Dr. S , the oldest acquaintance I now have. He is
Fes. 1772
AT HAMPTON COURT
my picture.
This melancholy employment always reminds me of that natural reflection— Behold, what frailty we in man may see} His shadow is less given to change than he.
1772.
Tues. Jan. 14.—I spent an agreeable hour with Dr. S , the oldest acquaintance I now have.
He is the greatest genius in little things that ever fell under my notice.
Almost everything about him is of his own invention, either in whole or in part.
Even his firescreen, his lamps of various sorts, his ink-horn, his very save-all.
I really believe, were he seriously to set about it, he could invent the best mouse-trap that ever was in the world, Wesley as Art Critic Thur. 16.—I set out for Luton.
The snow lay so deep on the road, that it was not without much difficulty, and some danger, we at last reached the town.
I was offered the use of the church: the frost was exceeding sharp, and the glass was taken out of the windows.
However, for the sake of the people, I accepted the offer, though I might just as well have preached in the open air.
I suppose four times as many people were present, as would have been at the room; and about an hundred in the morning.
So I did not repent of my journey through the snow.
Fri. Feb. 7.—I called on a friend at Hampton Court, who went with me through the house.
It struck me more than anything of the kind I have seen in England, more than Blenheim House itself.
One great difference is, everything there appears designedly grand and splendid; here everything is quite, as it were, natural, and one thinks it cannot be otherwise.
If the expression may be allowed, there is a kind of stiffness runs through
WESLEY'S JOURNAL
Fes. 1772 the one, and an easiness through the other.
Of pictures I do not pretend to be a judge; but there is one, by Paul Rubens, which particularly struck me, both with the design and the execution of it.
It is Zacharias and Elizabeth, with John the Baptist, two or three years old, coming to visit Mary, and our Lord sitting upon her knee.
The passions are surprisingly expressed, even in the children; but I could not see either the decency or common sense of painting them stark naked: nothing can defend or excuse this: it is shockingly absurd, even an Indian being the judge.
I allow, a man who paints thus may have a good hand, but certainly no brains.
Wesley on "A Sentimental Journey"
Tues. 11.—I casually took a volume of what is called, «A Sentimental Journey through France and _ Italy."
Sentimental! what is that?
It is not English: he might as well say, Continental.
It is not sense.
It conveys no determinate idea; yet one fool makes many.
And this nonsensical word (who would believe it ?) is become a fashionable one!
However, the book agrees full well with the title ; for one is as queer as the other.
For oddity, uncouthness, and unlikeness to all the world beside, I suppose, the writer is without a rival.
Wed. 12.—In returning, I read a very different book, published by an honest Quaker, on that execrable sum of all villanies, commonly called the Slave Trade.
I read of nothing like it in the heathen world, whether ancient or modern: and it infinitely exceeds, in every instance of barbarity, whatever Christian slaves suffer in Mahometan countries.
Fri, 14.—I began to execute a design, which had long been in my thoughts, to print as accurate an
ApriLi772,
REMARKABLE LETTERS
edition of my works, as a bookseller would do.
Surely I ought to be as exact for God's sake, as he would be for money.
Mon. 17.—One gave me a very remarkable relation:
A gay young woman lately came up to London.
Curiosity led her to hear a sermon, which cut her to the heart.
One standing by, observed how she was affected, and took occasion to talk with her.
She lamented that she should hear no more such sermons, as she was to go into the country the next day ; but begged her new acquaintance to write to her there, which she promised to do.
In the country her convictions so increased, that she resolved to put an end to her own life.
With this design she was going up stairs, when her father caled her, and gave her a letter from London.
It was from her new acquaintance, who told her, " Christ is just ready to receive you: now is the day of salvation."
She cried out, "It is, it is! Christ is mine!" and was filled with joy unspeakable.
She begged her father to give her pen, ink, and paper, that she might answer her friend immediately.
She told her what God had done for her soul, and added, '"'We have no time to lose!
The Lord is at hand!
Now, even now, we are stepping into eternity."
She directed her letter, dropped down, and died.
Wesley and the Boarding-school Fri. 21.—I met several of my friends, who had begun a subscription to prevent my riding on horseback ; which I cannot do quite so well, since a hurt which I got some months ago.
If they continue it, well; if not, I shall have strength according to my need.
Mon. April 6 (Manchester).—In the afternoon I drank tea at Am. O.
But how was I shocked!
The
WESLEY'S JOURNAL = Apri. 1772 children that used to cling about me, and drink in every word, had been at a boarding-school.
There they had unlearned all religion, and even seriousness ; and had learned pride, vanity, affectation, and whatever could guard them against the knowledge and love of God.
