1780

We had the largest congregation at the renewal

of our covenant with God, which ever met upon the occasion; and we were thoroughly convinced, that God was not departed from us. He never will, unless we first depart from him.

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Receiving more and more accounts of the increase of Popery, I believed it my duty to write a letter concerning it, which was afterwards inserted in the public papers. Many were grievously offended; but I cannot help it: I must follow my own conscience.

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I spent an hour or two very agreeably in Sir Ashton Lever’s museum. It does not equal the British Museum in size; nor is it constructed on so large a plan; as it contains no manuscripts, no books, no antiquities, nor any remarkable works of art. But I believe, for natural curiosities, it is not excelled by any museum in Europe; and all the beasts, birds, reptiles, and insects, are admirably well ranged and preserved: So that if you saw many of them elsewhere, you would imagine they were alive! The hippopotamus, in particular, looks as fierce as if he was just coming out of the river; and the old lion appears as formidable now as when he was stalking in the Tower.

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In the evening I retired to Lewisham, to prepare matter (who would believe it?) for a Monthly Magazine. Friday, FEBRUARY 4, being the National Fast, I preached first at the new chapel, and then at St. Peter’s, Cornhill. What a difference in the congregation! Yet out of these stones God can raise up children to Abraham.

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I preached at Dorking, and could not but reflect, in this room I lodged the first time I saw poor Mr. Ireland: Emphatically poor! Poor beyond expression; — though he left fourscore thousand pounds behind him!

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I met the building Committee; according to whose representation, our income at last nearly answers our expenses. If so, it will clear itself in a few years.

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Taking the post-coach, I reached Newbury time enough to preach to a crowded audience. Tuesday, 29, and Wednesday, I preached at Bath, where brotherly love is now restored. Thursday, MARCH 2. I went into Bristol, and enjoyed much peace among a quiet, loving people. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, I examined the society, and had reason to rejoice over them.

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I set out for the north, and in the evening preached at Stroud, where is a considerable increase of the work of God. Tuesday, 14. I preached in the church at Pitchcomb; but it would by no means contain the congregation. In the evening I preached at Tewkesbury, and on Wednesday, 15, at Worcester, to a very serious congregation. Thursday, 16, about noon I began preaching at Bewdley, in an open space at the head of the town. The wind was high and exceeding sharp; but no one seemed to regard it. In the middle of the sermon came a man beating a drum; but a gentleman of the town soon silenced him. Friday, 17. About noon I preached at Bengeworth church, to the largest congregation I ever saw there; and in Pebworth church about six, so a larger congregation than I had seen there before. I found uncommon liberty in applying those words, (perhaps a last warning to the great man of the parish, Mr. Martin,) “Whatsoever the hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.”

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I went on to Birmingham; and, Sunday, 19, preached at eight in the morning, and at half-past one in the afternoon; in the evening, at Wednesbury. Monday, 20. I reached Congleton, and preached to a lively congregation on our Lords words: “Lazarus, come forth!” Tuesday, 21. I preached in the new chapel at Macclesfield; Thursday, 23, at Stockport and Manchester.

On Good-Friday I preached, at seven, in Manchester; about one, in Oldham; and in Manchester, at six. Saturday, 25. I went on to Bolton, where the work of God is continually increasing. On Easter-Day I set out for Warrington. Mr. Harmer read Prayers both morning and afternoon. We had a large congregation in the morning; as many as the church could well contain in the afternoon; and more than it could contain in the evening. At last there is reason to hope, that God will have a steady people even in this wilderness.

The next evening, when a few of the society were met together, the power of God came mightily upon them. Some fell to the ground; some cried aloud for mercy; some rejoiced with joy unspeakable. Two or three found a clear sense of the love of God; one gay young woman, in particular, who was lately much prejudiced against this way, but is now filled with joy unspeakable.

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, I spent at Liverpool, being undetermined whether to proceed or not. At length I yielded to the advice of my friends, and deferred my journey to Ireland. So I preached at Northwich about noon, and in the evening at Alpraham, in the midst of all the old Methodists. We had a very different congregation at Nantwich in the evening. But as many as could get into the House, or near the door, behaved very seriously.

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I returned to Chester, and found many alive to God, but scarce one that retained his pure love. Sunday, 2. I reached Warrington about ten. The chapel was well filled with serious hearers; and I believe God confirmed the word of his grace. Hastening back to Chester, I found a numerous congregation waiting, and immediately began, “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

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I returned to Manchester; and, Tuesday, 4, strongly applied, “What could I have done more to my vineyard, that I have not done?” At present there are many here that “bring forth good grapes:” But many swiftly increase in goods; and I fear very few sufficiently watch and pray that they may not set their hearts upon them.

