the old church (Liverpool) in the morning, and at St.
WESLEY'S JOURNAL = May 1759
castle (Colchester), perhaps the most ancient building in England.
A considerable part of it is, without question, ourteen or fifteen hundred years old.
It was mostly built with Roman bricks, each of which is about two inches thick, seven broad, and thirteen or fourteen long.
Seat of ancient kings, British and Roman, once dreaded far and near!
But what are they now?
Is not "a living dog better than a dead lion?"
And what is it wherein they prided themselves, as do the present great ones of the earth?
A little pomp, a little sway, A sunbeam in a winter's day, Is all the great and mighty have Between the cradle and the grave} 1759.
Sun. May 6.—I received much comfort at the old church (Liverpool) in the morning, and at St.
Thomas's in the afternoon.
It was as if both the sermons had been made for me.
I pity those who can find no good at church.
But how should they, if prejudice come between, an effectual bar to the grace of God?
The Sands of Ravenglass Sat.
42.—Setting out early we came to Bottle about twenty-four measured miles from Fluckborough, soon after eight, having crossed the Millam Sand, without either guide or difficulty.
Here we were informed that we could not pass at Ravenglass before one or two o'clock; whereas, had we gone on (as we afterwards found), we might have passed immediately.
About eleven we were directed to a ford, near Manchester Hall, which they said we might cross at noon.
When we came thither, they told us we could not cross; so we sat still till about one: we then found we could have
May 1759
DRUGS FOR TROUBLE
crossed at noon.
However, we reached Whitehaven before night.
But I have taken my leave of the sand road.
I believe it is ten measured miles shorter than the other; but there are four sands to pass, so far from each other that it is scarce possible to pass them all in a day: especially as you have all the way to do witha generation of liars, who detain all strangers as long as they can, either for their own gain or their neighbours'.
I can advise no stranger to go this way; he may go round by Kendal and Keswick, often in less time, always with less expense, and far less trial of his patience, Useless Doctors Reflecting to-day on the case of a poor woman who had continual pain in her stomach, I could not but remark the inexcusable negligence of most physicians in cases of this nature.
They prescribe drug upon drug, without knowing a jot of the matter concerning the root of the disorder.
And without knowing this, they cannot cure, though they can murder, the patient.
Whence came this woman's pain? (which she would never have told, had she never been questioned about it)—from fretting for the death of her son.
And what availed medicines, while that fretting continued?
Why then do not all physicians consider how far bodily disorders are caused or influenced by the mind ; and in those cases, which are utterly out of their sphere, call in the assistance of a minister; as ministers, when they find the mind disordered by the body, call in the assistance of a physician?
But whyare these cases out of their sphere?
Because they know not God.
It follows, no man can be a thorough physician without being an experienced Christian.
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May 1759 Thur. 17.—I inquired into a signal instance of Providence.
Whena coal-pit runs far under the ground it is customary here to build a partition wall, nearly from the shaft to within three or four yards of the end, in order to make the air circulate, which then moves down one side of the wall, turns at the end, and then moves briskly up on the other side.
In a pit two miles from the town, which ran full four hundred yards under the ground, and had been long neglected, several parts of this wall were fallen down.
Four men were sent down to repair it.
They were about three hundred yards from the shaft, when the foul air took fire.
In a moment it tore down the wall from end to end; and, burning on till it came to the shaft, it then burst and went off like a large cannon.
Fire in a Coal-pit The men instantly fell on their faces, or they would have been burned to death in a few moments.
One of them, who once knew the love of God (Andrew English), began crying aloud for mercy.
But in a very short time his breath was stopped.
The other three crept on their hands and knees, till two got to the shaft and were drawn up; but one of them died in a few minutes.
John M'Combe was drawn up next, burned from head to foot, but rejoicing and praising God.
They then went down for Andrew, whom they found senseless: the very circumstance which saved his life.
For, losing his senses, he lay flat on the ground, and the greatest part of the fire went over him; whereas, had he gone forward on his hands and knees, he would undoubtedly have been burned to death.
But life or death was welcome; for God had restored the light of his countenance,
June 1759
THE FOLLY OF TOMBS
Mon. 21.—I preached at ten in the market-place at Wigton, and came to Solway Frith, just as the water was fordable.
At some times it is so three hours in twelve; at other times, barely one.
After making a short bait at Rothwell, we came to Dumfries before six o'clock.
Having time to spare, we took a walk in the churchyard, one of the pleasantest places I ever saw.
A single tomb I observed there, which was about an hundred and thirty years old; but the inscription was very hardly legible.
So soon do even our sepulchres die!
Strange, that men should be so careful about them!
