1742

After a night of quiet sleep, I waked in a strong

fever, but without any sickness, or thirst, or pain. I consented, however, to keep my bed; but on condition that every one who desired it, should have liberty to speak with me. I believe fifty or sixty persons did so this day; nor did I find any inconvenience from it. In the evening I sent for all the Bands who were in the house, that we might magnify our Lord together. A near relation being with me when they came, I asked her afterwards, if she was not offended. “Offended!” said she: “I wish I could be always among you. I thought I was in heaven.”

This night also, by the blessing of God, I slept well, to the utter astonishment of those about me, the Apothecary in particular, who said, he had never seen such a fever in his life. I had a clear remission in the morning; but about two in the afternoon, a stronger fit than any before; otherwise I had determined to have been at the meeting of the Bands: But good is the will of the Lord.

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Finding myself quite free from pain, I met the Leaders, morning and afternoon; and joined with a little company of them in the great sacrifice of thanksgiving. In the evening, it being the men’s love-feast, I desired they would all come up. Those whom the room would not contain, stood without; while we all with one mouth sang praise to God.

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I waked in perfect health. Does not God both kill and make alive? This day, I understand poor Charles Kinchin died! Cui pudor et justitiae soror,

Incorrupta fides, nudaque veritas,

Quendo ullum invenient parem? f46

I preached morning and evening everyday, for the remaining part of the week. On Saturday, while I was preaching at Long-Lane, a rude rout lift up their voice on high. I fell upon them without delay. Some pulled off their hats, and opened their mouth no more: The rest stole out one after another. All that remained were quiet and attentive.

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I got a little time to see Mr. Dolman. Two years ago he

seemed to be dying of an asthma; being hardly able to rise at eight o’clock in a morning, after struggling, as it were, for life. But from the time he came thither first, he rarely failed to be at the Foundery, by five o’clock. Nor was he at all the worse; his distemper being suspended, till within a very few days. I found him just on the wing, and full of love, and peace, and joy, in believing. And in the same spirit (as I afterwards understood) he continued, till God took him to himself.

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I went twice to Newgate, at the request of poor R—— R—

—, who lay there under sentence of death; but was refused admittance. Receiving a few lines from him the day he was to die, I desired Mr. Richards to try if he could be admitted then. But he came back with a fresh refusal.

It was above two years before, that, being destitute and in distress, he applied to me at Bristol for relief I took him in; and employed him for the present, in writing and keeping accounts for me. Not long after I placed him in the little school, which was kept by the United Society. There were many suspicions of him during that time, as well as of his companion, Gwillam Snowde; but no proof appeared, so that, after three or four months, they quietly returned to London. But they did not deceive God, nor escape his hand. Gwillam Snowde was soon apprehended for a robbery, and, when condemned, sent for me, and said, nothing lay heavier upon him, than his having thus returned evil for good. I believe it was now the desire of poor R—— too, to tell me all that he had done. But the hour was past: I could not now be permitted to see or speak with him. So that he who before would not receive the word of God from my mouth, now desired what he could not obtain. And on Wednesday he fell a sacrifice to the justice of a long-offended God. O consider this, ye that now forget God, and know not the day of your visitation!

In the afternoon I buried the body of James St. Angel, who, having long been tried in the fire, on Monday, in the full triumph of faith, gave up his spirit to God.

I heard of several today, who began to run well, but did not endure to the end. Men fond of their own opinions tore them from their brethren, and could not keep them when they had done; but they soon fell back into the world, and are now swallowed up in its pleasures or cares. I fear those zealots who took these souls out of my hands, will give but a poor account of them to God.

On Thursday and Friday, I visited the sick; by many of whom I was greatly refreshed. Monday, 18. We greatly rejoiced in the Lord at Long-Lane, even in the midst of those that contradicted and blasphemed. Nor was it long before many of them also were touched, and blasphemies were turned to praise.

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I again visited many that were sick, but I found no fear either of pain or death among them. One (Mary Whittle) said, “I shall go to my Lord tomorrow; but before I go, He will finish his work.” The next day she lay quiet for about two hours, and then opening her eyes, cried out, “It is done, it is done! Christ liveth in me! He lives in me:” And died in a moment.

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I met the society in Short’s-Gardens, Drury-Lane, for the first time. Saturday, 23. I called on another who was believed to be near death, and greatly triumphing over it. “I know,” said she, “that my Redeemer liveth, and will stand at the latter day upon the earth. I fear not death; it hath no sting for me. I shall live for evermore.”

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While I was explaining at Long-Lane, “He that committeth sin is of the devil;” his servants were above measure enraged: They not only made all possible noise; (although, as I had desired before, no man stirred from his place, or answered them a word;) but violently thrust many persons to and fro, struck others, and brake down part of the house. At length they began throwing large stones upon the house, which forcing their way wherever they came, fell down, together with the tiles, among the people, so that they were in danger of their lives. I then told them, “You must not go on thus; I am ordered by the Magistrate, who is, in this respect, to us the Minister of God, to inform him of those who break the laws of God and the King: And I must do it, if you persist herein; otherwise I am a partaker of your sin.” When I ceased speaking, they were more outrageous than before. Upon this I said, “Let three or four calm men take hold of the foremost, and charge a Constable with him, that the law may take its course.” They did so, and brought him into the house, cursing and blaspheming in a dreadful manner. I desired five or six to go with him to Justice Copeland, to whom they nakedly related the fact. The Justice immediately bound him over to the next Sessions at Guildford. I observed when the man was brought into the house, that many of his companions were loudly crying out, “Richard Smith, Richard Smith!” who, as it afterward appeared, was one of their stoutest champions. But Richard Smith answered not; he was fallen into the hands of One higher than they. God had struck him to the heart; as also a woman, who was speaking words not fit to be repeated, and throwing whatever came to hand, whom He overtook in the very act. She came into the house with Richard Smith, fell upon her knees before us all, and strongly exhorted him never to turn back, never to forget the mercy which God had shown to his soul. From this time we had never any considerable interruption or disturbance at Long-Lane; although we withdrew our prosecution, upon the offender’s submission and promise of better behavior.

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I explained, at Chelsea, the faith which worketh by love. I was very weak when I went into the room; but the more “the beasts of the people” increased in madness and rage, the more was I strengthened, both in body and soul; so that I believe few in the house, which was exceeding full, lost one sentence of what I spoke. Indeed they could not see me, nor one another at a few yards’ distance, by reason of the exceeding thick smoke, which was occasioned by the wildfire, and things of that kind, continually thrown into the room. But they who could praise God in the midst of the fires, were not to be affrighted by a little smoke.

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I buried the body of SARAH WHISKIN, a young, woman late of Cambridge; a short account of whom follows, in the words of one that was with her, during her last struggle for eternity: —

“The first time she went, intending to hear Mr. Wesley, was January 3; but he was then ill. She went again, Tuesday, 5, and was not disappointed. From that time she seemed quite taken up with the things above, and could willingly have been always hearing, or praying, or singing hymns. Wednesday, 13, she was sent for into the country; at which news she cried violently, being afraid to go, lest she should again be conformable to the world. With tears in her eyes, she asked me, ‘What shall I do? I am in a great strait.’ And being advised to commit her cause to God, and pray that his will might be done, not her own, she said she would defer her journey three days, to wait upon God, that He might show his will concerning her. The next day she was taken ill of a fever; but being something better on Friday, she sent and took a place in the Cambridge coach, for the Tuesday following. Her sister asked her if she thought it was the will of God she should go. She answered, ‘I leave it to the Lord; and am sure He will find a way to prevent it, if it is not for my good.’ Sunday, 17, she was ill again, and desired me to write a note, that she might be prayed for. I asked what I should write. She answered, ‘You know what I want; a lively faith.’ Being better on Monday, 18, she got up, to prepare for her journey; though still desiring God to put a stop to it, if it was not according to his will. As soon as she rose from prayer she fainted away. When she came to herself she said, ‘Where is that Scripture of Balaam journeying, and the angel of the Lord standing in the way? I can bring this home to myself. I was just going this morning; and see, God has taken away all my strength.’ “From this hour, she was almost continually praying to God, that He would reveal himself to her soul. On Tuesday, 19, being in tears, I asked what was the matter. She answered, ‘The devil is very busy with me.’ On asking, ‘Who condemns you?’ she pointed to her heart, and said, ‘This; and God is greater than my heart.’ On Thursday, after Mr. Richards had prayed with her, she was much cheerfuller, and she could not doubt but God would fulfill the desire which he had given her.

“Fri. 22. — One of her sisters coming out of the country to see her, she said, ‘If I had come to you, evil would have befallen me; but I am snatched out of the hands of the devil. Though God has not yet revealed himself to me, yet I believe, were I to die this night, before tomorrow I should be in heaven.’ Her sister saying, ‘I hope God will restore you to health;’ she replied, ‘Let Him do what seemeth Him good.’

“Sat. 23. — She said, ‘I saw my mother, and brother, and sister, in my sleep; and they all received a blessing in a moment.’ I asked if she thought she should die; and whether she believed the Lord would receive her soul. Looking very earnestly, she said, ‘I have not seen the Lord yet; but I believe I shall see Him and live: Although these are bold words for a sinner to say. Are they not?’

“Sun. 24. — I asked her, ‘How have you rested?’ She answered, ‘Very well; though I have had no sleep; and I wanted none; for I have had the Lord with me. O let us not be ashamed of him, but proclaim Him upon the house-top; and I know, whatever I ask in the name of Jesus, according to his will, I shall have.’ Soon after she called hastily to me, and said, ‘I fear I have deceived myself: I thought the Amen was sealed in my heart; but I fear it is not. Go down and pray for me, and let Him not go, till He has given my heart’s desire.’ Soon after she broke out into singing, and said, ‘I was soon delivered of my fears; I was only afraid of a flattering hope; but if it had been so, I would not have let him go.’

“Her sister that was come to see her was much upon Her mind. ‘You,’ said she, ‘are in pain for her; but I have faith for this little child: God has a favor unto her.’ In the afternoon she desired me to write a bill for her. I asked, ‘What shall I write?’ She said, ‘Return thanks for what God has done for me, and pray that he would manifest himself to my relations also. Go to the preaching. Leave but one with me.’ Soon after we were gone she rose up, called to the person that was with her, and said, ‘Now it is done; I am assured my sins are forgiven.’ The person answering, ‘Death is a little thing to them that die in the Lord;’ she replied with vehemence, ‘A little thing! It is nothing.’ The person then desiring she would pray for her, she answered, ‘I do: I pray for all. I pray for all I know, and for them I do not know: And the Lord will hear the prayer of faith.’ At our return, her sister kneeling by the bed-side, she said, ‘Are you not comforted, my dear, for me?’ Her speech then failing, she made signs for her to be by her, and kissed her, and smiled upon her. She then lay about an hour without speaking or stirring; till about three o’clock on Monday morning, she cried out, ‘My Lord and my God!’ fetched a double sigh, and died.”

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Hearing of one who had been drawn away by those who

prophesy smooth things, I went to her house. But she was purposely gone abroad. Perceiving there was no human help, I desired the congregation at Short’s Gardens, to join with me in prayer to God, that he would suffer her to have no rest in her spirit, till she returned into the way of truth. Two days after, she came to me of her own accord, and confessed, in the bitterness of her soul, that she had no rest, day or night, while she remained with them, out of whose hands God had now delivered her.

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I found, after the exclusion of some, who did not walk according to the Gospel, about eleven hundred, who are, I trust, of a more excellent spirit, remained in the society.

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A Clergyman lately come from America, who was at the

preaching last night, called upon me, appeared full of good desires, and seemed willing to cast in his lot with us. But I cannot suddenly answer in this matter. I must first know what spirit he is of; for none can labor with us, unless he “count all things dung and dross, that he may win Christ.”

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I set out, and with some difficulty reached Chippenham on Saturday evening; the weather being so extremely rough and boisterous, that I had much ado to sit my horse. On Sunday, about noon, I came to Kingswood, where were many of our friends from Bath, Bristol, and Wales. O that we may ever thus “love one another with a pure heart fervently!”

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I rode to Bath; and in the evening explained the latter part of the seventh of St. Luke. Observing many noisy persons at the end of the room, I went and stood in the midst of them; but the greater part slipped away to that end from which I came, and then took heart, and cried aloud again. I paused, to give them their full scope; and then began a particular application to them. They were very quiet in a short time; and, I trust, will not forget it so soon as some of them may desire.

Wednesday, 10, and the following days of this week, I spoke severally with all those who desired to remain in the United Society, to watch over each other in love.

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Many met together to consult on a proper method for discharging the public debt; and it was at length agreed,

1. That every member of the society, who was able, should contribute a penny a week.

2. That the whole society should be divided into little companies or classes, — about twelve in each class. And,

3. That one person in each class should receive the contribution of the rest, and bring it in to the stewards, weekly.

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I went to Bath. Many threatened great things; but I knew the strength of them and their God. I preached on, “He shall save his people from their sins;” none disturbing or interrupting me.

