1771

A large congregation met at Spitalfields in the

evening, in order to renew, with one heart and one voice, their covenant with God. This was not in vain; the Spirit of glory, and of God, as usual, rested upon them. Wednesday, 2. I preached in the evening, at Deptford, a kind of funeral sermon for Mr. Whitefield. In every place I wish to show all possible respect to the memory of that great and good man.

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I spent an hour and a half in beating the air, in reasoning with an infidel of the lowest class. He told me roundly, “I believe God is powerful, and the Creator of all things. But I am nothing obliged to him for creating me, since he did it only for his own pleasure. Neither can I believe that he is good; since he can remove all the evil in the world if he will: And, therefore, it is God’s fault, and no one’s else, that there is any evil in the universe.” I am afraid we could not deny this, if we allowed that God had “from all eternity, unchangeably determined everything, great and small, which comes to pass in time.”

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I had an hour’s conversation with that amiable young man, Mr. de C——, whose opinion has not yet spoiled his temper. But how long will he hold out against its baleful tendency? I fear, not to the end of the year.

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I dined at Mr. M——’s, an upright man, willing to know and to live the Gospel. I cannot but think he would be an eminent Christian if he were not rich.

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While I was opening and applying, at West-Street chapel, those comfortable words, “He knoweth whereof we are made; he remembereth that we are but dust,” it pleased God to speak to many hearts, and to fill them with strong consolation. Now let them “walk as children of the light,” and they shall no more come into darkness.

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For what cause I know not to this day, — set out for Newcastle, purposing “never to return.” Non eam reliqui: Non dimisi: Non revocabo. f52

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I revised and transcribed my Will, declaring as simply, as plainly, and as briefly as I could, nothing more nor nothing else, but “what I would have done with the worldly goods which I leave behind me.”

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I buried the remains of Joan Turner, who spent all her last hours in rejoicing and praising God, and died full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, at three years and an half old.

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I met with that ingenious tract, “A Dialogue

between Moses and Lord Bolingbroke.” It contains many striking and beautiful thoughts; yet some things in it are not quite clear. It is not clear, that Moses includes in his account neither more nor less than the solar system. Probably he speaks, either solely of the creation of the Earth, and of other bodies as related thereto: Or of the Universe, the fixed stars, (mentioned Genesis 1:16,) including their satellites also. But be this as it may, is it well thus to run down all that differ from us? Dr. Pye is an ingenious man; but so is Dr. Robinson also. So are twenty more, although they understand Moses in a quite different manner.

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I went through both the upper and lower rooms of the

London Workhouse. It contains about an hundred children, who are in as good order as any private family. And the whole house is as clean, from top to bottom, as any gentleman’s needs be. And why is not every workhouse in London, yea, through the kingdom, in the same order? Purely for want either of sense, or of honesty and activity, in them that superintend it.

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I preached once more at Welling, to a larger congregation than I have seen there for many years. And many seemed to be uncommonly affected: Particularly one young gentlewoman, who had never heard any preaching of this kind before this evening. After struggling some time, she cried out aloud and could not be comforted; although her mother told her how good she was; nay, and had been all her life.

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We never, that I remember, before had such a congregation at Wapping, either of hearers or communicants; and very seldom such an outpouring of the Spirit. Saturday, 23. We had the greatest number of communicants at Snowsfields, that we have had since the chapel was built. It seems as if God were about thoroughly to heal the wound which we received here in the house of our friends.

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I showed a friend, coming out of the country, the tombs in Westminster Abbey. The two with which I still think none of the others worthy to be compared, are that of Mrs. Nightingale, and that of the Admiral rising out of his tomb at the resurrection. But the vile flattery inscribed on many of them reminded me of that just reflection, — If on the sculptur’d marble you rely,

Pity that worth like his should ever die.

If credit to the real life you give,

Pity a wretch like him should ever live!

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After preaching at the chapel morning and afternoon, in the evening I preached at Brentford, the next evening at Newbury, and on Tuesday at Bristol. Friday, 8. I went over to Kingswood, and found several of the boys still alive to God.

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I set out with John Pritchard, in a severe frost, and about two came to Stroud. Being desired to preach a funeral sermon for good old Mr. Arundel, I willingly complied, and enlarged on, “These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

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The frost changed into rain. About noon I preached at

Tewkesbury; and at Worcester in the evening. Wednesday, 13. I had the pleasure of spending an hour at Kidderminster, with that good man, Mr. Fawcett. I reached Shrewsbury but a few minutes before the time of preaching. The mob were quieter than usual, as they were likewise the next night. Friday, 15. Being desired to give them a sermon at Wem, and finding no house would hold the congregation, I stood in Mr. Henshaw’s yard, where I opened and strongly applied those words, “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” We were more at a loss what to do with the congregation at Whitchurch in the evening. At length we desired all that could, to squeeze into the House; the rest stood quietly without; and none, I believe, repented their labor; for God was eminently present.

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Between nine and ten, I began at Cardinmarsh. I have not seen the bulk of a congregation so melted down since I left London. In the evening we had a Sunday congregation at Chester; and many were filled with consolation.

Both on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, all our congregations were uncommonly large; otherwise I should have regretted staying so long, while the weather was pleasant and the wind fair. Wednesday, 20. Having agreed with a Captain, who promised to sail immediately, we went down to Park-Gate; but, the wind turning, I preached in the evening to most of the Gentry of the town. I preached likewise, morning and evening, on Thursday.

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I embarked on board the Kildare; abundantly the

best and cleanest ship which I have sailed in for many years. But the wind failing, we could not cross the bar till about noon. Saturday, 23. About one, the wind being high, and the sea rough, I judged it was my best way to lie down and go to sleep. Meantime the ship went forty leagues in about twelve hours, and reached Dublin early on Sunday morning. Landing at the quay, I walked straight to the new Room, very well, (blessed be God,) and very hungry.

I immediately set myself to inquire into the state of the society in Dublin. It was plain there had been a continual jar, for at least two years last past, which had stumbled the people, weakened the hands of the Preachers, and greatly hindered (the work of God). I wanted to know the ground of this; and, that I might do nothing rashly, determined to hear the parties, separately first, and then face to face. Having already talked with the Preachers, I talked this evening with the Leaders at large; and from the spirit which appeared in all, I had a good hope that all hindrances would be removed. On Wednesday evening I met the Leaders again, and gave them an opportunity of explaining themselves further; and on Friday I appointed an extraordinary meeting, at which some spoke with much warmth. But I tempered them on each side, so that they parted in peace.

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I preached at the new preaching house, near the barracks, about six in the evening. Many attended here who cannot, and many who will not, come to the other end of the town. So that I am persuaded the preaching here twice or thrice a week, will be much for the glory of God.

