1764

We met in the evening for that solemn purpose.

I believe the number of those that met was considerably larger than it was last year. And so was the blessing: Truly the consolations of God were not small with us. Many were filled with peace and joy; many with holy fear, and several backsliders were healed.

On some of the following days, I visited the little societies near London.

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I preached at Mitcham; and in the afternoon rode to

Dorking. But the gentleman to whose house I was invited, seemed to have no desire I should preach. So that evening I had nothing to do. Friday, 13. I went at noon into the street; and in a broad place, not far from the market place, proclaimed “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.” At first two or three little children were the whole of my congregation: But it quickly increased, though the air was sharp, and the ground exceeding wet: And all behaved well but three or four grumbling men, who stood so far off that they disturbed none but themselves.

I had purposed to preach there again in the morning; but a violent storm made it impracticable. So, after preaching at Mitcham in the way, I rode back to London.

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I rode to High-Wycombe, and preached to a more numerous

and serious congregation than ever I saw there before. Shall there be yet another day of visitation to this careless people?

A large number was present at five in the morning: But my face and gums were so swelled I could hardly speak. After I took horse, they grew worse and worse, till it began to rain. I was then persuaded to put on an oil-case hood, which (the wind being very high) kept rubbing continually on my cheek, till both pain and swelling were gone.

Between twelve and one we crossed Ensham-Ferry. The water vwas like a sea on both sides. I asked the ferryman, “Can we ride the causeway?” He said, “Yes, Sir; if you keep in the middle.” But this was the difficulty, as the whole causeway was covered with water to a considerable depth. And this in many parts ran over the causeway with the swiftness and violence of a sluice. Once my mare lost both her fore feet, but she gave a spring, and recovered the causeway: Otherwise we must have taken a swim; for the water on either side was ten or twelve feet deep. However, after one or two plunges more, we got through, and came safe to Witney. The congregation in the evening, as well as the next day, was both large and deeply attentive. This is such a people as I have not seen, — so remarkably diligent in business, and, at the same time, of so quiet a spirit, and so calm and civil in their behavior.

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I rode through Oxford to Henley. The people here bear no resemblance to those of Witney. I found a wild, staring congregation, many of them void both of common sense and common decency. I spoke exceeding plain to them all, and reproved some of them sharply. Friday,

20. I took (probably my final) leave of Henley, and returned to London.

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I rode to Sundon, and preached in the evening to a very quiet and very stupid people. How plain is it, that even to enlighten the understanding is beyond the power of man! After all our preaching here, even those who have constantly attended no more understand us than if we had preached in Greek.

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Returning from Bedford, I tried another way to reach them. I preached on, “Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched;” and set before them the terrors of the Lord, in the strongest manner I was able. It seemed to be the very thing they wanted. They not only listened with the deepest attention, but appeared to be more affected than I had ever seen them by any discourse whatever.

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I buried the remains of William Hurd, a son of

affliction for many years, continually struggling with inward and outward trials. But his end was peace.

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I preached again in the Foundery, which had been repairing for several weeks. It is not only firm and safe, (whereas before the main timbers were quite decayed,) but clean and decent, and capable of receiving several hundreds more.

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I began Mr. Hartley’s ingenious “Defence of the Mystic Writers.” But it does not satisfy me. I must still object,

1. To their sentiments. The chief of them do not appear to me to have any conception of church communion. Again, they slight not only works of piety, the ordinances of God, but even works of mercy. And yet most of them, yea, all that I have seen, hold justification by works. In general, they are “wise above what is written,” indulging themselves in many unscriptural speculations. I object,

2. To their spirit, that most of them are of a dark, shy, reserved, unsociable temper. And that they are apt to despise all who differ from them, as carnal, unenlightened men. I object,

3. To their whole phraseology. It is both unscriptural, and affectedly mysterious. I say, affectedly; for this does not necessarily result from the nature of the things spoken of. St. John speaks as high and as deep things as Jacob Behmen. Why then does not Jacob speak as plain as him?

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I opened the new chapel at Wapping, well filled with deeply attentive hearers. Thursday, 16. I once more took a serious walk through the tombs in Westminster Abbey. What heaps of unmeaning stone and marble! But there was one tomb which showed common sense; that beautiful figure of Mr. Nightingale, endeavoring to screen his lovely wife from Death. Here indeed the marble seems to speak, and the statues appear only not alive.

After taking Brentford, Deptford, Welling, and Sevenoaks, in my way, on Thursday, 23, I rode to Sir Thomas. I’Anson’s, (at New-Bounds, two miles beyond Tunbridge,) just quivering on the verge of life, helpless as a child, but (as it seems) greatly profited by this severe dispensation. The hall, staircase, and adjoining rooms, just contained the people in the evening. One poor backslider, whom Providence had brought thither, was exceedingly wounded. I left her resolved to set out once more, if haply God might heal her.

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I returned to London. Wednesday, 29. I heard “Judith,” an Oratorio, performed at the Lock. Some parts of it were exceeding fine; but there are two things in all modern pieces of music, which I could never reconcile to common sense. One is singing the same words ten times over; the other singing different words by different persons, alone and the same time. And this in the most solemn addresses to God, whether by way of prayer or of thanksgiving. This can never be defended by all the musicians in Europe, till reason is quite out of date.

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I set out for Bristol. Friday, 16. I met several serious Clergymen. I have long desired that there might be an open, avowed union between all who preach those fundamental truths, Original Sin, and Justification by Faith, producing inward and outward holiness; but all my endeavors have been hitherto ineffectual. God’s time is not fully come.

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I set out for the north. We reached Stroud about two in the afternoon. How many years were we beating the air in this place! one wrong-headed man pulling down all we could build up. But since he is gone, the word of God takes root, and the society increases both in number and strength. Tuesday, 20. At seven I preached in Painswick. For many years an honest, disputing man greatly hindered the work of God here also, subverting the souls that were just setting out for heaven. But since God took him to himself His word has free course, and many sinners are converted to Him. We rode hence over the top of the bleak mountains to Stanley, where an earnest congregation was waiting. From Stanley to Evesham we were to go as we could, the lanes being scarce passable. However, at length we got through. I never before saw so quiet a congregation in the Town-Hall, nor yet so numerous. I designed afterwards to meet the society at our Room; but the people were so eager to hear, that I knew not how to keep them out. So we had a large congregation again. And again God gave us his blessing.

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Ñ After riding about two hours and an half from Evesham, we stopped at a little village. We easily perceived by the marks he had left, that the man of the house had been beating his wife. I took occasion from thence to speak strongly to her, concerning the hand of God, and his design in all afflictions. It seemed to be a word in season. She appeared to be not only thankful, but deeply affected.

We had an exceeding large congregation at Birmingham, in what was formerly the playhouse. Happy would it be if all the playhouses in the kingdom were converted to so good an use. After service the mob gathered, and threw some dirt and stones at those who were going out. But it is probable they will soon be calmed, as some of them are in gaol already. A few endeavored to make a disturbance the next evening during the preaching; but it was lost labor; the congregation would not be diverted from taking earnest heed to the things that were spoken.

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I rode to Dudley, formerly a den of lions, but now as quiet as Bristol. They had just finished their preaching house, which was thoroughly filled. I saw no trifler; but many in tears. Here I met with a remarkable account of a child, the substance of which was as follows: — “John B——, about ten years old, was sometime since taken ill. He often asked how it was to die. His sister told him, ‘Some children know God; and then they are not afraid to die.’ He said, ‘What! children as little as me?’ She answered, ‘Your sister Patty did; and she was less than you.’ At which he seemed to be much affected. Sunday was fortnight he took his bed, but was not able to sleep. Soon after, he said, ‘We shall soon be with angels and archangels in heaven. What signifies this wicked world? Who would want to live here that might live with Christ?’ The maid said, ‘I wish I was married to Christ.’ He said, ‘Being married to Christ is coming to Christ, and keeping with him: All may come to him. I am happy, I am happy.’ His sister asked, ‘Do you love God?’ He answered, ‘Yes, that I do.’ She asked, ‘And do you think God loves you?’ He replied, ‘Yes, I know he does.’ “The next evening she said, ‘How are you, Jacky, when you are so happy?’ He said, stroking his breast down with his hand, ‘Why like as if God was in me. O my sister, what an happy thing it was that I came to Dudley! I am quite happy when I am saying my prayers; and when I think on God, I can almost see into heaven.’ “Tuesday night last she asked, ‘Are you afraid to die?’ He said, ‘I have seen the time that I was; but now I am not a bit afraid of death, or hell, or judgment; for Christ is mine. I know Christ is my own. He says, What would you have? I would get to heaven: I will get to heaven as soon as I can. And as well as I love you all, when I am once got to heaven, I would not come to you again for ten thousand worlds.’ Soon after he said, ‘If God would let me do as the angels do, I would come and watch over you. I will, if God will let me; and when you are ready, I will come and fetch you to heaven; yea, if God would let me, I would fly all over the world, to fetch souls to heaven.’

“He asked his cousin if she had seen the King; and added, ‘I have; indeed I have not seen King George, but I have seen a better King; for I have seen the King of heaven and earth.’ His health since that time has been in some measure recovered; but he continues in the same spirit.”

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We came once more to our old flock at Wednesbury. The congregation differed from most that we have lately seen. It almost entirely consisted of such as had repented, if not also believed the Gospel.

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At eight I preached in the Room, though it would by no means contain the congregation; but the northeast wind was so extremely sharp that it was not practicable to preach abroad. At one it drove us likewise into the house at Darlaston; that is, as many as it could contain. At five there was such a congregation at Wednesbury as I have not seen since I left London. But I found my voice would have commanded twice the number, while I declared, “The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth and in thy heart; that is, the word of faith which we preach.”

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I was desired to preach at Walsal. James Jones was alarmed at the motion, apprehending there would be much disturbance. However, I determined to make the trial. Coming into the House, I met with a token for good. A woman was telling her neighbor why she came: “I had a desire,” said she, “to hear this man; yet I durst not, because I heard so much ill of him; but this morning I dreamed I was praying earnestly, and I heard a voice, saying, ‘See the eighth verse of the first chapter of St. John.’ I waked, and got my Bible and read, ‘He was not that light, but was sent to bear witness of that light.’ I got up, and came away with all my heart.” The House not being capable of containing the people, about seven I began preaching abroad; and there was no opposer, no, nor a trifler to be seen. All present were earnestly attentive. How is Walsal changed! How has God either tamed the wild beasts, or chained them up!

