the Cliff of St. Ives. In the following week I visited most of
Oct. 1777.j JOURNAL.
us.
In the evening I endeavoured to guard all who love or fear God against that miserable bigotry which many of our mistaken brethren are advancing with all their might.
Wed. 20.—I preached at Tiverton ; Thursday, 21, at Launceston ; Friday, 22, about ten, in Bodmin.
'Thence I went on to Cubert; and found that venerable old man, Mr. Hoskins, calmly waiting for his discharge from the body. Saturday,
23. At noon, I preached in Redruth ; and in the evéning, on the Cliff of St. Ives.
In the following week I visited most of the western societies; and on Saturday, 80, had the Quarterly
Meeting.
I now inquired particularly, whether the societies were increasing or decreasing. I could not hear of a decrease in any; but several were swiftly increasing; particularly those of St. Just, Penzance, and Helstone.
Sun. 31.—I preached in the morning at St. Agnes ; in the evening to the huge congregation at Gwennap; larger (it was supposed) by fifteen hundred or two thousand, than ever it had been before.
Sat. SertrmBEeR 27.—Having abundance of letters from Dublin, informing me that the society there was in the utmost confusion, by reason of some of the chief members, whom thc
Preachers had thought it needful to exclude from the society ; and finding all I could write was not sufficient to stop the growing evil; I saw but one way remaining, to go myself, and that as soon as possible.
So the next day I took chaise with Mr.
Goodwin, and made straight for Mr. Bowen's, at Llyngwair, in Pembrokeshire; hoping to borrow his sloop, and so cross over to Dublin without delay.
I came to Llyngwair on Tuesday, 30.
The next day, Ocroser 1, the Captain of a sloop at Fishgard, a small sea-port town, ten or twelve miles from Llyngwair, sent me word he would sail for Dublin in the evening ; but he did not stir till about eight the next evening. We hadasmall, fair wind.
From Fishgard to Dublin is about fcrty leagues.
We had run ten or twelve, till, at about eight in the morning, Friday, 8, it fell dead calm.
The swell was then such as I never felt before, except in the Bay of Biscay.
Our little sloop, between twenty and thirty tons, rolled to and fro with a wonderful motion.
About nine, the Captain, finding he could not get forward, would have returned, but he could make no way. About eleven I desired we might go to prayer.
Quickly after the wind sprung up fair; but it increased, till,
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[Octsi 777 about eight at night, it blew a storm, and it was pitch dark ; so that, having only the Captain and a boy on board, we had much ado to work the vessel.
However, about ten, though we scarce know how, we got safe into Dublin Bay.
Sat. 4.—Between seven and eight I landed at Ring's End.
Mr. M'Kenny met me, and carried me to his house.
Our friends presently flocked from all quarters, and seemed equally surprised and pleased at seeing mc.
I moved no dispute, but desired a few of each side to meet me together at ten on Monday morning.
In the evening, although on so short a warning, we had an exceeding large congregation ; on whom
(waiving all matter of contention) I strongly enforced those solemn words, 'I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work."
Sun. 5.—I was much comforted at St. Patrick's, where an uncommon awe seemed to rest on the whole assembly.
In the evening I preached on Eph. iv. 30, &c., being the conclusion of the Epistle for the day.
Nothing could be more seasonable, and I read it as a presage of good.
Mon. 6.—At ten I met the contending parties; the Preachers on one hand, and the excluded members on the other: I heard them at large, and they pleaded their several causes with earnestness and calmness too.
But four hours were too short to hear the whole cause; so we adjourned to the next day :
Meantime, in order to judge in what state the society really was, I examined them myself; meeting part of them to-day, and the rest on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Four-and-thirty persons, I found, had been put out of, or left, the society: But, notwithstanding, as there were last quarter four hundred and fifty-eight members, so there are just four hundred and fiftyeight still.
At the desire of the members lately excluded, I now drew up the short state of the case; but I could in nowise pacify them: They were all civil, nay, it seemed, affectionate to me; but they could never forgive the Preachers that had expelled them: So that I could not desire them to return into the society ; they could only remain friends at a distance.