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The Leaders, Stewards, and Preachers, spoke their minds freely to each other. I now saw the whole evil might be removed, all parties being desirous of peace.

On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, I visited the classes, and found a general faintness had run through the society. Yet for several days God has given a general blessing, and strengthened many of the feeble-minded. On Tuesday I preached again at the new House, and many were greatly comforted.

On Wednesday evening I read over to the Leaders the following paper: —

1. That it may be more easily discerned whether the members of our societies are working out their own salvation, they are divided into little companies, called classes. One person in each of these is styled the Leader: It is his business,

1. To see each person in his class once a week; to inquire how their souls prosper; to advise, reprove, comfort, or exhort them:

2. To receive what they are willing to give toward the expenses of the society: And,

3. To meet the Assistant and the Stewards once a week.

2. This is the whole and sole business of a Leader, or any number of Leaders. But it is common for the Assistant in any place when several Leaders are met together, to ask their advice, as to anything that concerns either the temporal or spiritual welfare of the society. This he may, or he may not do, as he sees best. I frequently do it in the larger societies; and on many occasions I have found, that in a multitude of counselors there is safety.

3. From this short view of the original design of Leaders, it is easy to answer the following questions: —

Q. 1. What authority has a single Leader?

He has authority to meet his class, to receive their contributions, and to visit the sick in his class.

Q. 2. What authority have all the Leaders of a society met together? They have authority to show their class-papers to the Assistant; to deliver the money they have received to the Stewards, and to bring in the names of the sick.

Q. 3. But have they not authority to restrain the Assistant, if they think he acts improperly?

No more than any member of the society has. After mildly speaking to him, they are to refer the thing to Mr. W.

Q. 4. Have they not authority to hinder a person from preaching? None but the Assistant has this authority.

Q. 5. Have they not authority to displace a particular Leader? No more than the door-keeper has. To place and to displace Leaders belongs to the Assistant alone.

Q. 6. Have they not authority to expel a particular member of the society?

No: The Assistant only can do this.

Q. 7. But have they not authority to regulate the temporal and spiritual affairs of the society?

Neither the one nor the other. Temporal affairs belong to the Stewards; spiritual to the Assistant.

Q. 8. Have they authority to make any collection of a public nature? No: The Assistant only can do this.

Q. 9. Have they authority to receive the yearly subscription? No: This also belongs to the Assistant.

4. Considering these things, can we wonder at the confusion which has been here for some years?

If one wheel of a machine gets out of its place, what disorder must ensue! In the Methodist discipline, the wheels regularly stand thus: The Assistant, the Preachers, the Stewards, the Leaders, the people. But here the Leaders, who are the lowest wheel but one, were got quite out of their place. They were got at the top of all, above the Stewards, the Preachers, yea, and above the Assistant himself.

5. To this, chiefly, I impute the gradual decay of the work of God in Dublin.

There has been a jar throughout the whole machine. Most of the wheels were hindered in their motion. The Stewards, the Preachers, the Assistant, all moved heavily. They felt all was not right. But if they saw where the fault lay, they had not strength to remedy it.

But it may be effectually remedied now. Without rehearsing former grievances, (which may all die and be forgotten,) for the time to come, let each wheel keep its own place. Let the Assistant, the Preachers, the Stewards, the Leaders, know and execute their several offices. Let none encroach upon another, but all move together in harmony and love. So shall the work of God flourish among you, perhaps as it never did before; while you all hold the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Dublin, March 29, 1771.

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I gave the sacrament at the Widows’ House, to four or five and twenty that are widows indeed; all poor enough, several sick or infirm, three bed-rid, one on the brink of eternity. But almost all know in whom they have believed, and walk worthy of their profession.

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I was agreeably surprised to see the largest congregation today which I have seen since I landed. The congregations used to be large for three or four days, and then gradually to decline; but they have now continually increased from first to last. This also is a token for good.

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As the weather continued extremely cold, I judged it best to visit the inland counties and the south of Ireland first. So today I rode to Edinderry; but was constrained by the keen north wind to preach within. The case was the same at Tyrrel’s Pass, on Tuesday, 9, where I preached in the shell of the new House. Wednesday, 10. I preached in the Court-House at Molingar, to a serious and decent congregation. But they seemed quite unconcerned. Those who met in the Court-House at Longford in the evening were of quite another spirit. They drank in every word, while I explained, “Lord, are there few that be saved?” Who can despair of doing good in any place? None in this kingdom seemed so barren as Longford; and that for many years. After near twenty years’ labor, we sought fruit, but found none. But on a sudden, the seed so long hid, is sprung up, and promises a plentiful harvest.

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I preached at Loughan and Athlone; Friday, 12, at Aghrim.

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I rode back to Athlone, where there is now no opposition either from rich or poor. The consequence of this is, there is no zeal, while the people “dwell at ease.” O what state upon earth is exempt from danger! When persecution arises, how many are offended! When it does not arise, how many grow cold and leave their “first love!” Some perish by the storm, but far more by the calm. “Lord, save, or we perish!”

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I designed to preach abroad; but the storm drove us into the House. This House was built and given, with the ground on which it stands, by a single gentleman. In Cork, one person, Mr. Thomas James, gave between three and four hundred pounds toward the preaching house. Towards that in Dublin, Mr. Lunel gave four hundred. I know no such benefactors among the Methodists in England.

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I rode to Birr, through much hail and snow, driven in our face by a furious wind. So was the hail the next day, as we rode to Tullamore. Here, likewise, I lamented the want of zeal. So the society here also is no larger than it was two years ago.

On the following days I preached at Coolylough, Mount-Mellick, and Portarlington. Monday, 22. I rode to Kilkenny. The new preaching house was just finished, — a neat and commodious building. But before we came to it in the evening, it was filled from end to end. So it was the next evening. On Wednesday, 24, I cheerfully commended them to the grace of God.

In the evening I knew not where to preach at Enniscorthy, the wind being very high and very cold. But I was in some measure sheltered by the side of an house; and the people standing close together, sheltered one another. Only a few careless ones were blown away.

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Two of our brethren from Wexford earnestly entreated me to go thither. I preached in the market-house at ten o’clock. The congregation was very large, and very genteel; and yet no remarkably well-behaved as any I have seen in the kingdom.

By hard riding we reached Waterford before six, where the House tolerably well contained the congregation: So it does the first night I am here.

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I labored to calm the minds of some that had separated from their brethren; but it was labor lost. After two or three hours spent in fruitless altercation, I was thoroughly convinced that they would not, and ought not to be reunited to them.