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I preached at Weaver’s Hall: It was a glorious time. Several dropped to the ground as if struck by lightning. Some cried out in bitterness of soul. I knew not where to end, being constrained to begin anew, again and again. In the acceptable time we begged of God to restore our brethren, who are departed from us for a season; and to teach us all, to “follow after the things that make for peace,” and the “things whereby one may edify another.”

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In the evening I explained the “exceeding great and precious promises” which are given us: A strong confirmation whereof I read, in a plain artless account of a child, whose body then lay before us. The substance of this was as followers: —

“JOHN WOOLLEY was for some time in your school; but was turned out for his ill behavior: Soon after he ran away from his parents, lurking about for several days and nights together, and hiding himself in holes and corners, that his mother might not find him. During this time he suffered both hunger and cold. Once he was three whole days without sustenance, sometimes weeping and praying by himself, and sometimes playing with other loose boys.

“One night he came to the new-room. Mr. Wesley was then speaking of disobedience to parents. He was quite confounded, and thought there never was in the world so wicked a child as himself. He went home, and never ran away any more. His mother saw the change in his whole behavior, but knew not the cause. He would often get up stairs by himself to prayer, and often go alone into the fields, having done with all his idle companions.

“And now the devil began to set upon him with all his might, continually tempting him to self-murder: Sometimes he was vehemently pressed to hang himself; sometimes to leap into the river: But this only made him the more earnest in prayer; in which, after he had been one day wrestling with God, he saw himself, he said, surrounded on a sudden with an inexpressible light, and was so filled with joy and the love of God, that he scarce knew where he was; and with such love to all mankind, that he could have laid himself on the ground, for his worst enemies to trample upon.

“From this time his father and mother were surprised at him, he was so diligent to help them in all things. When they went to the preaching, he was careful to give their supper to the other children; and when he had put them to bed, hurried away to the room, to light his father or mother home. Meantime he lost no opportunity of hearing the preaching himself, or of doing any good he could, either at home or in any place where he was. “One day, walking in the fields, he fell into talk with a farmer, who spoke very slightly of religion. John told him, he ought not to talk so; and enlarged upon that word of the Apostle, (which he begged him to consider deeply,) ‘Without holiness no man shall see the Lord.’ The man was amazed, caught the child in his arms, and knew not how to part with him. “His father and mother once hearing him speak pretty loud in the next room, listened to bear what he said. He was praying thus: —’Lord, I do not expect to be heard for my much speaking. Thou knowest my heart; thou knowest my wants.’ He then descended to particulars. Afterward he prayed very earnestly for his parents, and for his brothers and sisters by name; then for Mr. John and Charles Wesley, that God would set their faces as a flint, and give them to go on conquering and to conquer; then for all the other Ministers he could remember by name, and for all that were, or desired to be, true Ministers of Christ.

“In the beginning of his illness his mother asked him if he wanted any thing. He answered, ‘Nothing but Christ; and I am as sure of him as if I had him already.’ He often said, ‘O mother, if all the world believed in Christ, what a happy world would it be! — And they may; for Christ died for every soul of man: I was the worst of sinners, and he died for me. O thou that callest the worst of sinners, call me! O, it is a free gift! I am sure I have done nothing to deserve it.’

“On Wednesday he said to his mother, ‘I am in very great trouble for my father; he has always taken an honest care of his family, but he does not know God; if he dies in the state he is in now, he cannot be saved. I have prayed for him, and will pray for him. f47 If God should give him the true faith, and then take him to himself, do not you fear, — do not you be troubled: God has promised to be a father to the fatherless, and a husband to the widow. I will pray for him and you in heaven; and I hope we shall sing Hallelujah in heaven together.’

“To his eldest sister he said, ‘Do not puff yourself up with pride. When you receive your wages, which is not much, lay it out in plain necessaries. And if you are inclined to be merry, do not sing songs; that is the devil’s diversion; there are many lies and ill things in those idle songs: Do you sing psalms and hymns. Remember your Creator in the days of your youth. When you are at work, you may lift up your heart to God; and be sure never to rise or go to bed without asking his blessing. “He added, ‘I shall die; but do not cry for me. Why should you cry for me? Consider what a joyful thing it is, to have a brother go to heaven. I am not a man; I am but a boy. But is it not in the Bible, Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings thou hast ordained strength? I know where I am going: I would not be without this knowledge for a thousand worlds; for though I am not in heaven yet, I am as sure of it as if I was.’ “On Wednesday night he wrestled much with God in prayer. At last, throwing his arms open, he cried, ‘Come come, Lord Jesus! I am thine. Amen and Amen!’ He said, ‘God answers me in my heart, Be of good cheer, thou hast overcome the world;’ and immediately after, he was filled with love and joy unspeakable.

“He said to his mother, ‘That school was the saving of my soul; for there I began to seek the Lord. But how is it, that a person no sooner begins to seek the Lord, but Satan straight stirs up all his instruments against him?’ “When he was in agony of pain, he cried out, ‘O Savior, give me patience! Thou hast given me patience, but give me more. Give me thy love, and pain is nothing: I have deserved all this, and a thousand times more; for there is no sin but I have been guilty of.’

“A while after he said, ‘O mother, how is this? If a man does not do his work, the masters in the world will not pay him his wages. But it is not so with God; he gives me good wages, and yet I am sure I have done nothing to gain them. O it is a free gift; it is free for every soul, for Christ has died for all.’

“On Thursday morning his mother asked him how he did: He said, ‘I have had much struggling tonight, but my Savior is so loving to me, I do not mind it; it is no more than nothing to me.’

“Then he said, ‘I desire to be buried from the Room; and I desire Mr. Wesley would preach a sermon over me, on those words of David, (unless he thinks any other to be more fit,) Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now I have kept thy word.’

“I asked him, ‘How do you find yourself now?’ He said, ‘In great pain, but full of love.’ I asked him, ‘But does not the love of God overcome pain?’ He answered, ‘Yes! pain is nothing to me: I did sing praises to the Lord in the midst of my greatest pain; and I could not help it.’ I asked him, if he was willing to die: He replied, ‘O yes, with all my heart.’ I said, ‘But if life and death were set before you, what would you choose then?’ He answered, ‘To die, and to be with Christ: I long to be out of this wicked world.’

“On Thursday night he slept much sweeter than he had done for some time before. In the morning he begged to see Mr. John Wesley. When Mr. Wesley came, and, after some other questions, asked him what he should pray for; he said, that God would give him a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within him. When prayer was ended, he seemed much enlivened, and said, ‘I thought I should have died today: But I must not be in haste; I am content to stay. I will tarry the Lord’s leisure.’

“On Saturday, one asked, if he still chose to die: He said, ‘I have no will; my will is resigned to the will of God. But I shall die: Mother, be not troubled; I shall go away like a lamb.’

“On Sunday he spoke exceeding little. On Monday his speech began to falter: On Tuesday it was gone; but he was fully in his senses, almost continually lifting up his eyes to heaven. On Wednesday, his speech being restored, his mother said, ‘Jacky, you have not been with your Savior tonight:’ He replied, ‘Yes, I have.’ She asked, ‘What did he say?’ He answered, ‘He bid me not he afraid of the devil; for he had no power to hurt me at all, but I should tread him under my feet.’ He lay very quiet on Wednesday night. The next morning;, he spent in continual prayer; often repeating the Lord’s Prayer, and earnestly commending his soul into the hands of God.

“He then called for his little brother and sister, to kiss them; and for his mother, whom he desired to kiss him: Then (between nine and ten) he said, ‘Now let me kiss you;’ which he did, and immediately fell asleep. “He lived some months above thirteen years.”

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In the evening I set out for Wales. I lay, that night, about six miles from Bristol; and preached in the morning, MARCH 1, to a few of the neighbors. We then hastened to the passage; but the boat was gone half an hour before the usual time: So I was obliged to wait till five in the afternoon. We then set out with a fair breeze; but when we were nearly half over the river, the wind entirely failed. The boat could not bear up against the ebbing tide, but was driven down among the rocks, on one of which we made shift to scrabble up; whence, about seven, we got to land. That night I went forward about five miles, and the next morning came to Cardiff. There I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Jones, of Fonmon, still pressing on into all the fullness of God. I rode with him to Wenvo. The church was thoroughly filled, while I explained the former part of the Second Lesson, concerning the barren fig-tree; and the power of the Lord was present both to wound and to heal.

I explained, in the evening, at Fonmon, though in weakness and pain, how Jesus saveth us from our sins. The next morning, at eight, I preached at Bolston, a little town four miles from Fonmon. Thence I rode to Lantrissent; and sent to the Minister, to desire the use of his church. His answer was, he should have been very willing, but the Bishop had forbidden him. By what law? I am not legally convicted, either of heresy or any other crime. By what authority, then, am I suspended from preaching? By bare-faced arbitrary power.

Another Clergyman immediately offered me his church; but, it being too far off, I preached in a large room, spent a little time with the society in prayer and exhortation, and then took horse for Cardiff.

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About noon I preached at Lanissan, and was afterward much refreshed in meeting the little earnest society. I preached at Cardiff, at seven, on, “Be not righteous over much,” to a larger congregation than before; and then exhorted the society to fear only the being over-wicked, or the falling short of the full image of God.

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I talked with one who used frequently to say, “I pray God, I may never have this new faith. I desire that I may not know my sins forgiven, till I come to die.” But as she was, some weeks since, reading the Bible at home, the clear light broke in upon her soul: She knew all her sins were blotted out, and cried aloud, “My Lord, and my God!” In the evening I expounded, “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” We afterwards admitted several new members into the society, and were greatly comforted together. Saturday, 6, I left Cardiff, and, about eight in the evening, came to Bristol.

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I was with a gentlewoman whose distemper has puzzled the most eminent Physicians, for many years; it being such as they could neither give any rational account of, nor find any remedy for. The plain case is, she is tormented by an evil spirit, following her day and night. Yea, try all your drugs over and over; but at length it will plainly appear, that “this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”

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I read part of Dr. Cheyne’s “Natural Method of curing

Diseases;” of which I cannot but observe, it is one of the most ingenious books which I ever saw. But what epicure will ever regard it? for “the man talks against good eating and drinking!”

Our Lord was gloriously present with us at the watch-night; so that my voice was lost in the cries of the people. After midnight, about a hundred of us walked home together, singing, and rejoicing, and praising God.

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I rode once more to Pensford, at the earnest request of several serious people. The place where they desired me to preach, was a little green spot, near the town. But I had no sooner begun, than a great company of rabble, hired (as we afterwards found) for that purpose, came furiously upon us, bringing a bull, which they had been baiting, and now strove to drive in among the people. But the beast was wiser than his drivers; and continually ran either on one side of us, or the other, while we quietly sang praise to God, and prayed for about an hour. The poor wretches, finding themselves disappointed, at length seized upon the bull, now weak and tired, after having been so long torn and beaten, both by dogs and men; and, by main strength, partly dragged and partly thrust him in among the people. When they had forced their way to the little table on which I stood, they strove several times to throw it down, by thrusting the helpless beast against it; who, of himself, stirred no more than a log of wood. I once or twice put aside his head with my hand, that the blood might not drop upon my clothes; intending to go on, as soon as the hurry should be a little over. But the table falling down, some of our friends caught me in their arms, and carried me right away on their shoulders; while the rabble wreaked their vengeance on the table, which they tore bit from bit. We went a little way off, where I finished my discourse, without any noise or interruption.

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In the evening I rode to Marshfield; and on Tuesday, in the afternoon, came to London. Wednesday, 24. I preached, for the last time, in the French chapel at Wapping on, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.”

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I appointed several earnest and sensible men to meet me, to whom I showed the great difficulty I had long found of knowing the people who desired to be under my care. After much discourse, they all agreed, there could be no better way to come to a sure, thorough knowledge of each person, than to divide them into classes, like those at Bristol, under the inspection of those in whom I could most confide. This was the origin of our classes at London, for which I can never sufficiently praise God; the unspeakable usefulness of the institution having ever since been more and more manifest.

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My brother set out for Oxford. In the evening I called upon Ann Calcut. She had been speechless for some time; but almost as soon as we began to pray, God restored her speech: She then witnessed a good confession indeed. I expected to see her no more. But from that hour the fever left her; and in a few days she arose and walked, glorifying God.

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About two in the afternoon, being the time my brother

was preaching at Oxford, before the University, I desired a few persons to meet with me, and join in prayer. We continued herein much longer than we at first designed, and believed we had the petition we asked of God.

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We had the first watch-night in London. We commonly choose for this solemn service the Friday night nearest the full moon, either before or after, that those of the congregation who live at a distance, may have light to their several homes. The service begins at half an hour past eight, and continues till a little after midnight. We have often found a peculiar blessing at these seasons. There is generally a deep awe upon the congregation, perhaps in some measure owing to the silence of the night, particularly in singing the hymn, with which we commonly conclude, — Hearken to the solemn voice,

The awful midnight cry!

Waiting souls, rejoice, rejoice,

And feel the Bridegroom nigh.