In the afternoon I came to Ashby-de-la-Zouch. The House and yard contained the people tolerably well. I saw but one trifler among all, which, I understood, was an Attorney. Poor man! If men live what I preach, the hope of his gain is lost.

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We rode to Donnington, where a great multitude earnestly attended, while I explained and enforced, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Hence we rode to Derby. Mr. Dobinson believed it would be best for me to preach in the market place, as there seemed to be a general inclination in the town, even among people of fashion, to hear me. He had mentioned it to the Mayor, who said he did not apprehend there would be the least disturbance; but if there should be any thing of the kind, he would take care to suppress it. A multitude of people were gathered at five, and were pretty quiet till I had named my text. Then “the beasts of the people” lifted up their voice, hallooing and shouting on every side. Finding it impossible to be heard, I walked softly away. An innumerable retinue followed me; but only a few pebble-stones were thrown, and no one hurt at all. Most of the rabble followed quite to Mr. D——’s house; but, it seems, without any malice prepense; for they stood stock-still about an hour, and then quietly went away.

At seven I met the society, with many others, who earnestly desired to be present. In the morning most of them came again, with as many more as we could well make room for and indeed they received the word gladly. God grant they may bring forth fruit!

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Between eleven and twelve I preached at Alferton, twelve miles from Derby, and in the evening at Sheffield, to many more than could hear, on, “Now is the day of salvation.” In the morning I gave a hearing to several of the society who were extremely angry at each other. It surprised me to find what trifles they had stumbled at; but I hope their snare is broken.

In the evening, while I was enlarging upon the righteousness of faith, the word of God was quick and powerful. Many felt it in their inmost soul; one backslider in particular, who was then restored to all she had lost, and the next morning believed she was saved from sin.

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I met those who believe God has redeemed them from all their sins. They are about sixty in number. I could not learn that any among them walk unworthy of their profession. Many watch over them for evil; but they “overcome evil with good.” I found nothing of self-conceit, stubbornness, impatience of contradiction, or London enthusiasm, among them. They have better learned of Him that was meek and lowly of heart, to “adorn the doctrine of God their Savior.”

In the evening I preached in the new House at Rotherham, on the sure foundation, “Ye are saved through faith.” It was a season of strong consolation to many. One who had been some time groaning for full redemption, now found power to believe that God had fulfilled her desire, and set her heart at liberty.

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An odd circumstance occurred during the morning preaching. It was well only serious persons were present. An ass walked gravely in at the gate, came up to the door of the House, lifted up his head and stood stock-still, in a posture of deep attention. Might not “the dumb beast reprove” many who have far less decency, and not much more understanding?

At noon I preached (the Room being too small to contain the people) in a yard, near the bridge, in Doncaster. The wind was high and exceeding sharp, and blew all the time on the side of my head. In the afternoon I was seized with a sore throat, almost as soon as I came to Epworth: However, I preached, though with some difficulty; but afterward I could hardly speak. Being better the next day, Sunday, APRIL 1, I preached about one at Westwood-side, and soon after four, in the market place at Epworth, to a numerous congregation. At first, indeed, but few could hear; but the more I spoke, the more my voice was strengthened, till, toward the close, all my pain and weakness were gone, and all could hear distinctly.

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I had a day of rest. Tuesday, 3. I preached, about nine, at Scotter, a town six or seven miles east of Epworth, where a sudden flame is broke out, many being convinced of sin almost at once, and many justified. But there were many adversaries stirred up by a bad mall, who told them, “There is no law for Methodists.” Hence continual riots followed; till, after a while, an upright Magistrate took the cause in hand, and so managed both the rioters and him who set them at work, that they have been quiet as lambs ever since.

Hence we rode to Grimsby, once the most dead, now the most lively, place in all the county. Here has been a large and swift increase both of the society and hearers, so that the House, though galleries are added, is still too small. In the morning, Wednesday, 4, I explained at large the nature of Christian Perfection. Many who had doubted of it before were fully satisfied. It remains only to experience what we believe. In the evening the Mayor and all the Gentry of the town were present; and so was our Lord in an uncommon manner. Some dropped down as dead; but, after a while, rejoiced with joy unspeakable. One was carried away in violent fits. I went to her after the service. She was strongly convulsed from head to foot, and shrieked out in a dreadful manner. The unclean spirit did tear her indeed; but his reign was not long. In the morning both her soul and body were healed, and she acknowledged both the justice and mercy of God.

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About eleven I preached at Elsham. The two persons who are the most zealous and active here are the steward and gardener of a gentleman, whom the Minister persuaded to turn them off unless they would leave “this way.” He gave them a week to consider of it; at the end of which they calmly answered, “Sir, we choose rather to want bread here, than to want ‘a drop of water’ hereafter.” He replied, “Then follow your own conscience, so you do my business as well as formerly.”

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I preached at Ferry at nine in the morning, and in the evening; and, about noon, in Sir N. H.’s hall, at Gainsborough. Almost as soon as I began to speak, a cock began to crow over my head; but he was quickly dislodged, and the whole congregation, rich and poor, were quiet and attentive.

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I set out for Misterton, though the common road was

impassable, being all under water; but we found a way to ride round. I preached at eight, and I saw not one inattentive hearer. In our return, my mare, rushing violently through a gate, struck my heel against a gate-post, and left me behind her in an instant, laid on my back at full length. She stood still till I rose and mounted again; and neither of us was hurt at all.

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I had designed to go by Authorp-Ferry and Winterton to Hull; but we had not gone far before the wind rose, so that we judged it would be impossible to pass the Trent at Authorp; so we turned back, and went by Ouston and Brigg. The rain beat vehemently upon us all the way. When we came to Brigg, despairing of being able to cross the Humber, we thought it best to turn aside to Barrow. When I was here last, the mob was exceeding rude and noisy; but all the people were now quiet and attentive. I was much pleased with their spirit and their behavior, and could not be sorry for the storm.

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The wind abating, we took boat at Barton, with two such

brutes as I have seldom seen. Their blasphemy, and stupid gross obscenity, were beyond all I ever heard. We first spoke to them mildly; but it had no effect. At length we were constrained to rebuke them sharply; and they kept themselves tolerably within bounds, till we landed at Hull. I preached at five, two hours sooner than was expected: By this means we had tolerable room for the greatest part of them that came; and I believe not many of them came in vain.

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Between eight and nine I began preaching at Beverley, in a room which is newly taken. It was filled from end to end, and that with serious hearers. Perhaps even these may know the day of their visitation. About one I began at Pocklington. Here, likewise, all were quiet, and listened with deep attention. When I came to York, at five in the afternoon, I was fresher than at seven in the morning. During the preaching many were not a little comforted; and one old follower of Christ, more than seventy years of age, was now first enabled to call him Lord by the Holy Ghost.

I found that a most remarkable deadness had overspread this people, insomuch that not one had received remission of sins for several months last past. Then it is high time for us to prophesy on these dry bones, that they may live. At this I more immediately pointed in all my following discourses; and I have reason to believe God spoke in his word: To him be all the glory!

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I spent an hour with John Manners, weak in body, but not in spirit. He is fairly worn out in a good service, and calmly waits till his change shall come.

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In the evening many even of the rich were present, and seriously attentive. But, O! how hardly shall these enter into the kingdom! how hardly escape from “the desire of other things!”

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I preached at Tollerton at one. The congregation was large and serious. Some were deeply affected, and wept much: Many received comfort.

At six I began preaching in the street at Thirsk. The congregation was exceeding large. Just as I named my text, — “What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” — a man on horseback, who had stopped to see what was the matter, changed color and trembled. Probably he might have resolved to save his soul, had not his drunken companion dragged him away.

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In consequence of repeated invitations, I rode to Helmsley. When I came, Mr. Conyers was not at home; but, his housekeeper faintly asking me, I went in. By the books lying in the window and on the table, I easily perceived how he came to be so cold now, who was so warm a year ago. Not one of ours, either verse or prose, was to be seen, but several of another kind. O that our brethren were as zealous to make Christians as they are to make Calvinists!

He came home before dinner, and soon convinced me that the Philistines had been upon him. They had taken huge pains to prejudice him against me, and so successfully, that he did not even ask me to preach: So I had thoughts of going on; but in the afternoon he altered his purpose, and I preached in the evening to a large congregation. He seemed quite surprised; and was convinced for the present, that things had been misrepresented. But how long will the conviction last? Perhaps till next month.

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I called upon another serious Clergyman, Vicar of a little town near Pickering. He immediately told me how he had been received by warm men “to doubtful disputations.” He said, this had for a time much hurt his soul; but that now the snare was broken.

About one I preached at Snainton, eight or nine miles beyond Pickering, to a small, but deeply serious congregation. When I came to Scarborough, though the wind was very high and very sharp, the multitude of people constrained me to preach abroad; and all, but a few noisy children, behaved remarkably well.

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The Room was filled at five; and the congregation this evening was larger than the last. How is the face of things changed here within a year or two! The society increased four-fold: Most of them alive to God, and many filled with love; and all of them enjoy great quietness, instead of noise and tumult, since God put it into the heart of an honest Magistrate to still the madness of the people.

I wrote a letter today, which after some time I sent to forty or fifty Clergymen, with the little preface annexed: —

“Rev. Sir,

“NEAR two years and a half ago, I wrote the following letter. You will please to observe, 1. That I propose no more therein than is the bounden duty of every Christian. 2. That you may comply with this proposal, whether any other does or not. I myself have endeavored so to do for many years, though I have been almost alone therein, and although many, the more earnestly I talk of peace, the more zealously make themselves ready for battle. I am, Reverend Sir,

“Your affectionate Brother,

“John Wesley.”

“Dear Sir,

“IT has pleased God to give you both the will and the power to do many things for his glory; although you are often ashamed you have done so little, and wish you could do a thousand times more. This induces me to mention to you what has been upon my mind for many years, and what I am persuaded would be much for the glory of God, if it could once be effected; and I am in great hopes it will be, if you heartily undertake it, trusting in him alone. “Some years since God began a great work in England; but the laborers were few. At first those few were of one heart; but it was not so long. First one fell off, then another and another, till no two of us were left together in the work, besides my brother and me. This prevented much good, and occasioned much evil. It grieved our spirits, and weakened our hands; it gave our common enemies huge occasion to blaspheme. It perplexed and puzzled many sincere Christians; it caused many to draw back to perdition; it grieved the Holy Spirit of God.

