancient and noble family in Silesia on April 10, 17 10, so that it was just on his birthday he received his wound. He was of equal abilities as a minister in the closet and a general in the field. In his younger years he had gone through a regular course of study in the University, and made great proficiency in philosophy, especially in mathematics. Afterwards he studied polemic divinity till he reasoned himself into an infidel. During his illness he showed not the least desire of pious company or serious discourse till the surgeon let his valet de chambre know that he could not live long. The man then asked his master whether he did not choose to be visited by a clergyman. He answered with warmth, ' I shall not trouble those ' The father of the curate who refused written by Dr. Fresenius, who was senior Wesley the sacrament in Epworth Church. of the clergy at Frankfort, for whom see - The account which follows was above, vol. iii. p. 273. April 1759.) A Narrative 307 gentlemen ; I know well myself what to believe and do.' His man, not discouraged, continued thus : ' My lord, have you ever found me wanting in my duty all the time I have been in your service?' He answered, ' No.' ' Then,' replied he, ' I will not be wanting now. The surgeons count you past hopes of recovery, but every one is afraid to tell you so. You stand upon the brink of eternity. Pray, sir, order a clergyman to be called.' He paused a little, but soon gave his hand to his servant, thanked him for his honesty, and ordered him to send for me.1 When I came the man told me plainly the general was a professed infidel. I went in, and, after a short compliment, said : ' I am told, my lord, your life is near an end ; therefore I presume, without any ceremony, to ask you one plain question : Is the state of your soul such that you can entertain a solid hope of salvation ? ' He answered, 1 Yes.' ' On what do you ground this hope ? ' He replied, ' I never committed any wilful sin. I have been liable to frailties, but I trust in God's mercy, and the merits of His Son, that He will have mercy upon me.' These words he uttered very slowly, especially ' the merits of His Son.' I made the following reply: 'I am apt to believe you are not tainted with the grossest vices, but I fear you a little too presumptuously boast of never having committed wilful sin. If you would be saved you must acknowledge your being utterly corrupted by sin, and consequently deserving the curse of God and eternal damnation. As for your hoping for God's mercy, through the merits of His Son, I beg leave to ask, Do you believe God has a Son ; that His Son assumed our nature in order to be our Saviour ; that, in the execution of His office, He was humbled unto death, even the death upon the cross ; and that hereby He has given an ample satisfaction for us and recovered our title to heaven ? ' He answered, ' I cannot now avoid a more minute description of the true state of my soul. Let me tell you, doctor, I have some knowledge of philosophy, by which I have chosen for myself a way of salvation. I have always endeavoured to live a sober life to the uttermost of my power, not doubting but the Being of all beings would then graciously accept me. In this way I stood in no need of Christ, and therefore did not believe on Him. But if I take the Scriptures to be a divine revelation, this way of mine, I perceive, is not the right one ; I must believe in Christ, and through Him come to God.' I replied, ' You say, if you take the Scriptures to be a divine revelation ? ' He fetched a deep sigh, and said, ' O God, Thou wilt make me say, Because I take the Scriptures to be Thy word.' I said, 'There are grounds and reasons enough to demonstrate the divine origin of Christianity, as I could show from its most essential principles, were not the period of your life so short ; but we need not now that diffusive method, faith 1 Dr. Fresenius. VOL. IV 19 308 John Wesley s Journal [Apmi7B9. being the gift of God. A poor sinner tottering on the brink of eternity has not time to inquire about grounds and reasons ; rather betake yourself to earnest prayer for faith, which, if you do, I doubt not but God will give it you.' I had no sooner spoken these words but, pulling off his cap and lifting up his eyes and hands, he cried out, ' O Almighty God, I am a poor cursed sinner, worthy of damnation ; but, Lord Jesus, eternal Son of God, Thou diedst for my sins also. It is through Thee alone I can be saved. Oh give me faith, and strengthen that faith ! ' Being extremely weak, he was obliged to stop here. A little after he asked, ' Is faith enough for salvation ? ' ' Yes, sir,' said I, ' if it be living faith.' • Methinks,' said he, 'it is so already, and it will be more so by-and-by ; let us pray for it.' Perceiving he was very weak, to give him some rest I retired into the next room, but he soon sent to call me. I found him praying, and Jesus was all he prayed for. I reminded him of some scriptures treating of faith in Christ, and he was much delighted with them. Indeed, he was quite swallowed up by the grace of Jesus, and would hear of nothing but ' Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.' He cried out, ' I do not know how it is with me. I never in my life felt such a change. I have power to love Jesus, and to believe in Him whom I so long rejected. O my Jesus, how merciful art Thou to me ! ' About noon I stepped home, but he sent for me directly, so that I could scarce eat my dinner. We were both filled with joy, as partakers of the same grace which is in Jesus Christ, and that in such a manner as if we had been acquainted together for many years. Many officers of the army came to see him continually, to all of whom he talked freely of Jesus, of the grace of the Father in Him, and of the power of the Holy Ghost through Him, wondering without ceasing at his having found Jesus, and at the happy change by which all things on this side eternity were become indifferent to him. In the afternoon he desired to partake of the Lord's Supper, which he received with a melting, praising, rejoicing heart. All the rest of the day he continued in the same state of soul. Toward evening he desired that if his end should approach I would come to him, which I promised ; but he did not send for me till the next morning. I was told by his valet that he slept well for some hours, and then, awaking, prayed for a considerable time, continually mentioning the name of our Lord and His precious blood, and that he had desired several of the officers to make his conversion known to his Court (that of the King of Poland). After some discourse I asked, ' Has your view of Christ and His redemption been neither altered nor obscured since yesterday ? ' He answered, ' Neither altered nor obscured. I have no doubt, not even a remote one. It is just the same with me as if I had always thus believed and never doubted, so gracious is the Lord Jesus to me, a sinner.' April 1759. York Castle 309 This second day he was unwearied in prayer and exercises of faith. Toward evening he sent for me in haste. When I came I found him dying, and in a kind of delirium, so I could do no more than give him now and then a word of comfort. I prayed afterwards for him and those that were present, some of whom were of high birth and rank. I then, by imposition of hands as usual, gave him a blessing, which being done he expired immediately. A Royal Prince who was there (Prince Xavier of Saxony) could not forbear weeping. The rest of the officers bewailed the loss of their general, yet praised God for having shown such mercy toward him. I wrote an account of it without delay to his mother, and had an immediate answer. She was a lady of seventy-two, of exemplary piety. She praised God for His mercy, adding that He had now answered the prayers which she had never ceased to offer on his behalf for eleven years. Sun. 15 (being Easter Day). — I preached at Epworth at eight, and then rode to Haxey church, where I was much refreshed by the decency and seriousness of the congregation. Between one and two I began preaching. So large a congre- gation was never seen here before. About five I preached at the market-place in Epworth. I was drawing to a conclusion when the rain began, but it drove away only a few careless hearers : the bulk of the people did not stir till I concluded.1 Wed. 18. — I set out for Selby. We were in hopes the roads would now be passable, and they were tolerable till we came near the town, but here the late flood had carried away the bank over which we were to ride, and left a great hole in its place. However, we made shift to lead our horses over a narrow path, where the water was fordable. The congregation at Selby obliged me to stand in the garden, though the north wind was exceeding high. At seven in the evening I preached 2 at York. TJiur. 19. — I visited two prisoners in the Castle, which is, I suppose, the most commodious prison in Europe. Both of them seemed to be much convinced, and not far from the kingdom of God. At six I preached in the shell of the new house 3 to a numerous and serious audience. 1 On Tuesday, April 17, he preached persons (Lyth's History of Methodism at Belton and Bawdrip. in York, p. 92). : In Pump Yard, in a room which ' In 1'easeholme Green (ibid.). See held about one hundred and twenty above, p. 224. 310 John Wesley s Journal [April 1759. Fri. 20. — The master of the inn at Tadcaster x offering us the use of his garden, I preached to a well-behaved congregation, and about five found Mr. Grimshaw and many of our brethren at Leeds. Sat. 21. — At half-hour past ten we reached Stainland chapel,2 near Elland. It is a handsome building, near the top of a moun- tain, and surrounded with mountains on all sides. It was filled from end to end. Mr. Grimshaw read prayers, and I preached on part of the Second Lesson. In the room where I dressed myself were a young man and his sister, both ill of a fever. I know not that ever they heard the preaching. However, I desired we might go to prayers; they presently melted into tears. Oh may God preach His gospel to their hearts ! I preached at Manchester in the evening, where we had at length a quiet audience. Wretched magistrates, who, by refusing to suppress, encouraged the rioters, had long occasioned con- tinual tumults here. But some are now of a better spirit ; and whenever magistrates desire to preserve the peace they have sufficient power to do it. Tues. 24. — I rode over to Macclesfield.3 Abundance of people ran together, but wild as colts untamed. Their noise quite drowned my voice at first ; but in a while they were tolerably quiet, and before I had done all but four or five lubberly men seemed almost persuaded to be Christians. 1 On Friday the 20th the Sermon was 'gutted,' by-and-by galleried, and Register has Leeds and Tadcaster. The rilled (see Smith's Methodism in Maccles~ inn at Tadcaster was probably the White field, pp. 44-6). Mrs. Ryle was the great- Horse. For the beginning of Methodism grandmother of Dr. J. C. Ryle, the first in Tadcaster see memoir of Thomas Ellis Bishop of Liverpool, whose son, Bishop in Meth. Mag. 1805, p. 221. of Winchester till 191 1, then became 2 Erected in 1755, probably as a Dean of Westminster. She (Mrs. Ryle) chapel-of-ease (Methodism in Halifax, joined the society here during the occupa- p. 102). tion of this room. Her son John, banker, * See Methodism in Macclesfield, p. 51, afterwards alderman and mayor of the for a tradition as to Wesley having been borough, and friend of Wesley, was one struck in the face by a stone on this of the first trustees of Sunderland Street occasion. For the origin of Methodism chapel (1779). Another person who after- in Macclesfield (or Maxfield, as it was wards became notable was Hester Ann then called) see above, vol. iii • pp. 175 Roe, whose father, a Macclesfield vicar, and 224. Since 1747, Nelson, Hopper, refused his church to Wesley, though he and other preachers had visited Maccles- did not actively oppose. She was bora field. In 1750 George Pearson and in 1756, and became the wife of James Elizabeth Clulow took a cottage larger Rogers, one of Wesley's preachers, than the room at Shrigley Fold. This May 1759.] In Cheshire 3 1 1 Sun. 29. — I rode to Stockport, designing to preach at one o'clock ; but we were at a loss for a place. We fixed at length on a green near the town's end, and we had a quiet and solemn opportunity. In my return I called to see a girl about thirteen years of age. She had been in violent pain all over, with little inter- mission, for near twenty months. After I had spoke a few words she said, ' When I saw you before I did not know the Lord ; but now I know Him, and am known of Him. I am His, and He is mine.' I asked, ' Do you never repine at your pain ? ' She said, ' No ; I have not a murmuring thought : I am happy, always happy. I would not change this bed of affliction for the palace of King George.' I asked, ' Are you not proud o( this ? Is pride taken out of your heart ? ' She answered, ' I do not know ; but I feel no pride. I feel that God is all.' ' But do you feel no fretfulness or peevishness ? ' 'I cannot tell that I do. Pain sometimes makes me cry out when they stir me ; but I do not fret at anything.' ' Do you find no self-will?' 'Not that I know. I desire nothing but that the will of God be done.' ' Do not you desire life or death ? ' 'No; I leave all to Him. But, if it was His will, I should be glad to die. The world is full of danger : I should be glad to leave it, and to be with Christ.'' Oh why was she then not taken to Paradise ? I fear she has now no religion at all ! l Mom. 30.2 — We had a numerous congregation at Acton Bridge, two or three miles from Northwich. Some large trees screened us both from the sun and wind. In the afternoon I rode on to Chester. It was well the wind was pretty high ; for the sun shone as hot as it uses to do in the dog-days. May 2, Wed. — I rode over to Mold, in Flintshire, about twelve miles from Chester. The sun was very hot and the wind very cold ; but, as the place they had chose for me was exposed both to the sun and the wind, the one balanced the other. And, notwithstanding the Chester races, which had drawn the rich away, and the market-day, which detained many 1 The last two sentences are not in the 26, Booth Bank ; Friday 27, Manches- original edition. ter ; Sun. 29, Stockport ; Mon. 30, Acton * The entries in the Sermon Register Bridge (named in the text), and Altrin- are : Wed. April 25, Manchester ; Thur. cham (not named). 3 1 2 John Wesley s Journal [May 1759. of the poor, we had a multitude of people, the serious part of whom soon influenced the rest ; so that all but two or three remained uncovered, and kneeled down as soon as I began to pray. TJuir. 3. — We crossed over from Chester to Liverpool. The congregations here were exceeding large, but many of them seemed to be like wild asses' colts. Yet God is able to make them wise unto salvation. Sun. 6. — I received much comfort at the old church 1 in the morning, and at St. Thomas's in the afternoon. It was as if both the sermons had been made for me. I pity those who can find no good at church. But how should they, if prejudice come between, an effectual bar to the grace of God ? Wed. 9. — I rode to Downall Green,3 near Wigan, a town wicked to a proverb. We had a specimen of the manners of its inhabitants in the behaviour of a man that met us, and accosted us with such language as would have become an inhabitant of the bottomless pit. One would have thought, from their looks, that a good part of the congregation was of the same spirit ; but in a short time the word of God prevailed, and all their fierceness melted away. In the evening I preached at Bolton, and on Friday the. 11 th, about nine, at [Lower] Darwen, a small village near Blackburn. At Lancaster we were informed it was too late to cross the sands.3 However, we resolved to make the trial. We passed the seven-mile sand without difficulty, and reached Flookborough about sunset. Sat. 12. — Setting out early, we came to Bootle, about twenty-four measured miles from Flookborough, soon after eight, having crossed the Millom Sands without either guide or diffi- culty. Here we were informed that we could not pass at Ravenglass before one or two o'clock ; whereas, had we gone on (as we afterward found) we might have passed immedi- ately. About eleven we were directed to a ford near Mun- 1 St. Nicholas. For St. Thomas's from the estuaries of the rivers Kent, see above, p. 203. Crake, and Duddon. They are almost - See Meth. Rec. Nov. 27, 1902. dry at low water, offering a sand high- * See James T. Lightwood's descrip- way, alluring but dangerous. (JV.H.S. tion of these sands, which are formed vol. iv. p. 120.) May 1759.] The Millom Sands 313 caster Hall, which they said we might cross at noon. When we came thither they told us we could not cross, so we sat still till about one. We then found we could have crossed at noon. However, we reached Whitehaven before night. But I have taken my leave of the sand-road. I believe it is ten measured miles shorter than the other ; but there are four sands to pass, so far from each other that it is scarce possible to pass them all in a day — especially as you have all the way to do with a generation of liars, who detain all strangers as long as they can, either for their own gain or their neighbours'. I can advise no stranger to go this way : he may go round by Kendal and Keswick, often in less time, always with less expense, and far less trial of his patience.1 Reflecting to-day on the case of a poor woman who had continual pain in her stomach, I could not but remark the inexcusable negligence of most physicians in cases of this nature. They prescribe drug upon drug, without knowing a jot of the matter concerning the root of the disorder. And without knowing this they cannot cure, though they can murder, the patient. Whence came this woman's pain (which she would never have told had she never been questioned about it)? From fretting for the death of her son. And what availed medicines while that fretting continued ? Why, then, do not all physicians consider how far bodily disorders are caused or influenced by the mind, and in those cases which are utterly out of their sphere call in the assistance of a minis- ter ; as ministers, when they find the mind disordered by the body, call in the assistance of a physician ? But why are these cases out of their sphere ? Because they know not God. It follows, no man can be a thorough physician without being an experienced Christian. ' At Hest Bank, the first stage from south of Holker Hall, past Park Head, Lancaster, he would probably engage thence to Ulverston Sands, Kirby Ire- the guide, whose office is an ancient leth, Millom Sands, and Bootle. It is institution, originally established by the calculated that he must have left Flook- neighbouring Priory of Cartmel, but borough between 2 and 3 a.m. At Raven- now maintained by the Duchy of Lan- glass he crossed the Esk estuary. The caster. After Flookborough, where he difficulties of his journey were increased slept, he would probably go to Cark, and by the lies told about the tides. ( IV. M. thence on to the Sands, and round the Mag. 1912, p. 47.) 314 John Wesley s Journal [May 1759. Tues. 15. — I rode over to Lorton,1 a little village at the foot of a high mountain. M-any came from a considerable distance, and I believe did not repent of their labour ; for they found God to be a God both of the hills and valleys, and nowhere more present than in the mountains of Cumberland.2 Thur. 17. — I inquired into a signal instance of providence. When a coal-pit runs far under the ground, it is customary here to build a partition-wall, nearly from the shaft to within three or four yards of the end, in order to make the air circulate, which then moves down one side of the wall, turns at the end, and then moves briskly up on the other side. In a pit two miles from the town, which ran full four hundred yards under the ground, and had been long neglected, several parts of this wall were fallen down. Four men were sent down to repair it. They were about three hundred yards from the shaft, when the foul air took fire. In a moment it tore down the wall from end to end ; and, burning on till it came to the shaft, it then burst and went off like a large cannon. The men instantly fell on their faces, or they would have been burned to death in a few moments. One of them, who once knew the love of God (Andrew English), began crying aloud for mercy ; but in a very short time his breath was stopped. The other three crept on their hands and knees, till two got to the shaft and were drawn up ; but one of them died in a few minutes. John M'Combe was drawn up next, burned from head to foot, but rejoicing and praising God. They then went down for Andrew, whom they found senseless : the very circumstance which saved his life. For, losing his senses, he lay flat on the ground, and the greatest part of the fire went over him ; whereas, had he gone forward on his hands and knees, he would undoubtedly have been burned to death. But life or death was welcome, for God had restored the light of His countenance.3 Sat. 19. — One was showing us the improvements begun by Sir William Lowther.4 He had marked out places for new ' See above, p. 29. referred to above, Oct. 28, 1 754. See " On May 16, being then in Cumber- Works, vol. xii. p. 231. land, he wrote to a friend of rank and ' On the 17th he preached again at education on Worldly and Christian Whitehaven. Prudence. Probably this is one of a 4 The cousin of Rev. Sir William series of letters to Sir James Lowther Lowther, Prebendary of York and rector May 1759] A Scotch Tour 315 walks and for tufts of trees, laid out a new plan for his gardens, begun to alter the house, and was preparing to make a little paradise round about it. But death came between. And how little loss was this, if it removed him to the paradise of God ! Sun. 20. — I preached at eight in an open place at the Gins, a village on one side of the town. Many were there who never did and never would come to the room. Oh what a victory would Satan gain if he could put an end to field-preaching ! But that, I trust, he never will ; at least not till my head is laid. After preaching again at two, I took my leave of White- haven, and rode to Cockermouth. At six I preached at the end of the market-house. High and low, rich and poor, attended ; and by far the greater part of the audience seemed to be conscious that God was there. Mon. 21. — I preached at ten in the market-place at Wigton, and came to Solway Frith, just as the water was fordable. At some times it is so three hours in twelve ; at other times, barely one. After making a short bait at Ruthwell, we came to Dumfries before six o'clock. Having time to spare, we took a walk in the churchyard, one of the pleasantest places I ever saw. A single tomb I observed there, which was about a hundred and thirty years old ; but the inscription was very hardly legible : Quandoquidem remanent ipsis quoque fata sepulchris ! 1 So soon do even our sepulchres die ! Strange that men should be so careful about them ! But are not many self-condemned therein ? They see the folly, while they run into it. So poor Mr. Prior, speaking of his own tomb, has those melancholy words, ' For this last piece of human vanity, I bequeath five hundred pounds.' Tues. 22. — We rode through a pleasant country to Thornhill, of Swillington, to whom he left his estate. ' Juvenal, Sat. x. 146. Quoted freely : The second wife of the Sir William remanent substituted for data sunt. of the text was Lady Huntingdon's friend, of whom Henry Venn wrote, For ^sepulchres themselves must crumbling ' an honour to her Christian profession.' In ^^ abyss> the common Rrave of ^ The Rev. Sir William's son James, who ultimately inherited the estates, was Dryden's translation (IV.ff.S. vol. v. created Earl of Lonsdale. p. 48). 3i 6 John Wesley s Jotirnal [Mayi7B9. near which is the grand seat of the Duke of Oueensberry. How little did the late Duke imagine that his son would plough up his park and let his house run to ruin ! But let it go ! In a little time the earth itself, and all the works of it, shall be burned up. Hence we rode through and over huge mountains, green to the very top, to Leadhills, a village containing five hundred families, who have had no minister for these four years. So, in Scotland, the poor have not the gospel preached ! Who shall answer for the blood of these men ? Early in the evening we came to Lesmahagow, a village not so large as Leadhills. It has, however, two ministers. Here also we walked down to the churchyard, by the side of which a little clear river runs, near the foot of a high and steep mountain. The wood which covers this makes the walks that run on its sides pleasant beyond imagination. But what taste have the good people of the town for this ? As much as the animals that graze on the river-bank. Wed. 23. — We took horse soon after four, and did not stop before we came to Glasgow, having hardly seen a cloud in the sky since we set out from Whitehaven. I preached at seven in the Poor House, and at seven in the morning, Thursday the 24th. But in the evening we were obliged to be abroad, and I used great plainness of speech. All suffered the word of exhortation ; some seemed to be a little affected. Sat. 26. — I found the little society which I had joined here two years since had soon split in pieces. In the afternoon I met several of the members of the praying societies and showed them what Christian fellowship was, and what need they had of it. About forty of them met me on Sunday the 27th, in Mr. Gillies's kirk,1 immediately after evening service. I left them determined to meet Mr. Gillies weekly, at the same time and place. If this be done, I shall try to see Glasgow again ; if not, I can employ my time better.2 1 For Mr. Gillies and his friendship portance to Christian fellowship as a with Wesley see above, pp. 62, 117. means of guarding and edifying the con- 1 This is a noteworthy illustration of verts. The Sermon Register shows that a fact which marked Wesley's work he preached in Glasgow on the day of throughout. He attached supreme ira- his arrival, on the 25th, and the 27th. May 1759.] The Everton Revival 3 1 7 At seven in the morning we had a numerous congregation, though small compared to that in the evening. Yet my voice was so strengthened that I believe all could hear. I spoke very plain on ' Ye must be born again.' Now I am clear of the blood of this people. I have delivered my own soul. Mon. 28. — I rode through Edinburgh to Musselburgh, and preached in the evening to a deeply attentive congregation. Wed. 30. — I rode on to Dunbar, and at six in the evening preached in a large, open place. (As also the next day.) Both poor and rich quietly attended, though most of them shivering with cold ; for the weather was so changed within a few days that it seemed more like December than May. Lodging with a sensible man, I inquired particularly into the present discipline of the Scotch parishes. In one parish it seems there are twelve ruling elders ; in another there are fourteen. And what are these? Men of great sense and deep experience? Neither one nor the other. But they are the richest men in the parish. And are the richest, of course, the best and the wisest men ? Does the Bible teach this ? I fear not. What manner of governors, then, will these be ? Why, they are generally just as capable of governing a parish as of commanding an army. About this time the work of God exceedingly increased under the Rev. Mr. Berridge, near Everton. I cannot give a clearer view of this than by transcribing part of the Journal of an eye-witness 1 : Sunday, May 20. — Being with Mr. B[lackwe]ll at Everton, I was 1 The story of the Everton Revival, that Mrs. Blackwell, being in doubtful obviously, is a composite document, health, found early rising wellnigh im- three, probably four, possibly five possible, and that this infirmity is more Journals or letters being quoted, Berridge, than once referred to in the text. See Hicks, Mrs. Blackwell, John Walsh, and, W.H.S. vol. iv. p. 22 (No. 213 in it may be, Mr. Blackwell, contributing. Notes and Queries). Mrs. Blackwell's H.J. Foster suggests a theory that dis- story closes with a quotation from poses of most, if not all, of the difficulties. Mr. Berridge's Journal. It is this that He points out that there are two reports, has misled the maker of the index to and attributes them to two distinct Wesley's Works, who attributes the whole sources : ' For the first I suggest Mrs. to Berridge. Elizabeth Blackwell, of Lewisham.' For a note accounting for the author- Mr. Foster then works out an extremely ship of the second narrative see below, interesting argument based on the fact p. 333. 3 1 8 John Wesley's Journal [May 1759. much fatigued and did not rise. But Mr. B. did, and observed several fainting and crying out while Mr. B[erridge] was preaching.1 Afterward, at church, I heard many cry out, especially children, whose agonies were amazing. One of the eldest, a girl ten or twelve years old, was full in my view, in violent contortions of body, and weeping aloud, I think incessantly during the whole service. And several much younger children were in Mr. B[lackwe]ll's view, agonizing as this did. The church was equally crowded in the afternoon, the windows being filled within and without, and even the outside of the pulpit to the very top ; so that Mr. B[erridg]e seemed almost stifled by their breath. Yet, feeble and sickly as he is, he was continually strengthened, and his voice for the most part distinguishable, in the midst of all the outcries. I believe there were present three times more men than women, a great part of whom came from far ; thirty of them having set out, at two in the morning, from a place thirteen miles off. The text was, 1 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.' When the power of religion began to be spoke of, the presence of God really filled the place. And while poor sinners felt the sentence of death in their souls, what sounds of distress did I hear ! The greatest number of them who cried or fell were men ; but some women, and several children, felt the power of the same almighty Spirit, and seemed just sinking into hell. This occasioned a mixture of various sounds, some shrieking, some roaring aloud. The most general was a loud breathing, like that of people half strangled and gasping for life. And indeed almost all the cries were like those of human creatures dying in bitter anguish. Great numbers wept without any noise 3 others fell down as dead ; some sinking in silence, some with extreme noise and violent agitation. I stood on the pew-seat, as did a young man in the opposite pew, an able-bodied, fresh, healthy countryman. But in a moment, while he seemed to think of nothing less, down he dropped, with a violence inconceivable. The adjoining pews seemed shook with his fall. I heard afterward the stamping of his feet, ready to break the boards, as he lay in strong convulsions at the bottom of the pew. Among several that were struck down in the next pew was a girl who was as violently seized as him. When he fell, B[lackwe]ll and I felt our souls thrilled with a momentary dread ; as when one man is killed by a cannon-ball, another often feels the wind of it. Among the children who felt the arrows of the Almighty I saw a sturdy boy, about eight years old, who roared above his fellows, and seemed, in his agony, to struggle with the strength of a grown man. His face was red as scarlet ; and almost all on whom God laid His hand turned either very red or almost black. When I returned, after a little See like effects under Wesley's preaching at Everton, above, p. 292. May 1759.] The Everton Revival 319 walk, to Mr. Berridge's house, I found it full of people. He was fatigued, but said he would nevertheless give them a word of exhortation. I stayed in the next room, and saw the girl whom I had observed so particularly distressed in the church lying on the floor as one dead ; but without any ghastliness in her face. In a few minutes we were informed of a woman filled with peace and joy, who was crying out just before. She had come thirteen miles, and is the same person who dreamed Mr. Berridge would come to her village on that very day whereon he did come, though without either knowing the place or the way to it. She was convinced at that time. Just as we heard of her deliverance the girl on the floor began to stir. She was then set in a chair, and, after sighing a while, suddenly rose up, rejoicing in God. Her face was covered with the most beautiful smile I ever saw. She frequently fell on her knees, but was generally running to and fro, speaking these and the like words, ' Oh what can Jesus do for lost sin- ners? He has forgiven all my sins ! I am in heaven ! I am in heaven ! Oh how He loves me ! And how I love Him ! ' Meantime I saw a thin, pale girl, weeping with sorrow for herself and joy for her companion. Quickly the smiles of Heaven came likewise on her, and her praises joined with those of the other. I also then laughed with extreme joy ; so did Mr. Blackwell (who said it was more than he could well bear) ; so did all who knew the Lord, and some of those who were waiting for salvation; till the cries of them who were struck with the arrows of conviction were almost lost in the sounds of joy. Two or three well-dressed young women, who seemed careless before, now felt the power of God, and cried out with a loud and bitter cry. Mr. Bferridge] about this time retired, and the Duke of M , with Mr. A ll,1 came in. They seemed inclined to make a disturb- ance, but were restrained, and in a short time quietly retired. We continued praising God with all our might, and His work went on as when Mr. Berridge was exhorting. I had for some time observed a young woman all in tears ; but now her countenance changed. The unspeakable joy appeared in her face, which quick as lightning was filled with smiles and became of a crimson colour. About the same time John Keeling, of Potton, fell into an agony ; but he grew calm in about a quarter of an hour, though without a clear sense of pardon. Immediately after, a stranger, well dressed, who stood facing me, fell backward to the wall, then forward on his knees, wringing his hands and roaring like a bull. His face at first turned quite red, then almost black. He rose and ran against the wall, till Mr. Keeling and another held him. He screamed out, ' Oh what shall I do ? what shall Probably the Duke of Manchester and Mr. Astell. 32° John Wesley s Journal [May 1709. I do ? Oh for one drop of the blood of Christ ! ' 1 As he spoke, God set his soul at liberty ; he knew his sins were blotted out, and the rapture he was in seemed too great for human nature to bear. He had come forty miles to hear Mr. Berridge, and was to leave him the next morning; which he did with a glad heart, telling all who came in his way what God had done for his soul. I observed about the time that Mr. Coe (that was his name) began to rejoice, a girl, eleven or twelve years old, exceeding poorly dressed, who appeared to be as deeply wounded and as desirous of salvation as any. But I lost sight of her, till I heard the joyful sound of another born in Sion ; and found, upon inquiry, it was her, the poor, disconsolate, gipsy-looking child. And now did I see such a sight as I do not expect again on this side eternity. The faces of the three justified children, and I think of all the believers present, did really shine ; and such a beauty, such a look of extreme happiness, and at the same time of divine love and simplicity, did I never see in human faces till now. The newly justified eagerly embraced one another, weeping on each other's necks for joy. Then they saluted all of their own sex, and besought both men and women to help them in praising God. I have mentioned only one man, two women, and three children at this time justified in the house, but have perhaps omitted some. And it is probable there was more than one justified at the church, though but one came to speak of it ; for all are not equally free to glorify God in the midst of His people. I wish all who find the same salvation with Mr. Coe were as ready to proclaim redeeming love ! Thur. 24.— Mr. Blackwell and I went to hear Mr. Hicks, at Wrestlingworth, four miles from Everton. We discoursed with him first, and were glad to hear he had wholly given himself up to the glorious work of God, and that the power of the Highest fell upon his hearers as upon Mr. Berridge's. While he was preaching, fifteen or sixteen persons felt the arrows of the Lord, and dropped down. A few of these cried out with the utmost violence, and little intermission, for some hours ; while the rest made no great noise, but continued struggling, as in the pangs of death. I observed, besides these, one little girl, deeply convinced, and a boy, nine or ten years old. Both these, and several others, when carried into the parsonage-house, either lay as dead, or struggled with all their might. But in a short time their cries increased beyond measure, so that the loudest singing could scarce be heard. Some at last called on me to pray, which I did ; and for a time all were calm. But the storm soon began again. Mr. Hicks then prayed, and afterward Mr. Berridge. But still, though some received consolation, others remained in deep sorrow of heart. 1 See W.H.S. vol. v. p. 1S1. May 1759.] The Everton Revival 321 Upon the whole I remark, that few ancient people experience any- thing of this work of God ; and scarce any of the rich. These generally show either an utter contempt of or enmity to it. Indeed, so did Mr. Hicks himself some time since, having so deep an aversion to it that he denied the sacrament to those of his parish who went to hear Mr. Berridge. Neither of these gentlemen have much eloquence, but seem rather weak in speech, the Lord hereby more clearly showing that this is His own work. It extends into Cambridgeshire, to within a mile of the University, and about as far into Huntingdonshire ; but flourishes most of all in the eastern and northern parts of Bedfordshire. There were three farmers, in three several villages, who violently set themselves to oppose it, and for a time they kept many from going to hear ; but all three died in about a month. One of them owned the hand of the Lord was upon him, and besought Him, in the bitter- ness of his soul, to prolong his life, vowing to hear Mr. Berridge himself. But the Lord would not be entreated. The violent struggling of many in the above-mentioned churches has broke several pews and benches. Yet it is common for people to remain unaffected there, and afterward drop down in their way home. Some have been found lying as dead in the road ; others, in Mr. Berridge's garden, not being able to walk from the church to his house, though it is not two hundred yards. I have since received a letter from Mr. B[erridge], an extract of which I send you : On Sunday se'nnight a man of Wyboston, a Nathanael indeed, was so filled with the love of God during morning prayer that he dropped down, and lay as one dead for two hours. He had been so filled with love all the week before that he was often for a time unable to work. On Sunday night last, as I was speaking in my house, there was a violent outcry. One soul was set at liberty. We sung near an hour, and the Lord released three more out of captivity. On Monday se'nnight Mr. Hicks accompanied me to Meldreth. On the way we called at a farmer's house. After dinner I went into his yard, and, seeing near a hundred and fifty people, I called for a table, and preached, for the first time, in the open air. Two persons were seized with strong convictions, fell down, and cried out most bitterly. We then went to Meldreth, where I preached in a field to about four thousand people. In the morning, at five, Mr. Hicks preached in the same field to about a thousand. And now the presence of the Lord was wonderfully among us. There was abundance of weeping and strong crying, and, I trust, beside many that were slightly wounded, near thirty received true heart-felt con- viction. At ten we returned and called again at the farmer's house. Seeing about a dozen people in the brewhouse, I spoke a few words. Immediately the farmer's daughter dropped down in strong convictions. Another also was miserably torn by Satan, but set at liberty before I had done prayer. At J 22 John Wesley s Journal [Jnnei7»«. four I preached in my own house, and God gave the Spirit of adoption to another mourner. On Monday last I went to Shelford, four miles from Cambridge, near twenty from Everton. The journey made me quite ill, being so weary with riding that I was obliged to walk part of the way. When I came thither a table was set for me on the Common, and, to my great surprise, I found near ten thousand people round it, among whom were many gownsmen from Cambridge. I was hardly able to stand on my feet, and extremely hoarse with a cold. When I lifted up my foot to get on the table, a horrible dread overwhelmed me ; but the moment I was fixed thereon I seemed as unconcerned as a statue. I gave out my text (Gal. iii. 10, n), and made a pause, to think of something pretty to set off with ; but the Lord so con- founded me (as indeed it was meet, for I was seeking not His glory, but my own), that I was in a perfect labyrinth ; and found, if I did not begin imme- diately, I must go down without speaking. So I broke out with the first word that occurred, not knowing whether I should be able to add any more. Then the Lord opened my mouth, enabling me to speak near an hour, with- out any kind of perplexity ; and so loud that every one might hear. The audience behaved with great decency. When sermon was over, I found myself so cool and easy, so cheerful in spirit, and wonderfully strengthened in body, I went into a house, and spoke again near an hour to about two hundred people. In the morning I preached again to about a thousand. Mr. Hicks engaged to preach in Orwell Field on Tuesday evening. I gave notice that I designed to preach on Monday se'nnight at Grantchester, a mile from Cambridge. Mr. Hicks and I have agreed to go into Hertfordshire ; afterwards to separate, and go round the neighbourhood, preaching in the fields, wherever a door is opened, three or four days in every week. Believe me Your affectionate servant, John Berridge. June i, Fri. — The rain began when we took horse, and attended us all the way to Berwick. When I was tolerably dry I sent to the mayor, who readily granted the use of the town hall. Here I preached about seven to a drowsy con- gregation on ' Why will ye die, O house of Israel ? ' And again, a little after seven in the morning, on ' I would thou wert either cold or hot.' In the evening I preached in the court-house at Alnwick to a people quite of another spirit, having the power as well as the form of godliness, and panting after the whole image of God. Sun. 3 (being Whit Sunday). — I preached at eight in the court- house ; but it was much crowded, and exceeding hot. So in the afternoon I went to the Cross, and cried aloud, in the name of my Master, ' If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink.' Jane 1769.] Through Northumbria 323 Mon. 4. — I preached in Plessey Square at one to an earnest, loving congregation, and inquired of one of them, James Gillies, concerning a report I had heard the day before. He informed me that when he was a little child he had just learned his Christ-cross row ! ; but this he soon forgot. Between twenty and thirty he was deeply convinced of sin, at which time, feeling a strong persuasion he could read, he went into a neighbour's house, took up a Bible, and read distinctly, which he has done ever since. After preaching, I rode on to Newcastle. Certainly, if I did not believe there was another world, I should spend all my summers here, as I know no place in Great Britain comparable to it for pleasantness. But I seek another country, and there- fore am content to be a wanderer upon earth. Wed. 6. — I preached at Gateshead Fell to a numerous congregation. In earnestness the colliers of Gateshead utterly shame the colliers of Kingswood, scarce thirty of whom think it worth while to hear the word of God on a week-day, not even when I preach ; and here the house will scarce contain the week-day congregation of a local preacher. Sat. 9. — I rode to Sunderland, and preached in the shell of their house.2 The people of this town likewise are hungry for the word, and receive it with all gladness. Sun. 10. — The house contained us at eight, but at one I was obliged to stand in the great street and declare to an attentive multitude, ' Ye must be born again.' In the evening I preached to some thousands at Newcastle, near the Keelmen's Hospital ; if haply God might bring back some of them who ran well many years ago. Wed. 13. — After preaching at the Fell, I rode to Chester-[le- 1 That is to say, the alphabet, the room at the top of Swine Alley ; then beginning of which was marked in the in a house in Ettrick's Garth (where, old horn-book with a cross. for the first time, they had space for They never drew a look or motion of intelli- a pulpit). The third place was a barn gence in Society Lane. Sans Street Chapel From infant-conning of the Christ-cross was built in 1 793, and was opened by '*' . Dr. Coke. See Tyerman, vol. ii. p. 329 ; Wordsworth, Excursion, via. „. ., „ ., , __ , ... ,r Meth. Rec. March 13, 1902 ; and IV. M. - This was the fourth meeting-house Mag. (article on ' Sunderland Metho- of the Methodists in Sunderland. Pre- dism in the Eighteenth Century ') 1910, viously they had worshipped in a small p. 165. VOL. IV 20 324 John Wesley s Journal [June 1759. Street]. The congregation was deeply serious, both in the even- ing and at five in the morning. Thence we crossed the country to Newlands, where I was met by poor John Brown,1 who has refrained from preaching till he is fallen into deep despair. I preached on ' I will heal their backsliding ' ; but the word did not reach his heart. I never saw near so large a congregation at Sheephill as we had at six in the evening. What is wanting in this whole country ? Only more labourers.3 Sat. 16. — I rode to Widdrington, and preached at one to a congregation gathered from all parts. The court-house at Alnwick was pretty well filled in the evening ; and in the morning, Sunday the 17th, we had a sound, useful sermon at church, and a serious, well-behaved congregation. I preached in the market-place about five, and I trust God applied the word, ' Ye must be born again.' Mon. 18. — Having an uneasy horse, I was tired enough when we came into Morpeth. But, after resting a while, I was strengthened to preach ' Christ crucified ' in the market-place, to such a congregation as was never seen there before ; and a solemn awe seemed to sit on every face, officers and gentle- men, as well as common people. After preaching at Plessey in the evening, I rode back to Newcastle. Wed. 20. — I endeavoured to compose the little differences which had much hurt the poor people at Gateshead Fell. Oh what zeal, what prudence and patience, are requisite to bear the manners of an untoward people, and to train them up in Christian discipline till they come to the full stature of Christ ! s Thur. 21. — I preached at Nafferton 4 at one. As I was riding thence one stopped me on the road and said, ' Sir, do not you remember, when you was at Prudhoe two years since, you break- fasted at Thomas Newton's ? I am his sister. You looked upon me as you was going out, and said, " Be in earnest." 