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At eleven, and again in the afternoon, I went to the cathedral, where a young gentleman most valiantly encountered the “grievous wolves,” as he termed the Methodists. I never heard a man strike more wide of the mark. However, the shallow discourse did good; for it sent abundance of people, rich and poor to hear and judge for themselves. So that the court, at the top of which I stood, was filled from end to end.

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In the evening I preached in the market place at Clonmell, to a listening multitude. Some seemed inclined to disturb; but the serious, well-behaved Troopers kept them all in awe.

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I rode to Cork; and on Wednesday, MAY 1, to Bandon: But the northeast wind forbade my preaching in the street. I was the less concerned at this, because my business now lay chiefly with the society. Those who had been scattered I labored to gather up; those who were drowsy, to awaken; those that were dead, to quicken; and to unite all together in following after peace and holiness.

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I returned to Cork, and would fain have preached abroad; but the violent wind would not suffer it. Monday, 6. I spake severally to the members of the society. Two years ago they were reduced to about an hundred and ninety. They are now only an hundred and seventy; and yet the work of God deepens in those that remain. I found many growing in grace; many rejoicing in the pure love of God; and many more, who were earnestly panting after the whole mind that was in Christ.

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I assisted at the funeral of Susanna Pilson. She was one of the first members of this society, and continued firm in the hottest of the persecution. Upwards of twenty years she adorned the Gospel, steadily and uniformly walking with God. For great part of the time she was a living witness, that “the blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin.” After a lingering illness, she calmly resigned her soul into the hands of her faithful Creator.

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We had an agreeable ride to Kilfinnan. I designed to preach under the Court-House; but was offered the use of the room above, where the Church Service has been for these two years, as the church lies in ruins. In a very short time we had a large and attentive congregation. If the parish Ministers were zealous for God, the Protestants in Ireland would soon out-number the Papists.

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I rode on to Limerick, and told the congregation plainly, “If, as is your manner, you attend three days, and then fall off, I can bestow my time better elsewhere. But if you continue to come, I will stay with you longer.” They took me at my word; and continued to increase both morning and evening, as long as I stayed in the city.

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A gentleman desired me to visit his daughter. I found a lovely, sensible woman, in the bloom of youth, scarce one-and-twenty, in the last stage of a consumption. From that time I visited her every day. In two or three days she was considerably better. But, as I expected, when the hot weather came on, the sweet flower withered away.

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I dined at Mr.——’s. Such another family I have not seen in the kingdom. He and Mrs.—— are in person, in understanding, and in temper, made for each other. And their ten children are in such order as I have not seen for many years; indeed, never since I left my father’s house. May they never depart from the good way!

May 19. (Being Whit-sunday.) The ground in the island being wet, I preached in the evening, near the new Custom-House, on, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.” I was not a little refreshed, observing so many who seemed to thirst for the living water. I preached there again the following evening, to nearly the same number of hearers. I should have thought it well worth while to have come to Limerick, were it only for these two evenings.

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After preaching at Balligarane, I rode to Ashkayton. There are no ruins, I believe, in the kingdom of Ireland to be compared to these. The old Earl of Desmond’s castle is very large, and has been exceeding strong. Not far from this, and formerly communicating with it by a gallery, is his great hall or banqueting-room. The walls are still firm and entire; and these with the fine carvings of the window-frames, (all of polished marble,) give some idea of what it was once. Its last master lived like a Prince for many years, and rebelled over and over against Queen Elizabeth. After his last rebellion, his army being totally routed, he fled into the woods with two or three hundred men. But the pursuit was so hot, that these were soon scattered from him, and he crept alone into a small cabin. He was sitting there, when a soldier came in and struck him. He rose and said, “I am the Earl of Desmond.” The wretch, rejoicing that he had found so great a prize, cut off his head at once. Queen Elizabeth and King James allowed a pension to his relict for many years. I have seen a striking picture of her, in her widow’s weeds, said to be taken when she was an hundred and forty years old.

At a small distance from the castle stands the old Abbey, the finest ruin of the kind in the kingdom. Not only the walls of the church, and many of the apartments, but the whole cloisters, are entire. They are built of black marble exquisitely polished, and vaulted over with the same. So that they are as firm now as when they were built, perhaps seven or eight hundred years ago; and if not purposely destroyed (as most of the ancient buildings in Ireland have been,) may last these thousand years. But add these to the years they have stood already, and what is it to eternity? A moment!

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I spoke severally to the members of the society in Limerick. I have found no society in Ireland, number for number, so rooted and grounded in love. We observed this as a day of fasting and prayer, and were much comforted together.

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The rain obliged me to preach within, at five in the evening. It was a season of solemn joy and sorrow. I took horse immediately after preaching, and rode through continued rain to Snugborough, about fourteen Irish miles from Limerick.

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We pushed on through violent wind and rain, and reached

Galway in the afternoon. About six I preached in the Court-House, by far the neatest which I have seen in the kingdom. Abundance of the soldiers, who were to march for Dublin the next day, willingly attended: And not a few of the townsfolk; but (what is rarely seen in Ireland) five or six men to one woman. I was enabled to speak exceeding close; and many were stunned, if not wounded. The next evening, the number of townsmen was doubled; among who were the Mayor, and several other people of fashion. Again I spoke with the utmost plainness, and could not but hope there will be a work of God even in Galway.

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Heavy rain, with furious wind, accompanied us all day.

However, I reached Ballinrobe between twelve and one, and preached in the Court-House to forty or fifty hearers. Five miles short of Castlebar we took shelter for a while in a little cabin. The poor man brought us the best thing he had, a glass of rum. We talked a little with him and his wife, sung a hymn, and went to prayer; and then, the rain abating, rode cheerfully on to Castlebar.

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I preached about noon at Cappavica, four miles from Castlebar. It is a lone house; but the people soon flocked together. Every one seemed to be exceeding serious: Six-and-twenty appeared resolved to work out their own salvation, and help each other therein.

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Observing many fashionable people in the Court-House at Castlebar, I spoke with such closeness and pungency, as I cannot do but at some peculiar seasons. It is indeed the gift of God, and cannot be attained by all the efforts of nature and art united.

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This is the twelfth day that we have had continued rain, together with March winds. I dined at Rabin, near Castlebar, one of the pleasantest seats in Connaught. It was an old castle, standing between two loughs, with a river behind, and a wood before. And the inhabitants Did like the scene appear;

Serenely pleasant, calmly fair:

Soft fell their words, as flew the air.

O that the God of love may add to these amiable qualities, all “the mind which was in Christ Jesus!”

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In the evening I expounded the Gospel for the day; the story of Dives and Lazarus. And now God opened both my mouth and the hearts of the hearers. His word seemed to take fast hold of them, even of the gay and rich, many of whom had wandered in among us.

