I believe there is another world: Therefore, I must " arise
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[June, 1779. given up.
2. They have taken great care not to speak too plain, lest they should give offence.
3. When Mr. Brackenbury preached the old Methodist doctrine, one of them said, "You must not preach such doctrine here.
The doctrine of Perfection is not calculated for the meridian of Edinburgh."
Waving then all other hinderances, is it any wonder, that the work of God has not prospered here ?
On Friday and Saturday, I preached with all possible plainness ; and some appeared to be much stirred up.
On Sunday, 20, I preached at eight, and at half an hour past twelve; and God gave us a parting blessing.
I was in hopes of preaching abroad at Dunbar in the evening, but the rain would not permit.
Monday, 21. I preached in the Court-House at Alnwick ; and finding the people were greatly alarmed, with the news of the French and Spanish fleets, I opened and applied, "Say ye to the righteous, it shall be well with him."
I believe many laid hold of the promise, and were not a little comforted.
Tues, 22.—Finding the panic had spread to Newcastle, I strongly enforced those words, " The Lord sitteth above the waterfloods ; the Lord reigneth a King for ever." Wednesday,
23. I rested here.
Lovely place, and lovely company!
But I believe there is another world: Therefore, I must " arise and go hence!"
Thur, 24.—I preached at Stockton-upon-Tees at noon, and at Yarm in the evening. Friday, 25. At two in the afternoon
I preached to a lovely congregation, at Potto, and to such another at Hutton-Rudby.
I was afterwards agreeably surprised in examining the select society. Many of them have been members thereof for near twenty years. And not one of them has lost the pure love of God ever since they first received it.
Sat. 26.—After preaching at Stokesley and Guisborough, I went on to our loving, earnest brethren at Whitby; just of the same spirit with those at Darlington, in the opposite point of the Circuit.
Sun. 27.—I preached at eight in the Room, and at five in the market-place, to a huge congregation.
They were deeply attentive; but no more affected than the stones they stood upon.
Mon. 28.—I preached in the new preaching-house, at Robin Hood's Bay, and then went on to Scarborough.
Tuesday, 29, I spent agreeably and profitably with my old friends; and
July, 1779.] JOURNAL.
in my way to Bridlington, Wednesday, 30, took a view of Flamborough-Head.
It is an huge rock, rising perpendicular from the sea to an immense height, which gives shelter to an innumerable multitude of. sea-fowl of various kinds.
I preached in the evening at Bridlington, and afterwards heard a very uncommon instance of paternal affection :—A gentleman of the town had a favourite daughter, whom he set up in a milliner's shop.
Some time after she had a concern for her soul, and believed it her duty to enter into the society. Upon this her good father forbad her his house ; demanding all the money he had laid out; and required her instantly to sell all her goods, in order to make the payment !
In this journey I looked over the " History of Whitby," in which are many curious things.
Among others, there is an account of St. Ninian, a Monk of Whitby Abbey, long before the Conquest.
Here is also an account of the father of the Percy family : He came over with William the Conqueror, and took his name from a town in Normandy.
So the pretty tale of piercing the eye of the Scotch King proves to be mere invention !
Thur.
Jury 1.—This was the first of eighteen or twenty days full as hot as any I remember in Georgia; and yet the season is remarkably healthy.
I preached in Beverley at noon, and at Hull in the evening.
Saturday, 3. I reached Grimsby, and found a little trial.
In this, and many other parts of the kingdom, those striplings, who call themselves
Lady Huntingdon's Preachers, have greatly hindered the work of God.
They have neither sense, courage, nor grace, to go and beat up the devil's quarters, in any place where Christ has not been named; but wherever we have entered as by storm, and gathered a few souls, often at the peril of our lives, they creep in, and, by doubtful disputations, set every one's sword against his brother.
One of these has just crept into Grimsby, and is striving to divide the poor little flock ; but I hope his labour will be in vain, and they will still hold
"the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Sun. 4.—I had designed to preach abroad at Louth; but the rain drove us into the House.
In the evening I expounded, and strongly applied, the story of Dives and Lazarus.