“As laborers increased, disunion increased. Offenses were multiplied; and instead of coming nearer to, they stood farther and farther off from, each other; till, at length, those who were not only brethren in Christ, but fellow-laborers in his Gospel, had no more connection or fellowship with each other, than Protestants have with Papists.

“But ought this to be? Ought not those who are united to one common Head, and employed by Him in one common work, to be united to each other! I speak now of those laborers who are Ministers of the Church of England. These are chiefly, — “Mr. Perronet, Romaine, Newton, Shirley;

“Mr. Downing, Jesse, Adam;

“Mr. Talbot, Riland, Stillingfleet, Fletcher;

“Mr. Johnson, Baddily, Andrews, Jane;

“Mr. Hart, Symes, Brown, Rouquet;

“Mr. Sellon;

“Mr. Venn, Richardson, Burnet, Furly;

“Mr. Conyers, Bently, King;

“Mr. Berridge, Hicks, J. W., C. W., John Richardson, Benjamin Colley: Not excluding any other Clergyman, who agrees in these essentials, —

“I. Original Sin.

“II. Justification by Faith.

“III. Holiness of Heart and Life; provided their life be answerable to their doctrine.

“‘But what union would you desire among these?’ Not an union in opinions. They might agree or disagree, touching absolute decrees on the one hand, and perfection on the other. Not an union in expressions. These may still speak of the imputed righteousness, and those of the merits, of Christ. Not an union with regard to outward order. Some may still remain quite regular, some quite irregular; and some partly regular, and partly irregular. But these things being as they are, as each is persuaded in his own mind, is it not a most desirable thing that we should, —

“1. Remove hindrances out of the way? Not judge one another, not despise one another, not envy one another? Not be displeased at one another’s gifts or success, even, though greater than our own? Not wait for one another’s halting, much less wish for it, or rejoice therein? “Never speak disrespectfully, slightly, coldly, or unkindly of each other; never repeat each other’s faults, mistakes, or infirmities, much less listen for and gather them up; never say or do anything to hinder each other’s usefulness, either directly or indirectly? Is it not a most desirable thing that we should, —

“2. Love as brethren? Think well of and honor one another? Wish all good, all grace, all gifts, all success, yea, greater than our own, to each other? Expect God will answer our wish, rejoice in every appearance thereof, and praise him for it? Readily believe good of each other, as readily as we once believed evil?

“Speak respectfully, honorably, kindly of each other; defend each other’s character; speak all the good we can of each other; recommend one another where we have influence; each help the other on in his work, and enlarge his influence by all the honest means he can?

“This is the union which I have long sought after; and is it not the duty of every one of us so to do? Would it not be far better for ourselves? A means of promoting both our holiness and happiness? Would it not remove much guilt from those who have been faulty in any of these instances? and much pain from those who have kept themselves pure? Would it not be far better for the people, who suffer severely from the clashings and contentions of their leaders, which seldom fail to occasion many unprofitable, yea, hurtful, disputes among them? Would it not be better even for the poor, blind world, robbing them of their sport, ‘O they cannot agree among themselves!’ Would it not be better for the whole work of God, which would then deepen and widen on every side? “‘But it will never be; it is utterly impossible.’ Certainly it is with men. Who imagines we can do this? that it can be effected by any human power? All nature is against it, every infirmity, every wrong temper and passion; love of honor and praise, of power, of pre-eminence; anger, resentment, pride; long contracted habit, and prejudice lurking in ten thousand forms. The devil and all his angels are against it. For if this takes place, how shall his kingdom stand? All the world, all that know not God, are against it, though they may seem to favor it for a season. Let us settle this in our hearts, that we may be utterly cut off from all dependence on our own strength or wisdom.

“But surely ‘with God all things are possible;’ therefore ‘all things are possible to him that believeth;’ and this union is proposed only to them that believe, that show their faith by their works. “When Mr. C. was objecting the impossibility of ever effecting such a union, I went up stairs, and after a little prayer opened Kempis on these words: — “Expecta Dominum: Viriliter age: Noli diffidere: Noli discedere; sed corpus et animam expone constanter pro gloria Dei.f4 I am, dear Sir,

“Your affectionate servant,

“J.W.

“Scarborough, April 19, 1764.”

I received three letters in answer to this, though not at the same time, part of which I gladly subjoin: —

“Dear Sir,

“I AM not insensible of the happy consequences it might produce, if ‘those who agree in preaching that capital doctrine, By grace are ye saved through faith, would maintain a free intercourse with each other;’ and if it could by any means be accomplished, it is doubtless an event most devoutly to be wished. It is what I always have shown the greatest readiness to, and what I have labored at for these several years past, within my little sphere: And though my success hitherto, through causes which I will not pretend to assign, has by no means equaled my hopes; yet I shall heartily rejoice, if, at length, it may please God to make you the instrument of effecting so important a design. For my own part, I despise no man for his opinion; however, I may be most closely attached (as every one is) to those whose judgment most nearly harmonizes with my own: And if I can bear any thing, it is contradiction; so long as I am allowed the common liberty of answering for myself, without being treated with reproach or scorn for any heterodox notions I may be supposed to maintain.

“I shall very gladly go halfway to London at any time, to give a meeting to a number of Ministers, of any denomination, that may be brought together with this pious intention; and I think I may answer for Mr. Johnson’s concurrence. Will you forgive me, if, for once, I presume to suggest what (I apprehend) may be most conducive on such an occasion to our general profit and edification? “1. Let one of the books of the New Testament be made choice of previous to our interview, for the subject of our conference when we meet, not with a view of displaying our critical talents on every word or verse that occurs, but of pointing out those things which necessarily enter into the plan of apostolical preaching.

2. Let every one settle this in his heart beforehand, to expect contradiction, at the same time resolving to bear it calmly for the Lord’s sake; and, seeing we naturally carry about us an accursed spirit of selfishness, pride, and impatience, that is ready to take fire at the most trivial offense, let us make it a point beforehand, daily to lament this our wretchedness of disposition at the throne of grace, earnestly beseeching the Lord to prepare us all for our intended conference, by enduing us with the spirit of meekness, forbearance, humility, and love.

3. Let every one consent to renounce any favorite phrase, term, or mode of speech, that is not scriptural, if required so to do by those who dissent from him: Because whatever doctrine cannot maintain its ground without the aid of humanly-invented words, is not of God. “I have unbosomed myself to you in the frankest manner, with a view to promote that happy intercourse which you wish to establish; and if you imagine it will answer any good purpose, you are welcome to show this letter to any of the Ministers you have had in your eye, and to disclose to the largely all you know of, dear Sir,

“Your affectionate friend and brother,

“R. H.”

“Rev. And Dear Sir,

“I RECEIVED your printed letter, and should rejoice to see the union proposed therein take place; but I must own I am an infidel concerning it. Daily experience convinces me more and more, that the zeal for opinions and charity, non bene conveniunt, nec in una sede morantur. f5 It has well-nigh destroyed all Christian love, zeal, and holiness among us: I have met with greater trials from these bigots within this twelvemonth, than I have met with from all other opposers for fifteen years. Many that once would almost have plucked out their own eyes and given them to me, are now ready to pluck out my eyes.

“I really am tired of preaching to an ungrateful, gain-saying people. Pray for me, dear Sir, for my hands hang down exceedingly. I am “Your unworthy brother,

“W. S.”

“My Rev. And Dear Brother Shoreham.

“YOURS of the 15th instant gave me both pain and pleasure. “I was highly delighted with your ardent wishes and endeavors for promoting the spirit of the Gospel among the Preachers and other professors of it; but deeply concerned at the disappointment and opposition you have met with.

“It has been always a leading principle with me, (and I pray God confirm and strengthen it more and more,) to love all those laborers of Christ, who give proof by their diligence, their holy and heavenly behavior, that they love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, even though their sentiments in many things should differ from mine.

“And, therefore, though it be absurd to expect an entire union of sentiments in all things, yet the endeavoring, by every Christian method, to ‘keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,’ is the indispensable duty of all Christians. Where this spiritual peace and union are not, there faith working by love is not; and where this divine faith is wanting, there Christ is wanting; there his Spirit is wanting; and then, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision will avail us any thing.

“In this melancholy situation, whilst we are strangers to the divine fruits of the Holy Spirit, let our gifts and talents be what they may, let us speak with the tongues of men and of angels; we are yet nothing in the sight of God! Nay, though his Spirit should spread the Gospel, by our ministry, in the hearts of thousands; yet our own souls will remain but a barren wilderness; and Christ may say, ‘I never knew you.’

“How ought we therefore always to pray, that the peace of God may ever rule in our hearts; that we may be rooted and grounded in love; and that we may constantly follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another! “This is the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and may God impress it thoroughly upon the minds and hearts of all! And may the poor despised flock grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I am, dear Sir,

“Yours most affectionately,

“Vincent Perronet.”

April 20. — (Being Good Friday.) We had a parting blessing at five. I then rode to Robin Hood’s Bay, and about two preached in the little Square. A poor madman, literally such, came up to me just as I began, and sat down quietly till I had done. At six I preached in the new House at Whitby, ill containing the congregation. Here God does still make bare his arm, and sinners are continually converted to him.

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I visited one who was ill in bed; and, after having buried seven of her family in six months, had just heard that the eighth, her beloved husband, was cast away at sea. I asked, “Do not you fret at any of those things?” She said, with a lovely smile upon her pale cheek, “O, no! How can I fret at anything which is the will of God? Let him take all besides: He has given me himself. I love, I praise him every moment.” Let any that doubts of Christian Perfection look on such a spectacle as this! One in such circumstances rejoicing evermore, and continually giving thanks. April 22. — (Being Easter Day.) I preached in the Room at five and at eight. There were such a number of communicants at church, as, it was supposed, had not been there these fifty years. In the evening I preached under the cliff, for the sake of those who were not able to get up the hill. The skirts of the congregation could not hear, though my voice was clear and loud. But the bulk of them seemed both to hear and understand. How ripe for the Gospel is this place!