Methodist parents, who would send your girls headlong to hell, send them to a fashionable boarding-school !
Tues. 14.—I set out for Carlisle.
A great part of the road was miserably bad.
However, we reached it in the afternoon, and found a small company of plain, loving people.
The place where they had appointed me to preach was out of the gate; yet it was tolerably filled with attentive hearers.
Afterwards, inquiring for the Glasgow road, I found it was not much round to go by Edinburgh; so I chose that road, and went five miles forward this evening, to one of our friends' houses.
Here we had an hearty welcome, under a lowly roof, with sweet and quiet rest.
Wed. 15.—Though it was a lone house, we had a large congregation at five in the morning.
Afterwards we rode for upwards of twenty miles, through a most delightful country; the fruitful mountains rising on either hand, and the clear stream running beneath.
In the afternoon we had a furious storm of rain and snow: however, we reached Selkirk safe.
Here I observed a little piece of stateliness which was quite new to me: the maid came in, and said, " Sir, the lord of the stable waits to know if he should feed your horses."
We call him ostler in England.
After supper all the family seemed glad to join with us in prayer.
Thur. 16.—We went on through the mountains, covered with snow, to Edinburgh.
Sat. 18.—I set out for Glasgow.
One would rather have imagined it was the middle of January than the
Aprir1772.
"MISERABLE BIGOTRY"
middle of April.
The snow covered the mountains on either hand, and the frost was exceeding sharp; so I preached within, both this evening and on Sunday morning.
But in the evening the multitude constrained me to stand in the street.
My text was, "What God has cleansed, that call not thou common."
Hence I took occasion to fall upon their miserable bigotry for opinions and modes of worship.
Many seemed to be not a little convinced; but how long will the impression continue ?
Wesley at Greenock and Glasgow Mon. 20.—I went on to Greenock, a sea-port town, twenty miles west of Glasgow.
It is built very much like Plymouth Dock, and has a safe and spacious harbour.
The trade and inhabitants, and consequently the houses, are increasing swiftly; and so is cursing, swearing, drunkenness, Sabbath-breaking, and all manner of wickedness.
Our room is about thrice as large as that at Glasgow ; but it would not near contain the congregation.
I spoke exceeding plain, and not without hope that we may see some fruit, even among this hardhearted generation.
Tues. 21.—The house was very full in the morning ; and they showed an excellent spirit; for after I had spoke a few words on the head, every one stood up at the singing.
In the afternoon I preached at PortGlasgow, a large town, two miles east of Greenock.
Many gay people were there, careless enough; but the greater part seemed to hear with understanding.
In the evening I preached at Greenock ; and God gave them a loud call, whether they will hear or whether they will forbear.
Wed. 22.—About eight I preached once more in the
WESLEY'S JOURNAL — Apri 1772 Masons' Lodge, at Port-Glasgow. The house was crowded greatly ; and I suppose all the gentry of the town were part of the congregation.
Resolving not to shoot over their heads, as I had done the day before, I spoke strongly of death and judgment, heaven and hell.
This they seemed to comprehend ; and there was no more laughing among them, or talking with each other ; but all were quietly and deeply attentive.
In the evening, when I began at Glasgow, the congregation being but small, I chose a subject fit for experienced Christians; but soon after, a heap of fine gay people came in: yet I could not decently break off what I was about, though they gaped and stared abundantly.
I could only give a short exhortation in the close, more suited to their capacity.
Wesley Receives the Freedom of Perth Tues. 28 (Dunkeld).—We walked through the Duke of Athol's gardens, in which was one thing I never saw before—a summer-house in the middle of a_ greenhouse, by means of which one might in the depth of winter enjoy the warmth of May, and sit surrounded with greens and flowers on every side.
In the evening I preached once more at Perth, to a large and serious congregation.
Afterwards they did me an honour I never thought of—presented me with the freedom of the city.
In my way to Perth, I read over the first volume of Dr. Robertson's " History of Charles the Fifth."
I know not when I have been so disappointed.
It might as well be called the History of Alexander the Great.
Here is a quarto volume of eight or ten shillings' price, containing dry, verbose dissertations on feudal government, the substance of all which might be comprised in
May1772.
A MISERABLE READER
half a sheet of paper!
But "Charles the Fifth!"
Where is Charles the Fifth ?
Leave off thy reflections, and give us thy tale!
Wed. 29.—I went on to Brechin, and preached in the town-hall to a congregation of all sorts, Seceders,
Glassites, Nonjurors, and what not?
O what excuse have ministers in Scotland for not declaring the whole counsel of God, where the bulk of the people not only endure, but love plain dealing !
Friday and Saturday.—I rested at Aberdeen.
Sun. May 3.—I went in the morning to the English church.