The whole congregation, except a few poor gentlemen, behaved with decency.
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[July 1779.
Mon. 5.—I preached about eleven, at Langham-Row, toa congregation gathered from many miles round, on, " How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of Hosts |" Asa great part of them were athirst for perfect love, they drank in every word.
In the afternoon we went to Raithby.
It is a small village on the top of a hill.
The shell of Mr. Brackenbury's house was just finished, near which he has built a little chapel.
It was quickly filled with deeply serious hearers.
I was much comforted among them, and could not but observe, while the Jandlord and his tenants were standing together, how
Love, like death, makes all distinctions void, Tues. 6.—After an absence of near twenty years, I once more visited poor Coningsby, and preached at eleven in their new preaching-house, toa plain, simple people. In the evening
J took my usual stand in the market-place at Horncastle.
The 'wild men were more quiet than usual ; I suppose, because they saw Mr. Brackenbury standing by me; whom they knew to be in Commission for the Peace, for this part of the county.
Wed. *.—I preached at Sturton and Gainsborough; and Thursday, 8, at Scotter, where the poor people walk "in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost." In the evening I preached at Ouston ; and on Friday, 9, went on to Epworth.
How true is this trite remark,— Nescio qué natale solum dulcedine cunctos Ducit, et immemores non sinet esse sud !
The natal soil to all how strangely sweet !
The place where first he breathed who can forget !
In the evening I took my usual stand in the market-place ; but had far more than the usual congregation.
Saturday, 10.
Taking a solitary walk in the churchyard, I felt the truth of, "One generation goeth, and another cometh."
See how the €arth drops its inhabitants as the tree drops its leaves !
Sun. 11.—About eight I preached at Misterton; and about one at Overthorpe.
But good Alice Shadford was not there.
She was long "a mother in Israel," a burning and shining light, an unexceptionable instance of perfect love.
After spending near a hundred years on earth, she was some months since transplanted to paradise.
So general an out-pouring of God's Spirit we had seldom known, as we had at Epworth in the afternoon.
July, 1779.] JOURNAL.
Like inighty.wind, or torrent fierce, It did opposers al! o'errun.
O that they may no more harden their hearts, lest God should swear, "They shall not enter itito my rest !"
Mon. 12.—I preached at Crowle; and afterwards searched the chirch-yard, to find the tomb of Mr. Ashbourn. We could find nothing of it there.
At length we found a large flat stone in the church; but the inscription was utterly illegible, the letters being filled up with dust.
However, we made a shift to pick it out; and then read as follows :— Where lies the Bavy cr
MR. SOLOMON ASHBOURN.
HE DIED IN 1711;
AND SOLEMNLY BEQUEATHED
THE FOLLOWING VERSES
TO HIS
PARISHIONERS :-—
"Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: As your fathers did, so do ye." —Aets vii. 51.
have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain:
Yet surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God."—Zsat. xlix. 4.
But that generation, which was abandoned to all wickedness, is gone: So are most of their children.
And there is reason to hope, that the curse entailed on them and their children is gone also: For there is now a more lively work of God here, than in any of the neighbouring places.
Tues. 18.—About noon I preached at Swinfleet, under the shade of some tali elms.
At six in the evening I preached on the Green at Thorne, to a multitude of people.
The work of God goes on swiftly here: Many are awakened, many converted to God.
Wednesday, 14. I preached to an elegant congregation at Doncaster ; in the evening to a numerous one at Rotherham.
Thursday, 15.
I preached in ParadiseSquare, in Sheffield, to the largest congregation I ever saw on a week-day.
Friday, 16. I preached in the evening at Derby, 4o many genteel and many plain people.
Saturday, 17.
I preached at noon in Castle-Donnington ; but in the open air, for there was no enduring the House.
Yet they persuaded ame to preach within at Nottingham in the evening; but the
REV, J. WESLEY'S JOURNAL.
[Aug. 1779.
House was as hot as an oven.
Sunday, 18.
I made shift to preach in the Room at eight ; but at five I went to the Cross.
