rejoiced over the school, which is at length what I have
WESLEY'S JOURNAL
Marcu 1758 Thur. 24.—A man had spoken to me the last week, as I was going through Thetford, and desired me to preach at Lakenheath, near Mildenhall, in Suffolk: I now purposed so to do, and rode thither from Thetford.
One Mr. Evans had lately built a large and convenient preaching house there, at his own expense,
It was more than filled at six o'clock many standing at the door.
At five in the morning (as uncommon a thing as this was in those parts) the house was nearly filled again with earnest, loving simple people.
Several of them came in to Mr. E.'s house afterward, stood a while, and then burst into tears.
I promised to call upon them again, and left them much comforted.
1758.
Wed.
Jan. 4.—I rode to Kingswood, and rejoiced over the school, which is at length what I have so long wished it to be—a blessing to all that are therein, and an honour to the whole body of Methodists.
Another Ninety-mile Journey Mon. March 6 (London).—I took horse about seven o'clock.
The wind being east, I was pleasing myself that we should have it on our back; but in a quarter of an hour it shifted to the north-west, and blew the rain full in our face: and both increased, so that when we came to Finchley Common, it was hard work to sit our horses.
The rain continued all the way to Dunstable, where we exchanged the main road for the fields ; which, having been just ploughed, were deep enough.
However, before three we came to Sundon.
Hence, on Thursday, 9, I rode to Bedford, and found the sermon was not to be preached till Friday.
Had I known this in time, I should never have thought of preaching it; having engaged to be at Epworth on Saturday.
Marcu 1758
A ROUGH JOURNEY
Fri. 10.—The congregation at St. Paul's was very large and very attentive.
The judge, immediately after sermon, sent me an invitation to dine with him.
But having no time, I was obliged to send my excuse, and set out between one and two.
The north-east wind was piercing cold, and, blowing exactly in our face, soon brought an heavy shower of snow, then of sleet, and afterwards of hail.
However, we reached Stilton at seven, about thirty miles from Bedford.
Rest was now the more sweet, because both our horses were lame.
However, resolving to reach Epworth at the time appointed, I set out in a post-chaise between four and five in the morning: but the frost made it so bad driving, that my companion came with the lame horses into Stamford as soon as me.
The next stage I went on horseback ; but I was then obliged to leave my mare, and take another post-chaise.
I came to Bawtry about six.
Some from Epworth had come to meet me, but were gone half an hour before I came.
I knew no chaise could go the rest of the road; so it remained only to hire horses and a guide, We set out about seven, but I soon found my guide knew no more of the way than myself.
However, we got pretty well to Idlestop, about four miles from Bawtry, where we had just light to discern the river at our side, and the country covered with water.
I had heard that one Richard Wright lived thereabouts, who knew the road over the moor perfectly well.
Hearing one speak (for we could not see him), I called " Who is there?"
He answered, 'Richard Wright."
I soon agreed with him, and he quickly mounted his horse, and rode boldly forward.
The north-east wind blow full in our face; and I heard them say, "It is very cold!"
But neither my face, nor hands, nor feet were cold, till
WESLEY'S JOURNAL
1758 between nine and ten we came to Epworth: after travelling more than ninety miles, I was little more tired than when I rose in the morning.
Wesley's Advice to Travellers Tues. Aug. 1.—The captain with whom we were to sail was in great haste to have our things on board; but I would not send them while the wind was against us.
On Wednesday he sent message after message: so in the evening we went down to the ship, near Passage ; but there was nothing ready, or near ready for sailing.
Hence I learned two or three rules, very needful for those who sail between England and Ireland.
1. Never pay till you set sail:
2. Go not on board till the captain goes on board:
3. Send not your baggage on board till you go yourself.
Thur.
17.—I went to the Bristol cathedral to hear Mr. Handel's "Messiah."
I doubt if that congregation was ever so serious at a sermon as they were during this performance.
In many parts, especially several of the choruses, it exceeded my expectation.
Mon.
Oct.
16.—I rode to Canterbury.
As we came into the city, a stone flew out of the pavement and struck my mare upon the leg with such violence that she dropped down at once.
I kept my seat, till, in struggling to arise, she fell again, and rolled over me.
When she rose I endeavoured to rise too, but found I had no use of my right leg or thigh.
But an honest barber came out, lifted me up, and helped me into his shop.
Feeling myself very sick, I desired a glass of cold water, which instantly gave me ease.
Fri. 27.—I rode on, through an extremely pleasant and fruitful country, to Colchester.
I have seen very few such towns in England.
It lies on the ridge of an
Dec. 1758
"SEE
ST. STEPHEN'S"
hill, with other hills on each side which run parallel with it, at a small distance.
The two main streets, one running east and west, the other north and south, are quite straight, the whole length of the town, and full as broad as Cheapside.
I preached at four on St. John's Green, at the side ot a high old wall (a place that seemed to be made on purpose), to an extremely attentive audience; and again at eight in the morning, on Saturday, 28, and at four in the afternoon.
In the hours between I took the opportunity of speaking to the members of the society.
In three months here are joined together an hundred and twenty persons.
A few of these know in whom they have believed, and many are sensible of their wants.
Wesley at Norwich and Colchester Sun. Nov. 5 (Norwich).—We went to St. Peter's church, the Lord's supper being administered there.
I scarce ever remember to have seen a more beautiful parish church: the more so, because its beauty results not from foreign ornaments, but from the very form and structure of it.
It is very large, and of an uncommon height, and the sides are almost all window; so that it has an awful and venerable look, and, at the same time, surprisingly cheerful.
Mon.
Dec.
4.—I was desired to step into the little church behind the Mansion House, commonly called St. Stephen's, Walbrook.
It is nothing grand; but neat and elegant beyond expression.
So that I do not wonder at the speech of the famous Italian architect, who met Lord Burlington in Italy: '' My Lord, go back and see St. Stephen's in London.
We have not so fine a piece of architecture in Rome."
Fri, 29.—To-day I walked all over the famous