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After preaching at five, I met the select society, who seem all to have tasted of the same blessing. I then rode to Guisborough, and about eleven preached in a meadow to a large and serious congregation: But not more serious than that in the street at Stokesley, to whom I declared, in the afternoon, “Jesus Christ, made of God unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.” I was a little tired before I came to Hutton. But it was over, when I saw the huge congregation, among whom I found a greater blessing than either at Stokesley or Guisborough. I then met the society, gathered from all parts. Afterwards I met the select society: And when they were gone, I was just as fresh as when I set out in the morning.

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I preached about noon at Potto, and in the evening in the new House at Yarm, by far the most elegant in England. A large congregation attended at five in the morning, and seemed to be just ripe for the exhortation, “Let us go on unto perfection.” I had indeed the satisfaction of finding most of the believers here athirst for full redemption. In the evening I preached at Stockton. The rain was suspended while I was enforcing those awful words, “Now God commandeth all men everywhere to repent.” Friday, 27. I was obliged to preach abroad at five; as also in Darlington at noon, and at Barnard-Castle in the evening; where many hearts were bowed down before the Lord.

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I rode to Newcastle. Here I received a short letter from John Johnson at York: — “This evening, about a quarter before seven, it pleased God to take to himself our dear brother, John Manners, after a time of remarkable affliction, and as remarkable patience. He was clearly sensible to the last, as well as solidly happy, saying, ‘The way is quite clear; my heart is at liberty.’”

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The ground being wet with heavy rain, I preached in the House both morning and evening. I soon found what spirit the people were of. No jar, no contention is here; but all are peaceably and lovingly striving together for the hope of the Gospel. And what can hurt the Methodists, so called, but the Methodists? Only let them not fight one another, let not brother lift up sword against brother, and “no weapon formed against them shall prosper.”

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I received a letter from Cornwall, wherein were these words: — “Yesterday I preached to a large congregation at St. John’s. The occasion was this: — One of our friends came into Mr. Thomas’s a few days since. After speaking a little upon business, he said, ‘What need have we to watch!’ Presently sitting down, he added, ‘There is but one step between me and death,’ and died.”

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I talked with M. L., a remarkable monument of divine

mercy. She is about two-and-twenty, and has about six hundred pounds a year in her own hands. Some months since God spoke peace to her soul, while she was wrestling with him in private prayer. This was never entirely taken from her, even while she was almost alone. But she was often dull and faint, till she broke through all hindrances, and joined heart and hand with the children of God.

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We rode over the wild Moors to Wolsingham. It proved to be the fair day. So I had hearers from all parts. In the evening I preached to the simple, loving, earnest people at Barnard-Castle. If all to whom we preach were of this spirit, what an harvest would ensue!

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I was invited to breakfast by Mr. F——, a neighboring

gentleman. I found we had been school-fellows at the Charter-House: And he remembered me, though I had forgot him. I spent a very agreeable hour with a serious as well as sensible man.

About noon I preached to a large congregation in Teesdale, and to a still larger in Weardale in the evening. The next day, after preaching at Prudhoe and Nafferton, I returned to Newcastle.

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I rode to South-Shields, and was persuaded to preach in the House. It was well I did, for about the middle of the sermon there was a violent shower. But it was quite fair at six, while I preached at North-Shields to a very large and yet very serious congregation. How is the scene changed since my brother preached here, when the people were ready to swallow him up! O what has God wrought in this land within four or five and twenty years!

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I received much satisfaction in conversing with the most honorable member of our society, — Henry Jackson, now in the ninety-fifth or ninety-sixth year of his age. He put me in mind of that venerable man, Mr. Eliot, of New-England; who frequently used to say to his friends, a few years before he went to God, “My memory is gone; my understanding is gone; but I think I have more love than ever.”

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I preached to the poor colliers at Placey, who are still a pattern to all the country. We rode home by a great house I had frequently heard of. The front is truly noble. In the house I saw nothing remarkable, but what was remarkably bad: Such pictures as an honest Heathen would be ashamed to receive under his roof; unless he designed his wife and daughters should be common prostitutes. And this is the high fashion! What an abundant proof of the taste of the present age!

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Between eight and nine I preached in Gateshead, to a listening multitude. I believe their number was doubled at the Fell, about two in the afternoon. About five I preached to such another congregation on the outside of Pandon-Gate. I know not that I ever before preached to three such congregations in one day: Such as obliged me to speak to the utmost extent of my voice, from the first word to the last. But it was all one, as I was no more tired in the evening than if I had sat still all day.

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I took my leave of Newcastle; and about noon preached in the market place at Morpeth. A few of the hearers were a little ludicrous at first; but their mirth was quickly spoiled. In the evening I preached in the Court-House at Alnwick, where I rested the next day. Wednesday, 23. I rode over the sands to Holy-Island, once the famous seat of a Bishop; now the residence of a few poor families, who live chiefly by fishing. At one side of the town are the ruins of a cathedral, with an adjoining monastery. It appears to have been a lofty and elegant building, the middle aisle being almost entire. I preached in what was once the market place, to almost all the inhabitants of the island, and distributed some little books among them, for which they were exceeding thankful. In the evening I preached at Berwick-upon-Tweed; the next evening at Dunbar; and on Friday, 25, about ten, at Haddington, in Provost D.’s yard, to a very elegant congregation. But I expect little good will be done here; for we begin at the wrong end; Religion must not go from the greatest to the least, or the power would appear to be of men.

In the evening I preached at Musselborough, and the next on the Calton-Hill, at Edinburgh. It being the time of the General Assembly, many of the Ministers were there. The wind was high and sharp, and blew away a few delicate ones. But most of the congregation did not stir till I had concluded.

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At seven I preached in the High-School yard, on the other side of the city. The morning was extremely cold. In the evening it blew a storm. However, having appointed to be on the Calton-Hill, I began there to an huge congregation. At first, the wind was a little troublesome; but I soon forgot it. And so did the people for an hour and a half, in which I fully delivered my own soul.

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I spent some hours at the General Assembly, composed of about an hundred and fifty Ministers. I was surprised to find,

1. That any one was admitted, even lads, twelve or fourteen years old:

2. That the chief speakers were Lawyers, six or seven on one side only:

3. That a single question took up the whole time, which, when I went away, seemed to be as far from a conclusion as ever, namely, “Shall Mr. Lindsay be removed to Kilmarnock parish or not?”

The argument for it was, “He has a large family, and this living is twice as good as his own.” The argument against it was, “The people are resolved not to hear him, and will leave the kirk if he comes.” If then the real point in view had been, as their law directs, majus bonum Ecclesiae, f6 instead of taking up five hours, the debate might have been determined in five minutes.

On Monday and Tuesday I spoke to the members of the society severally.

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I rode to Dundee, and, about half an hour after six, preached on the side of a meadow near the town. Poor and rich attended. Indeed, there is seldom fear of wanting a congregation in Scotland. But the misfortune is, they know everything: So they learn nothing.

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I rode to Brechin, where Mr. Blair received me in the most friendly manner. In the afternoon I preached on the side of an hill near the town, where we soon forgot the cold. I trust there will be not only a knowing, but a loving, people in this place.

About seven Mr. B. was occasionally mentioning what had lately occurred in the next parish. I thought it worth a farther inquiry, and therefore ordered our horses to be brought immediately. Mr. B. guided us to Mr. Ogilvie’s house, the Minister of the parish; who informed us that a strange disorder had appeared in his parish, between thirty and forty years ago; but that nothing of the kind had been known there since, till some time in September last. A boy was then taken ill, and so continues still. In the end of January, or beginning of February, many other children were taken, chiefly girls, and a few grown persons. They begin with an involuntary shaking of their hands and feet. Then their lips are convulsed; next their tongue, which seems to cleave to the roof of the mouth. Then the eyes are set, staring terribly, and the whole face variously distorted. Presently they start up, and jump ten, fifteen, or twenty times together straight upward, two, three, or more feet from the ground. Then they start forward, and run with amazing swiftness, two, three, or five hundred yards. Frequently they run up, like a cat, to the top of an house, and jump on the ridge of it, as on the ground. But wherever they are, they never fall, or miss their footing at all. After they have run and jumped for some time, they drop down as dead. When they come to themselves, they usually tell when and where they shall be taken again: Frequently, how often and where they shall jump, and to what places they shall run.

I asked, “Are any of them near?” He said, “Yes, at those houses.” We walked thither without delay. One of them was four years and half old; the other about eighteen. The child, we found, had had three or four fits that day, running and jumping like the rest, and in particular leaping many times from a high table to the ground without the least hurt. The young woman was the only person of them all, who used to keep her senses during the fit. In answer to many questions, she said, “I first feel a pain in my left foot, then in my head; then my hands and feet shake, and I cannot speak; and quickly I begin to jump or run.” While we were talking, she cried out, “O, I have a pain in my foot: It is in my hand: It is here, at the bending of my arm. O, my head! my head! my head!” Immediately her arms were stretched out, and were as an iron bar: I could not bend one of her fingers; and her body was bent backward; the lower part remaining quite erect, while her back formed exactly a half circle, — her head hanging even with her hips. I was going to catch her; but one said, “Sir, you may let her alone, for they never fall.” But I defy all mankind to account for her not falling, when the trunk of her body hung in that manner. In many circumstances this case goes far beyond the famous one mentioned by Boerhaave; particularly in that, — their telling before, when and how they should be taken again. Whoever can account for this upon natural principles, has my free leave: I cannot. I therefore believe, if this be in part a natural distemper, there is something preternatural too. Yet supposing this, I can easily conceive, Satan will so disguise his part therein, that we cannot precisely determine, which part of the disorder is natural, and which preternatural.

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I rode to Aberdeen, and preached in the evening in the

College-Hall, and at seven in the morning, Sunday, 3. At four in the afternoon I preached to a crowded audience in the College kirk, at Old-Aberdeen. At seven I preached in the College close, at New-Aberdeen. But the congregation was so exceeding large, that many were not able to hear. However, many did hear, and I think feel, the application of, “Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.”

We want nothing here but a larger House. And the foundation of one is laid already. It is true, we have little money, and the society is poor; but we know in whom we have believed.