We had a London congregation ; and all as well behaved as if they had been in Moorfields.
One who had left us, to join the Quakers, desired to be present at the love-feast ; in the close of which, being able to contain himself no longer, he broke out and declared, he must join us again.
I went home with him; and, after spending some time in prayer, left him full of love and thankfulness.
Mon. 19.—At five our House was quite filled with people, and with the presence of God.
Farewell, ye loving, lovely followers of the Lamb!
May ye still adorn the doctrine of God your Saviour !
About nine I preached in the market-place at Loughborough ; about noon, at Griffy-Dam ; and in the evening, at Ashby.
Tuesday, 20. I preached in Markfield church about noon ; and in the evening at Leicester; where we had an exceeding solemn time, while I described the Son of man coming in his glory.
Wed. 21.—The House was filled at five, and we had another solemn opportunity.
About eight, calling at Hinckley, I was desired to preach: As also at Forcell, ten or twelve miles farther.
When I came to Coventry, I found notice had been given for my preaching in the park; but the heavy rain prevented.
I sent to the Mayor, desiring the use of the Townhall.
He refused; but the same day gave the use of it toa dancing-master.
I then went to the women's market. Many soon gathered together, and listened with all seriousness.
I preached there again the next morning, Thursday, 22, and again in the evening.
Then I took coach for London.
I was nobly attended; behind the coach were ten convicted felons, loudly blaspheming and rattling their chains; by my side sat aman with a loaded blunderbuss, and another upon the coach.
Sun. 25.—Both the chapels were fullenough.
On Monday, I retired to Lewisham to write.
Tuesday, Aucust 8.
Our Conference began; which continued and ended in peace and love.
Sunday, 8. I was at West-Street in the morning, and at the new chapel in the evening, when I took a solemn leave of the affectionate congregation.
This was the last night which I spent at the Foundery.
What hath God wrought there in one-and-forty years !
AN EXTRACT
or THE
REV. MR. JOHN WESLEY'S JOURNAL.
FROM AUGUST 9, 1779, TO SEPTEMBER 3, 1782
NUMBER XIX.
VOL. IV.
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JOURNAL
FROM AUGUST 9, 1779, TO SEPTEMBER 3, 1782.
Mon. Aveust 9.—I set out for Wales, with my brother and his family.
In the evening I preached at Oxford; the next, at Witney. Wednesday. We went on to Gloucester, where
I preached with much satisfaction to a crowded audience.
Thursday, 12. We went on to Monmouth, where the late storm is blown over.
I preached at six in the evening, but did not observe one inattentive person then, any more than at five in the morning.
Fri. 13.—As I was going down a steep pair of stairs, my foot slipped, and I fell down several steps.
Falling on the edge of one of them, it broke the case of an Almanack, which was in my pocket, all to pieces.
The edge of another stair met my right buckle, and snapped the steel chape of it in two ; but I was not hurt.
So doth our good Master give his angels charge over us!
Inthe evening I preached at Brecknock ; and, leaving my brother there, on Saturday, 14, went forward to Carmarthen.
This evening, and in the morning, Sunday, 15, the new preaching-house contained the congregation; but in the afternoon we had, I think, the largest congregation I ever saw in Wales.
I preached on the Gospel for the day, the story of the Pharisee and the Publican; and I believe many were constrained to cry out, for the present, '' God be merciful to me a sinner ! 7"
Mon. 16.—In the evening I preached in the market-place again, to a very serious congregation; many of whom were in tears, and felt the word of God to be sharper than a two-edged sword.
Tues. 17.—Having some steep mountains to climb, I took a pair of post-horses.
About four miles from the town, one of them began to kick and flounce, without any visible cause, till he got one of his legs over the pole. Mr. Broadbent and I then came out of the chaise, and walked forward. While the drivers
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[Aug. 1779. were setting the chaise right, the horses ran back almost to the town; so that we did not reach Llyngwair till between two and three o'clock.
Mr. Bowen was not returned from a journey to Glasgow.
However, I spent a very comfortable evening with Mrs. Bowen and the rest of the family.