Thur. 9.—I was desired by some of our friends to clear up the point of Imputed Righteousness: I did so, by preaching on, "Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness."
In opening these words, I showed what that faith was, which was imputed to him for righteousness,
Oct. 1777.| JOURNAL. lll viz., faith in God's promise to give him the land of Canaan faith in the promise that Sarah should conceive a son ; and the faith whereby he offered up Isaac on the altar.
But Christ is not in any of these instances the'direct or immediate object of Abraham's faith; whereas he is the direct, immediate object of that faith which is imputed to us for righteousness.
Sat. 11.—I visited many, sick and well, and endeavoured to confirm them in their love towards each other.
I was more and more convinced that God had sent me at this time to heal the breach of his people.
Sun. 12.—We had a lovely congregation in the morning, to whom I closely applied St. Peter's words: "I exhort you, as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly desires which war against the soul."
'To the mixed multitude in the evening, I applied our Lord's words:
" All things are ready ; come unto the marriage."
I then took a solemn and affectionate leave of the society, and cheerfully commended them to the Great Shepherd; more in number, and, I am persuaded, more established in grace, than they had been for twenty years.
Mon. 13.—In the morning we went on board; but the wind being right a-head, and blowing hard, we made but little way, till night; and the sea was so rough, that I could not sleep till midnight.
Twesday, 14. After beating up and down several hours more, the Captain thought best to run under the Carnarvonshire shore.
About noon we put out to sea again, but the storm increased, and about four carried away our bowsprit, and tore one of the sails to tatters.
But the damage was soon repaired ; and before six, by the good providence of God, we landed at Holyhead.
Wanting to be in London as soon as possible, I took chaise at seven, and hastened to Bangor Ferry.
But here we were at a full stop: They could not, or would not, carry us over till one the next day; and they then gave us only two miserable horses, although I had paid beforehand (fool as I was) for four.
At Conway Ferry we were stopped again : So that with all the speed we could possibly make, even with a chaise and four, we travelled eight-and-twenty miles yesterday, and seventeen tolay. Thursday, in the afternoon, we reached Chester; Friday morning, Lichfield ; and on Saturday morning, London.
Mon. 20.—I went on to High-Wycomb; but good Mr.
James having procured a drummer to beat his drum at the
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[Nov. 1777. window of the preaching-house, I only prayed and sung by turns, from six to seven; and many of the people were much comforted.
In the rest of the week I visited the societies at Oxford, Witney, Finstock, and Wallingford; and had reason to believe that many received the seed in honest and good hearts.
Mon. 27.—I preached at Stony-Stratford. The congregation was large and attentive: Soit always is; yet I fear they receive little good, for they need no repentance.
Tuesday, I preached at Towcester ; on Wednesday, at Whittlebury ; and on Thursday,at Northampton; and someof even that heavy congregation seemed to feel, "The night cometh, when no man can work."
Mon. November 3.—I began visiting the classes in London, in which I was fully employed for seven or eight days; afterwards I visited those in the neighbouring towns, and found reason to rejoice over them.
Sun. 16.—I was desired to preach a charity sermon in St.
Margaret's church, Rood-Lane.
In the morning I desired my friends not to come; in the afternoon it was crowded sufficiently, and I believe many of them felt the word of God sharper than any two-edged sword.
Mon. 17.—1 went to Norwich, and preached there in the evening.
The House was far too small, the congregation being lately increased very considerably.
But I place no dependence in this people; they wave to and fro, like the waves of the sea.
; Wed. 19.—I went over to Loddon, and preached at onc to amuch more settled congregation. In the evening I preached at Norwich, and afterwards administered the Lord's Supper to the society ; and I was almost persuaded, that they will no longer be tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine.
Thur, 20.—Abundance of people were present at five, and we had a solemn parting.
I went to Lynn the same day; and Saturday, 22, taking chaise soon after twelve, reached
London in the afternoon.
Sun. 23.—I preached in Lewisham church for the beneft of the Humane Society, instituted for the sake of those who seem to be drowned, strangled, or killed by any sudden stroke.
It is a glorious design; in consequence of which many have been recovered, that must otherwise have inevitably perished.