1 For his conversion see above, vol. iii. Hopkins's Exposition of the Ten Com- p. 53. His family found fault with him mandmcnts — a fine example of Wesley's for neglecting his farm. skill {Works, vol. xiv. p. 240; Green's 2 On Friday the 15th he preached at Bibliography, No. 193). Gateshead. 4 Seven and a half miles north-east of " On June 21 he wrote the Preface to Hexham June 1759.] Through Northumbria 325 I knew not then what earnestness meant, nor had any thought about it ; but the words sunk into my heart, so that I could never rest any more till I sought and found Christ.' Fri. 22. — I rode to S[altwic]k and preached to my old congregation of colliers on ' Why will ye die, O house of Israel?' After preaching, a servant of Mr. came and said, ' Sir, my master discharges you from preaching any more on his ground, not out of any disrespect to you ; but he will stand by the Church.' ' Simple Master Shallow ! ' as Shakespeare has it.1 ' Wise master Rector, his counsellor.' Sat. 23. — I spoke to each of the society in Sunderland. Most of the robbers, commonly called smugglers, have left us ; but more than twice the number of honest people are already come in their place. And if none had come, yet should I not dare to keep those who steal either from the King or subject. Sun. 24. — I preached in the street at eight, about one at South Shields, and at five in North Shields. The greatest part of them seemed to hear as for their lives. So are these lions also become lambs. Oh for zealous, active, faithful labourers ! How white are the fields unto the harvest ! On Monday and Tuesday evening2 I preached abroad, near the Keelmen's Hospital, to twice the people we should have had at the house. What marvel the devil does not love field- preaching ! Neither do I : I love a commodious room, a soft cushion, a handsome pulpit. But where is my zeal, if I do not trample all these underfoot in order to save one more soul ? Thur. 28. — We had the general meeting of the stewards, by whom I found the societies in this circuit still contain about eighteen hundred members. I hope not many of these will be choked by the thorns. Fri. 29. — About eleven I set out for Swalwell,3 in a fair, mild morning ; but in half an hour the rain poured down, so that in a few minutes I was wet from head to foot ; and when 1 came thither, where to preach I knew not, for the house 1 See W.H.S. vol. v. p. 116. Meeting here, built in 1750, and lent ■ On Tuesday the 26th he also to Wesley when he visited the town. preached at Gateshead. It is said to be one of the few buildings in * See Meth. Rec. Winter No., 1904, England not restored in which Wesley p. 37, for picture of the Presbyterian is known to have preached. 326 John Wesley s Journal [Juiyi769. would not contain a third of the people. Just then the Dissenting minister sent to offer me the use of his meeting- house.1 I went thither without delay. There was a large congregation, and a blessing in the midst of them. Sat. 30. — I preached in Winlaton Mill at noon. The sun was very hot, and shone full upon my head ; but the wind was very high and very cold, so that the one tempered the other while I was declaring the grace of God to a well-meaning multitude, who know little as yet, but are willing to know ' the truth as it is in Jesus.' I preached at Sheephill in the evening, and returned to Newcastle as fresh as I was in the morning. JULY i,2 Sun. — Between eight and nine I preached to a quiet multitude in Gateshead. At two I preached in the Fell, to the largest congregation which had ever been seen there ; and in the evening, near the Keelmen's Hospital, to full as many as my voice would reach. It was a season of love; and God caused the mountains to flow down at His presence. While the society was gathering I went to a young woman who was, some days since, suddenly struck with what they called madness ; and so it was, but a diabolical madness, as plainly appeared from numerous circumstances. However, after we had been at prayer she fell asleep, and never raged or blasphemed after. Mon. 2. — I rode to Durham, and went at one to the meadow by the river-side, where I preached two years ago.3 The congregation was now larger by one-half ; but the sun was so scorching hot upon my head that I was scarce able to speak. I paused a little, and desired God would provide us a covering, if it was for His glory. In a moment it was done : a cloud covered the sun, which troubled us no more. Ought voluntary humility to conceal these palpable proofs that God still heareth the prayer? Between two and three we took horse. The sun now shone again, and with so intense a heat that I know not how we could have endured it but that the wind came in our face, by 1 See Rev. R. Butterworth's article " On this date he wrote to an unnamed on the Dissenters (W.H.S. vol. viii. friend ( Works, vol. xii. p. 230). pp. 25-29). 3 See above, p. 222. July 1759.) Original Sin 327 the help of which we got pretty well to Hartlepool. I suppose we had all the town with us in the evening, cither in the street or the adjoining houses. And God was pleased to touch the hearts of many, even among this dull, heavy, sleepy people. Tues. 3. — I wrote to Dr. Taylor as follows 1 : Hartlepool, July 3, 1759. Rev. Sir, I esteem you as a person of uncommon sense and learning ; but your doctrine I cannot esteem. And some time since I believed it my duty to speak my sentiments at large concerning your doctrine of Original Sin.2 When Mr. Newton,3 of Liverpool, mentioned this, and asked whether you designed to answer, you said you thought not ; for it would only be a personal controversy between John Wesley and John Taylor. How gladly, if I durst, would I accept of this discharge from so unequal a contest ! For I am thoroughly sensible, humanly speaking, it is formica contra leonem.* How gladly were it indeed no other than a personal controversy ! But certainly it is not : it is a controversy de re, if ever there was one in the world. Indeed, concerning a thing of the highest importance ; nay, all the things that concern our eternal peace. It is Christianity or Heathenism ! For take away the scriptural doctrine of redemption, or justification, and that of the new birth, the beginning of sanctification ; or, which amounts to the same, explain them as you do, suitably to your doctrine of Original Sin ; and what is Christianity better than Heathenism ? Wherein (save in rectifying some of our notions) has the religion of St. Paul any pre-eminence over that of Socrates or Epictetus ? This is therefore, to my apprehension, the least a personal controversy of any in the world. Your person and mine are out of the question. The point is, Are those things that have been believed for many ages 1 This letter appears in Works, vol. ix. in 1761. Writing to Sir Harry Tre- p. 465. lawney, Wesley says : ' I have reason to - Wesley's treatise on Original Sin believe he was convinced of his mistake has always been regarded as the ablest before he died, but to acknowledge this refutation of the Socinian errors respect- publicly was too hard a task for him.' ing original sin. The controversy was at See Tyerman's Life, vol. ii. p. 294 ; no time bitter. The respectful challenge Moore's Life, vol. ii. p. 408 ; Works, of this letter was not accepted, but before vol. xiii. p. 146 ; Green's Wesley Biblio- his death Taylor wrote A Reply to the graphy, No. 182; W.H.S. vol. viii. p. 53. Rev. fo/tn Wesley's Remarks on the ' Rev. John Newton, afterwards of Scripture Doctrine of Original Sin. This Olney ; cf. above, p. 256 ; below, p. 373. pamphlet was published posthumously, ' ' An ant opposed to a lion.' Pro- and a copy is in the library of the bably a saying in proverbial use. (W.H.S. Wesleyan Book-Room. Dr. Taylor died vol. v. p. 48.) 328 John Wesley s Journal [Juiyi75». throughout the Christian world real solid truths, or monkish dreams and vain imaginations? But farther, it is certain between you and me there need be no personal controversy at all. For we may agree to leave each other's person and character absolutely untouched, while we sum up and answer the several arguments advanced, as plainly and closely as we can. Either I or you mistake the whole of Christianity from the begin- ning to the end. Either my scheme or yours is as contrary to the scriptural as the Koran is. Is it mine, or yours ? Yours has gone through all England, and made numerous converts. I attack it from end to end ; let all England judge whether it can be defended or not. Earnestly praying that God may give you and me a right under- standing in all things, I am, reverend sir, Your servant for Christ's sake, J[ohn] W[esley]. Wed. 4. — Mr. [Joseph] Jones x preached at five, I at eight. Toward the close of the sermon a queer, dirty, clumsy man, I suppose a country wit, took a great deal of pains to disturb the congregation. When I had done, fearing he might hurt those who were gathered about him, I desired two or three of our brethren to go to him, one after the other, and not say much themselves, but let him talk till he was wear)'. They did so, but without effect, as his fund of ribaldry seemed inexhaustible. W[illiam] A[lwood] 2 then tried another way. He got into the circle close to him, and, listening awhile, said, ' That is pretty ; pray say it over again.' ' What ! are you deaf?' ' No ; but for the entertainment of the people. Come ; we are all attention.' After repeating this twice or thrice, the wag could not stand it ; but, with two or three curses, walked clear off. In the evening I began near Stockton market-place as usual. I had hardly finished the hymn when I observed the people in great confusion, which was occasioned by a lieutenant of a man- of-war, who had chosen that time to bring his press-gang, and ordered them to take Joseph Jones and William Alwood. Joseph Jones telling him, ' Sir, I belong to Mr. Wesley,' after a few 1 For whom see Atmore's Memorial, and left it in 1764. See above, p. 282, p. 225. and Everett's Methodism in Sheffield, 2 He entered the itinerancy in 1756, pp. 107, 120. JuiyiT89.j In the North Riding 329 words he let him go, as he did likewise William Alwood after a few hours, understanding he was a licensed preacher. He like- wise seized upon a young man of the town ; but the women rescued him by main strength. They also broke the lieutenant's head, and so stoned both him and his men that they ran away with all speed. Fri. 6. — I rode on to Yarm.1 The heat of the day was hardly to be borne ; but in the evening it was extremely pleasant, and the whole congregation were deeply serious. Sat. 7. — At one I was at Hutton Rudby,2 six miles south of Yarm, where they have just built a preaching-house, but it would not contain a fourth of the congregation ; and what place to choose I could not tell, no shade being at hand and the sun shining near as hot as it used to do in Georgia. Finding no other way, I stood in the street, near an house, which sheltered some of the people ; the rest seemed not to know whether it was hot or cold, God so plenteously refreshed their souls. Much the same congregation was at Potto in the evening, and with the same blessing. Having preached considerably longer, both at noon and night, 1 For three years service here was ing old carriage, with a bookcase inside conducted in a hay-loft. A chapel was it.' She and another little girl, while then substituted (1763), and Yarm, which playing, ran the pole of the carriage has had a momentous place in eighteenth through Mr. Merryweather's window, for and nineteenth century Methodism, be- which they received a scolding. She came the head of a circuit, comprising further stated that on one occasion, when Stockton, Hartlepool, Guisborough, Mr. Merryweather's servant entered Stokesley, Whitby, Thirsk, Ripon, North- Wesley's room, she found his coachman allerton, and thirty other places. In the rolling himself vigorously up and down Missionary Report for 1912 the figures for the feather-bed, because Wesley would the circuits covered by these names not sleep on it until it was made as hard show at least 200 places. Wesley's as possible. home in Yarm was always with Mr. 2 An ancient village, eight miles from Merryweather (see letters to him in Osmotherley. The houses stand far Works, vol. xii. pp. 269-271— seven back from a tree-shaded green. Car- letters that throw light on Yarm and dinal Wolsey was once rector of the its Methodism and on Wesley's methods parish, and a monastery stood in the and principles). See 'John Wesley in meadows by the river. In the days of the North Riding,' Wesley Studies, pp. Wesley the place was the centre of a 220-6. An old Methodist who lived in great linen trade, carried on in the the town, and who well remembered cottages on hand-looms. When two or Wesley, thus describes his appearance — three webs were finished they were ' his cassock, his black silk stockings, placed on each side of a pony"s back his large silver buckles, and bis lumber- and carried to Newcastle. 330 John Wesley s Journal [Juiyrrog. than I am accustomed to do, I was so hoarse in the morning, Sunday the 8th, that I knew not what I should do to go through the work of the day. However, I began it by preaching on the Green at Stokesley to a multitude of people. Thence I rode to Guisborough, at the foot of the mountains. The sun would have been insupportable but that we had a strong wind full in our face for the greatest part of the day. At twelve we had a lovely congregation in a meadow near the town, who drank in every word that was spoken, as the thirsty earth the showers. The sixteen miles, so called, from hence to Robin Hood's Bay, took us between five and six hours' riding, so that when I came thither I was quite exhausted. However, I went to the quay, where a large congregation was waiting ; and all behaved well but an honest tar, who was much disturbed at my saying, ' No man is delivered from the fear of death but he that fears God.' Tues. 10. — We took horse at half an hour past three, and rode over the huge mountains to Scarborough.1 I began to preach near the main street at seven. The congregation was large, and some of them wild .enough ; but in a short time all were quiet and still, nor did I hear one unkind word when I had done. In the afternoon I rode to York, where I thought to rest a few days, being almost worn out ; but it was judged quite necessary I should go to Hull, lest the little flock should be discouraged. So, on Friday the 13th, I set out early and reached Pocklington between eight and nine. The last time I 1 For early Methodism in Scarborough an opportunity for Brown, a freeman of see articles in Meth. Ret. Feb. 16, April Durham, to write General Lambton, 20, and June 8, 1905. See also below, M.P., who ordered their immediate April 19, 1764. In 1760 Mr. George release. Mr. Bland, a Quaker, further Cussons.of London, who figured so largely interposed against civilian persecution, in the history of West Street, Hinde Between 1761 and 1765 larger premises Street, and Great Queen Street, and who were obtained in Bennett's entry or founded the Naval and Military Bible Foster's yard, near the present market- Society, joined the Scarborough society. hall. Here William Alwood, appointed Thomas Brown, Cussons, and William preacher, had to escape by getting out Hague were seized by the press-gang of the window. See Meth. Ree. and taken on board a man-of-war lying Feb. 16, 1905 ; Lyth's Methodism in off the shore. An unfavourable wind York, p. 96; and IV.M. Mag. 1826, delayed the sailing of the ship and gave p. 594. July 1739.1 In the West Riding 331 was here they rang the bells, in order to drown my voice. But he who then paid the ringers is run away ; so I had a quiet and serious audience. I had a far finer congregation at Hull ; so, for once, the rich have the gospel preached ! At night Charles Delamotte l called upon me, and seemed to be the same loving, simple man still. I should not repent my journey to Hull, were it only for this short interview. Sat. 14. — I preached at eight in Mr. Hilton's yard, near the great street in Beverley ; and was surprised to see so quiet and civil a congregation, where we expected nothing less. All the men were uncovered, and the whole audience was attentive from beginning to end ; nor did one person give us a rude word while we rode from one end of the town to the other. This, with the large and earnest congregation at York in the evening, made me forget all my labour.2 Sun. 15. — I began reading to the society an account of the late work of God at Everton ; but I could not get through. At first there were only silent tears on every side, but it was not long before several were unable to refrain from weeping aloud ; and quickly a stout young man dropped down and roared as in the agonies of death. I did not attempt to read any farther, but began wrestling with God in prayer. We continued herein till near nine o'clock. What a day of Jubilee was this ! 3 Tues. 17. — I left York, and, about noon, preached at Tadcaster. Distant thunder did not lessen the number, but increased the seriousness, of the congregation, who appeared entirely different from those I saw here two years ago. At seven in the evening I preached to an immense con- gregation at the foot of a high mountain near Otley.4 ' Then living at Barrow, near Barton, 2 In the new chapel in Peaseholme Lincolnshire. See W.H.S. vol.ii. pp. 88- Green (Lyth's Methodism in York, p. 91). 90; iv. 10, 11 ; vii. 20. The interview may 3 On July 15 he wrote to Miss C have taken place at Mrs. Snowden's (IV. M. Mag. 1847, p. 766). house (see above, p. 20). During four- 4 See also June 30, 1772, and May i, teen years she furnished a house for Wesley 2,3,1774. John Crowther was vicar of and his pttachers in YL\x\\(W.M. Mag. Otley from April 1739. The 'high J 837, p. 8891. mountain ' would be Otley Chevin. 332 John Wesley s Journal tJuiynsa Wed. 1 8. — I rode on to Mr. Marshal's,1 at Guiseley, the Capua of Yorkshire.2 Hie nemus, hie gelidi fontes, hie mollia prata.3 It is well God is here, or who could bear it ? Hence we rode to Keighley, where is a loving, earnest, well-established people. Here many of our preachers met me, and many of our brethren ; and God was with us in all our assemblies. Fri. 20. — We went on to Colne (formerly, I suppose, a Roman colony), situate on the top of a high round hill, at the edge of Pendle Forest. I preached at eleven in an open space not far from the main street, and I have seldom seen a more attentive or decently behaved congregation. How is the scene changed since the drunken mob of this town used to be a terror to all the country ! We rode to Broad Clough in the afternoon, a lone house in the midst of the Lancashire mountains. The people came in from all quarters, and it was a season of great refreshment. Among the rest was Mr. M[ilne]r,4 who gave us an account of his late trials. I wonder the butcher (doctor, so called) to whom he was committed did not murder him ; he took true pains so to do, but his chain did not reach so far. Sat. 21. — Mr. Grimshaw led us to Gaulksholme,5 another lone house on the side of an enormous mountain. The con- gregation stood and sat, row above row, in the sylvan theatre. I believe nothing on the post-diluvian earth can be more pleasant than the road from hence, between huge steep mountains, clothed with wood to the top, and washed at the bottom by a clear, winding stream. At four I preached to a very large congregation at Heptonstall, and thence rode on to Haworth. Sun. 22. — At ten Mr. Milner read prayers, but the church would not near contain the congregation ; so, after prayers, I 1 Cf. Life oj Richard Burdsall, mollia prata, Lycori, hie nemus ' (imi- pp. 177,178. tated by Virgil from Theocritus). As on 2 In allusion to ' Capua Hannibalem another occasion, when quoting from corrupit' ( IV. U.S. vol. v. p. 48). Virgil, Wesley so alters as to keep the * 'Here a grove, here coo! springs, prosody (IV.H.S. vol. v. p. 48). here smooth lawns.' Altered from Virgil, * Mr. Milner, vicar of Chipping. Eel. x. 42, 43. 'Hie gelidi fontes, hie 5 See above, p. 212. July 1759.) In the West Riding 333 stood on a scaffold close to the church, and the congregation in the churchyard. The communicants alone filled the church. In the afternoon the congregation was nearly doubled ; and yet most of these were not curious hearers, but men fearing God. Mon. 23. — I preached, near Huddersfield, to the wildest con- gregation I have seen in Yorkshire ; yet they were restrained by an unseen hand, and I believe some felt the sharpness of His word. I preached at Halifax in the evening ; but the preaching- house was like an oven.1 Tues. 24. — The house was well filled at five. About seven in the evening I preached at Bradford, at the door of the house, as it could not contain one-half of the congregation. Wed. 25. — I talked with most of those whom Edward Hales2 had torn from their brethren. Just as he was coming to widen the breach it pleased God to take him to Himself. The wanderers were now willing to return, and I received them again, I trust, for ever. Thicr. 26. — I preached in Gildersome at noon, and at Morley in the evening. A flame suddenly broke out here, where it was least of all expected, and it spreads wider and wider. When God will work, who is able to stay His hand ? 3 Sun. 29. — I preached about eight at Birstall. The con- gregation covered a great part of the field, and my voice was exceedingly strengthened, so that I believe all could hear. At one I enforced those solemn words on an immense multitude : ' This is life eternal, to know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.' I shall easily be excused for adding here a farther account of the work of God in and near Everton 4 : 1 The room was only 42 ft. by 30 It. * On Tuesday the 27th he preached at ! ' A young man from Wakefield Batley Carr. who had preached among the seceding ' H.J. Foster's note on the authorship party ' (i.e. some of the society who had of this ' farther account ' is convincing : adopted Calvinistic tenets). See Stamp's ' The writer incidentally mentions his Methodism in Bradford, pp. 39, 40, and sex [see p. 339, end of second paragraph], Dickon's Kirkgate Chapel, Bradford, "Made aie another man," or else we PP- 33> 34- might have suspected Mrs. Blackwell 334 John Wesley s Journal [Juiyrzeg On Monday, July 9, I set out, and on Wednesday noon reached Potton, where I rejoiced at the account given by John Keeling of himself and others. He was justified, it seems, on that memorable Sabbath,1 but had not a clear witness of it till ten days after ; about which time his sister (who was, on that day, in great distress) was also set at liberty. I discoursed also with Ann Thorn, who told me of much heaviness following the visions with which she had been favoured ; but said she was at intervals visited still with such overpowering love and joy, especially at the Lord's Supper, that she often lay in a trance for many hours. She is twenty-one years old. We were soon after called into the garden, where Patty Jenkins (one of the same age) was so overwhelmed with the love of God that she sunk down, and appeared as one in a pleasant sleep, only with her eyes open ; yet she had often just strength to utter, with a low voice, ejaculations of joy and praise ; but, no words coming up to what she felt, she frequently laughed while she saw His glory. This is quite unintelligible to many ; for a stranger intermeddleth not with our joy. So it was to Mr. M[adan], who doubted whether God or the devil had filled her with love and praise. Oh the depth of human wisdom ! Mr. Rfomaine], the mean- time, was filled with a solemn awe. I no sooner sat down by her than the Spirit of God poured the same blessedness into my soul. Hers continued till the time we were to set out for Cockaigne-Hatley. Then her strength was restored in a moment, and we walked together, sixteen in number, singing to the Lord as we went along. Mr. Hicks preached an excellent sermon on the Strait Gate. The next morning, Thursday, 12, he gave me leave to take an extract from his Journal ; but I had only time to write the occurrences of one morning, as follows : June 6, 1759. — I spoke this morning, at Orwell, on Isa. lv 1. One who had been before convinced of sin fell down in a kind of fit, and broke out, in great anguish of soul, calling on the Lord Jesus for salvation. He once more, for, very curiously, this we are examining the writer says : " The second reporter also finds it exceedingly first time I saw Mr. Berridge was on difficult to rise early ! He repeatedly June 2, 1758." Near the beginning bewails his infirmity. . . . The writer is also it will be noted that on July 9 he John Walsh, a converted Deist, and a reports the remarkable case of Ann correspondent of Wesley. In the Arm. Thorn, her visions and trances. Berridge Mag. for 1780, p. 103, isa letter from him himself writes to Wesley on July 16, 1759, to Wesley, dated June 21, 1758, and a week later: "I would not have you giving some interesting particulars of a publish the account of A. T. [Ann Thorn] visit he has paid to Bedford. Incidentally which Mr. Walsh has sent you." ' This he tells Wesley that on the second of June is fairly conclusive. (IV.//.S. vol. iv. he walked over with " Brother Tansley " pp. 22-4.) For John Walsh see Arm. from Bedford to Everton to see and hear Mag. 1781, pp. 209-211. Berridge. Near the end of the account ' See above, p. 317. July 1759.] The Work near Everton 335 wrought as in the agonies of death, and was quite bathed in sweat. He beat the chair against which he kneeled, as one whose soul drew nigh unto hell. His countenance then cleared up at once : we hoped he would be presently set at liberty ; but on a sudden he was more distressed than ever, being in the sharpest conflict. Every muscle of his body was in strong agitation, as if nature was just dissolving. I never saw any convulsion fit so violent. But in a moment God dispelled the cloud. His face was again covered with smiles, and he spake as seeing the Lord near him. He cried unto Him, and, the Lord hearing, pronounced him freely forgiven. At that instant he clapped his hands and cried aloud, 'Jesus is mine 1 He is my Saviour ! ' His soul was in peace ; neither did he find the least bodily pain or soreness. I asked, ' For what would you undergo this again ? ' He said, 4 Not for all the world ; but I would suffer more rather than be without Christ ; yea, for His sake, I would suffer all things.' 'An unwise man doth not consider this ; a fool doth not understand it.' This morning, Ann Simpson, aged sixteen or seventeen, lay near an hour in the utmost distress, shrieking out, ' Christ ! Christ ! ! and no other word, her face all the time being violently distorted. I left her awhile, but could scarce sit down before I heard the voice of praise. I went, and found her heaviness turned into joy, even the joyful assurance that her sins were pardoned. She sprang by me to a young woman who lay in a kind of trance, and clasped her in her arms, breathing forth praise to God. I retired again, but had not been long seated ere she came in, running to me in a transport of praise. I asked her why she cried out continually, ' Christ ! Christ ! ' She answered, ' I thought myself at that time on a little island, and saw Satan, in a hideous form, just ready to devour me, hell all around open to receive me, and myself ready to drop in ; while no help appeared, nor any way to escape. But, just as I was dropping in, the Lord appeared between me and the great gulf, and would not let me fall into it. As soon as I saw Him all my trouble was gone, and all the pain I felt before ; and ever since I have been light and joyful, and filled with the love of God.' So far Mr. Hicks, who told me he was first convinced of sin August i, 1758, and, finding peace in about six weeks, first preached the gospel on September 17. From that time he was accounted a fool and a madman. About two thousand souls seem to have been awakened by Mr. B[erridge] and him within this twelvemonth. Fri. 13. — Mr. R[omaine], as well as Mr. M[adan], was in doubt concerning the work of God here. But this morning they were both fully convinced, while Alice Miller, the little pale girl, justified May 20, who is in the sixteenth, and Molly Raymond, who is in the twelfth, year of her age, related their experience, their artless confidence con- firming all their words. We walked this forenoon to Tadlow, in Cambridgeshire, to hear Mr. B[erridge], but came too late for the sermon. However, the account we received of the wonderful works of God in this and the neighbouring places was matter of great rejoicing to me, as are all manifestations of the world to come. 33^ John Wesley s Journal rJuiyrw. Sat. 14. — Mr. B[erridge], being ill, desired me to exhort a few people in his house, which the Lord enabled me to do with such ease and power that I was quite amazed. The next morning, at seven, his servant, Caleb Price, spoke to about two hundred people. The Lord was wonderfully present, more than twenty persons feeling the arrows of conviction. Several fell to the ground, some of whom seemed dead, others in the agonies of death, the violence of their bodily convulsions exceeding all description. There was also great crying and agonizing in prayer, mixed with deep and deadly groans on every side. When sermon was ended, one brought good tidings to Mr. B[erridge] from Grantchester, that God had there broken down seventeen persons last week by the singing of hymns only ; and that a child, seven years old, sees many visions and astonishes the neighbours with her innocent, awful manner of declaring them. While Mr. B[erridge] preached in the church, I stood with many in the churchyard, to make room for those who came from far ; therefore I saiv little, but heard the agonizing of many, panting and gasping after eternal life. In the afternoon Mr. B[erridge] was constrained, by the multitude of people, to come out of the church and preach in his own close. Some of those who were here pricked to the heart were affected in an astonishing manner. The first man I saw wounded would have dropped, but others, catching him in their arms, did, indeed, prop him up, but were so far from keeping him still that he caused all of them to totter and tremble. His own shaking exceeded that of a cloth in the wind. It seemed as if the Lord came upon him like a giant, taking him by the neck and shaking all his bones in pieces. One woman tore up the ground with her hands, filling them with dust and with the hard-trodden grass, on which I saw her lie, with her hands clinched, as one dead, when the multitude dispersed. Another roared and screamed in a more dreadful agony than ever I heard before. I omitted the rejoicing of believers, because of their number, and the frequency thereof, though the manner was strange ; some of them being quite overpowered with divine love, and only showing enough of natural life to let us know they were overwhelmed with joy and life eternal. Some continued long as if they were dead, but with a calm sweetness in their looks. I saw one who lay two or three hours in the open air, and, being then carried into the house, continued insensible another hour, as if actually dead. The first sign of life she showed was a rapture of praise intermixed with a small, joyous laughter. Mon. 16. — Mr. B[erridge] this evening preached in his house, where I observed Molly Raymond leaning all the while as if asleep ; but an hour or two after she desired to speak with him. I wondered she was not gone home, and was concerned that so little a girl should have so far to go in the dark without company. Mr. B[erridge] told jniy 1759.] The Work near Everton 337 me neither she nor the other justified children were afraid of anything. rues. 17.— We walked toward Harlston, near which Mr. B[erridge] overtook us. He was greatly fatigued and dejected, and said, ' I am now so weak, I must leave off field-preaching.' Nevertheless, he cast himself on the Lord, and stood up to preach, having near three thousand hearers. He was very weak at first, and scarce able to speak ; but God soon performed His promise, imparting new strength to him, and causing him to speak with mighty power. A great shaking was among the dry bones. Incessant were the cries, groans, wringing of hands, and prayers of sinners, now first convinced of their deplorable state. After preaching he was lively and strong, so that the closeness of a crowded room neither affected his breath nor hindered his rejoicing over two children, one about eight, and the other about six years old, who were crying aloud to God for mercy. Not only Harlston, but Stapleford and Triplow, to which Mr. B[erridge] was now going, were places in which he had never preached the gospel, and probably never would have done had it not been for the thundering sermons made against him from their several pulpits. So does Satan frequently overshoot himself, and occasion the downfall of his own kingdom. I had been very ill the preceding week. Wherefore, last night I had recourse to God in prayer, and this morning, instead of rising with difficulty at eight or nine, as I had usually done, I rose with ease at five ; and, instead of losing my strength in a mile or two, I walked eighteen without any weakness or weariness. Wed. 18. — We called at the house where Mr. B[erridge] had been preaching in the morning, and found several there rejoicing in God and several mourning after Him. While I prayed with them many crowded into the house, some of whom burst into a strange, involuntary laughter, so that my voice could scarce be heard, and when I strove to speak louder a sudden hoarseness seized me. Then the laughter increased. I perceived it was Satan, and resolved to pray on. Imme- diately the Lord rebuked him that laughter was at an end, and so was my hoarseness. A vehement wrestling with God ran through the whole company, whether sorrowful or rejoicing, till, beside the three young women of the house, one young man and a girl about eleven years old, who had been counted one of the wickedest in Harlston, were exceedingly blessed with the consolations of God. Among those under conviction was an elderly woman, who had been a scoffer at the gospel, and a keen ridiculer of all that cried out ; but she now cried louder than any present. Another I observed who had known the Lord about five-and-twenty years. When Mr. B[erridge] first brought the gospel to her ears she was filled with 338 John Wesley s Journal [Juiyi759. gladness, knowing this was the same salvation which God had long ago brought to her heart. We walked hence to the middle of Shelford Moor, and, seeing no person but a young woman who kept sheep, the solitude invited us to stop and sing a hymn, the sound thereof reached her. She came up slowly, weeping as she came, and then stood by a brook of water over against us with the tears running down her cheeks apace. We sang another hymn for this mourner in Sion, and wrestled for her with God in prayer. But He did not yet comfort her. And indeed I have observed of the people in general who hear Mr. B[erridge], their convictions are not only deep and violent, but last a long time. Wherefore those that are offended at them who rejoice should consider how terrible a cup they received first. Now they are all light ; but they well remember the darkness and misery, the wormwood and the gall. We met Mr. B[erridge] at Stapleford, five miles from Cambridge. His heart was particularly set on this people, because he was curate here five or six years ; but never preached a gospel sermon among them till this evening. About one thousand five hundred persons met in a close to hear him, great part of whom were laughers and mockers. The work of God, however, quickly began among them that were serious, while not a few endeavoured to make sport by mimicking the gestures of them that were wounded. Both these and those who rejoiced in God gave great offence to ^some stern-looking men, who vehemently demanded to have those wretches horse-whipped out of the close. Need we wonder at this, when several of His own people are unwilling to let God work in His own way ? And well may Satan be enraged at the cries of the people, and the prayers they make in the bitterness of their souls, seeing we know these are the chief times at which Satan is cast out. However, in a while, many of the scoffers were weary, and went away ; the rest continued as insensible as before. I had long been walking round the multitude, feeling a jealousy for my God, and praying Him to make the place of His feet glorious. My patience at last began to fail, and I prayed, ' O King of glory, break some of them in pieces ; but let it be to the saving of their souls ! ' I had but just spoke when I heard a dreadful noise on the farther side of the congregation, and, turning thither, saw one Thomas Skinner coming forward, the most horrible human figure I ever saw. His large wig and hair were coal black ; his face distorted beyond all description. He roared incessantly, throwing and clapping his hands together with his whole force. Several were terrified, and hasted out of his way. I was glad to hear him, after a while, pray aloud. Not a few of the triflers grew serious, while his kindred and acquaintance July 1769.) The Work near Everton 339 were very unwilling to believe even their own eyes and ears. They would fain have got him away, but he fell to the earth, crying, ' My burden ! My burden ! I cannot bear it ! ' Some of his brother scoffers were calling for horse-whips, till they saw him extended on his back at full length. They then said lie was dead. And, indeed, the only sign of life was the working of his breast and the distortions of his face, while the veins of his neck were swelled as if ready to burst. He was just before the chief captain of Satan's forces. None was by nature more fitted for mockery ; none could swear more heroically to whip out of the close all who were affected by the preaching. His agonies lasted some hours ; then his body and soul were eased. When Mr. B[erridge] had refreshed himself a little he returned to the close and bid the multitude take warning by Skinner, who still lay roaring and tormented on the ground. All the people were now deeply serious, and several hundreds, instead of going when Mr. B[erridge] dismissed them, stayed in Mr. Jennings's yard. Many of these, especially men, were truly broken in heart. Mr. B[erridge] talked with as many as could come into the house, and, seeing what numbers stood hungering without, sent me word to pray with them. This was a grievous cross ! I knew it was the Lord's will, but felt such weakness of body and sinking of spirit, and was withal so hoarse, that I supposed few could hear out of some hundreds who