April 16. — (Being Good Friday.) I was desired to call on one that was ill at Islington. I found there several of my old acquaintance, who loved me once as the apple of their eye. By staying with them ‘but a little, I was clearly convinced, that was I to stay but one week among them, (unless the providence of God plainly called me so to do,) I should be as still as poor Mr. St. — I felt their words, as it were, thrilling through my veins. So soft! so pleasing to nature! It seemed our religion was but a heavy, coarse thing; nothing so delicate, so refined as theirs. I wonder any person of taste (that has not faith) can stand before them!

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In the afternoon, one who had tasted the love of God, but had turned again to folly, was deeply convinced, and torn, as it were, in pieces, by guilt, and remorse, and fear; and even after the sermon was ended, she continued in the same agony, it seemed, both of body and soul. Many of us were then met together in another part of the house; but her cries were so piercing, though at a distance, that I could not pray, nor hardly speak, being quite chilled every time I heard them. I asked, whether it were best to bring her in, or send her out of the house. It being the general voice, she was brought in, and we cried to God, to heal her backsliding. We soon found we were asking according to his will. He not only bade her “depart in peace,” but filled many others, till then heavy of heart, with peace and joy in believing.

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At noon I preached at Brentford, and again about seven in the evening. Many who had threatened to do terrible things were present; but they made no disturbance at all.

Tuesday, 20, was the day on which our noisy neighbors had agreed to summon all their forces together: A great number of whom came early in the evening, and planted themselves as near the desk as possible. But He that sitteth in heaven laughed them to scorn. The greater part soon vanished away; and to some of the rest, I trust his word came with the demonstration of his Spirit.

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I spent an agreeable hour with Mr. Wh ——. I believe he is sincere in all he says concerning his earnest desire of joining hand in hand with all that love the Lord Jesus Christ. But if (as some would persuade me) he is not, the loss is all on his own side. I am just as I was: I go on my way, whether he goes with me or stays behind.

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At five I preached in Ratcliffe-Square, near Stepney, on, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” A multitude of them were gathered together before I came home, and filled the street above and below the Foundery. Some who apprehended we should have but homely treatment, begged me to go in as soon as possible; but I told them, “No: Provide you for yourselves; but I have a message to deliver first.” I told them, after a few words, “Friends, let every man do as he pleases; but it is my manner, when I speak of the things of God, or when another does, to uncover my head;” which I accordingly did; and many of them did the same. I then exhorted them to repent and believe the Gospel. Not a few of them appeared to be deeply affected. Now, Satan, count thy gains.

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I called on one who was sorrowing as without hope for her son, who was turned again to folly. I advised her to wrestle with God for his soul; and in two days he brought home the wandering sheep, fully convinced of the error of his ways, and determined to choose the better part.

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One called, whom I had often advised not to hear them that preach smooth things: But she could not believe there was any danger therein, seeing we were all, she said, children of God. The effects of it which now appeared in her were these: —

1. She was grown above measure wise in her own eyes: She knew every thing as well as any could tell her, and needed not to be “taught of man.”

2. She utterly despised all her brethren, saying, they were all in the dark; they knew not what faith meant.

3. She despised her teachers, as much, if not more, than them; saying, they knew nothing of the Gospel; they preached nothing but the Law, and brought all into bondage who minded what they said. “Indeed,” said she, “after I had heard Mr. Sp — I was amazed; for I never since heard you preach one good sermon. And I said to my husband, ‘My dear, did Mr. Wesley always preach so?’ And he said, ‘Yes, my dear; but your eyes were not opened.’”

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I described that falling away, spoken of by St. Paul to the Thessalonians, which we so terribly feel to be already come, and to have over spread the (so-called) Christian world. One of my hearers was highly offended at my supposing any of the Church of England to be concerned in this; but his speech soon betrayed him to be of no Church at all, jealous and orthodox as he was. So that after I had appealed to his own heart, as well as to all that heard him, he retired with confusion of face.

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One, of Fetter-Lane, mentioning a letter he had received from a poor man in Lincolnshire, I read and desired a copy of it; part of which is as follows: —

Samuel Meggot to Richard Ridley.

“BROTHER, May 3, 1742.

“I HAVE now much communion with thee, and desire to have more: But till now I found a great gulf between us, so that we could not one pass to the other. Therefore thy letters were very death to me, and thou wast to me as a branch broke off and thrown by to wither. Yet I waited, if the Lord should please to let us into the same union we had before. So the Lord hath given it. And in the same I write; desiring it may continue until death. “I wrote before to thee and John Harrison, ‘Be not afraid to be found sinners,’ hoping you would not separate the Law from the Spirit, until the flesh was found dead. For I think our hearts are discovered by the Law, yea, every tittle, and condemned by the same. Then are we quickened in the Spirit. Justice cannot be separated from mercy; neither can they be one greater than the other. ‘Keep the commandments;’ ‘and I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter.’ Mark that! ‘Thy sins be forgiven thee; arise, take up thy bed, and walk.’ Here is work before mercy, and mercy before work. — So then, through the Law by faith our heart is pure. — Beware, therefore, of them who, while they promise you liberty, are themselves the servants of corruption. O dead faith, that cannot always live pure! Treacherous Judas, that thus betrayest thy Master! “Let the Law arraign you, till Jesus Christ bring forth judgment in your hearts unto victory. Yea, let your hearts be open wide, receiving both, that the one may confirm the other. So thou livest so much in the Son’s righteousness, that the Law saith, ‘I have fought against thee.’ This is faith that thus conquers the old man, in putting him off, and putting on Christ. Purify your hearts by faith: So shall the temple of God be holy, and the altar therein; that spiritual sacrifices may be offered, acceptable to the Lord. Now, if any man be otherwise minded, let him be ashamed. For if there lives any of our self in us, that one branch of nature, that one member, shall cause the whole man to burn everlastingly. Let as many as know not this perfection, which is by Jesus Christ, press forward by faith till they come to the experimental knowledge of it. “But how many souls have I seen washed, and turned again to the wallowing in their sins! O that Lamb! How is he put to an open shame again, who had once reconciled them to the Father! “Now I would write a little of the travail of my own soul. I thought myself right long since; but when the light of life came, I saw myself ready to die in my sins. I had faith; but I had it by knowledge, and not in power: Yet by this faith I had great liberty. Nevertheless this faith kept my heart corrupt, and the whole man of sin alive. My way of proceeding was thus: Sometimes I was overtaken in a fault, and so was put to a stand a little. But as soon as I could, I would wipe myself by knowledge, saying, ‘Christ died for sinners.’ I was right so far, and no farther. He died for sinners: But not to save him that continues in his sins. For whomsoever he cleanses, they are clean indeed; first sinners, then saints, and so they remain. By and by I was overtaken again: And the oftener I was over taken, the stronger I thought myself in the Lord. Yea, for my corruption’s sake I was forced to get more knowledge, or else I should have been condemned. So I arrived at such a pitch of knowledge, (that is, of notional faith,) that I could crucify Christ with one hand, and take pardon with the other; so that I was always happy. Here was the mystery of iniquity, conceived in my heart. For it led me to this; if I was to take of any man’s goods, I would say or think, ‘I am a sinner to myself; but Christ died for me; so his righteousness is mine.’ And farther, I could not see, but if I was to kill a man, yet I should be pure. So great a friend to sin and the devil was I, that I would have made sin and the devil to become the righteousness of God in Christ; yea, that I began to love him, whom the Lord hath reserved for everlasting fire. “So I holden Christ without, and the devil within. This is a mystery, that I should feel myself safe and pure, and yet the devil to be in me. Judge who gave me this purity, and taught me to be thus perfect in Christ! But ere long that began to break forth in action, which I had conceived in my heart. But it was the Lord’s will I should not go far, before I was again brought under the Law. Then did I stand stripped and naked of that knowledge. I wish all who are so deceived as I was, were brought under the Law, that they might learn what it is to come to Jesus Christ. And I wish them not to pass from under the Law, till they clearly see the end of the Law come into their hearts.

“The Law being mixed with faith, makes it quick; and powerful. For as the Law will not leave one hair of our heads uncondemned, so faith will not leave one unreconciled. And blessed is he who lives in the same reconciliation, and turns not as a dog to his vomit. Then shall he be called a child of God; who cannot sin, because his seed remaineth in him.

“Thou writest, Jesus makes it manifest to thee, that thou art a great sinner. That is well; and if more, it would be better for thee. Again, thou sayest, since thou first receivedst a full and free pardon for all thy sins, thou hast received so many fresh pardons, that they are quite out of count. And this, thou sayest, is spoken to thy own shame and thy Savior’s praise. Come, my brother, let us both be more ashamed. Let us see where we are, and what we are doing to the Lamb. We are not glorifying him: (Let us not mistake ourselves thus:) We are crucifying him afresh. We are putting him to an open shame, and bringing swift damnation on our own heads.

“Again, thou sayest, though thy sins be great and many, yet the Savior’s grace is greater. Thou sayest right; or else, how should we have been cleansed? But his great cleansing power does not design that we should become foul again; lest he call us away in our uncleanness, and we perish for ever. For it will not profit us, that we were once cleansed, if we be found in uncleanness. “Take heed to thyself, that the knowledge that is in thee deceive thee not. For thou writest so to my experience, that I can tell thee as plain how thou art, or plainer than thou canst thyself. Thou sayest, after thou hast done something amiss, thou needest not to be unhappy one moment, if thou wilt but go to thy Savior. Is not this the very state I have mentioned? O that that knowledge was cast out! So shouldest thou always do the things that please the Father. O, my dear brother, how art thou bewitched by the deceiver of thy son! Thou art a stranger to the Savior, who is gone to heaven to give repentance to his people and remission of sins. I am afraid the devil is thy savior; more of him is manifest in thee than of Christ. He tells thee, thou art pure and washed; but he cozens thee; yea, his deceitfulness cries out for vengeance; yet he would be a Christ or a God.

“Thou sayest, thou hast need of remission of sins everyday. Yes, so thou hast, and more. Thou hast need every moment; so shouldest thou be clean; for this every moment should be eternity to thy soul. Thou thankest God that he hath provided such a High-Priest for thee. Let him be thine; so shalt thou be ruled by him every moment. What? Is he such a Savior as can cleanse us from sin, and not keep us in the same? Judge where thou art. Thou and I and many more were once made pure. And we were pure while we believed the same, and were kept by the Father for his own name’s sake. But how long did we thus believe? Let every man judge himself.

“Now, my brother, answer for thyself. Dost thou believe that thou must always have this heart, which is corrupted through and through with sin? I say, dost thou believe thy heart must be thus unpure? If thou dost, the same doctrine must be preached to thee which was at first: ‘Ye must receive the Holy Ghost;’ that is, thou must be brought to the first remission; and there thou wilt see Jesus laid slain in thy heart. This thy first purity I will acknowledge, and none else. I believe the foundation of life was once in thee. But many together with thee have fallen away. Thou hearest how I acknowledge thee, and where, and no where else. And herein I have communion with thee in my spirit, and hope it will continue to the end.”

And is poor Samuel Meggot himself now fallen into the very same snare against which he so earnestly warned his friend? Lord, what is man!

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I preached in Charles-Square to the largest congregation I have ever seen there. Many of the baser people would fain have interrupted; but they found, after a time, it was lost labor. One, who was more serious, was (as she afterwards confessed) exceeding angry at them. But she was quickly rebuked, by a stone which light upon her forehead, and struck her down to the ground. In that moment her anger was at an end, and love only filled her heart.

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I waited on the Archbishop of Canterbury with Mr.

Whitefield, and again on Friday; as also on the Bishop of London. I trust if we should be called to appear before princes, we should not be ashamed.

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I had designed this morning to set out for Bristol; but was unexpectedly prevented. In the afternoon I received a letter from Leicestershire, pressing me to come without delay, and pay the last office of friendship to one whose soul was on the wing for eternity. On Thursday, 20, I set out. The next afternoon I stopped a little at Newport-Pagnell, and then rode on till I overtook a serious man, with whom I immediately fell into conversation. He presently gave me to know what his opinions were; therefore I said nothing to contradict them. But that did not content him; he was quite uneasy to know, whether I holden the doctrine of the decrees as he did; but I told him over and over, “We had better keep to practical things, lest we should be angry at one another.” And so we did for two miles, till he caught me unawares, and dragged me into the dispute before I knew where I was. He then grew warmer and warmer; told me I was rotten at heart, and supposed I was one of John Wesley’s followers. I told him, “No, I am John Wesley himself.” Upon which, —

Improvisam aspris veluti gui sentibus anguem

Pressit, —f48

he would gladly have run away outright. But, being the better mounted of the two, I kept close to his side, and endeavored to show him his heart, till we came into the street of North Hampton. Saturday, 22. About five in the afternoon, I reached Donnington-Park.

Miss Cowper was just alive. But as soon as we came in, her spirit greatly revived. For three days we rejoiced in the grace of God, whereby she was filled with a hope full of immortality; with meekness, gentleness, patience, and humble love, knowing in whom she had believed.

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I set out early in the morning with John Taylor; (since settled in London;) and Wednesday, 26, in the evening, reached Birstal, six miles beyond Wakefield.