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I preached at Bolton; Thursday, 6, about noon, at Bury; and at Rochdale in the evening. Friday, 7. I went to Delph, a little village upon the mountains, where a remarkable work of God is just broke out. I was just set down, when the Minister sent me word, I was welcome to preach in his church. On hearing this, many people walked thither immediately, near a mile from the town; but in ten minutes he sent me word, his mind was changed. We knew not then what to do, till the Trustees of the Independent meeting offered us the use of their House. It was quickly filled, and truly God bore witness to his word. In the evening I preached at Huddersfield. Saturday, 8. About noon I opened the new House at Mirfield, and in the evening preached at Daw-Green. Sunday, 9. I went on to Birstal, and took my stand at the front of the House, though the northeast wind whistled round about. I preached again between four and five, pointing them to the Great Shepherd and Bishop of their souls.

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I preached in the prison at Whitelee; in the evening at Morley; and on Tuesday morning at Cross-Hall. The family here are much grown in grace since I saw them last. Most of them now enjoy the great salvation, and walk worthy of their vocation; and all around them “see their good works, and glorify their Father which is in heaven.” In the evening I preached to a very genteel congregation at Wakefield.

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After preaching at Rothwell, I inquired what was become of that lovely class of little girls, most of them believers, whom I met here a few years since. I found those of them that had pious parents remain to this day: But all of them whose parents did not fear God are gone back into the world.

In the evening I preached in the new House at Leeds. Thursday, 13. I opened the new House at Hunslet. On Friday, I preached at Woodhouse.

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Our House at Leeds was full at eight; yet every one heard distinctly. In the afternoon I preached at the old church; but a considerable part of the people could not hear. Indeed the church is remarkably ill constructed. Had it been built with common sense, all that were in it, and even more, might have heard every word.

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I left Leeds in one of the roughest mornings I have ever seen. We had rain, hail, snow, and wind, in abundance. About nine I preached at Bramley; between one and two at Pudsey. Afterwards I walked to Fulneck, the German settlement. Mr. Moore showed the house, chapel, hall, lodging rooms, the apartments of the widows, the single men, and single women. He showed us likewise the workshops of various kinds, with the shops for grocery, drapery, mercery, hardware, etc., with which, as well as with bread from their bakehouse, they furnish the adjacent country. I see not what but the mighty power of God can hinder them from acquiring millions; as they,

1. Buy all materials with ready money at the best hand:

2. Have above a hundred young men, above fifty young women, many widows, and above a hundred married persons; all of whom are employed from morning to night, without any intermission, in various kinds of manufactures, not for journeymen’s wages, but for no wages at all, save a little very plain food and raiment: As they have,

3. A quick sale for all their goods, and sell them all for ready money. But can they lay up treasure on earth, and at the same time lay up treasure in heaven?

In the evening I preached at Bradford, where I was well pleased to find many, both men and women, who had never suffered any decay since they were perfected in love. Wednesday, 19. I went to Otley; but Mr. Ritchie was dead before I came. But he had first witnessed a good confession. One telling him, “You will be better soon;” he replied, “I cannot be better; for I have God in my heart. I am happy, happy, happy in his love.” Mr. Wilson, the Vicar, after a little hesitation, consented that I should preach his funeral sermon: This I did today. The text he had chosen was, “To you that believe, he is precious.” Perhaps such a congregation had hardly been in Otley church before. Surely the right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass!

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Mr. Richardson being unwilling that I should preach any more in Haworth church, Providence opened another: I preached in Bingley church, both morning and afternoon. This is considerably larger than the other. It rained hard in the morning: This hindered many; so that those who did come, got in pretty well in the forenoon; but in the afternoon very many were obliged to go away.

After preaching at several other places on Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday, 26, I preached in Heptonstall church, well filled with serious hearers. In the evening I preached near Todmorden, in the heart of the mountains. One would wonder where all the people came from. Thursday,

27. I preached in Todmorden church, with great enlargement of heart. In the afternoon we went on to Blackburn. It seemed, the whole town was moved. But the question was, where to put the congregation. We could not stand abroad, because of the sun: So as many as could, squeezed into the preaching-house. All the chief men of the town were there. It seems as if the last will be first.

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We had a lovely congregation at Colne; but a much larger at one and at five. Many of them came ten or twelve miles; but I believe not in vain: God gave them a good reward for their labor.

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We reached Grassington about ten. The multitude of

people constrained me to preach abroad. It was fair all the time I was preaching; but afterwards rained much. At Pateley-Bridge, the Vicar offered me the use of his church. Though it was more than twice as large as our preaching-house, it was not near large enough to contain the congregation. How vast is the increase of the work of God! Particularly in the most rugged and uncultivated places! How does he “send the springs” of grace also “into the valleys, that run among the hills.”

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We came to Ripon, and observed a remarkable turn of

Providence: The great hindrance of the work of God in this place has suddenly disappeared; and the poor people, being delivered from their fear, gladly flock together to hear His word. The new preaching-house was quickly more than filled. Surely some of them will not be forgetful hearers! In the afternoon we travelled through a delightful country; the more so when contrasted with the horrid mountains. The immense ruins of Garvaix Abbey show what a stately pile it was once. Though we were at a lone house, a numerous congregation assembled in the evening; on whom I enforced, “This is life eternal, to know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

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Judging it impracticable to pass the mountains in a carriage, I sent my chaise round, and took horse. At twelve I preached at Swaledale, to a loving people, increasing both in grace and number. Thence we crossed over another range of dreary mountains, and in the evening reached Barnard Castle. Not being yet inured to riding, I now felt something like weariness. But I forgot it in the lively congregation, and in the morning it was gone.