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I rode over to Sir Archibald Grant’s, twelve computed miles from Aberdeen. It is surprising to see how the country between is improved even within these three years. On every side the wild dreary moors are ploughed up, and covered with rising corn. All the ground near Sir Archibald’s, in particular, is as well cultivated as most in England. About seven I preached. The kirk was pretty well filled, though upon short notice. Certainly this is a nation “swift to hear and slow to speak,” though not “slow to wrath.”

Mr. Grant, a gentleman from the county of Murray, came in soon after us; and, understanding we were going north, desired we would call at the Grange-Green in our way. In the morning, Friday, 8, I rode to Old-Meldrum, and preached in the market place at noon, to a large and serious congregation, among whom were the Minister and his wife. But I was more surprised to see a company of our friends from Aberdeen, several of whom had come on foot, twelve old Scotch miles, and intended to walk back thither the same day. In the afternoon we rode on to Banff. I had designed to preach; but the stormy weather would not permit. We set out early on Saturday morning, and reached Nairn in the evening. Sunday,

10. About eight we reached Inverness. I could not preach abroad, because of the rain; nor could I hear of any convenient room; so that I was afraid my coming hither would be in vain, all ways seeming to be blocked up. At ten I went to the kirk. After Service, Mr. Fraser, one of the Ministers, invited us to dinner, and then to drink tea. As we were drinking tea, he asked at what hour I would please to preach. I said, “At half-hour past five.” The high kirk was filled in a very short time; and I have seldom found greater liberty of spirit. The other Minister came afterwards to our inn, and showed the most cordial affection. Were it only for this day, I should not have regretted the riding an hundred miles.

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A gentleman, who lives three miles from the town, invited me to his house, assuring me the Minister of his parish would be glad if I would make use of his kirk; but time would not permit as I had appointed to be at Aberdeen on Wednesday. All I could do was, to preach once more at Inverness. I think the church was fuller now than before; and I could not but observe the remarkable behavior of the whole congregation after Service. Neither man, woman, nor child, spoke one word all the way down the main street. Indeed the seriousness of the people is the less surprising, when it is considered that for at least an hundred years, this town has had such a succession of pious Ministers as very few in Great Britain have known.

After Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen, I think Inverness is the largest town I have seen in Scotland. The main streets are broad and straight; the houses mostly old, but not very bad, nor very good. It stands in a pleasant and fruitful country, and has all things needful for life and godliness. The people in general speak remarkably good English, and are of a friendly, courteous behavior.

About eleven we took horse. While we were dining at Nairn, the inn-keeper said, “Sir, the gentlemen of the town have read the little book you gave me on Saturday, and would be glad if you would please to give them a sermon.” Upon my consenting, the bell was immediately rung, and the congregation was quickly in the kirk. O what a difference is there between South and North Britain! Every one here at least loves to hear the word of God; and none takes it into his head to speak one uncivil word to any, for endeavoring to save their souls.

Doubting whether Mr. Grant was come home, Mr. Kershaw called at the Grange-Green, near Forres, while I rode forward. But Mr. Grant soon called me back. I have seldom seen a more agreeable place. The house is an old castle, which stands on a little hill, with a delightful prospect all four ways; and, the hospitable master has left nothing undone to make it still more agreeable. He showed us all his improvements, which are very considerable in every branch of husbandry. In his gardens many things were more forward than at Aberdeen, yea, or Newcastle. And how is it, that none but one Highland gentleman has discovered that we have a tree in Britain, as easily raised as an ash, the wood of which is of full as fine a red as mahogany? namely, the laburnum. I defy any mahogany to exceed the chairs which he has lately made of this.

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We rode through the pleasant and fertile county of Murray to Elgin. I never suspected before that there was any such country as this near an hundred and fifty miles beyond Edinburgh; a country which is supposed to have generally six weeks more sunshine in a year than any part of Great Britain.

At Elgin are the ruins of a noble cathedral; the largest that I remember to have seen in the kingdom. We rode thence to the Spey, the most rapid river, next the Rhine, that I ever saw. Though the water was not breast-high to our horses, they could very hardly keep their feet. We dined at Keith, and rode on to Strathbogie, much improved by the linen manufacture. All the country from Fochabers to Strathbogie has little houses scattered up and down; and not only the valleys, but the mountains themselves, are improved with the utmost care. There want only more trees to make them more pleasant than most of the mountains in England. The whole family at our inn, eleven or twelve in number, gladly joined with us in prayer at night. Indeed, so they did at every inn where we lodged; for among all the sins they have imported from England, the Scots have not yet learned, at least not the common people, to scoff at sacred things.

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We reached Aberdeen about one. Between six and seven, both this evening and the next, I preached in the shell of the new House, and found it a time of much consolation. Friday, 15. We set out early, and came to Dundee just as the boat was going off. We designed to lodge at the house on the other side; but could not get either meat, drink, or good words, so we were constrained to ride on to Cupar. After traveling near ninety miles, I found no weariness at all; neither were our horses hurt. Thou, O Lord, dost save both man and beast!

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We had a ready passage at Kinghorn, and in the evening I preached on the Calton-Hill, to a very large congregation; but a still larger assembled at seven on Sunday morning in the High-School yard. Being afterwards informed that the Lord’s Supper was to be administered in the west kirk, I knew not what to do; but at length I judged it best to embrace the opportunity, though I did not admire the manner of administration. After the usual Morning Service, the Minister enumerated several sorts of sinners, whom he forbade to approach. Two long tables were set on the sides of one aisle, covered with tablecloths. On each side of them a bench was placed for the people. Each table held four or five and thirty. Three Ministers sat at the top, behind a cross-table; one of whom made a long exhortation, closed with the words of our Lord; and then breaking the bread, gave it to him who sat on each side of him. A piece of bread was then given to him who sat first on each of the four benches. He broke off a little piece, and gave the bread to the next; so it went on, the Deacons giving more when wanted. A cup was then given to the first person on each bench, and so by one to another. The Minister continued his exhortation all the time they were receiving; then four verses of the twenty-second Psalm were sung, while new persons sat down at the tables. A second Minister then prayed, consecrated, and exhorted. I was informed the Service usually lasted till five in the evening. How much more simple, as well as more solemn, is the Service of the Church of England! The evening congregation on the hill was far the largest I have seen in the kingdom; and the most deeply affected. Many were in tears; more seemed cut to the heart. Surely this time will not soon be forgotten. Will it not appear in the annals of eternity?

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I set out early, and reached Wooler about four in the

afternoon. Some friends from Newcastle met me here, and took me in a chaise to Whittingham. Tuesday, 19. After preaching about noon at Morpeth, we went on to Newcastle. The fire had not gone out since I was here. I felt it as soon as I began to speak; and so, it seems, did the whole congregation. At five in the morning the same spirit was in the midst of us, as well as at seven in the evening; but most of all at the Fell, while I was applying those words, “Believe, and thou shalt be saved.”

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Leaving this house of God, I rode to Carlisle. The day was extremely sultry, so that I was faint and feverish in the evening. However, the next day I got well to Whitehaven.

What has continually hurt this poor people is offense. I found the society now all in confusion because a woman had scolded with her neighbor, and another stole a two-penny loaf. I talked largely with those who had been most offended; and they stood reproved. Sunday, 24. About seven I preached at the Gins, and the people flocked together from all quarters. The want of field preaching has been one cause of deadness here. I do not find any great increase of the work of God without it. If ever this is laid aside, I expect the whole work will gradually die away.

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I rode by Keswick to Kendal. The clouds shaded us most of the way, and the wind was just in our face; otherwise we should scarce have been able to bear the heat. A few years ago the fields here were white for the harvest; but the poor people have since been so harassed by Seceders, and disputers of every kind, that they are dry and dead as stones; yet I think some of them felt the power of God this evening; and can he not, “out of these stones, raise up children unto Abraham?”

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I preached abroad at five; and, I believe, not in vain. Between nine and ten we reached Black-Burtoll, where there was a general awakening till the jars between Mr. Ingham and Allan laid the people asleep again. However, some are united again in a quiet, loving society, zealous of good works. I preached about eleven. Thence we rode to Long-Preston, being still fanned by the wind, and (unless a few minutes now and then) shaded by the clouds. The congregation was exceeding serious. Hence I rode to Skipton, where, some time since, no Methodist Preacher could appear. I preached in the evening near the bridge, without the least interruption. Nor did I find any weariness, after preaching four times, and riding fifty miles.

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I rode to Otley. In the evening we had a large congregation at the foot of the great mountain. After preaching in the morning, I examined those who believe they are saved from sin. They are a little increased in number since I met them last; and some of them much increased in love. This evening I preached at Guiseley; the next at Keighley; and on Saturday, 30, at Bradford. This was a place of contention for many years; but since the contentious have quitted us, all is peace. Sunday, JULY 1. I preached at seven to a more numerous congregation than I believe ever assembled there before; and all were serious as death. About one I preached at Birstal, on, “Now is the day of salvation.” The people stood by thousands; covering both the plain, and the sides of the adjacent hill. It was a glorious opportunity. At five the congregation in Leeds was almost as large, but not so deeply afflicted.

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I gave a fair hearing to two of our brethren who had proved bankrupts. Such we immediately exclude from our society, unless it plainly appears not to be their own fault. Both these were in a prosperous way till they fell into that wretched trade of bill-broking, wherein no man continues long without being wholly ruined. By this means, not being sufficiently accurate in their accounts, they ran back without being sensible of it. Yet it was quite clear that I—— R—— is an honest man: I would hope the same concerning the other.

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I was reflecting on an odd circumstance, which I cannot

account for. I never relish a tune at first hearing, not till I have almost learned to sing it; and as I learn it more perfectly, I gradually lose my relish for it. I observe something similar poetry; yea, in all the objects of imagination. I seldom relish verses at first hearing; till I have heard them over and over, they give me no pleasure; and they give me next to none when I have heard them a few times more, so as to be quite familiar. Just so a face or a picture, which does not strike me at first, becomes more pleasing as I grow more acquainted with it; but only to a certain point: For when I am too much acquainted, it is no longer pleasing. O, how imperfectly do we understand even the machine which we carry about us!

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I had the comfort of leaving our brethren at Leeds united in peace and love. About one I preached in a meadow at Wakefield. At first the sun was inconvenient; but it was not many minutes before that inconvenience was removed by the clouds coming between. We had not only a larger, but a far more attentive, congregation than ever was seen here before. One, indeed, a kind of gentleman, was walking away with great unconcern, when I spoke aloud, “Does Gallio care for none of these things? But where will you go, with the wrath of God on your head, and the curse of God on your back?” He stopped short, stood still, and went no farther till the sermon was ended.

