in the morning, to an unusually large congregation. We
WESLEY'S JOURNAL
Jan. 1787 chapel is extremely pretty ; but the furniture in general] (excepting the pictures, many of which are originals) is just such as I should expect in a gentleman's house of five hundred a year.
Sat. Dec. 23.—By great importunity I was induced (having little hope of doing good) to visit two of the felons in Newgate, who lay under sentence of death.
They appeared serious; but I can lay little stress on appearances of this kind.
However, I wrote in their behalf to a great man; and perhaps it was in consequence of this that they had a reprieve.
Sun. 24.—I was desired to preach at the Old Jewry.
But the church was cold, and so was the congregation.
We had a congregation of another kind the next day, Christmas-day, at four in the morning, as well as five in the evening at the new chapel, and at West-street chapel about noon.
Wesley's Threat to Deptford 1787.
Mon. Jan. 1.—We began the service at four in the morning, to an unusually large congregation.
We had another comfortable opportunity at the new chapel at the usual hour, and a third in the evening at Weststreet.
Tuesday, 2. I went over to Deptford; but it seemed, I was got into a den of lions.
Most of the leading men of the society were mad for separating from the Church.
I endeavoured to reason with them, but in vain: they had neither good sense nor even good manners left. At length, after meeting the whole society,
I told them, "If you are resolved, you may have your service in church-hours ; but, remember, from that time you will see my face no more."
This struck deep; and from that hour I have heard no more of separating from the Church ]
Jury1787_
WESLEY IN DUBLIN
Monday, 8, and the four following days, I went a begging for the poor.
I hoped to be able to provide food and raiment for those of the society who were in pressing want, yet had no weekly allowance: these were about two hundred: but I was much disappointed.
Six or seven, indeed, of our brethren, gave ten pounds apiece.
If forty or fifty had done this, I could have carried my design into execution. However, much good was done with two hundred pounds, and many sorrowful hearts made glad.
Wesley Visits the Irish Parliament House Wed. July 4.—I spent an hour at the New-Dargle, a gentleman's seat four or five miles from Dublin.
I have not seen so beautiful a place in the kingdom.
It equals the Leasowes in Warwickshire; and it greatly exceeds them in situation ; all the walks lying on the side of a mountain, which commands all Dublin-bay, as well as an extensive and finely variegated land-prospect.
A little river runs through it, which occasions two cascades, at a small distance from each other.
Although many places may exceed this in grandeur, I believe none can exceed it in beauty.
Afterwards I saw the Parliament-house.
The House of Lords far exceeds that at Westminster; and the Lord-Lieutenant's throne as far exceeds that miserable throne (so called) of the King in the English House of Lords.
The House of Commons is a noble room indeed.
It is an octagon, wainscoted round with Irish oak, which shames all mahogany, and galleried all round for the convenience of the ladies.
The Speaker's chair is far more grand than the throne of the Lord-Lieutenant.
But what surprised me above all, were the kitchens of the House, and the large apparatus for good eating. Tables
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Ave. 1787 were placed from one end of a large hall to the other ; which, it seems, while the Parliament sits, are daily covered with meat at four or five o'clock, for the accommodation of the Members.
Wed. 11.—At five I took an affectionate leave of this loving (Irish) people; and, having finished all my business here, in the afternoon I went down with my friends, having taken the whole ship, and went on board the Prince of Wales, one of the Parkgate packets. At seven we sailed with a fair, moderate wind.
Between nine and ten I lay down, as usual, and slept till near four, when I was waked by an uncommon noise, and found the ship lay beating upon a large rock, about a league from Holyhead.
The captain, who had not long lain down, leaped up; and, running upon the deck, when he saw how the ship lay, cried out, '' Your lives may be saved, but I am undone!"
Yet no sailor swore, and no woman cried out. We immediately went to prayer; and presently the ship, I know not how, shot off the rock, and pursued her way, without any more damage than the wounding a few of her outside planks.
About three in the afternoon we came safe to Parkgate; and in the evening went on to Chester.
A Visit to the Channel Islands Mon, Aug. 13.—We set out from Yarmouth with a fair wind; but it soon turned against us, and blew so hard that in the afternoon we were glad to put in at Swanage.
Tues. 14.—Sailing on, with a fair wind, we fully expected to reach Guernsey in the afternoon; but the wind turning contrary, and blowing hard, we found it would be impossible.
We then judged it best to put in at the Isle of Alderney; but we were very near being ship-
Avuc.1787 ON THE ISLE OF ALDERNEY
wrecked in the bay.
When we were in the middle of the rocks, with the sea rippling all round us, the wind totally failed.
Had this continued, we must have struck upon one or other of the rocks; so we went to prayer, and the wind sprung up instantly.
About sunset we landed ; and, though we had five beds in the same room, slept in peace.
About eight I went down to a convenient spot on the beach, and began giving out a hymn. A woman and two little children joined us immediately.