Mon. 24.—I spent the afternoon at Mr. Blackwell's with the B of His whole behaviour was worthy of a
Dec. 1777.] JOURNAL.
Christian Bishop ; easy, affable, courteous ; and yet all his conversation spoke the dignity which was suitable to his character.
Having been many times desired, for near forty years, to publish a Magazine, I at length complied; and now began to collect materials for it.
If it once begin, I incline to think it will not end but with my lie.
Mon. Decumser 1.—I spent some hours, both morning and afternoon, in visiting the sick at the west end of the town ; but I could not see them all.
Wednesday, 3. I visited as many as I could on the north-east part of the town. I spent the evening at Newington, with Mr. Fletcher, almost miraculously recovering from his consumption ; and on Thursday,
4, he set out with Mr. Ireland for the south of France.
Tues. 9.—I visited the chief societies in Bedfordshire and Huntingdonshire, and returned by Hertford ; where (for once) I saw a quiet and serious congregation.
We had a larger congregation at Barnet, in the evening, than ever ; and a greater number of communicants.
Will this poor, barren wilderness at length blossom and bud as the rose?
Sat. 13.—Being strongly urged to lay the first stone of the House which was going to be built at Bath, on Sunday, 14, after preaching at West-street chapel in the morning, and at St. Paul's, Shadwell, in the afternoon, I went to Brentford. I preached at six ; and, taking chaise at twelve, on Monday, 15, easily reached Bath in the afternoon.
Tuesday, 16. I paid a short visit to Bristol; preached in the evening and morning following, Wednesday, 17 ; and at one laid the foundation of the new chapel at Bath.
The wind was piercing cold; yet scarce any of the congregation went away before the end of the sermon.
After preaching at the Room in the evening, I took chaise, and the next afternoon reached London.
Just at this time there was a combination among many of the post-chaise drivers on the Bath road, especially those that drove in the night, to deliver their passengers into each other's hands.
One driver stopped at the spot they had appointed, where another waited to attack the chaise.
In consequence of this, many were robbed ; but I had a good Protector still.
I have travelled all roads, by day and by night, for these forty years, and never was interrupted yet.
Thur. 25.—1 buried the remains of Mr. Bespham, many years Master of a man-of-war.
From the time he received VOL. IV.
114:
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[Jan. 1778. the truth in love, he was a pattern to all that believe.
His faith was full of mercy and good fruits:
His works shall praise him in the gates.
Sat. 27.—A few days since, my Assistant, Mr. Baynes, by far the strongest person in our family, was taken ill of a fever.
He was immediately attended both by an Apothecary and a Physician ; but their labour was in vain: This morning God called him into the world of spirits.
I had no desire to part with him ; but God knew what was best both for him and me.
Wed. 31.—We concluded the old year, and began the new, with prayer and thanksgiving.
Four or five of the Local Preachers assisted me.
I was agreeably surprised ; their manner of praying being so artless and unlaboured, and yet rational and scriptural, both as to sense and expression.
Thur.
January 1, 1778.—We had a very solemn opportunity of renewing our covenant with God.
Tuesday, 6. I spent an agreeable and a profitable hour with three German gentlemen, two of them Lutheran Ministers, and the third,
Professor of Divinity at Leipsig.
I admired both their good sense, seriousness, and good breeding.
How few of our Clergy exceed or equal them !
Mon. 19.—I went over to Tunbridge-Wells, and preached in the large Dissenting meeting, to a numerous congregation ; and deep attention sat on every face.
Tuesday, 20. I went on, through miserable roads, to Robertsbridge ; where an unusually large congregation was waiting.
Thence we went on to Rye, where the House was sufficiently crowded, as usual.
How large a society would be here, could we but spare them in one thing!
Nay, but then all our labour would bein vain. One sin allowed would intercept the whole blessing.
Mr. Holman's widow being extremely desirous I shouldlodge at Carborough, two miles from Rye, I ordered my chaise to take me up at the preaching-house immediately after the service.
She had sent a servant to show me the way ; which was a road dirty and slippery enough, cast up between two impassable marshes. The man waited a while, and then went home, leaying us to guide ourselves.
Many rough journeys I have had; but such a one as this I never had before.