John Nelson had wrote to me some time before: But at that time I had little thought of seeing him. Hearing he was at home, I sent for him to our inn; whence he immediately carried me to his house, and gave me an account of the strange manner wherein he had been led on, from the time of our parting at London.

He had full business there, and large wages. But from the time of his finding peace with God, it was continually upon his mind, that he must return (though he knew not why) to his native place. He did so, about Christmas, in the year 1740. His relations and acquaintance soon began to inquire, what he thought of this new faith; and whether he believed there was any such thing as a man’s knowing that his sins were forgiven: John told them point-blank, that this new faith, as they called it, was the old faith of the Gospel; and that he himself was as sure his sins were forgiven, as he could be of the shining of the sun. This was soon noised abroad; more and more came to inquire concerning these strange things: Some put him upon the proof of the great truths which such inquiries naturally led him to mention; and thus he was brought unawares to quote, explain, compare, and enforce, several parts of Scripture. This he did at first, sitting in his house, till the company increased so that the house could not contain them. Then he stood at the door, which he was commonly obliged to do in the evening, as soon as he came from work. God immediately set his seal to what was spoken; and several believed, and therefore declared, that God was merciful also to their unrighteousness, and had forgiven all their sins.

Mr. Ingham, hearing of this, came to Birstal, inquired into the facts, talked with John himself, and examined him in the closest manner, both touching his knowledge and spiritual experience; after which he encouraged him to proceed; and pressed him, as often as he had opportunity, to come to any of the places where himself had been, and speak to the people a God should enable him.

But he soon gave offense, both by his plainness of speech, and by advising people to go to church and sacrament. Mr. Ingham reproved him; but finding him incorrigible, forbad any that were in his societies to hear him. But being persuaded, this is the will of God concerning him, he continues to this hour working in the day, that he may be burdensome to no man; and in the evening “testifying the truth as it is in Jesus.” I preached, at noon, on the top of Birstal-Hill, to several hundreds of plain people; and spent the afternoon in talking severally with those who had tasted of the grace of God. All of these, I found, had been vehemently pressed, not to run about to church and sacrament, and to keep their religion to themselves; to be still; not to talk about what they had experienced. At eight I preached on the side of Dewsbury-Moor, about two miles from Birstal, and earnestly exhorted all who believed, to wait upon God in his own ways, and to let their light shine before men.

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We left Birstal, and on Friday, 28, came to

Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

I read, with great expectation, yesterday and today, Xenophon’s “Memorable things of Socrates.” I was utterly amazed at his want of judgment. How many of these things would Plato never have mentioned! But it may be well that we see the shades too of the brightest picture in all heathen antiquity.

We came to Newcastle about six; and, after a short refreshment, walked into the town. I was surprised: So much drunkenness, cursing, and swearing, (even from the mouths of little children,) do I never remember to have seen and heard before, in so small a compass of time. Surely this place is ripe for Him who “came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

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I was informed that one Mr. Hall had been there about a year before, and had preached several times; but I could not learn that there was the least fruit of his labor; nor could I find any that desired to hear him again, nor any that appeared to care for such matters.

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At seven I walked down to Sandgate, the poorest and most contemptible part of the town; and, standing at the end of the street with John Taylor, began to sing the hundredth Psalm. Three or four people came out to see what was the matter; who soon increased to four or five hundred. I suppose there might be twelve or fifteen hundred, before I had done preaching; to whom I applied those solemn words, “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: The chastisement of our peace was upon him; and by his stripes we are healed.”

Observing the people, when I had done, to stand gaping and staring upon me, with the most profound astonishment, I told them, “If you desire to know who I am, my name is John Wesley. At five in the evening, with God’s help, I design to preach here again.”

At five, the hill on which I designed to preach was covered, from the top to the bottom. I never saw so large a number of people together, either in Moorfields, or at Kennington-Common. I knew it was not possible for the one half to hear, although my voice was then strong and clear; and I stood so as to have them all in view, as they were ranged on the side of the hill. The word of God which I set before them was, “I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely.” After preaching, the poor people were ready to tread me under foot, out of pure love and kindness. It was some time before I could possibly get out of the press. I then went back another way than I came; but several were got to our inn before me; by whom I was vehemently importuned to stay with them, at least, a few days; or, however, one day more. But I could not consent; having given my word to be at Birstal, with God’s leave, on Tuesday night. Some of these told me, they were members of a religious society, which had subsisted for many years, and had always gone on in a prudent, regular manner, and been well spoken of by all men. They likewise informed me what a fine library they had; and that the Steward read a sermon every Sunday. And yet how many of the publicans and harlots will go into the kingdom of heaven before these!

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About three I left Newcastle. I read over today the famous Dr. Pitcairn’s Works; but I was utterly disappointed by that dry, sour, controversial book. We came in the evening to Boroughbridge, where, to my great surprise, the mistress of the house, though much of a gentlewoman, desired she and her family might join with us in prayer. They did so likewise between four and five in the morning. Perhaps even this seed may bring forth fruit.

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As we were riding through Knaresborough, not intending

to stop there, a young man stopped me in the street, and earnestly desired me to go to his house. I did so. He told me, our talking with a man, as we went through the town before, had set many in a flame; and that the sermon we gave him, had traveled from one end of the town to the other. While I was with him, a woman came and desired to speak with me. I went to her house, whither five or six of her friends came; one of whom had been long under deep conviction. We spent an hour in prayer, and all our spirits were refreshed.

About one we came to Mr. More’s, at Beeston, near Leeds. His son rode with me, after dinner, to Birstal; where (a multitude of people being gathered from all parts) I explained to them the spirit of bondage and adoption. I began about seven, but could not conclude till half an hour past nine.

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I was invited to Mrs. Holmes’s, near Halifax; where I preached at noon, on, “Ask, and ye shall receive.” Thence I rode to Dr. L —’s, the Vicar of Halifax; a candid inquirer after truth. I called again upon Mrs. Holmes, in my return; when her sister a little surprised me, by asking, “Ought not a Minister of Christ to do three things: First, To preach his Law, in order to convince of sin: Then, To offer free pardon, through faith in his blood, to all convinced sinners: And, in the Third place, To preach his Law again, as a rule for those that believe? I think, if any one does otherwise, he is no true Minister of Christ. He divides what God has joined, and cannot be said to preach the whole Gospel.” I preached at eight near Dewsbury-Moor; and at eight the next morning, Thursday, 3, at Mirfield, where I found Mr. Ingham had been an hour before. Great part of the day I spent in speaking with those who have tasted the powers of the world to come: By whose concurrent testimony I find, that Mr. Ingham’s method to this day is,

1. To endeavor to persuade them, that they are in a delusion, and have indeed no faith at all: If this cannot be done, then,

2. To make them keep it to themselves; and,

3. To prevent their going to the church or sacrament; at least to guard them from having any reverence, or expecting to find any blessing in those ordinances of God.

In the evening I preached at Adwalton, a mile from Birstal, in a broad part of the highway, the people being too numerous to be contained in any house in the town. After preaching, and the next day, I spoke with more, who had, or sought for, redemption through Christ; all of whom I perceived had been advised also, to put their light under a bushel; or to forsake the ordinances of God, in order to find Christ.

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At noon I preached at Birstal once more. All the hearers were deeply attentive; whom I now confidently and cheerfully committed to “the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls.”

Hence I rode to Beeston. Here I met once more with the works of a celebrated author, of whom many great men cannot speak without rapture, and the strongest expressions of admiration, — I mean Jacob Behmen. The book I now opened was his “Mysterium Magnum,” or Exposition of Genesis. Being conscious of my ignorance, I earnestly besought God to enlighten my understanding. I seriously considered what I read, and endeavored to weigh it in the balance of the sanctuary. And what can I say concerning the part I read? I can and must say thus much, (and that with as full evidence as I can say, that two and two make four,) it is most sublime nonsense; inimitable bombast; fustian not to be paralleled! All of a piece with his inspired interpretation of the word Tetragrammaton; on which (mistaking it for the unutterable name itself, whereas it means only a word consisting of four letters) he comments with such exquisite gravity and solemnity, telling you the meaning of every syllable of it.

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I rode for Epworth. Before we came thither, I made an end of Madam Guyon’s “Short Method of Prayer,” and “Les Torrents Spirituelles.” Ah, my brethren! I can answer your riddle, now I have ploughed with your heifer. The very words I have so often heard some of you use, are not your own, no more than they are God’s. They are only retailed from this poor Quietist; and that with the utmost faithfulness. O that ye knew how much God is wiser than man! Then would you drop Quietists and Mystics together, and at all hazards keep to the plain, practical, written word of God.

It being many years since I had been in Epworth before, I went to an inn, in the middle of the town, not knowing whether there were any left in it now who would not be ashamed of my acquaintance. But an old servant of my fathers, with two or three poor women, presently found me out. I asked her, “Do you know any in Epworth who are in earnest to be saved?” She answered, “I am, by the grace of God; and I know I am saved through faith.” I asked, “Have you then the peace of God? Do you know that He has forgiven your sins?” She replied, “I thank God, I know it well. And many here can say the same thing.”

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A little before the Service began, I went to Mr. Romley, the Curate, and offered to assist him either by preaching or reading Prayers. But he did not care to accept of my assistance. The church was exceeding full in the afternoon, a rumor being spread, that I was to preach. But the sermon on, “Quench not the Spirit,” was not suitable to the expectation of many of the hearers. Mr. Romley told them, one of the most dangerous ways of quenching the Spirit was by enthusiasm; and enlarged on the character of an enthusiast, in a very florid and oratorical manner. After sermon John Taylor stood in the church-yard, and gave notice, as the people were coming out, “Mr. Wesley, not being permitted to preach in the church, designs to preach here at six o’clock.”

Accordingly at six I came, and found such a congregation as I believe Epworth never saw before. I stood near the east end of the church, upon my father’s tomb-stone, and cried, “The kingdom of heaven is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” At eight I went to Edward Smith’s, where were many not only of Epworth, but of Burnham, Haxey, Ouston, Belton, and other villages round about, who greatly desired that I would come over to them and help them. I was now in a strait between two; desiring to hasten forward in my journey, and yet not knowing how to leave those poor bruised reeds in the confusion where in I found them. John Harrison, it seems, and Richard Ridley, had told them in express terms, “All the ordinances are man’s inventions; and if you go to church or sacrament, you will be damned.” Many hereupon wholly forsook the church, and others knew not what to do. At last I determined to spend some days here, that I might have time both to preach in each town, and to speak severally with those, in every place, who had found or waited for salvation.

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I preached at Burnham, a mile from Epworth, on, “The Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins.” At eight in the evening I stood again on my father’s tomb, (as I did every evening this week,) and cried aloud to the earnestly attentive congregation, “By grace are ye saved through faith.”

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I walked to Hibbaldstow (about twelve miles from Epworth) to see my brother and sister. The Minister of Ouston (two miles from Epworth) having sent me word, I was welcome to preach in his church, I called there in my return; but his mind being changed, I went to another place in the town, and there explained, “Thou shalt call his name Jesus; for he shall save his people from their sins.” At eight I largely enforced at Epworth the great truth, (so little understood in what is called a Christian country,) “Unto him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted to him for righteousness.” I went thence to the place where the little society met, which was sufficiently thronged both within and without. Here I found some from Hainton, (a town twenty miles off,) who informed us, that God had begun a work there also, and constrained several to cry out in the bitterness of their soul, “What must I do to be saved?”

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I rode over to a neighboring town, to wait upon a Justice of Peace, a man of candor and understanding; before whom (I was informed) their angry neighbors had carried a whole wagon-load of these new heretics. But when he asked what they had done, there was a deep silence; for that was a point their conductors had forgot. At length one said, “Why, they pretended to be better than other people: And besides, they prayed from morning to night.” Mr. S. asked, “But have they done nothing besides?” “Yes, Sir,” said an old man: “An’t please your worship, they have converted my wife. Till she went among them, she had such a tongue! And now she is as quiet as a lamb.” “Carry them back, carry them back,” replied the Justice, “and let them convert all the scolds in the town.” I went from hence to Belton, to H — F — r’s, a young man who did once run well; but now said, he saw the devil in every corner of the church, and in the face of every one who had been there. But he was easily brought to a better mind. I preached under a shady oak, on, “The Son of Man hath power upon earth to forgive sins.” At Epworth, in the evening, I explained the story of the Pharisee and the Publican. And I believe many began in that hour to cry out, “God be merciful to me a sinner!”

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I spoke severally with all who desired it. In the evening I explained, “Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again unto fear, but the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” I had afterwards an hour’s calm conversation with Samuel Meggot and James Herbury. What good did God do by these for a time! O let not their latter end be worse than the first!

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I visited the sick, and those who desired, but were not able, to come to me. At six I preached at Overthorp, near Haxey, (a little village about two miles from Epworth,) on that comfortable scripture, “When they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both.” I preached at Epworth about eight, on Ezekiel’s vision of the resurrection of the dry bones. And great indeed was the shaking among them: lamentation and great mourning were heard; God bowing their hearts, so that on every side, as with one accord, they lift up their voice and wept aloud. Surely He who sent his Spirit to breathe upon them, will hear their cry, and will help them.