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About eight I preached to a serious congregation at

Cuthbedson; and about one at Newbiggin, in Teesdale. We doubted how we should get over the next mountain, the famous Pikelow, after so long and heavy rains; but I scarce ever remember us getting over it so well. We found the people in Weardale, as usual, some of the liveliest in the kingdom; knowing nothing, and desiring to know nothing, save Jesus Christ and him crucified.

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Notice having been given, without my knowledge, of my preaching at Ninthead, all the lead-miners that could, got together; and I declared to them, “All things are ready.” After riding over another enormous mountain, I preached at Gamblesby (as I did about thirty years ago) to a large congregation of rich and poor. The chief man of the town was formerly a Local Preacher, but now keeps his carriage. Has he increased in holiness as well as in wealth? If not, he has made a poor exchange.

In the evening, a large upper room, designed for an assembly, was procured for me at Penrith; but several of the poor people were struck with a panic, for fear the room should fall. Finding there was no remedy, I went down into the court below, and preached in great peace to a multitude of well behaved people. The rain was suspended while I preached, but afterwards returned, and continued most of the night.

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I went on to Whitehaven; and, in the evening, exhorted all who knew in whom they had believed, to “walk worthy of the Lord in all well-pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

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I preached at eight, at two, and at five; but could not preach abroad because of the rain. We were in hopes of sailing for the Isle of Man the next morning, as a little vessel was waiting for us; but the wind then turned full against us. By this means I had an opportunity given me of meeting the select society. I was pleased to find, that none of them have lost the pure love of God, since they received it first. I was particularly pleased with a poor Negro. She seemed to be fuller of love than any of the rest. And not only her voice had an unusual sweetness, but her words were chosen and uttered with a peculiar propriety. I never heard, either in England or America, such a Negro speaker (man or woman) before.

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Finding no hopes of sailing, after preaching morning and

evening, I went to Cockermouth. Wednesday, 10. At eight I preached in the Town-Hall; but to the poor only: The rich could not rise so soon. In the evening I preached in the Town-Hall at Carlisle; and from the number and seriousness of the hearers, I conceived a little hope, that even here some goodwill be done.

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I reached Newcastle; and on Friday, 12, went to Sunderland. Many of our friends prosper in the world. I wish their souls may prosper also. Sunday, 14. I preached at Gateshead-Fell at two o’clock, and hoped to preach at the Garth-Heads at five; but the rain drove us into the House. But all was well; for many found God was there.

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I set out for Scotland; and Tuesday, 16, came to

Berwick-upon-Tweed. Such a congregation I have not seen there for many years. Perhaps the seed which has so long seemed to be sown in vain, may at length produce a good harvest.

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I went on to Dunbar. I have seldom seen such a congregation here before. Indeed some of them seemed at first disposed to mirth; but they were soon as serious as death. And truly the power of the Lord was present to heal those that were willing to come to the throne of grace.

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I read, with great expectation, Dr. Watts’s “Essay on

Liberty;” but I was much disappointed. It is abstruse and metaphysical. Surely he wrote it either when he was very young, or very old. In the evening I endeavored to preach to the hearts of a large congregation at Edinburgh. We have cast much “bread upon the waters” here. Shall we not “find it again,” at least “after many days?”

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I preached at Joppa, a settlement of colliers, three miles from Edinburgh. Some months ago, as some of them were cursing and swearing, one of our Local Preachers going by, reproved them. One of them followed after him, and begged he would give them a sermon. He did so several times. Afterwards the Travelling Preachers went, and a few quickly agreed to meet together. Some of these now know in whom they have believed, and walk worthy of their profession.

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I took one more walk through Holyrood House, the mansion of ancient Kings. But how melancholy an appearance does it make now! The stately rooms are dirty as stables; the colors of the tapestry are quite faded; several of the pictures are cut and defaced. The roof of the royal chapel is fallen in; and the bones of James the Fifth, and the once beautiful Lord Darnley, are scattered about like those of sheep or oxen. Such is human greatness! Is not “a living dog better than a dead lion?”

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The rain hindered me from preaching at noon upon the Castle-Hill. In the evening the House was well filled, and I was enabled to speak strong words. But I am not a Preacher for the people of Edinburgh. Hugh Saunderson and Michael Fenwick are more to their taste.

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A gentleman took me to see Roslyn Castle, eight miles from Edinburgh. It is now all in ruins, only a small dwelling house is built on one part of it. The situation of it is exceeding fine, on the side of a steep mountain, hanging over a river, from which another mountain rises, equally steep, and clothed with wood. At a little distance is the chapel, which is in perfect preservation, both within and without. I should never have thought it had belonged to any one less than a sovereign Prince! the inside being far more elegantly wrought with variety of Scripture histories in stone-work, than I believe can be found again in Scotland; perhaps not in all England. Hence we went to Dunbar. Wednesday, 24. In the afternoon I went through the lovely garden of a gentleman in the town, who has laid out walks hanging over the sea, and winding among the rocks. One of them leads to the Castle, wherein that poor injured woman, Mary Queen of Scots, was confined. But time has well-nigh devoured it: Only a few ruinous walls are now standing.