But are not many self-condemned therein?
They see the folly, while they run into it.
So poor Mr.
Prior, speaking of his own tomb, has those melancholy words, " For this last piece of human vanity, I bequeath five hundred pounds."
Tues. 22.—We rode through a pleasant country to Thorny Hill, near which is the grand seat of the Duke of Queensborough.
How little did the late duke imagine that his son would plough up his park, and let his house run to ruin!
But let it go!
In a little time the earth itself, and all the works of it, shall be burned up.
Hence we rode through, and over, huge mountains, green to the very top, to Lead Hills ; a village containing five hundred families, who have had no minister for these four years.
So in Scotland, the poor have not the Gospel preached!
Who shall answer for the blood of these men ?
Newcastle as a Summer Resort Mon. June 4.—After preaching (at Alnwick), I rode on to Newcastle.
Certainly if I did not believe there was another world, I should spend all my summers here ; as I know no place in Great Britain comparable to it for
WESLEY'S JOURNAL _— June 1759 pleasantness.
But I seek another country, and therefore am content to be a wanderer upon the earth.
Thur. 21.—I preached at Nafferton at one.
As I was riding thence, one stopped me on the road, and said, "Sir, do you not remember, when you was at Prudhoe, two years since, you breakfasted at Thomas
Newton's?
Iam his sister.
You looked upon me as you was going out, and said, 'Be in earnest.'
I knew not then what earnestness meant, nor had any thought about it; but the words sunk into my heart, so that I could never rest any more, till I sought and found Christ."
Wesley Likes a Soft Cushion Fri. 22.—I rode to S k, and preached to my old congregation of colliers, on, 'Why will ye die, O house of Israel?"
After preaching, a servant of Mr. came and said, "Sir, my master discharges you from preaching any more on his ground; not out of any disrespect to you, but he will stand by the Church."
'Simple master Shallow !" as Shakespeare has it: wise wise master rector, his counsellor !
Sat.
23.—I spoke to each of the society in Sunderland.
Most of the robbers, commonly called smugglers, have left us; but more than twice the number of honest people are already come in their place ; and if none had come, yet should I not dare to keep those who steal hither from the King or subject.
On Monday and Tuesday evening I preached abroad, near the Keelmen's Hospital, to twice the people we should have had at the house.
What marvel the devil does not love field preaching?
Neither doI: I love a commodious room, a soft cushion, an handsome pulpit.
But where is my zeal, if I do not trample all these under foot, in order to save one more soul?
Aue. 1759
CONFUSING A WAG
Wed. July 4 (Hartlepool).—Mr. Jones preached at five, I at eight.
Toward the close of the sermon, a queer, dirty, clumsy man, I suppose a country wit, took a deal of pains to disturb the congregation.
When I had done, fearing he might hurt those who were gathered about him, I desired two or three of our brethren to go to him, one after the other, and not say much themselves, but let him talk till he was weary.
They did so, but without effect, as his fund of ribaldry seemed inexhaustible.
W.A. then tried another way.
He got into the circle close to him, and listening a while said, '' That is pretty ; pray say it over again."
' What! are you deaf?"
'No; but for the entertainment of the people.
Come; we are all attention."
After repeating this twice or thrice, the wag could not stand it; but, with two or three curses, walked clear off.
Defeating the Press-gang In the evening I began near Stockton market-place as usual.
I had hardly finished the hymn, when I observed the people in great confusion, which was occasioned by a lieutenant of a man-of-war, who had chosen that time to bring his press-gang, and ordered them to take Joseph Jones and William Alwood.
Joseph Jones telling him, "Sir, I belong to Mr, Wesley."
After a few words, he let him go; as he did likewise William Alwood, after a few hours, understanding he was a licensed preacher.
He likewise seized upon a young man of the town; but the women rescued nim by main strength.
They also broke the lieutenant's head, and so stoned both him and his men, that they ran away with all speed.
Fri. Aug. 3.—I preached at Gainsborough, in Sir Nevil Hickman's great hall.
It is full as large as the
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Ave. 1759
Weaver's Hall, in Bristol, At two it was filled with a rude, wild multitude (a few of a better spirit excepted).
Yet all but two or three gentlemen were attentive, while I enforced our Lord's words, '" What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?"
Iwas walking back through a gaping, staring crowd, when Sir Nevil came and thanked me for my sermon, to the no small amazement of his neighbours, who shrunk back as if they had seen a ghost.
Extraordinary Trances Mon. 6 (Everton).—TI talked largely with Ann Thorn, and two others, who had been several times in trances.