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I preached on the righteousness of the Law and the

righteousness of faith. While I was speaking, several dropped down as dead; and among the rest, such a cry was heard, of sinners groaning for the righteousness of faith, as almost drowned my voice. But many of these soon lifted up their heads with joy, and broke out into thanksgiving; being assured they now had the desire of their soul, — the forgiveness of their sins.

I observed a gentleman there, who was remarkable for not pretending to be of any religion at all. I was informed he had not been at public worship of any kind for upwards of thirty years. Seeing him stand as motionless as a statue, I asked him abruptly, “Sir, are you a sinner?” He replied, with a deep and broken voice, “Sinner enough;” and continued strains upwards till his wife and a servant or two, who were all in tears, put him into his chaise and carried him home.

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At seven I preached at Haxey, on, “What must I do to be

saved?” Thence I went to Wroote, of which (as well as Epworth) my father was Rector for several years. Mr. Whitelamb offering me the church, I preached in the morning, on, “Ask, and it shall be given you:” In the afternoon, on the difference between the righteousness of the Law and the righteousness of faith. But the church could not contain the people, many of whom came from far; and, I trust, not in vain.

At six I preached for the last time in Epworth church-yard, (being to leave the town the nest morning,) to a vast multitude gathered together from all parts, on the beginning of our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount. I continued among them for near three hours; and yet we scarce knew how to part. O let none think his labor of love is lost because the fruit does not immediately appear! Near forty years did my father labor here; but he saw little fruit of all his labor. I took some pains among this people too; and my strength also seemed spent in vain: But now the fruit appeared. There were scarce any in the town on whom either my father or I had taken any pains formerly, but the seed, sown so long since, now sprung up, bringing forth repentance and remission of sins.

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Having a great desire to see David Taylor, whom God had

made an instrument of good to many souls, I rode to Sheffield; but not finding him there, I was minded to go forward immediately: However, the importunity of the people constrained me to stay, and preach both in the evening and in the morning. Tuesday, 15. He came. I found he had occasionally exhorted multitudes of people in various parts; but, after that, he had taken no thought about them; so that the greater part were fallen asleep again.

In the evening I preached on the inward kingdom of God: In the morning, Wednesday, 16, on the spirit of fear and the spirit of adoption. It was now first I felt that God was here also; though not so much as at Barley-Hall, (five miles from Sheffield,) where I preached in the afternoon. Many were here melted down, and filled with love toward Him whom “God hath exalted to be a Prince and a Savior.”

I talked with one here, who, for about six months, (from the hour that she knew the pardoning, love of God,) has been all peace and love. She rejoices evermore, and prays without ceasing. God gives her whatever petitions she asks of him, and enables her in every thing to give thanks. She has the witness in herself, that whatsoever she does, it is all done to the glory of God. Her heart never wanders from him; no, not for a moment; but is continually before the throne. Yet whether she was sanctified throughout or not, I had not light to determine.

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I began preaching about five, on “the righteousness of faith;” but I had not half finished my discourse, when I was constrained to break off in the midst; our hearts were so filled with a sense of the love of God, and our mouths with prayer and thanksgiving. When we were somewhat satisfied herewith, I went on to call sinners to the salvation ready to be revealed.

The same blessing from God we found in the evening, while I was showing how he justifies the ungodly. Among the hearers was one, who, some time before, had been deeply convinced of her ungodliness; in so much that she cried out, day and night, “Lord, save, or I perish!” All the neighbors agreeing that she was stark mad, her husband put her into a Physician’s hands, who blooded her largely, gave her a strong vomit, and laid on several blisters. But all this proving without success, she was, in a short time, judged to be incurable. He thought however, he would speak to one person more, who had done much good in the neighborhood. When Mrs. Johnson came, she soon saw the nature of the disease, having herself gone through the same. She ordered all the medicines to be thrown away, and exhorted the patient to look unto Jesus; which this evening she was enabled to do by faith; and he healed the broken in heart.

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I left Sheffield, and after preaching at Ripley, by the way, hastened on to Donnington-Park: But Miss Cowper, I found, was gone to rest, having finished her course near three weeks before.

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I read prayers at Ogbrook, and preached on Acts 27:23, “Whom ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.” At six in the evening I preached at Melbourn. There were many hearers; but I see little fruit.

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I had a long conversation with Mr. Simpson. And of this I am fully persuaded, that whatever he does, is in the uprightness of his heart. But he is led into a thousand mistakes by one wrong principle, (the same which many either ignorantly or wickedly ascribe to the body of the people called Methodists,) the making inward impressions his rule of action, and not the written word.

About eight I left Donnington-Park, and before noon came to Markfield. We lay at Coventry, and the next day, Wednesday, 23, in the afternoon, came to Evesham. At eight I preached. There were many who came with a design to disturb the rest; but they opened not their mouth.

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I spent great part of the day in speaking with the members of the society; whom in the evening I earnestly besought, no more to tear each other to pieces by disputing; but to “follow after holiness,” and “provoke one another to love and to good works.”

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I rode to Painswick; where, in the evening, I declared to all those who had been fighting and troubling one another, from the beginning hitherto, about rites and ceremonies, and modes of worship, and opinions, “The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”

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I was desired to call upon Mr. Walker, “the pillar of the Church” in these parts. As soon as I came in, he fell upon me with might and main, for saying, “People might know their sins were forgiven,” and brought a great book to confute me at once. I asked, if it was the Bible; and upon his answering, “No,î inquired no farther, but laid it quietly down. This made him warmer still: Upon which I holden it best to shake him by the hand and take my leave.

I had appointed to preach in Stroud at noon. But, about ten, observing it to rain faster and faster, was afraid the poor people would not be able to come, many of whom lived some miles off. But in a quarter of an hour the rain ceased, and we had a fair, pleasant day; so that many were at the market-place, while I applied the story of the Pharisee and Publican; the hard rain in the morning having disengaged them from their work in the grounds. There would probably have been more disturbance, but that a drunken man began too soon, and was so senselessly impertinent, that even his comrades were quite ashamed of him.

In the evening I preached on Hampton-Common. Many of Mr. Whitefield’s society were there; to whom, as well as to all the other sinners, (without meddling with any of their opinions,) I declared, in the name of the great Physician, “I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely.”

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I preached in Painswick at seven, on the spirit of fear and the spirit of adoption. I went to church at ten, and heard a remarkable discourse, asserting, that we are justified by faith alone: But that this faith, which is the previous condition of justification, is the complex of all Christian virtues, including all holiness and good works, in the very idea of it.

Alas! how little is the difference between asserting, either,

1. That we are justified by works, which is Popery bare-faced; (and, indeed, so gross, that the sober Papists, those of the Council of Trent in particular, are ashamed of it;) or,

2. That we are justified by faith and works, which is Popery refined or reveiled; (but with so thin a veil, that every attentive observer must discern it is the same still;) or,

3. That we are justified by faith alone, but by such a faith as includes all good works. What a poor shift is this: — “I will not say, We are justified by works; nor yet by faith and works; because I have subscribed Articles and Homilies, which maintain just the contrary. No; I say, We are justified by faith alone; but then by faith I mean works!”

When the afternoon Service was ended at Runwick, I stood and cried to a vast multitude of people, “Unto him that worketh not, but believeth, his faith is counted for righteousness.” I concluded the day on Hampton-Common, by explaining, to a large congregation, the essential difference between the righteousness of the Law, and the righteousness of faith.

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I rode to Bristol. I soon found disputing had done much mischief here also. I preached on those words, “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?” Many were cut to the heart. A cry went forth; and great was the company of the mourners: But God did not leave them comfortless: Some knew in the same hour, that he had the words of eternal life.

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I was desired to visit one in Newgate. As I was coming out, poor Benjamin Rutter stood in my way, and poured out such a flood of cursing and bitterness, as I scarce thought was to be found out of hell. From Thursday, JULY 1, till Monday, I endeavored to compose the little differences which had arisen. On Monday I rode to Cardiff, and found much peace and love in the little society there. Tuesday, 6. I rode over to Fonmon, and found Mrs. Jones thoroughly resigned to God, although feeling what it was to lose an husband, and such an husband, in the strength of his years.

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I returned, and at five in the afternoon preached to a small attentive congregation near Henbury. Before eight I reached Bristol, and had a comfortable meeting with many who knew in whom they had believed.

Now at length I spent a week in peace, all disputes being laid aside.

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I was desired to meet one who was ill of a very uncommon disorder. She said, “For several years, I have heard, wherever I am, a voice continually speaking to me, cursing, swearing, and blaspheming, in the most horrid manner, and inciting me to all manner of wickedness. I have applied to Physicians, and taken all sorts of medicines, but am never the better:” No, nor ever will, till a better Physician than these bruises Satan under her feet.

I left Bristol in the evening of Sunday, 18, and on Tuesday came to London. I found my mother on the borders of eternity. But she had no doubt or fear; nor any desire but (as soon as God should call) “to depart, and to be with Christ.”

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About three in the afternoon I went to my mother and found her change was near. I sat down on the bed-side. She was in her last conflict; unable to speak, but I believe quite sensible. Her look was calm and serene, and her eyes fixed upward, while we commended her soul to God. From three to four, the silver cord was loosing, and the wheel breaking at the cistern; and then, without any struggle, or sigh, or groan, the soul was set at liberty. We stood round the bed, and fulfilled her last request, uttered a little before she lost her speech: “Children, as soon as I am released, sing a psalm of praise to God.”

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Almost an innumerable company of people being

gathered together, about five in the afternoon, I committed to the earth the body of my mother, to sleep with her fathers. The portion of Scripture from which I afterwards spoke was, “I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their worlds.” It was one of the most solemn assemblies I ever saw, or expect to see on this side eternity.

We set up a plain stone at the head of her grave, inscribed with the following words: —

HERE LIES THE BODY

OF

MRS. SUSANNAH WESLEY,

THE YOUNGEST AND LAST SURVIVING DAUGHTER OF

DR. SAMUEL ANNESLEY

IN sure and steadfast hope to rise,

And claim her mansion in the skies,

A Christian here her flesh laid down,

The cross exchanging for a crown.

True daughter of affliction, she,

Inured to pain and misery,

Mourn’d a long night of griefs and fears,

A legal night of seventy years.

The Father then reveal’d his Son,

Him in the broken bread made known;

She knew and felt her sins forgiven,

And found the earnest of her heaven.

Meet for the fellowship above,

She heard the call, “Arise, my love!”

“I come,” her dying looks replied,

And lamb-like, as her Lord, she died.

I cannot but further observe, that even she (as well as her father, and grandfather, her husband, and her three sons) had been, in her measure and degree, a preacher of righteousness. This I learned from a letter, wrote long since to my father; part of which I have here subjoined: — “February 6, 1711-12.

“ — As I am a woman, so I am also mistress of a large family. And though the superior charge of the souls contained in it, lies upon you; yet, in your absence, I cannot but look upon every soul you leave under my care, as a talent committed to me under a trust, by the great Lord of all the families, both of heaven and earth. And if I am unfaithful to him or you, in neglecting to improve these talents, how shall I answer unto him, when he shall command me to render an account of my stewardship?

“As these, and other such like thoughts, made me at first take a more than ordinary care of the souls of my children and servants, so — knowing our religion requires a strict observation of the Lord’s day, and not thinking that we fully answered the end of the institution by going to church, unless we filled up the intermediate spaces of time by other acts of piety and devotion — I thought it my duty to spend some part of the day, in reading to and instructing my family: And such time I esteemed spent in a way more acceptable to God, than if I had retired to my own private devotions.

“This was the beginning of my present practice. Other people’s coming and joining with us was merely accidental. Our lad told his parents: They first desired to be admitted, then others that heard of it, begged leave also: So our company increased to about thirty; and it seldom exceeded forty last winter.

“But soon after you went to London last, I light on the account of the Danish Missionaries. I was, I think, never more affected with any thing; I could not forbear spending good part of that evening in praising and adoring the divine goodness, for inspiring them with such ardent zeal for his glory. For several days I could think or speak of little else. At last it came into my mind, Though I am not a man, nor a Minister, yet if my heart were sincerely devoted to God, and I was inspired with a true zeal for his glory, I might do somewhat more than I do. I thought I might pray more for them, and might speak to those with whom I converse with more warmth of affection. I resolved to begin with my own children; in which I observe the following method: — I take such a proportion of time as I can spare every night, to discourse with each child apart. On Monday, I talk with Molly; on Tuesday, with Hetty; Wednesday, with Nancy; Thursday, with Jacky; Friday, with Patty; Saturday, with Charles; and with Emily and Suky together on Sunday. “With those few neighbors that then came to me, I discoursed more freely and affectionately. I chose the best and most awakening sermons we have. And I spent somewhat more time with them in such exercises, without being careful about the success of my undertaking. Since this, our company increased every night; for I dare deny none that ask admittance.

“Last Sunday I believe we had above two hundred. And yet many went away, for want of room to stand.