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We went on to Berwick. Friday, 26. In returning to Alnwick we spent an hour at H., an ancient monastery. Part of it the Duke of Northumberland has repaired, furnished it in a plain manner, and surrounded it with a little garden. An old inscription bears date 1404, when part of it was built by the fourth Earl of Northumberland. How many generations have had their day since that time, and then passed away like a dream! We had a happy season at Alnwick with a large and deeply attentive congregation.

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At noon I preached in the Town-Hall at Morpeth; and God applied his word to many hearts. In the afternoon I preached to the loving colliers at Placey, and then went on to Newcastle.

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Between eight and nine in the morning I preached at

Gateshead-Fell, on Fellowship with God; a subject which not a few of them understand by heart-felt experience. The congregation at Sheephill about noon was far too large for any House to contain. Such was the power of God that I almost wondered any could help believing. At five I preached at the Garth-Heads, to a still more numerous congregation; but there were few among them who remembered my first preaching near that place in the Keelman’s Hospital. For what reason the wise managers of that place forbade my preaching there any more, I am yet still to learn.

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Taking my leave of this affectionate people, I went to Mr. Parker’s, at Shincliff, near Durham. The congregation being far too large to get into the House, I stood near his door. It seemed as if the whole village were ready to receive the truth in the love thereof. Perhaps their earnestness may provoke the people of Durham to jealousy. In the afternoon we took a view of the Castle at Durham, the residence of the Bishop. The situation is wonderfully fine, surrounded by the river, and commanding all the country; and many of the apartments are large and stately; but the furniture is mean beyond imagination! I know not where I have seen such in a gentleman’s house, or a man of five hundred a year, except that of the Lord-Lieutenant in Dublin. In the largest chambers, the tapestry is quite faced; beside that, it is coarse and ill-judged. Take but one instance: — In Jacob’s vision you see, on the one side, a little paltry ladder, and an angel climbing it, in the attitude of a chimney-sweeper; and on the other side Jacob staring at him, from under a large silver-laced hat!

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About ten I preached at Aycliff, a large village, twelve miles from Durham; all the inhabitants whereof seem now as full of goodwill, as they were once of prejudice.

I preached at Darlington in the evening. It is good to be here; the liveliness of the people animates all that come near them. On Friday evening, we had a love-feast, at which many were greatly comforted, by hearing such artless, simple accounts of the mighty works of God.

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At noon I preached to a large congregation at Northallerton. The sun shone full in my face when I began; but it was soon overcast; and I believe this day, if never before, God gave a general call to this careless people. In the evening I preached at Thirsk. When I was here last, a few young women behaved foolishly; but all were deeply serious now, and seemed to feel that God was there.

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The service began about ten at Staveley, near Boroughbridge. Mr. Hartley, the Rector, read Prayers. But the church would scarce contain half the congregation; so that I was obliged to stand upon a tombstone, both morning and afternoon. In the evening I preached at Boroughbridge, to a numerous congregation; and all were attentive, except a few soldiers, who seemed to understand nothing of the matter.

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About noon I preached at Tockwith, and then went on to

York. I was surprised to find a general faintness here; one proof of which was, that the morning preaching was given up. Tuesday, 6, was the Quarterly Meeting, the most numerous I ever saw. At two was the love-feast, at which several instances of the mighty power of God were repeated; by which it appears that his work is still increasing in several parts of the Circuit.

An arch news-writer published a paragraph today, probably designed for wit, concerning the large pension which the famous Wesley received for defending the King. This so impressed the congregation in the evening, that scores were obliged to go away. And God applied that word to many hearts, “I will not destroy the city for ten’s sake!”

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I preached at Pocklington and Swinfleet. Thursday, 8. I preached on the Green at Thorne, to a listening multitude. Only two or three were much diverted at the thought of seeing the dead, small and great, standing before God!

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About noon I preached at Crowle; and in the evening at

Epworth, on, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” Saturday, 10. In the evening I preached at Owstone; and, passing the Trent early in the morning, on Sunday, 11, preached at Kirton, about eight, to a very large and very serious congregation. Only before me stood one, something like a gentleman, with his hat on even at prayer. I could scarce help telling him a story: — In Jamaica, a Negro passing by the Governor, pulled off his hat; so did the Governor; at which one expressing his surprise, he said, “Sir, I should be ashamed if a Negro had more good manners than the Governor of Jamaica.”

About two I preached at Gainsborough, and again at five, to a very numerous congregation. We had then a love-feast, and one of the most lively which I have known for many years. Many spoke, and with great fervor, as well as simplicity; so that most who heard blessed God for the consolation.

