Epworth I overtook one who immediately accosted me
Jan. 1743.
REFUSED THE SACRAMENT
about forty yards in length; in the middle of which we determined to build the house, leaving room for a small courtyard before, and a little garden behind, the building.
Mon. 13.—I removed into a lodging, adjoining to the ground where we were preparing to build; but the violent frost obliged us to delay the work.
I never felt so intense cold before.
Ina room where a constant fire was kept, though my desk was fixed within a yard of the chimney, I could not write for a quarter of an hour together, without my hands being quite benumbed.
Newcastle's First Methodist Room Mon. 20.—We laid the first stone of the house.
Many were gathered, from all parts, to see it; but none scoffed or interrupted while we praised God, and prayed that He would prosper the work of our hands upon us.
Three or four times in the evening, I was forced to break off preaching, that we might pray and give thanks to God.
Thur.
23.—It being computed that such a house as was proposed could not be finished under £700, many were positive it would never be finished at all; others, that I should not live to see it covered.
I was of another mind; nothing doubting but, as it was begun for God's sake, He would provide what was needful for the finishing it.
1743.
Sat. January 1.—Between Doncaster and Epworth I overtook one who immediately accosted me with so many and so impertinent questions, that I was quite amazed.
In the midst of some of them, concerning my travels and my journey, I interrupted him, and asked,
Are you aware that we are on a longer journey ; that we are travelling toward eternity?"
He replied instantly,
WESLEY'S JOURNAL
Jan. 1743
"O, I find you!
I find you!
I know where you are!
Is not your name Wesley?
'Tis pity!
'Tis great pity!
Why could not your father's religion serve your?
Why must you have a new religion?"
I was going to reply ; but he cut me short by crying out in triumph, "I am a Christian!
I am aChristian!
I am a Churchman!
I am aChurchman!
I am none of your Culamites"; as plain as he could speak; for he was so drunk, he could but just keep his seat.
Having then clearly won the day, or, as his phrase was, 'put them all down," he began kicking his horse on both sides and rode off as fast as he could.
Wesley Refused the Sacrament at Epworth In the evening I reached Epworth.
Sunday, 2.
At five I preached on, 'So is every one that is born of the Spirit."
About eight I preached from my father's tomb on Heb. vill. 11.
Many from the neighbouring towns asked, if it would not be well, as it was sacrament
Sunday, for them to receive it.
I told them, "By all means; but it would be more respectful first to ask Mr.
Romley, the curate's leave."
One did so, in the name of the rest; to whom he said, " Pray tell Mr. Wesley, I shall not give him the sacrament; for he is not fit."
How wise a God is our God!
'There could not have been so fit a place under heaven, where this should befall me first as my father's house, the place of my nativity, and the very place where, "according to the straitest sect of our religion," I had so long "lived a Pharisee!"
It was also fit, in the highest degree, that he who repelled me from that very table, where I had myself so often distributed the bread of life, should be one who owed his all in this world to the tender love which my father had shown to his, as well as personally to himself.
APRIL 1743
THE COCK-FIGHTER
Tues, 22.—I went to South-Biddick, a village of colliers seven miles south-east of Newcastle.
The spot where I stood was just at the bottom of a semi-circular hill, on the rising sides of which many hundreds stood; but far more on the plain beneath.
I cried to them, in the words of the prophet, ""O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!"
Deep attention sat on every face; so that here also I believed it would be well to preach weekly, Wesley and the Cock-fighter Wed. 23.—I met a gentleman in the streets cursing and swearing in so dreadful a manner, that I could not but stop him.
He soon grew calmer; told me he must treat me with a glass of wine; and that he would come and hear me, only he was afraid I should say something against fighting of cocks.
April 1.
(Being Good Friday.)—I had a great desire to visit a little village called Placey, about ten measured miles north of Newcastle.
It is inhabited by colliers only, and such as had been always in the first rank for savage ignorance and wickedness of every kind.
Their grand assembly used to be on the Lord's day; on which men, women, and children met together to dance, fight, curse and swear, and play at chuck ball, spanfarthing, or whatever came next to hand. I felt great compassion for these poor creatures, from the time I heard of them first; and the more, because all men seemed to despair of them.
Between seven and eight I set out with John Heally, my guide.
The north wind, being unusually high, drove the sleet in our face, which froze as it fell, and cased us over presently.
When we came to Placey, we could very hardly stand.
As soon as we were a little
WESLEY'S JOURNAL
Jury 1743 recovered I went into the square, and declared Him who 'was wounded for our transgressions" and 'bruised for our iniquities."
The poor sinners were quickly gathered together and gave earnest heed to the things which were spoken.