Before the hymn was ended, we had a tolerable congregation ; all of whom behaved well: part, indeed, continued at forty or fifty yards' distance; but they were all quiet and attentive.
"A Little Circumstance "
It happened (to speak in the vulgar phrase) that three or four who sailed with us from England, a gentleman, with his wife and sister, were near relations of the Governor.
Hecame to us this morning, and, when I went into the room, behaved with the utmost courtesy.
This little circumstance may remove prejudice, and make a more open way for the Gospel.
Soon after we set sail, and, after a very pleasant passage, through little islands on either hand, we came to the venerable castle, standing on a rock, about a quarter of a mile from Guernsey.
The isle itself makes a beautiful appearance, spreading as a crescent to the right and left ; about seven miles long, and five broad; part high land, and part low.
The town itself is boldly situated, rising higher and higher from the water, The first thing I observed in it was, very narrow streets, and exceeding high houses.
But we quickly went on to Mr.
De Jersey's, hardly a mile from the town. Here I found a most cordial welcome, both from the master of the
WESLEY'S JOURNAL __ Aus. 1787
house, and all his family.
I preached at seven, in a large room, to as deeply serious a congregation as I ever saw.
Thur. 16.—I had a very serious congregation at five, in a large room of Mr. De Jersey's house.
His gardens and orchards are of a vast extent, and wonderfully pleasant ; and I know no nobleman in Great Britain that has such variety of the most excellent fruit ; which he is every year increasing, either from France or other parts of the Continent.
What quantity of fruit he has, you may conjecture from one sort only :—this summer he gathered fifty pounds of strawberries daily, for six weeks together.
In the evening I preached at the other end of the town, in our own preaching-house.
So many people squeezed in (though not near all who came), that it was as hot as a stove.
But this none seemed to regard ; for the word of God was sharper than a two-edged sword.
At the Governor's House Fri. 17.—I waited upon the Governor, and spent half an hour very agreeably.
In the afternoon we took a walk upon the pier, the largest and finest I ever saw.
The town is swiftly increasing; new houses starting up on every side.
In the evening I did not attempt to go into the house, but stood near it, in the yard, surrounded with tall, shady trees, and proclaimed toa large congregation, 'God is a Spirit; and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."
I believe many were cut to the heart this hour, and some not a little comforted,
Sat. 18.—Dr. Coke and I dined at the Governor's.
I was well pleased to find other company.
We conversed seriously for upwards of an hour, with a sensible, wellbred, agreeable man.
In the evening I preached to the largest congregation I have seen here,
Avo. 1787
AT ST. HELIER
Sun. 19.—Joseph Bradford preached at six in the morning, at Montplaisir les Terres, to a numerous congregation.
I preached at half an hour past eight, and the house contained the congregation.
At ten I went to the French church, where there was a large and wellbehaved congregation.
At five we had the largest congregation of all.
"Because I have Lived so Many Years":
Mon. 20.—We embarked between three and four in the morning, in a very small, inconvenient sloop, and not a swift sailer; so that we were seven hours in sailing what is called seven leagues.
About eleven we landed at St. Helier, and went straight to Mr. Brackenbury's house.
It stands very pleasantly, near the end of the town ; and has a large, convenient garden, with a lovely range of fruitful hills, which rise at a small distance from it.
I preached in the evening to an exceeding serious congregation, on Matt. ili. ult.: and almost as many were present at five in the morning; whom I exhorted to go on to perfection.
Tues. 21.—We took a walk to one of our friends in the country.
Near his house stood what they call the college. It is a free school, designed to train up children for the university ; exceeding finely situated, in a quiet recess, surrounded by tall woods. Not far from it stands, on the top of a high hill (I suppose a Roman mount), an old chapel, believed to be the first Christian church which was built in the island.
From hence we had a view of the whole island, the pleasantest I ever saw ; as far superior to the Isle of Wight as that is to the Isle of Man.
The little hills, almost covered with large trees, are inexpressibly beautiful: it seems they are to be equalled in the Isle of Guernsey.
In the evening I was
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Ava. 1787 obliged to preach abroad, on, " Now is the day of salvation."
I think a blessing seldom fails to attend that subject.
Wed. 22.—In the evening, the room not containing the people, I was obliged to stand in the yard.
I preached on Rom. iii. 22, 23; and spoke exceeding plain: even the gentry heard with deep attention.
How little does God turn to his own glory!
Probably many of these flock together, because I have lived so many years.
And perhaps even this may be the means of their living for ever.
Detained by Contrary Winds Mon. 27.—Captain Cabot, the master of a Guernsey sloop, called upon us early in the morning, and told us, if we chose to go that way, he would set out between five and six.
But the wind being quite contrary, we judged it best to wait a little longer.
In the evening, being appointed to preach at seven, I was obliged to preach within.
We were extremely crowded; but the power of God was so manifested while I declared, '* We preach Jesus Christ, and him crucified," that we soon forgot the heat, and were glad of being detained a little longer than we intended.
I thought when I left Southampton, to have been there again as this day ; but God's thoughts were not as my thoughts.