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About eleven I preached at Newton-upon-Trent, to a large and very genteel congregation. Thence we went to Newark: But our friends were divided as to the place where I should preach. At length they found a convenient place, covered on three sides, and on the fourth open to the street. It contained two or three thousand people well, who appeared to hear as for life. Only one big man, exceeding drunk, was very noisy and turbulent, till his wife (fortissima Tyndaridarum! f7 seized him by the collar, gave him two or three hearty boxes on the ear, and dragged him away like a calf. But, at length, he got out of her hands, crept in among the people, and stood as quiet as a lamb.

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I accepted of an invitation from a gentleman at Lincoln, in which I had not set my foot for upwards of fifty years. At six in the evening I preached in the Castle-yard, to a large and attentive congregation. They were all as quiet as if I had been at Bristol. Will God have a people here also?

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I preached again at ten in the morning. In the middle of the sermon a violent storm began; on which Mr. Wood, the keeper, opened the door of the Court-House, which contained the whole of the congregation. I have great hope some of these will have their fruit unto holiness, and in the end everlasting life.

Heavy rain drove us into the House at Horncastle in the evening.

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I preached at Raithby. Two of Mr. Brackenbury’s brothers spent the evening with us. Friday, 16. We went on to Boston, the largest town in the county, except Lincoln. From the top of the steeple (which I suppose is by far the highest tower in the kingdom) we had a view not only of all the town, but of all the adjacent country. Formerly this town was in the fens; but the fens are vanished away: Great part of them is turned into pasture, and part into arable land. At six the House contained the congregation, all of whom behaved in the most decent manner. How different from those wild beasts with whom Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Mather had to do! Saturday, 17. The House was pretty well filled in the morning, and many were much affected. A gentleman who was there invited me to dinner, and offered me the use of his paddock; but the wind was so exceeding high, that I could not preach abroad, as I did when I was here before, just six-and-twenty years ago; and Mr. Thompson, a friendly Anabaptist, offering me the use of his large meeting-house, I willingly accepted the offer. I preached to most of the chief persons in the town, on 1 Corinthians 13:1–3; and many of them seemed utterly amazed.” Open their eyes, O Lord, that they sleep not in death!”

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I gave them a parting discourse at seven; and after adding a few members to the little society, and exhorting them to cleave close to each other, I left them with a comfortable hope that they would not be scattered any more.

About noon I preached in the market-place at Wainfleet, once a large sea-port town, till the harbor was blocked up by sand. The congregation behaved exceeding well. We now passed into Marshland, a fruitful and pleasant part of the county. Such is Langham-Row in particular, the abode of honest George Robinson and his fourteen children. Although it was a lone house, yet such a multitude of people flocked together, that I was obliged to preach abroad. It blew a storm, and we had several showers of rain; but no one went away. I do not wonder that this society is the largest, as well as the liveliest, in these parts of Lincolnshire.

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I preached at Louth, where the people used to be rough enough; but now were serious and calmly attentive. Such a change in a whole town, I have seldom known in the compass of one year.

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After preaching at Tealby, I went on to Grimsby, where I am still more at home than at any place in the east of Lincolnshire; though scarce any of our first members remain: They are all safe lodged in Abraham’s bosom. But here is still a loving people, though a little disturbed by the Calvinists, who seize on every halting soul as their own lawful prey.

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I preached at Scotter, to a lovely, simple-hearted people; and at Epworth in the evening.

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I preached once more at Crowle, to a numerous and deeply serious congregation. Every one thought, “Can any good come out of Crowle?” But God’s thoughts were not as our thoughts. There is now such a work of God in this, as is in few of the places round about it.

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I preached about noon at Belton. There was the dawn of a blessed work here; but “My Lady’s Preachers,” so called, breaking in, set every one’s sword against his brother. Some of them revive a little; but I doubt whether they will ever recover their first love.

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Sir William Anderson, the Rector, having sent an express order to his Curate, he did not dare to gainsay. So at ten I began reading Prayers to such a congregation as I apprehend hardly ever assembled in this church before. I preached on Luke 8:18, part of the Second Lesson. Not a breath was heard; all was still “as summer’s noontide air;” and I believe our Lord then sowed seed in many hearts, which will bring forth fruit to perfection.

After dinner I preached at Westwood-side. The high wind was a little troublesome; but the people regarded it not. We concluded the day with one of the most solemn love-feasts I have known for many years.

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Finningley church was well filled in the evening; and many seemed much affected. Tuesday, 27. I preached at Doncaster about noon, and to a larger congregation at Rotherham in the evening. Wednesday, 28. I went to Sheffield: But the House was not ready; so I preached in the Square.

I can hardly think I am entered this day into the seventy-eighth year of my age. By the blessing of God, I am just the same as when I entered the twenty-eighth. This hath God wrought, chiefly by my constant exercise, my rising early, and preaching morning and evening.