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I rode to Sligo, and preached in our own Room, to an exceeding serious congregation, such as I have not seen here for many years. But the next evening, a young Officer, with several pretty gay things, behaved so ill, that I was obliged to reprove them. They took it well; but we could not recover the fervor which was before swiftly spreading through the people.

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I rode to Ballyshannon, and preached in the Assembly Room. I was acquainted with some of the chief persons in the town; but they were ashamed to own me. Only some of them sent their compliments to me, properly so called.

Hence, I rode to Manorhamilton, and in the evening preached in a pleasant meadow, to a very large congregation. But I found little life in the society.

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We came to Swadlingbar, and seemed to be got into another world. The people were all alive, full of faith and love, and panting after the whole image of God. The congregation in the evening refreshed me much, by their spirit, as well as their number: They made The hills and the dales

With praises resound;

singing with the spirit and with the understanding also. I have heard no such voices since we left Cork, nor seen so earnest a people since we left Limerick.

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About noon I preached at Tonnylommon, four miles short of Enniskillen, to just such another congregation, deeply athirst for the full salvations of God. In the afternoon we rode to Mr. A——’s at Sidare. Some time since, one of his neighbors, being angry that his sister resolved to save her soul, by the advice, as he supposed, of Nancy A——, came one Sunday in the afternoon while they were at prayers, burst into the room, struck a woman in the face who would have stopped him, and with his loaded whip struck Naney A—— on the temple; so that she lay as dead for several hours. He designed, it seems, to make an end of her at once. And indeed she never has been well since.

Here a tent was set up on a green, grassy place, amidst abundance of people ripe for the Gospel. So I cried, in our Lord’s words, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.” And it is not easy to express the thirst, the vehement desire, which appeared in a great part of the congregation.

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We set out for Ruskey, a little town near Macquire’s Bridge. But before we had gone nine miles, we found a congregation waiting in the street at Lismolaw, where I know not who had given notice that I was to preach. I at first thought of riding on; but fearing it might hurt the poor people, I alighted, and preached immediately. They were all attention while I explained, “Ye are saved through faith.” About noon I preached at Ruskey.

In the evening we came to Augher. For several days we have been among some of the warmest Christians in the kingdom. All at once we came to a people cold as ice. Here was a lively people! But they have long grieved the Holy Spirit of God, and he seems to be departed from them. Knowing few would come to the House, I stood abroad, and had forty or fifty hearers, but unconcerned enough. Sunday, 9. About eight I had a few more, and about an hundred in the evening. I went to church at Clogher: The Dean is one of the best readers I have heard, and one of the most easy, natural Preachers: And the congregation was not only large, but remarkably well-behaved.

I seldom look at the old castle at Augher, without thinking of the famous Sir Phelim O’Neale. In the beginning of the Irish Rebellion, he called one night at Mr. Kennedy’s, an intimate acquaintance and foster-brother, (a very sacred relation among the Irish,) and said, “Rise, come away with me, that I may protect you, for fear some of my straggling parties should hurt you.” Mrs. Kennedy, being very near her time, said, “Nay, gossip, consider my condition, and do not take my husband from me.” He replied, “You fool, it is for his own good.” But soon after they were gone, Mrs. K. said, “My heart misgives me; whatever comes of it, I must follow them.” So, as well as she could, she walked between her man-servant and her maid, an Irish girl. About sunrise they came near Augher castle, where Sir Phelim was standing with his men. Just by him was her husband, hanged on a tree. Sir Phelim, seeing her, sent and ordered the man and maid to stand from her. The man did so: The maid replied, “No; I will die with my mistress.” On this he ordered his men to fire. She fell, and two infants fell out of her. Such was the mercy of the Irish at that time! Such the spirit which their good Priests infused into them!

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I was surprised at the improvements made in this county

within a few years. For above thirty miles, it is now cultivated like England, and sprinkled up and down with little new-built houses. A gentleman of Dermquin, desiring me to preach there, I began without delay, at the end of his house. It being the fair-day, there was a numerous congregation; but not so numerous as that at Mallilough, where I preached about noon. Between six and seven, after riding more than fifty Irish miles, I reached Derry, and preached on, “There hath no temptation taken you, but such as is common to men.” God spake by his word to many tempted souls, and comforted them over all their troubles.

Every morning and evening, on the following days, the congregations were larger than I ever remember; and several Clergymen were present every evening. Thursday, 13. I spoke severally to the members of the society. I found far more life among them than I expected. Near one half of the sixty (that was the number of those that remained) I judged to be real believers. What a mischievous injustice it is to represent all this people as dead! It has weakened the hands of the Preachers much, and has greatly discouraged the people. The continually telling people they are dead, is the ready way to make them so.

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I looked over a volume of Mr. Skelton’s Works. He is a

surprising writer. When there is occasion, he shows all the wit of Dr. Swift, joined with ten times his judgment; and with (what is far more) a deep fear of God, and a tender love to mankind. About noon I preached at the New-Buildings, two miles from Londonderry. The people, some time past, bore a near resemblance to the colliers of Kingswood. They were equally without God in the world, and eminent for all manner of wickedness: But old things are passed away, and they are eminent now for the fear of God, and the love of their neighbor. I preached there again on Sunday, 16, and administered the Lord’s Supper to the society. I think they were all in tears; but, with the greatest part, they were tears of joy and love.

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I met the singers for the last time. I joined them together two years ago; but, as the Preachers following took no care or thought about them, they of course flew asunder. And no wonder; for nothing will stand in the Methodist plan, unless the Preacher has his heart and his hand in it. Every Preacher, therefore, should consider it is not his business to mind this or that thing only, but every thing.

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Cheerfully leaving Londonderry, I rode through the wild, dreary mountains, to Cookstown. Here the scene was changed. The house at which I alighted was filled with whisky-drinkers; and the whole town, it being the fair-day, was all hurry and confusion. However, about seven the tent was set up. The people flocked from all quarters; and, considering many of them were far from sober, behaved tolerably well.

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I preached at five and at twelve, to a lifeless company; and then rode, through a fruitful country, to Stewart-Town. A large congregation soon assembled in the Court-House, most of whom behaved with decency; though very few of them appeared to understand anything of the matter.

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We went on to Castle-Calfield. As we were walking in the afternoon, an horse that was feeding turned short, and struck me on the small of my back. Had he been but an inch or two nearer, I should not have traveled any farther. As it was, I was well again in a few days. In the evening I preached on the lovely Green, before the castle, to a serious and large congregation. This was the first summer day we have had this year; and this was only warm, not hot.