Wed. 18.—I preached about ten in Newport church; and then we went on to Haverfordwest.
Here we had a very different congregation, both as to number and spirit; and we found the society striving together for the hope of the Gospel.
Thursday, 19. We went over to Fracoon, one of the loveliest places in Great Britain.
The house stands in a deep valley, surrounded with tall woods, and them with lofty mountains.
But, as Admiral Vaughan was never married, this ancient family will soon come to an end.
At two I preached in'
Newcastle church, and in the evening at Haverford.
Fri, 20.—Many of us met at noon, and spent a solemn hour in intercession for our King and country.
Inthe evening the House was thoroughly filled with people of all denominations.
I believe they all felt that God was there, and that he was no respecter of persons.
Sat. 21.—I went to Pembroke. Understanding that a large number of American prisoners were here, in the evening I took my stand over against the place where they were confined ; so that they all could hear distinctly.
Many of them seemed much affected.
O that God may set their souls at liberty !
Sun. 22.—Mr. Rees, a neighbouring Clergyman, assisting me, I began at St. Daniel's between nine and ten.
The congregation came from many miles round; and many of them were greatly refreshed.
While we rode to Haverford after dinner, I think it was full as hot as it uses to bein Georgia; till about five o'clock a violent shower exceedingly cooled the air; but it ceased in half an hour, and we had then such a congregation as was scarce ever seen here before; and though many of the Gentry werc there, yct a solemn awe spread over the whole assembly.
Mon. 23.—I came once more to Carmarthen.
Finding the people here (as indeed in every place) under a deep consternation through the terrible reports which flew on every side, I cried aloud in the market-place, " Say ye unto the righteous, it shall be well with him."
God made it a word in season to them, and many were no longer afraid.
Aug. 1779. ] JOURNAL.
Tues. 24.—Setting out immediately after preaching, about eight I preached at Kidwelly, about nine miles from Carmarthen, to a very civil and unaffected congregation.
At eleven, though the sun was intensely kot, I stood at the end of the church-yard in Llanelly, and took occasion from a passingbell strongly to enforce those words, "It is appointed unto men ence to die."
About six I preached at Swansea to a large congregation, without feeling any weariness.
Wed. 25.—I preached at five ; and about eight in the TownHall at Neath.
In the afternoon I preached in the church near Bridge-End, to a larger congregation than [ever saw there before; and at six, in the Town-Hall at Cowbridge, much crowded, and hot enough.
The heat made it a little more difficult to speak ; but, by the mercy of God, I was no more tired when I had done, than when I rose in the morning.
Thur. 26.—I preached at five, and againat eleven.
I think this was the happiest time of all. The poor and the rich seemed to be equally affected.
O how are the times changed at Cowbridge, since the people compassed the house where I was, and poured in stones from every quarter!
But my strength was then according to my day; and (blessed be God!) so it is still.
Inthe evening I preached in the large hall at Mr. Matthews's in Llandaff.
And will the rich also hear the words of eternal life?
" With God all things are possible."
Fri. 27.—I preached at Cardiff about noon, and at six in the evening. We then went on to Newport; and setting out early in the morning, reached Bristol in the afternoon.
Sunday, 29.
T had a very large number of communicants.
It was one of the hottest days I have known in England.
The thermometer rose to eighty degrees ;—as high as it usually rises in Jamaica.
Being desired to visit a dying man on Kingsdown, I had no time but at two o'clock.
The sun shone without a cloud; so that I had a warm journey.
But I was well repaid ; for the poor sinner found peace.
At five I preached to an immense multitude in the Square; and God comforted many drooping
'souls.
Mon. 30.—I set out for the west, and in the evening preached at Taunton, on, " Walk worthy of the Lord."
Tuesday, 31.
After preaching at Collumpton about noon, in the evening I preached at Exeter, in a convenient Room, lately a school; I suppose formerly a chapel.
It is both neat and solemn, and is
REY. J. WESLEY'S
[Sept. 1779. believed to contain four or five hundred people.
Many were present again at five in the morning, SyprrmBex |, and found it a comfortable opportunity.