stood before me. However, I attempted, and in a moment the Lord poured upon me such a spirit of supplication, and gave me so clear and strong an utterance, that it seemed I was another man — a further instance that the servants of God are not sent a warfare on their own charge. No sooner had I finished than we were called to see John Dennis, aged twenty years, who lay on a table. His body was stiff and motionless as a statue ; his very neck seemed as if made of iron. He was looking steadfastly up to heaven, and praying aloud with a melodious voice. His words surprised Mr. B[erridge] as well as me, who said to the assembly, ' You need no better preacher ; none can tell you the truths of the gospel more clearly.' And, indeed, his prayer unfolded the whole Christian system with the greatest accuracy. When he came out of the fit he was in perfect health, but declared he knew not a word of all he had spoken. His mother then informed us he had had these fits for two years, at least once a day, but he never spoke in any fit till three weeks ago ; ever since he prays in them as to-night, but he is himself as ignorant of the matter as if he had been dead all the time. It was late when I went to lodge about half a mile off, where I found a young woman reading hymns, and the power of the Lord falling on the hearers, especially one young man, who cried aloud VOL. IV 21 34-0 John Wesley s Journal tJuiynoa. in such bitter anguish that I soon desired we might join in prayer. This was the seventh time of my praying in public that day, and had I been faithful I should probably have prayed seven more. Thur. 19. — I returned to Mr. J[ennin]gs's, who had set out at four in the morning to hear Mr. B[erridge] at Grantchester. He came soon after me, but was scarce able to speak. I never saw a man sweat in such a manner — the large drops seeming fixed all over his face, just like beads of glass. The congregation at Grantchester this morning consisted of about one thousand persons, among whom the Lord was wonderfully present, convincing a far greater number now than even last night. Mr. J[ennin]gs was a mild, good-natured Pharisee, who never had been awakened ; but he was now thoroughly convinced of his lost estate, and stood for a time in utter despair, with his mouth wide open, his eyes staring, and full of huge dismay. When he found power to speak he cried out, ' I thought I had led a good life ; I thought I was not so bad as others ; but I am the vilest creature upon earth ; I am dropping into hell ! Now, now ; this very moment ! ' He then saw hell open to receive him, and Satan ready to cast him in ; but it was not long before he saw the Lord Jesus, and knew He had accepted him. He then cried aloud in an unspeak- able rapture, ' I have got Christ ! I have got Christ ! ' For two hours he was in the visions of God ; then the joy, though not the peace, abated. I had left Mr. J[ennin]gs but a little while when I heard John Dennis loudly praising God. I no sooner kneeled by him than the consolations of God came upon me, so that I trembled and wept much. Nor was the Spirit poured out upon us alone ; all in the house were partakers of it. J[ohn] D[ennis] was kneeling when his fit came. We laid him on the ground, where he soon became stiff as last night, and prayed in like manner. Afterwards his body grew flexible by degrees, but was convulsed from head to foot. When he was quite recovered he said he was quite resigned to the will of God, who gave him such strength in the inner man that he did not find any of these things grievous, neither could ask to be delivered from them. I walked from Stapleford with twenty persons to hear Mr. B[erridge] at Triplow, and saw many other companies, some before, some behind, some on either hand, going the same way. This brought to my mind the words of Zechariah, ' And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts ; I will go also.' Fifteen hundred or two thousand were assembled in the close at Triplow. The only unpolished part of the audience were a few gentlemen on horseback. They were much offended at the cries of July 1759.] In and near Everton 341 those in conviction, but much more at the rejoicing of others, even to laughter ; but they were not able to look them in the face for half a minute together. I looked after service at every ring which the people made about those that fell under the word. Here and there was a place with only one, but there were generally two or three together, and on one spot no less than seven who lay on the ground as if slain in battle. I soon followed Mr. B[erridge] to the house, and found both it and the orchard filled with serious people, to whom he spake till his strength failed, and then, seeing them unwilling to depart, desired me to dismiss them with a prayer. I felt great reluctance ; but so mightily, when I began, came the Spirit upon me that I found no want of utterance while i was praying with about two hundred persons. I thought they had then gone away, but perceived, an hour after, most of them were still in the house or orchard — sighs and groans, prayers, tears, and joyful praise being intermixed on every side. Fri. 20. — I was wakeful before five ; but, conferring with flesh and blood, I slept again. Mr. B[erridge] sent for me at seven ; but I was then so weak I could not go till the people were dispersed. Three times more persons were struck with convictions this morning than had been last night. Mr. B[erridge] had prayed with them till near fainting, who then sent for me to come; and who knows what God might have done, even by me, if I had not been indulging my vile body ? I was glad to see a woman, supposed the chief sinner in the town, now rolling on the earth, screaming and roaring in strong con- victions. The man of the house informed us of her having had nine or ten children by whoredom; and that, being at last married, her husband was more angry with her for hearing the word than he would probably have been for committing adultery. Nor was her minister displeased that she never came to church, but mightily strove to prevent both her and all the sinners of his parish from going to hear the gospel. I observed also a beggar-girl, seven or eight years old, who had scarce any clothes but a ragged piece of old rug. She too had felt the word of God as a two-edged sword, and mourned to be covered with Christ's righteousness. From Triplow I walked to Orwell, and thence to Everton, in weak- ness of body and heaviness of spirit. Mr. B[erridge] was preaching when I came in. Here God again refreshed my soul. I shook from head to foot, while tears of joy ran down my face, and my distress was at an end. Sat. 21. — I was troubled for some of our brethren, who began to doubt whether this was a work of God or of the devil ; John Keeling in particular, who, instead of his frank, lively zeal, and happiness in God, was now filled with gloomy discontent, and grown dark, sullen, and 34 2 John Wesley s Journal [Juiyi769. reserved. As we were walking together, he told me it was his resolution to keep himself to himself; to let them who struggled so struggle as they would, and leave all those to themselves whom Satan cast into visions or trances till Satan brought them out again. ' But,' he added, ' I am so uneasy, I don't know what to do ; and most of our people begin to shun one another.' The snare was now broken. He saw the delusion he had been in, and I trust will hereafter shun the troublers of Israel. Sun. 22. — The church was quite filled, and hundreds were without. And now the arrows of God flew abroad. The inexpressible groans, the lamenting, praying, roaring, were so loud, almost without inter- mission, that we who stood without could scarce help thinking all in the church were cut to the heart. But, upon inquiry, we found about two hundred persons, chiefly men, cried aloud for mercy; but many more were affected, perhaps as deeply, though in a calmer way. I rejoiced to see many from Cambridgeshire, particularly John Dennis, Thomas Skinner, and the sorrowful young woman with whom we had prayed on Shelford Moor. Now, too, came good news from several parts, especially Grantchester, where ten more persons were cut to the heart in singing hymns among themselves, and the little child before-mentioned continues to astonish all the neighbourhood. A noted physician came some time ago and closely examined her. The result was, he confessed it was no distemper of mind, but the hand of God. I sought for Thomas Skinner after morning service, and found him, with many more, singing hymns under a tree. When they stopped, I asked, ' How do you find your mind now?' Instead of speaking he looked upon me with great steadiness, fetched a deep sigh, burst out into tears and prayers, and, throwing himself along on the ground, fell into more and more agony, till he roared aloud. I told him how great a sinner I had been ; but the more I spoke, the more was he distressed. Wherefore John Dennis and I went to prayer for him ; but his deliver- ance was not yet. Make him, O Lord, a greater champion for Thy truth than ever he was against it ! Mr. B[erridge] preached in his close this afternoon, though in great bodily weakness; but when he is weakest, God so strengthens him that it is surprising to what a distance his voice reaches. I have heard Mr. Whitefield speak as loud, but not with such a continued, strong, unbroken tenor. Mon. 23. — Mr. Keeling and I walked to Bedford. I was relating there how God had plucked such a brand as me out of the burning, but my voice was quickly stopped by rejoicing ; and I have often found that nothing I can say makes so much impression on myself or others as thus repeating my own conversion. Aug. 1759. ] At Gainsborough 343 The first time I saw Mr. B[erridge] was June 2, 1758. But I scarce thought of him again till June 7, as I was walking up to Luton Down. There an awful sense of God's presence fell upon me, and my voice grew louder and louder, in proportion to the joy of my soul, with a strong impulse to pray for the success of Mr. B[erridge]'s labours. And such a foresight did the Lord give me of what He was bringing to pass through his ministry that I was quite overwhelmed for near an hour ; till my voice was lost, and only tears remained. And oh, how graciously has the God of truth accomplished all those things ! With what delight hast Thou since caused me to walk round the walls of Thy Sion, to mark well her bulwarks, and count the towers thereof! AUG. i, Wed. — A few of us spoke freely and largely to a brother who had been ' overtaken in a fault,' and endeavoured to 'restore him in the spirit of meekness' ; and we were much comforted over him, having great hope that God would restore his usefulness as well as his strength. Thur. 2. — I rode to Sheffield, and preached at one to a large and quiet congregation. I was afterward desired to visit Mr. Dodge, curate of the new church. I found him on the brink of eternity, rejoicing in God his Saviour.1 Thence I went on to Rotherham, and talked with five men and six women (as I had done with many others before in various places) who believe they are saved from sin. And this fact I believe, that they ' rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks.' I believe they feel nothing but love now : what they will do, I leave to God. Fri. 3. — I preached at Gainsborough, in Sir Nevil Hickman's great hall.2 It is full as large as the Weavers' Hall, in Bristol. At two it was filled with a rude, wild multitude (a few of a better spirit excepted). Yet all but two or three gentlemen were attentive while I enforced our Lord's words, ' What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul ? ' I was walking back through a gaping, staring crowd, when Sir Nevil came and thanked me for my sermon, to the no small amazement of his neighbours, who shrunk back as if they 1 The dying curate was the same man was in all probability Mrs. Green, whom the first Methodists were accus- (Aleth. in Sheffield, p. 1 36. ) tomed to go from Sheffield to Ecclesall : See W.H.S. vol. vi. p. 68 ; also to hear ; and one of the ' six women ' below, p. 474. 344 John Wesley s Journal [Aug. 1709. had seen a ghost. Thence I rode to North Scarle,1 the last village in Lincolnshire, ten miles short of Newark. Here a great multitude assembled from various parts, most of them wholly unacquainted with the ways of God ; indeed to such a degree that, though I spoke as plain as I could on the first principles of religion, yet it seemed very many understood me no more than if I was talking Greek. Oh what a condition is the bulk of Reformed Christians in to this day ! Sat. 4. — As we took horse the rain began, and accompanied us till we alighted in the evening. Sun. 5. — Between eight and nine I reached Everton, faint and weary enough. During the prayers, as also during the sermon and the administration of the sacrament, a few persons cried aloud ; but it was not from sorrow or fear, but love and joy. The same I observed in several parts of the afternoon service. In the evening I preached in Mr. Hicks's church.2 Two or three persons fell to the ground, and were extremely convulsed ; but none cried out. One or two were filled with strong consolation. Mon. 6. — [I soon found Satan was labouring to create mis- understandings between Mr. Berridge and Mr. Hicks. But on Monday they talked freely together, and the snare was broken. In the afternoon3] I talked largely with Ann Thorn and two others, who had been several times in trances. What they all agreed in was : (1) that when they went away, as they termed it, it was always at the time they were fullest of the love of God ; (2) that it came upon them in a moment, without any previous notice, and took away all their senses and strength ; (3) that there were some exceptions, but in general, from that moment they were in another world, knowing nothing of what was done or said by all that were round about them. About five in the afternoon I heard them singing hymns. Soon after, Mr. B[erridg]e came up and told me Alice Miller 1 Methodism had been introduced into fragmentary MS. in the handwriting or North Scarle by a person named Arden, John Wesley found in a volume of who had heard Wesley in Moorfields Benson's edition of the Works, and ( Watmough's History of Methodism in supplied to this edition by the Rev. Lincolnshire, p. 13). W. L. Cornish (see W.M. Mag. 1911, - At Wrestlingworth. p. 787). The MS. illustrates Wesley's 3 The new text at this point is from a editing of the Journal. 1. THE OLD HALL OF SIR NEVIL HICKMAN, GAINSBOROUGH. 2. THE REV. JOHN IiERRIDGE. Pitoto : Mr. !■'. T. Shipham. 3. EVERTON" CHURCH. 345 Am. i769.i A Fragmentary MS. 347 (fifteen years old) was fallen into a trance. I went down imme- diately, and found her sitting on a stool and leaning against the wall, with her eyes open and fixed upward. I made a motion as if going to strike, but they continued immovable. Her face showed an unspeakable mixture of reverence and love, while silent tears stole down her cheeks. Her lips were a little open, and sometimes moved, but not enough to cause any sound. I do not know whether I ever saw a human face look so beautiful. Sometimes it was covered with a smile, as from joy, mixing with love and reverence ; but the tears fell still, though not so fast. Her pulse was quite regular. In about half an hour I observed her countenance change into the form of fear, pity, and distress ; then she burst into a flood of tears, and cried out, ' Dear Lord ; they will be damned ! They will all be damned ! ' But in about five minutes her smiles returned, and only love and joy appeared in her face. About half an hour after six I observed distress take place again ; and soon after she wept bitterly, and cried out, ' Dear Lord, they will go to hell ! The world will go to hell ! ' Soon after, she said, ' Cry aloud ! Spare not ! ' And in a few moments her look was composed again, and spoke a mixture of reverence, joy, and love. Then she said aloud, ' Give God the glory.' About seven her senses returned. I asked, ' Where have you been ? ' 'I have been with my Saviour.' ' In heaven, or on earth?' 'I cannot tell; but I was in glory.' 1 Why, then, did you cry ? ' ' Not for myself, but for the world ; for I saw they were on the brink of hell.' ' Whom did you desire to give the glory to God ? ' ' Ministers, that cry aloud to the world ; else they will be proud ; and then God will leave them, and they will lose their own souls.' I preached at eight on ' The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the people that forget God.' The whole congrega- tion was earnestly attentive ; but not above one or two cried out, and I did not observe any that fainted away, either then or in the morning. I have generally observed more or less of these outward symptoms to attend the beginning of a general work of God. So it was in New England, Scotland, Holland, Ireland, and many parts of England ; but, after a time, they gradually decrease, and the work goes on more quietly and silently. Those whom it pleases God to employ in His work 34^ John Wesley s Journal rxug. 1759. ought to be quite passive in this respect ; they should choose nothing, but leave entirely to Him all the circumstances of His own work.1 Tues. 7.— [I then began at four (because of the harvest), and, after preaching, took horse. At Stevenage we put up at the same inn with Mr. Venn, going down with his family to Yorkshire. In the afternoon, riding easily, I reached London, thoroughly tired] having rode in seven months above four-and- twenty hundred miles. Wed. 8. — Our Conference began,2 the time of which was almost entirely employed in examining whether the spirit and lives of our preachers were suitable to their profession.3 On Saturday, in the afternoon, we concluded. Great was the unanimity and love that reigned among us [throughout] ; and if there were any who hoped or feared the contrary, they were happily disappointed. [Is not this another token for good? Surely while we are thus striving for the hope of the gospel we shall not be delivered to the will of our enemies.] Sun. 12.— I was afraid to look forward to the work of the day, knowing my strength was not sufficient for it ; but God looked to that ; for though I was exceeding weak at Snowsfields in the morning, I was stronger at noon ; and after preaching in the afternoon [to a large multitude in Moorfields], and meeting the society [for near an hour], I felt no weakness [or weariness] at all. [I had designed to set out on Tuesday morning either for Norwich 'or Cornwall ; but I still felt I had need of a little rest, and so determined to defer my journey. However] on Monday the 13th I took a little ride to Croydon, one of the seats of the Archbishops of Canterbury. Was it one of these who ordered, many years ago (for the characters are of old standing), that dreadful inscription to be placed just over the communion- table ? ' And now, ye priests, this commandment is for you. If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory The above passage is quoted, in part, * The sixteenth Annual Conference. m Life of C. of Huntingdon, vol. i. p. 398, (Tyerman's Life of Wesley, vol. ii. where these manifestations are discussed p. 333. See also Myles's Chron. Hist. in notes, and an interesting letter to p. 84.) the Countess from John Wesley is pub- 3 On Thursday the 9th and on Friday 1'shec*' the 10th he preached at the Foundery. au*. i769.i At Everton 349 unto My name, saith the Lord, I will even send a curse among you, and I will curse your blessings ; yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart. Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your solemn feasts, and one shall take you away with it.' The Archbishop's palace ' is an ancient, venerable pile, and the gardens are extremely pleasant. The late Archbishop had improved them at a large expense ; but continual illness pre- vented his enjoying them, till, after four years' constant pain, he was called away — one may hope, to the garden of God. I dined at Mr. B[elchier]'s in Epsom, whose house and gardens lie in what was once a chalk-pit.2 It is the most elegant spot I ever saw with my eyes, everything, within doors and without, being finished in the most exquisite taste. Surely nothing on earth can be more delightful ; what will the possessor feel when he cries out : Must I then leave thee, Paradise ? Then leave These happy shades, and mansions fit for gods ? 3 Fri. 17. — I spent an hour pleasantly and profitably at 's. How gracious is God, who still preserves him uncon- sumed in fire ! How plain that with God all things are possible ! He can draw the sting either of wealth or death. Sun. 19. — I preached in the afternoon to a huge multitude in the fields i on ' Now God commandeth all men everywhere to repent.' 5 Mon. 27. — I rode to Bedford, and about six preached on St. Peter's Green. None of the numerous congregation stood with their heads covered except the Germans. Blessed be God that I have not so learned Christ ! If they know no better I cannot help it. Tues. 28. — I rode on to Mr. Berridge's at Everton, and in 1 It dates from the early part of the 01 this were composed by Dr. Arne. thirteenth century, and is one of the first ' The Sermon Register says at Epsom, buildings constructed entirely of brick. On this day he wrote to Miss Furly "- See an article by the Rev. John ( Works, vol. xii. p. 204), and on the Telford in W.H.S. vol. iv. p. 67. 22nd he wrote the last of six letters ' Altered from Milton's Paradise Lost, to Richard Tompson ( Works, vol. xii. xi. 269. See W .H.S. vol. v. p. 116. Or p. 474). he may have quoted from Dr. Arne's s On Saturday, Aug. 25, he preached Hymn of Eve. Both the words and music at Snowsfields and West Street. 3 5° John Wesley s Journal raept. 1709. the evening went to the church ; but unusually heavy, and hardly expecting to do any good there. I preached on those words in the Second Lesson, ' We know that we are of God.' One sunk down, and another, and another. Some cried aloud in agony of prayer. I would willingly have spent some time in prayer with them ; but my voice failed, so that I was obliged to conclude the service, leaving many in the church crying and praying, but unable either to walk or stand. One young man and one young woman were brought with difficulty to Mr. B[erridge]'s house, and continued there in violent agonies, both of body and soul. When 1 came into the room the woman lay quiet, wrestling with God in silent prayer. But even the bodily convulsions of the young man were amazing : the heavings of his breast were beyond description — I suppose equal to the throes of a woman in travail. We called upon God to relieve his soul and body, and both were perfectly healed. He rejoiced in God with joy unspeakable, and felt no pain, or weakness, or weariness. Presently after the woman also was delivered, and rose rejoicing in God her Saviour. Wed. 29. — I rode to Lakenheath, and spoke exceeding plain to an honest, drowsy people. Thur. 30. — I preached at the Tabernacle in Norwich to a large, rude, noisy congregation. I took knowledge what manner of teachers they had been accustomed to, and determined to mend them or end them. Accordingly the next evening, after sermon, I reminded them of two things : the one, that it was not decent to begin talking aloud as soon as service was ended, and hurrying to and fro as in a bear-garden ; the other, that it was a bad custom to gather into knots just after sermon and turn a place of worship into a coffee-house. I therefore desired that none would talk under that roof, but go quietly and silently away. And on Sunday, SEPT. 2, I had the pleasure to observe that all went as quietly away as if they had been accustomed to it for many years. Mon. 3. — I met the society at five, and explained the nature and use of meeting in a class. Upon inquiry, 1 found we have now about five hundred members ; but a hundred and fifty of these do not pretend to meet at all. Of those, therefore, I make no account. They hang on but a single thread. 8«pt. 1769.' At Hempnall 35] Tues. 4. — I walked to Hempnall,1 nine miles from Norwich, and preached at one o'clock. The ringleader of the mob came with his horn, as usual, before I began, but one quickly catched and threw away his horn, and in a few minutes he was deserted by all his companions, who were seriously and deeply attentive to the great truth, ' By grace ye are saved through faith.' Sun. 9. — I met the society at seven, and told them in plain terms that they were the most ignorant, self-conceited, self- willed, fickle, untractable, disorderly, disjointed society that I knew in the three kingdoms. And God applied it to their hearts, so that many were profited ; but I do not find that one was offended. At ten we had another happy opportunity, and many stubborn hearts were melted down. Just at two the great congregation met, and the power of God was again present to heal, though not so eminently as at five, while I was de- scribing ' the peace that passeth all understanding.' After preaching I was desired to spend an hour with some whom I supposed to be of our own society ; but I soon found my mistake : Sensim medios delapsus in hostes.2 One in particular warmly told me she could not like mine or Mr. [John] Murlin's 3 doctrine : it always threw her into heaviness ; but in dear Mr. Cudworth's she could find comfort. I desired we might pray. God quickly answered for Himself ; her heart was broke in pieces. She was filled with love, and 1 Wesley spelt the word ' Kemnal,' but by the fact that, though possessed of the local pronunciation is ' Hemnal.' A private means, he laboured, despite severe tree in the centre of the village is still physical pain, till 1787. He was a man spoken of as 'Wesley's tree.' See of great integrity, sincerity, and simpli- W.H.S. vol. iv. p. 244. city, and was in general so deeply affected - ' I had imperceptibly fallen into the with the subjects on which he preached midst of enemies.' Altered from Virgil, that he obtained the name of ' The Weep- Aen. Bk. ii. 1. 377. See W.H. S. vol. v. ing Prophet.' He died at High Wycombe p. 48. Wesley has ingeniously changed in 1799, but at his own request his ' sensit ' into ' sensim,'* which, from its remains were carried to London and original meaning 'perceptibly,' passes interred in Wesley's vault. A mural into ' gradually,' and then so ' gradually ' tablet to his memory was placed in City as to merge into ' imperceptibly.' Road Chapel. See his autobiography in 3 Murlin entered the itinerancy in E.M.P. vol. iii. p. 293 ; also Atmore's 1754. His disinterested zeal is shown Memorial, p. 288. 352 John Wesley 's Journal sept. 1789. grief, and shame ; but could only tell it by her eyes and her tears. About this time I received a remarkable letter from abroad, an extract of which follows : Berlin, Aug. 26, 1759. God has again wrought publicly in this place, in the presence of many thousand people. A soldier of the King's Guard was sentenced to be hanged for desertion and theft. He was a wretch abandoned to all manner of wickedness. General K was much concerned for his soul. He earnestly desired me to take charge of it, though we saw no prospect of success. I visited him the day he was condemned, being Thursday. He seemed quite careless and unconcerned. I endeavoured to convince him of sin, but did not perceive any effect. I begged of him not to deceive his own soul, but to consider the condition he was in. On Friday this began to sink into his heart, and on Saturday much more. Perceiving this, I much insisted on those words : ' This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.' The effect was astonishing. He laid hold of them by faith, and not only his burden was gone, but he had such experience of the love of Christ as it is impossible to describe. His peace, triumph, and joy increased every hour till the night before his exe- cution, and indeed were never more observable than when he was brought out of prison. -In his way to the place of execution he praised God for dragging him, as it were, with chains to heaven. ' What ! ' said he, ' will God, after all my hellish actions, give me eternal life into the bargain ? ' The efficacy of the blood and death of Christ being made known to him by the Holy Ghost, he spoke of nothing but his wedding-day, which was to be this 13th of August. Every one that looked upon him was struck. Officers and all were moved. Being entered into the ring, I once more prayed with him, and gave him the last blessing. But the very instant he was to be turned off, Colonel H called out ' Pardon ! ' I was thunderstruck, and Mittelstadt protested it was to him like a ball shot through his body. He fainted away for some time. Being recovered, his first words were, 'Why was I not rather hanged, or even crucified, than pardoned ? Why am I thus stopped in my course ? I should now have been with Christ ! ' I was myself more afraid of him now than ever. But the grace of God was strong in his soul. And ever since it has continued the same. Yesterday I was informed by one who went on purpose to inquire that his whole employ during his confinement (which is to continue six months) is reading, praying, and comforting himself with the blood of Christ. sept. i769.i West Street Chapel 353 Mon. 10. — We took horse at half-hour after four. Before eight it was as warm as it is usually at Midsummer ; and from ten we had the sun in our face all the way to Colchester. But we had the wind in our face, too, or the heat would have been insupportable. I was in a fever from the moment I came into the house ; but it did not hinder me from preaching on the Green,1 and afterwards meeting the society. 1 then lay down as soon as possible, but could not sleep a quarter of an hour till between two and three in the morning. I do not know that I have lost a night's sleep before, sick or well, since I was six years old. But it is all one : God is able to give strength, either with sleep or without it. I rose at my usual time, and preached at five, without any faintness or drowsiness. Thar. 13. — We set out between four and five, and rode to Dunmow, about four-and-twenty miles a ; but here we were at a full stop. None could direct us any farther. So we were to cross the country as well as we could. But whenever we were at a loss (eight or ten times) we met some one to help us out. So about half an hour past one we were come within sixteen miles of Sundon. An honest blunderer then undertook to direct us a nearer way. By his help we wandered up and down, till our sixteen miles grew into six-and-twenty. However, we got to Sundon before seven, where a considerable number of people soon met, to whom I explained (what they seemed to know very little of) ' the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.' Fri. 14. — I returned to London. Sat. 15. — Having left orders for the immediate repairing of West Street Chapel, I went to see what they had done, and saw cause to praise God for this also. The main timbers were so rotten that in many places one might thrust his fingers into them. So that probably, had we delayed till spring, the whole building must have fallen to the ground.3 1 See above, p. 289. bably it was to visit his friends there, Mr. 1 It would be interesting to know why and Mrs. Cole. On an earlier visit he made this long detour of sixty to (March 6-9, 1758) he stayed three days, seventy miles, from Colchester via Dun- See above, pp. 94, 254. mow (where he does not appear to have 3 On Sunday the 16th he preached at stayed) to Sundon — due west. Pro- Snowsfields. 354 John Wesley s Journal tsept. 1759. Mon. 17. — I went to Canterbury. Two hundred soldiers, I suppose, and a whole row of officers, attended in the evening. Their number was increased the next evening, and all behaved as men fearing God. Wed. 19. — I preached at Dover, in the new room, which is just finished. Here also the hearers increase, some of whom are convinced and others comforted daily. Thur. 20. — I strongly applied at Canterbury, to the soldiers in particular, ' He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.' The next day, in my return to London, I read Mr. Huygens's Conjectures on the Planetary World} He surprised me. I think he clearly proves that the moon is not habitable ; that there are neither Rivers nor mountains on her spotty globe 2 ; that there is no sea, no water on her surface, nor any atmosphere. And hence he very rationally infers that ' neither are any of the secondary planets inhabited.' And who can prove that the primary are ? I know the earth is. Of the rest I know nothing. Sun. 23. — A vast majority of the immense congregation in Moorfields were deeply serious. One such hour might convince any impartial man of the expediency of field-preaching. What building, except St. Paul's Church, would contain such a con- gregation ? And if it would, what human voice could have reached them there ? By repeated observations I find I can command thrice the number in the open air that I can under a roof. And who can say the time for field-preaching is over, while, (1) greater numbers than ever attend ; (2) the converting as well as convincing power of God is eminently present with them ? Mon. 24. — I preached about eight at Brentford, and in the evening at Basingstoke, to a people slow of heart and dull of understanding. 1 Christian Huygens, a celebrated 1 See Milton, Paradise Lost, i. 291, mathematician, born at the Hague 1629, where Satan's shield is likened to the died 1695 ; author of Celestial Worlds enlarged orb of the moon as seen Discovered, 1699. See W.H.S. vol. iv. through the telescope {W.H.S. vol. v, p. 134. p. 116). Oct. 1759. The French Prisoners 355 Tues. 25. — I preached in the new house at Whitchurch, and at Salisbury in the evening". The new room there is, I think, the most complete in England. It strikes every one of any taste that sees it ; not with any single part, but an inexpressible something in the whole. The militia from Hampshire being in town, a large number of them were at the preaching. But it was as music to a horse ; such brutish behaviour have I seldom seen. The next evening they behaved, if possible, worse than before. However, many of them, I believe, were struck ; for they came again in the morning, and then appeared to be of quite another spirit, earnestly attending to what was spoken. Thur. 27. — I had appointed to preach at seven in the evening at Bradford ' ; but when I came I found Mr. Hart was to preach at six.2 So I delayed till the church service was ended, that there might not appear (at least on my part) even the shadow of opposition between us. Fri. 28. — I reached Bristol. Sun. 30. — The weather being fair and calm, I preached in the new Square,3 for the sake of many people who do not choose to come to the room. My text was, ' Him that cometh unto Me I will in no wise cast out.' I believe many found desires of coming to Him. Oh that they may be brought to good effect ! Oct. I, Mon. — All my leisure time during my stay at Bristol I employed in finishing the fourth volume of Discourses ; probably the last which I shall publish.4 Mon. 15. — I walked up to Knowle, a mile from Bristol, to see the French prisoners. Above eleven hundred of them, we were informed, were confined in that little place without any- thing to lie on but a little dirty straw, or anything to cover them but a few foul, thin rags, either by day or night, so that they died like rotten sheep. I was much affected, and preached in the evening on Exod. xxiii. 9, ' Thou shalt not oppress a 1 Bradford-on-Avon. in the neighbourhood, and Wesley often ■ Mr. Hart was newly presented to the preached there, living of St. George's, Kingswood. 4 Issued in the following year. It 1 King's Square (see W.H.S. vol. ii. contained seven sermons and six tracts. pp. 104-10). Famous Methodists lived See Green's Bibliography, No. 200. 356 John Wesley s Journal [Oct. 1759. stranger ; for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt' Eighteen pounds were con- tributed immediately, which were made up four-and-twenty the next day. With this we bought linen and woollen cloth, which were made up into shirts, waistcoats, and breeches. Some dozen of stockings were added ; all which were carefully dis- tributed where there was the greatest want. Presently after, the Corporation of Bristol sent a large quantity of mattresses and blankets ; and it was not long before contributions were set on foot at London,1 and in various parts of the kingdom, so that I believe from this time they were pretty well provided with all the necessaries of life.2 Mon. 22.— I left Bristol, and, having preached at Shepton, Coleford, Frome, and Salisbury in my way, on Thursday the 25th determined to try if I could do any good at Andover. The congregation at ten in the morning was small ; in the evening their number was increased, and I think some of them went away crying out, ' God be merciful to me, a sinner ! ' Fri. 26. — I rode to Basingstoke. I was extremely tired when I came in, but much less so after preaching. I then sent to inquire if there was a vacant place in any of the coaches which were going to London the next day ; but they were all full, and I had promised to send back my mare to Bristol. The only way that remained was to take Joseph Jones's horse, and let him ride behind one of the coaches. So I ordered the horse to be brought soon after four in the morning, and was waiting for the coach, when a post-chaise drove by. I rode close after it, though it was so dark I could not see my horse's 1 The contributions from London were Bristol to Mr. describing an in- doubtless the result of a powerful appeal vestigation respecting the French pri- published by Wesley in Lloyd's Evening soners at Knowle, which ' many terrible Post (Pawlyn's Bristol, p. 53). accounts ' had moved him to make. They '-' The entries in the Sermon Register were said to hare 'died in whole shoals.' during the interval between Oct. 1 and He shows that these accounts were quite 22 are few. He was busy with work for baseless, but he appeals to the gentlemen the press. But Wednesday the 3rd he of Bristol for clothing in view of the preached at Warminster ; on Sunday the winter now coming upon them in a cold 7th at ' NorthCommon'; Tuesday the 9th, prison, and a colder climate than most Bristol ; and again at Bristol on Thursday of them have been accustomed to. the 18th. On Oct. 20 he wrote from ( Works, vol. xii. p. 266.) Nov. 1759.1 In London 357 head ; but I could hear, which was enough. About daybreak it drove away ; but then I could see the road. It rained without intermission from the time I took horse till I came to the Foundery ; so that I was wet through a great part of the day. But it did me no hurt at all. Sun. 28. — I found the ancient spirit in the congregation, both at Spitalfields and the Foundery.1 Tues. 30. — I preached at Deptford, and rejoiced to find an increasing work there also. Wednesday and Thursday I spent in revising and perfecting a Treatise on Electricity? Nov. 2, Fri. — I spent an hour with that miracle of mercy, Miss ; a clear proof that God can, even without external means, preserve a bush in the midst of the fire. Sun. 4. — As I was applying those words, ' They neither marry, nor are given in marriage ; neither can they die any more, for they are equal to angels,' the power of God fell upon the congregation in a very uncommon manner. How season- able ! Oh how does God sweeten whatever cross we bear for His sake ! Mon. 12. — I talked with J D , a gentleman's coach- man, an uncommon monument of mercy. Last year he was a violent persecutor of the truth, and of his wife for the sake of it ; but the second or third time he heard for himself, he was thoroughly convinced. Soon after he entered into the society, and in six weeks found peace with God. Yet his natural tempers quickly revived, which made him restless after a thorough change. In spring this restlessness so increased that he was crying to God day and night, till on Sunday, May 27, he was utterly broken in pieces, and ready to cast away the hope of it. But just as he received the bread in the Lord's Supper, the love of God filled his heart ; and from that moment he had no doubt, but has continued always rejoicing, always praying, and praising God.3 1 On Monday the 29th he preached at Common Sense.' See Works, vol. xiv. Spitalfields ; on Wednesday, Nov. 7, at p. 241, where the preface is printed in Bishop Bonner's, and on Thursday the extenso, and dated Nov. 1, 1759; Green's 8th at West Street. Bibliography, No. 202 ; also above, ■ Published in 1760 as ' The Desidera- p. 190. turn ; or. Electricity made Plain and ' On the 1 2th he preached at Zoar Useful. By a Lover of Mankind and ot Chapel {Life of Eleanor Dornford, p. 17). VOL. IV 22 358 John Wesley 's Journal rNo?. 1759. Sat. 1 J. — I spent an hour agreeably and profitably with Lady G[ertrude] H[otham], and Sir C[harles] Hfotham].1 It is well a few of the rich and noble are called. Oh that God would increase their number ! But I should rejoice (were it the will of God) if it were done by the ministry of others. If I might choose, I should still (as I have done hitherto) preach the gospel to the poor.2 Mon. 19. — I spent an hour with Mr. B., who has escaped from Guadaloupe as with the skin of his teeth. He informed me that all the water they had in the voyage stunk intolerably ; that the biscuit was full of maggots, and the beef mere carrion, so that none could bear to stand near a cask when it was opened. What wonder that the poor men died in troops ! Who shall answer for their blood ? Thur. 22. — I took horse between six and seven, in one of the coldest mornings I ever remember. We reached St. Albans without much difficulty ; but then the roads were all covered with snow. However, there was a beaten path, though slippery enough, till we turned into the by-road to Sundon. What we could have done there I cannot tell, for the snow lay deeper and deeper, had not a wagon gone awhile before us, and marked the way for six miles to Mr. Cole's gate.3 Fri. 23. — The roads were so extremely slippery, it was with much difficulty we reached Bedford. We had a pretty large congregation, but the stench from the swine under the room was scarce supportable. Was ever a preaching-place over a 1 In ' Charles Wesley's Account of his family, and relationships of Christian Two Sons,' published with his Journal, affection between them and the Wesleys. vol. ii. pp. 140 ff., he says of Charles On the death of Lady Hotham, the when about seven : ' Lady Gertrude wife of Sir Charles (Lady Gertrude was Hotham heard him with much satisfac- probably his mother) in 1756, Charles tion and made him a present of all her Wesley wrote a hymn of twenty-nine music. ... Sir Charles Hotham was six-lined verses in five parts. The fine particularly fond of him, promised him tune set in the early Methodist tune- an organ, and that he should never want books to ' Jesu, Lover of my soul,' was any means or encouragement in the pur- composed by Madan, and was named suit of his art. But he went abroad soon after his and Wesley's friend, Sir Charles after, and was thence translated to the Hotham. heavenly country.' In letters to his wife • On Sunday, Nov. 18, he preached (LXIII, LXXV, LXXVI, LXXX) the at the Foundery and Spitalfields. references indicate the piety of the J See W.M. Mag. 1849, p. 490. Nov. 1759.] Everton and Wrest lingivorth 359 hog-sty before ? Surely they love the gospel who come to hear it in such a place.1 Sat. 24.