It was one of the darkest nights I ever saw: It blew a storm, and yet poured down with rain.
The descent, in going out of the town, was near as steep as the ridge of a house.
As soon as we had
Feb. 1778.] JOURNAL.
passed it, the driver, being a stranger, knew not which way to turn.
Joseph Bradford, whom I had taken into the chaise, perceiving how things were, immediately got out and walked at the head of the horses, (who could not possibly keep their eyes open, thé rain so violently beating in their faces,) through rain, wind, mud, and water ; till, in less than an hour, he brought us safe to Carborough.
Wed. 21.—I went back to Shoreham.
Mr. P., though in his eighty-fifth year, is still able to go through the whole Sunday Service.
How merciful is God to the poor people of Shoreham!
And many of them are not insensible of it.
Mon. Fesrvary 2.—I had the satisfaction of spending an hour with that real patriot, Lord What an unheard-of thing it is, that even in a Court, he should retain allhis sincerity !
He is, indeed, (what 1 doubt Secretary Craggs never was,) Statesman, yet friend to truth.
Perhaps no Prince in Europe, besides King George, is served by two of the honestest, and two of the most sensible, men in his kingdom.
This week I visited the society, and found a surprising difference in their worldly circumstances.
Five or six years ago, one in three, among the lower ranks of people, was out of employment; and the case was supposed to be nearly the same through all London and Westminster.
I did not now, after all the tragical outcries of want of trade that fill the nation, find one in ten out of business ; nay, scarce one in twenty, even in Spitalfields.
Sun. 15.—I buried the remains of Richard Burke, a faithful labourer in our Lord's vineyard : A more unblamable character
[have hardly known. In all the years that he has laboured with us, I do not remember that he ever gave me occasion to 4nd fault with him in any thing. He was a man of unwearied diligence and patience, and "his works do follow him."
Tues. 17.—I wrote "A Serious Address to the Inhabitants ef England," with regard to the present state of the nation,— so strangely misrepresented both by ignorant and designing men,—to remove, if possible, the apprehensions which have been so diligently spread, as if it were on the brink of ruin.
Thur. 26.—I committed to the earth the remains of George Parsons.
He has left very few like him; so zeaI 2
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[March, 1778. lously, so humbly, so unreservedly devoted to God.
For some time his profiting has appeared to all men.
He ripened apace for eternity.
He was as a flame of fire, wherever he went; losing no occasion of speaking or working for God.
So he finished his course in the midst of his. years, and was quickly removed into the garner.
Friday, 27, was the day appointed for the national fast; and it was observed with due solemnity.
All shops were shut up; all was quiet in the streets; all places of public worship were crowded ; no food was served up in the King's house till five o'clock in the evening.
Thus far, at least, we acknowledge God may direct our paths.
Sun. Marcu 1.—I preached at Brentford in the evening; Monday, 2, at Newbury ; and the next evening at Bath.
Wednesday, 4, I went on to Bristol.
I found the panic had spread hither also, as if the nation were on the brink of ruin.
Strange that those who love God should be so frightened at shadows!
I can compare this only to the alarm which spread through the nation in King William's time, that on that very night the Irish Papists were to cut the throats of all the Protestants in England.
Mon. 9.—On this and the following days I visited the society, and found a good increase.
This year I myself (which I have seldom done) chose the Preachers for Bristol , and these were plain men; and likely to do more good than has been done in one year, for these twenty years.
Fri. ¥3.—I spent an hour with the children at Kingswood, many of whom are truly desirous to save their souls.
Mon. 16.—I took a cheerful leave of our friends at Bristol,. and set out once more for Ireland.
After visiting Stroud, Gloucester, and Tewkesbury, on Wednesday, 18, I went over to Bewdley, and preached about noon at the upper end of the town, to most of the inhabitants of it.
Thur. 19.—I preached to a large congregation, in the church at Bengeworth, and spent a little time very agreeably with the Rector,—a pious, candid, sensible man.
In the evening I preached at Pebworth church; but I seemed out of my element.
A long anthem was sung; but I suppose none beside the singers could understand one word of it.
Is. not that "praying in an unknown tongue?"
I could no more bear it in any church of mine, than Latin prayers.