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About eleven we had a still larger congregation, near the castle in Charlemount; whom I exhorted to be “not slothful in business,” but “fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” At seven in the evening I preached at Armagh, in Mr. Macgough’s avenue. The congregation was in an arbor, the wide-spread trees quite overshadowing them; while

The setting sun adorned the coast,

His beams entire, his fierceness lost.

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I rode to Caladon, where, two years ago, Mr. C—— was ready to put me in his bosom. But he did not know me now. So I preached in the street, to an exceeding quiet congregation; and rode back in the evening. Is it strange that men, or the moon, should change?

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In the evening, such a multitude of people assembled, and stood so close together; that, though we were in open air, the heat was almost insupportable. Surely God will have a people in this place! The poor, at least, will receive the Gospel.

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I preached, about noon, at a village which takes its name from the Black Water in which the Irish Papists drowned so many Protestants, in 1641. In the evening I preached at Clanmain, to a very dull congregation. It is well, if the first are not last! Tuesday, 25. I preached at Cock-Hill, in a delightful evening, under some shady trees. Many of the people were alive to God. Wednesday, 26. I preached at the Grange, to a still livelier and larger congregation: But I found the liveliest of all at Derry-Anvil. Six or seven of this little society still rejoice in the pure love of God. Thus has God his secret ones, in a little corner of the land, surrounded with bogs, and out of all road. Friday, 28. I preached in the street at Portadown, to a serious, well behaved congregation; and in the evening at Kilmararty, to the largest congregation I have seen since we left Armagh.

This day I entered the sixty-ninth year of my age. I am still a wonder to myself. My voice and strength are the same as at nine-and-twenty. This also hath God wrought.

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I preached at the end of the market-house in Tanderagee.

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At nine the people flocked from all parts; but much more at six in the evening, when we had a London congregation both for number and seriousness.

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I preached at Killwarlin, where, a few weeks ago,

Thomas Mott died in peace. In the evening I preached in the Linen-Hall, at Lisburn, to a numerous congregation. Tuesday, 2. I preached on the Green at Newtown; but the people had not the spirit of those at Lisburn.

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At ten I preached to a small congregation, a mile from

Belfast, and in the market place there at twelve. I never saw so large a congregation there before, nor one so remarkably stupid and ill-mannered: Yet a few should be excepted, even gentlemen, who seemed to know sense from nonsense. I have found as sensible men at Dublin as at Belfast; but men so self-sufficient I have not found.

I preached at Carrickfergus in the evening; and Thursday, 4, went on to Lurn, and preached at nine in the main street, to a very attentive congregation. Thence I rode to Glenarm. The preaching began here in an uncommon manner: — Some months since, John Smith, now with God, was pressed in spirit to go and preach there, though he knew no one in the town. Near it he overtook a young lady riding behind a servant; and on her saying it was a very wicked place, he asked, “Are there no good men there?” She said, “Yes; there is one, William Hunter.” He rode into the town, and inquired for William Hunter’s house. When he came to the door, a young woman was sweeping the house. He asked her name, and, being answered “Betty Hunter,” alighted, and said “Betty, take my horse to an inn, and tell every one you meet,’A gentleman at our house has good news to tell you, at seven o’clock.” At seven the house was well filled. John preached to them twice a day for nine days; but when he took his leave, he had only three pence: However, he asked the landlady, “What is to pay for my horse?” “Nothing, Sir,” said the woman: “A gentleman has paid all; and will do, if you stay a month.”

I preached near the market-house about noon, to a large number of decent hearers; but to a much larger, in the market-house at Ballymena, in the evening. Friday, 5. I rode to Ballinderry, and found an earnest, simple-hearted people. A great multitude here “received the word with all readiness of mind.” A specimen of the society, consisting of about fifty members, I had in the house where I dined; wherein a father and mother; with a son and five daughters, were all walking in the light of God’s countenance. Afterwards I prayed with an ancient woman; while a little girl, her grandchild, kneeling behind me, was all in tears, and said, “O grandmamma, have you no sins to cry for, as well as me?”

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After spending two hours very agreeably at Mayra, I rode to Drumbanahar, and preached to a serious congregation. That at Newry in the evening was much larger: At nine in the morning it was larger still; but nothing to that in the evening: Yet I think all heard, and most of them seemed much affected. Monday, 8. I cheerfully left Newry, and in the evening preached at Dublin.

Having rested a day, on Wednesday, 10, I went to Carlow, and preached in the Sessions-House, to a large, wild congregation. In the morning, I once more composed the differences of the poor, shattered society. About noon I preached in the street at Baltinglass; in the evening, to a lovely congregation at Donard. Friday, 12. I returned to Dublin, well satisfied with my little excursion.

Or Monday and Tuesday I revised the classes. The number of members in the society is shrunk from upwards of five hundred to beneath four hundred, in two years; but I trust they will now increase, as the offenses are removed, and brotherly love restored.

On Thursday and Friday we had our little Conference; a solemn and useful meeting. Sunday, 21. At the meeting of the society many were comforted; and all seemed determined to set out anew, and take the kingdom of heaven by violence. Monday, 22. In the evening I embarked on board the Nonpareil, for Parkgate, with a small, fair wind, so that the sea was smooth as a looking-glass. Tuesday, 23. As we went slowly on, the gentlemen (of whom we had many on board) desired me to give them a sermon. This I willingly did; and all were seriously attentive. We landed about seven on Wednesday, 24, and took chaise for Liverpool. Thursday,

25. I rode across the country to Whitchurch, and spent an agreeable evening with that lovely family. Friday, 26. I went on to Shrewsbury, where Mr. Fletcher met me. Sunday, 28. I preached at Madeley, morning and afternoon. The church could not near contain the congregation; but, the window near the pulpit being open, those without could hear as well as those within. Monday, 29. I went on to Worcester. Our brethren had chosen a place for me, in a broad street, not far from the cathedral, where there was room for thousands of people; and we soon had company enough, part serious, part like the wild ass’s colt; but in a while the serious part prevailed, and silenced, or drove away, the rabble, till we had a tolerable degree of quietness, and concluded in peace.

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I rode to Cheltenham, and preached near the

market-place, to a large and quiet congregation. Friday, 2. I went on to Kingswood. Sunday, 4. We had above six hundred and fifty communicants at Bristol. In the afternoon I preached in St. James’s, Barton, to an huge multitude; and all were still as night.

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We had more Preachers than usual at the Conference, in

consequence of Mr. Shirley’s Circular Letter. At ten on Thursday morning he came, with nine or ten of his friends. We conversed freely for about two hours; and I believe they were satisfied that we were not so “dreadful heretics” as they imagined, but were tolerably sound in the faith.