Here we are shut up in Jersey ; for how long we cannot tell.
But it is all well; for thou, Lord, hast done it.
Tues. 28.—Being still detained by contrary winds, I preached at six in the evening to a larger congregation than ever, in the assembly-room.
It conveniently contains five or six hundred people.
Most of the gentry were present ; and I believe felt that God was there in an uncommon degree.
Being still detained, I preached
Dec. 1787 WESLEY SITS TO A PAINTER
there again the next evening, to a larger congregation than ever.
I now judged, I had fully delivered my own soul: and in the morning, the wind serving for Guernsey, and not for Southampton, I returned thither not unwillingly ; since it was not by my choice, but by the clear providence of God: for in the afternoon I was offered the use of the assembly-room; a spacious chamber in the market-place, which would contain thrice as many as our former room.
I willingly accepted the offer, and preached at six to such a congregation as I had not seen here before; and the word seemed to sink deep into their hearts. I trust it will not return empty.
Tues. Sept. 4.—The storm continued, so that we could not stir.
I took a walk to-day, through what is called the New-ground, where the gentry are accustomed to walk in the evening.
Both the upper ground, which is as level as a bowling-green, and the lower, which is planted with rows of trees, are wonderfully beautiful,
In the evening I fully delivered my own soul, by showing what it is to build upona rock.
But still we could not sail; the wind being quite contrary, as well as exceeding high.
Sails for Penzance It was the same on Wednesday.
In the afternoon we drank tea at a friend's, who was mentioning a captain just come from France, that proposed to sail in the morning for Penzance; for which the wind would serve, though not for Southampton.
In this we plainly saw the hand of God; so we agreed with him immediately; and in the morning, Thursday, 6, went on board with a fair, moderate wind; but we had but just entered the ship when the wind died away.
We cried to God for help; and it presently sprung up, exactly fair, and it did not cease till it brought us into Penzance bay.
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Apri 1788 Sat. Dec. 22.—I yielded to the importunity of a painter, and sat an hour and a half, in all, for my picture.
I think it was the best that was ever taken; but what is the picture of a man above fourscore?
Wesley on His Old Age Sat. March 1.—(Being Leap-year.) I considered, what difference do I find by an increase of years?
I find, 1. Less activity; I walk slower, particularly uphill: 2. My memory is not so quick: 3. I cannot read so quick by candle-light.
But I bless God, that all my other powers of body and mind remain just as they were.
Sat. April 19.—We went on to Bolton, where I preached in the evening in one of the most elegant houses in the kingdom, and to one of the liveliest congregations.
And this I must avow, there is not such a set of singers in any of the Methodist congregations in the three kingdoms.
There cannot be; for we have near a hundred such trebles, boys and girls, selected out of our Sunday-schools, and accurately taught, as are not found together in any chapel, cathedral, or music-room within the four seas.
Besides, the spirit with which they all sing, and the beauty of many of them, so suits the melody, that I defy any to exceed it; except the singing of angels in our Father's house.
Sun. 20.—At eight, and at one, the house was thoroughly filled.
About three I met between nine hundred and a thousand of the children belonging to our
Sunday-schools.
Inever saw such a sight before.
They were all exactly clean, as well as plain, in their apparel.
All were serious and well-behaved.
Many, both boys and girls, had as beautiful faces as, I believe, England or Europe can afford.
When they all sung together, and none of them out of tune, the melody was beyond
June 1788 WESLEY AT EIGHTY-FOUR
that of any theatre; and, what is the best of all, many of them truly fear God, and some rejoice in his salvation.
These are a pattern to all the town.
Their usual diversion is to visit the poor that are sick (sometimes six, or eight, or ten together), to exhort, comfort, and pray with them.
Frequently ten or more of them get together to sing and pray by themselves ; sometimes thirty or forty ; and are so earnestly engaged, alternately singing, praying and crying, that they know not how to part.
You children that hear this, why should not you go and do likewise?
Is not God here as well as at Bolton?
Let God arise and maintain his own cause, even " out of the mouths of babes and sucklings! "
Wesley's Reasons for His Long Life Sat. June 28.—I this day enter on my eighty-fifth year: and what cause have I to praise God, as for a thousand spiritual blessings, so for bodily blessings also!
How little have I suffered yet by " the rush of numerous years!"
It is true, I am not so agile as I was in times past.
Ido not run or walk so fast as I did; my sight is a little decayed; my left eye is grown dim, and hardly serves me to read; I have daily some pain in the ball of my right eye, as also in my right temple (occasioned by a blow received some months since), and in my right shoulder and arm, which I impute partly to a sprain, and partly to the rheumatism.
I find likewise some decay in my memory, with regard to names and things lately past ; but not at all with regard to what I have read or heard twenty, forty, or sixty years ago; neither do I find any decay in my hearing, smell, taste, or appetite (though I want but a third part of the food I did once); nor do I feel any such thing as weariness, either in travelling or preaching: and I am not conscious