letter from Dr. Isham, then the rector of our college,
Jan. 1751
WESLEY AS VOTER
would think such a sight should strike an utter damp upon human vanity.
What are the great, the fair, the valiant now? the matchless warrior—the puissant monarch ?— An heap of dust is all remains of thee!
all thou art, and all the proud shall be, Mon. 10.—I rode to Leigh, in Essex, where I found a little company seeking God; and endeavoured to encourage them in " provoking one another to love and good works."
Mon. 17.—I set upon cleansing Augeas's stable; upon purging that huge work, Mr. Fox's " Acts and Monuments," from all the trash which that honest, injudicious writer has heaped together, and mingled with those venerable records, which are worthy to be had in everlasting remembrance.
1751.
Wed. Jan. 30.—Having received a pressing letter from Dr. Isham, then the rector of our college, to give my vote at the election for a Member of Parliament, which was to be the next day, I set out early, ina severe frost, with the north-west wind full in my face.
The roads were so slippery, that it was scarce possible for our horses to keep their feet: indeed one of them could not ; but fell upon his head, and cut it terribly.
Nevertheless, about seven in the evening, God brought us safe to Oxford.
A congregation was waiting for me at Mr. Evans's, whom I immediately addressed in those awful words, "' What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
Thur. 31.—I went to the schools, where the Convocation was met: but I did not find the decency and order which I expected.
The gentleman for whom I came to vote was not elected: yet I did not repent of
WESLEY'S JOURNAL
Fes. 1751 my coming ; I owe much more than this to that generous, friendly man, who now rests from his labours.
I was much surprised wherever I went, at the civility of the people—gentlemen as well as others.
There was no pointing, no calling of names, as once; no, nor even laughter, What can this mean?
Am I become a servant of men?
Or is the scandal of the cross ceased ?
Wesley Decides to Marry Fri. Feb. 1.—We set out for London in another bitter morning, having such a wind (now got to the east, and so in our face again) as I hardly ever remember.
But by five in the evening we were under shelter at the Foundery.
It being the night before appointed for a watch-night, we continued praying and praising God as usual, till about twelve o'clock: and I found no inconvenience, but a little faintness, which a few hours' sleep removed.
Sat. 2.—Having received a full answer from Mr. P.
I was clearly convinced that I ought to marry.
For many years I remained single because I believed I could be more useful in a single, than ina married state. And I praise God, who enabled me so to do.
I now as fully believed, that in my present circumstances, I might be more useful in a married state; into which, upon this clear conviction, and by the advice of my friends, I entered a few days after.
Wed. 6.—I met the single men, and showed them on how many accounts it was good for those who had received that gift from God, to remain "single for the kingdom of heaven's sake" ; unless where a particular case might be an exception to the general rule.
Sun. 1o.—After preaching at five, I was hastening to take my leave of the congregation at Snowsfields, pur-
Fes. 1751
PREACHING KNEELING
posing to set out in the morning for the north; when, on the middle of London-bridge, both my feet slipped on the ice, and I fell with great force, the bone of my ankle lighting on the top of a stone.
However, I got on, with some help, to the chapel, being resolved not to disappoint the people.
After preaching, I had my leg bound up by a surgeon, and made a shift to walk to the Seven Dials.
It was with much difficulty that I got up into the pulpit; but God then comforted many of our hearts.
I went back ina coach to Mr. B 's, and from thence in a chair to the Foundery; but I was not able to preach, my sprain growing worse.
I removed to Threadneedle Street ; where I spent the remainder of the week, partly in prayer, reading, and conversation, partly in writing an * Hebrew Grammar," and " Lessons for Children."
Sun. 17.—I was carried to the Foundery, and preached, kneeling (as I could not stand), on part of the twenty-third Psalm; my heart being enlarged, and my mouth opened to declare the wonders of God's love.
Marriage and Preaching Monday, 18, was the second day I had appointed for my journey; but I was disappointed again, not being yet able to set my foot to the ground.
However, I preached (kneeling) on Tuesday evening, and Wednesday morning.
Sun. 24.—I preached, morning and evening, at Spitalfields.
Mon. Mar. 4.—Being tolerably able to ride, though not to walk, I set out for Bristol.
I came thither on Wednesday, thoroughly tired ; though, in other respects, better than when I set out.
WESLEY'S JOURNAL
ApriL 1751 Tues, 19.—Having finished the business for which I came to Bristol, I set out again for London; being desired by many to spend a few days there before I entered upon my northern journey.
I came to London on Thursday, and, having settled all affairs, left it again on Wednesday, 27.
I cannot understand, how a Methodist preacher can answer it to God, to preach one sermon, or travel one day less, in a married than in a single state.
In this respect surely, "it remaineth, that they who have wives be as though they had none."
Wesley and his Barber Thur. April 11 (Bolton).—The barber who shaved me said, "Sir, I praise God on your behalf.
When you was at Bolton last, I was one of the most eminent drunkards in all the town; but I came to listen at the window, and God struck me to the heart.
I then earnestly prayed for power against drinking; and God gave me more than I asked: he took away the very desire of it.
Yet I felt myself worse and worse, till, on April 5 last, I could hold out nolonger.
I knew I must drop into hell that moment, unless God appeared to save me: andhe did appear.
I knew he loved me; and felt sweet peace.
Yet I did not dare to say I had faith, till, yesterday was twelvemonth, God gave me faith; and his love has ever since filled my heart."
Mon. 22.—The rain stopped while I was preaching at the market-place in Morpeth.
We rode from thence to Alnwick, where (it being too wet to preach at the Cross) some of our friends procured the Town Hall.
This, being very large, contained the people well; only the number of them made it extremely hot.
Tues. 23.--We rode on to Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Aprit1751
WESLEY IN SCOTLAND
Wed. 24.—Mr. Hopper and I took horse between three and four, and about seven came to Old-camus.
Whether the country was good or bad we could not see, having a thick mist all the way.
The Scotch towns are like none which I ever saw, either in England, Wales, or Ireland: there is such an air of antiquity in them all, and such a peculiar oddness in their manner of building.
But we were most surprised at the entertainment we met with in every place, so far different from common report.
We had all things good, cheap, in great abundance, and remarkably well-dressed.
In the afternoon we rode by Preston Field, and saw the place of battle, and Colonel
Gardiner's house.
The Scotch here affirm, that he fought on foot after he was dismounted, and refused to take quarter.
Be it as it may, he is now " where the wicked cease from troubling, and where the weary are at Test."
Wesley's Impressions of Scotland We reached Musselburgh between four and five.
I had no intention to preach in Scotland; nor did I imagine there were any that desired I should.
But I was mistaken.
Curiosity (if nothing else) brought abundance of people together in the evening.
And whereas in the kirk (Mrs. G informed me) ihere used to be laughing and talking, and all the marks of the grossest inattention : but it was far otherwise here: they remained as statues from the beginning of the sermon to the end.
Thur. 25.—We rode to Edinburgh; one of the dirtiest cities I had ever seen, not excepting Colen in Germany.
We returned to Musselburgh to dinner, whither we were followed in the afternoon by a little party of gentle-