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I was desired to preach at Worksop; but when I came, they had not fixed on any place. At length they chose a lamentable one, full of dirt and dust, but without the least shelter from the scorching sun. This few could bear: So we had only a small company of as stupid people as ever I saw. In the evening I preached in the old House at Sheffield; but the heat was scarce supportable. I took my leave of it at five in the morning, and in the evening preached in the new House, thoroughly filled with rich and poor; to whom I declared, “We preach Christ crucified:” And He bore witness to his word in a very uncommon manner. Saturday, JULY 1. I preached once more at Rotherham. Sunday, 2. At eight I preached at Sheffield. There was afterwards such a number of communicants as was never seen at the old church before. I preached again at five; but very many were constrained to go away. We concluded our work by visiting some that were weak in body, but strong in faith, desiring nothing but to do and suffer the will of God.

Monday, 3, and Tuesday, 4, I preached at Derby; Wednesday, 5, at a church eight miles from it. In the afternoon, as I was going through Stapleford, in my way to Nottingham, I was stopped by some who begged me to look into their new preaching-house. Many following me, the House was soon filled; and we spent half an hour together, to our mutual comfort. In the evening I preached at Nottingham. Wednesday, 5. I preached in Loughborough about eleven, and in the evening at Leicester. I know not how it is that I constantly find such liberty of spirit in this place.

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The Room at five, according to custom, was filled from end to end. I have not spent a whole day in Leicester for these fifty-two years: Surely I shall before I die. This night we spent in Northampton; then went on to London.

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We had a full congregation at the new chapel, and found God had not forgotten to be gracious. In the following days I read over, with a few of our Preachers, the large Minutes of the Conference, and considered all the articles, one by one, to see whether any should be omitted or altered.

Sunday, 16, was a day of much refreshment and strong consolation to many, who are persuaded that God will revive his work, and bind up the waste places. Monday, 17. My brother and I set out for Bath. I preached at Reading in the evening. On Tuesday evening I preached at Rainsbury-Park. On Wednesday, we reached Bath.

A year ago, there was such an awakening here as never had been from the beginning; and, in consequence of it, a swift and large increase of the society. Just then Mr. M’Nab, quarreling with Mr. Smyth, threw wildfire among the people, and occasioned anger, jealousies, judging each other, backbiting and tale-bearing without end; and, in spite of all the pains which have been taken, the wound is not healed to this day.

Both my brother and I now talked to as many as we could, and endeavored to calm and soften their spirits; and on Friday and Saturday I spoke severally to all the members of the society that could attend. On Friday evening, both in the preaching, and at the meeting of the society, the power of God was again present to heal; as also on Saturday, both morning and evening: And a few are added to the society.

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I preached (after reading Prayers) at ten, at half-hour past two, and in the evening. Very many heard; I hope some felt what was spoken. We have sown: O may God give the increase!

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I went on to Bristol. While I was at Bath, I narrowly

observed and considered the celebrated Cartoons; the three first in particular. What a poor designer was one of the finest painters in the world!

1. Here are two men in a boat; each of them more than half as long as the boat itself.

2. Our Lord, saying to Peter, “Feed my sheep,” points to three or four sheep standing by him.

3. While Peter and John heal the lame man, two naked boys stand by them. For what?

O pity that so fine a painter should be utterly without common sense! In the evening I saw one of the greatest curiosities in the vegetable creation, — the Nightly Cereus. About four in the afternoon, the dry stem began to swell; about six, it gradually opened; and about eight, it was in its full glory. I think the inner part of this flower, which was snow-white, was about five inches diameter; the yellow rays which surrounded it, I judged, were in diameter nine or ten inches. About twelve it began to droop, being covered with a cold sweat; at four it died away. The people at Bath were still upon my mind: So on Thursday, 27, I went over again; and God was with us of a truth, whenever we assembled together. Surely God is healing the breaches of this poor, shattered people.

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Forty or fifty of our Preachers being come, we had a solemn opportunity in the morning. We had the most numerous congregation in the afternoon which has been seen here for many years. And will not the Lord be glorified in our reformation, rather than our destruction?

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Our Conference began. We have been always, hitherto, straitened for time. It was now resolved, “For the future we allow nine or ten days for each Conference; that every thing, relative to the carrying on the work of God, may be maturely considered.”

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I preached on a convenient piece of ground, at one end of Radcliff-Parade. Great part of the immense congregation had never heard this kind of preaching before; yet they were deeply attentive, while I opened and applied chose awful words, “I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God.”

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We had the largest numbers of communicants that had ever met at the new Room; and the largest congregation at five, that had ever met near King’s Square. Wednesday, 9. We concluded the Conference in much peace and love.

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The sultry heat continuing, I would not coop myself up in the chapel, but preached again near Radcliff–Parade, with much comfort and peace.

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For fear of the violent heat, we set out for Cornwall very early in the morning. But we feared where no fear was; for that very day the heat was at an end, and a mild rain began; which, at intervals, followed us almost to the Land’s End.

After preaching at South-Brent, Taunton, and Collumpton, on Wednesday, 16, we came to Exeter. It is still a day of small things here, for want of a convenient preaching-house. Thursday, 17. I went on to Plymouth. Here I expected little comfort. A large preaching-house was built; but who was to pay for it? I preached in it at six, at five in the morning, and on Friday evening; and, from the number and spirit of the hearers, could not but hope that goodwill be done here also.

