three or four sheep standing by him. 3. While Peter and
Aug. 1780.] JOURNAL.
some felt what was spoken. We have sown: O may God give the increase !
Mon. 24.—I went on to Bristol.
While I was at Bath, I narrowly observed and considered the celebrated Cartoons ; the three first in particular.
What a poor designer was one of the finest painters in the world!
1. Here are two men in a boat ; each of them more than half as long as the boat itself.
2. Our Lord, saying to Peter, "Feed my sheep," points to three or four sheep standing by him.
3. While Peter and John heal the lame man, two naked boys stand by them.
For what?
O pity that so fine a painter should be utterly without common sense!
In the evening I saw one of the greatest curiosities in the vegetable creation,—the Nightly Cereus.
About four in the afternoon, the dry stem began to swell; about six, it gradually opened ; and about eight, it was in its full glory.
Ithink the inner part of this flower, which was snow-white, was about five inches diameter ; the yellow rays whichsurrounded it, I judged, were in diameter nine or ten inches.
About twelve it began to droop, being covered with a cold sweat; at four it died away.
The people at Bath were still upon my mind: So on Thursday, 27, I went over again; and God was with us of a truth, whenever we assembled together.
Surely God is healing the breaches of this poor, shattered people.
Sun. 30.—Forty or fifty of our Preachers being come, we had a solemn opportunity in the morning.
We had the most numerous congregation in the afternoon which has been seen here for many years.
And will not the Lord be glorified in our reformation, rather than our destruction ?
Tues. August 1.—Our Conference began.
We have been always, hitherto, straitened for time. It was nowresolved, "For the future we allow nine or ten days for each Conference ; that every thing, relative to the carrying on the work of God, may be maturely considered."
Fri. 4.—I preached on a convenient piece of ground, at one end of Radcliff-Parade. Great part of the immense congregation had never heard this kind of preaching before ; yet they were deeply attentive, while I opened and applied those awful words, "I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God."
Sun. 6.—We had the largest numbers of communicants that had ever met at the new Room; and the largest congregation at
REV. J. WESLEY'S
(Aug. 1780. five, that had ever met near King's Square.
Wednesday, 9.
We concluded the Conference in much peace and love.
Fri. 11.—The sultry heat continuing, I would not coop myself up in the chapel, but preached again near RadcliffParade, with much comfort and peace.
Mon. 14.—For fear of the violent heat, we set out for Cornwall very early in the morning.
But we feared where no fear was; for that very day the heat was at an end, anda mild rain began; which, at intervals, followed us almost to the Land's End.
After preaching at South-Brent, Taunton, and Collumpton, on Wednesday, 16, we came to Exeter.
It is still a day of small things here, for want of a convenient preaching-house. Thursday, 17. I went on to Plymouth. Here I expected little comfort. A large preaching-house was built; but who was to pay for it?
I preached in it at six, at five in the morning, and on Friday evening; and, from the number and spirit of the hearers, could not but hope that good will be done here also.
Sat. 19.—I snatched the opportunity of a fair evening, to preach in the Square at Plymouth-Dock.
Sunday, 20. At seven in the morning, and at five in the evening, I preached at the Dock ; in the afternoon in Plymouth House.
It was crowded sufficiently.
After preaching I made a collection for the House, which amounted to above five-and-twenty pounds.
When I had done, Mr. Jane said, "This is not all. We must have a weekly collection both here and at the Dock.
Let as many as can subscribe sixpence a week for one year.
I will subscribe five shillings a week.
And let this be reserved for the payment of the debt."
It was done: And by this simple method, the most pressing debts were soon paid.
Mon, 21.—I preached to a large and quiet congregation in the main street at St. Austle.
Tuesday, 22. I preached at Mevagissey ; in the evening at Helstone.
Wednesday, 28.
I went on to Penzance.
It is now a pleasure to be here ; the little flock being united together in love.
I preached at a little distance from the preaching-house.
A company of soldiers were in town; whom, toward the close of the sermon, the good Officer ordered to march through the congregation.
But as they readily opened and closed again, it made very little disturbance.