And so they did in the afternoon again, in spite of the wind and snow, when I besought them to receive Him for their King; to "repent and believe the Gospel."
Wesley in Seven Dials Sun. May 29.—I began officiating at the chapel in West Street, near the Seven Dials, of which (by a strange chain of providences) we have a lease for several years.
I preached on the Gospel for the day, part ot the third chapter of St. John; and afterwards administered the Lord's Supper to some hundreds of communicants.
I was a little afraid at first, that my strength would not suffice for the business of the day, when a service of five hours (for it lasted from ten to three) was added to my usual employment.
But God looked to that: so I must think; and they that will call it enthusiasm may.
I preached at the Great-gardens at five to an immense congregation, on, ** Ye must be born again."
Then the leaders met (who filled all the time that I was not speaking in public); and after them, the bands.
At ten at night I was less weary than at six in the morning.
Sun. July ro (Newcastle).—I preached at eight on Chowden Fell, on, "« Why will ye die, O house of Israel? "
Ever since I came to Newcastle the first time, my spirit had been moved within me, at the crowds of poor wretches, who were every Sunday, in the afternoon sauntering to and fro on the Sandhill.
I resolved, it possible, to find them a better employ; and as soon as
Avc.1743
HIS HORSES GIVE TROUBLE
the service at All Saints was over, walked straight from the church to the Sandhill, and gave out a verse of a psalm.
In a few minutes I had company enough; thousands upon thousands crowding together.
But the prince of this world fought with all his might lest his kingdom should be overthrown.
Indeed, the very mob of Newcastle, in the height of their rudeness, have commonly some humanity left.
I scarce observed that they threw any thing at all; neither did I receive the least personal hurt: but they continued thrusting one another to and fro, and making such a noise, that my voice could not be heard: so that, after spending near an hour in singing and prayer, I thought it best to adjourn to our own house.
Wesley's Horses give Trouble Mon.
18.—I set out from Newcastle with John Downes, of Horsley.
We were four hours riding to Ferry Hill, about twenty measured miles.
After resting there an hour we rode softly on; and, at two o'clock, came to Darlington.
I thought my horse was not well; he thought the same of his; though they were both young, and very well the day before.
We ordered the hostler to fetch a farrier, which he did without delay ; but, before the men could determine what was the matter, both the horses lay down and died.
I hired a horse to Sandhutton, and rode on, desiring John Downes to follow me.
Thence I rode to Boroughbridge on Tuesday morning, and then walked on to Leeds.
Mon. August 22 (London).—After a few of us had joined in prayer, about four I set out and rode softly to Snow Hill; where, the saddle slipping quite upon my mare's neck, I fell over her head, and she ran back into
WESLEY'S JOURNAL
Avs. 1743
Smithfield.
Some boys caught her and brought her to me again, cursing and swearing all the way.
I spoke plainly to them, and they promised to amend.
I was setting forward, when a man cried, "Sir, you have lost your saddle-cloth."
Two or three more would needs help me to put it on; but these, too, swore at almost every word.
I turned to one and another, and spoke in love.
They all took it well, and thanked me much.
I gave them two or three little books, which they promised to read over carefully.
Before I reached Kensington, I found my mare had lost a shoe.
This gave me an opportunity of talking closely, for near half an hour, both to the smith and his servant.
I mention these little circumstances to show how easy it is to redeem every fragment of time (if I may so speak), when we feel any love to those souls for which Christ died.
Wesley Goes to Cornwall Fri. 26.—I set out for Cornwall.
In the evening I preached at the cross in Taunton, on, " The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."
A poor man had posted himself behind, in order to make some disturbance: but the time was not come; the zealous wretches who 'deny the Lord that bought them" had not yet stirred up the people.
Many cried out, "Throw down that rascal there; knock him down; beat out his brains": so that I was obliged to entreat for him more than once, or he would have been but roughly handled.
Sat. 27.—I reached Exeter in the afternoon; but as no one knew of my coming, I did not preach that night, only to one poor sinner at the inn; who, after listening to our conversation for a while, looked earnestly at us,
Auc. 1743 WESLEY GOES TO CORNWALL
and asked, whether it was possible for one, who had in some measure known " the power of the world to come," and was "fallen away " (which she said was her case), to be "'renewed again to repentance."
We besought God in her behalf, and left her sorrowing; and yet not without hope.
Sun. 28.—I preached at seven to a handful of people.
The sermon we heard at church was quite innocent of meaning: what that in the afternoon was, I know not; for I could not hear a single sentence.
From church I went to the castle; where were gathered together (as some imagined) half the grown persons in the city.