Here, likewise, I could not but admire the exemplary decency of the congregation.
This was the more remarkable, because so miserable a reader I never heard before.
Listening with all attention, I understood but one single word, Balak, in the first lesson; and one more, begat, was all I could possibly distinguish in the second.
Is there no man of spirit belonging to this congregation?
Why is such a burlesque upon public worship suffered?
Would it not be far better to pay this gentleman for doing nothing, than for doing mischief; for bringing a scandal upon religion ?
About three I preached at the College kirk in the Old Town to a large congregation, rich and poor; at six, in our own house, on the narrow way.
I spoke exceeding plain, both this evening and the next; yet none were offended.
What encouragement has every preacher in this country, "by manifestation of the truth," to " commend " himself ' to every man's conscience in the sight of God!"
Tues. 5.—In the evening I preached in the new house at Arbroath (properly Aberbrotheck).
In this
WESLEY'S JOURNAL
May 1772 town there is a change indeed!
It was wicked to a proverb ; remarkable for Sabbath-breaking, cursing, swearing, drunkenness, and a general contempt of religion.
But it is not so now.
Open wickedness disappears; no oaths are heard, no drunkenness seen in the streets.
And many have not only ceased from evil, and learned to do well, but are witnesses of the inward kingdom of God, " righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."
Wed. 6.—The magistrates here also did me the honour of presenting me with the freedom of their corporation.
I value it as a token of their respect, though I shall hardly make any farther use of it.
Wesley Visits the Bass Rock Wed. 20—In the evening I preached at Dunbar.
Thursday, 21. I went to the Bass, seven miles from it, which, in the horrid reign of Charles the Second, was the prison of those venerable men who suffered the loss of all things for a good conscience.
It is a high rock surrounded by the sea, two or three miles in circumference, and about two miles from the shore.
The strong east wind made the water so rough, that the boat could hardly live: and when we came to the only landingplace (the other sides being quite perpendicular), it was with much difficulty that we got up, climbing on our hands and knees.
The castle, as one may judge by what remains, was utterly inaccessible.
The walls of the chapel, and of the Governor's house, are tolerably entire.
The garden walls are still seen near the top of the rock, with the well in the midst of it.
And round the walls there are spots of grass, that feed eighteen or twenty sheep.
But the proper natives of the island are Solund-geese,
June 1772
THE SOLUND-GEESE
a bird about the size of a Muscovy duck, which breed by thousands, from generation to generation, on the sides of the rock.
It is peculiar to these, that they lay but one egg, which they do not sit upon at all, but keep it under one foot (as we saw with our eyes), till it is hatched.
How many prayers did the holy men confined here offer up, in that evil day!
And how many thanksgivings should we return, for all the liberty, civil and religious, which we enjoy !
At our return, we walked over the ruins of Tantallon Castle, once the seat of the great Earls of Douglas.
The front walls (it was four square) are still standing, and by their vast height and huge thickness, give us a little idea of what it once was.
Such is human greatness !
Fri. 22.—We took a view of the famous Roman camp, lying on a mountain, two or three miles from the town.
It is encompassed with two broad and deep ditches, and is not easy of approach on any side.
Here lay General Lesley with his army, while Cromwell was starving below.
He had no way to escape; but the enthusiastic fury of the Scots delivered him.
When they marched into the valley to swallow him up, he mowed them down like grass.
Sat. 23.—I went on to Alnwick, and preached in the town hall.
What a difference between an English and a Scotch congregation!
These judge themselves rather than the preacher; and their aim is, not only to know, but to love and obey.
Through the Dales Mon. June 1.—I began a little tour through the Dales.
About nine, I preached at Kiphill; at one, at Wolsingham.
Here we began to trace the revival of the work of God; and here began the horrid mountains we
WESLEY'S JOURNAL
SEPT. 1772
had to climb over.
However, before six, we reached Barnard Castle.
I preached at the end of the preachinghouse, to a large congregation of established Christians.
At five in the morning, the house was near full of persons ripe for the height and depth of the Gospel.
Tues. 2.—We rode to New-Orygan in Teesdale, The people were deeply attentive ; but, I think, not deeply affected.
From the top of the next enormous mountain, we had a view of Weardale.
It is a lovely prospect.
The green gently rising meadows and fields, on both sides of the little river, clear as crystal, were sprinkled over with innumerable little houses; three in four of which (if not nine in ten) are sprung up since the Methodists came hither.
Since that time, the beasts are turned into men, and the wilderness into a fruitful field.
Thur. 4.—At five I took my leave of this blessed people.
I was a little surprised, in looking attentively upon them, to observe so many beautiful faces as I never saw before in one congregation ; many of the children in particular, twelve or fourteen of whom (chiefly boys) sat full in my view.