— We rode to Everton, Mr. Berridge being gone to preach before the University at Cambridge. Many people came to his house in the evening, and it was a season of great refreshment. Sun. 25. — I was a little afraid my strength would not suffice for reading prayers and preaching, and administering the Lord's Supper alone, to a large number of communicants ; but all was well. Mr. Hicks began his own service early, and came before I had ended my sermon. So we finished the whole before two, and I had time to breathe before the evening service. In the afternoon God was eminently present with us, though rather to comfort than convince. But I observed a remarkable difference since I was here before as to the manner of the work. None now were in trances, none cried out, none fell down or were convulsed ; only some trembled exceedingly, a low murmur was heard, and many were refreshed with the multitude of peace. The danger was to regard extraordinary circumstances too much, such as outcries, convulsions, visions, trances ; as if these were essential to the inward work, so that it could not go on without them. Perhaps the danger is to regard them too little, to condemn them altogether ; to imagine they had nothing of God in them, and were a hindrance to His work. Whereas the truth is: (1) God suddenly and strongly convinced many that they were lost sinners, the natural consequence whereof were sudden outcries and strong bodily convulsions ; (2) to strengthen and encourage them that believed, and to make His work more apparent, He favoured several of them with divine dreams, others with trances and visions ; (3) in some of these instances, after a time, nature mixed with grace ; (4) Satan likewise mimicked this work of God, in order to discredit the whole work. And yet it is not wise to give up this part, any more than to give up the whole. At first it was, doubtless, wholly from God. It is partly so at this day ; and He will enable us to discern how 1 John Walsh had been there the under the room ' (Letter in Arm. Mag. previous year and found that ' many had 1780, p. 104). The room in George left off hearing because hogs were kept Street, Walsall, was over a hog-maiket. 360 John Wesley s Journal [Nov. 1769. far, in every case, the work is pure, and where it mixes or degenerates. Let us even suppose that, in some few cases, there was a mix- ture of dissimulation — that persons pretended to see or feel what they did not, and imitated the cries or convulsive motions of those who were really overpowered by the Spirit of God ; yet even this should not make us either deny or undervalue the real work of the Spirit. The shadow is no disparagement of the substance, nor the counterfeit of the real diamond. We may further suppose that Satan will make these visions an occasion of pride. But what can be inferred from hence? Nothing, but that we should guard against it ; that we should diligently exhort all to be little in their own eyes, knowing that nothing avails with God but humble love. But still, to slight or censure visions in general would be both irrational and unchristian. Mon. 26. — In the evening I preached in Mr. Hicks's church at Wrestlingworth, and at ten the next morning. The people were deeply attentive, but none were so affected as when I was here last. In the evening Mr. B[erridge] returned from preach- ing before the University. In the midst of the sermon, he informed me, one person cried out aloud, but was silent in a few moments. Several dropped down, but made no noise, and the whole congregation, young and old, behaved with seriousness. God is strong as well as wise : who knows what work He may have to do here also ? Wed. 28. — I returned to London,1 and on Thursday the 29th, the day appointed for the General Thanksgiving,* I preached again in the chapel near the Seven Dials, both morning and afternoon. I believe the oldest man in England has not seen a thanksgiving-day so observed before. It had the solemnity 1 From the wording we may infer that and in SeptemberWolfe captured Quebec, he had already preached at West Street winning Canada for England. The im- (hence the next sentence : ' I preached portance of Hawke's victory in Quiberon again in the chapel ') ; on the 30th at Bay may be inferred from the following : the Bull-and-Mouth, on Dec. 2 at Spital- ' If the Brest ships were not completely fields ; on the 4th at the Foundery, and wiped out as a result of the action, the (probably) at Zoar on the 6th. French fleet ceased to be an offensive 1 In August the battle of Minden force.' {England under the Hanoverians, saved Hanover for the British Crown, p. 152.) Dec. 1759. 1 A Chancery Bill 361 of the General Fast. All the shops were shut up ; the people in the streets appeared one and all with an air of seriousness ; the prayers, lessons, and whole public service were admirably suited to the occasion. The prayer for our enemies, in particular, was extremely striking ; perhaps it is the first instance of the kind in Europe. There was no noise, hurry, bonfires, fireworks in the evening, and no public diversions. This is indeed a Christian holiday, a 'rejoicing unto the Lord.' The next day came the news that Sir Edward Hawke had dispersed the French fleet.1 Dec. Sun. 9. — I had, for the first time, a lovefeast for the whole society. Wed. 12. — I began reading over the Greek Testament and the Notes with my brother and several others, carefully com- paring the translation with the original, and correcting or enlarging the notes as we saw occasion. The same day I spent part of the afternoon in the British Museum. There is a large library, a great number of curious manuscripts, many uncommon monuments of antiquity, and the whole collection of shells, butterflies, beetles, grasshoppers, &c, which the indefatigable Sir Hans Sloane, with such vast expense and labour, procured in a life of fourscore years.2 Fri. 14. — I was at a Christian wedding,3 to which were invited only two or three relations, and five clergymen, who spent part of the afternoon in a manner suitable to the solemn occasion.4 Wed. 19. — I was desired to read over a Chancery Bill. The occasion of it was this : A. B. tells C. D. that one who owed him thirty pounds wanted to borrow thirty more, and asked whether he thought the eighth part of such a ship, then at sea, was sufficient security. He said he thought it was. On this 1 On Saturday, Dec. 8, he preached at ford, with Miss Eleanor Layton, at St. Snowsfields, on Sunday the 9th at West Dunstan's, Fleet Street. The 'clergymen ' Street, and Tuesday the nth at Wands- were the Revs. W. Romaine (who offici- worth. ated), Jones of Southwark, Maxfield, - See Gent.'s Mag. 181 3, p. 209, for an Charles Wesley, and John Wesley (who admirable description of the museum ; gave away the bride), ' and their wives ' also IV.H.S. vol. iii. p. 209, where Mrs. (Life of Eleanor Dornford ; see W.M. Delany's Life and Letters is referred Mag. 191 1. p. 621). to. * On Sunday, Dec. 16, he preached at * That of Josiah Dornford, of Dept- Spitalfields. 0 62 John Wesley s Journal [Dec. 1709. A. B. lent the money. The ship came home ; but, through various accidents, the eighth part yielded only twenty pounds. A. B. on this commenced a suit, to make C. D. pay him the residue of his money. This worthy story is told in no less than a hundred and ten sheets of paper ! C. D. answers, he advised to the best of his judgement ; not foreseeing those accidents whereby the share which cost two hundred pounds yielded no more than twenty. This answer brought on fifteen sheets of exceptions, all which a quarter of a sheet might have contained. I desired the plaintiff and defendant to meet me the next day ; both of whom were willing to stand to arbitration ; and they readily agreed that C. D. should pay half his own costs, and A. B. the rest of the expense. Fri. 21. — I inquired into the particulars of a very remark- able story. A ship, laden with wheat, and having no other ballast, about one in the morning on Sunday, November 18, the wind blowing hard, shifted her cargo, and in half an hour sunk. Mr. Austin, the mate, leaped off her side as she sunk ; and, being an excellent swimmer, kept above water till he saw something floating toward him, which proved to be the capstan of the ship. He got upon it, and, although washed off several times, yet still recovered his seat, and floated all day and all the following night ; but on Monday morning he was quite exhausted, and faint almost to death with thirst, having swallowed abundance of salt water. In this extremity he saw some apples floating toward him. He took up three, ate them, and was much strengthened. About noon Admiral Saunders's fleet came in sight, one of whose ships saw, and took him up. He could not stand, but, being blooded, and put into a warm bed, and fed with small broth, a spoonful or two at a time, he recovered strength apace, and in a few days was as well as ever. Sat. 22. — I went to Colchester, and on Sunday the 23rd preached in the shell of the new house. It is twelve-square, and is the best building, of the size, for the voice, that I know in England.1 Mon. 24. — We did not set out till after seven, intending to The Caslle brewery, in Maidenburgh Street, now occupies the site. Jan. 1760.1 In East Angtia 363 ride about forty miles ; but, coming to Scole Inn l before three, we pushed on, and before seven came safe to Norwich. riinr. 27. — I began visiting the society, and found the greater part much changed from what they were a year ago. The)- are indeed fewer in number, but are now of a teachable spirit, willing to be advised, or even reproved ; and, if three hundred of this spirit remain, they are worth all our labour. 1760. Jan. i, Tues. — We began the service at four in the morning. A great number attended, and God was in the midst, strengthening and refreshing their souls. Thur. 3. — In the evening, while I was enforcing those awful words of the prophet, ' The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved,' a young woman, who had contained her- self as long as she could, sunk down and cried aloud. I found this was a new thing in Norwich. The women about her got water and hartshorn in abundance ; but all would not do. When the service was ended, I asked her, ' What do you want ? ' She immediately replied, ' Nothing but Christ.' And indeed what physician beside Him is able to heal that sickness ? Fri. 4. — I preached about one at Forncett to a much milder people than I left there ; and in the evening at Kenninghall, where the Antinomians had laboured hard in the devil's service. Yet all are not lost ; a few are still left ' who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.' Sat. 5. — I preached in the evening at Colchester ; and on Sunday the 6th rode to Langham (seven miles from thence), in such a day as I have seldom known, the north-east wind was so exceedingly keen, and drove the sleet full in our face ; but this did not discourage the people, who flocked from all quarters. And those who took such pains to come were not sent empty away. Mon. 7. — I returned to London, and finished, on the road, the celebrated Telemachus? Certainly it is wrote with admir- 1 A posting-station on the main toad ' Fenelon, Francois de Salignac de La to Norwich. The inn was a large brick Mothe (1651-1715). The Adventures oj building adorned with imagery and Telemachus was first published surrep- carved work, built in 1655, with a round titiously in Holland in 1699, and after- bed large enough for thirty or forty wards in several editions in many soldiers. Formerly the address for Diss languages. {W.H.S. vol. iv. p. 134.) was ' near Scole Inn.' W.H.S.vaX. iv. p. 83. 364 John Wesley s Journal rJan. mo. able sense. But is it without fault ? Is there not abundantly too much machinery? Are not the gods (such as they are) continually introduced without why or wherefore ? And is not the work spun out too long; drawn into mere French wire? Would not twelve books have contained all the matter much better than four-and-twenty ? x Sun. 13. — I preached again in West Street chapel, now enlarged and thoroughly repaired.2 When I took this, eighteen years ago, I little thought the world would have borne us till now. But the right hand of the Lord hath the pre-eminence ; therefore we endure unto this day. Wed. 16. — One came to me, as she said, with a message from the Lord, to tell me I was laying up treasures on earth, taking my ease, and minding only my eating and drinking. I told her, God knew me better ; and, if He had sent her, He would have sent her with a more proper message.3 Fn. 18. — I desired those who believed they were saved from sin (sixteen or seventeen in number) to meet me at noon ; to whom I gave such cautions and instructions as I judged needful. Nor did any of these pretend to be above man's teaching, but received it with all thankfulness. Thur. 24.} — I rode to Brentford, where, after a stop of ten or twelve years, the work of God is broke out afresh. I preached in a large place newly fitted up.5 It was supposed there would be much disturbance, as a considerable number of rude, boister- ous people were gathered together for that purpose. But God overruled, and they all calmly and silently attended to His word. Surely the ' times and seasons ' of sending His word effectually to any place ' God hath reserved in His own power.' Mon. 28. — I began visiting the classes in London, and that with more exactness than ever before. After going through them, I found the society now contained about three-and- twenty hundred and fifty members, few of whom we could 1 On Tuesday, Jan. 8, he preached at weather, urging the sale ot The Christian the Foundery; and on the nth at the Pattern and Primitive Physick {Works, Foundery and Bull-and-Mouth. vol. xii. p. 269). 2 And at Wapping. 5 This was a rented house, so uncomely ;l On Jan. 17 he preached at West within and without that it served as a Street, and on the 19th at Snowsfields. by-word in chapel-building (cf. May 16 4 On this date he wrote to Mr. Merry- and 24, 1788). Feb. i76o.: A Remarkable Account 365 discern to be triflers, and none, we hope, live in any wilful sin. FEB. 5, Tues. — I baptized a gentlewoman at the Foundery, and the peace she immediately found was a fresh proof that the outward sign, duly received, is always accompanied with the inward grace. Tues. 12. — After preaching at Deptford ' I rode on to Welling, where I received (what few expected) an exceeding comfortable account of the death of Mr. Mason, of Bexley. For many years he seemed to be utterly senseless, neither justified, nor even convinced of sin. But in his last sickness the God that heareth prayer broke in upon his soul : and the nearer death came, the more did he rejoice, to the astonishment of all that saw him. Sal. 16. — I spent an hour in the evening with a little com- pany at Mr. 's. I have not known so solemn an hour for a long season, nor so profitable to my own soul. Mysterious providence ! Why am I cut off from those opportunities, which of all others I most want? Especially considering the benefit I might impart, as well as that which I might receive ; seeing they stand in as much need of light as I do of heat? About this time we had a remarkable account from Yorkshire : On Friday the 13th about thirty persons were met together at Otley (a town about twelve miles from Leeds), about eight o'clock in the evening, in order (as usual) to pray, sing hymns, and provoke one another to love and good works. After prayer was ended, when they proceeded to speak of the several states of their souls, some, with deep sighs and groans, complained of the burden they felt for the remains of indwelling sin ; seeing, in a clearer light than ever before, the necessity of a deliverance from it. When they had spent the usual time together, a few went to their own houses ; but the rest remained upon their knees, groaning for the great and precious promises of God. One being desired to pray, he no sooner began to lift up his voice to God than the Holy Ghost made 1 Other preaching appointments at the 7th, and West Street on the 9th. this time include Snowsfields on Feb. 2 ; '-' On Feb. 18 he wrote a letter from Zoar Chapel on the 4th, Bull-and- Windmill Hill to Lloyd's Evening Post Mouth on the 6th, Bishop Bonner's on (Tyerman, vol. ii. p. 348). 366 John Wesley s Journal [March mo. intercession in all that were present with groanings that could not be uttered. At length the travail of their souls burst out into loud and ardent cries. They had no doubt of the favour of God ; but they could not rest while there was anything in them contrary to His nature. One cried out, in an exceeding great agony, ' Lord, deliver me from my sinful nature ! ' then a second, a third, and a fourth. And while the person who prayed first was calling upon God in those words, ' Thou God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, hear us for the sake of Thy Son Jesus ! ' one was heard to say, ' Blessed be the Lord God for ever, for He hath cleansed my heart ! Praise the Lord, O my soul ; and all that is within me, praise His holy name ! ' Another said, ' I hold Thee with a trembling hand, but will not let Thee go ' ; and in a little time cried out, ' Praise the Lord with me ; for He hath cleansed my heart from sin ! ' Another cried, ' I am hanging over the pit of hell by a slender thread ' ; a second, with loud and dismal shrieks, ' I am in hell : oh save me, save me ! ' while a third said, with a far different voice, ' Blessed be the Lord, for He hath pardoned all my sins ! ' Thus they continued for the space of two hours ; some praising and magnifying God, some crying to Him for pardon or purity of heart, with the greatest agony of spirit. Before they parted, three believed God had fulfilled His word, and ' cleansed them from all unrighteousness.' The next evening they met again, and the Lord was again present to heal the broken in heart. One received remission of sins, and three more believed God had cleansed them from all sin. And it is observ- able, these are all poor, illiterate creatures, of all others most incapable of counterfeiting, and most unlikely to attempt it. But ' when ' His 'word goeth forth, it giveth light and understanding to the simple.' ' Fri. 29. — A great number of us waited upon God, at five, at nine, and at one, with fasting and prayer ; and at six in the evening we met at the church in Spitalfields to renew our covenant with God. It was a blessed time; the windows of heaven were open, and the skies poured down righteousness.2 March 3, Mon. — I left London. It rained great part of the day, but so gently that we were not wet through when, about seven, we came to Towcester. One person 3 we found here whose soul God keeps alive, though he has scarce any in the 1 On Sunday, Feb. 17, he preached at ' Almost certainly Samuel Basford, the Founder)-, on Monday the 25th at for whom (and Thomas Simons), and Wapping, and on the 24th at West Street. the beginnings of the work in Towcester - On the 29th he preached also at the and Whittlebury, see Met/i. Mag. 1801, Foundery, and on March I at Snows- p. 476. fields. March 1760 ] An Experience 367 town to converse with. Perhaps he is an earnest of a people that shall be born here, and 'counted to the Lord for a generation.' Tues. 4. — We came to Birmingham, where I rejoined several who had been long separated from their brethren ; and left upwards of fifty resolved to stand together in the good old path. In the evening I preached in the new house at Wednesbury.1 Few congregations exceed this either in number or seriousness. At five in the morning the congregation far exceeded the morning congregation at the Foundery. Indeed, hunger after the word has been from the beginning the distinguishing mark of this people.2 Thur. 6. — I talked largely with M S , and Eliz. Longmore.3 The substance of what M S said was as follows : I was born April 8, 1736. My father died when I was between four and five ; my mother when I was about eleven years old. I had little thought about religion, and seldom so much as went to church. But I had even then many troubles, which made me sometimes think of God, and cry to Him for help. When I was about seventeen I was asked, one Sunday, to go and see a pit, which was on fire and blazed out. It was near the house where Mr. James Jones was then preaching. I was standing near the house, when my brother persuaded me to go in. I liked what I heard ; but it was above a year before I knew myself to be a lost sinner. For three weeks I was in deep distress, which made me cry to God day and night. I had comfort once or twice, but I checked it, being afraid of deceiving myself; till, as Mr. Johnson was preaching one morning at five o'clock, in Darlaston, my soul was so filled with the love of God that I had much ado to help crying out. I could only say, ' Why me, Lord ? why me ? ' When I came home I was exceeding weak, having also a great pain in my head. But all was sweet ; I did not wish it to be otherwise. I was happy in God all the day long ; and so I was for several days. From this time I never com- mitted any known sin, nor ever lost the love of God ; though I found abundance of temptations, and many severe struggles. Yet I was more than conqueror over all, and found them easier and easier. ' In Workhouse Lane, now known as the Society' {Works, vol. xii. p. 273). Meeting Street {Methodism in Wednes- In the last of the series (Dec. 10, 17/7), bury, p. 32). he subscribes himself ' My dear Miss M.,' 2 On this day he wrote the first of a &c. long series of letters to 'A Member of :l See below, March 18, 1770. 368 John Wesley s Journal rMarchi76o. About Christmas, 1758, I was deeply convinced there was a greater salvation than I had attained. The more I saw of this, and the more I prayed for it, the happier I was. And my desires and hopes were continually increasing for above a year. On January 30, 1760, Mr. Fugill l talked with one who thought she had received that blessing. As she spoke, my heart burned within me, and my desire was enlarged beyond expression. I said to him, ' O sir, when shall I be able to say as she says ? ' He answered, ' Perhaps to-night.' I said, ' Nay, I am not earnest enough.' He replied, ' That thought may keep you from it.' I felt God was able and willing to give it then, and was unspeakably happy. In the evening, as he was preaching, my heart was full, and more and more so, till I could contain no more. I wanted only to be alone, that I might pour out my soul before God ; and when I came home I could do nothing but praise and give Him thanks. From that moment I have felt nothing but love in my heart; no sin of any kind. And I trust I shall never any more offend God. I never find any cloud between God and me : I walk in the light continually. I do 'rejoice evermore,' and 'pray without ceasing.' I have no desire but to do and suffer the will of God ; I aim at nothing but to please Him. I am careful for nothing, but in all things make my requests known to Him with thanksgiving. And I have a continual witness in myself, that whatever I do, I do it to His glory.' Elizabeth Longmore said: I was born in 1730. My mother died in childbed of me; my father, when I was a year or two old. So I was brought up by the parish, and taught nothing, not so much as to read. About eleven years old I was put out parish apprentice, to a man and woman who used me very harshly. I wanted much to learn to read; but they would not spare the time. I was about fourteen when I heard Mr. J. W. preach at the Cross in Wednesbury. I immediately believed it was the right way, and began to be very uneasy. I often wished I had died with my father or mother, fearing I should never be saved. But my convictions wore away by degrees ; though still I could not rest. About twenty I was married. My husband had sometimes heard the preaching, but not lately. Soon after he began again, going with me constantly. I was now more and more convinced that I was a guilty, undone sinner. I cried to God day and night, laying down my work many times in a day. On Holy Thursday, 1756, I was sadly afraid of 1 William Fugill is one of the early obituary notice, holding this unhappy Methodist preachers on whose career man's memory up as a warning to Atmore wrote a perfectly candid, if severe. others. (See Memorial, p. 147O March 1760.1 Another Experience 369 going to the sacrament. However, I broke through and went. At the Lord's Table I found such a love as I cannot express. As soon as I came back I went up into my chamber and kneeled down to prayer. In praying I heard a voice, saying, 'Go in peace ; thy sins are forgiven thee.' My soul sunk into nothing before God, and was filled with humble love. I loved God and all mankind, and thought no temptation could ever shake me more. But in a few days, being low and weak in body, I found hard thoughts of God. Yet I could not give up my confidence that my sins were forgiven. Nor do I know that I ever committed any wilful sin after I was justified. About a year and half ago Mr. Fugill came. One evening, while he was preaching, I was convinced that my heart was still desperately wicked, and needed to be wholly renewed. This made me sometimes afraid to die, lest I should be called before that change was wrought. But I had still hope at the bottom, and never could doubt but that God was my God. In the meanwhile, my desire to be wholly renewed increased continually, and I was every day and every hour praying for it, whatever I was about. When my hopes prevailed, I was happy ; when my fears, I was quite cast down. Being convinced how little I loved God, I was grieved and ashamed before Him. On Friday, January 25, I took no food till the afternoon, though I had a child at my breast. I was much tempted to think I should never attain, and was quite uneasy. But the next morning my uneasiness was gone, and I calmly waited for what I believed God would soon give. In the evening I went to the preaching with a full expectation that He would meet me there. And so He did. As soon as Mr. Fugill began to speak, I felt my soul was all love. I was so stayed on God as I never felt before, and knew that I loved Him with all my heart. When I came home I could ask for nothing ; I could only give thanks. And the witness that God had saved me from all my sins grew clearer every hour. On Wednesday this was stronger than ever. I have never since found my heart wander from God. When I have business to do, I just take a thought and do it ; and it is gone, and my heart is with the Lord. I often in a day bow my knee to God ; but my heart prays continually. He is never out of my thoughts : I see Him always ; although most at preaching, and in my band and class. But I do not only see Him ; I feel Him too, so as I cannot express. And the more I see and feel of God, the more I feel I am nothing. When I sleep, I sleep as in the arms of Jesus ; and when I wake, my soul is full of praise, and it is as if all the angels were in the room round about me praising God. I never find any heaviness or coldness ; and when I must go among the people of the world, God is as much with me as before, and I long for them so as no tongue can tell. I am careful of every word I speak, and every look, and every thought. I search my 370 John Wesley s Journal [March i7eo. heart again and again ; and I can find nothing but love there. Indeed, I know if God left me a moment, I should fall. But I trust He will never leave me nor forsake me. I observe the spirit and experience of these two run exactly parallel. Constant communion with God the Father and the Son fills their hearts with humble love. Now this is what I always did, and do now, mean by perfection. And this I believe many have attained, on the same evidence that I believe many are justified. May God increase their number a thousandfold ! Fri. 7. — I rode over to Dudley, formerly a den of lions. I was constrained to preach abroad ; but no one opened his mouth, unless to pray or praise God. I believe the steady behaviour of the society has made an impression on most of the town. Sat. 8. — I was surprised at coming into Wolverhampton, which is what Dudley was, to find the people so still ; many gaping and staring, but none speaking an uncivil word. ' Aye,' said a well-meaning man, ' we shall not find them so civil by- and-by.' I wish these croakers would learn to hold their peace. I desire to hear no prophets of evil. What do they do but weaken the hands both of preachers and people, and transfuse their own cowardice into others ? But this prophet of evil was a false prophet too. For neither while I was preaching, nor after I had done, did any one offer the least rudeness whatsoever ; and we rode as quietly out of the town as we could have done out of London or Bristol. Hence we went on to Burslem, near Newcastle-under-Lyme, a scattered town on the top of a hill, inhabited almost entirely by potters, a multitude of whom assembled at five in the evening. Deep attention sat on every face, though as yet accompanied with deep ignorance. But if the heart be toward God, He will, in due time, enlighten the understanding. Sun. 9. — I preached at eight to near double the number, though scarce half as many as came at five in the evening. Some of these seemed quite innocent of thought. Five or six were laughing and talking till I had near done ; and one of them threw a clod of earth, which struck me on the side of the head. But it neither disturbed me nor the congregation. Mon. 10. — About nine I preached at Biddulph, about eight March 1760.) A Mountain Journey 371 miles north of Burslem. The earnestness of the whole congre- gation well rewarded me for my labour. Hence we had an extremely pleasant walk, three or four miles, to Congleton. Here we were accosted in a very different manner, almost as soon as we entered the town, which caused some of our brethren to apprehend we should have rough treatment before we got out of it. That I left to God. They had procured the use of a meadow adjoining to the preaching-house, in a window of which they had fixed a kind of scaffold. Most of the congregation were deeply serious ; so that three or four who took much pains to disturb them entirely lost their labour. About seven in the evening I preached at Stockport, where more and more hear the word of God and keep it. In the morning we took horse at five, but could find none to tell us which was the road to Leeds ; so we rode on to Mottram. Following the directions we received there, we rode up a mountain, and our path ended. We made toward a large house, and the gentleman sent a servant, who pointed out the way we were to take. But soon after it divided, and an honest man bidding us keep to the right (meaning the left), we did so, till we came to the top of another high mountain, among several old stone quarries. Here that road ended. However, we went straight forward, till we came to the brow. With great difficulty we led our horses down, and rode up a path on the opposite mountain. But at the top this likewise ended. Still we thought it best to push forward. But my horse was quickly embogged. After he had thrown me on one side, and scrambled out himself, we endeavoured to walk down the mountain ; but such a walk I never had before, for steepness, and bogs, and large stones intermixed. That we got to the bottom without hurt either to man or beast was little less than a miracle. But we were still at a loss, till we met a sensible man, who directed us to Saddleworth. In our inn here we found one who had frequently heard me preach at Builth, in Brecknockshire, I fear to little purpose ; for, on my speaking a few words, he ran away in haste. But the whole family seemed to fear God. So we did not repent of our clambering up and down the mountains. At six we reached Leeds, sufficiently tired ; but I forgot it 2,72 John Wesley s Journal [March i76o. as soon as I began to preach, and the spirit of the congregation comforted us over all our labour. Wed. 12. — Having desired that as many as could of the neighbouring towns, who believed they were saved from sin, would meet me, I spent the greatest part of this day in examin- ing them one by one. The testimony of some I could not receive ; but concerning the far greatest part, it is plain (unless they could be supposed to tell wilful and deliberate lies), (i) that they feel no inward sin, and to the best of their knowledge commit no outward sin ; (2) that they see and love God every moment, and pray, rejoice, give thanks evermore ; (3) that they have constantly as clear a witness from God of sanctification as they have of justification. Now in this I do rejoice, and will rejoice, call it what you please ; and I would to God thousands had experienced thus much, let them afterward experience as much more as God pleases. Thur. 13. — We rode over the mountains, through furious wind and rain, which was ready to overthrow both man and beast. However, in the afternoon we came well to Manchester. On Friday the 14th, being the National Fast day, we had service at five, at seven, and at five in the evening ; but I did not observe here anything of that solemnity with which the Public Fasts are observed in London.1 I was much out of order on Saturday, and not well on Sunday. However, having appointed to preach in Stockport at noon, I determined not to break my word. As it rained, our friends provided a post- chaise. When we were gone half a mile, one of the horses began to kick and rear, and would go no farther ; so we got out, and walked on ; but another driver brought the chaise after, and carried me to Stockport. A large congregation was waiting, and received the word with all readiness of mind. For some years the seed seemed to be here sown in vain ; but at length it yields a good increase.2 On the following days I preached in several neighbouring towns, and on Wednesday evening at Liverpool. Thur. 20. — I had a good deal of conversation with Mr. Sec above, pp. 360-1. Blackwell (Works, vol. xii. p. 188). See On the 17th he wrote a letter t* also W.H.S. vol. iv. p. 213. March 1760. i In Liverpool 373 Nfewtojn.1 His case is very peculiar. Our Church requires that clergymen should be men of learning, and, to this end, have a university education. But how many have a university education, and yet no learning at all ? Yet these men are ordained ! Meantime, one of eminent learning, as well as un- blamable behaviour, cannot be ordained because he was not at the University ! What a mere farce is this ! Who would believe that any Christian bishop would stoop to so poor an evasion ? Mon. 24. — About noon I preached at Warrington. Many of ' the beasts of the people ' were present ; but the bridle from above was in their teeth, so that they made not the least dis- turbance. At seven in the evening I preached at Chester ; but I was scarce able to open my eyes. They were much inflamed before I set out, and the inflammation was much increased by riding forty miles with a strong and cold wind exactly in my face ; but in the evening I applied the eye-water made with Lapis Calaminaris? which removed the disorder before morning. Tues. 25. — I rode to Mold, in Flintshire. The wind was often ready to bear away both man and horse ; but the earnest, serious congregation rewarded us for our trouble. Wed. 26. — About nine I preached at Little Leigh, a mile or two from Northwich. Many of the congregation scarce ever heard a Methodist before ; but I trust they did not hear in vain.3 TJiur. 27. — I rode to Liverpool in order to embark for Dublin. We were desired to be on board by nine on Saturday morning ; but the wind falling, and a fog coming on, we gained a little more time ; so we had one more solemn opportunity in the evening.4 Sun. 30. — The fog was gone, and the wind fair. We took 1 He was residing at Liverpool, having T. E. Brigden in VV.H.S. vol. iii. p. Il8, in October 1755 been appointed a tide showing that Newton sometimes attended surveyor, which office he held until 1763. the Methodist preaching in Liverpool. In 1764 Lord Dartmouth obtained * Carbonate of lime : found, for ex- ordination for him from Dr. Green, ample, at Shipham in the Mendips. Bishop of Lincoln, and he was appointed J In March (day unknown) he preached curate of Olney. In 1758 the Arch- at ' Boslam ' (probably Burslem). bishop of York had refused ordination. ' On the 29th he wrote a ' Letter to a To this may be added a note by Rev. Member ' ( IVorAs, vol. xii. p. 274). VOL. IV 23 374 John Wesley s Journal (Apmi76o. ship about nine, and got under sail at noon, having only eight cabin passengers, seven of whom were our own company ; so we prayed, and sung, and conversed, at our own discretion. But a poor woman whom we permitted to come into the cabin gave us some uneasiness. She had been tapped for dropsy in the infirmary but two days before. When I spoke to her concerning her soul she gave but little answer, appearing to be serious and willing to hear, but totally uninstructed. She would eat nothing, but willingly accepted a dish or two of tea and two or three glasses of wine. The next morning she was extremely restless, con- tinually moving from place to place, till the captain put a bed for her in the forecastle, on which she lay down about eight o'clock. A little after she grew light-headed, and began shrieking dreadfully. This she continued to do till about noon, and then died. At night, the captain and all the sailors being present, we committed her body to the deep. On Tuesday noon, April i, we landed safe at Dublin.1 I never saw more numerous or more serious congregations in Ireland than we had all this week. On Easter Day, APRIL 6, I introduced our English custom, beginning the service at four in the morning. Mon. 7. — I began speaking severally to the members of the society, and was well pleased to find so great a number of them much alive to God. One consequence of this is that the society is larger than it has been for several years. And no wonder, for, where the real power of God is, it naturally spreads wider and wider. Thur. 10. — I was sitting with a friend when poor Mr. Cook came in. His eyes, his look, his hair standing — Like quills upon the fretful porcupine — 2 his tattered gown, his whole person, as well as his speech, immediately bewrayed him ; but he is quite an original, and has so much vivacity, with touches of strong sense, that I do not 1 On April 1, 3, 4, 6, 10, 13, 15, 17, Make thy two eyes. like 9t»rs> start from 18, 20, he preached in Dublin. In ** sPh"es> ' r Thy knotted and combined locks to part, April (day unknown) he preached in And eacn particuiai. hair to stand on Drurncree. end, 1 could a tale untold whose lightest word L'*e 9ullls uPon 'ne lretful porcupine. Would harrow up thy soul, freeze thy Shakespeare, Hamltt, I. v. to. young blood, I. EXTERIOR OF WHITEFRIAR STREET CHAPEL, DUBLIN. 2. ST. MARY'S CHURCH, DUBLIN. (By the courtesy of the Rev. C. H. Crookshank, M. I i 375 April 1760. In Ireland $77 wonder the gentlemen of the college, as he told me, had given him an apartment there. What a noble fabric lies here in ruins ! What pity that, when he first found himself a sinner, he had not one to speak to that understood his case, and could teach him the only method of cure ! Sun. 13. — At three in the afternoon I preached in the Barrack Square, another kind of place than Ormondtown Green.1 No mob must show their heads here, for the soldiers would give them no quarter. Tues. 1 5.— I preached there again 2 ; but on Thursday, it being a rainy day, an offer was made me of the riding-house — a very large, commodious building, designed by Lord Chesterfield for a church, but never used as such till now. A troop of soldiers was exercising there when I came ; but this was clear gains, for the officers forbade any of them to go away before the sermon was ended. Fri. 18. — I went with Miss Ffreeman] to see the French prisoners sent from Carrickfergus. They were surprised at hearing as good French spoke in Dublin as they could have heard in Paris, and still more at being exhorted to heart* religion, to the ' faith that worketh by love.' 3 1 The more usual name is Oxmantown ment will at last awake, and be a little Green, as elsewhere in the Journal. It better prepared against the next is derived from an early settlement of encounter.' After the raid described the Danes, who, coming from the East below (see under May 5) the French of Great Britain, were called Eastmen, or prisoners had been landed at Ramsey by Ostmen, and their town Ostmantown, or Elliott, thence brought over by Captain Oxmantown. Mr. D. B. Bradshaw (in Bowles, in the Weazle sloop, on March 12. W.H.S. vol. v. p. 71) says, however, See also below, May 1.