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I snatched the opportunity of a fair evening, to preach in the Square at Plymouth-Dock. Sunday, 20. At seven in the morning, and at five in the evening, I preached at the Dock; in the afternoon in Plymouth House. It was crowded sufficiently. After preaching I made a collection for the House, which amounted to above five-and-twenty pounds. When I had done, Mr. Jane said, “This is not all. We must have a weekly collection both here and at the Dock. Let as many as can subscribe sixpence a week for one year. I will subscribe five shillings a week. And let this be reserved for the payment of the debt.” It was done: And by this simple method, the most pressing debts were soon paid.

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I preached to a large and quiet congregation in the main street at St. Austle. Tuesday, 22. I preached at Mevagissey; in the evening at Helstone. Wednesday, 23. I went on to Penzance. It is now a pleasure to be here; the little flock being united together in love. I preached at a little distance from the preaching-house. A company of soldiers were in town; whom, toward the close of the sermon, the good Officer ordered to march through the congregation. But as they readily opened and closed again, it made very little disturbance.

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I preached near the preaching-house at St. Just. God applied his word with power: More especially at the meeting of the society, when all our hearts were as melting wax. Friday, 25. I preached in the market-place at St. Ives, to most of the inhabitants of the town. Here is no opposer now. Rich and poor see, and very many feel, the truth. I now looked over a volume of Mr. K——’s Essays. He is a lively writer, of middling understanding. But I cannot admire his style at all. It is prim, affected, and highly Frenchified. I object to the beginning so many sentences with participles. This does well in French, but not in English. I cannot admire his judgment in many particulars. To instance in one or two: He depresses Cowley beyond all reason; who was far from being a mean poet. Full as unreasonably does he depress modern eloquence. I believe I have heard speakers at Oxford, to say nothing of Westminster, who were not inferior to either Demosthenes or Cicero.

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We had our Quarterly Meeting at Redruth, where all was love and harmony. Sunday, 27. It was supposed, twenty thousand people were assembled at the amphitheater in Gwennap. And yet all, I was informed, could hear distinctly, in the fair, calm evening.

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I preached at Wadebridge and Port-Isaac; Tuesday, 29, at Camelford and Launceston. Hence we hastened toward Bristol, by way of Wells; where (the weather being intensely hot, so that we could not well bear the Room) I preached on the shady side of the market-place, on, “By grace are ye saved, through faith.” As I was concluding, a Sargeant of Militia brought a drum. But he was a little too late. I pronounced the blessing, and quietly walked away. I know not that ever I felt it hotter in Georgia than it was here this afternoon.

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I preached three times at Bath; and, I believe, not

without a blessing. Wednesday, 6. I preached at Paulton. The flame, kindled last year, still continues to burn here: And, (what is strange,) though so many have set their hand to the plough, there are none that look back. In all the number, I do not find so much as one backslider.

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I spent an hour with the children, the most efficient part of our work. About noon I preached to a large and serious congregation at Chew-Magna; in the evening, to a still more serious company at Stoke; where Mr. Griffin is calmly waiting for the call that summons him to Abraham’s bosom.

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As I drew near Bath, I wondered what had drawn such a

multitude of people together, till I learnt, that one of the members for the city had given an ox to be roasted whole. But their sport was sadly interrupted by heavy rain, which sent them home faster than they came; many of whom dropped in at our chapel, where I suppose they never had been before.

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At the invitation of that excellent woman, Mrs. Turner, I preached about noon in her chapel in Trowbridge. As most of the hearers were Dissenters, I did not expect to do much good. However, I have done my duty: God will look to the event.

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I read Prayers and preached in Clutton church: But it was with great difficulty, because of my hoarseness; which so increased, that in four-and-twenty hours I could scarce speak at all. At night I used my never-failing remedy, bruised garlick applied to the soles of the feet. This cured my hoarseness in six hours: In one hour it cured my lumbago, the pain in the small of my back, which I had had ever since I came from Cornwall.

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I preached in the market-place at Pill, to the most stupid congregation I have lately seen. Thursday, 21. I married Mr. Horton and Miss Durbin. May they be patterns to all around them! Sunday, 24. I preached in Temple church, the most beautiful and the most ancient in Bristol.

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I preached, as usual, morning and evening at the

Room. About two I preached a funeral sermon at Kingswood, for that blessed saint, Bathsheba Hall, a pattern for many years of zealously doing and patiently suffering the will of God. In the evening about seven hundred of us joined in solemnly renewing our covenant with God.

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After preaching at the Devizes, I went onto Sarum. Tuesday,

3. I walked over to Wilton, and preached to a very serious congregation in the new preaching-house. I found at Sarum the fruit of Captain Webb’s preaching: Some were awakened, and one perfected in love. Yet I was a little surprised at the remark of some of our eldest brethren that they had never heard Perfection preached before.

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The preaching-house at Whitchurch, though much enlarged, could not contain the congregation in the evening. Some genteel people were inclined to smile at first; but their mirth was quickly over. The awe of God fell upon the whole congregation, and many “rejoiced unto him with reverence.” Saturday, 7. I returned from Portsmouth to London.