In the evening I preached on the top of the hill near Dewsbury, one of the pleasantest towns in England. The congregation was larger than ever before. They filled the preaching house at five in the morning. I had purposed to take horse early, to avoid the heat; but was detained till between nine and ten. It was then warm enough, there being no wind, and the sun shining full in our face. However, before one we got to Heptonstall, where I preached in the shell of the new House. After service one brought his daughter to me, who had been ill some months, just like those near Brechin. Her sister was so two years since; and when that recovered, this was taken. How often must even physicians acknowledge spiritual agents, did not the nerves help them out at a dead lift! In the evening I preached at Halifax, where I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Venn; with whom, in the morning, Saturday, 7, I rode to Huddersfield, and preached between eleven and twelve. The church was pretty well filled, considering the short warning. At half-hour after one we took horse. The sun shone burning hot, and the wind was in our back; but very soon the sky was overcast, and the wind changed, and blew just in our face all the way to Manchester. It was with difficulty that I preached in the evening, my voice being exceeding weak; as I had preached three times a day for ten days, and many of the times abroad.

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I rode to Stockport, and preached at one on a Green at the end of the town. A few wild young men strove: to make a disturbance; but none regarded them. At five I preached at Manchester, on, “One thing is needful;” and scarce knew how to leave off. At the meeting of the societies likewise, it pleased God to comfort us greatly. Monday, 9. The stewards from various parts gave a good account of the work of God among them, steadily increasing on every side. In the evening curiosity brought to the House many unbelievers, in the proper sense; — men who do not receive the Christian Revelation. I preached on, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself;” and proved them sinners on their own principles. Some of the stout-hearted trembled; I hope to more purpose than poor Felix did.

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I gave all our brethren a solemn warning not to love the world, or the things of the world. This is one way whereby Satan will surely endeavor to overthrow the present work of God. Riches swiftly increase on many Methodists, so called: What, but the mighty power of God, can hinder their setting their hearts upon them? And if so, the life of God vanishes away.

About seven I preached in the street at Bolton, to twice or thrice as many as the Room could have contained. It was a calm, still evening, and the congregation was as quiet as the season; though composed of awakened and unawakened Churchmen, Dissenters, and what not. As many as the House would well contain were present again at five in the morning. About seven in the evening the multitude of people constrained me to preach in the street, though it rained. But in a very short time the rain stopped; and I strongly enforced our Lord’s word, “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”

After sermon, one was mentioning a person who, according to his account, was disordered just like those in Scotland. In the morning, Friday, 13, her father brought her over. Soon after she fell into a fit; but it was plainly natural. I judged it to be of the epileptic kind. When she fell into a second, I advised electrifying. The fit ceased by a very gentle shock. A third was removed in the same manner; and she was so well, that her father found no difficulty in carrying her home behind him.

At ten I began to preach at Wigan, proverbially famous for all manner of wickedness. As I preached abroad, we expected some disturbance; but there was none at all. A few were wild at first; but in a little space grew quiet and attentive. I did not find so civil a congregation as this the first time I preached at Bolton.

Today I wrote the following letter, which I desire may be seriously considered by those to whom it belongs: —

“Dear Sir,

“THERE was one thing, when I was with you, that gave me pain: You are not in the society. But why not? Are there not sufficient arguments for it to move any reasonable man? Do you not hereby make an open confession of Christ, of what you really believe to be his work, and of those whom you judge to be, in a proper sense, his people and his messengers? By this means do not you encourage his people, and strengthen the hands of his messengers? And is not this the way to enter into the spirit, and share the blessing, of a Christian community? Hereby, likewise, you may have the benefit of the advises and exhortations at the meeting of the society; and also of provoking one another, at the private meetings, to love and to good works.

“The ordinary objections to such an union are of little weight with you. You are not afraid of the expense. You already give unto the Lord as much as you need do then: And you are not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, even in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. Perhays you will say, ‘I am joined in affection.’ True; but not to so good effect. This joining half-way, this being a friend to, but not a member of, the society, is by no means so open a confession of the work and servants of God. Many go thus far who dare not go farther, who are ashamed to bear the reproach of an entire union. Either you are ashamed, or you are not. If you are, break through at once; if you are not, come into the light, and do what those well-meaning cowards dare not do. This imperfect union is not so encouraging to the people, not so strengthening to the Preachers. Rather it is weakening their hands, hindering their work, and laying a stumbling block in the way of others; for what can any man think, who knows you are so well acquainted with them, and yet do not join in their society? What can he think, but that you know them too well to come any nearer to them; that you know that kind of union to be useless, if not hurtful? And yet by this very union is the whole (external) work of God upheld throughout the nation; besides all the spiritual good which accrues to each member. O delay no longer; for the sake of the work, for the sake of the world, for the sake of your brethren! Join them inwardly and outwardly, heart and hand, for the sake of your own soul. There is something not easily explained in the fellowship of the Spirit, which we enjoy with a society of living Christians. You have no need to give up your share therein, and in the various blessings that result from it. You have no need to exclude yourself from the benefit of the advice and exhortations given from time to time. These are by no means to be despised, even supposing you have yourself more understanding than him that gives them. You need not lose the benefit of those prayers which experience shows are attended with a peculiar blessing. ‘But I do not care to meet a class; I find no good in it.’ Suppose you find even a dislike, a loathing of it; may not this be natural, or even diabolical? In spite of this, break through, make a fair trial. It is but a lion in the way. Meet only six times, (with previous prayers;) and see if it do not vanish away. But if it be a cross, still bear it for the sake of your brethren. ‘But I want to gain my friends and relations.’ If so, stand firm. If you give way, you hurt them, and they will press upon you the more. If you do not, you will probably gain them; otherwise you confirm both their wrong notions and wrong tempers. Because I love you I have spoken fully and freely; to know that I have not spoken in vain, will be a great satisfaction to “Your affectionate brother,

“J. W.”

In the evening I preached at Liverpool, and the next day, Sunday, 15, the House was full enough. Many of the rich and fashionable were there, and behaved with decency. Indeed, I have always observed more courtesy and humanity at Liverpool, than at most sea-ports in England.

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In the evening the House was fuller, if possible, than the night before. I preached on the “one thing needful;” and the rich behaved as seriously as the poor. Only one young gentlewoman (I heard) laughed much. Poor thing! Doubtless she thought, “I laugh prettily.”

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I preached at Warrington. But what a change! No opposer, nor any trifler now! Every one heard as for life, while I explained and applied, “Why will ye die, O house of Israel?”

In the evening I preached in the little Square adjoining to the preaching-house at Chester. There were many wild, rude people, but they were quite out-numbered by those who were civil and attentive; and I believe some impression was made on the wildest. What can shake Satan’s kingdom like field preaching?

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I should have been glad of a day of rest; but notice had been given of my preaching at noon near Tatten-Hall. The rain began almost as soon as we came in: So I could not preach abroad as I designed, but in a large commodious barn, where all that were present seemed to receive the word of God with joy and reverence.

The congregation at Chester; in the evening, was more numerous and far more serious than the day before. There wants only a little more field preaching here, and Chester would be as quiet as London.

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After preaching at Little-Leigh, I rode on to Macclesfield. Here I heard an agreeable account of Mrs. R——, who was in the society at London from a child; but after she was married to a rich man, durst not own a poor, despised people. Last year she broke through, and came to see me. A few words which I then spoke never left her, not even in the trying hour, during the illness which came a few months after. All her conversation was then in heaven; till, feeling her strength was quite exhausted, she said, with a smile, “Death, thou art welcome!” and resigned her spirit.

I preached about seven to an huge multitude of attentive hearers. Friday,

20. At noon we made the same shift at Congleton as when I was here last. I stood in the window, having put as many women as it would contain into the House. The rest, with the men, stood below in the meadow, and many of the townsmen, wild enough. I have scarce found such enlargement of heart since I came from Newcastle. The brutes resisted long, but were at length overcome; not above five or six excepted. Surely man shall not long have the upper hand: God will get unto himself the victory. It rained all the day till seven in the evening, when I began preaching at Burslem. Even the poor potters here are a more civilized people than the better sort (so called) at Congleton. A few stood with their hats on, but none spoke a word, or offered to make the least disturbance.

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I rode to Bilbrook, near Wolverhampton, and preached

between two and three. Thence we went on to Madeley, an exceeding pleasant village, encompassed with trees and hills. It was a great comfort to me to converse once more with a Methodist of the old stamp, denying himself, taking up his cross, and resolved to be “altogether a Christian.”

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At ten Mr. Fletcher read Prayers, and I preached on those words in the Gospel, “I am the good Shepherd: The good Shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep.” The church would nothing near contain the congregation; but a window near the pulpit being taken down, those who could not come in stood in the church-yard, and I believe all could hear. The congregation, they said, used to be much smaller in the afternoon than in the morning; but I could not discern the least difference, either in number or seriousness.

I found employment enough for the intermediate hours, in praying with various companies who hung about the house, insatiably hungering and thirsting after the good word. Mr. Grimshaw, at his first coming to Haworth, had not such a prospect as this. There are many adversaries indeed; but yet they cannot shut the open and effectual door.

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The church was pretty well filled even at five, and many stood in the churchyard. In the evening I preached at Shrewsbury, to a large congregation, among whom were several men of fortune. I trust, though hitherto we seen to have been ploughing on the sand, there will at last be some fruit. The next day I spent at Shrewsbury.