“We banish all temporal concerns from our society. None is suffered to mingle any discourse about them with our reading or singing. We keep close to the business of the day; and when it is over, all go home.

“I cannot conceive, why any should reflect upon you, because your wife endeavors to draw people to church, and to restrain them from profaning the Lord’s day, by reading to them, and other persuasions. For my part, I value no censure upon this account. I have long since shook hands with the world. And I heartily wish, I had never given them more reason to speak against me. “As to its looking particular, I grant it does. And so does almost any thing that is serious, or that may any way advance the glory of God, or the salvation of souls.

“As for your proposal, of letting some other person read: Alas! you do not consider what a people these are. I do not think one man among them could read a sermon, without spelling a good part of it. Nor has any of our family a voice strong enough to be heard by such a number of people.

“But there is one thing about which I am much dissatisfied; that is, their being present at family prayers. I do not speak of any concern I am under, barely because so many are present; for those who have the honor of speaking to the Great and Holy God, need not be ashamed to speak before the whole world: But because of my sex. I doubt if it is proper for me to present the prayers of the people to God. Last Sunday I would faint have dismissed them before prayers; but they begged so earnestly to stay, I durst not deny them.

“TO THE REV. MR. WESLEY,

“In St. Margaret’s Church-Yard, Westminster.”

For the benefit of those who are entrusted, as she was, with the care of a numerous family, I cannot but add one letter more, which I received from her many years ago: —

“DEAR SON, July 24, 1732.

“ACCORDING to your desire, I have collected the principal rules I observed in educating my family; which I now send you as they occurred to my mind, and you may (if you think they can be of use to any) dispose of them in what order you please.

“The children were always put into a regular method or living, in such things as they were capable of, from their birth; as in dressing, undressing, changing their linen, etc. The first quarter commonly passes in sleep. After that, they were, if possible, laid into their cradles awake, and rocked to sleep; and so they were kept rocking, till it was time for them to awake. This was done to bring them to a regular course of sleeping; which at first was three hours in the morning, and three in the afternoon: Afterward two hours, till they needed none at all.

“When turned a year old, (and some before,) they were taught to fear the rod, and to cry softly; by which means they escaped abundance of correction they might otherwise have had; and that most odious noise of the crying of children was rarely heard in the house; but the family usually lived in as much quietness, as if there had not been a child among them.

“As soon as they were grown pretty strong, they were confined to three meals a day. At dinner their little table and chairs were set by ours, where they could be overlooked; and they were suffered to eat and drink (small beer) as much as they would; but not to call for any thing. If they wanted aught, they used to whisper to the maid which attended them, who came and spake to me; and as soon as they could handle a knife and fork, they were set to our table. They were never suffered to choose their meat, but always made to eat such things as were provided for the family.

“Mornings they had always spoon-meat; sometimes at nights. But whatever they had, they were never permitted to eat, at those meals, of more than one thing; and of that sparingly enough. Drinking or eating between meals was never allowed, unless in case of sickness; which seldom happened. Nor were they suffered to go into the kitchen to ask any thing of the servants, when they were at meat; if it was known they did, they were certainly beat, and the servants severely reprimanded.

“At six, as soon as family prayers were over, they had their supper; at seven, the maid washed them; and beginning at the youngest, she undressed and got them all to bed by eight; at which time she left them in their several rooms awake; for there was no such thing allowed of in our house, as sitting by a child till it fell asleep.

“They were so constantly used to eat and drink what was given them, that when any of them was ill, there was no difficulty in making them take the most unpleasant medicine: For they durst not refuse it, though some of them would presently throw it up. This I mention, to show that a person may be taught to take any thing, though it be never so much against his stomach. “In order to form the minds of children, the first thing to be done is to conquer their will, and bring them to an obedient temper. To inform the understanding is a work of time, and must with children proceed by slow degrees as they are able to bear it; but the subjecting the will, is a thing which must be done at once; and the sooner the better. For by neglecting timely correction, they will contract a stubbornness and obstinacy, which is hardly ever after conquered; and never, without rising such severity as would be as painful to me as to the child. In the esteem of the world they pass for kind and indulgent, whom I call cruel, parents, who permit their children to get habits, which they know must be afterwards broken. Nay, some are so stupidly fond, as in sport to teach their children to do things which in a while after, they have severely beaten them for doing. Whenever a child is corrected, it must be conquered; and this will be no hard matter to do, if it be not grown headstrong by too much indulgence. And when the will of a child is totally subdued, and it is brought to revere and stand in awe of the parents, then a great many childish follies and inadvertences may be passed by. Some should be overlooked and taken no notice of, and others mildly reproved; but no willful transgression ought ever to be forgiven children, without chastisement, less or more, as the nature and circumstances of the offense require.

“I insist upon conquering the will of children betimes, because this is the only strong and rational foundation of a religious education; without which both precept and example will be ineffectual. But when this is thoroughly done, then a child is capable of being governed by the reason and piety of its parents, till its own understanding comes to maturity, and the principles of religion have taken root in the mind.

“I cannot yet dismiss this subject. As self-will is the root of all sin and misery, so whatever cherishes this in children, insures their after-wretchedness and irreligion: Whatever checks and mortifies it, promotes their future happiness and piety. This is still more evident, if we farther consider, that religion is nothing else than the doing the will of God, and not our own: That the one grand impediment to our temporal and eternal happiness being this self-will, no indulgences of it can be trivial, no denial unprofitable. Heaven or hell depends on this alone. So that the parent who studies to subdue it in his child, works together with God in the renewing and saving a soul. The parent who indulges it does the devil’s work, makes religion impracticable, salvation unattainable; and does all that in him lies to damn his child, soul and body for ever.

“The children of this family were taught, as soon as they could speak, the Lord’s Prayer, which they were made to say at rising and bed-time constantly; to which, as they grew bigger, were added a short prayer for their parents, and some Collects; a short Catechism, and some portion of Scripture, as their memories could bear.

“They were very early made to distinguish the Sabbath from other days; before they could well speak or go. They were as soon taught to be still at family prayers, and to ask a blessing immediately after, which “They were quickly made to understand, they might have nothing they cried for, and instructed to speak handsomely for what they wanted. They were not suffered to ask even the lowest servant for aught without saying, ‘Pray give me such a thing;’ and the servant was chid, if she ever let them omit that word. Taking God’s name in vain, cursing and swearing, profaneness, obscenity, rude, ill-bred names, were never heard among them. Nor were they ever permitted to call each other by their proper names, without the addition of brother or sister. “None to them were taught to read till five years old, except Kezzy, in whose case I was overruled; and she was more years learning, than any of the rest had been months. The way of teaching was this: — The day before a child began to learn, the house was set in order, every one’s work appointed them, and a charge given, that none should come into the room from nine till twelve, or from two till five; which, you know, were our school-hours. One day was allowed the child wherein to learn its letters; and each of them did in that time know all its letters, great and small, except Holly and Nancy, who were a day and a half before they knew them perfectly; for which I then thought them very dull; but since I have observed how long many children are learning the horn-book, I have changed my opinion. But the reason why I thought them so then was, because the rest learned so readily; and your brother Samuel, who was the first child I ever taught, learned the alphabet in a few hours. He was five years old on the 10th of February; the next day he began to learn; and as soon as he knew the letters, began at the first chapter of Genesis. He was taught to spell the first verse, then to read it over and over, till he could read it off-hand without any hesitation; so on to the second, etc., till he took ten verses for a lesson, which he quickly did. Easter fell low that year; and by Whitsuntide he could read a chapter very well; for he read continually, and had such a prodigious memory, that I cannot remember ever to have told him the same word twice.

“What was yet stranger, any word he had learned in his lesson, he knew, wherever he saw it, either in his Bible, or any other book; by which means he learned very soon to read an English author well. “The same method was observed with them all As soon as they knew the letters, they were put first to spell, and read outline, then a verse; never leaving, till perfect in their lesson, were it shorter or longer. So one or other continued reading at school-time, without any intermission; and before we left school, each child read what he had learned that morning; and ere we parted in the afternoon, what they had learneqd that day.

“There was no such thing as loud talking or playing allowed of; but every one was kept close to their business, for the six hours of school: And it is almost incredible, what a child may be taught in a quarter of a year, by a vigorous application, if it have but a tolerable capacity, and good health. Every one of these, Kezzy excepted, could read better in that time, than the most of women can do as long as they live.

“Rising out of their places, or going out of the room, was not permitted, unless for good cause; and running into the yard, garden, or street, without leave, was always esteemed a capital offense. “For some years we went on very well. Never were children in better order. Never were children better disposed to piety, or in more subjection to their parents; till that fatal dispersion of them, after the fire, into several families. In those they were left at full liberty to converse with servants, which before they had always been restrained from; and to run abroad, and play with any children, good or bad. They soon learned to neglect a strict observation of the Sabbath, and got knowledge of several songs and bad things, which before they had no notion of. That civil behavior which made them admired, when at home, by all which saw them, was, in great measure, lost; and a clownish accent, and many rude ways, were learned, which were not reformed without some difficulty.

“When the house was rebuilt, and the children all brought home, we entered upon a strict reform; and then was begun the custom of singing psalms at beginning and leaving school, morning and evening. Then also that of a general retirement at five o’clock was entered upon; when the oldest took the youngest that could speak, and the second the next, to whom they read the Psalms for the day, and a chapter in the New Testament; as, in the morning, they were directed to read the Psalms and a chapter in the Old: After which they went to their private prayers, before they got their breakfast, or came into the family. And, I thank God, the custom is still preserved among us.

There were several by-laws observed among us, which slipped my memory, or else they had been inserted in their proper place; but I mention them here, because I think them useful.

“1. It had been observed, that cowardice and fear of punishment often lead children into lying, till they get a custom of it, which they cannot leave. To prevent this, a law was made, That whoever was charged with a fault, of which they were guilty, if they would ingenuously confess it, and promise to amend, should not be beaten. This rule prevented a great deal of lying, and would have done more, if one in the family would have observed it. But he could not be prevailed on, and therefore was often imposed on by false colors and equivocations; which none would have used, (except one,) had they been kindly dealt with. And some, in spite of all, would always speak truth plainly. “2. That no sinful action, as lying, pilfering, playing at church, or on the Lord’s day, disobedience, quarreling, etc., should ever pass unpunished.

“3. That no child should ever be chid or beat twice for the same fault; and that if they amended, they should never be upbraided with it afterwards.

“4. That every signal act of obedience, especially when it crossed upon their own inclinations, should be always commended, and frequently rewarded, according to the merits of the cause.

“5. That if ever any child performed an act of obedience, or did any thing with an intention to please, though the performance was not well, yet the obedience and intention should be kindly accepted; and the child with sweetness directed how to do better for the future. “6. That propriety be inviolably preserved, and none suffered to invade the property of another in the smallest matter, though it were but of the value of a farthing, or a pin; which they might not take from the owner, without, much less against, his consent. This rule can never be too much inculcated on the minds of children; and from the want of parents or governors doing it as they ought, proceeds that shameful neglect of justice which we may observe in the world. “7. ‘That promises be strictly observed; and a gift once bestowed, and so the right passed away from the donor, be not resumed, but left to the disposal of him to whom it was given; unless it were conditional, and the condition of the obligation not performed.

“8. That no girl be taught to work till she can read very well; and then that she be kept to her work with the same application, and for the same time, that she was holden to in reading. This rule also is much to be observed; for the putting children to learn sewing before they can read perfectly, is the very reason, why so few women can read fit to be heard, and never to be well understood.”

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I cried aloud, in Ratcliffe-Square, “Why will ye die, O house of Israel?” Only one poor man was exceeding noisy and turbulent; but in a moment God touched his heart: He hung down his head; tears covered his face, and his voice was heard no more.

I was constrained this evening to separate from the believers, some who did not show their faith by their works. One of these, Sam. Prig, was deeply displeased, spoke many very bitter words, and went abruptly away. The next morning he called; told me, neither my brother nor I preached the Gospel, or knew what it meant. I asked, “What do we preach then?” He said, “Heathen morality: Tully’s Offices, and no more. So I wash my hands of you both. We shall see what you will come to in a little time.”

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He sent me a note, demanding the payment of one hundred

pounds, which he had lent me about a year before, to pay the workmen at the Foundery. On Friday morning, at eight, he came and said, he wanted his money, and could stay no longer. I told him, I would endeavor to borrow it; and desired him to call in the evening. But he said, he could not stay so long, and must have it at twelve o’clock. Where to get it, I knew not. Between nine and ten one came and offered me the use of an hundred pounds for a year: But two others had been with me before, to make the same offer. I accepted the bank note which one of them brought; and saw that God is over all!

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I rode to Oxford, and the next day to Evesham. On

Wednesday and Thursday, in riding from Evesham to Bristol, I read over that surprising book, “The Life of Ignatius Loyola;” surely one of the greatest men that ever was engaged in the support of so bad a cause! I wonder any man should judge him to be an enthusiast: No; but he knew the people with whom he had to do: And setting out (like Count Z —) with a full persuasion that he might use guile to promote the glory of God, or (which he thought the same thing) the interest of his Church, he acted, in all things, consistent with his principles.

