morning, as well as at the Square in the afternoon ; where the
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[Sept. 1778. ancient church.
I suppose the last blow given to it was by Judge Jefferies, who, after Monmouth's rebellion, hanged so many of the inhabitants, and drove so many away, that it is never likely to lift up its head again.
Fri. 4.—I spent some time in the evening, and an hour in the morning, with the lovely children at Publow.
Such another company of them I never saw, since Miss Bosanquet removed from Leytonstone.
Sat. 5.—I returned to Bristol.
Sunday, 6.
At eight I preached near the Drawbridge; at two near Kingswood school, under the tree which I planted for the use of the next generation; and at five, near King's square, to a very numerous and exceeding serious congregation.
Mon. 7.—In my way to Bath I read a pamphlet which surprised me exceedingly.
For many years I had heard the King severely blamed for giving all places of trust and profit to Scotchmen: And this was so positively and continually affirmed, that I had no doubt of it.
To put the matter beyond all possible dispute, the writer appeals to the Court Kalendar of the present year, which contains the names of all those that hold places under the King.
And hereby it appears, that of four hundred and fifty odd places, just eight are possessed by Scotchmen ; and of the hundred and fifty-one places in the Royal Household, four are possessed by Scots, and no more.
Ought not this to be echoed through the three kingdoms, to show the regard to truth these wretches have, who are constantly endeavouring to inflame the nation against their
Sovereign, as well as their fellow-subjects ?
Tues. 8.—In the evening I stood on one side of the marketplace at Frome, and declared to a very numerous congregation, " His commandments are not grievous."
They stood as quiet as those at Bristol, a very few excepted; most of whom were, by the courtesy of England, called Gentlemen.
How much inferior to the keelmen and colliers !
On Wednesday and Thursday I made a little excursion into Dorsetshire, and on Saturday returned to Bristol.
Sunday, 13. We had a comfortable opportunity at the Room in the morning, as well as at the Square in the afternoon ; where the congregation was considerably larger than the Sunday before:
But on Sunday, 20, it was larger still.
Now let the winter come: We have made our full use of the Michaelmas summer.
Oct. 1778.] JOURNAL.
On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, on meeting the classes, I carefully examined whether there was any truth in the assertion, that above a hundred in our society were concerned in unlawful distilling.
The result was, that I found two persons, and no more, that were concerned therein.
I now procured a copy of part'of Mr. Fletcher's late Letter to Mr. Ireland; which I think it my duty to publish, as a full answer to the lying accounts which have been published concerning that bad man :—" Mr. Voltaire, finding himself ill, sent for Dr. Fronchin, first Physician to the Duke of Orleans, one of his converts to infidelity, and said to him, ' Sir, I desire you will save my life.
I will give you half my fortune, if you will lengthen out my days only six months.
If not, I shall go to the devil, and carry you with me.'"
Thur. 24.—I read Prayers and preached in MidsummerNorton church.
Thence I went to Bradford, on a sultry hot day, such as were several days this month; and preached on the seed that fell among thorns.
God strongly applied his word.
Tues. 29.—I preached at Almsbury, to a large number of plain people, who seemed just ripe for the Gospel. We observed
Friday, Octoner 2, as a day of fasting and prayer, for our King and nation.
We met, as usual, at five, at nine, at one, and in the evening. At each time, I believe, some found that God was with us; but more especially in the concluding service.
Sat. 3.—Visiting one at the poor-house, I was much moved. to see such a company of poor, maimed, halt, and blind, who seemed to have no one caring for their souls.
So I appointed to be there the next day; and at two o'clock had all that could get out of bed, young and old, in the great hall.
My heart was greatly enlarged toward them, and many blessed God for the consolation.
Monday, 1 went with my brother to the Devizes, and preached in a large, commodious room.
This and the following evening we preached at Sarum.
Wednesday, 7. We went on to Winchester.
I had thoughts of preaching abroad, if haply any thing might awaken a careless, self-conceited people.
But the rain would not permit: And it made the road so heavy, that we could not reach Portsmouth-Common till near six.
Thur. 8.—One of our friends, whom I have known several years, Mrs. Sarah M d, and on whose veracity I could depend, was mentioning some uncommon circumstances.