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I took horse a little after four, and, about two, preached in the market-house at Llanidloes, two or three and forty miles from Shrewsbury. At three we rode forward through the mountains to the Fountain-head. I was for lodging there; but Mr. B—— being quite unwilling, we mounted again about seven. After having rode an hour, we found we were quite out of the way, having been wrong directed at setting out. We were then told to ride over some grounds; but our path soon ended in the edge of a bog. However, we got through to a little house, where an honest man, instantly mounting his horse, galloped before us, up hill and down, till he brought us into a road, which, he said, led straight to Roes-Fair. We rode on, till another met us, and said, “No; this is the way to Aberystwith. If you would go to Roes-Fair, you must turn back, and ride down to yonder bridge.” The master of a little house near the bridge then directed us to the next village, where we inquired again, (it being past nine,) and were once more set exactly wrong. Having wandered an hour upon the mountains, through rocks and bogs, and precipices, we, with abundance of difficulty, got back to the little house near the bridge. It was in vain to think of rest there, it being full of drunken, roaring miners; besides that there was but one bed in the house, and neither grass, nor hay, nor corn to be had. So we hired one of them to walk with us to Roes-Fair, though he was miserably drunk, till, by falling all his length in a purling stream, he came tolerably to his senses. Between eleven and twelve we came to the inn; but neither here could we get any hay. When we were in bed, the good hostler and miner thought good to mount our beasts. I believe it was not long before we rose that they put them into the stable. But the mule was cut in several places, and my mare was bleeding like a pig, from a wound behind, two inches deep, made, it seemed, by a stroke with a pitch-fork. What to do we could not tell, till I remembered I had a letter for one Mr. Nathaniel Williams, whom, upon inquiry, I found to live but a mile off. We walked thither, and found “an Israelite indeed,” who gladly received both man and beast.

After I had got a little rest, Mr. W. desired me to give an exhortation to a few of his neighbors. None was more struck therewith than one of his own family, who before cared for none of these things. He sent a servant with us after dinner to Tregarron, from whence we had a plain road to Lampeter.

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We rode through a lovely vale, and over pleasant and fruitful hills, to Carmarthen. Thence, after a short bait, we went on to Pembroke, and came before I was expected; so I rested that night, having not quite recovered my journey from Shrewsbury to Rose-Fair.

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The Minister of St. Mary’s sent me word he was very willing I should preach in his church; but, before Service began, the Mayor sent to forbid it; so he preached a very useful sermon himself. The Mayor’s behavior so disgusted many of the Gentry, that they resolved to hear where they could; and accordingly flocked together in the evening from all parts of the town: And perhaps the taking up this cross may profit them more than my sermon in the church would have done.

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I rode to Haverfordwest: But no notice had been given, nor did any in the town know of my coming. However, after a short time, I walked up toward the Castle, and began singing an hymn. The people presently ran together from all quarters. They have curiosity at least; and some, I cannot doubt, were moved by a nobler principle. Were zealous and active laborers here, what an harvest might there be, even in this corner of the land!

We returned through heavy rain to Pembroke. Tuesday, 31. We set out for Glamorganshire, and rode up and down steep and stony mountains, for about five hours, to Larn. Having procured a pretty ready passage there, we went on to Lansteffan-Ferry, where we were in some danger of being swallowed up in the mud before we could reach the water. Between one and two we reached Kidwelly, having been more than seven hours on horseback, in which time we could have rode round by Carmarthen with more ease both to man and beast. I have, therefore, taken my leave of these ferries; considering we save no time by crossing them, (not even when we have a ready passage,) and so have all the trouble, danger, and expense, clear gains. I wonder that any man of common sense, who has once made the experiment, should ever ride from Pembroke to Swansea any other way than by Carmarthen.

An honest man at Kidwelly told us there was no difficulty in riding the sands; so we rode on. In ten minutes one overtook us who used to guide persons over them; and it was well he did, or in all probability we had been swallowed up. The whole sands are at least ten miles over, with many streams of quicksands intermixed. But our guide was thoroughly acquainted with them, and with the road on the other side. By his help, between five and six, we came well tired to Oxwych in Gower. Gower is a large tract of land, bounded by Brecknockshire on the northeast, the sea on the southwest, and rivers on the other sides. Here all the people talk English, and are in general the most plain, loving people in Wales. It is, therefore, no wonder that they receive “the word with all readiness of mind.”

Knowing they were scattered up and down, I had sent two persons on Sunday, that they might be there early on Monday, and so sent notice of my coming all over the country: But they came to Oxwych scarce a quarter of an hour before me; so that the poor people had no notice at all: Nor was there any to take us in; the person with whom the Preacher used to lodge being three miles out of town. After I had stayed a while in the street, (for there was no public-house,) a poor woman gave me house-room. Having had nothing since breakfast, I was very willing to eat or drink; but she simply told me she had nothing in the house but a dram of gin. However, I afterwards procured a dish of tea at another house, and was much refreshed. About seven I preached to a little company, and again in the morning. They were all attention; so that even for the sake of this handful of people I did not regret my labor.

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It was with difficulty I reached Cowbridge about one,

where the congregation was waiting. I found they had had heavy rain great part of the day; but very little fell upon us. Nor do I remember that from the beginning of church till now we have been in more than one heavy shower of rain, either in England, Scotland, or Wales. I preached in the evening at Llandaff, and on Thursday, 2, in the Town-Hall at Cardiff. Saturday, 4. We crossed at the New-Passage, and rode on to Bristol.

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I preached in Prince’s Street at eight; at two, under the sycamore-tree at Kingswood; and at five, near King’s Square in Bristol. How many thousands in this city do see in this “their day, the things that belong to their peace!”

On Monday, the 6th, our Conference began. The great point I now labored for was a good understanding with all our brethren of the Clergy who are heartily engaged in propagating vital religion. Saturday, 11. I took chaise early in the morning, and at night came safe to London.

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In the afternoon I preached in Moorfields on those

comfortable words, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Thousands heard with calm and deep attention. This also hath God wrought!

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I was again as fully employed as at the Conference, in visiting classes from morning till night. Saturday, 18. I preached, for the first time, in our new chapel at Snowsfields, on, “O, how amiable are thy tabernacles, thou Lord of hosts!”

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Meeting with a pious and sensible man, who was born in the Isle of Skye, I said, “Tell me freely, did you yourself ever know a second-sighted man?” He answered, after a little pause, “I have known more than one or two.” I said, “But were they not deceivers? — How do you know they were really such?” He replied, “I have been in company with them, when they dropped down as dead. Coming to themselves, they looked utterly amazed, and said, ‘I have been in such a place, and I saw such and such persons (perhaps fifty miles off) die in such a manner;’ and when — inquiry was made, I never could find that they were mistaken in one circumstance. But the reason why it is so hard for you to get any information concerning this is, those who have the second sight count it a great misfortune; and it is thought a scandal to their family.”

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I went to Canterbury, and opened our new chapel, by

preaching on, “One thing is needful.” How is it that many Protestants, even in England, do not know, that no other consecration of church or chapel is allowed, much less required, in England, than the performance of public worship therein? This is the only consecration of any church in Great Britain which is necessary or even lawful. It is true, Archbishop Laud composed a Form of Consecration; but it was never allowed, much less established, in England. Let this be remembered by all who talk so idly of preaching in unconsecrated places!

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I had designed to return to London; but being importuned to pay a visit first to Sandwich, I went over, and preached about ten, to a dull, but attentive, congregation. Immediately after service we set out for Dover. In the way we were on the point of being dashed in pieces; the chariot wheels running within two or three inches, or less, of the edge of a bank, ten or twelve feet high. I preached in Dover at two, and returned time enough for the Service at Canterbury. Thursday, 23. I preached at Bethnal-Green, and in the evening at the Foundery.

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I saw a pattern of patience, John Matthews, daily dying of a consumption; but in constant pain, weakness, weariness, and want of sleep, calmly giving himself up to God.

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After a toilsome, yet comfortable day, I set out in the machine, and on Monday evening came to Bristol, as fresh as I left London.

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I rode to Shepton-Mallet, and preached at noon, on, “One thing is needful.” Only one man, a common disturber, behaved amiss. I was constrained to rebuke him sharply. All the people turned their eyes upon him; and for once he was ashamed. In the evening I preached at Bayford, near Wincanton, and at seven in the morning. Wednesday, 12. I returned to Bristol; and at six in the evening preached on Redcliff-Hill. Many were here who, I suppose, never heard me before; and attention sat on every face.

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I spent an hour in Lord B——’s gardens, or more properly, woods. They are small to the late Duke of Kent’s, in Bedfordshire, and, therefore, not capable of so much variety; but, for the size, it is not possible for anything of the kind to be more agreeable; and the situation, on the top of an high hill, in one of the fruitfullest counties in England gives them an advantage which even Stow-Gardens have not. Yet happiness is not in these shades; and if it were, yet, — How long? How soon will they upbraid

Their transitory master dead!

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About noon I preached at Bath. The day before Mr. Davis

had preached abroad. One fruit of this was, the congregation was larger now than I remember it to have been these seven years. Thence I rode to Comb-Grove, an house built in a large grove, on the side of an high, steep hill. I found Mrs. W—— the same still, with regard to her liveliness, but not her wildness; in this she was much altered. I preached at five to a small, serious congregation; and, I believe, few were sent empty away. Two persons from London, who were at Bath for their health, had walked over to the preaching. Afterwards we all spent an hour in singing, and serious conversation. The fire kindled more and more, till Mrs.—— asked if I would give her leave to pray. Such a prayer I never heard before: It was perfectly an original; odd and unconnected, made up of disjointed fragments, and yet like a flame of fire. Every sentence went through my heart, and I believe the heart of every one present. For many months I have found nothing like it. It was good for me to be here.

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I preached again in the court-yard at seven; and it was now that one of the servants, who was in tears the night before, was thoroughly convinced that God had blotted out all her sins. About noon I preached to a large congregation at Freshford, on, “Now is the day of salvation.” A little before six, being determined to be no longer cooped up in the Room at Bradford, I began in the main street, near the bridge. In a very short time a multitude of people ran together, and listened with all attention, till an impetuous shower drove part of them away: The rest would not stir till I concluded. I then gave notice of meeting the society; but a crowd of people pressed in with them. Seeing their earnestness, I was unwilling to hinder; so we had quickly another large congregation; and I know not if we have had such a season at Bradford for twice seven years before.

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At five we had such a congregation as does not use to meet here at that hour. At nine I preached again at Comb-Grove, and found again that God was there.

Is not this an instance of ten thousand of God’s choosing the foolish things of the world to confound the wise? — Here is one that has not only a weak natural understanding, but an impetuosity of temper, bordering upon madness; and hence both her sentiments are confused, and her expressions odd and indigested; and yet, notwithstanding this, more of the real power of God attends these uncouth expressions than the sensible discourses of even good men who have twenty times her understanding. Thus I have many times known God attach his power to the words of extremely weak men. The humble overlooked the weakness of the men, and rejoiced in the power of God. But all his power is unacknowledged, unfelt, by those who stumble at the weakness of the instrument. I reached Bristol time enough to preach in the evening upon Redcliff-Hill. A malignant fever had lately broke out upon the very spot, which much increased the number and seriousness of the congregation.