— On the 18th that ' the only trace of the name Ormond- Wesley wrote from Dublin a letter to town he has been able to discover is in a Berridge, which Tyerman justly describes map (arc. 1610) of Dublin where the as that of 'a faithful friend.' Wesley north-western outskirt of the city is says : ' Of all persons I ever knew, save marked " Ostman or Ormontowne." ' one, you are the hardest to be convinced ' - On the 16th he wrote to ' A Member ' ( Works, vol. xii. p. 233). Seven months (Works, vol. xii. p. 274). later Berridge wrote a reply, which 3 In a letter to Blackwell, dated was published in the W.M. Mag. 1849, Newry, April 26, 1760 (Works, vol. xii. p. 491- In this reply he invites Wesley p. 188), he refers to Miss Freeman, to call at Everton, and adds : ' You will writes of ' an extremely prosperous be welcome. My invitation is sincere journey,' and anticipates a full account and friendly. Accept of it. I send of the French raid (described below) my love to your brother, and to all that which he thinks will be ' of use to the labour among you.' whole kingdom. Probably the Govern- 3 yS John Wesley s Journal [Apru nso. Sun. 20. — I appointed those of the society who desired to renew their covenant with God, which I had several times before explained, to meet me in the evening ; and, I believe, of the five hundred and twelve members, hardly twelve were wanting. Mon. 21. — In riding to Rosmead I read Sir John Davis's Historical Relations concerning Ireland} None who reads these can wonder that, fruitful as it is, it was always so thinly inhabited; for he makes it plain that: (1) Murder was never capital among the native Irish ; the murderer only paid a small fine to the chief of his sept. (2) When the English settled here, still the Irish had no benefit of the English laws. They could not so much as sue an Englishman. So the English beat, plundered, yea, murdered them, at pleasure. (3) Hence arose continual wars between them, for three hundred and fifty years together ; and hereby both the English and Irish natives were kept few, as well as poor. (4) When they were multiplied during a peace of forty years, from 1600 to 1641, the general massacre, with the ensuing war, again thinned their numbers ; not so few as a million of men, women, and children, being destroyed in four years' time. (5) Great numbers have ever since, year by year, left the land merely for want of employment. (6) The gentry are continually driving away hundreds, yea, thousands, of them that remain, by throwing such quantities of arable land into pasture, which leaves them neither business nor food. This it is that now dispeoples many parts of Ireland, of Connaught in particular, which, it is supposed, has scarce half the inhabitants at this day which it had fourscore years ago. Wed. 23. — I rode to Newry, and preached at seven in the evening to a numerous congregation.2 Sun. 27. — We had a useful sermon at church ; but they tolc me few attended the prayers in the afternoon : however, I ' A Discovery of the True Causes why and Attorney-General. He was after- Ireland was never entirely subdued, by wards appointed Lord Chief Justice Sir John Davis, or Davies (1569-1626), England, but died before he could ente is still held to be an authority on the on his duties, question. Sir John Davies was a mem- 2 On April 26 he wrote to Blackwel ber successively of the English and Irish (Works, vol. xii. p. 188). The letter is Houses of Commons, and was Solicitor- referred to above (see p. 377). May 1760.1 /* Ireland 379 resolved to set them the example, and the church was as full as in the forenoon. Of what importance is every step we take, seeing so many are ready to follow us ! Mon. 28. — I rode to Rathfryland, seven Irish miles from Newry, a small town built on the top of a mountain, surrounded first by a deep valley, and at a small distance by higher moun- tains. The Presbyterian minister had wrote to the Popish priest to keep his people from hearing ; but they would not be kept : Protestants and Papists flocked together to the meadow where I preached, and sat on the grass, still as night, while I exhorted them to ' repent, and believe the gospel.' The same attention appeared in the whole congregation at Terryhoogan in the evening, where I spent a comfortable night in the prophet's chamber, nine feet long, seven broad, and six high. The ceiling) floor, and walls were all of the same marble, vulgarly called clay. May 1, Thur. — I rode to Moira. Soon after twelve, stand- ing on a tombstone near the church,1 I called a considerable number of people to ' know God, and Jesus Christ, whom He hath sent.' We were just opposite to the Earl of Moira's house,2 the best finished of any I have seen in Ireland. It stands on a hill, with a large avenue in front, bounded by the church on the opposite hill. The other three sides are covered by orchards, gardens, and woods, in which are walks of various kinds. General Flobert, who commanded the French troops at Carrickfergus, was just gone from Lord Moira's. Major [-General de] Bragelone was now there, a man of a fine person and extremely graceful behaviour. Both these affirmed that the French were all picked men out of the King's Guards ; that their 1 The rector had refused the church, Rawdon in April 1 750 and Earl of Moira but the ' Earl of Moira,' who had asked in Dec. 1761. That Wesley should, him to allow Mr. Wesley to preach in under this date, refer to him as Earl is the church, sent the bellman round to due to his habit of writing up his Journal summon the people to the service. See from his diaries at a later date. This Crookshank's Methodism in Ireland, nobleman married in 1752 Lady Elizabeth vol. i. p. 143. Hastings, eldest daughter of the Countess -' The Earl of Moira in the text and of Huntingdon. His residence here men- Lord Rawdon on the next page (note 1) tioned is in Co. Down, near Lough Neagh. represent the same person. Sir John Raw- and is not to be confused with that of don, the fourth baronet, was created Baron April 6, 1775, which is at Dublin. 380 John Wesley s Journal [May 1760. commission was to land either at Londonderry or Carrickfergus, while Monsieur Conflans landed in the south ; and, if they did not do this within three months, to return directly to France.1 Fri. 2. — In the evening, and morning and evening on Saturday, I preached at Lisburn. The people here (as Mr. Boston said) are 'all ear' ; but who can find a way to their heart ? Sun. 4. — After preaching to a large congregation at seven, I hastened to Comber, in order to be at church in time. As soon as service was ended I began, and four in five of the people behaved well. About six in the evening I preached at Newtownards, where there is usually the largest congregation in Ulster. But what avails ' the hearing ear ' without the ' under- standing heart ' ? Mon. 5. — After preaching in the market-place at Belfast, to a people who care for none of these things, we rode on, with a furious east wind right in our face, to Carrickfergus, where I willingly accepted of an invitation from a merchant in the town, Mr. Cobham, to lodge at his house : the rather when I understood that Mr. Cavenac, the French lieutenant-general, was still there.2 I now received a very particular account of what had been lately transacted here. Mrs. Cobham said, ' My daughter came running in, and said, " Mamma, there are three Indiamen 3 come into the bay, and I suppose my brothers are come in them" (who had been in the East Indies for some 1 In a letter (now in the British Chevr. de Bragelone, Major-General.' Museum, reprinted in the Ulster Journal The above is the official spelling of the of Archaeology for 1904), dated March 4, names, and is here followed. General 1760, from Colonel Sandford, Command- 'Flaubert' of the 1st edition is always ing Officer at Belfast, addressed to 'Flobert'in the official correspondence. Richard Rigby at Dublin Castle, is given He stayed behind when Thurot left an official list of the prisoners taken on Carrickfergus, and does not appear to the capture of Thurot's squadron. have been a prisoner. He was, in fact, Amongst these is the name : ' Le Comte for a time the guest of Lord Rawdon at de Skordee, and Lieut. -Col. of Hussars.' Moira House, Dublin. The list preserves the names of the - Detained by a wound in the head, regiments to which the prisoners be- Mr. D. B. Bradshaw's illustrated articles longed, French Guards, Swiss Guards, in the Winter No. of the Meth. Rec. Burgundy, Cambis, Volontaires Etran- (1906, p. 44) give all the facts respecting gers, and Sea Officers. Of the six officers this raid. of the French Guards the first two names 3 Belle Isle, La Blonde, Terpsichore, are 'Mr. de Cavenac, Lieut. -Coin., the remains of a large squadron. May 1760.) The Carvickfergus Raid 381 time). An hour after she came in again and cried, " O mamma, they say they are Frenchmen ; and they are landing ; and their guns glitter in the sun." ' Mr. Cavenac informed me that Mr. Thurot had received a thousand men out of the King's Guards,1 with orders to land in the north of Ireland, at the same time that Monsieur Conflans landed in the south ; that a storm drove him up to Bergen, in Norway, from whence he could not get out till his ships were much damaged and his provisions con- sumed, nor could he there procure a supply at any price ; that another storm drove him to sixty-six degrees north latitude ; from whence he did not get back to Carrickfergus Bay till all on board were almost famished, having only an ounce of bread per man daily 2 : that they then landed merely to procure provisions. I asked, ' Is it true that you had a design to burn the town ? ' He cried out, ' Jesu, Maria ! We never had such a thought ! To burn, to destroy, cannot enter into the heart or head of a good man.' After they had landed (Mrs. Cobham and others informed me), they divided into two bodies. One of these marched up to the east gate, the other to the north. Twelve soldiers and a corporal were there on the wall, who fired upon them when they came near. Immediately General Flobert fell, having his leg broke by a musket-ball. The next in command, a young Marquis, then led them on. When the English had fired four rounds, having no more ammunition, they retired, and the French entered the town, and at the market-place met those who had come in at the east gate. When they had joined, they marched up to the castle (though the English there, who were a hundred and sixty-two in number, kept a constant fire), the gate of which was not barred,3 so that the Marquis thrust it open and went in. Just then he was shot dead. Mr. Cavenac immediately took his place, and drew up his men again. The 1 Thurot was a successful smuggler and sight story of John Smith, of Cootehill. privateer, whom the king of France com- (Crookshank's Methodism in Ireland, missioned to raid the coasts he knew so vol. i. pp. 140, 141.) well. He spoke English, and was known 2 He sailed Oct. 15, 1759, and reached in London. His wife, who is said to have Carrickfergus Feb. 21, 1760. accompanied him to Carrickfergus, was 3 The official account states that the daughter of a rich apothecary in battery by shot had shaken the bolts Paddington. See also the strange second- loose. 3 82 John Wesley s Journal rMaymo. English ' then desired a parley, and articled to furnish them with provisions in six hours. But they could not perform it, there being little in the town. On this Mr. Cavenac sent for Mr. Cobham, and desired him to go up to Belfast and procure them, leaving his wife with the general" as a hostage for his return. But the poor Frenchmen could not stay for this. At the time prefixed they began to serve themselves with meat and drink, having been in such want that they were glad to eat raw oats to sustain nature. They accordingly took all the food they could find, with some linen and wearing-apparel. But they neither hurt nor affronted man, woman, or child, nor did any mischief for mischief's sake ; though they were sufficiently provoked, for many of the inhabitants affronted them without fear or wit, cursed them to their faces, and even took up pokers or other things to strike them. While Mrs. Cobham was with the general, a little plain- dressed man came in to whom they all showed a particular respect. It struck into her mind, Is not this Mr. Thurot ? Which was soon confirmed. She said to him, ' Sir, you seem much fatigued. Will you step to my house and refresh your- self?' He readily accepted the offer. She prepared a little veal, of which he ate moderately, and drank three glasses of small warm punch ; after which he told her, ' I have not taken any food before, nor slept, for eight-and-forty hours.' She asked, ' Sir, will you please to take a little rest now ? ' Observing he started, she added, ' I will answer, life for life, that none shall hurt you under my roof.' He said, ' Madam, I believe you : I accept the offer.' He desired that two of his men might lie on the floor by the bedside, slept about six hours, and then, returning her many thanks, went aboard his ship. Five days he was kept in the bay by contrary winds. When he sailed 2 he took the Mayor of Carrickfergus 3 and another gentleman as hostages for the delivery of the French prisoners. The next morning, as he was walking the deck, he frequently started, without any visible cause, stepped short, and said, ' I shall die to-day.' A while after he said to one of the English, ' Sir, I 1 Under Col. John Jennings, of the ' Mr. Willoughby, Chaplain and 62nd Regiment. Deputy Mayor, and Mr. George Spaight : Feb. 26. were the hostages. May i76o.i A Brave Adventurer 383 see three ships ' : pray take my glass, and tell me freely what you think they are.' He looked some time and said, ' I think they are English : and I guess they are about forty-gun ships.' He called his officers and said, ' Our ships are too foul to fight at a distance : we must board them.' Accordingly, when they came up, after a short fire, he ran up close to Captain Elliott ; and Captain Scordee, with his four-and-twenty hussars, imme- diately leaped on board. Almost instantly nine of them lay dead ; on which he was so enraged, that he rushed forward with his sabre among the English, who seized his arms and carried him away. Meantime, his men that were left retired into their own ship. Thurot, seeing this, cried out, ' Why should we throw away the lives of the poor men ? ' and ordered to strike the colours. A man going up to do this was shot dead ; as was likewise a second ; and, before a third could do it, Mr. Thurot himself was shot through the heart.2 So fell a brave man ; giving yet another proof that 'there is no counsel or strength against the Lord.' ' Aeolus, Capt. Elliott ; Pallas, Capt. the brave adventurer were warmly Clements ; Brilliant, Capt. Logic acknowledged by his enemies. He was : Lord Mahon says : ■ Throughout the only about twenty-nine at the time of his expedition the honour and humanity of death.' NOTE. During this period Wesley was harassed by scurrilous attacks, sometimes from those who were, or had been, of his own inner circle, and constantly by clergy and dignitaries of the English Church. His preachers, who were the strength of the new movement, were also its weakness. A few fell into sin. A list of those who, for this reason, had to be ' laid aside ' is preserved among the papers of Charles Wesley, whose shorthand notes reveal the shameful details. John Wesley, knowing the temptations of their calling, hoped against hope for the restoration of his fallen preachers. Others of their number were be- witched by forms of error such as so frequently appear in times of intense religious excitement. Wesley dreaded error, and fought it fiercely, knowing that it usually ended in Antinomian immoralities. As the century advanced Wesley became a lonely knight-errant. Comrades of earlier years fell away from him. Old friends among the Anglican clergy and laity were shaken in their loyalty. Even Grim- 384 John Wesley s Journal rMayi76o. shaw, Venn, Madan, Berridge, and Lady Huntingdon herself were troubled by grave misgivings. ' Christian Perfection,' as taught not so much by Wesley as by some of his preachers, became a rock of offence ; for surely, they argued, it was without warrant in either reason or Holy Scripture. Charles Wesley, who since, and partly because of, his own mishandling of the Bennet-Murray episode had never been quite the same, grew less and less sympathetic and more and more critical, especially with regard to the preachers. Many onlookers began to hope, or fear, that Methodism, if it did not perish in tempests of obloquy, would survive only as a discredited and slowly dwindling sect. It was in this time of peril and sorrow that Wesley's views on Christian doctrine cleared themselves and won that just balance which, accepted by his followers and their children, has suffered little if any disturbance to the present day. Coincidently, the disciplinary system of Methodism began to take shape. Certain of the preachers — men, in some instances, of extra- ordinary popularity, and all of them personally dear to Wesley — were among the first to feel the lash, the curb, the spur. Those who desire to understand the immeasurable influence wielded by Methodism in the second half of the eighteenth century should study the Doctrinal and Disciplinary Minutes. It was during the whole period covered by the present volume and the following one that Methodism, led by Wesley alone, silently created forces in English social life destined, before the century closed, to save the nation from irretrievable ruin. Modern historians of various schools of thought have clearly seen this. Oxford, in its History of England during the Hanoverian Period, like Cambridge in its Modern History, has emphasized the ' epoch-making ' character of ' Wesley's movement.' In the Prefatory Note which introduces the Twelfth Part of the Journal (see p. 386), a few sentences from the sixth volume of Ur. Oman's History of England may suffice to illustrate the nature and extent of this emphatic testimony. PART THE TWELFTH THE JOURNAL FROM MAY 6, 1760, TO OCTOBER 28, 1762 38s ' The Wesleyan Church was the creation of fohn Wesley. . . . The persona/ ascendancy noticeable at Oxford remained unshaken till his death ; and it made him the self-constituted and accepted autocrat of a mighty spiritual organization. Great as a preacher, he was greater as an organizer and leader of men. His gifts for command stamp him as probably the most striking of eighteenth- century figures, and leave him in the select division of the first class of the great leaders of all ages. . ' Methodism and the French Revolution are the two most tremendous phenomena of the century. Wesley swept the dead air with an irresistible cleansing ozone. To thousands of men and women his preaching and gospel revealed a new heaven and a new earth ; it brought religion into soulless lives and reconstituted it as a comforter, an inspiration, and a Judge. No one was too poor, too humble, too degraded to be bom again. . . . Aloof alike from politics and the speculations of the Schools. Wesley wrestled with the evils of his day and proclaimed the infinite power of a Christian faith based on personal conviction, eternally rene?ved from within, to battle with sin, misery, and vice in all its forms. The social service that he accomplished was not the least of his triumphs. For Methodism . . . diverted into religious channels a vast volume of social disco7itent which in France swelled the tides that submerged Church and State. ' At a titne when Bishop Butler asserted that Chris- tianily was " wearing out of the minds of men," Wesley kept the English people Christian, and shamed the Church that closed her pulpits to him into imitating his spirit, if not his methods. No historian will venture to stake out the limits of movements whose most vivifying force works in the silence of the religious life of masses of men and women. But it is certain that into the moral fibre of the English people, even in the classes most anxious to repudiate the debt, were woven new strands by the abiding influence of Methodism? — 'A History of England,' in seven volumes. Edited by Charles Oman. Vol. vi. ' England Under the Hanoverians.' By C. Grant Robertson, Fel- low of All Souls College, Oxford, Tutor in History to Magdalen College. TO THE READER I am sensible there are many particulars in the ensuing Journal which some serious persons will not believe, and which others will turn to ridicule. But this I cannot help, unless by concealing those things which I believe it my bounden duty to declare. I cannot do otherwise while I am persuaded that this was a real work of God : and that He hath so wrought this, and all ' His marvellous works, that they ought to be had in remembrance.' I have only to desire that those who think differently from me will bear with me, as I do with them ; and that those who think, with me, that this was the most glorious work of God which has ever been wrought in our memory, may be encouraged to expect to be themselves partakers of all the great and precious promises; and that without delay, seeing 'Now is the accepted time ! Now is the day of salvation ! ' London, Jan. 31, 1767. 387 THE JOURNAL From May 6, 1760, to October 28, 1762 1760. May 6, Tues. — I had much conversation (at Carrick- fergus) with Monsieur Cavenac, the French general, not on the circumstances, but the essence of religion. He seemed to startle at nothing ; but said more than once, and with emotion, ' Why, this is my religion : there is no true religion besides it ! ' Wed. 7. — I rode to Lame.1 The rain, which had continued with little intermission for several days, stopped this afternoon, so that I had a very large as well as serious congregation ; and I spoke to them with the utmost plainness, but I could not find the way to their hearts. Thur. 8. — We rode over the mountains to Ballymena, and had just passed through the town when a man came running out of the field, called me by my name, and pressed me much to preach there. But I could not stay, having appointed one to meet me at Portglenone ; which he accordingly did, and brought me to Mr. Burrowes, near Garvagh. Fri. 9. — A little rest was acceptable. Sat. 10. — I preached, morning and evening, in Mr. Burrowes's house, to a well-behaved congregation, though of various denominations: Churchmen, Papists, Presbyterians, Cameronians. One Seceder likewise ventured in ; but the moment he heard ' Our Father, which art in heaven,' he ran away with all speed. Sun. 11. — We had such a congregation in the church as 1 Where he was the guest of Mr. and tion of the French raid, and describes Mrs. John Lee. In their house he M. Cavenac, ' who speaks Latin pretty finished the letter to Blackwell begun at readily,' as 'not only a very sensible man, Carrickfergus, for which see W.A1. Mag. but thoroughly instructed, even in heart- 1848, p. 779. It gives a vivid descrip- religion.' 388 May 1760] In Ireland 389 perhaps had not been there in this century ; and I believe God reached some of their hearts : several were in tears. I spoke extremely plain ; especially to those who were full of their own wisdom and righteousness. Mon. 12. — Returning through Ballymena, I preached in the market-house to a large concourse of people ; and God was there of a truth. I have found no such spirit in any congregation since I left Dublin. Thence I rode to Moira, and preached to a very civil congregation ; but there is no life in them. Tues. 13. — My Irish horse was thoroughly tired. However, with much difficulty, partly riding, and partly walking, about eight in the evening I reached Cootehill. I preached in the house now, and at five in the morning ; but at eleven in the market-house, where I delivered my own soul to most of the Protestants in the town. Having procured a fresh horse, I rode on to Belturbet, a town in which there is neither Papist nor Presbyterian ; but, to supply that defect, there are Sabbath-breakers, drunkards, and common swearers in abundance. Thur. 15.— We rode through a delightful country to Swanlinbar, famed for its mineral waters.1 Soon after my new horse began to tire, so that it was with much difficulty I got to Sligo.2 Fri. 16. — I walked round the ruins of the abbey, formerly one of the largest in the kingdom. The walls of it are standing, and three sides of the cloisters are entire ; but you can scarce tread, either within or without, unless you will step upon skulls or human bones, which are everywhere scattered up and down, as dung upon the earth. Surely no other nation, Christian or heathen, would endure this ! 3 In the evening the congregation was a little disturbed by ' Famed also for its ironworks founded a terrible massacre. Mr. John Ander- by Mr. Swan, Mr. Ling, and Mr. Barr — son, of Willowbrook, now attached him- hence the name. See Journal of Royal self to Methodism and His descendants, to Society of Antiquaries for Ireland. the fifth generation, are connected with '•' At Sligo the increasing congregation, the church of their fathers ; also the on Wesley's advice, procured a large Knox family, but these did not continue in apartment in a feudal castle which once connexion with Methodism, belonged to the royal family of O'Connor, * The bones are now buried, and the and with which tradition has connected abbey is well cared for. 39° John Wesley s Journal [May mo. two or three giddy officers. I spoke to them, and they stopped ; but they soon recovered their spirits, and behaved as they used to do at church. Sun. 1 8. — I preached at nine to a large congregation, who all seemed to hear with understanding. At five in the evening they were not less attentive, though abundantly more numerous.1 On Monday we met, for the last time, between four and five. Many were deeply affected, and all received the word 'with all readiness of mind.' But which of these will ' bring forth fruit with patience ' ? God only knoweth. Mon. 19. — We rode to Castlebar, where I preached in the evening. I was particularly concerned for the poor backsliders. It seemed as if most of us said in our hearts, ' If they have a mind to go to hell, let them go.' Not so ; rather let us pluck the ' brands,' willing or unwilling, 'out of the burning.' Thur, 22. — I rode to Newport, and preached at seven in the evening. I suppose all the Protestants in the town were present, and many of the Papists, notwithstanding the prohibition and bitter curses of their priests. So has God spread the line from sea to sea, from Dublin on the east to this place on the western ocean. Sun. 25 (being Whit Sunday). — Mr. Ellison2 desired me to assist him at the Lord's Supper. Tues. 27. — There was a remarkable trial here. A Swedish ship, being leaky, put into one of our harbours. The Irish, according to custom, ran to plunder her. A neighbouring gentleman hindered them, and, for so doing, demanded a fourth part of the cargo : and this, they said, the law allows ! But where, meantime, is the law of God ? To hear this cause all the gentlemen of the county were come to Castlebar. It was to be heard in the court-house, where I preached ; so they met an hour sooner, and heard the sermon first. Who knows but even some of these may be found of Him they sought not? Wed. 28. — I rode to Hollymount,' and the next day to 1 On Sunday the 18th he wrote to 5 He would doubtless have gone to Lord Rawdon {W.M. Mag. 1864, Loughrea, but for the absence of the p. 553). rector, the Hon. and Rev. Walter Shirley, - Rector of Castlebar. who was then in England in connexion June 1760.] /* Ireland 391 Aughrim, where were a people alive to God. I told them plainly what things they wanted still ; and surely God will supply all their wants. JUNE i (being Trinity Sunday). — I preached about nine in the market-house at Athlone, on ' There are three that bear record in heaven . . . and these three are one.' Afterwards, at the minister's desire, I read prayers in the church, and in the evening preached on the Connaught side of the river, on ' Ye must be born again.' Both Papists and Protestants attended ; and some seemed cut to the heart. Tues. 3. — I met the classes, and was agreeably surprised to find that bitterness against the Church, with which many were infected when I was here before, was now entirely over. Yet the deadness which it had occasioned remained, and I doubt it will not soon be removed.1 Fri. 6. — I preached in the evening at Ahascragh, where the bulk of the congregation were Papists. Yet the decency of their behaviour was such as might have made many Protestants ashamed. Sun. 8. — I rode over to Aughrim again. Understanding the rector had none to assist in the service, I offered to read prayers for him ; which he willingly accepted. Immediately after the church service, I preached to a numerous congregation, and returned to Athlone soon enough to speak once more to a large concourse of all ranks and religions. But great part of them were as bullocks unaccustomed to the yoke, neither taught of God nor man. Mon. 9. — About one I preached at Abbeyderg,2 and then rode on to Longford. The town was so thronged, by reason of the approaching fair, that we had much ado to pass. But this increased the evening congregation much ; among whom was Dr. Hort, then rector of the parish, a learned, sensible, pious man, and a pattern both for clergy and laity. Tues. 10. — I rode to Drummersnave, a village delightfully with the execution of his brother, Lord For Lord Ferrers, see below, p. 393. Ferrers. His letter (dated May 27, ' On Tuesday the 3rd he preached at 1760) regretting his own absence and Minulla. offering the use of his church, Wesley " In the early morning he preached at published in Arm. Mag. 1797, p. 459. Athlone. VOL. IV 24 39 2 John Wesley s Jotirnal [June mo. situated. Almost the whole town, Protestants and Papists, were present at the sermon in the evening ; and a great part of them in the morning. But oh, how few of them will bear fruit to perfection ! At noon William Ley, James Glassbrook, and I rode to Carrick-upon-Shannon.1 In less than an hour, an Esquire and Justice of the Peace came down with a drum, and what mob he could gather. I went into the garden with the congregation, while he was making a speech to his followers in the street. He then attacked William Ley (who stood at the door), being armed with an halbert and long sword, and ran at him with the halbert ; but, missing his thrust, he then struck at him, and broke it short upon his wrist. Having made his way through the house to the other door, he was at a full stop. James Glassbrook held it fast on the other side. While he was endeavouring to force it open one told him I was preaching in the garden. On this he quitted the door in haste, ran round the house, and, with part of his retinue, climbed over the wall into the garden, and, with a whole volley of oaths and curses, declared, ' You shall not preach here to-day.' I told him, 'Sir, I do not intend it ; for I have preached already.' This made him ready to tear the ground. Finding he was not to be reasoned with, I went into the house. Soon after he revenged himself on James Glassbrook (by breaking the truncheon of his halbert on his arm), and on my hat, which he beat and kicked most valiantly ; but a gentleman rescued it out of his hands, and we rode quietly out of the town. After preaching to several of the intermediate societies2 in the way, on Saturday the 14th I came to Tyrrell's Pass, and found several of our friends who were come from various parts. Sun. 15. — I preached at eight, and at twelve (there being no service at the church). A heap of fine, gay people came in their post-chaises to the evening preaching. I spoke very plain, but the words seemed to fly over them : ' Gallio cared for none of these things.' Mon. 16. — I preached in the evening in the long, shady 1 The assize town of Leitrim. through Drummersnave, Longford, Edge- '-' In riding from Carrick-upon-Shannon worthstown, and Mullingar, in each of to Tyrrell's Pass, he would probably pass which Methodism already existed. June 1760-i In Ireland 393 walk at Edendcrry, to such a congregation as had not been seen there for many years.1 And God gave an edge to His word, both this evening and the next morning. He can work, even among these dry bones. Wed. 18. — I designed to preach in the market-house at Portarlington ; but it was pre-engaged for a ball. So I preached, and with much comfort, in our own room ; as also at five in the morning. I preached at ten, for the sake of the gentry. But it was too early, they could not rise so soon. In the afternoon I rode to Mountmellick. The rain was suspended in the evening, while I exhorted a large congregation to ' walk in the old paths.1 Many Papists appeared to be quite astonished ; some of them were almost persuaded to walk therein. The next evening I preached in the market-place, for the sake of the rich, who could hear there without impeachment to their honour. And some were deeply affected. Surely the thorns will not choke all the good seed ! Sat. 21.2 — The congregation at Tullamore was near as large as at Mountmellick. At eight in the morning, Sunday the 22nd, it was much increased, but much more at one. And I have reason to believe that God at this time touched several careless hearts. I rode from thence to Coolalough, and found a congre- gation gathered from twenty miles round. It rained when I began to preach ; but none offered to go away. And God did indeed ' send a gracious rain upon His inheritance,' and com- forted the souls of His servants. 1 And again on the 17th at Edenderry. the Life of C. of Huntingdon. Charles ■ On Sat. the 21st he wrote to his Wesley sends to his wife a pathetic wife, as we learn from the letter to account of the efforts he made to console Charles on the 23rd ( Works, vol. xii. Lady Huntingdon, and the earl's sister p. 119). 'Where and how is my wife ? Miss Shirley, and his brother, Walter I wrote to her Saturday last.' From Shirley, rector of Loughrea. Charles Charles Wesley's letters to his wife, Wesley was present at the earl's trial by published at the end of his Journal, we his peers in Westminster Hall. These learn that at this time he was ill, suffer- letters, it should be noted, like most of ing apparently, as were so many in his C. Wesley's letters, are insufficiently circle of London friends, from the re- dated, and it is sometimes difficult to fit action after the trial and execution on them into their proper places. But they May 5, 1759, of Lady Huntingdon's are of great importance, enabling us to cousin, Earl Ferrers, who had shot his trace the story of his work in London land steward in a ' tumultuous passion.' and Bristol after 1756, when his Journal The circumstances are fully described in closes. 394 John Wesley s Journal [June mo. Mon. 23. — Being the Quarterly Meeting,1 the stewards from all the country societies were present — a company of settled, sensible men. Nothing is wanting in this kingdom but zealous, active preachers, tenacious of order and exact discipline. Tues. 24. — I took horse early, and at ten preached at Cloghan, about twenty-four miles from Coolalough. We after- wards rode through Longford ; but did not stop, as the day was cool and pleasant. About two we were unawares encom- passed with a multitude of Papists, coming out of their mass- house. One of them, knowing me, soon alarmed the rest, who set up a hideous roar, and drew up in battle-array ; but we galloped through them, and went on to Drummersnave, where 1 preached in the evening, and the next day, Wednesday the 25th, rode on to Sligo. Never did I see a fairer prospect of good here. But blossoms are not fruit. As large, if not a larger congregation than before, was at the market-place in the evening. I was exceeding weary, having rode an extremely dull horse ; but I soon forgot my weariness, seeing so many, young and old, rich and poor, receiving the word with all gladness. Thur. 26. — I preached at five in a large, commodious room which has been procured since I was here last. I breakfasted at Mr. [John] A[nderson]'s, and dined at Mr. K[nox]'s ; but two such families I have seldom seen. They had feared God for many years, and served Him in the best manner they knew. Nothing was wanting but that they should hear the ' more excellent way,' which they then embraced with all their heart. Fri. 2"]} — Our morning congregation was doubled. Mr. D did not fail to be there, though it seemed strange to him at first, when mention was made of preaching at five in the morning. In the evening we had a still larger congregation, and I believe God applied His word. Some trembled, others wept. Surely some of these shall know there is ' balm in Gilead.' 1 The Quarterly Meeting has been Samuel Handy (see above, p. 39) much enlarged in constitution and func- showed hospitality to the stewards, find- tions since Wesley's day. At this date ing accommodation for them and their it consisted of stewards only. Wesley horses. held it in this country place for all the - On Friday the 27th he wrote to 'A societies round about, rather than in Member' on growth, full salvation, and one of the neighbouring towns, because private prayer ( Works, vol. xii. p. 275)- June 1760.) In Ireland 395 Sat. 28. — At five the congregation was larger than ever it had been at that hour. After breakfast I rode out with Mr. K[nox] and Mr. D , who, hearing I was ill-mounted, desired me to make use of one of his horses during my stay in Ireland. In the evening (it being market-day, so that the market- house was full of people) I wrote a line to the colonel, who readily gave me the liberty of preaching in the barrack-yard. He likewise came to hear himself, as did several of the officers. It was a solemn conclusion of the happiest birthday which I have known for many years. Sun. 29. — We had a solemn meeting of the society at five. At eight I preached again in the barrack-yard ; and I did not observe a trifler there. They all seemed to hear as for life. To-day I saw an odd instance of the force of example : when we were at church in the morning, scarce any one either sung or stood at the Psalms : so that I was almost alone therein. But in the afternoon almost every one stood up ; and most of them sung, or endeavoured so to do. After service I went directly to the market-house, and enforced those solemn words, ' What doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God ? ' Mr. D ' had left us at six in the morning, in order to serve his cure ; but about ten at night he came back, and was with me soon after four, importuning me to stay another day ; but as my journeys were fixed, I could not do that without disappointing several congregations. Now was the general call for the town of Sligo. And many did ' receive the word with joy ' ; but the greatest part had ' no root in themselves.' What fruit, then, could be expected from them ? Mon. 30. — I have rarely seen so heavy rain in Europe as we had in the way to Tobercurry. I was quickly wet to my toes' end ; but, the day clearing, I was dry again in a few hours. We had a very large congregation at Castlebar in the evening ; and many seemed almost persuaded to be Christians. Oh what does it avail almost to hit the mark ? Almost to escape the damnation of hell ? 1 Rev. Mr. D of Sligo (named also on Friday the 27th). He has not yet been identified. 396 John Wesley s Journal [juiymo. July i, Tues. — We took horse about four, and it was well we did ; for our seven-and-thirty Irish miles, so called, were little less than seventy English. I preached at a friend's house ' soon after three ; and then, procuring a fresh horse, about the size of a jackass, I rode on, with more ease than state, to Aughrim. Wed. 2. — We rode on to Eyrecourt,2 where many threatened great things ; but all vanished into air. I preached at ten in the court-house ; Col. Eyre was there, and several other persons of fashion. In the evening I preached at Birr,3 with more satisfaction than for several years, finding many more alive to God than ever, and provoking one another to love and to good works. I had purposed to set out early in the morning ; but their love constrained me to stay a day longer. So I had leisure to complete the account of the societies. At present the societies in Connaught contain little more than two hundred members ; those in Ulster about two hundred and fifty ; those in Leinster a thousand. Fri. 4. — I took my ease, riding in a chaise to Limerick ; where, on Saturday the 5th, ten of us met in a little Conference.4 By the blessing of God, we were all of one mind, particularly with regard to the Church. Even J[ames] D[eaves] has not now the least thought of leaving it, but attends there, be the minister good or bad. On Tuesday the 8th, having settled all our little affairs, we parted in much love.5 Wed. 9. — I rode over to Killeheen, a German 6 settlement 1 On July 1 he preached again at Castle- Lecky calls Col. Eyre 'a vehement bar. Was this ' at a friend's house ' ? and aggressive Frotestant.' He dis- "■ Eyrecourt is a small market town, approves of his policy and conduct, and Co. Galway, which took its name from says, ' Governor Eyre, being violently the Eyre family settled there. Colonel anti-Catholic, and fond of military Stratford Eyre fought at Culloden. He measures, he is one of Mr. Froude's was the son of Mr. Eyre, governor of heroes ' (History of England in the Galway in 1715, and he himself held the Eighteenth Century, vol. ii. pp. 340, 341, same office when he heard Wesley preach. fifth edition). Another member of the His Protestantism brought him into Eyre family, John Eyre, not a soldier, an collision with the Mayor and Corporation M .P. of the Irish House of Commons, was of Galway. Froude says : ' His words raised to the Irish Peerage as Baron Eyre, have something of a Cromwellian ring 3 Now Parsonstown. about them. . . . He was a man, beyond * The fourth Irish Conference, all others, fit to govern a people like the ' On July 8 he preached at Limerick. Irish ' ( The English in Ireland, vol. i.). ' i.e. Palatine. July 1760.1 In Ireland 397 near twenty miles south of Limerick. It rained all the way ; but the earnestness of the poor people made us quite forget it. In the evening I preached to another colony of Germans,1 at Ballingarrane. The third is at Courtmatrix, a mile from Killeheen. I suppose three such towns are scarce to be found again in England or Ireland. There is no cursing or swearing, no Sabbath-breaking, no drunkenness, no ale-house, in any of them. How will these poor foreigners rise up in the judgement against those that are round about them ! Fri. 1 1. — I preached in the new house at Clare to a genteel congregation. What a contrast between these and the poor people at Killeheen ! We had a still more genteel congregation the next morning at nine in the court-house at Ennis, to whom I spoke with all plainness. I did the same on Sunday morning ; so, if they hear me no more, I am clear of their blood. I took my leave of them at Clare in the afternoon, and in the evening returned to Limerick.2 Wed. 16. — I rode to Newmarket, which was another German settlement ; but the poor settlers, with all their diligence and frugality, could not procure even the coarsest food to eat and the meanest raiment to put on, under their merciful landlords, so that most of these, as well as those at Ballingarrane, have been 1 See above, pp. 168 and 275. Of higher standard of sobriety, industry, and the colonies of German Palatines which comfort. ... In the course of time their were brought to Ireland in 1709, Lecky leases fell in and they passed into the writes : ' They consisted of rather more condition of ordinary Irish tenants, and than 800 families, chiefly of the humblest the colony rapidly disappeared ' (Lecky's classes, and were settled for the most History of England in the Eighteenth part in Limerick and Kerry, where they Century, vol. ii. pp. 343-6, fifth edition), appear to have occupied themselves Amongst the Palatines who emigrated to almost exclusively with agriculture. They America from Ballingarrane only a few were brought over by a few considerable months before this visit of Wesley's were landlords, assisted by a small grant from Philip Embury, a Methodist local preacher, the Irish Parliament, and, unlike the Barbara Heck, and her husband, who native Irish, they usually obtained their established Methodism at New York, farms at leases of three lives and at low which in 1760 and for more than twenty rents. The Germans continued, for about years after belonged to the British three quarters of a century, to preserve possessions in America, their distinct identity and customs, and '-' On the 12th Walter Sellon wrote even appointed a burgomaster to settle proposing a hospital for superannuated their disputes ; . . . and, without exerting preachers and travelling preachers' wives ; any general wide influence on Irish life, also a college (Tyerman, Life of Wesley, were honourably distinguished from the vol. ii. p. 359)- population around them by their far 398 John Wesley s J otirnal [jmyi76o. forced to seek bread in other places, some of them in distant parts of Ireland, but the greater part in America. Thur. I'j. — I met the classes at Limerick, and found a con- siderable decrease. And how can it be otherwise, when vice flows as a torrent, unless the children of God are all life, zeal, activity? In hopes of quickening them, I preached at seven in the old camp to more than twice the usual congregation ; which the two next evenings was more numerous still, and equally attentive. I was well pleased to see a little army of soldiers there, and not a few of their officers. Nor did they behave as unconcerned hearers, but like men that really desired to save their souls. Sun. 20. — I took my leave of that comfortable place, where some thousands of people were assembled. I have seen no such sight since I came to the kingdom. They not only filled all the lower ground, but completely covered the banks that surround it, though they stood as close as possible. I exhorted them to ' ask for the old paths, and walk therein,' that they might ' find rest to ' their ' souls.' We had afterwards a solemn meeting of the society, in confidence that God would revive His work.1 Mon. 21. — I left Limerick, and about noon preached at Shronell, near a great house which a gentleman built many years ago 2 ; but he cannot yet afford to finish it, having only thirty thousand a year, and some hundred thousands in ready money ! The beggars but a common lot deplore : The rich-poor man's emphatically poor.3 At six I preached at the camp near Caher, to a large and serious congregation of soldiers. Thence we rode on to Clonmel, where I preached near the barracks, at eight in the morning, to a wild, staring people ; but quiet perforce, for the soldiers kept them in awe. We rode in the afternoon to Water- ford, where our friends had procured a commodious place, inclosed on all sides.4 I preached there three evenings, with 1 Broadclough and Cork are entered in 3 Cowley, Essays, ' Of Avarice ' ; see the Sermon Register. W.II.S. vol. v. p. 117. ■ Probably the residence of the Darner ' In Factory Lane. Crookshank's family, who also built the church. Methodism in Ireland, vol. i. p. 147. Aug. 1760. In Ireland 399 great hope of doing good. Our large room was full every morning. Oh why should we despair of any souls whom God hath made? TJnir. 