What they all agreed in was, 1. That when they went away, as they termed it, it was always at the time they were fullest of the love of God: 2. That it came upon them in a moment, without any previous notice, and took away all their senses and strength: 3. That there were some exceptions: but in general, from that moment, they were in another world, knowing nothing of what was done or said, by all that were round about them.
About five in the afternoon I heard them singing hymns.
Soon after, Mr. B. came up, and told me, Alice Miller (fifteen years old) was fallen into a trance.
I went down immediately, and found her sitting on a stool, and leaning against the wall, with her eyes open and fixed upward.
I made a motion as if going to strike, but they continued immovable.
Her face showed an unspeakable mixture of reverence and love, while silent tears stole down her cheeks.
Her lips were a little open, and sometimes moved; but not enough to cause any sound.
Ido not know whether I ever saw an human face
Ava. 1759
REMARKABLE TRANCES
look so beautiful; sometimes it was covered with a smile, as from joy, mixing with love and reverence; but the tears fell still though not so fast.
Her pulse was quite regular, In about half an hour I observed her countenance change into the form of fear, pity, and distress ; then she burst into a flood of tears, and cried out, "' Dear Lord; they will be damned!
They will all be damned!"
But in about five minutes her smiles returned, and only love and joy appeared in her face.
About half an hour after six, I observed distress take place again; and soon after she wept bitterly and cried out, " Dear Lord, they will go to hell!
The world will go to hell!"
Soon after, she said, "Cry aloud! Spare not!"
And in a few moments her look was composed again, and spoke a mixture of reverence, joy, and love.
Then she said aloud, "Give God the glory."
About seven her senses returned.
I asked, "Where have you been ?"—"T have been with my Saviour."
'In heaven, or on earth ??— "TJ cannot tell; but I was in glory."
'Why then did you cry ?'—*' Not for myself, but for the world ; for I saw they were on the brink of hell."
'Whom did you desire to give the glory to God ?"—_* Ministers that cry aloud to the world: else they will be proud; and then God will leave them, and they will lose their own souls."
Wesley Rides 2400 Miles in Seven Months Tues. 7.—After preaching at four (because of the harvest) I took horse, and rode easily to London.
Indeed I wanted a little rest; having rode, in seven months, about four-and-twenty hundred miles.
Mon. 13.—I took a little ride to Croydon, one of the seats of the Archbishops of Canterbury.
Was it
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Ava. 1759 one of these who ordered, many years ago (for the characters are of old standing), that dreadful inscription to be placed just over the communion-table ?
" And now, ye priests, this commandment is for you.
If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the Lord, I will even send a curse among you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart.
Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your solemn feasts, and one shall take you away with it."
The Archbishop's palace is an ancient, venerable pile. and the gardens are extremely pleasant.
The late Archbishop had improved them at a large expense; but continual illness prevented his enjoying them ; till, after four years' constant pain, he was called away—one may hope to the garden of God.
I dined at Mr. B.'s, in Epsom, whose house and gardens lie in what was once a chalk-pit.
It is the most elegant spot I ever saw with my eyes; every thing within doors and without, being finished in the most exquisite taste.
Surely nothing on earth can be more delightful.
O what will the possessor feel, when he cries out, Must I then leave thee, paradise? then leave
These happy shades, and mansions fit for gods?
Thur. 30.—I preached at the Tabernacle in Norwich, to a large, rude, noisy congregation.
I took knowledge what manner of teachers they had been accustomed to, and determined to mend them or end them.
Accordingly, the next evening, after sermon, I reminded them of two things: the one, that it was not decent to begin talking aloud as soon as service was
Sepr.1759 | WESLEY'S SEVERITY
ended ; and hurrying to and fro, as in a bear-garden.
The other, that it was a bad custom to gather into knots just after sermon, and turn a place of worship into a coffee-house.
I therefore desired, that none would talk under that roof, but go quietly and silently away.
And on Sunday, September 2, I had the pleasure to observe, that all went as quietly away, as if they had been accustomed to it for many years.
Sun. Sep. 9.—I met the society at seven; and told them in plain terms, that they were the most ignorant, self-conceited, self-willed, fickle, untractable, disorderly, disjointed society, that I knew in the three kingdoms.
And God applied it to their hearts: so that many wete profited ; but I do not find, that one was offended.
Field-preaching Expedient Fri.
14.—I returned to London.
Saturday, 15.
Having left orders for the immediate repairing of West Street chapel, I went to see what they had done, and saw cause to praise God for this also.
The main timbers were so rotten, that in many places one might thrust his fingers into them.
So that probably, had we delayed till spring, the whole building must have fallen to the ground.
Mon. 17.—I went to Canterbury.