It was an awful sight.
So vast a congregation in that solemn amphitheatre!
And all silent and still, while I explained at large, and enforced, that glorious truth, '"' Happy are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered."
Mon. 29.—We rode forward.
About sunset we were in the middle of the first great pathless moor beyond Launceston.
About eight we were got quite out of the way; but we had not got far before we heard Bodmin bell.
Directed by this we turned to the left and came to the town before nine.
Tues. 30.—In the evening we reached St. Ives.
At seven I invited all guilty, helpless sinners, who were conscious they "had nothing to pay," to accept of free forgiveness.
The room was crowded both within and without; but all were quiet and attentive.
Wed. 31.—I spoke severally with those of the society, who were about one hundred and twenty.
Near an hundred of these had found peace with God: such is the blessing of being persecuted for righteousness' sake !
As we were going to church at eleven, a large company at the market-place welcomed us with a loud huzza:
WESLEY'S JOURNAL
Serr. 1743 wit as harmless as the ditty sung under my window (composed, one assured me, by a gentlewoman of their own town), *¢ Charles Wesley is come to town, To try if he can pull the churches down,"
In the evening I explained "the promise of the Father."
After preaching, many began to be turbulent ; but John Nelson went into the midst of them, spoke a little to the loudest, who answered not again, but went quietly away.
The Cornish Tinners Sat. September 3.—I rode to the Three-cornered Down (so called), nine or ten miles east of St. Ives, where we found two or three hundred tinners, who had been some time waiting for us.
They all appeared quite pleased and unconcerned ; and many of them ran after us to Gwennap (two miles east), where their number was quickly increased to four or five hundred.
I had much comfort here, in applying these words, "He hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor."
One who lived near invited us to lodge at his house, and conducted us back to the Green in the morning.
We came thither just as the day dawned.
I strongly applied those gracious words, "I will heal their backslidings, I will love them freely," to five or six hundred serious people.
At Trezuthan Downs, five miles nearer St. Ives, we found seven or eight hundred people, to whom I cried aloud, "Cast away all your transgressions ; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?"
After dinner I preached again to about a thousand people, on Him whom 'God hath exalted to be a Prince and a Saviour."
It was here first I observed a little impression made on
Sepr.1743
THE CORNISH TINNERS
two or three of the hearers; the rest, as usual, showing huge approbation, and absolute unconcern.
Fri. 9.—I rode in quest of St. Hilary Downs, ten or twelve miles south-east of St. Ives.
And the Downs I found, but no congregation—neither man, woman, nor child.
But by that I had put on my gown and cassock, about an hundred gathered themselves together, whom I earnestly called "to repent and believe the Gospel."
And if but one heard, it was worth all the labour.
Sat. ro.—There were prayers at St. Just in the afternoon, which did not end till four.
I then preached at the Cross, to, I believe, a thousand people, who all behaved in a quiet and serious manner.
At six I preached at Sennan, near the Land's End; and appointed the little congregation (consisting chiefly of old, grey-headed men) to meet me again at five in the morning.
But on Sunday, 11, great part of them were got together between three and four o'clock: so between four and five we began praising God; and I largely explained and applied, '"'I will heal their backslidings ;
I will love them freely."
We went afterwards down, as far as we could go safely, toward the point of the rocks at the Land's End.
It was an awful sight! But how will these melt away, when God shall arise to judgment!
The sea between does indeed 'boil like a pot."
'One would think the deep to be hoary."
But 'though they swell, yet can they not prevail.
He hath set their bounds, which they cannot pass."
Between eight and nine I preached at St. Just, on the green plain near the town, to the largest congregation (I was informed) that ever had been seen in these parts.
I cried out, with all the authority of love, "' Why will ye die, O house of Israel?"
The people trembled, and
WESLEY'S JOURNAL
Serr. 1743 were still.
I had not known such an hour before in Cornwall.
In the Scilly Isles Mon. 12.—I had had for some time a great desire to go and publish the love of God our Saviour, if it were but for one day, in the Isles of Scilly; and I had occasionally mentioned it to several.
This evening three of our brethren came and offered to carry me thither, if I could procure the mayor's boat, which, they said, was the best sailer of any in the town.
I sent, and he lent it me immediately, So the next morning, Tuesday, 13, John Nelson, Mr. Shepherd, and I, with three men and a pilot, sailed from St. Ives.
It seemed strange to me to attempt going in a fisher-boat, fifteen leagues upon the main ocean; especially when the waves began to swell, and hang over our heads.