In the evening I met my brother and Mr. Graves; who being able to delay it no longer, at length sent the following letter to the Fellows of St. Mary Magdalen College, in Oxford: —

“GENTLEMEN, Bristol, Aug. 20, 1742.

“IN December, 1740, I signed a paper containing the following words: ‘I, Charles Caspar Graves, do hereby declare, that I do renounce the modern practice and principles of the persons commonly called Methodists, namely, of preaching in fields, of assembling together and expounding the Holy Scriptures in private houses, and elsewhere than in churches, in an irregular and disorderly manner, and their pretensions to an extraordinary inspiration and inward feeling of the Holy Spirit.

“‘I do farther declare my conformity to the Liturgy of the Church of England, and my unfeigned assent and consent to the Articles thereof, commonly called the Thirty-nine Articles.

“‘Lastly, I do declare, that I am heartily sorry that I have given offense and scandal, by frequenting the meetings and attending the expositions of the persons commonly called Methodists; and that I will not frequent their meetings, nor attend their expositions, for the future, nor take upon me to preach and expound the Scripture, in the manner practiced by them.

“‘Charles Casper Graves.’

“I believe myself indispensably obliged, openly to declare before God and the world, that the motives whereby I was induced to sign that paper were, partly a sinful fear of man; partly an improper deference to the judgment of those whom I accounted wiser than myself; and, lastly, a resolution that if my own judgment should at any time be better informed, I would then openly retract, in the presence of God and man, whatever I should be convinced I had said or done amiss.

“Accordingly, having now had (besides a strong conviction immediately consequent thereon) many opportunities of informing my judgment better, and being fully convinced of my fault, I do hereby declare my sincere repentance, for my wicked compliance with those oppressive men, who, without any color of law, divine or human, imposed such a condition of receiving a testimonial upon me.

“I do farther declare, that I know no principles of the Methodists (so called) which are contrary to the word of God; nor any practices of them but what are agreeable both to Scripture and to the laws of the Church of England: That I believe, in particular, their preaching the Gospel in the fields, (being first forbid so to do in churches, although ‘a dispensation of the Gospel is committed to them, and woe is unto them if they preach not the Gospel,’) or in private houses, or in any part of His dominion who filleth heaven and earth, can never be proved to be contrary to any written law either of God or man: That I am not apprised of their preaching any where in an irregular, disorderly manner; neither of their pretending to any extraordinary inspiration, or extraordinary feelings of the Holy Spirit; but to those ordinary ones only, which, if a man have not, he is ‘without hope and without God in the world.’

“I do yet farther declare, that (whatever indiscretion I may in other respects have been guilty of) I know of no just offense or scandal which I ever gave by frequenting the meetings, or attending the expositions, of the persons commonly called Methodists; and that I verily believe no offense was ever taken thereat, unless either by persons loaded with prejudice, or by those who enter not into the kingdom of heaven themselves, and if others would enter in, suffer them not.

“I do, lastly, declare, that I look upon myself to be under no kind of obligation (except only, that I do still assent and consent to the Articles and Liturgy of the Church) to observe any thing contained in that scandalous paper, so unchristianly imposed upon me. “Witness my hand,

“Charles Casper Graves.”

After having regulated the Society here and in Kingswood, I set out again for London. On Monday, 30, I read over that excellent tract, Mr. Middleton’s Essay on Church Government, so nicely avoiding the two extremes of either exalting or depressing the regal power. Tuesday, 31. I read once more the Life of that good and wise (though much mistaken) man Gregory Lopez. Surely it must be a compliment made him by the biographer, (of which Gregory himself was in no wise worthy,) that “he ascribed all his virtues to the merits and mediation of the Queen of Heaven.”

We reached London in the afternoon. Friday, SEPTEMBER 3. I preached on Philippians 1:9: “This I pray, that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;” or rather “feeling,” as it is in the margin. It pleased God to make this discourse an occasion of discovering such wiles of Satan as it never entered into my heart to conceive.

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I was pressed to visit a poor murderer in Newgate, who was much afflicted both in body and soul. I objected; it could not be; for all the turnkeys, as well as the keeper, were so good Christians, they abhorred the name of a Methodist, and had absolutely refused to admit me even to one who earnestly begged it the morning he was to die. However, I went, and found, by a surprising turn, that all the doors were now open to me. I exhorted the sick malefactor to cry unto God with all his might, for grace to repent and believe the Gospel. It was not long before the rest of the fellows flocked round, to whom I spoke strong words concerning the Friend of sinners, which they received with as great signs of amazement as if it had been a voice from heaven. When I came down into the Common-Hall, (I think they called it,) one of the prisoners there asking me a question, gave me occasion to speak among them also; more and more still running together, while I declared, God was “not willing any of them should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

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Finding many had been offended at the sermon I preached on Friday night, especially those who were supposed to be strong in faith, I determined to examine the matter thoroughly. Accordingly I desired M. C., M. F., E. H., and A. G., and a few others, to meet me with Sarah Cl., Jane J — n, and Ann P., to whom they had said most concerning the point in question. I then heard each of them relate her experience at large. I afterwards examined them severally, touching the circumstances which I had not understood; on which I then talked with several others also. And thus far I approved of their experience, (because agreeable to the written word,) as to their feeling the working of the Spirit of God, in peace, and joy, and love. But as to what some of them said farther, concerning feeling the blood of Christ running upon their arms, or going down their throat, or poured like warm water upon their breast or heart; I plainly told them, the utmost I could allow, without renouncing both Scripture and reason, was, that some of these circumstances might be from God (though I could not affirm they were) working in an unusual manner, no way essential either to justification or sanctification; but that all the rest I must believe to be the mere empty dreams of an heated imagination.

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I observed that the leaven of stillness is not yet purged out from among us. One of our brethren saying, he was uneasy because he had willfully neglected the Lord’s Supper, another replied, then his faith was weak; else his peace could not be shaken by such little things. Yea, but I think such little things as these will shake the peace of any true believer, viz., a willful breach of any commandment of God. If it does not shake us, we are asleep in the devil’s arms.

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I buried the body of Lucy Godshall, one of the first women Bands at Fetter-Lane. After pressing toward the mark for more than two years, since she had known the pardoning love of God, she was for some time weary and faint in her mind, till I put her out of the Bands. God blessed this greatly to her soul, so that in a short time she was admitted again. Soon after, being at home, she felt the love of God, in an unusual manner, poured into her heart. She fell down upon her knees, and delivered up her soul and body into the hands of God: In the instant the use of all her limbs was taken away, and she was in a burning fever. For three days she mightily praised God, and rejoiced in him all the day long. She then cried out, “Now Satan hath desired to have me, that he may sift me as wheat.” Immediately darkness and heaviness fell upon her, which continued till Saturday, the 4th instant. On Sunday the light shone again upon her heart. About ten in the evening one said to her, “Jesus is ready to receive your soul:” She said, “Amen! Amen!” closed her eyes and died.

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I was desired to preach in an open place, commonly called the Great Gardens, lying between Whitechapel and Coverlet-Fields, where I found a vast multitude gathered together. Taking knowledge that a great part of them were little acquainted with the things of God, I called upon them in the words of our Lord, “Repent ye; and believe the Gospel.” Many of the beasts of the people labored much to disturb those who were of a better mind. They endeavored to drive in a herd of cows among them; but the brutes were wiser than their masters. They then threw whole showers of stones, one of which struck me just between the eyes; but I felt no pain at all; and, when I had wiped away the blood, went on testifying with a loud voice, that God hath given to them that believe, “not the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” And by the spirit which now appeared through the whole congregation, I plainly saw what a blessing it is when it is given us, even in the lowest degree, to suffer for his name’s sake.

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I preached, about nine, at Windsor; and the next evening came to Bristol. I spent the remainder of this and the following week in examining those of the society; speaking severally to each, that I might more perfectly know the state of their souls to Godward.

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In the evening, almost as soon as I began to pray in the society, a voice of lamentation and bitter mourning was heard, from the whole congregation; but in a while, loud thanksgivings were mixed therewith, which in a short space spread over all; so that nothing was to be heard on every side, but, “Praise to God and the Lamb for ever and ever!”

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I had notes from nineteen persons, desiring to return God thanks. Some of them follow: —

“John Merriman, a blind man, desires to return thanks to Almighty God, for the discovery of His love to him, an old sinner.” “One desires to return God thanks, for giving her a token of his love, in removing all prejudices, and giving her love to all mankind.” “Edith W—— desires to return thanks for great and unspeakable mercies, which the Lord was pleased to reveal to her heart; even telling me, ‘I am he that blotteth out thy transgressions, and thy sins I will remember no more.’ And I desire that the praise of the Lord may be ever in my heart.”

“Ann Simmonds desires to return hearty thanks to God for the great mercies she received last night; for she has a full assurance of her redemption in the blood of Christ.”

“Mary K—— desires to return thanks to God for giving her a fresh sense of her forgiveness.”

“Mary F—— desires to return thanks for that the Lord hath made her triumph over sin, earth, and hell.”

“Mary W——n desires to return thanks to Almighty God for a fresh sense of forgiveness.”

“SIR, — I desire to return humble thanks to Almighty God for the comfortable assurance of his pardoning love. E. C —.”

Many others took an opportunity of speaking to me, and declaring what God had done for their souls. But one came to me, Mrs. Sp——, who was still torn in pieces with sorrow, and doubts, and fears. Her chief fear, she said, was, that we are all Papists. I asked her, how she came to fear this, after she had heard us preach for near three years, and been more than a twelvemonth in the society. She said, “Why, it is not long since I met with a gentleman who told me, he was a Roman Catholic. And when I asked him, if Mr. Wesley was a Papist, he would not say yes or no; but only, ‘Mr. W. is a very good man; and you do well to hear him.’ Besides, it is but two or three nights since, as I was just setting out to come to the Room, Miss Gr — met me, and said, ‘My dear friend, you sha’nt go; indeed you sha’nt; you don’t know what you do. I assure you, Mr. W. is a Papist, and so am I; he converted me. You know how I used to pray to Saints and to the Virgin Mary! it was Mr. W. taught me when I was in the Bands. And I saw him rock the cradle on Christmas-eve: You know I scorn to tell a lie.’ Well, but, said I, how comes it that none of the rest who are in the Bands have found this out as well as you? ‘O,’ replied she, ‘they are not let into the secret yet; perhaps, if you was in the Bands, you might not hear a word of it for a year or more. O, you can’t imagine the depth of the design!’” The maid at her back then fell a crying, and said, “Indeed, Madam, Miss Gr — talks so fine! Do, Madam, mind what she says.” So between one and the other, poor Mrs. Sp—— was utterly confounded. Perhaps I need observe no more upon this, than that the Popish Priest knew well how much it would be for the interest of his Church to have me accounted a member of it; and that Miss Gr—— had lately been raving mad; (in consequence of a fever;) that, as such, she was tied down in bed; and, as soon as she was suffered to go abroad, went to Mr. Whitefield, to inquire of him whether she was not a Papist. But he quickly perceived she was only a lunatic, the nature of her disorder soon betraying itself. O that all who advance the same assertion with her, had as good a plea to urge in their excuse!

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In the evening I rode to Marshfield. The next evening I reached Whitechurch. Tuesday, 28. In the morning I preached at Great-Marlow, on the Pharisee and the Publican. Many were surprised, and perhaps in some measure convinced, (but how short lived are most of these convictions!) that it is very possible a man may be a Pharisee now; — yea, though he be not a Methodist.

A little before twelve I came to Windsor. I was soon informed, that a large number of the rabble had combined together; and declared, again and again, there should be no preaching there that day. In order to make all sure, they had provided gunpowder enough, and other things, some days before. But Burnham fair coming between, they agreed to go thither first, and have a little diversion there. Accordingly they went, and bestowed a few of their crackers upon their brother mob at Burnham. But these, not being Methodists, did not take it well, turned upon them, and gave them chase. They took shelter in an house. But that would not serve; for those without soon forced a way in, and seized on as many as they could find; who, upon information made, were sent to gaol: The rest ran away; so that when I came, none hindered or interrupted. In the evening I came to London: I proposed spending a fortnight there, and then returning to Bristol.

I spent this time partly in speaking severally to all the members of the society; partly in making a full inquiry into those devices of Satan whereof I had scarce ever heard or read before. And I believe they were now thoroughly discovered and brought to nought. O may they never more deceive the hearts of the simple!

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I had designed to leave London: But Mr. Richards

being taken ill, I put off my journey. He was much better on Tuesday; so I set out the next morning; and before seven in the evening reached the half-way house! four miles short of Hungerford.

I now found it was well I did not set out on Monday, in order to be at Bristol on Tuesday night, as usual. For all the travelers who went that way on Tuesday were robbed. But on Thursday the road was clear; so that I came safe to Kingswood in the afternoon, and in the evening preached at Bristol.

My chief business now was, to examine thoroughly the society in Kingswood. This found me full employment for several days. On Wednesday, 27, having finished my work, I set out very early, and (though my horse fell lame) on Thursday evening came to London.