24. — I looked over that well-wrote book, Mr. [Charles] Smith's State of the County and City of Waterford} He plainly shows that, twelve hundred years ago, Ireland was a flourishing kingdom. It seems to have been declining almost ever since ; especially after it was torn into several independent kingdoms. Thenceforward it grew more and more wild and barbarous for several hundred years. In Queen Elizabeth's time it began to revive ; and it increased greatly both in trade and inhabitants, till the deadly blow which commenced on October 23, 1641. Three hundred thousand Protestants, by a moderate computa- tion, were then destroyed in less than a year ; and more than twice as many Papists, within a few years following.2 Most of these were adults ; and this was a loss which the nation has not recovered yet. Nay, it will probably require another century to restore the number of inhabitants it had before. Fri. 25. — I preached once more near the barracks in Clonmel.and the next morning took horse at four. About eleven the sun was scorching hot, till a little cloud rose and covered us till we were near Rathcormack. Here we rested two hours, and then rode on (mostly shaded by flying clouds) to Cork. Sun. 27. — The house was well filled ; but I expect small increase of the work of God till we preach abroad. Thur. 31. — I rode to Bandon ; but my good old friend, Mrs. Jones,3 did not stay for my coming. She was released out of life some weeks ago, in the seventy-second year of her age. I preached, as usual, in the main street, to a large and attentive congregation. And they were nearly doubled the next evening ; yet all behaved with the utmost decency. The market obliged me to preach in the house on Saturday in the afternoon : a very neat and lightsome building. Having spent the time pro- posed here, with much satisfaction, in the evening I returned to Cork. Aug. 3, Sun. — I had wrote to the commanding officer for 1 Published in Dublin, 1746. 3 Wife of Mr. Thomas Jones of Cork. - The reference is to the great Irish See above, p. 163, and vol. iii. p. 470. Rebellion. 400 John Wesley s Journal [Aug. 1760. leave to preach near the barracks l ; but he was just gone out of town, so I was obliged once more to coop myself up in the room. Mon. 4.— Knowing, by the experiment I made two years since, that it was an entertainment above the taste of our evening congregation, I read some select letters at five in the morning to those who desired to hear them. And many of them were not a little comforted and established in the ways of God.2 Thur. 7.— In the afternoon I set out for Kinsale. In the way a violent storm drove us into a little hut, where a poor woman was very thankful for physical advice, and another for a little money to buy her food. The sky then clearing, we soon reached Kinsale, where I preached at six in the Exchange to a multitude of soldiers and not a few of the dull, careless townsfolk. At five in the morning, it being a field-day! the soldiers could not attend ; but I had a large and serious congregation notwithstanding. Surely good might be done here also, would our preachers always preach in the Exchange, as they may without any molestation, instead of a little, ugly, dirty garret. About nine, a sharp storm having put an end to their exercise, I went to the soldiers in the field. I stood so near the entrenchments of the fort that they could hear within as well as without. The sun indeed shone extremely hot on my head ; but presently a cloud interposed. And when I began to be chill (for the wind was high and sharp) it removed till I wanted it again. How easily may we see the hand of God in small things as well as great! And why should a little pointless raillery make us ashamed to acknowledge it ? In the evening I preached to the usual congregation in the main street at Bandon, on ' Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths peace.' The congregation was near twice as large at five in the morning as it was last week when I preached an hour later. Sun. 10.— After preaching at seven, in a house crowded within and without, I left this comfortable place, and went 1 On the south side of the city. - He also preached at Cork on the 5th and 6th. Aug. 1760 In Ireland 401 back to Cork. I had a desire to preach abroad in the evening ; but the weather would not permit. When the society met, a person hugely daubed with gold thrust violently in. By his appearance I should have judged him to be some nobleman. But I was afterward informed it was Dr. Taylor. On Monday and Tuesday I took an account of the society, and was grieved, though not surprised, to find such a declen- sion. I left two hundred and ninety members : I find only two hundred and thirty- three. And what will the end be, unless those that remain learn to bear one another's burdens ? .Adding to those in the other provinces about six hundred who are in Munster, the whole number is a little above two thousand. Our evening congregations this week were smaller than usual, as the gentry were engaged in a more important affair. A company of players were in town. However, many of them came on Friday ; for a watch-night was newer to them than a comedy.1 Mon. iS. — Being advised from Dublin that Captain Dansey (with whom I desired to sail) would sail on the 19th or 20th, I took horse early, and reached Clonmel between five and six in the evening. I took my usual stand near the barrack-gate ; and had abundantly more than my usual congregation, as it was the Assize week, so that the town was extremely full of gentry as well as common people. Tues. 19. — We had many light showers, which cooled the air and laid the dust. We dined at Kilkenny,2 noble in ruins ; I see no such remains of magnificence in the kingdom. The late Duke of Ormond's house,3 on the top of a rock, hanging 1 On Aug. 17 he wrote to J. Trembalh, language were liable to forfeit their pro- {H'orks, \o\. xii. p. 253), and preached perty. This was at a time when the at Cork from the nth to the 17th. conquerors and the conquered were of - Kilkenny is a place of great historical the same religion, as Henry II had interest. It was there that the Parliament brought the Celtic Church into subjection was held in 1367, which enacted the to the Pope. In Kilkenny grammar- most anti-Irish statute that ever passed. school Dean Swift, Bishop Berkeley, This law made it treason for men of and some other men of genius were English birth or descent to intermarry educated. with the Irish, or to place their children 3 This was James, the second Duke of with Irish foster-mothers, while those Ormond (Irish peerage), who in 1688 who adopted Irish names, manners, or succeeded his grandfather, James, the 402 John Wesley s Journal [Aug mo. over the river, the ancient cathedral, and what is left of many grand buildings, yield a melancholy pleasure. Thus — A little power, a little sway, A sunbeam in a winter's day, Is all the great and mighty have Between the cradle and the grave ! 1 We lodged at Castle Dermot, and reached Dublin on Wednesday the 20th ; but Captain Dansey was not to sail this week. I then inquired for a Chester ship, and found one which was expected to sail on Friday morning ; but on Friday morning the captain sent us word he must wait for General Montague.2 So in the afternoon I rode over to the Skerries, where the packet lay ; but before I came thither the wind, which was fair before, shifted to the east, and blew a storm. I saw the hand of God, and, after resting awhile, rode cheerfully back to Dublin. It being the watch-night, I came just in time to spend a comfortable hour with the congregation. Oh how good it is to have no choice of our own, but to leave all things to the will of God ! Sat. 23. — The captain of the Chester ship sent word the general would not go, and he would sail the next morning. So we have one day more to spend in Ireland. Let us live this day as if it were our last. Sun. 24. — At seven I took leave of my friends, and about noon embarked in the Nonpareil1 for Chester. We had forty or fifty passengers on board, half of whom were cabin passengers.4 I was afraid we should have an uneasy time in the midst of twelfth earl and first duke, at the English vol. v. p. 117. In the earlier quotation Revolution. The second duke gave his of these lines from John Dyer's ' Grongar allegiance to William, went with him to Hill ' Wesley alters the word ' rule ' in the Boyne, and entertained him in his the first line to ' pomp.' Here he alters castle at Kilkenny. After the accession it to ' power. ' of George I he was impeached for : Major-General Charles Montague, treason, and, having retired to France, he who was attached to the army estab- was attainted and deprived of his estates lishment in Ireland (W.H.S. vol. v. and titles. He died in 1745, and was p. 76). buried in 1746, in the family vault in 3 Captain Jordan. See below, p. 492. Westminster Abbey. Kilkenny Castle 4 Nicholas Manners was with Wesley, has been modernized, and to-day is the and gives further details. See Brethor- chief residence of the Marquis of Ormond. ton's Early Methodism in and aroima ' See above, p. 297 ; also W.H.S. Chester, p. 51. 1. PULPIT IN ST. PAILS, BEDFORD, FROM WHICH THE 'GREAT ASSIZE SERMON ' WAs PREACHED Is',, PACE 254). [Fhoto : Mr. >■ rank Rich, oi Bedford. 2. view of st. Paul's church, Bedford. 403 au«. 1760.J The Seventeenth Conference 405 such a crowd of gentry. We sailed out with a fair wind, but at four in the afternoon it failed, and left us in a dead calm. I then made the gentlemen an offer of preaching, which the)' thankfully accepted. While I was preaching the wind sprung up fair; but the next day we were becalmed again. In the afternoon they desired me to give them another sermon ; and again the wind sprung up while I was speaking, and continued till, about noon, on Tuesday, we landed at Parkgate.1 Being in haste, I would not stay for my own horse[s], which I found could not land till low water. So I bought one, and, having hired another, set forward without delay. We reached Whitchurch that evening. Wed. 27. — We breakfasted at Newport,2 where, finding our horses begin to fail, we thought it best to take the Birmingham road, that, if they should fail us altogether, we might stay among our friends. But they would go no farther than Wolverhampton ; so we hired fresh horses there, and imme- diately set out for Worcester. But one of them soon after fell, and gave me such a shock (though I did not quit my seat), that I was seized with a violent bleeding at the nose, which nothing we could apply would stop. So we were obliged to go a foot-pace for two miles, and then stay at Broadwaters.3 Thur. 28. — Soon after we set out the other horse fell lame. An honest man, at Worcester, found this was owing to a bad shoe. A smith cured this by a new shoe ; but at the same time, by paring the hoof too close, he effectually lamed the other foot, so that we had hard work to reach Gloucester. After resting here awhile, we pushed on to Newport,4 where I took a chaise, and reached Bristol before eleven. 1 spent the two following days with the preachers,5 who had ' After a passage of fifty hours. At 3 A hamlet in the parish of Wolverley, this time Parkgate, sixteen miles below near Kidderminster (IV.ff.S. vol. vi. Chester, was a port for Irish traffic, and p. 60; and see also vol. vii. p. 6). probably more frequented than Holy- * Near Berkeley in Gloucestershire, head. Centuries ago Chester itself was ' This seventeenth annual English Con- a port, but the Dee has been silting up ference was one of the shortest, perhaps for ages. See Rev. F. F. Bretherton's the shortest, which he held. Was Charles article on Wesley's voyages to and from Wesley present ? Most likely he was, Parkgate. Meth. Rec. Winter No., 1903. from the letter of remonstrance and 1 The Newport named is in Salop. reproof which his brother WTote from See Meth. Mag. 1830. p. 187. Coolalough not long before. There was 4o6 J0hn Wesley s Journal rsept.iTeo. been waiting for me all the week : and their love and unanimity was such as soon made me forget all my labour. Sept. i, Mon.—\ set out for Cornwall, preaching at Shepton, Middlezoy, and Tiverton, in the way. Wed. 3.— I reached Launceston,1 and found the small remains of a dead, scattered society ; and no wonder, as they have had scarce any discipline, and only one sermon in a fortnight. On Friday the 5th I found just such another society at Camelford. But their deadness here was owing to bitterness against each other. In the morning I heard the contending parties face to face ; and they resolved and promised, on all sides, to let past things be forgotten. Oh how few have learned to forgive ' one another, as God, for Christ's sake, hath forgiven ' us ! Sat. 6.— We had an exceeding lively congregation in the evening at Trewalder. Indeed, all the society stands well, and ' adorns the doctrine of God our Saviour.' Sun. 7.— At eight I preached again, and was much com- forted. I then rode to Port Isaac church, and had the satisfaction of hearing an excellent sermon. After service I preached at a small distance from the church to a numerous congregation ; and to a far more numerous one in the town, at five in the afternoon. In examining this society, 1 found much reason to bless God on their behalf. They diligently observe all the rules of the society, with or without a preacher. They constantly attend the church and sacrament, and meet together at the times appointed. The consequence is that thirty out of thirty- five, their whole number, continue to walk in the light of God's countenance. Mon. 8.— A gentleman followed me to my inn at St. Columb, and carried me to his house, where were three or four more as friendly as himself. One of them rode with me seven or eight mdes, and gave me a pleasing account of two young clergymen, Mr- C and Mr. Phelps,2 who had the care of three adjoining mutual misunderstanding. John thought ' From Launceston he wrote to Rev. that Charles was treating him with S. Furly {Met A. Rec. Oct. 17, 1907), and neglect and unkindness ; and Charles preached, probably in the early morning, thought John was yielding too much to on Friday the 5th. the anti-Church of England party amongst * Of St. Agnes, curate to the Rev. the preachers. See Charles Wesley's Mr. Walker, brother of Walker of Journal, vol. ii. p. 229. Truro. See below, p. 529. Sept. 1760. In Cornwall 407 parishes. Surely God has a favour for the people of these parts ! He gives them so serious, zealous, lively preachers. By these and the Methodists together, the line is now laid, with no considerable ' interruption, all along the north sea, from the eastern point of Cornwall to the Land's End. In a while, I trust, there will be no more cause on these coasts to accuse Britannos Jiospitibus feros? The congregation at St. Agnes in the evening was, I suppose, double to that at Port Isaac. We had near as many on Tuesday the 9th, at five in the morning, as the preaching- house could contain. Afterward I examined the society, and was surprised and grieved to find that, out of ninety-eight persons, all but three or four had forsaken the Lord's Table. I told them my thoughts very plain. They seemed convinced, and promised no more to give place to the devil. Wed. 10. — I had much conversation with Mr. Phelps, a man of a humble, loving, tender spirit. Between him on the one hand, and the Methodists on the other, most in the parish are now awakened. Let but our brethren have ' zeal according to knowledge,' and few will escape them both.3 When I came to St. Ives, I was determined to preach abroad ; but the wind was so high I could not stand where I had intended. But we found a little enclosure near it, one end of which was native rock, rising ten or twelve feet perpendicular, from which the ground fell with an easy descent. A jetting out of the rock, about four feet from the ground, gave me a very convenient pulpit. Here wellnigh the whole town, high and low, rich and poor, assembled together. Nor was there a word to be heard or a smile seen from one end of the congregation to the other. It was just the same the three following evenings. Indeed I was afraid on Saturday that the roaring of the sea, raised by the north wind, would have prevented their hearing. But God gave me so clear and strong a voice that I believe scarce one word was lost. 1 In the first and subsequent editions Wesley is thinking of Cornish wreckers, this word was printed, in error, ' incon- See VV.H.S. vol. v. p. 48. siderable.' ' The entries in the Sermon Register ' 'Britons as inhospitable, or cruel, to are Thur., Sept. 11, and Fri. the 12th, strangers.' Horace, Odes, III. iv. 33. St. Ives; Sat. the 13th, Lelant. 408 John Wesley s Journal isept mo. Sun. 14. — At eight I chose a large ground, the sloping side of a meadow, where the congregation stood row above row, so that all might see as well as hear. It was a beautiful sight. Every one seemed to take to himself what was spoken. I believe every backslider in the town was there. And surely God was there to ' heal their backslidings.' I began at Zennor, as soon as the church service ended : I suppose scarce six persons went away. Seeing many there who did once run well, I addressed myself to them in particular. The spirit of mourning was soon poured out ; and some of them wept bitterly. Oh that the Lord may yet return unto them, and ' leave a blessing behind Him ' ! At five I went once more into the ground at St. Ives, and found such a congregation as I think was never seen in a place before (Gwennap excepted) in this county. Some of the chief of the town were now not in the skirts, but in the thickest of the people. The clear sky, the setting sun, the smooth, still water, all agreed with the state of the audience. Is any- thing too hard for God ? May we not well say, in every sense ? — Thou dost the raging sea control, And smooth the prospect of the deep ; Thou mak'st the sleeping billows roll, Thou mak'st the rolling billows sleep.1 Mon. 15. — I inquired concerning the uncommon storm which was here on March 9, the last year. It began near the Land's End, between nine and ten at night, and went eastward not above a mile broad, over St. Just, Morvah, Zennor, St. Ives, and Gwinear, whence it turned northward over the sea. It uncovered all the houses in its way, and was accompanied with impetuous rain. About a mile south-east from St. Ives it tore up a rock, twelve or fourteen ton weight, from the top of a rising ground, and whirled it down upon another, which it split through, and at the same time dashed itself in pieces. It broke down the pinnacles of Gwinear church, which forced their way 1 Altered from Tate and Brady's version ; Virgil, Aen. I. 65, 66 ; and version of Psalm lxxxix. 9. Wesley has Meth. Ilymn-Book, 49, ver. 6 (W.H.S. finely substituted 'raging' for 'lawless' vol. v. p. 182). and ' smooth ' for ' change.' Cf. Watts' sept. 1760.) Wesley on William Law 409 through the roof. And it was remarkable, the rain which attended it was as salt as any sea-water. At one I preached in Madron parish, and then rode to St. Just. I have not seen such a congregation here for twice seven years. Abundance of backsliders being present, I chiefly applied to them. Some of them smiled at first, but it was not long before their mirth was turned into mourning ; and I believe few, if any, went away without a witness from God that He ' willeth not the death of a sinner.' Tues. 16. — At five the room was near full ; and the great power of God was in the midst of them. It was now accom- panied with one unusual effect : the mouth of those whom it most affected was literally stopped. Several of them came to me and could not speak one word ; very few could utter three sentences. I rejoined to the society ten or eleven backsliders, and added some new members. Here (as at Port Isaac, St. Agnes, and St. Ives) we are called to thankfulness ; and at most other places to patience. All the day it blew a storm, and in the evening, though the rain ceased, the furious wind continued. I ordered all the windows of the preaching-house to be set open, so that most could hear without as well as within. I preached on ' He will not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax.' And again God applied His word, both to wound and to heal them that were already wounded. About this time I wrote the following letter : To the Editor of ' The London Chronicle ' gIR September 17, 1760. As you sometimes insert things of a religious nature in your paper, I shall count it a favour if you will insert this.1 ' The first volume of this edition of the admiration for the ' oracle.' His anger Journal confirms the belief, already rooted against Law was caused by the latter's by ungrudging admissions, of Wesley's acceptance, in old age, of Jacob Behmen's indebtedness, especially in early life, to mysticism — an error into which Wesley Law's teaching. In Oxford he read his himself at one time was nearly entrapped. Christian Perfection. During his voyage He judged, not unreasonably, that it was to Georgia, and afterwards, Law's Serious a type of touching which, like Moravian Call and Christian Perfection ranked ' stillness,' was likely to do harm among among the text-books of his devotional the Methodist societies. He published society classes. He never really lost his a carefully prepared extract from Law's VOL. IV 25 410 John Wesley s Journal [Sept. mo. Some years ago I published ' A Letter to Mr. Law ' ; and, about the same time, ' An Address to the Clergy.' Of the former, Mr. Law gives the following account, in his Collection of Letters lately published : ' To answer Mr. Wesley's letter seems to be quite needless, because there is nothing substantial or properly argumentative in it. I was once a kind of oracle to Mr. W . I judged him to be much under the power of his own spirit. To this was owing the false censure which he published against the Mystics, as enemies to good works ' (pp. 128, 130). ' His letter is such a juvenile composition of emptiness and pertness as is below the character of any man who had been serious in religion for half a month. It was not ability, but necessity, that put his pen into his hand. He had preached much against my books, and forbade his people the use of them ; and, for a cover of all this, he promised, from time to time, to write against them ; therefore an answer was to be made at all adventures. He and the Pope conceive the same reasons for condemning the mystery revealed by Jacob Behmen ' (p. 190). Of the latter he gives this account : ' The pamphlet you sent is worse than no advice at all ; but infinitely beyond Mr. Wesley's Babylonish Address to the Clergy ; almost all of which is empty babble, fitter for an old grammarian that was grown blear-eyed in mending dictionaries than for one who had tasted of the powers of the world to come ' (p. 198). I leave others to judge whether an answer to that letter be quite needless or no ; and whether there be anything substantial in it ; but certainly there is something argumentative. The very queries relating to Jacob's Philosophy are arguments, though not in form ; and perhaps most of them will be thought conclusive arguments by impartial readers. Let these likewise judge if there are not arguments in it (whether conclusive or no) relating to that entirely new system of divinity which he has revealed to the world. It is true that Mr. Law, whom I love and reverence now, was once ' a kind of oracle ' to me. He thinks I am still 'under the power of my ' own spirit,' as opposed to the Spirit of God. If I am, yet my censure of the Mystics is not at all owing to this, but to my reverence for the Oracles of God, which, while I was fond of them, I regarded less and less ; till, at length, finding I could not follow both, I exchanged the Mystic writers for the scriptural. Christian Perfection in 1743, and the Canon Overton, in his Life 0/ Law, says : Serious Call a year later. Of the latter ' The most famous, if not the greatest of he wrote : ' A treatise which will hardly all Law's works, next to the Bible it con- be excelled, if it be equalled, in the tributed more than any other book to English tongue, either for beauty of the rise and spread of the great Evange- expression or for justness and depth lical Revival of the eighteenth century' of thought' {Works, vol. vii. p. 297). (p. 109). Law died in 1761. Sept. 1760. In West Cornwall 41 1 It is sure, in exposing the Philosophy of Behmen, I use ridicule as well as argument ; and yet, I trust I have, by the grace of God, been in some measure 'serious in religion,' not ' half a month ' only, but ever since I was six years old, which is now about half a century. I do not know that the Pope has condemned him at all, or that he has any reason so to do. My reason is this, and no other : I think he contradicts Scripture, reason, and himself; and that he has seduced many unwary souls from the Bible-way of salvation. A strong conviction of this, and a desire to guard others against that dangerous seduction, laid me under a necessity of writing that letter. I was under no other necessity ; though I doubt not but Mr. Law heard I was, and very seriously believed it. I very rarely mention his books in public ; nor are they in the way of one in a hundred of those whom he terms my people ; meaning, I suppose, the people called Methodists. I had therefore no temptation, any more than power, to forbid the use of them to the Methodists in general. Whosoever informed Mr. Law of this wanted either sense or honesty.1 He is so deeply displeased with the Address to the Clergy, because it speaks strongly in favour of learning ; but still, if this part of it is only ' fit for an old grammarian, grown blear-eyed in mending dictionaries,' it will not follow that ' almost all of it is mere empty babble ' ; for a large part of it much more strongly insists on a single eye and a clean heart. Heathen philosophers may term this 'empty babble ' : but let not Christians either account or call it so ! ' 2 Wed. 17. — The room at St. Just was quite full at five, and God gave us a parting blessing. At noon I preached on the cliff near Penzance, where no one now gives an uncivil word. Here I procured an account, from an eye-witness, of what happened the twenty-seventh of last month. A round pillar, narrowest at bottom, of a whitish colour, rose out of the sea near Mousehole, and reached the clouds. One who was riding over the strand from Marazion to Penzance saw it stand for a , short space, and then move swiftly toward her, till, the skirt of it touching her, the horse threw her and ran away. It had a strong sulphurous smell. It dragged with it abundance of sand and pebbles from the shore ; and then went over the land, carrying with it corn, furze, or whatever it found in its way. It 1 'Ability or integrity' is the phrase corrections, are often a study in synonyms, which was used in the first edition. Wes- - On the 17th he preached at Newlyn ley's choice of words, and, as here, his and Penzance. 4 1 2 John Wesley s Journal [Sept. mo. was doubtless a kind of water-spout ; but a water-spout on land, I believe, is seldom seen. The storm drove us into the house at Newlyn also. Thur. 1 8. — As we rode from thence, in less than half an hour we were wet to the skin ; but when we came to Penhale the rain ceased, and, the people flocking from all parts, we had a comfortable opportunity together. About six I preached near Helston.1 The rain stopped till I had done, and soon after was as violent as before. Fri. 19. — I rode to Illogan. We had heavy rain before I began, but scarce any while I was preaching. I learned several other particulars here concerning the water-spout. It was seen near Mousehole an hour before sunset. About sunset it began travelling over the land, tearing up all the furze and shrubs it met. Near an hour after sunset it passed (at the rate of four or five miles an hour) across Mr. Harris's fields, in Camborne, sweeping the ground as it went, about twenty yards diameter at bottom, and broader and broader up to the clouds. It made a noise like thunder, took up eighteen stacks of corn, with a large hay-stack and the stones whereon it stood, scattered them all abroad (but it was quite dry), and then passed over the cliff into the sea. Sat. 20. — In the evening I took my old stand in the main street at Redruth. A multitude of people, rich and poor, calmly attended.2 So is the roughest become one of the quietest towns in England.3 Sun. 21. — I preached in the same place at eight. Mr. C , of Cubert, preached at the church both morning and afternoon, and strongly confirmed what I had spoken. At one, the day being mild and calm, we had the largest con- gregation of all ; but it rained all the time I was preaching 1 At St. John's. This entry in the still standing, was built here (now used Sermon Register, and the one above, as a warehouse). are explained by the following: 'About '-' On Sat. the 20th he preached also this time a society was formed and at Besore. met by Peter Quintrel in Mrs. * The Sermon Register, which occa- Warren's house at St. John's — five in sionally at this time becomes irregular, number. In a short time they increased gives the following : St. Ewe for the to fourteen men and several women' 21st, ' St. Austle' for the 22nd and 24th, {Meth. Mag- 1835, p. 137). A chapel, and St. Stephen's for the 25th. Sept. 1760.) In Cornwall 4 t 3 at Gwennap. We concluded the day with a lovefeast, at which James Roberts, a tinner of St. Ives, related how God had dealt with his soul. He was one of the first in society in St. Ives, but soon relapsed into his old sin, drunkenness, and wallowed in it for two years, during which time he headed the mob who pulled down the preaching-house.1 Not long after, he was standing with his partner at Edward May's shop when the preacher went by. His partner said, ' I will tell him I am a Methodist.' ' Nay,' said Edward, ' your speech will bewray you.' James felt the word as a sword, thinking in himself, ' So does my speech now bewray me ! ' He turned and hastened home, fancying he heard the devil stepping after him all the way. For forty hours he never closed his eyes, nor tasted either meat or drink. He was then at his wit's end, and went to the window, looking to drop into hell instantly, when he heard those words, ' I will be merciful to thy unrighteousness, thy sins and iniquities will I remember no more.' All his load was gone, and he has now for many years walked worthy of the gospel.2 Mon. 22. — I preached at Penryn in the evening. It rained before and after, but not while I was preaching. While we were at prayer a sheet of light seemed to fill the yard, and ' the voice of the Lord ' was heard over our heads. This fixed the impression they had received upon the minds of many ; as if it had said, in express terms, ' Prepare to meet thy God ! ' 3 On Wednesday evening, having (over and above meeting the societies) preached thirty times in eleven days, I found myself a little exhausted ; but a day's rest set me up : so on Friday the 26th I preached at noon again near Liskeard. In the afternoon we had rain and wind enough, and when we came to Saltash, no boat would venture out ; so we were obliged to take up our lodgings there. Sat. 27. — Finding there was no hope of passing here, the wind being as high as ever, we determined to ride round by 1 See above, vol. iii. p. 128 — the (possibly his sister, Mrs. Lambert) and preaching-house which the mob pulled honest James R . He tells Charles down for joy that Admiral Matthews had that everywhere he speaks of bribery and beaten the Spaniards. ' run goods,' and doubts whether Gambold - On the 2 1st he wrote from Redruth to has found happiness among the Moravians. Charles Wesley [Works, vol. xii. p. 1 19), 3 On the 27th he preached again af a mysterious letter concerning Sister A. Liskeard. 4 r 4 John Wesley s Journal rsept mo. the new bridge. The rain still fell on either side ; but for near twenty miles we had not one drop, and not a considerable shower all day. Soon after four in the afternoon we came safe to Plymouth Dock.1 I had but a melancholy prospect here, finding most of the people dead as stones ; and when I took an account of the society, only thirty-four out of seventy were left. At seven in the evening, and at five in the morning, I strongly exhorted them to return to God. At eight I did the same, and at five in the afternoon ; and God made His word as a hammer. At the meeting of the society, likewise, strong and effectual words were given me. Many were convinced afresh ; many backsliders cut to the heart ; and I left once more between sixty and seventy members.2 Mon. 29. — Being invited by the minister of Week St. Mary to preach in his church, I crossed over the country, and came thither about four in the afternoon. The congregation was large, considering the weather, and quite attentive and uncon- cerned. Hence I rode on to Mill House, and the next day to Cullompton ; where, finding the congregation waiting, I began preaching without delay, and felt no weariness or want of strength till I had delivered my message to them. ' Ordinary passengers might count this interesting geographical description, upon crossing the Tamar at Saltash on a knows the neighbourhood well and the big flat-bottomed boat. Horses required painting. He adds : ' The graceful an education for this crossing - an educa- arches of the New Bridge are painted tion which Wesley's horses had no doubt with great minuteness and faithfulness.' received. But on the present occasion The journey across to Tavistock, thence the ordinary ferry-boat was not available by the high and exposed road to Plymouth because of the storm. The travellers Dock, would be nine or ten miles; this, were compelled to take the road toward with the twelve miles on the other side Callington, turning eastward under Kithill of the river, would account for Wesley's to Gunnislake ; this would be quite twenty miles. twelve miles from Saltash. One almost ' On Sept. 28 John Wesley, being wonders that Wesley did not here insert then in Plymouth Dock, wrote to his a description of Gunnislake as it then brother respecting (1) his correspondence was, and of the graceful new bridge exist- with Law ; (2) Charles's health ; (3) ing in 1 760, which had become the one the injury done to Cornwall by his own attractive feature of the scene. Turner's prolonged absence and the unfaithfulness painting, 'Crossing the Brook,' now of the preachers ; aud (4) Mr. Walker ot hung in the National Gallery, refers to Truro, who had been at Hotwells for a the Tamar at Newbridge. Mr. Henry month for his health. (IVorA-s, vol. xii. Roseveare, to whom we are indebted for p. 120.) Oct 1760.; Return to Kingswood 415 Oct. i, Wed. — After preaching at five, I examined the society, and found them more alive to God than I had done for many years. About one I preached at Halberton,1 and at Tiverton in the evening. The next morning I rode to Maiden Down, where the congregation was waiting for me. About noon I preached at Taunton.2 The rain lessened the congrega- tion at Bridgwater ; a dead, uncomfortable place, at best. About seven we set out thence for Bavvdrip, in as dark a night as I ever saw ; but God gave His angels charge over us, and we dashed not our foot against a stone. I was surprised to see a congregation at five in the morning, to whom I spoke with much enlargement of heart. About one I preached at Shepton Mallet, and about seven in the evening at Bristol. Sun. 5. — I perceived, by the liveliness of the people, that Mr. Gilbert's3 labour had not been in vain. But I found some exercise too ; and this is always to be expected among a large body of people, it being certain that, as ' all men have not faith,' so all believers have not wisdom. Sun. 12. — I visited the classes at Kingsvvood. Here only there is no increase ; and yet, where was there such a prospect till that weak man, John Cennick, confounded the poor people with strange doctrines ? Oh what mischief may be done by one that means well ! We see no end of it to this day. 1 See memoir of Mrs. Anne Harwood April 19, 1763. On March 6, 1760, Wes- Bale, of Halberton, one of the first ley wrote a remarkable letter to Nicholas members there (Meth. Mag. 1808, p. Gilbert respecting the action of Paul 509). Her parents were the first to Greenwood, John Murlin, and Thomas receive the preachers in 1750. The Mitchell, who had given the sacrament memoir of her daughter, Mrs. Hellyer, at Norwich. 'They did it without any of Sampford, says that Mr. and Mrs. ordination, either by bishops or elders : Bale were the hosts of Wesley in all his upon the sole authority of a sixpenny later visits to Halberton. {Meth. Mag. licence : nay, all had not that. Do you 1843, PP- 79^1 797-) think they acted right? If the other * See remarkable story of a persecuting preachers follow their example, not only rioter (Thomas Dingle) at Taunton, who separation but general confusion must came back in later years as superintendent follow. My soul abhors the thought of of the circuit. (Meth. Mag. 1829, p. 279.) separating from the Church of England.' 1 Nicholas Gilbert must be distin- He closes the letter with the following guished from Nathaniel and Francis words: 'Now consider, and speak your Gilbert of Antigua. At more says {Me- mind. Will you take me for your father, mortal, p. 156): ' He was a man of deep brother, friend ? or will you not ?' piety, who was snatched away in the (Tyerman's Life of Wesley, vol. ii. p. dawn of his usefulness.' See also 382.) 4*6 John Wesley s Journal roct. mo. In the afternoon [Oct. 12] I had appointed the children to meet at Bristol whose parents were of the society. Thirty of them came to-day, and above fifty more on the Sunday [19th], and Thursday [23rd] following. About half of these I divided into four classes, two of boys, and two of girls ; and appointed proper leaders to meet them separate. I met them all together twice a week ; and it was not long before God began to touch some of their hearts. On Tuesday [14th] and Wednesday I visited some of the societies in the country.1 On Thursday I returned to Bristol, and in the afternoon preached a charity sermon in Newgate for the use of the poor prisoners.2 [What a change is in this place since I knew it first? (1) Every part of it, above stairs and below, even the pit, wherein the felons are confined at night, is as clean and sweet as a gentleman's house: it being a rule that every prisoner wash and thoroughly cleanse his apartment twice a week. (2) Here is no fighting or brawling. If any think himself aggrieved, the cause is immediately referred to the keeper, who hears the contending parties face to face, and decides the affair at once. (3) The usual grounds of quarrelling are taken away, for it is very rarely that any one cheats or wrongs another, as being sure, if anything of this kind is discovered, to be more closely confined. (4) Here is no drunkenness suffered, however advan- tageous it might be to the keeper and tapster. (5) Nor any whoredom, the women prisoners being narrowly observed, and kept apart from the men, and no women of the town being now admitted, no, not at any price. (6) All possible care is taken to prevent idleness. Those who are willing to work at their callings are provided with tools and materials, partly by the keeper who gives them credit at a moderate profit, partly by the alms occasionally given, which are divided with the utmost impartiality. Accordingly at this time, a shoemaker, a tailor, a brazier, and a coach-maker are all employed. (7) On the ' The Sermon Register gives the follow- was preached in Newgate for the relief ing appointments : 16th, Bristol ; 17th, of the poor debtors, and again on Friday Coleford; 20th, Bristol; 24th, Frome ; the,24th. Wesley repeated this description 25th Bristol ; 26th, Kingswood. of reformed Newgate in a letter to The The Bristol Chronicle reported that Loudon Chronicle (see below, p. 427). at 3 p.m. on the 16th, a charity sermon Oct. 1760.1 Death of George II 417 Lord's day they neither work nor play, but dress themselves as clean as they can, to attend the public service in the chapel, at which ever\' person under the roof is present. None is excused unless sick, in which case he is provided both with proper advice and medicines. (8) To assist them in spirituals as well as temporals, they have a sermon preached every Sunday and Thursday. And a large Bible is chained on one side of the chapel, which any of the prisoners may read. By the blessing of God on these regulations, the whole prison has a new face. Nothing offends either the eye or ear, and the whole has the appearance of a quiet, serious family.] * On the three following days I spoke severally to the members of the society. As many of them increase in worldly goods, the great danger I apprehend now is their relapsing into the spirit of the world ; and then their religion is but a dream. Wed. 22. — Being informed that some neighbouring gentle- men had declared they would apprehend the next preacher who came to Pensford,2 I rode over to give them the meeting ; but none appeared. The house was more than filled with deeply attentive hearers. It seems the time is come at length for the word of God to take root here also. Fri. 24. — I visited the French prisoners at Knowle,3 and found many of them almost naked again. In hopes of provoking others to jealousy, I made another collection for them, and ordered the money to be laid out in linen and waistcoats, which were given to those that were most in want. Sat. 25. — King George was gathered to his fathers. When will England have a better Prince ? Many of us agreed to observe Friday the 31st as a day of 1 The bracketed portion is from the convert at Rangeworthy. She and 1st ed. William, then a boy, would walk over "- Preaching had been resumed at to Kingswood School every Sunday, six Pensford by the preachers from Bristol or seven miles, to hear the preaching, on the initiative of Mr. and Mrs. Wil- ' In The Bristol Chronicle appeared Ham Wait. For this family, see also the following notice : ' A charity sermon E.M.P. vol. vi. p. 120 ; IV. Af. Mag. will be preached at the New Room in 1830, p. 445 ; and W.H.S. vol. vi. pp. the Horsefair on Sunday evening at 130-2. Afterwards Mr. Wait was 'the 8 o'clock, by the Rev. John Wesley for chief instrument in getting a chapel the use of the French prisoners at erected in Pensford' (Meth. Mag. 1808, Knowle' {Bristol Chronicle, Oct. 23, pp. 132, 133;. His mother was an early 1760, p. 243;. See above, p. 355. 