But I called to my companions, and we all joined together in singing lustily and with a good courage:
When passing through the watery deep, I ask in faith his promised aid ; The waves an awful distance keep, And shrink from my devoted heads Fearless their violence I dare:
They cannot harm—for God is there."
About half an hour after one, we landed on St. Mary's, the chief of the inhabited islands.
We immediately waited upon the Governor, with the usual present, viz.,a newspaper.
I desired him, likewise, to accept of an " Earnest Appeal."
The minister not being willing I should preach in the church, I preached, at six, in the streets, to almost all the town, and many soldiers, sailors, and workmen, on, " Why will ye die, O house of Israel?"
It was a blessed time, so that I scarce knew how to conclude.
After sermon I gave
Serr.1743.
IN THE SCILLY ISLES
them some little books and hymns, which they were so eager to receive, that they were ready to tear both them and me to pieces.
For what political reason such a number of workmen were gathered together, and employed at so large an expense, to fortify a few barren rocks, which whosoever would take, deserves to have them for his pains, I could not possibly devise: but a providential reason was easy to be discovered.
God might call them together to hear the Gospel, which perhaps otherwise they might never have thought of.
At five in the morning I preached again, on, I will heal their backslidings; I will love them freely."
And between nine and ten, having talked with many in private, and distributed both to them and others between two and three hundred hymns and little books, we left this barren, dreary place, and set sail for St. Ives, though the wind was strong, and blew directly in our teeth.
Our pilot said we should have good luck if we reached the land ; but he knew not Him whom the winds and seas obey.
Soon after three we were even with the Land's End, and about nine we reached St. Ives.
Remarkable Service at Gwennap Tues. 20.—At Trezuthan Downs I preached to two or three thousand people, on the "highway" of the Lord, the way of holiness.
We reached Gwennap a little before six, and found the plain covered from end to end.
It was supposed there were ten thousand people; to whom I preached Christ our " wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption."
I could not conclude till it was so dark we could scarce see one another.
And there was on all sides the deepest attention ; none speak-~ ing, stirring, or scarce looking aside.
Surely here, though
WESLEY'S JOURNAL
Ocr. 1743 in a temple not made with hands, was God worshipped in "the beauty of holiness."
Wed. 21.—I was waked between three and four, by a large company of tinners, who, fearing they should be too late, had gathered round the house, and were singing and praising God.
At five I preached once more, on, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved."
They all devoured the word.
O may it be health to their soul, and marrow unto their bones!
We rode to Launceston that day. Thursday, 22.
As we were riding through a village called Sticklepath, one stopped me in the street, and asked abruptly, "Is not thy name John Wesley?"
Immediately two or three more came up, and told me I must stop there.
I did so; and before we had spoke many words, our souls took acquaintance with each other.
I found they were called Quakers: but that hurt not me; seeing the love of God was in their hearts.
A Mob at Wednesbury Thur. Oct. 20.—After preaching to a small, attentive congregation (at Birmingham), I rode to Wednesbury.
At twelve I preached in a ground near the middle of the town, to a far larger congregation than was expected, on, 'Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever."
I believe every one present felt the power ot God: and no creature offered to molest us, either going or coming; but the Lord fought for us, and we held our peace.
I was writing at Francis Ward's, in the afternoon, when the cry arose, that the mob had beset the house.
We prayed that God would disperse them; and it was so: one went this way, and another that; so that, in half an hour, not a man was left.
I told our brethren, "* Now
RIOT IN
WEDNESBUR
WESLEY AND THE MOB
is the time for us to go" ; but they pressed me exceedingly to stay.
So, that I might not offend them, I sat down, though I foresaw what would follow. Before five the mob surrounded the house again, in greater numbers than ever.
The cry of one and all was, "Bring out the minister ; we will have the minister."
I desired one to take their captain by the hand, and bring him into the house.
After a few sentences interchanged between us, the lion was become a lamb.
I desired him to go and bring one or two more of the most angry of his companions.
He brought in two, who were ready to swallow the ground with rage; but in two minutes they were as calm as he.
I then bade them make way, that I might go out among the people.
As soon as I was in the midst of them, I called for a chair; and standing up, asked, '"' What do any of you want with me?"
Some said, "' We want you to go with us to the justice."
I replied, "That I will, with all my heart."
I then spoke a few words, which God applied ; so that they cried out, with might and main,
"The gentleman is an honest gentleman, and we will spill our blood in his defence."
I asked, "Shall we go to the justice to-night, or in the morning?"
Most of them cried, ''To-night, to-night"; on which I went before, and two or three hundred followed; the rest returning whence they came.
The night came on before we had walked a mile, together with heavy rain.