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I set out for Wales, and after preaching, at Chepstow and Brecknock, on Wednesday, 14, came to the Hay. Here I met with Dr. Maclaine’s Translation of “Mosheim’s Ecclesiastical History.” Certainly he is a very sensible translator of a very sensible writer; but I dare not affirm that either one or the other was acquainted with inward religion. The translator mentions, without any blame, Mr. Shinstra’s “Letter against Fanaticism;” which, if the reasoning were just, would fix the charge of fanaticism on our Lord himself, and all his Apostles. In truth, I cannot but fear, Mr. Shinstra is in the same class with Dr. Conyers Middleton; and aims every blow, though he seems to look another way, at the fanatics who wrote the Bible.

The very thing which Mr. Shinstra calls fanaticism, is no other than heart-religion; in other words, “righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” These must be felt, or they have no being. All, therefore, who condemn inward feelings in the gross, leave no place either for joy, peace, or love in religion; and consequently reduce it to a dry, dead carcass. In the evening, I preached in the next, neat preaching house, to many more than it would contain. The next evening I was constrained to preach abroad. Friday, 16. I returned to Brecknock; and, after spending two comfortable days there, on Monday, 19, rode to Carmarthen. The rain obliged me to preach within. Tuesday, 20. I rode to Haverfordwest; and, in the evening, preached in St. Martin’s churchyard, to a numerous and deeply-attentive congregation. The next evening I strongly applied the story of Dives and Lazarus; and many were almost persuaded to be Christians.

I rode, on Thursday, 22, to Dala, a little village at the mouth of Milford-Haven. It seemed to me that our Preachers had bestowed here much pains to little purpose. The people, one and all, seemed as dead as stones, — perfectly quiet, and perfectly unconcerned. I told them just what I thought. It went as a sword to their hearts. They felt the truth, and wept bitterly. I know not where we have found more of the presence of God. Shall we at last have fruit here also?

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I preached at noon, to a lovely congregation of plain, artless people, at Houghton; and in the Town-Hall at Pembroke, in the evening, to many rich and elegant hearers. Sunday, 25. At ten I began the Service at St. Daniel’s. The church, as usual, would ill contain the congregation. In the afternoon I preached in Monk-Town church, (one of the three belonging to Pembroke,) a large, old, ruinous building. I suppose it has scarce had such a congregation in it during this century. Many of them were gay, genteel people: So I spake on the first elements of the Gospel. But I was still out of their depth. O how hard it is to be shallow enough for a polite audience!

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I rode to Llanelly, and at six read Prayers, and preached in another large church, almost as ruinous as that at Pembroke. The congregation was numerous; yet most of them seemed to understand what they heard. Tuesday, 27. We crept through a right Welsh road, and reached Oxwych between twelve and one. The congregation had waited for some time; so I began without delay. The road to Swansea was a little better; so I reached the town in time; and at six preached in the yard, as our Room would contain hardly a third of the people. Wednesday, 28. I called at Neath, on one of our friends; but, before I could sit down, was informed a congregation was waiting for me. This I had no thought of: However, I gave them a short sermon, and hastened on to Coy church, near Bridge-End. I preached as deliberately as possible, as great part of the audience were Welsh: And I believe, by this means, all of them could understand at least the substance of the discourse. About six I preached in the Town-Hall, at Cowbridge, to high and low, rich and poor; and the two next evenings in the Court-House at Cardiff, to a still larger congregation. Afterwards we had a comfortable love-feast, which brought to our mind former days, when we praised God with Ann Jenkins, Arthur Price, and Thomas Glascott, before Thomas Prosser sowed the deadly tares among them.

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I returned to Bristol, and in part of the following week visited some of the neighboring societies. Friday, SEPTEMBER 6. I spent an hour among our children at Kingswood. It is strange! How long shall we be constrained to weave Penelope’s web? What is become of the wonderful work of grace which God wrought in them last September? It is gone! It is lost! It is vanished away! There is scarce any trace of it remaining! Then we must begin again; and in due time we shall reap, if we faint not.

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I read over Dr. Cadogan’s ingenious treatise on Chronical Distempers. It is certainly true that “very few of them are properly hereditary;” that most of them spring either from indolence, or intemperance, or irregular passions. But why should he condemn wine toto genere, which is one of the noblest cordials in nature? Yet stranger, why should he condemn bread? Great whims belong to great men.

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I preached at Bath; Wednesday, 11, at Frome; Thursday, 12, at Keynsham. Here, too, the seed, which seemed lost for so many years, at length begins to spring up. After seeing so many instances of this kind, how can we despair of any people? Saturday, 14. I preached abroad at Bedminster. Many horsemen stopped, and had strange things brought to their ears: Perhaps some of whom, we may hear, by and by, were found of Him they sought not.

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At eight I preached on the quay; at five in St. James’s, Barton. Many strangers stopped at both places. Surely this is casting our bread upon the waters! This week I visited the rest of the neighboring societies, and found them increasing both in grace and number. Thursday, 26. I preached once more at Bath, to an elegant congregation, on, “Knowledge puffeth up.” But, I trust, many of them can witness that “love edifieth;” builds us up both in holiness and happiness.

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I took leave of Bristol for the present; and, having preached at Pensford and Shepton-Mallet in the way, came to Shaftesbury; and preached to a numerous congregation, but wonderfully unconcerned. I scarce know a town in England where so much preaching has been to so very little purpose.

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I went on to Salisbury. Wednesday, 2. I preached at

Whitchurch; Thursday, 3, at Winchester. I now found time to take a view of the cathedral. Here the sight of that bad Cardinal’s tomb, whom the sculptor has placed in a posture of prayer, brought to my mind those fine lines of Shakspeare, which he put into the mouth of King Henry the Sixth: Lord Cardinal,

If thou hast any hope of Heaven’s grace,

Give us a sign. He dies, and makes no sign.

On Thursday and Friday evening I preached at Portsmouth Common.

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I set out at two. About ten some of our London friends met me at Cobham, with whom I took a walk in the neighboring gardens, inexpressibly pleasant, through the variety of hills and dales; and the admirable contrivance of the whole. Aud now, after spending his life in bringing it to perfection, the gray-headed owner advertises it to be sold! Is there anything under the sun that can satisfy a spirit made for God? On Monday and Tuesday I preached at Whittlebury, Towcester, and Weedon; on Wedneaday, at Kislingbury, Harlston, and Northampton.

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I preached at Holmby-House, where poor King Charles was

formerly lodged. It has been a noble pile of buildings, finely situated on an hill; but little is left except the kitchens, which, however, give a strong idea of its ancient grandeur. Friday, 11. In the evening I preached at Bedford; and on Saturday returned to London.

