preached in the evening to such a congregation as I
WESLEY'S JOURNAL
Jan. 1756 acting '* Macbeth" in Drury-lane ; and just as the mockthunder began, the Lord began to thunder out of heaven,
Fora while it put them to a stand; but they soon took courage, and went on.
Otherwise it might have been suspected that the fear of God had crept into the very theatre !
Fri. Dec. 12.—AsI was returning from Zoar, I came as well as usual to Moorfields; but there my strength entirely failed, and such a faintness and weariness seized me, that it was with difficulty I got home,
I could not but think, how happy it would be (suppose we were ready for the Bridegroom) to sink down and steal away at once, without any of the hurry and pomp of dying!
Yet it is happier still to glorify God in our death, as well as our life.
Tues. 23.—I was in the robe-chamber, adjoining to the House of Lords, when the King put on his robes.
His brow was much furrowed with age, and quite clouded with care.
And is this all the world can give even to a king? all the grandeur it can afford?
blanket of ermine round his shoulders, so heavy and cumbersome he can scarce move under it!
An huge heap of borrowed hair, with a few plates of gold and glittering stones upon his head!
Alas, what a bauble is human greatness!
And even this will not endure.
At Dover Castle 1756. Mon. Jan. 26.—I rode to Canterbury, and preached in the evening to such a congregation as I never saw there before; in which were abundance of the soldiers, and not a few of their officers.
Wed. 28.—I preached about noon at Dover, to a very serious but small congregation.
We afterwards walked up to the castle, on the top of a mountain, It
Marcu 1756 CHRISTIAN FIGHTING MEN
is an amazing fine situation; and from hence we had a clear view of that vast piece of the cliff, which a few days ago divided from the rest, and fell down upon the beach.
Fri. 30.—In returning to London, I read the life of the late Czar, Peter the Great.
Undoubtedly he was a soldier, a general, and a statesman, scarce inferior to any.
But why was he called a Christian?
What has Christianity to do either with deep dissimulation or savage cruelty P Fri. Feb. 6.—The fast-day was a glorious day: such as London has scarce seen since the Restoration.
Every church in the city was more than full, and a solemn seriousness sat on every face.
Surely God heareth the prayer ; and there will yet be a lengthening of our tranquillity.
Preaching to a Press-gang Mon. 23.—I paid another visit to Canterbury, but came in too late to preach.
Tues. 24.—Abundance of soldiers and many officers came to the preaching.
And surely the fear and the love of God will prepare them either for death or victory.
Wed. 25.—I dined with Colonel » who said, 'No men fight like those who fear God: I had rather command five hundred such, than any regiment in his
Majesty's army."
Thur. March 11.—I rode to Pill, and preached to a large and attentive congregation.
A great part of them were seafaring men.
In the middle of my discourse, a press-gang landed from a man-of-war, and came up to the place: but after they had listened a while, they went quietly by, and molested nobody.
WESLEY'S JOURNAL = Marcu 1756 Mon, 15.—I rode to the Old Passage : but finding we could not pass, we went on to Purton; which we reached about four in the afternoon.
But we were no nearer still; for the boatmen lived on the other side, and the wind was so high, we could not possibly make them hear.
However, we determined to wait a while ; and in a quarter of an hour they came of their own accord.
We reached Coleford before seven ; and found a plain, loving people, who received the word of God with all gladness.
Fri. 19.—I rode over to Howell Harris at Trevecka, though not knowing how to get any further.
But he helped us out of our difficulties; offering to send one with us who would show us the way, and bring our horses back: so I then determined to go on to Holyhead, after spending a day or two at Brecknock.
Sat. 20.—It being the day appointed for the Justices and Commissioners to meet, the town was extremely full; and curiosity (if no better motive) brought most of the gentlemen to the preaching.
Such another opportunity could not have been of speaking to all the rich and great of the county : and they all appeared to be serious and attentive.
Perhaps one or two may lay it to heart.
Mon. 22.—It continued fair till we came to Builth ; where I preached to the usual congregation.
Mr.
Phillips then guided us to Royader, about fourteen English miles.
It snowed hard behind us and on both sides, but not at all where we were.
Tues. 23.—When we took horse, there was nothing to be seen but a waste of white: the snow covered both hills and vales.
As we could see no path, it was not without much difficulty, as well as danger, that we went on.