April, 1778.) JOURNAL.
Fri. 20.—I preached at Birmingham.
Saturday, 21. Calling at Wolverhampton, I was informed that, some time since, a large, old house was taken, three or four miles from the town, which receives all the children that come, sometimes above four hundred at once.
They are taught, gratis, reading, writing, and Popery ; and, when at age, bound out apprentices.
In the evening I preached in the shell of the new House, at Newvastle-under-Lyne ; and thence hastened forward, through Burslem, Congleton, Macclesfield, and Stockport, to Manchester.
I found it needful here also, to guard honest Englishmen against the vast terror which had spread far and wide.
I had designed going from hence to Chester, in order to embark at Parkgate; but a letter from Mr. Wagner informing me that a packet was ready to sail from Liverpool, I sent my horses forward, and followed them in the morning.
But before I came thither, the wind turned west: So I was content.
Sun. 22.—I was much refreshed by two plain, useful sermons, at St. Thomas's church; as well as by the serious and decent behaviour of the whole congregation.
In the evening I exhorted all of our society who had been bred up in the Church, to continue therein.
Tues. 81.—We went on board the Duke of Leinster, and fell down the river with a small side-wind: But in the morning, after a dead calm, a contrary wind arose, and blew exceeding hard.
Wednesday, Apri 1. The sea was rough enough.
However, I went to sleep about my usual time, and in the morning found myself in Dublin Bay; and about seven we landed at the quay.
I was soon informed, that one of our friends, a strong, lively, healthy man, Mr. Ham, had died the day before.
From the time he was taken ill, he was a mere self-condemned sinner, deeply convinced of his unfaithfulness to God, and declaring,
I give up ev'ry plea beside, ; Lord, I am damn'd; but thou hast died.
"When my wife dies," said he, "let her be carried to the Room.
She has been an honour to her profession.
But I will not; I am not worthy; I have been no credit to you."
He continued full of self-condemnation, till, after a week's illness, his spirit returned to God.
I daily conversed with many of the society, and had the satisfaction to find them both more united together, and more
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[April, 1778.. alive to God, than they had been for some years.
Saturday. I began meeting the classes, aud was agreeably surprised.
I had heard, that near a hundred persons had left the society: On strict inquiry, I found about forty were wanting; the present number being about four hundred and sixty; and therefore were: more loving and unanimous than I ever knew them before.
Suz. 5.—Mecting the society in the evening, I largely explamcd the reasons of the late separation, and strongly exhorted all our brethren not to "render railing for railing."
Tues. 7.—I set out for the country, and reached Tyrrel's Pass.
It being a mild evening, I preached to a numerous congregation.
The next cvening it was larger still; and the powcr of the Lord was present to heal.
The. 9.—Between cight and nine I preached in the Court-ITouse at Mullingar, to a more serious congregation than I ever saw there before.
In the evening I preached in the Court-House at Longford, to a far more numerous, and equally scrious, congregation.
Fri. 10.—About eleven I preached at Abydarrig; and before one sct out for Athlone.
The sun shone as hot as it uses to do at midsummer.
We had a comfortable time, both this evening and the next day; all being peace and harmony.
Sunday, 12. God spake in his word, both to wound and to heal.
One young woman came to me just after service, who then first rejoiced in God her Saviour.
Mon. 13.—About noon I preached at Ballinasloe to a large congregation ; some of whom seemed to be much affected ; so did many at Aghrim in the evening.
Tuesday, 14. I went on to Eyre-Court.
The wind was now piercing cold, so that I could not preach abroad: And there was no need; for the Minister not only lent me his church, but offered me a bed at his house ; but I was obliged to go forward.
At six in the evening I preached at Birr, to a congregation of deeply attentive hearers.
Wed. 15.—I met many of my old friends at Coolylough, and had a numerous congregation in the evening.
Thursday, 16. I preached in the riding-house in Tullamore.
The Commanding Officer ordered all the soldiers to be present, and attended himself, with the rest of the Officers, while I explained, " Render unto Cesar the things that are Cresar's 3 and unto God the things that are God's."
Arrit 17.—(Being Good-Friday.) I preached at Tullamore