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In my way to Wallingford I read Dr. Hodge’s “Elihu.” It

contains abundance of fine remarks worthy of a scholar, and of a Christian; but none of them prove his main proposition, that Elihu was the second person in the blessed Trinity. I preached at Wallingford in the evening, and at five in the morning. Many were moved; but who will endure to the end?

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I went on to Witney. I am surprised at the plainness and

artlessness of this people. Who would imagine that they lived within ten, yea, or fifty miles of Oxford? Wednesday, 16. I preached at South-Lye. Here it was that I preached my first sermon, six-and-forty years ago. One man was in my present audience who heard it. Most of the rest are gone to their long home. After preaching at Witney in the evening, I met the believers apart, and was greatly refreshed among them. So simple a people I scarce ever saw. They did “open the window in their breast;” and it was easy to discern that God was there, filling them “with joy and peace in believing.”

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About ten I preached at Oxford, in a Room well filled with deeply attentive hearers, on part of the Sermon on the Mount, the noblest compendium of religion which is to be found even in the oracles of God. In the evening I preached at High-Wycomb; the next at Chesham, where, our own Room being too small, that friendly man, Mr. Spooner, willingly gave me the use of his meeting-house. I found the little society much alive; many knowing in whom they had believed; several enjoying, and others thirsting after; the whole image of God. On Saturday I had a pleasant journey to London.

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As I drove to Chatham, I read Mr. Hoole’s fine translation of Tasso’s “Jerusalem Delivered;” allowed, I suppose by most judges of poetry to be not much inferior to the Aeneid. But I wonder Mr. Hoole was so imprudently faithful, as to present Protestants with all Tasso’s Popish fooleries. Those excrescences might have been pared off, without the least injury to the work. In the evening I preached to a crowded audience, ripe for all the promises of God. How good is it for fallen man to earn his food by the sweat of his brow! Every where we find the laboring part of mankind the readiest to receive the Gospel.

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I went down to Sheerness, and preached in the new Room. But it would not near contain the congregation. I believe all that could hear found that God was there. Both morning and evening I warned them against being sick of opinions and strife of words; which has been the main hindrance of the work of God here from the beginning.

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I returned to Chatham, and on Friday to London. Saturday,

26. Mr. N—— gave me a melancholy account of his dismission from the Tabernacle. Surely affairs will not stand thus at the Foundery when my head is laid! If I thought they would, I would do just as I do now, — all the good I can while I live.

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I rode to Staplehurst, to Mr. Ch——’s, a pattern of love and patience. One eye is quite lost by his late illness. His reflection upon it was, “I bless God that I had one eye to give him; and if he calls for it, I am ready to give him the other.” I preached at six to a willing people, simply desiring to save their souls; and the next evening at Rye, to a far more numerous but not more earnest congregation. Wednesday, 30. I walked over to Winchelsea, said to have been once a large city, with abundance of trade and of inhabitants, the sea washing the foot of the hill on which it stands. The situation is exceeding bold, the hill being high and steep on all sides. But the town is shrunk almost into nothing, and the seven churches into half an one. I preached at eleven in the new Square, to a considerable number of serious people; and at Rye in the evening, where were many that are “not far from the kingdom of God.” Thursday, 31. I preached at Robertsbridge. As yet the whole town is willing to hear: And we may hope, after the stony and the thorny ground hearers are deducted, some will “bring forth fruit with patience.”

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I returned to London. Monday, 4. I went in the

stagecoach to Colchester, in which I met with two agreeable companions, whose hearts were quite open to instruction. Tuesday, 5. In our way to Bury we called at Felsham, near which is the seat of the late Mr. Reynolds. The house is, I think, the best contrived and the most beautiful I ever saw. It has four fronts, and five rooms on a floor, elegantly, though not sumptuously, furnished. At a small distance stands a delightful grove. On every side of this, the poor, rich man, who had no hope beyond the grave, placed seats, to enjoy life as long as he could. But being resolved none of his family should be “put into the ground,” he built a structure in the midst of the grove, vaulted above and beneath, with niches for coffins, strong enough to stand for ages. In one of these he had soon the satisfaction of laying the remains of his only child; and, two years after, those of his wife. After two years more, in the year 1759, having eat, and drank, and forgotten God, for eighty-four years, he went himself to give an account of his stewardship.

In the evening I preached at Bury; and on Wednesday, 6, rode on, through heavy rain, to Lynn. The people “received the word with joy;” though few, as yet, had any “root in themselves.” Thursday, 7. I was desired by the prisoners to give them a word of exhortation. They received it with the utmost eagerness. Who knows but one or two may retain it? In the evening, those who could not get in were noisy at first; but in a while they went quietly away.

Here I received a particular account of a poor, desolate one, — Betty Fairbridge, formerly Hewerdine, of Whitby. For some time after she came to Lynn, she was cold and weary, quite choked with the cares of this world. But this time twelvemonth, when she saw me, though she was in a deep consumption, her spirit revived. She began again earnestly to seek God; and he healed her backsliding. But her bodily weakness increased: So much the more did her faith and love increase; till prayer was swallowed up in praise, and she went away with triumphant joy.

Lynn seems to be considerably larger than Yarmouth: I believe it stands on double the ground; and the houses in general are better built: Some of them are little palaces. The market place is a spacious and noble square, more beautiful than either that at Yarmouth or Norwich; and the people are quite of another turn, affable and humane. They have the openness and frankness common throughout the county; and they add to it good-nature and courtesy.

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I rode to Norwich. Sunday, 10. Our House was far too small in the evening. I suppose many hundreds went away. To as many as could hear, I described the “strait gate:” I believe God applied it to their hearts. Every day I found more and more reason to hope, that we shall at length reap the fruit of that labor which we have bestowed on this people for so many years, as it seemed, almost in vain. In this hope I left them on Thursday, 14, and preached at Lakenheath in the evening with an uncommon blessing. Among them that attended at five in the morning, was poor A—— R——; the man who first invited me to this town, but has for a long time forgotten everything of the kind, seldom deigning even to hear the preaching. However, he felt it today, being in tears all the time that I was enforcing our Lord’s words, “He who setteth his hand to the plough, and looketh back, is not fit for the kingdom of God.”

I came to Mr. Smitheman’s, at Braintree, just as he had buried his daughter. So on this occasion we had (what I never saw before) the House filled from end to end: I preached on, “The grass withereth; the flower fadeth; but the word of the Lord shall stand for ever.”

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I preached, both morning and afternoon, on the education of children. But, O! how few had ears to hear! Perhaps not ten mothers in the whole congregation.

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I went over to Barnet, and paid my last debt to that excellent man, Mr. John Shewell, by preaching his funeral sermon, from, “It is appointed unto men once to die.” All the time that I knew him, he was a pattern of seriousness, piety, patience, and beneficence.