But between seven and eight the sun broke out, and the snow began to melt: so we thought all our
Marcu 1756 ROARING SEA CAPTAINS
difficulty was over; till, about nine, the snow fell faster than ever.
In an hour it changed into hail; which, as we rode over the mountains, drove violently in ou: face.
About twelve this turned into hard rain, followed by an impetuous wind.
However, we pushed on through all, and before sunset came to Dolgelly.
Waiting for the Ferry Here we found everything we wanted except sleep, or which we were deprived by a company of drunken, roaring sea captains, who kept possession of the room beneath us, till between two and three in the morning: so that we did not take horse till after six; and then we could make no great speed, the frost being exceeding sharp, and much ice in the road.
Hence we were not able to reach Tannabull till between eleven and twelve.
An honest Welshman here gave us to know (though he spoke no English) that he was just going over the sands.
So we hastened on with him, and by that means came in good time to Carnarvon.
Here we passed a quiet and comfortable night, and took horse about six in the morning.
Supposing, after we had rode near an hour, that a little house on the other side was the ferry-house, we went down to the water, and called amain: but we could not procure any answer.
In the mean time it began to rain hard, though the wind was extremely high.
Finding none would come over, we went to a little church which stood near, for shelter.
We had waited about an hour, when a woman and girl came into the church-yard, whom I did not mind, supposing they could speak no English.
They were following a sheep, which ran close to us.
I then asked, "Ts not this Baldon Ferry?"
The girl answered,
WESLEY'S JOURNAL
Marcu 1756 « Baldon Ferry!
No.
The ferry is two miles further."
So we might have called long enough.
Whcn we came to Baldon the wind fell, the sky cleared up, the boat came over without delay, and soon landed usin Anglesey.
On our way to Holyhead, one met and informed us, the packet sailed the night before. I said, "' Perhaps it may carry me for all that."
So we pushed on, and came thither in the afternoon.
The packet did sail the night before, and got more than half sea over.
But the wind turning against them and blowing hard, they were glad to get back this afternoon.
I scarce ever remember so violent a storm as blew all the night long.
The wind continued contrary the next day.
Irish Honesty Mon. 29.—We left the harbour about twelve, having six or seven officers and abundance of passengers on board.
The wind was full west, and there was great probability of a stormy night.
So it was judged best to put back; but one gentleman making a motion, to try a little longer, in a short time brought all over to his opinion.
So they agreed to go out, and "look for a wind."
The wind continued westerly all the night.
Nevertheless, in the morning we were within two leagues of Ireland!
Between nine and ten I landed at Howth, and walked on for Dublin.
The congregation in the evening was such as I never saw here before.
I hope this also is a token for good.
Wed. 31.—In conversing with many, I was surprised to find that all Ireland is in perfect safety.
None here has any more apprehension of an invasion, than of being swallowed up in the sea; every one being absolutely
Aprit 1756 STRANGE OCCURRENCE
assured, that the French dare not attempt any such thing.
Thur. Apr. 1.—I bought one or two books at Mr.
Smith's, on the Blind Quay.
I wanted change for a guinea, but he could not give it; so I borrowed some silver of my companion.
The next evening a young gentleman came from Mr. Smith's to tell me I had lefta guinea on his counter.
Such an instance of honesty I have rarely met with, either in Bristol or London.
A Remarkable Premonition Fulfilled Wed. 28.—I rode to Tullamore; where one of the society, Edward Willis, gave me a very surprising account of himself, he said:
'When I was about twenty years old, I went to Waterford for business.
After a few weeks I resolved to leave it; and packed up my things, in order to set out the next morning.
This was Sunday; but my landlord pressed me much not to go till the next day.
In the afternoon we walked out together, and went into the river.
After a while, leaving him near the shore, I struck out into the deep.
I soon heard a cry, and, turning, saw him rising and sinking in the channel of the river.
I swam back with all speed, and, seeing him sink again, dived down after him.
When I was near the bottom, he clasped his arm round my neck, and held me so fast that I could not rise.
Seeing death before me, all my sins came into my mind, and I faintly called for mercy.
In a while my senses went away, and I thought I was in a place full of light and glory, with abundance of people.
While I was thus, he who held me died, and I floated up to the top of the water.
I then immediately came to myself, and swam to the shore, where several stood who had seen us
WESLEY'S JOURNAL
May 1756 sink, and said, they never knew such a deliverance before; for I had been under water full twenty minutes.