4 1 8 John Wesley s Journal wov. mo. fasting and prayer for the blessing of God upon our nation, and in particular on his present Majesty. We met at five, at nine, at one, and at half-hour past eight. I expected to be a little tired, but was more lively after twelve at night than I was at six in the morning. Nov. i, Sat. — I had the pleasure of spending a little time with that venerable man, Mr. Walker, of Truro. I fear his physicians do not understand his case. If he recovers, it must be through an almighty Physician.1 Mon. 3.— I left Bristol, and took Bath, Bradford, and Frome, in my way to Salisbury, where I spent a day with much satisfaction. Fri. 7. — I preached about nine, at Andover, to a few dead stones ; at one in Whitchurch, and in the evening at Basingstoke. The next day, Saturday the 8th, I was once more brought safe to London.2 I spent about a fortnight, as usual, in examining the society — a heavy but necessary labour. Mon. 17. — I sent the following letter : To the Editor of ' Lloyd's Evening Post ' November 17, 1760. Sir,3 In your last paper we had a letter from a very angry gentleman (though he says he had put himself into as good [a] humour as possible), who personates a clergyman, but is, I presume, in reality, a retainer to the theatre. He is very warm against the people vulgarly called Methodists, ' ridiculous impostors,' ' religious buffoons,' as he styles them ; ' saint-errants ' (a pretty and quaint phrase), full of ' inconsiderate- ness, madness, melancholy, enthusiasm ' ; teaching a ' knotty and unintelligible system ' of religion, yea, a ' contradictory or self-con- tradicting ' ; nay, a ' mere illusion,' a ' destructive scheme, and of pernicious consequence'; since 'an hypothesis is a very slippery foundation to hazard our all upon.' Methinks the gentleman has a little mistaken his character : he 1 He died this year (1760). 3 Spiral tragicum satis, et feliciter 2 On the 9th he preached at the audet ' (Horace, Epist. II. i. 166), 'He Foundery, Wapping, and West Street. breathes sufficiently the tragic spirit, and On the 10th he wrote a PS. to Primitive is successfully daring.' This quotation Phy sick {Works, vol. xiv. p. 317), and from Horace appeared at the head of the on the nth wrote to 'A Member' letter as originally primed. See copy in ( Works, vol. xii. p. 276). Richmond College Interleaved Journal. Nov. 1760.1 Letter to 'Lloyd's Evening Post' 419 seems to have exchanged the sock for the buskin. But, be this as it may, general charges prove nothing. Let us come to par- ticulars. Here they are : ' The basis of Methodism is the grace of assurance ' (excuse a little impropriety of expression), ' regeneration being only a preparative to it.' Truly this is somewhat ' knotty and unintelligible.' I will endeavour to help him out. The fundamental doctrine of the people called Methodists is, Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the true faith ; the faith which works by love ; which, by means of the love of God and our neighbour, produces both inward and outward holiness. This faith is an evidence of things not seen ; and he that thus believes is regenerate, or born of God ; and he has the witness in himself (call it assurance, or what you please) : the Spirit itself witnesses with his spirit that he is a child of God. ' From what scripture ' every one of these propositions ' is collected,' any common Concordance will show. ' This is the true portraiture of Methodism,' so called. ' A religion superior to this ' (the love of God and man) none can ' enjoy,' either in time or in eternity. But the Methodists do not hold ' good works meritorious.' No ; neither does ours, or any other Protestant Church. But meantime they hold it is their bounden duty, as they have time, to do good unto all men ; and they know the day is coming wherein God will reward every man according to his works. But they 'act with sullenness and sourness, and account innocent gaiety and cheerfulness a crime almost as heinous as sacrilege.' Who does ? Name the men. I know them not, and therefore doubt the fact ; though it is very possible you account that kind of gaiety innocent which I account both foolish and sinful. I know none who denies that true religion, that is, love — the love of God and our neighbour — ' elevates our spirits, and renders our minds cheerful and serene.' It must, if it be accompanied, as we believe it always is, with peace and joy in the Holy Ghost ; and if it produces a conscience void of offence toward God and toward man. But they ' preach up religion only to accomplish a lucrative design, to fleece their hearers, to accumulate wealth, to rob and plunder, which they esteem meritorious.' We deny the fact. Who is able to prove it ? Let the affirmer produce his witnesses, or retract. This is the sum of your correspondent's charge, not one article of which can be proved ; but whether it can or no, ' we have made them,' says he, ' a theatrical scoff, and the common jest and scorn of every chorister in the street.' It may be so ; but whether you have done well herein may still admit of a question. However, you cannot but wish ' we had some formal Court of Judicature erected ' (happy Portugal and Spain !) ' to take cognizance of such matters.' Nay, Cur optas quod 420 John Wesley s Journal [Nov. i7eo. habes ? x Why do you wish for what you have already ? The Court is erected ; the holy, devout play-house 2 is become the house of mercy ; and does take cognizance hereof, ' of all pretenders to sanctity, and happily furnishes us with a discerning spirit to distinguish betwixt right and wrong.' But I do not stand to their sentence ; I appeal to Scripture and reason, and by these alone consent to be judged. I am, sir, Your humble servant, John Wesley.3 Sat. 22.4 — I was obliged to trouble him with another letter, as follows : Sir, Just as I had finished the letter published in your last Friday's paper, four tracts came to my hands ; one wrote, or procured to be wrote, by Mrs. Downes ; one by a clergyman5 in the county of Durham ; the third, by a gentleman of Cambridge ; and the fourth, by a member (I suppose, dignitary) of the Church of Rome. How gladly would I leave all these to themselves, and let them say just what they please ! as my day is far spent, and my taste for controversy is utterly lost and gone. But this would not be doing justice to the world, who might take silence for a proof of guilt. I shall therefore say a word con- cerning each. I may, perhaps, some time say more to one or two of them. The letter which goes under Mrs. Downes's name scarce deserves any notice at all, as there is nothing extraordinary in it, but an extraordinary degree of virulence and scurrility.6 Two things only I remark concerning it, which I suppose the writer of it knew as well as me: (i) That my letter to Mr. Downes was both wrote and printed 1 Horace, Sat. I. iii. 126 {IV. U.S. previously {Arm. Mag. 1780, p. 499). vol. v. p. 49). r> Rev. Alex. Jephson, rector of Craikc, - In the summer season of the year Co. Durham (Green's Anli- Methodist Foote had brought out his comedy, The Publications, No. 297). John Downes Minor. For an account of this dis- was rector of St. Michael's, Wood Street, creditable play, of which Lloyd's Evening See Works, vol. i.x. p. 96, for Wesley's Post said that it would be ' criminal even reply to his tract. to reproduce the plot,' see Green's * A copy of this rare pamphlet is in Anti- Methodist Publications, No. 298. the Conference Office Library. Green On Foote, Jephson, and Downes, see refers to it {Anti- Methodist Publications, Tyerman's Life, vol. ii. pp. 367-9. No. 283). It says that ' there are four :l On Nov. 19 he preached at the Bull- large tribes or families [of Methodists] : and-Mouth. the Wheslers, the Whiflers, the Madmen, 1 On this day Berridge wrote to Wesley and the Romancers (so called from their {Arm. Mag. 1797, p. 305), in reply to a leaders, Wesley, Whitelield, Madan, and letter written from Dublin seven months Romaine) ' ! Nov. 1760.] To 'Lloyd's Evening Post* 421 before Mr. Dcnvnes died. (2) That when I said, Tibi parvula res est x (' Your ability is small') I had no view to his fortune, which I knew nothing of; but, as I there expressly say, to his wit, sense, and talents as a writer. The tract wrote by the gentleman in the north is far more bulky than this; but it is more considerable for its bulk than for its matter, being little more than a dull repetition of what was published some years ago in The Enthusiasm of the Methodists and Papists Com- pared' 2 I do not find the author adds anything new, unless we may bestow that epithet on a sermon annexed to his address, which, I presume, will do neither good nor harm. So I leave the Durham gentleman, with Mrs. Downes, to himself and his admirers. The author of the letter to Mr. Berridge is a more considerable writer.3 In many things I wholly agree with him, though not in admiring Dr. Taylor ; but there is a bitterness even in him which I should not have expected in a gentleman and a scholar. So in the wry first page I read, 'The Church, which most of your graceless fraternity have deserted.' Were the fact true (which it is not), yet is the expression to be commended ? Surely Dr. Green himself thinks it is not. I am sorry too for the unfairness of his quotations. For instance : he cites me (p. 53) as speaking of ' faith shed abroad in men's hearts like lightning.' Faith shed abroad in men's hearts ! I never used such an expression in my life : I do not talk after this rate. Again, he quotes, as from me (p. 57), so, I presume, Mr. W. means, ' a behaviour4 does not pretend to add the least to what Christ has done.' But be these words whose they may, they are none of mine. I never spoke, wrote, no, nor read them before. Once more, is it well judged for any writer to show such an utter contempt of his opponents as you affect to do with regard to the whole body of people vulgarly termed Methodists? 'You may keep up,' say you, 'a little bush-fighting in controversy; you may skirmish awhile with your feeble body of irregulars; but you must never trust to your skill in reasoning' (p. 77). Upon this I would ask, (1) if these are such poor, silly creatures, why does so wise a man set his wit to them ? ' Shall the King of Israel go out against a flea ? ' (2) If it should happen that any one of these silly bush-fighters steps out into the plain, engages hand to hand, and foils this champion by mere dint of reason, will not his defeat be so 1 Horace, Epist. I. xviii. 29. (W.H.S. Nos. 294 and 315. He was first a sizar vol. v. p. 49.) in St. John's College, Cambridge, after- - Warburton considered Lavington's wards Bishop of Lincoln, work as a bad copy of Stillingfleet's ' Obviously a misprint for ' believer. Fanaticism of the Church of Rome. It was corrected in the second edition of ' Dr. John Green, Dean of Lincoln. Dr. Green's pamphlet. Both editions See Gteen's Anti-Methodist Publications are in the Conference Office Library. 422 John Wesley s Journal [Dec. neo. much the more shameful as it was more unexpected ? But I say the less at present, not only because Mr. Berridge is able to answer for himself, hut because the title-page bids me expect a letter more immediately addressed to myself. The last tract, entitled A Caveat against the Methodists, is, in reality, a caveat against the Church of England, or rather, against all the Churches in Europe who dissent from the Church of Rome.1 Nor do I apprehend the writer to be any more disgusted at the Methodists than at Protestants of every denomination ; as he cannot but judge it equally unsafe to join to any society but that of Rome. Accordingly, all his arguments are levelled at the Reformed Churches in general, and conclude just as well if you put the word Protestant throughout in the place of the word Methodist. Although, therefore, the author borrows my name to wound those who suspect nothing less, yet I am no more concerned to refute him than any other Protestant in England ; and still the less, as those arguments are refuted over and over in books which are still common among us. But is it possible any Protestants, nay, Protestant clergymen, should buy these tracts to give away ? Is, then, the introducing Popery the only way to overthrow Methodism ? If they know this, and choose Popery as the smaller evil of the two, they are consistent with themselves. But if they do not intend this, I wish them more seriously to consider what they do. I am, sir, Your humble servant, John Wesley. Mon. 24. — I visited as many as I could of the sick. How much better is it, when it can be done, to carry relief to the poor, than to send it ! and that both for our own sake and theirs. For theirs, as it is so much more comfortable to them, and as we may then assist them in spirituals as well as temporals ; and for our own, as it is far more apt to soften our heart, and to make us naturally care for each other.2 Dec. 1, Mon. — I went in the machine to Canterbury. In going and returning I read over The Christian PhilosopJier? It is a very extraordinary book, containing, among many (as some would be apt to term them) wild thoughts, several fine and striking observations, not to be found in any other treatise. ' For a longer criticism see below, title during the eighteenth century, one p. 434. by Dr. Cotton Mather, the other by - On Sat., Nov. 29, he preached at Nicholas Robinson, M.D. It is impos- Snowsfields. sible to infer from Wesley's words to 3 Two books were published under this which of these he refers. Dec. i7«o.i To 'Lloyd's Evening Post' 423 Wed. 3. — I rode to Dover. Who would have expected to find here some of the best singers in England ? I found like- wise—what was better still — a serious, earnest people. There was a remarkable blessing among them, both in the evening and the morning ; so that 1 did not regret the having been wet to the skin in my way to them.1 Fri. 12. — Having as far as Hyde Park Corner to go, I took a coach for part of the way, ordering the man to stop anywhere at the end of Piccadilly next the Haymarket. He stopped exactly at the door of one of our friends, whose mother, above ninety years old, had long desired to see me, though I knew it not. She was exceedingly comforted, and could not tell how to praise God enough for giving her the desire of her soul.2 We observed Friday the 19th as a day of fasting and prayer for our King and country, and the success of the gospel, and part of the answer immediately followed, in the remarkable increase of believers and in the strengthening of those who had before attained that precious faith, ' unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness.' Sat. 20. — In the evening I hastened back from Snowsfields to meet the penitents (a congregation which I wish always to meet myself), and walked thither again at five in the morning. Blessed be God, I have no reason or pretence to spare myself yet. I preached a charity sermon in West Street Chapel, both morning and afternoon ; but many were obliged to go away, finding it impossible to get in. Is it novelty still which draws these from all parts ? No ; but the mighty power of God. To-day I sent the following letter : To the Editor of ' Lloyd's Evening Post ' To Mr. T. H., alias E. L., &c, &c. What, my good friend again ! Only a little disguised with a new name, and a few scraps of Latin ! I hoped, indeed, you had been pretty well satisfied before ; but since you desire to hear a little farther from me, I will add a few words, and endeavour to set our little con- troversy in a still clearer light. ' On Dec. 9 he wrote to the Rev. {London Magazine, 1760, p. 651 ; Works Mr. Furly (Met A. Rec. Oct. 17, 1907), vol. xiii. p. 387). and on the 12th to lA Member' (Works, • On Thur., Dec. 18, he preached at vol. xii. p. 276) ; and Mr. T. II Zoar. 424 John Wesley s Journal [Dec. mo. Last month you publicly attacked the people called Methodists, without either fear or wit. You charged them with ' madness, enthusiasm , self-contradiction, imposture,' and what not ! I considered each charge, and, I conceive, refuted it to the satisfaction of all indifferent persons. You renewed the attack, not by proving anything, but affirming the same things over and over. I replied ; and, without taking notice of the dull, low scurrility, either of the first or second letter, confined myself to the merits of the cause, and cleared away the dirt you had thrown. You now heap together ten paragraphs more, most of which require very little answer. In the first you say, ' Your foolishness is become the wonder and admiration of the public' In the second, 'The public blushes for you, till you give a better solution to the articles demanded of you.' In the third, you cite my words, I still maintain ' the Bible, with the Liturgy and Homilies of our Church ; and do not espouse any other principles but what are consonant to the Book of Common Prayer.' You keenly answer, ' Granted, Mr. Methodist ; but whether or no you would not espouse other principles if you durst is evident enough from some innovations you have already introduced, which I shall attempt to prove in the subsequent part of my answer.' Indeed you will not. You neither prove, nor attempt to prove, that I would espouse other principles if I durst. However, you give me a deadly thrust : ' You falsify the first Article of the Athanasian Creed.' But how so ? Why, I said, ' The fundamental doctrine of the people called Methodists is, Whosoever ivill be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the true faith.' Sir, shall I tell you a secret? — It was for the readers of your class that I changed the hard word Catholic into an easier. In the fourth paragraph you say, ' Did you never use that phrase, The grace of assurance} " Never, that I remember, either in preaching or writing; both your ears and eyes have been very unhappy if they informed you I did : and how many soever look either sorrowful or joyful, that will not prove the contrary. ' But produce your texts.' What, for a phrase I never use ? I pray you, have me excused. But (as I said before), ' from what scripture every one of my propositions is collected, any common Concordance will show.' To save you trouble, I will for once point out those scriptures. ' Whosoever will be saved must believe' (Mark xvi. 16; Acts xvi. 31). 'This faith works by love' (Gal. v. 6). It is 'an evidence of things not seen' (Heb. xi. 1). ' He that believes is born of God' (1 John v. 1). 'He has the witness in himself (verse 10). 'The Spirit itself witnesses with his spirit, that he is a child of "God ' (Rom. viii. 16). In the fifth you say, 'You embrace any shift to twist words to your own meaning.' This is saying just nothing. Any one may say this of Dec 1760] A 'Remarkable Account* 425 any one. To prove it is another point. In the sixth you say, ' No Protestant divine ever taught your doctrine of assurance.' I hope you know no better ; but it is strange you should not. Did you never see Bishop Hall's works ? Was not he a Protestant divine ? Was not Mr. Perkins, Bolton, Dr. Sibbs, Dr. Preston, Archbishop Leighton ? Inquire a little farther ; and do not run thus hand over head, asserting you know not what. By assurance (if we must use the expression), I mean ' a confidence which a man hath in God that, by the merits of Christ, his sins are forgiven, and he reconciled to the favour of God.' Stop ! Do not run your head into a noose again. These are the words of the Homily. In the seventh you grant ' that works are not meritorious, unless accompanied with faith.' No, nor then neither. But pray do not talk of this any more, till you know the difference between meritorious and rewardable ; otherwise your ignorance will cause you to blunder on without shame and without end. In your eighth you throw out a hard word, which somebody has helped you to, Thaumaturg — what is it ? — about lay preachers. When you have answered the arguments in the Farther Appeal to Men of Reason and Religion, I will say something more upon that head. In the ninth you say something, no way material, about the houses at Bristol, Kingswood, and Newcastle ; and, in the last, you give me a fair challenge to a ' personal dispute.' Not so ; you have fallen upon me in public ; and to the public I appeal. Let all men, not any single umpire, judge whether I have not refuted your charge, and cleared the people called Methodists from the foul aspersions which, without why or wherefore, you had thrown upon them. Let all my countrymen judge which of us have spoken the words of truth and soberness, which has reason on his side, and which has treated the other with a temper suitable to the gospel. If the general voice of mankind gives it against you, I hope you will be henceforth less flippant with your pen. I assure you, as little as you think of it, the Methodists are not such fools as you suppose. But their desire is to live peaceably with all men ; and none desires this more than John Wesley. About the close of this year I received a remarkable account from Ireland : When Miss E was about fifteen she frequently heard the preach- ing of the Methodists, so called ; and, though it made no deep impression, yet she retained a love for them ever after. About nineteen she was VOL. IV 26 426 John Wesley s Journal Dec. mo. seized with a lingering illness. She then began to wrestle with God in prayer, that His love might be shed abroad in her heart. ' Then,' said she, ' how freely could I give up all that is dear to me in this world ! ' And from this very time she did not expect, nor indeed desire, to recover ; but only to be cleansed from sin, and to go to Christ. Some who visited her said, ' O miss, you need not fear ; your innocence will bring you to heaven.' She earnestly replied, ' Unless the merits of Christ plead for me, and His nature be imparted to me, I can never enter there.' And she was incessantly breaking out into these and the like expressions, ' Oh that I knew my sins were forgiven ! Oh that I was born again ! My one wish is to know God, and be with Him eternally.' She frequently sung or repeated that verse : Oh that He would Himself impart, And fix His Eden in my heart — The sense of sin forgiven ! How would I then throw off my load, And walk delightfully with God, And follow Christ to heaven ! ' She had now an earnest desire to see some of the Methodists, and spoke to several, to ask some of those in Tullamore to visit her. At length her importunity prevailed, and James Kelly 2 was sent for. On his coming in, she said, ' I am exceeding glad to see you. I have had a longing desire of it this month past. I believe the power of God is with you. If I had health and strength, there should not be a sermon preached or a prayer put up in your preaching-house, but I would be there.' I told her, ' I hope the Spirit of the Lord will be your present and eternal Comforter.' She answered, ' I can find no comfort in anything but in God alone.' While she spoke, her soul was melted down. The love of God was shed abroad in her heart, the tears ran down her cheeks, and she began to rejoice in God exceedingly. Her mother, seeing this, was fully convinced that there was more in religion than she had herself experienced ; and began to pray, with many tears, that God would show her His salvation. This so affected me that I could not refrain from tears myself ; so we all wept, and prayed, and sang praise together. On my going to her a second time I found her truly alive to God. ' Charles Wesley's Hymns for a * See Meth. Mag. Dublin, 18 10, Family, Poetical Works, vol. vii. p. 180. pp. 413-18, where a sketch of him is The last of six verses. given. Jan. i76i.] To 'The London Chronicle' 427 ' Oh,' she said, ' how I have longed to see you, that we may be happy in God together ! Come, let us sing a hymn.' I gave out — Of Him that did salvation bring, I could for ever think and sing.1 She sang all the time with exceeding joy. Afterwards she said, ' This is a weary world ; but I have almost done with it. Oh how I long to be gone ! Some people tell me I may recover ; but I do not thank them ; I do not count them my friends.' On my saying occasionally, ' There is no satisfaction for sin but that which Christ has made by His precious blood,' she answered, ' That is all the satisfaction I want ; and I believe He both lived and died for me.' After this she gave a strict charge that none should be admitted to see her but such as could speak for God ; saying, ' I do not love to have a word spoken which is not to edification. Oh how unsuitable to me are all the things which do not tend to the glory of my God ! ' On her spitting a large quantity of blood, one said, ' You are in great pain.' She answered, ' I think little of it. My blessed Redeemer suffered greater pain for me.' When 1 stood up to go away she said, ' I now take my leave of you. Perhaps we may not meet again in this world ; but I trust we shall meet in heaven. I am going to God. Oh may it be soon ! 1 now feel a heaven in my soul.' The last time I came was on Sunday, December 14. Hearing she was extremely ill and wanted rest, we did not go up, but after a while began singing below. She immediately heard, sat up in bed, and insisted on our being brought into the room and singing there. Many times she repeated these words : ' Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly ! ' And this she continued to do till, on Wednesday the 17 th, she resigned her soul into the hands of her dear Redeemer. 1761. Jan. 2. — I wrote the following letter2 : To the Editor of 'The London Chronicle' Sir, Of all the seats of woe on this side hell, few, I suppose, exceed or even equal Newgate. If any region of horror could exceed it a few years ago, Newgate in Bristol did 3 ; so great was the filth, the 1 The first two lines of a hymn popular (Bristol). See article on Savage in in the time of the Wesleys. Author un- Johnson's Lives of the Poets, vol. iii. known. See W.H.S. vol. v. p. 183. p. 336, edition 1782 ; see above, vol. ii. 1 Un January I, 1761, he preached at p. 173 ; also Life of the C . of Huntingdon, West Street. vol. ii. p. 357. Johnson speaks highly of 3 Dagge was l;eeper of Newgate the ' tender jailer.' 428 John Wesley s Journal [Jan. 1761. stench, the misery, and wickedness, which shocked all who had a spark of humanity left. How was I surprised, then, when I was there a few weeks ago 1] . . . And does not the keeper of Newgate deserve to be remembered full as well as the Man of Ross ? May the Lord remember him in that day ! Meantime, will no one follow his example ? I am, sir, Your humble servant, John Wesley. Mon. 5. — This week I wrote to the author of The Westminster Journal as follows 2 : Sir, I hope you are a person of impartiality ; if so, you will not insert what is urged on one side of a question only, but likewise what is offered on the other. Your correspondent is, doubtless, a man of sense, and he seems to write in a good humour ; but he is extremely little acquainted with the persons of whom he undertakes to give an account. There is ' gone abroad,' says he, • an ungoverned spirit of enthusiasm, propagated by knaves, and embraced by fools.' Suffer me now to address the gentleman himself. Sir, you may call me both a knave and a fool ; but prove me either the one or the other, if you can. ' Why, you are an enthusiast.' What do you mean by the term ? A believer in Jesus Christ ? An assertor of His equality with the Father, and of the entire Christian Revelation ? Do you mean one who maintains the antiquated doctrines of the New Birth and Justification by Faith ? Then I am an enthusiast. But if you mean anything else, either prove or retract the charge. The enthusiasm which has lately gone abroad is faith which worketh by love. Does this 'endanger government itself? Just the reverse. Fearing God, it honours the King. It teaches all men to be subject to the higher powers, not for wrath, but for conscience' sake. But ' no power in England ought to be independent of the supreme power.' Most true ; yet ' the Romanists own the authority of a Pope, independent of civil government.' They do, and thereby show their ignorance of the English Constitution. ' In Great Britain we have many popes, for so I must call all who have the souls and bodies of their followers devoted to them.' Call them so, and welcome. But 1 In the first edition, his own graphic : The New Weekly Miscellany, or description of Newgate on Oct. 14, 1760. Westminster Journal. The London Mag. is here reprinted. See above pp. 416, 417. fiercely attacked Wesley in 1 761. Jan. i76i.: To ' The Westminster Journal' 429 this does not touch nic ; nor Mr. Whitefield, Jones,1 or Romaine ; nor any whom I am acquainted with. None of us have our followers thus devoted to us. Those who follow the advice we constantly give are devoted to God, not man. But 'the Methodist proclaims he can bring into the field twenty-five thousand men.' What Methodist ? Where and when ? Prove this fact, and I will allow you I am a Turk. (1) 'But it is said they are all good subjects. Perhaps they are; because under a Protestant Government they have all the indulgence they can wish for.' And do you seriously wish for a Popish Govern- ment to abridge them of that indulgence ? ' But has not a bad use been made of this ? Has not the decency of religion been perverted ? ' Not in the least : the decency of religion is never so well advanced as by advancing inward and outward religion together. (2) ' Have not the minds of the vulgar been darkened to a total neglect of their civil and social duties ? ' Just the contrary. Thousands in London, as well as elsewhere, have been enlightened to understand and prevailed on to practise those duties as they never did before. (3) ' Has not the peace of many families been ruined?' The lost peace of many families has been restored. In others, a furious opposition to true religion has occasioned division, as our Lord foretold it would. (4) ' Have not the circumstances of many industrious tradesmen been hurt?' I believe not. I know no instance ; but I know a hundred tradesmen in London who began to be industrious since they began to fear God, and their circumstances, low enough till then, are now easy and affluent. I am almost ashamed to spend time upon these threadbare objections, which have been answered over and over. But if they are advanced again, they must be answered again, lest silence should pass for guilt. ' But how can the Government distinguish between tenderness of conscience and schemes of interest ? ' Nothing more easy. ' They may withdraw the licences of such.' Sir, you have forgot the question. Before they withdraw them, they are to distinguish whether they are such or no. And how are they to do this ? ' Oh, it is very easy ! ' So you leave them as wise as they were before. But, ' the Methodist who pretends to be of the Church of England in forms of worship, and differs from her in point of doctrine, is not, let his pretences be what they will, a member of that Church.' Alas, sir ! your friends will not thank you for this. You have broke their heads sadly. Is no man of the Church, let him pretend what he will, who 1 Rev. Thomas Jones, M.A., of St. Tyerman's Zz/<; 0/" Wesley, vol. ii. pp. 324, Saviour's, Southwark. For a description 325 ; and for a letter written by him to of this devoted young clergyman, see Wesley, Arm. Mag. 1780, p. 164. 430 John Wesley s Journal rjan. mi. differs from her in point of doctrine ? Au ! obsecro ; cave dixeris ! 1 I know not but you may stumble upon scandalum magnatum? But stay ; you will bring them off quickly. ' A truly good man may scruple signing and swearing to Articles that his mind and reason cannot approve of.' But is he a truly good man who does not scruple signing and swearing to Articles which he cannot approve of? However, this does not affect us, for we do not differ from our Church in point of doctrine. But all do who deny justification by faith : therefore, according to you, they are no members of the Church of England. ' Methodist preachers,' you allow, ' practise, sign, and swear whatever is required by law ' — a very large concession ; ' but the reserves they have are incommunicable and unintelligible.' Favour us, sir, with a little proof of this ; till then I must plead, Not guilty. In whatever I sign or swear to, I have no reserve at all. And I have again and again communicated my thoughts on most heads to all mankind ; I believe intelligibly ; particularly in the Appeals to Men of Reason and Religion. But ' if Methodism, as its professors pretend, be a new discovery in religion ' This is a grievous mistake; we pretend no such thing. We avtr it is the one old religion ; as old as the Reformation, as old as Christianity, as old as Moses, as old as Adam. 'They ought to discover the whole ingredients of which their nostrum is composed ; and have it enrolled in the public register, to be perused by all the world.' It is done. The whole ingredients of Methodism, so called, have been discovered in print over and over ; and they are enrolled in a public register, the Bible, from which we extracted them at first. ' Else they ought not to be tolerated.' We allow it, and desire toleration on no other terms. ' Nor should they be suffered to add or alter one grain different from what is so registered.' Most certainly. We ought neither to add or diminish, nor alter what- ever is written in that book. I wish, sir, before you write concerning the Methodists again, you would candidly read some of their writings. Common report is not a sure rule of judging ; I should be unwilling to judge of you thereby. To sum up the matter. The whole ingredients of our religion are, love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, fidelity, meekness, temperance. Against these, I think, there is no law ; and, therefore, I still apprehend they may be tolerated, at least in a Christian country. I am, sir, Your sincere well-wisher, John Wesley.3 1 ' Stop, I beseech you, and beware of ' ' Libel on persons of exalted rank.' what you say '—two phrases from Terence. 3 On Jan. 3 he preached at Snows- See W./f.S. vol. v. p. 49. fields. Jan. 1761.) In East Anglia 431 Fri. 9. — I rode to Sundon, and preached in the evening ; and the next evening at Bedford. Sun. 11. — I read prayers and preached at Everton, both morning and afternoon. Mon. 12. — I rode to Colchester, and, after spending two or three comfortable days, on Friday the 16th went on to Bury [St. Edmunds]. I would gladly have stayed a day or two here had it been only on account of the severity of the weather ; but I had work to do elsewhere. So I took horse soon after preach- ing in the morning, Saturday the 17th, though as bitter a one as most I have known. I never before felt so piercing a wind as that which met us in riding out of the gate at daybreak. To think of looking up was a vain thing : I knew not whether I should not lose one of my eyes. The wind affected it as if I had received a severe blow, so that I had no use of it for a time. To mend the matter, having a very imperfect direction, we soon got out of our way. However, we hobbled on, through miser- able roads, till about three in the afternoon we got to Norwich. Sun. 18.1 — I met the society in the morning, and many of them went with me to the cathedral. At two we had the largest congregation I ever saw at that hour. At five the house was well filled, and, just as long as I was speaking, all were silent ; but when I ceased the floods lifted up their voice — one would have thought Bedlam was broke loose. And thus it always is ; the custom began in the reign of King Log, and continued ever since. The next evening the same hubbub began again, not among the mob, but the ordinary hearers. I desired them to stop, and reasoned the case with them. The effect was far greater than one could expect. The whole congregation went as quietly and silently away as they use to do at the Foundery in London. Tues. 20. — I inquired concerning Yarmouth, a large and populous town, and as eminent, both for wickedness and ignorance, as even any seaport in England.2 Some had endeavoured to call them to repentance ; but it was at the hazard of their lives. What could be done more? Why, last 1 On Jan. 18 he wrote to Miss ' Cf. account by James Wood of Howell Furly {Works, vol. xii. p. 206), and Harris and B. Worship in Yarmouth, preached in Norwich ; also on the 19th. Meth. Mag. 1825, p. 308. 432 John Wesley s Journal Man mi. summer God sent thither the regiment in which Howell Harris was an officer.1 He preached every night, none daring to oppose him ; and hereby a good seed was shown. Many were stirred up to seek God ; and some of them now earnestly invited me to come over. I went this afternoon, and preached in the evening. The house was presently more than filled ; and, instead of the tumult which was expected, all were as quiet as at London. Indeed, the word of God was quick and powerful among them, as it was again at six in the morning. At eleven I preached my farewell sermon. I saw none that was not deeply affected. Oh fair blossoms ! But how many of these will ' bring forth fruit unto perfection ' ? In the afternoon I rode back to Norwich, and took an account of the society there. I found the persons who pro- fessed to meet in class were about three hundred and thirty ; but many of them were as bullocks unaccustomed to the yoke. Where or what will they be a year hence ? TJiur. 22. — We had our first watch-night at the Tabernacle ; at which I could not but observe, though I preached the law from the beginning of my sermon to the end, yet many were exceedingly comforted. So plain it is that God can send either terror or comfort to the heart, by whatever means it pleaseth Him. Sunday the 25th 2 was a day of solemn rejoicing. Both at eight, at eleven, at two, and at five God was eminently present in the congregation, filling their hearts with love and their mouths with praise. In some of the following days I visited the country societies. Fri. 30. — After preaching at the Foundery 3 in the evening, I met the bands as usual. While a poor woman was speaking a few artless words out of the fullness of her heart, a fire kindled and ran, as flame among the stubble, through the hearts of almost all that heard ; so, when God is pleased to work, it matters not how weak or how mean the instrument. 1 The gentlemen of the county ottered saw to the liberty of the gospel.' See Howell Harris a commission in the Williams' Welsh Calvinistic Methodism, Breconshire Militia. He agreed with p. 122. the offer upon condition that he had ' He also preached at Norwich on the liberty to preach wherever he went. following day. His chief motive was 'the danger he 3 i.e. in Norwich. Feb. 1761.) With flicks and Berridge bo Sat. 31. — I spent an hour with one who was as hot as any of the lambs at the Tabernacle ' ; but she is now a calm, reason- able woman. Indeed God has now breathed a spirit of love and peace into all that remain united together. Those who are otherwise minded have left us. FEB. 1, Sun. — Many were comforted and strengthened both at the Lord's Supper and at the evening service. I think all jealousies and misunderstandings are now vanished, and the whole society is well knit together. How long will they con- tinue so, considering the unparalleled fickleness of the people in these parts? That God knows. However, He does work now, and we rejoice therein. Mon. 2. — I left them with a cheerful heart, and rode on to Lakenheath. The congregation was large, but to this day there was no society. So, after preaching, I explained the nature of a society, and examined those who were willing to join together. Near half of them had known the love of God, and seemed alive to Him. Tues. 3. — About noon I preached at Harston, five miles beyond Cambridge. Here Mr. Berridge's labour has not been in vain. Several have found peace with God ; and a more artless, loving people I have seldom seen. They were gathered from all parts. It pleased God to give a manifestation of His love to one woman in the midst of the sermon. She praised God aloud, and inflamed many hearts with love and thank- fulness. In the evening I preached at Melbourne, another small town, about four miles from Harston. Many from Harston walked thither, and from the neighbouring villages ; and surely God was in the midst of them, just as in our Bristol congregations at the beginning. Hence we rode, on Ash Wednesday, FEBRUARY 4, to Mr. Hicks, who showed me the way to his church at Wrestlingworth, where I exhorted a large and serious con- gregation, from the scripture appointed for the Epistle, to ' rend their hearts, and not their garments, and turn unto the Lord their God.' In the evening Mr. Berridge read prayers, and I preached 1 Wheatley's flock at the Tabernacle had been nicknamed ' lambs ' by the populace . 434 John Wesley s Journal [Feb. i76i. at Everton. Few of them are now affected as at first, the greater part having found peace with God. But there is a gradual increasing of the work in the souls of many believers. Thur. c. — I called at Barford, half-way to Bedford, and was agreeably surprised to meet J. C.,1 from London, who came to Bedford the day before, and walked over with Mr. Parker. We had a far larger congregation than I expected ; and all were deeply serious. I preached at Bedford in the evening, on Friday at Sundon, and on Saturday returned to London.2 Monday the 9th and the following days I visited the classes. Friday the 13th, being the General Fast-day, the chapel in West Street, as well as the rest, was thoroughly filled with serious hearers. Surely God is well pleased with even these outward humiliations, as an acknowledgement that He is the Disposer of all events ; and they give some check, if it be but for a time, to the floods of ungodliness. Besides, we cannot doubt but there are some good men in most of the congregations then assembled ; and we know ' the effectual fervent prayer ' even of one ' righteous man availeth much.' 3 This week I published in The London Chronicle an answer to a tract entitled, A Caveat against the Methodists. It is here subjoined : ' To the Editor of 'The London Chronicle'4 February 19, 176 1. Sir, Is it not surprising that every person of understanding does not discern, at the very first view, that the tract entitled, A Caveat against the Methodists^ is, in reality, a Caveat against the Protestants? Do not the arguments conclude (if they conclude at all), not against the 1 Probably Joshua Caldecott of Bishops- Crosby (Works, vol. xii. p. 353), and gate Street, a member of the Foundery, on the 17th to Mr. G. R., a London and a frequent host of Wesley's (Steven- Magazine assailant ( Works, vol. xiii. son's City Road Chapel, 470). Parker p. 392). On Sunday, Feb. 15, he may have met him and stayed with him preached at West Street and Snows- when in London. fields, and on the 20th at West Street. 