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I went to Tunbridge-Wells, and preached to a serious

congregation, on Revelation 20:12. Tuesday, 17. I came back to Sevenoaks, and in the afternoon walked over to the Duke of Dorset’s seat. The park is the pleasantest I ever saw; the trees are so elegantly disposed. The house, which is at least two hundred years old, is immensely large. It consists of two squares, considerably bigger than the two Quadrangles in Lincoln College. I believe we were shown above thirty rooms, beside the hall, the chapels, and three galleries. The pictures are innumerable; I think, four times as many in the Castle at Blenheim. Into one of the galleries opens the King’s bed-chamber, ornamented above all the rest. The bed-curtains are cloth-of-gold; and so richly wrought, that it requires some strength to draw them. The tables, the chairs, the frames of the looking-glasses, are all plated over with silver. The tapestry, representing the whole history of Nebuchadnezzar, is as fresh as if newly woven. But the bed-curtains are exceeding dirty, and look more like copper than gold. The silver on the tables, chairs, and glass, looks as dull as lead. And, to complete all, King Nebuchadnezzar among the beasts, together with his eagle’s claws, has a large crown upon his head, and is clothed in scarlet and gold.

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I visited, for a few days, the societies in Northamptonshire.

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I went to High-Wycomb, where the new preaching-house

was well filled in the evening. Tuesday, 31. We had such a congregation at noon in Oxford as I never saw there before; and, what I regarded more than their number, was their seriousness: Even the young gentlemen behaved well; nor could I observe one smiling countenance, although I closely applied these words, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.”

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I preached at the new chapel, on Luke 9:55: “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of;” and showed, that, supposing the Papists to be heretics, schismatics, wicked men, enemies to us, and to our Church and nation; yet we ought not to persecute, to kill, hurt, or grieve them, but barely to prevent their doing hurt.

In the ensuing week I finished visiting the classes, and had the satisfaction to find that the society is considerably increased, both in number and strength, since the Conference.

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I went on to Chatham, and finding the society groaning under a large debt, advised them to open a weekly subscription. The same advice I gave to the society at Sheerness. This advice they all cheerfully followed, and with good effect. On Friday, 24, we agreed to follow the same example at London; and in one year we paid off one thousand four hundred pounds.

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I went to Bedford, and preached in the evening. Tuesday, 28. I preached at St. Neot’s. Wednesday, 29. At ten I preached in Godmanchester; and about six in the new House at Huntingdon. I have seldom seen a new congregation behave with such seriousness. Thursday,

30. I came to Luton, and found that child of sorrow and pain, Mrs. Cole, was gone to rest. For many years she had not known an hour’s ease; but she died in full, joyous peace. And how little does she regret all that is past, now the days of her mourning are ended!

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I visited the eastern societies in Kent, and on

Friday returned to London. Sunday, 10. I began reading and explaining to the society, the large Minutes of the Conference. I desire to do all things openly and above-board. I would have all the world, and especially all of our society, see not only all the steps we take, but the reasons why we take them.

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Having a second message from Lord George Gordon, earnestly desiring to see me, I wrote a line to Lord Stormont, who, on Monday, 18, sent me a warrant to see him. On Tuesday, 19, I spent an hour with him, at his apartment in the Tower. Our conversation turned upon Popery and religion. He seemed to be well acquainted with the Bible; and had abundance of other books, enough to furnish a study. I was agreeably surprised to find he did not complain of any person or thing; and cannot but hope, his confinement will take a right turn, and prove a lasting blessing to him.

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At the desire of some of my friends, I accompanied them to the British Museum. What an immense field is here for curiosity to range in! One large room is filled from top to bottom with things brought from Otaheite; two or three more with things dug out of the ruins of Herculaneum! Seven huge apartments are filled with curious books; five with manuscripts; two with fossils of all sorts, and the rest with various animals. But what account will a man give to the Judge of quick and dead for a life spent in collecting all these?

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Desiring to make the most of this solemn day, I preached early in the morning, at the new chapel; at ten and four 1 preached at West-Street; and in the evening met the society at each end of the town.

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I saw the indictment of the grand Jury against Lord George Gordon. I stood aghast! What a shocking insult upon truth and common sense! But it is the usual form. The more is the shame. Why will not the Parliament remove this scandal from our nation?

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Waking between one and two in the morning, I observed a

bright light shine upon the chapel. I easily concluded there was a fire near; probably in the adjoining timber yard. If so, I knew it would soon lay us in ashes. I first called all the family to prayer; then going out, we found the fire about an hundred yards off, and had broke out while the wind was south. But a sailor cried out, “Avast! Avast! the wind is turned in a moment!” So it did to the west, while we were at prayer, and so drove the flame from us. We then thankfully returned, and I rested well the residue of the night.

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We renewed our covenant with God. We had the largest

company that I ever remember; perhaps two hundred more than we had last year. And we had the greatest blessing. Several received either a sense of the pardoning love of God, or power to love him with all their heart.

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