Two hundred soldiers, I suppose, and a whole row of officers, attended in the evening.
Their number was increased the next evening, and all behaved as men fearing God.
Wednesday, 19, I preached at Dover, in the new room, which is just finished.
Here also the hearers increase, some of whom are convinced and others comforted daily.
Thursday, 20.
I strongly applied at Canterbury to the soldiers in particular, " He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life,"
WESLEY'S JOURNAL — Ocr. 1759
The next day, in my return to London, I read Mr.
Huygens's "Conjectures on the Planetary World."
He surprised me.
I think he clearly proves that the moon is not habitable: that there are neither
Rivers nor mountains on her spotty globe: that there is no sea, no water on her surface, nor any atmosphere: and hence he very rationally infers, that 'neither are any of the secondary planets inhabited."
And who can prove that the primary are?
I know the earth is.
Of the rest I know nothing.
Sun. 23.—A vast majority of the immense congregation in Moorfields were deeply serious.
One such hour might convince any impartial man of the expediency of field-preaching.
What building, except St.
Paul's church, would contain such a congregation.
And if it would, what human voice could have reached them there?
By repeated observations I find I can command thrice the number in the open air, that I can under a roof.
And who can say the time for field-preaching is over, while, 1. Greater numbers than ever attend:
The converting, as well as convincing, power of God is eminently present with them P Wesley Clothes French Prisoners Mon. Oct. 1 (Bristol).—All my leisure time, during my stay at Bristol, I employed in finishing the fourth volume of "Discourses"; probably the last which I shall publish, Mon. 15.—I walked up to Knowle, a mile from Bristol, to see the French prisoners.
About eleven hundred ot them, we are informed, were confined in that little place, without anything to lie on but a little dirty straw, Or anything to cover them but a few foul thin
Nov.1759 PREACHING OVER A STY
rags, either by day or night, so that they died like rotten sheep.
I was much affected, and preached in the evening on (Exodus xxiii. 9), " Thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt."
Eighteen pounds were contributed immediately, which were made up fourand-twenty the next day.
With this we bought linen and woollen cloth, which were made up into shirts, waistcoats, and breeches.
Some dozen of stockings were added; all which were carefully distributed, where there was the greatest want.
Presently after, the Corporation of Bristol sent a large quantity of mattresses and blankets.
And it was not long before contributions were set on foot at London, and in various parts of the kingdom; so that I believe from this time they were pretty well provided with all the necessaries of life,
The Truth about Trances Sat.
Nov.
17.
(London).—I spent an _ hour agreeably and profitably with Lady G H , and Sir C H .
It is well a few of the rich and noble are called.
O that God would increase their number!
But I should rejoice (were it the will of God), if it were done by the ministry of others.
If I might choose, I should still (as I have done hitherto) preach the Gospel to the poor.
Fri.
23.—The roads were so extremely slippery, it was with much difficulty we reached Bedford. We had a pretty large congregation; but the stench from the swine under the room was scarce supportable.
Was ever a preaching-place over a hog-sty before?
Surely they love the Gospel, who come to hear it in such a place.
Sun. 25.—In the afternoon God was eminently present with us, though rather to comfort than convince.
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Nov. 1759
But I observed a remarkable difference, since I was here (Everton) before, as to the manner of the work.
None now were in trances, none cried out, none fell down or were convulsed: only some trembled exceedingly, a low murmur was heard, and many were refreshed with the multitude of peace.
The danger was, to regard extraordinary circumstances too much, such as outcries, convulsions, visions, trances ; as if these were essential to the inward work, so that it could not go on without them.
Perhaps the danger is, to regard them too little; to condemn them altogether ; to imagine they had nothing of God in them, and were a hindrance to his work.
Whereas the truth is, 1. God suddenly and strongly convinced many that they were lost sinners; the natural consequence whereof were sudden outcries and strong bodily convulsions:
2. To strengthen and encourage them that believed, and to make his work more apparent, he favoured several of them with divine dreams, others with trances and visions:
3. In some of these instances, after a time, nature mixed with grace: 4. Satan likewise mimicked this work of God in order to discredit the whole work: and yet it is not wise to give up this part any more than to give up the whole.
At first, it was, doubtless, wholly from God.
It is partly so at this day; and he will enable us to discern how far, in every case, the work is pure, and where it mixes or degenerates.
Wed.
28.—I returned to London; and on Thursday, 29, the day appointed for the general thanksgiving, I preached again in the chapel near the Seven
Dials, both morning and afternoon.
I believed the oldest man in England has not seen a thanksgiving-day so observed before.
It had the solemnity of the General Fast.
All the shops were shut up: the people