2 And preached at ' Bull-and- Mouth ' * See above, p. 422. and 'Bishop Bonner' ; on Sunday the 8th ' Published anonymously ; written by at Spitalfields ; Wednesday the nth at Richard Challoner, a bishop of the Bull-and-Mouth ; and on the 12th at Roman Catholic Church. See Green's Deptford. Anti- Methodist Publications, No. 311, * On Feb. 14 he wrote to Mrs. and Dictionary oj National Biography. Feb. 1761 To ' TJie London Chronicle' 435 Methodists only, but against the whole body of Protestants ? The names, indeed, of Mr. Whitefield and Mr. Wesley are used ; but this is mere finesse ! Greater men are designed, and all along are wounded through our sides. I was long in hopes of seeing an answer to this artful performance from some one of more leisure as well as abilities ; and some whose name would have recommended his work. For that thought has something of truth in it — Oh what a tuneful wonder seized the throng When Marlbro's conquering name alarmed the foe ! Had Whiznowisky ' led the armies on, The General's scarecrow name had foiled each blow. However, who knows but reason, for once, may be stronger than piejudice? And many may forget my scarecrow name, and mind not who speaks, but what is spoken. I am pleading now not for the Methodists only, but for the whole body of Protestants ; first for the Church of England, then for the Protestants of every denomination ; in doing which I shall first give the substance of each section of the Romish tract ; secondly, answer, and retort it upon the members of the Church of Rome. Oh that this may incite some more skilful advocate to supply my lack of service ! Section I 'The Methodists ' (Protestants) 'are not the people of God; they are not true gospel Christians ; nor is their new-raised society the true Church of Christ, nor any part of it ' (p. 3). ' This is demonstrated by the Word of God marking out the people of God, the true church of Christ, by such characters as cannot agree to the Methodists, or any other new-raised sect or community' (ibid.). ' The Old Testament is full of prophecies relating to the Church ; and the New Testament makes glorious promises to it, and gives glorious characters of it ' (p. 4). ' Now all those prophecies, promises, and characters point out a society founded by Christ Himself, and by His commission propagated throughout the world, which should flourish till time should end, ever one, ever holy, ever orthodox ; secured against error by the perpetual presence of Christ ; ever directed by the Spirit of Truth ; having a 1 In 1668 the ex-Queen, Christina of and weak in mind, without influence, Sweden, was a candidate for the elective because without courage and riches ' — crown of Poland. But the Poles, who ' an object of somewhat contemptuous wished for a weak king, elected Duke homage.' See quotations in W.H.S. Michael Whiznowiski — 'infirm in body vol. viL pp. 115, 116. 436 John Wesley s Journal [Feb. mi. perpetual succession of pastors and teachers, divinely appointed and divinely assisted. But no part of this character is applicable to any new-raised sect, who have no succession from, or connexion with, that one holy society ; therefore no modern sect can be any part of the people of God ' (p. 5). I answer, It is true, ' all these promises, prophecies, and characters, point out a society founded by Christ Himself, and by His commission propagated throughout the world, which should flourish till time should end.' And such is the Catholic Church, that is, the whole body of men, endued with faith working by love, dispersed over the whole earth, in Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. And this Church is ' ever one.' In all ages and nations it is the one body of Christ. It is 'ever holy'; for no unholy man can possibly be a member of it. It is ' ever orthodox'; so is every holy man, in all things necessary to salvation ; ' secured against error,' in things essential, ' by the perpetual presence of Christ ; and ever directed by the Spirit of Truth,' in the truth that is after godliness. This Church has ' a perpetual succession of pastors and teachers, divinely appointed, and divinely assisted.' And there has never been wanting in the Reformed Churches such a succession of pastors and teachers ; men both divinely appointed and divinely assisted ; for they convert sinners to God — a work none can do unless God Himself doth appoint them thereto, and assist them therein ; therefore every part of this character is applicable to them. Their teachers are the proper successors of those who have delivered down, through all generations, the faith once delivered to the saints ; and their members have true spiritual communion with the ' one holy ' society of true believers. Consequently, although they are not the whole ' people of God,' yet are they an undeniable part of His people. On the contrary, the Church of Rome, in its present form, was not ' founded by Christ Himself.' All the doctrines and practices wherein she differs from us were not instituted by Christ — they were unknown to the ancient Church of Christ — they are unscriptural, novel corrup- tions ; neither is that Church ' propagated throughout the world.' Therefore, if either antiquity or universality be essential thereto, the Church of Rome cannot be 'the true Church of Christ.' Nor is the Church of Rome one ; it is not in unity with itself; it is to this day torn with numberless divisions. And it is impossible it should be ' the one Church,' unless a part can be the whole ; seeing the Asiatic, the African, and the Muscovite Churches (to name no more), never were contained in it. Neither is it holy. The generality of its members are no holier than Turks or Heathens. You need not go far for proof of this. Look Feb. 1761.) To 'The London Chronicle' 437 at the Romanists in London or Dublin. Are these the holy, the only holy Church ? Just such holiness is in the bottomless pit. Nor is it ' secured against error,' either ' by Christ ' or ' His Spirit ' ; witness Pope against Pope, Council against Council, contradicting, anathematizing each other. The instances are too numerous to be recited. Neither are the generality of her ' pastors and teachers ' either 'divinely appointed' or 'divinely assisted.' If God had sent them, He would confirm the word of His messengers. But He does not ; they convert no sinners to God ; they convert many to their own opinion, but not to the knowledge or love of God. He that was a drunkard is a drunkard still ; he that was filthy is filthy still ; there- fore neither are they ' assisted ' by Him ; so they and their flocks wallow in sin together. Consequently (whatever may be the case of some particular souls), it must be said, if your own marks be true, the Roman Catholics in general are not ' the people of God.' It may be proper to add here the second section, which is all I had leisure to write, though it was not published till the following week : Section II 'The Methodist' (Protestant) ' teachers are not the true ministers of Christ ; nor are they called or sent by Him ' (p. 6). 1 This appears from what has been already demonstrated. For if the Protestants are not the true people of Christ, their ministers cannot be the true ministers of Christ ' (ibid.). Farther, ' The true ministers came down by succession from the apostles. But the Protestant teachers do not. Therefore they are not the true ministers of Christ ' (ibid.). ' All power in the Church of Christ comes from Him ; so that who- ever, without a commission from Him, intrudes into the pastoral office, is a thief and a robber. Now, the commission can be conveyed but two ways : either immediately from God Himself, as it was to the apostles, or from men who have the authority handed down to them from the apostles. 1 But this commission has not been conveyed to Protestant preachers either of these ways. Not immediately from God Himself ; for how do they prove it ? By what miracles ? Neither by men deriving authority from the apostles, through the channel of the Church. And they stand divided in communion from all Churches that have any pre- tensions to antiquity. Their doctrine of justification by faith alone was anathematized at its first appearance by the undoubted heirs of the apostles, the pastors of the apostolic churches ; consequently they are 438 John Wesley s Journal rreb. mi. sent by no other but him who sent all the false prophets from the beginning ' (pp. 8, 9). I answer, 'from what has been already demonstrated,' that nothing will follow ; for you have demonstrated just nothing. Now for your ' farther ' proof. ' The true ministers came down by succession from the apostles.' So do the Protestant ministers, if the Romish do ; the English in particular ; as even one of yourselves, F. Courayer,1 has irrefragably proved. ' All power in the Church of Christ comes from Him ; either immediately from Himself, or from men who have the authority handed down to them from the apostles. But this commission has not been conveyed to the Protestant preachers either of these ways : not immediately ; for by what miracles do they prove it ? ' So said Cardinal Bellarmine long ago. Neither ' by men deriving authority from the apostles.' Read F. Courayer, and know better. Neither are the Protestants ' divided from ' any ' Churches ' who have true ' pre- tensions to antiquity.' But ' their doctrine of justification by faith alone was anathematized, at its first appearance, by the undoubted heirs of the apostles, the pastors of the apostolic church.' By the prelates at the Council of Trent it was ; who thereby anathematized the Apostle Paul, to all intents and purposes. Here you throw off the mask ; otherwise you might have passed for a Protestant a little longer. ' Consequently they are sent by no other but him who sent all the false prophets from the beginning.' Sir, we thank you. This is really a very modest assertion for the subject of a Protestant king. But to turn the tables : I said, ' If the Romish bishops do.' For this I absolutely deny. I deny that the Romish bishops came down by uninterrupted succession from the apostles. I never could see it proved ; and, I am persuaded, I never shall. But unless this is proved, your own pastors, on your principles, are no pastors at all. But farther : it is a doctrine of your Church that the intention of the administrator is essential to the validity of the sacraments which are administered by him. Now, are you assured of the intention of every priest from whom you have received the Host ? If not, you do not know but what you received as the sacrament of the altar was no sacrament at all. Are you assured of the intention of the priest who baptized you? If not, perhaps you are not baptized at all. To come close to the point in hand : if you pass for a priest, are you assured of the intention of the bishop that ordained you ? If not, you may 1 Pierre Francois le Courayer, De- Bishops in the Church of England. A fence of the Validity of the English divine of the Church of Rome long resi- Ordinations and of the Succession of dent in England. ( IV.H.S. vol.iv. p. 1 35-) March i76i.j Pastoral Work in London 439 happen to be no priest, and so all your ministry is nothing worth : nay, by the same rule, he may happen to be no bishop. And who can tell how often this has been the case? But if there has been only one instance in a thousand years, what becomes of your uninterrupted succession ? This ad hominem. But I have a word more ad rem. Can a man teach what he does not know ? Is it possible a man should teach others what he does not know himself? Certainly it is not. Can a priest, then, teach his hearers the way to heaven, marked out in our Lord's Sermon on the Mount, if he does not know or understand the way himself? Nothing is more impossible. But how many of your priests know nothing about it ! What avails, then, their commission to teach what they cannot teach, because they know it not ? Did God, then, send these men on a fool's errand ? send them to do what they cannot do ? Oh say not so ! And what will be the event of their attempting to teach they know not what ? Why, ' if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the pit.' Sat. 21. — I spent some hours with Mr. L[loyd] and Mr. I'Anson, in order to prevent another Chancery suit.1 And though the matter could not then be fully adjusted, yet the suit did not go on.2 Tues. 24. — I retired to Lewisham, and transcribed the list of the society. About a hundred and sixty I left out, to whom I can do no good at present. The number of those which now remain is two thousand three hundred and seventy-five. Fri. 27. — At twelve I met about thirty persons who had experienced a deep work of God ; and I appointed an hour for meeting them every week. Whether they are saved from sin or no, they are certainly full of faith and love, and peculiarly helpful to my soul. March i, Sun. — We had a happy lovefeast at the chapel. Many of our brethren spoke plainly and artlessly what God had done for their souls. I think none were offended ; but many were strengthened and comforted.3 Wed. 4. — I was scarce come into the room where a few ' See, for interesting discussion re- Tuesday the 24th at West Street and specting the acquisition of Kingswood Lewisham. School property, W.H. S. vol. iii. pp. 70-2. 3 On March 2 he preached at Spital- 7 On Sunday, Feb. 22, he preached at fields, and on the 3rd wrote to Sarah the Foundery and West Street ; and on Moor {Methodism in Sheffield, p. 156). 440 John Wesley s Journal [March i76i. believers were met together when one began to tremble exceedingly, and soon after sunk to the floor. After a violent struggle she burst out into prayer, which was quickly changed into praise. She then declared, ' The Lamb of God has taken away all my sins.' She spoke many strong words to the same effect, rejoicing with joy unspeakable. Fri. 6. — I met again with those who believe God has delivered them from the root of bitterness. Their number increases daily. I know not if fifteen or sixteen have not received the blessing this week.1 Mon. 9. — I set out early, and about noon preached at High Wycombe, where the dry bones began to shake again. In the afternoon I rode on to Oxford, and spent an agreeable evening with Mr. H. His openness and frankness of behaviour were both pleasing and profitable. Such conversation I want ; but I do not wonder it is offensive to men of nice ears. Tues. 10. — We rode to Evesham, where I found the poor shattered society almost sunk into nothing. And no wonder, since they have been almost without help, till Mr. [Alexander] Mather 2 came. In the evening I preached in the town hall. Both at this time and at five in the morning God applied His word, and many found a desire to ' strengthen the things that remained.' I designed to have rested on Wednesday, but finding that notice had been given of my preaching at Stanley,3 we got thither, through roads almost impassable, about noon, and found more people than the house could contain ; so I stood in the yard, and proclaimed free salvation to a loving, simple people. Several were in tears, and all of them so thankful that I could not repent of my labour. The congregation at Evesham in the evening was thrice as large as the night before. Indeed many of them did not design to hear, or to let any one else hear ; but they were overruled, and behaved with tolerable decency till the service was over. 1 On Sunday, March 8, he preached at ley's death. See Telford's Two West End West Street. Chapels, pp. 19-21 ; E.M.P. vol. ii. pp. ' Born at Brechin (N.B.) in 1733, 158-239 ; above, p. 93. converted under Wesley's ministry in 3 This is doubtless Stanley Pontlarge, London; entered the itinerancy in 1757. in Gloucestershire, nine miles south of He was the second President after Wes- Evesham. March 1761.] In the Midlands 44 1 Then they roared amain ; but I walked straight through them, and none offered the least rudeness. T/iur. 1 2. — About one I preached at Redditch to a deeply serious congregation ; about seven, in the room ' at Birmingham, now far too small for the congregation. Fri. 13. — Many flocked together at five, and far more than the room would contain in the evening. Perhaps the time is come for the gospel to take root even in this barren soil. Sat. 14. — I rode to Wednesbury. Sun. 15. — I made a shift to preach within at eight in the morning ; but in the afternoon I knew not what to do, having a pain in my side and a sore throat. However, I resolved to speak as long as I could. I stood at one end of the house,2 and the people (supposed to be eight or ten thousand) in the field adjoining. I spoke from ' I count all things but loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.' When I had done speaking, my complaints were gone. At the love- feast in the evening many, both men and women, spoke their experience in a manner which affected all that heard. One in particular said, ' For seventeen or eighteen years I thought God had forgotten me. Neither I nor any under my roof could believe. But now, blessed be His name, He has taken me and all my house ; and given me, and my wife, and our seven children, to rejoice together in God our Saviour.' Mon. 16. — I intended to rest two or three days ; but, being pressed to visit Shrewsbury, and having no other time, I rode over to-day, though upon a miserable beast. When I came in my head ached as well as my side. I found the door of the place where 1 was to preach 3 surrounded by a numerous mob. But they seemed met only to stare. Yet part of them came in ; almost all that did (a large number) behaved quietly and seriously.4 1 They were still in Steelhouse Lane. opened in 1760 (Metk. Rec. April 25, But Alexander Mather came in 1760, 1901). and his work led to the 'hiring of a s Tradition says this was No. I, Fish large building.' This was a disused Street. ' play-house ' in a court leading from * For early Methodism in Shrewsbury Moor Street to Park Street. It was in use see Meth. Times, Nov. 5, 1908; also till 1782. See W. C. Sheldon's Early W.H.S. vol. iv. pp. 217-23, where W. Methodism in Birmingham, p. 20. Phillips's Early Methodism in Shropshire '' In Meeting Street, completed and (1896) is freely quoted. VOL. IV 27 44 2 John Wesley s Journal [March mi. Tugs. 17. — At five the congregation was large, and appeared not a little affected. The difficulty now was, how to get back,1 for I could not ride the horse on which I came ; but this, too, was provided for. We met in the street with one who lent me his horse, which was so easy that I grew better and better till I came to Wolverhampton. None had yet preached abroad in this furious town 2 ; but I was resolved, with God's help, to make a trial, and ordered a table to be set in the inn-yard.3 Such a number of wild men I have seldom seen ; but they gave me no disturbance, either while I preached or when I afterwards walked through the midst of them. About five I preached to a far larger congregation at Dudley, and all as quiet as at London. The scene is changed since the dirt and stones of this town were flying about me on every side.4 Wed. 18. — By talking with several at Wednesbury, I found God is carrying on His work here as at London. We have ground to hope one prisoner was set at full liberty under the sermon on Saturday morning ; another under that on Saturday evening. One or more received remission of sins on Sunday ; on Monday morning another, and on Wednesday yet another believed the blood of Jesus Christ had cleansed him from all sin. In the evening I could scarce think but more than one heard Him say, ' I will ; be thou clean ! ' Indeed, so wonderfully was He present till near midnight, as if He would have healed the whole congregation. Thur. 19. — After preaching at Bilbrook I rode on to Burslem, and preached at half-hour past five, in an open place on the top of the hill, to a large and attentive congregation, though it rained almost all the time and the air was extremely cold. The next morning (being Good Friday) I did not preach till eight. But even then, as well as in the evening, the cold considerably lessened the congregation. Such is human wisdom ! So small are the things which divert mankind from what might be the means of their eternal salvation ! 1 See W.H.S. vol. vii. p. 6. 3 The yard of the Angel Inn, at the 3 But see Whitefield's letter from north-east angle of Queen Square and Wolverhampton, Oct. 27, 1753: 'Last Lichfield Street, is now occupied by a night I preached here in the dark' bank (Met A. Rec. Feb. 13, 1902).. (Whitefield's Works, vol. iii. p. 34). * See above, vol. iii. p. 444. COTTAGE PREACHING-PLACES. I. FRANCIS WARD'S COTTAGE, HRIDGE STREET, WEDNESBURY. 2 AND 3. INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF JOHN CLARKE'S COTTAGE AT OXWICH, IN WHICH WESLEY PREACHED MORE THAN ONCE. 44 3 March i76i.j The Yorkshire and Lincolnshire Societies 445 Sat. 21. — About ten I preached at Biddulph,1 and about six at Congleton. Sun. 22. — About one I preached at Macclesfield, near the preaching-house.- The congregation was large, though the wind was sharp. But it was more than doubled after the even- in,; service, while I opened and enforced the solemn declaration, ' Him hath God exalted with His own right hand, to be a Prince and a Saviour.' In the evening I rode on to Manchester. Mon. 23. — After preaching at five, I hastened forward, and reached Leeds about five in the evening, where I had desired all the preachers in those parts to meet me,3 and a happy meeting we had both in the evening and morning. I afterwards inquired into the state of the societies in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. 1 find the work of God increases on every side, but particularly in Lincolnshire, where there has been no work like this since the time I preached at Epworth on my father's tomb. In the afternoon I talked with several of those who believe they are saved from sin, and, after a close examination, I found reason to hope that fourteen of them were not deceived. In the evening I expounded the thirteenth chapter of the first Epistle to the Corinthians, and exhorted all to weigh themselves in that balance and see if they were not ' found wanting.' 4 1 Wesley's host was Mr. William Break forth into singing, ye trees of the Stonier (or Stanier), The Hurst, Biddulph, wood- ,. ri r r, . . , , , for Jesus is bringing Biddulph sinners to chief trustee of Congleton chapel, a zeal- q . ous local preacher, a man of wealth, who used to relate the following anecdote of Quoted in W.H.S. vol. iv. p. 30. Wesley (see Dyson's Hist, of Methodism " It could scarcely contain a hundred in the Congleton Circuit, p. 69) : people {Met A. in Macclesfield, pp. 53-4). The journey from The Hurst to Congleton 3 This was not the annual Conference, was performed on foot. At that time the which met in September. To this Con- hills over which their path lay were much ference of Yorkshire preachers Grimshaw was invited, but did not attend. He more wooded than now. Divine influence had attended the word spoken on the pre- ceding evening, while a gracious effect re- wrote t0 Wesley explaining the cause of mained in a high degree on Wesley's own his absence. He objected to the wild mind. This was evinced by his animated and unscriptural views on Christian Per- conversation. Nor did the beautiful scenery fection whkh sQme Qf the hers through which they were passing escape his , r notice or fail to affect his fine sense of the held- II was to correct these errors and beauties of nature, for when he found him- to instruct the preachers that this special self in the midst of the wooded hills and Conference was called. See below, p. 469. valleys he suddenly stood still gazed upon , Qn March he wrQte frQm Leeds the lovely scenery, and then, in his nne clear . „ . voice, gave out, altering the words to suit to Christopher Hopper ( Works, vol. xn. the occasion : p. 3°5)- 446 John Wesley s Journal [April mi. Wed. 25. — I took horse early, breakfasted with Mr. Venn,1 and about four in the afternoon came to Stockport. Finding the congregation waiting, I preached immediately, and then rode on to Manchester, where I rested on Thursday. Fri. 2j. — I rode to Bridgefield,2 in the midst of the Derby- shire mountains, and cried to a large congregation : ' If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink.' And they did indeed drink in the word as the thirsty earth the showers. About six I preached at Stockport. Here I inquired after a young man who was some time since much in earnest for salvation. But it was not long before he grew quite cold, and left the society. Within a few months after he left the world, and that by his own hand ! The next day I returned to Manchester.3 Sun. 29. — We had an uncommon blessing, both morning and afternoon. In the evening I met the believers, and strongly exhorted them to ' go on unto perfection.' To many of them it seemed a new doctrine. However, they all received it in love, and a flame was kindled which I trust neither men nor devils shall ever be able to quench. rues. 31. — I rode to Altrincham. We had four rooms which opened into each other, but they would not near contain the congregation, so that many were obliged to stand without. I believe many were wounded, and some much comforted. Perhaps this town will not be quite so furious as it has been. In the evening we had abundance of genteel people at Manchester while I described faith as ' the evidence of things not seen.' I left Manchester in the morning, April 1, in a better condition than ever I knew it before ; such is the shaking, not only among the dry bones, but likewise among the living souls. About noon I preached at Little Leigh, and at Chester * in the evening. T/iur. 2. — I rode over to Tattenhall, eight or nine miles from Chester.5 When we came the town seemed to be all in an ' Rev. Henry Venn, the recently ap- reports the conversation (W.M. Mag. pointed vicar of Huddersfield. 1863, p. 1 104). He preached in Man- 1 In a secluded, now often visited, Chester on the 29th. spot just outside the town of Glossop 4 See IV. M. Mag. 1863, pp. 1104-6. {Me/A. Rtc. March 3, 1904). * On April 2 he wrote to the Rev. * During this visit Wesley and Mr. Mr. G disavowing the ' nickname ' Philips spent two hours with Byrom, who Methodist {Works, vol. xii. p. 262). Apm mi.] A Northern Journey 447 uproar, yet when I began preaching (in the open air, the house not being large enough to contain one quarter of the congrega- tion) none opposed or made the least disturbance, the fear of God falling upon them. I think Tattenhall will be less bitter for the time to come. Well may Satan be angry with field- preaching ! Fri. 3. — I preached about one at Mold, in Flintshire, and was again obliged to preach abroad, though the wind was exceeding rough. All were deeply attentive. I preached in the evening at Chester, and in the morning set out for Liverpool ; I came thither (preaching at Warrington by the way) in the evening. The election seemed to have driven the common sort of people out of their senses. But on Sunday they were tolerably re- covered, and the town looked like itself. I heard two useful sermons at our parish church,1 one upon ' Follow peace with all men, and holiness,' the other on ' Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord.' I pity those who ' can learn nothing at church.' 2 Mon. 13. — I left them at Liverpool, a little increased in number, but very considerably in strength, being now entirely united together in judgement as well as in affection. About noon I preached to a serious congregation at Down- all Green, near Wigan, but to a far more serious one in the evening at Bolton. I find few places like this ; all disputes are forgot, and the Christians do indeed love one another. When I visited the classes on Wednesday the 15th, I did not find a dis- orderly walker among them ; no, nor a trifler. They appeared to be one and all seriously seeking salvation. Tliur. 16. — After preaching at noon, I rode to Lower Darwen, near Blackburn, where a large congregation behaved with deep seriousness. Leaving honest Mr. Grimshaw to preach in the morning [Fri. 17], I set out early, and in the evening reached a little quiet house a few miles beyond Kendal, to which, I believe, we did not come in vain. The man of the house, having been long ill, was thankful for advice with regard to his bodily disorder, and his guests appeared right willing to receive some advice with respect to their souls. 1 St. Thomas's. p. 264), and on the 10th to ' A Friend ' 2 On April 6 he wrote from Liverpool on the relation of the Methodist clergy to to the Rev. Mr. D ( Works, vol. xii. the Ch. of Eng. ( Works, vol. xiii. p. 232). 44 8 John Wesley s Journal 'Apmmi. Sat. 1 8. — We were soon lost on the mountains, but in an hour we found a cottage and a good woman, who bade her son ' take the galloway and guide them to the fell foot' There we met a poor man just coming from a doctor, who, I think, had quite mistaken his case. Perhaps his meeting us may save his life. He piloted us over the next mountain, the like to which I never beheld either in Wales or Germany. As we were climb- ing the third a man overtook us who was going the same road. So he accompanied us till we were in a plain, level way, which in three hours brought us to Whitehaven.1 Sun. 19. — I preached morning and evening at the Gins,2 to far more people than the house would have contained. At one I preached in the assembly-room at Workington. The whole congregation behaved well, though I could not perceive that the greater part of them understood anything of the matter. Wed. 22. — About noon I preached at Branthwaite, and in the evening at Lorton. Who would imagine that Deism should find its way into the heart of these enormous mountains? Yet so it is. Yea, and one who once knew the love of God is a strenuous advocate for it. Sat. 25. — As the people at Whitehaven are usually full of zeal, right or wrong, I this evening showed them the nature of Christian zeal. Perhaps some of them may now distinguish the flame of love from a fire kindled in hell. Sun. 26. — I preached in the morning at the Gins, in the room at one, and about five at Cockermouth, on the steps of the market-house. Even the genteel hearers were decent ; many of the rest seemed deeply affected. The people of the town have never been uncivil. Surely they will not always be unfruitful. Mon. 27. — I preached at eight in the market-place at Wigton. The congregation, when I began, consisted of one 1 We can only surmise the exact route. same district), Lorton, Cockermouth. It may have been from Kendal to But Mr. Chris. Graham, of Kendal, sug- Staveley, where there is a small inn, gests Windermere, Ambleside, Langdale, The Fat Lamb, which, from its age, was over Wrynose, Hard Knott, to Boot and no doubt in existence in 1761. Thence Whitehaven — 'a wild and mountainous to Ambleside, Keswick, Braithwayte road.' See also W.H.S. vol. vi. pp. 33-4. (Braithwaite and Branthwaite, which he ' Once a small village, it is now a visited on the 22nd, are both in the street in Whitehaven, spelt ' Ginns.' April i76i.] A Scottish Tour 449 woman, two boys, and three or four little girls, but in a quarter of an hour we had most of the town. I was a good deal moved at the exquisite self-sufficiency which was visible in the coun- tenance, air, and whole deportment of a considerable part of them. This constrained me to use a very uncommon plainness of speech. They bore it well. Who knows but some may profit ? Before noon we came to Solway Firth. The guide told us it was not passable, but I resolved to try, and got over well. Having lost ourselves but twice or thrice, in one of the most difficult roads I ever saw, we came to Moffat in the evening.1 Tues. 28. — We rode partly over the mountains, partly with mountains on either hand, between which was a clear, winding river, and about four in the afternoon reached Edinburgh. Here I met Mr. Hopper, who had promised to preach in the evening, in a large room, lately an episcopal meeting-house.2 Wed. 29. — It being extremely cold, I preached in the same room at seven. Some of the reputable hearers cried out in amaze : ' Why, this is sound doctrine ! Is this he of whom Mr. Wh[itefield] used to talk so ? ' Talk as he will, I shall not retaliate. I preached again in the evening, and the next day rode round by the Queen's Ferry to Dundee 3 ; but, the wind being high, the boatmen could not, at least would not, pass. Nor could we pass the next day till between nine and ten. We then rode on through Montrose to Stonehaven. Here Mr. Memyss met us, and on Saturday morning brought us to his house at Aberdeen.4 1 For the crossing of Solway Firth Bisset, in 1 756, Dr. Memyss had occasion see also April 15, 1753, and June 24, to go to London, and represented to 1766. Mr. Wesley the pressing need ... for 2 See E.M.P. vol. i. p. 211 (reprinted evangelical preaching in Aberdeen, and as Wesley's Veterans, vol. i. p. 143). requested assistance. In response to Dr. * Catherine Lions was one of the M.'s request, Christopher Hopper, who earliest Methodists in Dundee (Arm. had been with Wesley in Edinburgh on Mag. 1786, p. 137). Wesley's first visit to Scotland, 1751, 4 ' Dr. Memyss, who had attached him- was sent. After forming a society in self to the Methodists in Wrexham, settled Dundee, Hopper came to Aberdeen and in Aberdeen about 1747, and became a Peterhead. He remained in Aberdeen member of the congregation under the during the years 1759-60' (Sketch of Meth. charge of the Rev. John Bisset, an evan- in Aberdeen, by C. D., 1901). Dr. Memyss, gelical minister of one of the town's when a journeyman to an apothecary in churches. Soon after the death of Mr. Wrexham, had visited, without fee or 450 John Wesley s Journal rMayi76i. In the afternoon I sent to the Principal and Regent to desire leave to preach in the College Close.1 This was readily granted, but, as it began to rain, I was desired to go into the hall. I suppose this is full a hundred feet long, and seated all around. The congregation was large, notwithstanding the rain, and full as large at five in the morning. May 3, Sun. — I heard two useful sermons at the kirk, one preached by the Principal of the College, the other by the Divinity Professor. A huge multitude afterwards gathered together in the College Close, and all that could hear seemed to receive the truth in love. I then added about twenty to the little society. Fair blossoms ! But how many of these will bring forth fruit ? Mon. 4. — We had another large congregation at five. Before noon twenty more came to me desiring to cast in their lot with us, and appearing to be cut to the heart. About noon I took a walk to the King's College, in Old Aberdeen. It has three sides of a square, handsomely built, not unlike Queen's College in Oxford. Going up to see the hall, we found a large company of ladies, with several gentlemen. They looked and spoke to one another, after which one of the gentlemen took courage and came to me. He said : ' We came last night to the College Close, but could not hear, and should be extremely obliged if you would give us a short discourse here.' I knew not what God might have to do, and so began without delay on ' God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself.' I believe the word was not lost ; it fell as dew on the tender grass. In the afternoon I was walking in the library of the Marischal College when the Principal and the Divinity Professor came to me,2 reward, Thomas Olivers when he was ' Principal George Campbell, author in danger of death from fever, and saved of A Dissertation on Miracles, &c. his life. (E.M.P. vol. ii. pp. 52, 82, 83, Divinity Professor Alexander Gerard, reprinted as Wesley's Veterans, vol. i. D.D., author of Essay on Taste. Wesley pp.201, 235.) For an account of Wesley refers to him below, Nov. 1, 1787, and in Aberdeen — more caricature than sober IVorks, vol. xiii. pp. 477, 478. See Bos- fact — see the Scots Magazine, August well's Journal of a Tour in the Hebrides 1763, quoted in W.H.S. vol. iv. p. 159. with Dr. Johnson, Aug. 23, 1773, where 1 Marischal College, founded in 1593 Dr. Gerard and other Professors figure by George, Earl Marischal, in New prominently in conversations with ' our Aberdeen, on the north side of the Dee. Socrates.' May 1761. A Scottish Tour 451 and the latter invited me to his lodgings, where I spent an hour very agreeably. In the evening the eagerness of the people made them ready to trample each other underfoot. It was some time before they were still enough to hear, but then they devoured every word. After preaching, Sir Archibald Grant (whom business had called to town) sent and desired to speak to me. I could not then, but promised to wait upon him, with God's leave, in my return to Edinburgh. Tries. 5. — I accepted the Principal's invitation, and spent an hour with him at his house. I observed no stiffness at all, but the easy good-breeding of a man of sense and learning. I suppose both he and all the professors, with some of the magis- trates, attended in the evening. I set all the windows open, but the hall, notwithstanding, was as hot as a bagnio. But this did not hinder either the attention of the people or the blessing of God. Wed. 6. — We dined at Mr. Ogilvie's, one of the ministers between whom the city is divided. A more open-hearted, friendly man I know not that I ever saw. And indeed I have scarce seen such a set of ministers in any town of Great Britain or Ireland. At half-hour after six I stood in the College Close and pro- claimed Christ crucified. My voice was so strengthened that all could hear, and all were earnestly attentive. I have now ' cast ' my ' bread upon the waters ' ; may I ' find it again after many days ' ! Thur. 7. — Leaving near ninety members in the society, I rode over to Sir A. Grant's, near Monymusk, about twenty miles north-west from Aberdeen. It lies in a fruitful and pleasant valley, much of which is owing to Sir Archibald's improvements,1 who has ploughed up abundance of waste ground and planted some millions of trees. His stately old house is surrounded by gardens and rows of trees, with a clear river on one side. And about a mile from his house he has laid out a small valley into 1 See below, June 7, 1764. Sir Archi- North of Scotland ' (Church and Priory bald Grant ' is said to have planted about of Monymusk, by the Rev. W. M. Mac- 48,000,000 trees on the property ; . . . pherson, B.D., pp. 275, 277, quoted in he was the first to engage in those agri- Rev. D. Butler's Wesley and Whitefield cultural improvements that may be said in Scotland, p. 134). to have almost changed the face of the 45 2 John Wesley s [ournal may mi. walks and gardens, on one side of which the river runs. On each side rises a steep mountain, one rocky and bare, the other covered with trees, row above row, to the very top. About six we went to the church. It was pretty well filled with such persons as we did not look for so near the Highlands. But if we were surprised at their appearance, we were much more so at their singing. Thirty or forty sung an anthem after sermon, with such voices as well as judgement that I doubt whether they could have been excelled at any cathedral in England. Fri. 8. — We rode to Glamis, about sixty-four measured miles, and on Saturday the 9th about sixty-six more, to Edin- burgh. I was tired ; however, I would not disappoint the congregation, and God gave me strength according to my day. Sun. 10. — I had designed to preach near the Infirmary, but some of the managers would not suffer it. So I preached in our room morning and evening, even to the rich and honourable. And I bear them witness they will endure plain dealing, whether they profit by it or not. Mon, 11. — I took my leave of Edinburgh for the present. The situation of the city, on a hill shelving down on both sides, as well as to the east, with the stately castle upon a craggy rock on the west, is inexpressibly fine.1 And the main street, so broad and finely paved, with the lofty houses on either hand (many of them seven or eight stories high), is far beyond any in Great Britain. But how can it be suffered that all manner of filth should still be thrown even into this street continually? Where are the magistracy, the gentry, the nobility of the land ? Have they no concern for the honour of their nation ? How long shall the capital city of Scotland, yea, and the chief street of it, stink worse than a common sewer ? Will no lover of his country, or of decency and common sense, find a remedy for this ? Holyrood House, at the entrance of Edinburgh, the ancient palace of the Scottish kings, is a noble structure. It was rebuilt and furnished by King Charles the Second. One side of it is a 1 Only the old town was as yet built. burgh, ' pretty perilous, and a good A few years later, Aug. 14, 1773, Dr. deal odoriferous '( Tour in the Hebrides, Johnson walked the streets of old Edin- Percy Fitzgerald's Ed. p. 540). ■&£*-*■ *J*utC»»/n«, /^ottt -A>o tX^z-^^t Of. S/C ft* r ^f /* tZr. « , ^ _ -AS. a ^L.^ '*-U c^yy c2' *2> /■to?* o M-'h- "T*. c /*> «. - « > ^2t/ A. ^t, /,» ,_/ . "/wa J; <^> r -*•'« ■» .» -u - <-.», «. V • -■ /- ■ - <5o^ •O '— ■?«- '** <" «^ ^«) «.« 2t j£er-/ **j£ d*"s-A. f^<^/~ iTC £*. \n S 1. J- i4.*V.rt ^>, './, /?,, 3 flfi/fii-J < '^-x-- • A '-»>'- . - ' ' - • -• W /Sf a fr r.-i^ frj^ .*-.•*. ^*»- il~-/ of #a, ~' <■-' *> XS d> J^-X/'/ Jr'sLtZS^. JX^«:^ /a/ ^^~ >-Y^- ^r^1"' through a misc0n. other points, should be read. Practically strued text in the Revelation .inferred that they it is another version of the Journal, here should not die. This gave great occasion of condensed, there fuller, but always worth t"»™Pl» to 'h°se that sought occasion ; who ,_,,,„. , . . , rejoiced as though they had found great study. The following, for instance, might spoi) This year> from the beginnj„g to the fairly he woven into the Journal text, as end, was a year never to be forgotten. Such another resume of the year now closing : a season I never saw before. Such a multi- tude of sinners were converted from the All January, i76*,God cont.nued to work error of their w jn a„ parts both Q mightily, not only in and about London, but England and i,.e,and) and s0 many were in most parts of England and Ireland. filled with pure love. February 5 I met at noon, as usual, those End of Vol. IV Printed by Hatell, Watson & Viney, Ld., London and Aylesbury, England.