But I allow, much more might be owing to grace than nature, to the heaven within, that shone outward.
Field-preaching as Wesley's Cross Fri. Aug. 21.—I preached again about eight, and then rode back to Harford.
After dinner we hasted to the Passage ; but the watermen were not in haste to fetch us over; so I sat down on a convenient stone, and finished the little tract I had in hand.
However, I got to Pembroke in time, and preached in the town hall, where we had a solemn and comfortable opportunity.
Sun. Sept. 6.—I preached on the quay, at Kingswood, and near King's Square.
To this day field-preaching is
Ocr.1772.
A CURIOUS DREAM
across to me.
But I know my commission, and see no other way of " preaching the Gospel to every creature."
Wed. Oct. 14.—A book was given me to write on, " The Works of Mr. Thomson," of whose poetical abilities I had always had a very low opinion ; but looking into one of his tragedies, '' Edward and Eleonora," I was agreeably surprised.
The sentiments are just and noble ; the diction strong, smooth, and elegant ; and the plot conducted with the utmost art, and wrought off in a most
Surprising manner.
It is quite his masterpiece, and I really think might vie with any modern performance of the kind.
Good or Bad Spirits?
Sat. 31.—A young man of good sense, and an unblamable character, gave mea strange account of what (he said) had happened to himself, and three other persons in the same house.
As I knew they all feared God, I thought the matter deserved a farther examination.
So in the afternoon I talked largely with them all.
The sum of their account was this:
"Near two years ago, Martin S and William if saw, in a dream, two or three times repeated to each of them, a person who told them there was a large treasure hid in such a spot, three miles from Norwich, consisting of money and plate, buried in a chest, between six and eight feet deep.
They did not much regard this, till each of them, when they were broad awake, saw an elderly man and woman standing by their bedside, who told them the same thing, and bade them go and dig it up, between eight and twelve at night.
Soon after, they went; but, being afraid, took a third man with them.
They began digging at eight, and after
WESLEY'S JOURNAL
Nov. 1772 they had dug six feet, saw the top of a coffer, or chest.
But presently it sunk down into the earth; and there appeared over the place a large globe of bright fire, which, after some time, rose higher and higher, till it was quite out of sight.
Not long after, the man and woman appeared again, and said, ' You spoiled all, by bringing that man with you.'
From this time, both they and Sarah and Mary J , who live in the same house with them, have heard, several times in a week, delightful music, for a quarter of an hour at a time.
They often hear it before those persons appear; often when they do not appear."
They asked me whether they were good or bad spirits; but I could not resolve them.
A Remarkable Dream Tues. Nov. 17.—One was relating a remarkable story, which I thought worthy to be remembered.
Two years ago, a gentleman of large fortune in Kent dreamed that he was walking through the churchyard, and saw a new monument with the following inscription:
Bere liss the Body OF
SAMUEL SAVAGE, ESQ,
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON SEPTEMBER —, 1772, AGED <=
He told his friends in the morning, and was much affected: but the impression soon wore off.
But on that day he did depart; and a stone was erected with that very inscription.
A gentlewoman present added a relation equally surprising, which she received from the person's own mouth ;
Nov.1772,
TRAGEDY IN A DREAM
"Mrs. B , when about fourteen years of age, being at a boarding-school, a mile or two from her father's, dreamed she was on the top of the churchsteeple, when a man came up, and threw her down to the roof of the church.
Yet she seemed not much hurt, till he came to her again, and threw her to the bottom.
She thought she looked hard at him, and said, ' Now you have hurt me sadly, but I shall hurt you worse'; and waked.
A week after, she was to go to her father's.
She set out early in the morning.
At the entrance of a little wood, she stopped, and doubted whether she should not go round, instead of through it.
But, knowing no reason, she went straight through, till she came to the other side.
Just as she was going over the style, a man pulled her back by the hair.
She immediately knew it was the same man whom she had seen in her dream.
She fell on her knees, and begged him, 'For God's sake, do not hurt me any more.'
He put his hands round her neck, and squeezed her so, that she instantly lost her senses.
He then stripped her, carried her a little way, and threw her into a ditch.
'' Meantime, her father's servant coming to the school, and hearing she was gone without him, walked back.
Coming to the style, he heard several groans, and, looking about, saw many drops of blood.
He traced them tothe ditch, whence the groans came.
He lifted her up, not knowing her at all, as her face was covered with blood, carried her to a neighbouring house, and running to the village, quickly brought a surgeon.
She was just alive; but her throat was much hurt, so that she could not speak at all.
"Just then a young man of the village was missing, Search being made, he was apprehended in an alehouse two miles off.
He had all her clothes with him in a