It made me more serious for two or three months.
Then I returned to all my sins.
But in the midst of all, I had a voice following me everywhere, 'When an able minister of the Gospel comes, it will be well with thee!'
Some years after I entered into the army: our troop lay at Phillipstown, when Mr. W. came.
I was much affected by his preaching; but not so as to leave my sins.
The voice followed me still, and when Mr. J. W. came, before I saw him I had an unspeakable conviction that he was the man I looked for: and soon after I found peace with God, and it was well with me indeed."
Preaching in a Loft Mon. May 10.—I went forward to Clonmell, the pleasantest town, beyond all comparison, which I have yet seen in Ireland.
It has four broad, straight streets of well-built houses, which cross each other in the centre of the town.
Close to the walls, on the south side, runs a broad, clear river.
Beyond this rises a green and fruitful mountain, and hangs over the town.
The vale runs many miles both east and west, and is well cultivated throughout.
I preached at five in a large loft, capable of containing five or six hundred people: but it was not full; many being afraid of its falling, as another did some years before; by which several of the hearers were much hurt, and one so bruised, that she died in a few days.
Tues. 11.—I was at a loss where to preach, the person who owned the loft refusing to let me preach there, or even in the yard below. And the Commanding
Officer being asked for the use of the barrack-yard,
June 1756
A TRAGIC DREAM
answered, it was not a proper place.
' Not," said he, "that I have any objection to Mr. Wesley. I will hear him, if he preaches under the gallows."
It remained to preach in the street: and by this means the congregation was more than doubled.
Both the officers and soldiers gave great attention, tilla poor man, special drunk, came marching down the street, attended by a Popish mob, with a club in one hand, and a large cleaver in the other, grievously cursing and blaspheming, and swearing he would cut off the preacher's head.
It was with difficulty that I restrained the troopers ; especially them that were not of the society.
When he came nearer, the mayor stepped out of the congregation, and strove, by good words, to make him quiet ; but he could not prevail: on which he went into his house, and returned with his white wand.
At the same time he sent for two constables, who presently came with their staves.
He charged them not to strike the man, unless he struck first ; but this he did immediately, as soon as they came within his reach, and wounded one of them in the wrist.
On this, the other knocked him down, which he did three times before he would submit.
The mayor then walked before, the constables on either hand, and conducted him to the gaol.
A Terrible Dream Thur. June 3.—I received a remarkable letter from a clergyman, with whom I had been a day or two before.
Part of it ran thus:
"T had the following account from the gentlewoman herself, a person of piety and veracity.
She is now the wife of Mr. J B , silversmith, in Cork.
About thirty years ago, I was addressed by way of marriage, by Mr. Richard Mercier, then a volunteer in
WESLEY'S JOURNAL —_ June 1756 the army.
The young gentleman was quartered at that time in Charleville, where my father lived, who approved of his addresses, and directed me to look upon him as my future husband.
When the regiment left the town, he promised to return in two months, and marry me.
From Charleville he went to Dublin; thence to his father's, and from thence to England; where, his father having bought him a Cornetcy of horse, he purchased many ornaments for the wedding; and, returning to Ireland, let us know that he would be at our house in Charleville in a few days.
On this the family was busied to prepare for his reception, and the ensuing marriage; when one night, my sister Molly and I being asleep in our bed, I was awakened by the sudden opening of the side-curtain, and, starting up, saw Mr. Mercier standing by the bed-side.
He was wrapped up in a loose sheet, and had a napkin folded like a night-cap, on his head.
He looked at me very earnestly, and, lifting up the napkin, which much shaded his face, showed me the left side of his head, all bloody and covered with his brains.
The room meantime was quite light.
My terror was excessive, which was still increased by his stooping over the bed, and embracing me in his arms.
My cries alarmed the whole family, who came crowding into the room.
Upon their entrance, he gently withdrew his arms, and ascended, as it were, through the ceiling.
I continued for some time in strong fits.
When I could speak, I told them what I had seen.
One of them, a day or two after, going to the post-master for letters, found him reading the newspapers, in which was an account, that Cornet Mercier, going into Christ Church belfry, in Dublin, just after the bells had been ringing, and standing under the bells, one of them, which was
Avs. 1756 AT KILCONNEL CHURCH
turned bottom upwards, suddenly turning again, struck one side of his head, and killed him on the spot.