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I was much refreshed by hearing the experience of Mary Gó, once a determined enemy to the doctrine of Perfection, opposing it with great eagerness and many reasons; but now an happy witness of it. During her hottest opposition she never could rest in any known sin: And this, at length, made both pride and anger so exceeding bitter to her that she could have no peace till she was fully delivered from them.

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I do not know whether we have had so large a congregation these twenty years, as this evening, at the new Square. Surely the wise world will not impute this to novelty; unless because the grace of God is ever new.

On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, I visited the societies in Somersetshire. On the following days I met the classes in Bristol, and narrowly inquired into the character and behavior of each person; the rather because it had been strongly affirmed that there were many disorderly walkers in the society. I found one woman and one man, who, I am afraid, deserved that character. Let any one that is more clear sighted than me find two more, and I will thank him.

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The whole society met in the evening, and jointly renewed their covenant with God, in a form recommended by Mr. Richard Alleine; and many felt that God was there. It was a day of his power not to be forgotten, a day both of godly sorrow and strong consolation.

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I left Bristol with joy, having seen the fruit of my labor. At noon I preached at Comb-Grove, to a small congregation of earnest, simple people. I had designed to preach in the evening at Bradford, in the same place I did before; but Mr. R., at whose door I then stood, had now altered his mind: So I was constrained to preach in our own Room, to (comparatively) an handful of people.

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I breakfasted at the Devizes, with Mr. B——, a black swan, an honest Lawyer! Hence we rode through a most intricate road to Pewsey. I found a neighboring gentleman had been there, moving every stone, to prevent my preaching. I was informed, his first design was to raise a mob; then he would have had the Churchwardens interpose: Whether they intended it or no, I cannot tell; but they neither did nor said any thing. The congregation filled a great part of the church, and were all deeply attentive. Surely good will be done in this place, if it be not prevented by a mixture of various doctrines.

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I rode to Salisbury, and, going slowly forward, on Saturday, 6, came to London.

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I preached in the morning at Snowsfields, and afterwards at West-Street. We had a glorious opportunity at the Lord’s Supper; the rocks were broken in pieces. At five I preached in Moorfields to a huge multitude, on, “Ye are saved through faith.” A little before twelve I took the machine for Norwich. Monday, 8. We dined at Bury, where a gentlewoman came into the coach, with whom I spent most of the afternoon in close conversation and singing praises to God.

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I was desired to meet Mr. B., and we had a good deal of conversation together. He seems to be a person of middling sense, but a most unpleasing address. I would hope he has some little experience of religion; but it does not appear to advantage, as he is extremely hot, impetuous, overbearing, and impatient of contradiction. He hooked me, unawares, into a little dispute; but I cut it short as soon as possible, knowing neither was likely to convince the other. So we met and parted in peace.

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I went to Yarmouth, where the earnest congregation was

gathered at short warning. Thursday, 11. I was desired to go to Lowestoft, in Suffolk, nine miles southeast of Yarmouth. The use of a large place had been offered, which would contain abundance of people: But when I was come, Mr. Romaine had changed his mind; so I preached in the open air. A wilder congregation I have not seen; but the bridle was in their teeth. All attended, and a considerable part seemed to understand something of what was spoken; nor did any behave uncivil when I had done; and I believe a few did not lose their labor.

It was easy in the evening to observe the different spirit of the congregation at Yarmouth. Almost all seemed to feel the power of God, and many were filled with consolation.

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I returned to Norwich, and inquired into the state of the society. I have seen no people in all England or Ireland so changeable as this. This society, in 1755, consisted of eighty-three members; two years after, of an hundred and thirty-four; in 1758 it was shrunk to an hundred and ten. In March, 1759, we took the Tabernacle; and within a month the society was increased to above seven hundred and sixty. But nearly five hundred of these had formerly been with James Wheatley, and having been scattered abroad, now ran together they hardly knew why. Few of them were thoroughly awakened; most deeply ignorant; all bullocks unaccustomed to the yoke, having never had any rule or order among them, but every man doing what was right in his own eyes. It was not, therefore, strange, that the next year, only five hundred and seven of these were left. In 1761 they were farther reduced, namely, to four hundred and twelve. I cannot tell how it was, that in 1762 they were increased again to six hundred and thirty. But the moon soon changed, so that in 1763, they were shrunk to three hundred and ten. This large reduction was owing to the withdrawing the sacrament, to which they had been accustomed from the time the Tabernacle was built. They are now sunk to an hundred and seventy-four; and now probably the tide will turn again.

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At seven I clearly and strongly described the height and depth of Christian holiness: And (what is strange) I could not afterward find that any one person was offended. At ten we had a congregation indeed; I trust, all of one heart. I went, as usual, to the cathedral in the afternoon, and heard a sound, practical sermon. About five our great congregation met, and (what has seldom been known) very quietly. We were equally quiet at the meeting of the society, which met now for the first time on a Sunday evening. So has God stilled the madness of the people. Are not the hearts of all men in his hand?

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At the request of many, I had given notice of a watch night. We had but an indifferent prelude: Between six and seven the mob gathered in great numbers, made an huge noise, and began to throw large stones against the outward doors. But they had put themselves out of breath before eight, so that when the service began they were all gone.

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In the evening the whole congregation seemed not a little moved, while I was enforcing those solemn words, “He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” The same was observable, and that in an higher and higher degree, the two following evenings. If I could stay here a month, I think there would be a society little inferior to that at Bristol. But it must not be; they who will bear sound doctrine only from me, must still believe a lie.

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My horses meeting me at Burntwood, I rode on to

Leytonstone, and preached to a serious congregation, on, “I will; be thou clean.” The following week I made a little tour through part of Kent and Sussex, where some of our brethren swiftly increase in goods. Do they increase in grace too? If not, let them take care that their money do not perish with them.

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I proposed to the Leaders, the assisting the Society

for the Reformation of Manners, with regard to their heavy debt. One of them asked, “Ought we not to pay our own debt first?” After some consultations, it was agreed to attempt it. The general debt of the society in London, occasioned chiefly by repairing the Foundery, and chapels, and by building at Wapping and Snowsfields, was about nine hundred pounds. This I laid before the society in the evening, and desired them all to set their shoulders to the work, either by a present contribution, or by subscribing what they could pay, on the first of January, February, or March.

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My scraps of time this week I employed in setting down my present thoughts upon a single life, which, indeed, are just the same they have been these thirty years; and the same they must be, unless I give up my Bible.

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At ten (and so every morning) I met the preachers that were in town, and read over with them the “Survey of the Wisdom of God in the Creation.” Many pupils I had at the University, and I took some pains with them: But to what effect? What is become of them now? How many of them think either of their Tutor or their God? But, blessed be God! I have had some pupils since, who well reward me for my labor. Now “I live;” for “ye stand fast in the Lord.”

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I retired to Hoxton, to answer what was personal in the letters ascribed to Mr. Hervey. How amazing is the power of prejudice! Were it not for this, every one who knew him and me would have cried out with indignation, “Whatever Mr. W. was, none can commend or excuse Mr. H. Such bitterness he ought not to have shown to his most cruel enemy; how much less to the guide of his youth; to one he owns to have been his ‘father and his friend!’”

Monday, 19, and the other afternoons of this week, I took up my cross, and went in person to the principal persons in our society, in every part of the town. By this means, within six days, near six hundred pounds were subscribed toward the public debt; and what was done, was done with the utmost cheerfulness. I remember but one exception: Only one gentleman squeezed out ten shillings, as so many drops of blood.

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M. B. gave me a farther account of their affairs at Leytonstone. It is exactly Pietas Hallensis in miniature. What it will be, does not yet appear.

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I made a little excursion to Colchester. Saturday, 8. I saw one who, many years ago, was a “minister of God to us for good,” in repressing the madness of the people, — Sir John Gonson, who was near fifty years a Magistrate, and has lived more than ninety. He is majestic in decay, having few wrinkles, and not stooping at all, though just dropping into the grave, having no strength, and little memory or understanding. Well might that good man, Bishop Stratford, pray, “Lord, let me not live to be useless!” And he had his desire: He was struck with a palsy in the evening, praised God all night, and died in the morning. Monday, 10, and the three following days, I visited Canterbury, Dover, and Sandwich, and returned to London on Friday, 14. In the machine I read Mr. Baxter’s book upon apparitions. It contains several well-attested accounts; but there are some which I cannot subscribe to. How hard is it to keep the middle way; not to believe too little or too much!

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I buried Mrs. Prior, housekeeper to Mr. P., who told me, “On—— night, just at one, I rung, and said to my man coming in, ‘Mrs. Prior is dead. She just now came into my room, and walked round my bed.’ About two, the nurse came, and told me she was dead. I asked at what time she died; and was answered, ‘Just at one o’clock.’”

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I preached and administered the sacrament at the new chapel in Snowsfields. How well does God order all things! By losing the former chapel we have gained both a better House and a larger congregation.

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Between two and three in the morning, I was sent for to John Matthews. For some months he had frequently said, “I have no more doubt of being in heaven, than if I was there already.” A little before we came, one asked, “How do you do now?” He answered, — “The Lord protects, for ever near.”

When I came in, he was perfectly sensible, but too weak to speak. Just at three I began to pray. I had scarce prayed two minutes, when, without any struggle, or sigh, or groan, he fell asleep.

A man of so faultless a behavior I have hardly ever been, acquainted with. During twenty years, I do not remember his doing or saying any thing which I would wish to have been unsaid or undone.

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I thought it would be worth while to make an odd

experiment. Remembering how surprisingly fond of music the lion at Edinburgh was, I determined to try whether this was the case with all animals of the same kind. I accordingly went to the tower with one who plays on the German flute. He began playing near four or five lions; only one of these (the rest not seeming to regard it at all) rose up, came to the front of his den, and seemed to be all attention. Meantime, a tiger in the same den started up, leaped over the lion’s back, turned and ran under his belly, leaped over him again, and so to and fro incessantly. Can we account for this by any principle of mechanism? Can we account for it at all?

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