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I largely explained, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty:” Namely, liberty to obey the whole will of God; to be and do whatsoever he hath commanded: In a word, to love God with all our heart, and to serve him with all our strength.

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Several of the Leaders desired to have an hour’s conversation with me. I found they were greatly perplexed about “want of management, ill husbandry, encouraging idleness, improper distribution of money,” “being imposed upon by fair pretenses,” and “men who talked well, but had no grace in their hearts.” I asked, who those men were: But that they could not tell. Who encouraged idleness: When and how: What money had been improperly distributed: By whom, and to whom: In what instances I had been imposed on; (as I presumed they meant me;) and what were the particulars of that ill husbandry and mismanagement of which they complained. They stared at one another as men in amaze. I began to be amazed too, not being able to imagine what was the matter, till one dropped a word, by which all came out. They had been talking with Mr. Hall, who had started so many objections against all I said or did, that they were in the utmost consternation, till the fire thus broke out, which then at once vanished away.

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Two of those who are called Prophets, desired to

speak with me. They told me, they were sent from God with a message to me; which was, that very shortly I should be borne’d again. One of them added, they would stay in the house till it was done, unless I turned them out. I answered, gravely, “I will not turn you out,” and showed them down into the society-room. It was tolerably cold; and they had neither meat nor drink: However, there they sat from morning to evening. They then went quietly away, and I have heard nothing from them since.

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I concluded the Epistle to the Hebrews, that strong, barrier against the too prevailing imagination, — that the privileges of Christian believers are to be measured by those of the Jews. Not so: That Christians are under a better covenant, established upon better promises; that although “the Law made nothing perfect,” made none perfect either in holiness or happiness, yet “the bringing in of a better hope” did, “by which we” now “draw nigh unto God;” this is the great truth continually inculcated herein, and running through this whole Epistle.

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I set out at four, reached Northampton that night, and the next evening, Donnington-Park. Wednesday, 10. I rode on to Rusworth-Inn, and, on Saturday, 13, reached Newcastle.

My brother had been here for some weeks before, and was but just returned to London. At eight I met the wild, staring, loving society; but not them alone, as I had designed. For we could not persuade the strangers to leave us. So that we only spent about an hour in prayer.

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I began preaching about five o’clock, (a thing never heard of before in these parts,) on, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” And the victorious sweetness of the grace of God was present with his word. At ten we went to All-Saints, where were such a number of communicants as I have scarce seen but at Bristol or London. At four I preached in the Square of the Keelman’s Hospital, on, “By grace are ye saved through faith.” It rained and hailed hard, both before and after; but there were only some scattered drops while I preached, which frighted away a few careless hearers. I met the society at six, and exhorted all who had “set their hand to the plough,” not to “look back.”

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I began at five expounding the Acts of the Apostles. In the afternoon (and every afternoon this week) I spoke severally with the members of the society. On Tuesday evening I began the Epistle to the Romans. After sermon the society met. I reproved some among them who walked disorderly; and earnestly besought them all to beware, lest, by reason of their sins, the way of truth should be evil spoken of.

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I could not but observe the different manner wherein God is pleased to work in different places. The grace of God flows here with a wider stream than it did at first either at Bristol or Kingswood. But it does not sink so deep as it did there. Few are thoroughly convinced of sin, and scarce any can witness, that the Lamb of God has taken away their sins.

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I found the first witness of this good confession. Margaret H — (O how fallen since then!) told me, that the night before, her sight (an odd circumstance) and her strength were taken away at once. At the same time the love of God so overflowed her soul, that she could not speak or move.

James R — also gave me an account today, that in going home the day before, he lost his sight in a moment, and was forced to catch hold of some rails for fear of falling. He continues under strong conviction, longing for the salvation of God.

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After preaching in the Room at five, I began preaching about eight at the Hospital: It rained all the time; but that did not disturb me or the congregation, while I explained, “Thou shalt call his name Jesus; for He shall save his people from their sins.”

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There seemed in the evening to be a deeper work in many

souls than I had observed before. Many trembled exceedingly; six or seven (both men and women) dropped down as dead; some cried unto God out of the deep; others would have cried, but their voice was lost: And some have found that the Lord is “gracious and merciful, forgiving iniquity, and transgression, and sin.”

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In the evening God was pleased to wound many more who

were quiet and at ease. And I could not but observe, that here the very best people, so called, were as deeply convinced as open sinners. Several of these were now constrained to roar aloud for the disquietness of their hearts; and these generally not young, (as in most other places,) but either middle-aged, or well stricken in years.

I never saw a work of God, in any other place, so evenly and gradually carried on. It continually rises step by step. Not so much seems to be done at any one time, as hath frequently been at Bristol or London; but something at every time. It is the same with particular souls. I saw none in that triumph of faith, which has been so common in other places. But the believers go on calm and steady. Let God do as seemeth Him good.

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Between twelve and one, I preached in a convenient ground at Whickham, two or three miles from Newcastle. I spoke strong, rough words; but I did not perceive that any regarded what was spoken. The people indeed were exceeding quiet, and the cold kept them from falling asleep; till (before two) I left them, very well satisfied with the Preacher, and with themselves.

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I preached, both at five in the Room, and at eight in the Hospital, on, “Him hath God elated to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance and remission of sins.” We then walked over to Tanfield-Leigh; about seven miles from Newcastle. Here a large company of people were gathered together from all the country round about: To whom I expounded the former part of the fifth chapter to the Romans. But so dead, senseless, unaffected a congregation, have I scarce seen, except at Whickham. Whether the Gospel or Law, or English or Greek, seemed all one to them! Yet the seed sown even here was not quite lost; for on Thursday morning, between four and five, John Brown, then of Tanfield-Leigh, was waked out of sleep by the voice that raiseth the dead; and ever since he has been full of love, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

At four I preached in the Hospital-Square, to the largest congregation I had seen since we left London, on, “Jesus Christ,” our “wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.”

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We had several places offered, on which to build a Room for the society; but none was such as we wanted. And perhaps there was a providence in our not finding any as yet; for, by this means, I was kept at Newcastle, whether I would or no.

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I was both surprised and grieved at a genuine instance of enthusiasm. J—— B——, of Tanfield-Leigh, who had received a sense of the love of God a few days before, came riding through the town, hallooing and shouting, and driving all the people before him; telling them, God had told him he should be a king, and should tread all his enemies under his feet. I sent him home immediately to his work, and advised him to cry day and night to God, that he might be lowly in heart; lest Satan should again get an advantage over him.

Today a gentleman called and offered me a piece of ground. On Monday an article was drawn, wherein he agreed to put me into possession on Thursday, upon payment of thirty pounds.

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I was so ill in the morning, that I was obliged to send Mr. Williams to the Room. He afterwards went to Mr. Stephenson, a merchant in the town, who had a passage through the ground we intended to buy. I was willing to purchase it. Mr. Stephenson told him, “Sir, I do not want money; but if Mr. Wesley wants ground, he may have a piece of my garden, adjoining to the place you mention. I am at a word. For forty pounds he shall have sixteen yards in breadth, and thirty in length.”

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Mr. Stephenson and I signed an article, and I took possession of the ground. But I could not fairly go back from my agreement with Mr. Riddle: So I entered on his ground at the same time. The whole is about forty yards in length; in the middle of which we determined to build the house, leaving room for a small court-yard before, and a little garden behind, the building.

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I expounded, at five, the former part of the Parable of the Sower. At eight I preached in the Square, on, “I am the good Shepherd: The good Shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep.” The effect of what had been spoken in the morning now evidently appeared; for one could not observe any in the congregation to stir hand or foot. When the sermon was done, they divided to the right and left, none offering to go till I was past: And then they walked quietly and silently away, lest Satan should catch the seed out of their hearts.

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I removed into lodging adjoining to the ground, where we

were preparing to build; but the violent frost obliged us to delay the work. I never felt so intense cold before. In a room where a constant fire was kept, though my desk was fixed within a yard of the chimney, I could not write for a quarter of an hour together, without my hands being quite benumbed.

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I preached at Horsley-upon-Tyne, eight (computed) miles

from Newcastle. It was about two in the afternoon. The house not containing the people, we stood in the open air, in spite of the frost. I preached again in the evening, and in the morning. We then chose to walk home, having each of us catched a violent cold by riding the day before. Mine gradually wore off; but Mr. Meyrick’s increased, so that, on Friday, he took his bed. I advised him to bleed; but he imagined he should be well without it, in a few days.

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I cried to all who felt themselves lost, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved:” And in the afternoon, “Ho! every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters.” At that hour, one who was bitterly mourning after Christ (Mary Emerson) was filled with joy unspeakable.

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We laid the first stone of the House. Many were gathered, from all parts, to see it; but none scoffed or interrupted, while we praised God, and prayed that He would prosper the work of our hands upon us. Three or four times in the evening, I was forced to break off preaching, that we might pray and give thanks to God.

When I came home, they told me the Physician said, he did not expect Mr. Meyrick would live till the morning. I went to him, but his pulse was gone. He had been speechless and senseless for some time. A few of us immediately joined in prayer: (I relate the naked fact:) Before we had done, his sense and his speech returned. Now, he that will account for this by natural causes, has my free leave: But I choose to say, This is the power of God.

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It being computed that such a House as was proposed could not be finished under seven hundred pounds, many were positive it would never be finished at all; others, that I should not live to see it covered. I was of another mind; nothing doubting but, as it was begun for God’s sake, He would provide what was needful for the finishing it.

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The Physician told me he could do no more; Mr. Meyrick

could not live over the night. I went up, and found them all crying about him; his legs being cold, and (as it seemed) dead already. We all kneeled down, and called upon God with strong cries and tears. He opened his eyes, and called for me; and, from that hour, he continued to recover his strength, till he was restored to perfect health. — I wait to hear who will either disprove this fact, or philosophically account for it.

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From those words, “Sing we merrily unto God, our strength; make a cheerful noise unto the God of Jacob;” I took occasion to show the usual way of keeping these days holy, in honor of the birth of our Lord; namely, by an extraordinary degree of gluttony and drunkenness; by heathen, and worse than heathen, diversions; (with their constant attendants, passion and strife, cursing, swearing, and blasphemy;) and by dancing and card-playing, equally conducive to the glory of God. I then described the right way of keeping a day holy to the Lord: By extraordinary prayer, public and private; by thanksgiving; by hearing, reading, and meditating on his word; and by talking of all his wondrous works.

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I rode to Horsley. The house being too small, I was obliged again to preach in the open air; but so furious a storm have I seldom known. The wind drove upon us like torrent; coming by turns from east, west, north, and south; the straw and thatch flew round our heads; so that one would have imagined it could not be long before the house must follow; but scarce any one stirred, much less went away, till I dismissed them with the peace of God.

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I preached in an open place at Swalwell, two or three miles from Newcastle. The wind was high, and extremely sharp; but I saw none go away till I went. Yet I observed none that seemed to be much convinced; only stunned, as if cut in the head.

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After preaching (as usual) in the Square, I took horse for Tanfield. More than once I was only not blown off my horse. However, at three I reached the Leigh, and explained to a multitude of people the salvation which is through faith. Afterwards I met the society in a large upper room, which rocked to and fro with the violence of the storm. But all was calm within; and we rejoiced together in hope of a kingdom which cannot be moved.

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I carefully examined those who had lately cried out in the congregation. Some of these, I found could give no account at all, how or wherefore they had done so; only that of a sudden they dropped down, they knew not how; and what they afterwards said or did, they knew not. Others could just remember, they were in fear; but could not tell what they were in fear of. Several said, they were afraid of the devil; and this was all they knew. But a few gave a more intelligible account of the piercing sense they then had of their sins, both inward and outward, which were set in array against them round about; of the dread they were in of the wrath of God, and the punishment they had deserved, into which they seemed to be just falling without any way to escape. One of them told me, “I was as if I was just falling down from the highest place I had ever seen. I thought the Devil was pushing me off, and that God had forsaken me.” Another said, “I felt the very fire of hell already kindled in my breast; and all my body was in as much pain as if I had been in a burning fiery furnace.” What wisdom is that which rebuketh these, that they “should hold their peace?” Nay, let such an one cry after Jesus of Nazareth, till he saith, “Thy faith hath made thee whole.”

At eleven I preached my farewell sermon in the Hospital-Square. I never saw such a congregation there before; nor did I ever speak so searchingly. I could not conclude till one; and then both men, women, and children, hung upon me, so that I knew not which way to disengage myself. After some time, I got to the gate, and took horse; but even then “a muckle woman” (as one called her, in great anger) kept her hold, and ran by the horse’s side, through thick and thin, down to Sandgate. Jonathan Reeves rode with me. We reached Darlington that night, and Boroughbridge the next day. What encouragement have we to speak for God! At our inn we met an ancient man, who seemed, by his conversation, never to have thought whether he had any soul or no. Before we set out, I spoke a few words concerning his cursing and idle conversation. The man appeared quite broken in pieces: The tears started into his eyes; and he acknowledged (with abundance of thanks to me) his own guilt and the goodness of God.

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