On further inquiry, we found he was struck on the left side of his head.' "
Sun. July 4.—In the morning we rode through Tuam, a neat little town, scarce half so large as Islington; nor is the cathedral half so large as Islington church.
The old church at Kilconnel, two miles from Aghrim, is abundantly larger.
If one may judge by the vast ruins that remain (over all which we walked in the afternoon), it was a far more stately pile of building than any that is now standing in Ireland.
Adjoining to it are the ruins of a large monastery ; many of the cells and apartments are pretty entire.
At the west end of the church lie abundance of skulls, piled one upon another, with innumerable bones round about, scattered as dung upon the earth, O sin, what hast thou done!
The Delights of North Wales Fri. Aug. 6.—On this and the next dayI finished my business in Ireland, so as to be ready to sail at an hour's warning.
Sun. 8.—We were to sail, the wind being fair; but as we were going aboard, it turned full east. I find it of great use to be in suspense: it is an excellent means of breaking our will.
May we be ready either to stay longer on this shore, or to lanch into eternity!
On Tuesday evening I preached my farewell sermon.
Mr. Walsh did the same in the morning.
We then walked to the quay: but it was still a doubt, whether we were to sail or no; Sir T. P. having sent word to the captain of the packet that if the wind was fair, he would go over; and it being his custom to keep the whole ship to himself.
But the wind coming to the
WESLEY'S JOURNAL
Ava. 1756 east, he would not go; so about noon we went on board.
In two or three hours we reached the mouth of the harbour.
It then fell calm.
We had five cabinpassengers, beside Mr. Walsh, Haughton, Morgan, and me.
They were all civil, and tolerably serious; the sailors likewise behaved uncommonly well.
Thur. 12.—About eight we began singing on the quarterdeck ; which soon drew all our fellow passengers, as well as the captain, with the greatest part of his men.
I afterwards gave an exhortation.
We then spent some time in prayer.
They all kneeled down with us; nor did their seriousness wear off all the day.
About nine we landed at Holyhead, after a pleasant passage of twenty-three hours.
Fri. 13.—Having hired horses for Chester, we set out about seven.
Before one we reached Bangor, the situation of which is delightful beyond expression.
Here we saw a large and handsome cathedral, but no trace of the good old monks of Bangor; so many hundreds of whom fell a sacrifice at once to cruelty and revenge.
The country from hence to Penmaen-Mawr is far pleasanter than any garden.
Mountains of every shape and size, vales clothed with grass or corn, woods and smaller tufts of trees, were continually varying on the one hand, as was the sea prospect on the other.
Penmaen-Mawr itself rises almost perpendicular to an enormous height from the sea.
The road runs along the side of it, so far above the beach, that one could not venture to look down, but that there is a wall built all along, about four foot high.
Meantime, the ragged cliff hangs over one's head, as if it would fall every moment.
An hour after we had left this awful place, we came to the ancient town of Conway.
It is walled round ; and the walls are in tolerably good repair, The
Sert.1756 PRINTING AND PREACHING DEBT 237
castle is the noblest ruin I ever saw.
It is four-square, and has four large round towers, one at each corner, the inside of which have been stately apartments.
One side of the castle is a large church, the windows and arches of which have been curiously wrought.
An arm of the sea runs round two sides of the hill on which the castle stands ;—once the delight of kings, now overgrown with thorns, and inhabited by doleful birds only.
Wesley's Debt of £1236 Wed. 25.—We rode on to Bristol.
Thur. 26.—About fifty of us being met, the Rules of the Society were read over, and carefully considered one by one; but we did not find any that could be spared.
So we all agreed to abide by them all, and to recommend them with our might.
We then largely considered the necessity of keeping in the Church and using the clergy with tenderness ; and there was no dissenting voice.
God gave us all to be of one mind and of one judgment.
Fri. 27.—The Rules of the Bands were read over and considered, one by one; which, after some verbal alterations, we all agreed to observe and enforce.
Sat. 28.—My brother and I closed the Conference by a solemn declaration of our purpose never to separate from the Church; and all our brethren concurred therein.
Mon. Sep. 6.—I set out in the machine, and on Tuesday evening came to London.
Wednesday and Thursday, I settled my temporal business.
It is now about eighteen years since I began writing and printing books ; and how much in that time have I gained by printing?
Why, on summing up my accounts, I found that on March 1, 1756 (the day I left London last), I had gained by printing and preaching