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I went to Staines, where an House is just fitted up for preaching. But it would not contain one half of the people who flocked together from every side. Those that could not get in were noisy enough; those that could, were still as night.

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We viewed the improvements of that active and useful man, the late Duke of Cumberland. The most remarkable work is the triangular tower which he built on the edge of Windsor Park. It is surrounded with shrubberies and woods, having some straight, some serpentine, walks in them, and commands a beautiful prospect all three ways: A very extensive one to the southwest. In the lower part is an alcove, which must be extremely pleasant in a summer evening. There is a little circular projection at each corner, one of which is filled by a geometrical staircase: The other two contain little apartments, one of which is a study. I was agreeably surprised to find many of the books not only religious, but admirably well chosen. Perhaps the great man spent many hours here, with only Him that seeth in secret; and who can say how deep that change went, which was so discernible in the latter part of his life?

Hence we went to Mr. Bateman’s house, the oddest I ever saw with my eyes. Every thing breathes antiquity; scarce a bedstead is to be seen that is not an hundred and fifty years old; and everything is quite out of the common way: He scorns to have any thing like his neighbors. For six hours, I suppose, these elegant oddities would much delight a curious man; but after six months they would probably give him no more pleasure than a collection of feathers.

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I went down with several of our friends to

Gravesend, where a building, designed for an assembly-room, was employed for a better purpose. It was quite crowded; yet abundance could not get in. After reading Prayers, I preached on part of the Second Lesson, Hebrews 8:9, 10, 11. The Room was pretty well filled at five in the morning. Fair blossoms! But what fruit will there be?

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I preached at Canterbury. Wednesday, 4. I rode to Ashford, one of the pleasantest towns in Kent. The preaching house, newly fitted up, was well filled with attentive hearers. Hence we hastened to Dover, where the house was quickly filled with serious, well-behaved people. Here I found L—— H——’s Preachers had gleaned up most of those whom we had discarded. They call them “My Lady’s society,” and have my free leave to do them all the good they can.

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I preached at Sandwich about eleven, and at Canterbury in the evening. Friday, 6. Having preached to a small, but much-affected, company at Sittingbourne, I went on to Chatham. The huge congregation here devoured the word; yet I hope they digested it too. We were strangely kept from this place for many years: At length there is an open door.

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In my way home I finished the first volume of Mr. Hooke’s “Roman History.” On this I remark,

1. That it is immeasurably too long, containing a thousand passages not worth relating:

2. That he relates abundance of contradictory accounts, often without telling us which is best:

3. That he recites at large the senseless tales of Clelia swimming in the Tyber, Mucius Scaevola, and twenty more; and afterwards knocks them all on the head. What need then of reciting them? We want history; not romance, though compiled by Livy himself. Yet,

4. I admire him for doing justice to many great men, who have been generally misrepresented; Manlius Capitolinus, in particular, as well as the two Gracchi. So that, upon the whole, this is far the best history of Rome that I have seen.

I read today a circumstantial account of the late inundations in the north of England, occasioned by the sudden and violent overflowing of three rivers, the Tees, the Wear, and the Tyne. All these have their rise within a few miles of each other, in a mountain at the head of Teesdale and Weardale; on which there was nothing more than a little mizzling rain, till the very hour when the rivers rose, and poured down such an amazing quantity of water as utterly astonished the people of Sunderland, at the mouth of the Wear, overflowed all the lower part of Newcastle-upon-the-Tyne, and filled the main street of Yarm, upon the Tees, with water nine or ten feet deep. Such an overflowing of these rivers none ever saw before, nor have we an account of any such in history.

Rain was not the cause of this; for there was next to none at the head of these rivers. What was the cause we may learn from a letter wrote at this time, by a Clergyman in Carlisle: — “Nothing is so surprising as what lately happened at Solway-Moss, about ten miles north from Carlisle. About four hundred acres of this Moss arose to such a height above the adjacent level, that at last it rolled forward like a torrent, and continued its course above a mile, sweeping along with it houses and trees, and every other thing in its way. It divided itself into islands of different extent, from one to ten feet in thickness. It is remarkable, that no river or brook runs either through or near the Moss.”

To what cause then can any thinking man impute this, but to an earthquake? And the same doubtless it was, which, about the same time, wrought in the bowels of that great mountain, whence those rivers rise, and discharged from thence that astonishing quantity of water.

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I read a little more of that strange book, Baron Swedenborg’s Theologia Caelestis. It surely contains many excellent things. Yet I cannot but think the fever he had twenty years ago, when he supposes he was “introduced into the society of angels,” really introduced him into the society of lunatics; but still there is something noble, even in his ravings: His mind has not yet lost

All its original brightness, but appears

Majestic, though in ruin.

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I rode to Dorking, where were many people; but none were cut to the heart. Tuesday, 17. I went on to Ryegate-Place. In King Henry the Fourth’s time, this was an eminent monastery. At the dissolution of monasteries, it fell into the hands of the great spoiler, Henry the Eighth. Queen Elizabeth, pleased with the situation, chose it for one of her palaces. The gentleman who possesses it now has entirely changed the form of it; pulling down whole piles of ancient building, and greatly altering what remains. Yet, after all that is taken away it still looks more like a palace than a private house. The staircase is of the same model with that at Hampton-Court: One would scarce know which is the original. The chimney-piece in the hall is probably one of the most curious pieces of woodwork now in the kingdom. But how long? How many of its once bustling inhabitants are already under the earth! And how little a time will it be before the house itself, yea, the earth, shall be burned up! I preached in the evening to a small company, on, “It is appointed unto men once to die.” All seemed moved for the present. They saw that life is a dream: But how soon will they sleep again? Wednesday, 18. I preached to another kind of congregation at Shoreham. Here we are not ploughing upon the sand. Many have “received the seed upon good ground,” and do “bring forth fruit with patience.”

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I met an old friend, James Hutton, whom I had not seen for five-and-twenty years. I felt this made no difference; my heart was quite open; his seemed to be the same; and we conversed just as we did in 1738, when we met in Fetter-Lane.

Monday, 23, and so all the following days, when I was not particularly engaged, I spent an hour in the morning with our Preachers, as I used to do with my pupils at Oxford. Wednesday, 25. I preached early at the Foundery; morning and afternoon, at the chapel. In returning thence at night, a coach ran full against my chaise, and broke one of the shafts and the traces in pieces. I was thankful that this was all; that neither man nor beast received the least hurt.

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At my brother’s request, I sat again for my picture. This melancholy employment always reminds me of that natural reflection, — Behold, what frailty we in man may see!

His shadow is less given to change than he.

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