Here a gentleman, just come from Plymouth, gave us a very remarkable account :—" For two days the combined fleets of France and Spain lay at the mouth of the harbour.
They might have entered it with perfect ease.
The wind was fair; there was no fleet. to oppose them ; and the island, which is the grand security of the place, being incapable of giving them any hinderance ; for there was scarce any garrison, and the few men that were there had no wadding at all, and but two rounds of powder." But had they not cannon?
Yes, in abundance ; but only two of them were 'mounted!
Why then did they not go in, destroy the dock, and burn, or at least plunder, the town? I believe they could hardly tell themselves.—The plain reason was, the bridle of God was in their teeth ; and he had said, " Hitherto shall ye come, and no farther."
After preaching at Tiverton, Halberton, Taunton, and SouthBrent in the way, on Saturday, 4, I returned to Bristol.
Sun. 5.—Being willing to make the best of the fine weather, I preached at eight on the quay, on, "The Lord sitteth above the water-flood: And the Lord remaincth a King for ever."
At ten I began the service at Kingswood ; and in the afternoon preached in the avenue, to a multitude of people. But we had: five or six times as many at King's Square; and great was our rejoicing in the Lord.
Mon. 6.—I preached on David's prayer, "Lord, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness." And how remarkably has he heard this prayer with regard to the French Ahithophels! ied. 8.—I preached at Paulton, where the people are still all alive, and the society is still as one family ; consequently it increases both in grace and number.
At six I preached at _ Pensford, and spent a pleasant evening with the lovely family at Publow.
Where is there such another?
I cannot tell: I doubt, not in Great Britain or Ireland.
Sun. 12.—I found it work enough to read Prayers, and. preach, and administer the sacrament to several hundred. people.
But it was comfortable work ; and I was no more: tired at the end than at the beginning.
Mon. 13.—J preached at Bath and Bradford ; on Tuesday, at the end of the new House, in Frome.
Wednesday, 15. L
Oct. 1779. ] JOURNAL.
preached at Malcolm and Shaftesbury; Thursday, 16, at Shepton-Mallet.
Here also, as well as at Paulton, (the two most unlikely places in the Circuit,) a spreading flame is kindled.
I preached at Coleferd in the evening.
Among this plain, simple people, the power of God is always present.
Sun, 19.—The rain would not suffer me to preach abrouad.
On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, I examined the society, and found a large number had been called home this year. A few are still tottering over the grave; but death hath lost its sting.
Thur. 23.—I preached in the afternoon near the fish-ponds.
The people here had been remarkably dead for many years ; but since that saint of God, Bathsheba Hall, with her husband, came among them, a flame is broke out.
The people flock together in troops, and are athirst for all the promises of God.
In the evening one sat behind me in the pulpit at Bristol, who was one of our first Masters at Kingswood. A little after he left the school, he likewise left the society.
Riches then flowed in upon him; with which, having no relations, Mr.
Spencer designed to do much good—after his death.
" But God said unto him, Thou fool!'?
Two hours after, he died intestate, and left all his money to—be scrambled for !
Reader! if you have not done it already, make your Will before you sleep !
Fri. 24,—James Gerrish, jun., of Roade, near Frome, was for several years zealous for God: But he too grew rich, and grew lukewarm, till he was seized with a consumption. At the approach of death he was "horribly afraid ;" he was " in the lowest darkness, and in the deep." But " he cried unto God in his trouble," and was " delivered out of his distress."
He was filled with peace and joy unspeakable, and so continued till he went to God.
His father desired I would preach his funeral sermon; which Iaccordingly did this day,at Roade. I concluded the busy day with a comfortable watch-night at Kingswood.
Mon. 27.—I preached at Pill.
On Wednesday I opened the new chapel in Guinea-Street.
Thursday, 30. I preached at Amesbury, on Communion with God, while deep awe sat on the face of all the people.
Friday, Ocroper 1. I took a solemn leave of the children at Kingswood.
Several of them have been convinced of sin again and again; but they soon trifled their convictions away.