However, on we went to Bentley Hall, two miles from Wednesbury.
One or two ran before, to tell Mr. Lane they had brought Mr.
Wesley before his worship.
Mr. Lane replied, " What have I to do with Mr. Wesley ? Go and carry him back again." By this time the main body came up, and began knocking at the door.
A servant told them Mr. Lane
WESLEY'S JOURNAL
Ocr. 1743 was in bed.
His son followed, and asked what was the matter.
One replied, ' Why, an't please you, they sing psalms all day; nay, and make folks rise at five in the morning.
And what would your worship advise us to do?" To go home," said Mr. Lane, "and be quiet."
Wesley in Danger Here they were all at a full stop, till one advised, to go to Justice Persehouse, at Walsal.
All agreed to this ; so we hastened on, and about seven came to his house.
But Mr. P likewise sent word, that he was in bed.
Now they were at a stand again; but at last they all thought it the wisest course to make the best of their way home.
About fifty of them undertook to convoy me.
But we had not gone a hundred yards, when the mob of Walsal came, pouring in like a flood, and bore down all before them.
The Darlaston mob made what defence they could; but they were weary, as well as outnumbered: so that in a short time, many being knocked down, the rest ran away, and left me in their hands.
To attempt speaking was vain ; for the noise on every side was like the roaring of the sea.
So they dragged me along till we came to the town; where seeing the door of a large house open, I attempted to go in; buta man, catching me by the hair, pulled me back into the middle of the mob.
They made no more stop till they had carried me through the main street, from one end of the town to theother.
I continued speaking all the time to those within hearing, feeling no pain or weariness.
At the west end of the town, seeing a door half open, I made toward it, and would have gone in; but a gentleman in the shop would not suffer me, saying, they would pull the house down to the ground.
However, I stood at the door, and asked, "Are you willing to hear me
Oct. 1743
WESLEY IN DANGER
speak?"
Many cried out, "No, no! knock his brains out ; down with him; kill him at once."
Others said, "Nay, but we will hear him first."
I began asking, "What evil have I done?
Which of you all have I wronged in word or deed?"
And continued speaking for above a quarter of an hour, till my voice suddenly failed: then the floods began to lift up their voice again ; many crying out, 'Bring him away! bring him away !"
In the mean time my strength and my voice returned, and I broke out aloud in prayer.
And now the man who just before headed the mob, turned, and said, " Sir, I will spend my life for you: follow me, and not onc soul here shall touch a hair of your head."
Two or three of his fellows confirmed his words, and got close to me immediately.
At the same time, the gentleman in the shop cried out, "For shame, for shame!
Let him go."
An honest butcher, who was a little farther off, said it was a shame they should do thus; and pulled back four or five, one after another, who were running on the most fiercely.
The people then, as if it had been by common consent, fell back to the right and left ; while those three or four men took me between them, and carried me through them all.
But on the bridge the mob rallied again: we therefore went on one side, over the mill-dam, and thence through the meadows; till, a little before ten, God brought me safe to Wednesbury ; having lost only one flap of my waistcoat, and a little skin from one of my hands.
His Presence of Mind I never saw such a chain of providences before; so many convincing proofs, that the hand of God is on
WESLEY'S JOURNAL
Ocr. 1743 every person and thing, and overruling all as it seemeth Him good.
The poor woman of Darlaston, who had headed that mob, and sworn, that no one should touch me, when she saw her followers give way, ran into the thickest of the throng, and knocked down three or four men, one after another.
But many assaulting her at once, she was soon overpowered, and had probably been killed in a few minutes (three men keeping her down and beating her with all their might), had not a man called to one of them, "' Hold, Tom, hold!" "Who is there?" said Tom:
'what, honest Munchin?
Nay, then, let her go."
So they held their hand, and let her get up and crawl home as well as she could.
From the beginning to the end I found the same presence of mind, as if I had been sitting in my own study.
But I took no thought for one moment before another; only once it came into my mind, that if they should throw me into the river, it would spoil the papers that were in my pocket.
For myself, I did not doubt but I should swim across, having but a thin coat, and a light pair of boots.
The circumstances that follow, I thought, were particularly remarkable:
1. That many endeavoured to throw me down while we were going down-hill on a slippery path to the town; as well judging, that if I was once on the ground, I should hardly rise any more.
But I made no stumble at all, nor the least slip till I was entirely out of their hands.
2. That although many strove to lay hold on my collar or clothes, to pull me down, they could not fasten at all: only one got fast hold of the flap of my waistcoat, which was soon left in his hand; the other flap, in the pocket of which was a bank note, was torn but half off.
3. That a lusty man just behind