Thur, 24.—I preached near the preaching-house at St. Just.
God applied his word with power: More especially at the
Sept. 1780.] JOURNAL.
meeting of the society, when all our hearts were as melting wax. Friday, 25. I preached in the market-place at St. Ives, to most of the inhabitants of the town. Here is no opposer now.
Rich and poor see, and very many feel, the truth.
I now looked over a volume of Mr. K—'s Essays.
He isa lively writer, of middling understanding.
But I cannot admire his style at all.
It is prim, affected, and highly Frenchified.
I object to the beginning so many sentences with participles.
This does well in French, but notin English. I cannot admire his judgment in many particulars.
To instance in one or two: He depresses Cowley beyond all reason; who was far from being a mean poet.
Full as unreasonably does he depress modern eloquence.
I believe I have heard speakers at Oxford, to say nothing of Westminster, who were not inferior to either Demosthenes or Cicero.
Sat. 26.—We had our Quarterly Meeting at Redruth, where all was love and harmony.
Sunday, 27. It was supposed, twenty thousand people were assembled at the amphitheatre in Gwennap.
And yet all, I was informed, could hear distinctly, in the fair, calm evening.
Mon. 28.—I preached at Wadebridge and Port-Isaac ; Twesday, 29, at Camelford and Launceston.
Hence we hastened toward Bristol, by way of Wells; where (the weather being intensely hot, so that we could not well bear the Room) I preached on the shady side of the market-place, on, " By grace are ye saved, through faith." As I was concluding, a Serjeant of Militia brought a drum.
But he was a little too late.
I pronounced the blessing, and quietly walked away.
I know not that ever I felt it hotter in Georgia than it was here this afternoon.
Sun. SrpTEMBER 3.—I preached three times at Bath ; and, I believe, not without a blessing.
Wednesday, 6. I preached at Paulton.
The flame, kindled last year, still continues to '-hurn here: And, (what is strange,) though so many have set their hand to the plough, there are none that look back.
In call the number, I do not find so much as one backslider.
Thur. 7.—I spent an hour with the children, the most difficult part of our work.
About noon I preached to a large and serious congregation at Chew-Magna; in the evening, to astill more serious company at Stoke; where Mr. Griffin is calmly waiting for the call that summons him to Abraham's bosom.
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[Oct. 1780.
Mon. 11.—As I drew near Bath, I wondered what had drawn such a multitude of people together, till I learnt, that one of the Members for the city had given an ox to be roasted whole.
But their sport was sadly interrupted by heavy rain, which sent them home faster than they came; many of whom dropped in at our chapel, where I suppose they never had been before.
Tues. 12.—At the invitation of that excellent woman, Mrs.
Turner, I preached about noon in her chapel in Trowbridge.
As most of the hearers were Dissenters, I did not expect to do much good. However, I have done my duty : God will look to the event.
Thur. 14.—I read Prayers and preached in Clutton church:
But it was with great difficulty, because of my hoarseness ; which so increased, that in four-and-twenty hours I could scarce speak at all. At night I used my never-failing remedy, bruised garlick applied to the soles of the feet.
This cured my hoarseness in six hours : In one hour it cured my lumbago, the pain in the small of my back, which I had had ever since
I came from Cornwall.
Wed. 20.—I preached in the market-place at Pill, to the most stupid congregation I have lately seen. Thursday, 21. I married Mr. Horton and Miss Durbin. May they be patterns to all around them!
Swnday, 24. I preached in Temple church, the most beautiful and the most ancient in Bristol.
Sun. Ocroper 1.—I preached, as usual, morning and evening at the Room. About two I preached a funeral sermon at Kingswood, for that blessed saint, Bathsheba Hall, a pattern for many years of zealously doing and patiently suffering the will of God. In the evening about seven hundred of us joined in solemnly renewing our covenant with God.
Mon. 2.—After preaching at the Devizes, Lwenton to Sarum.
Tuesday, 3. I walked over to Wilton, and preached to a very serious congregation in the new preaching-house.
I found at Sarum the fruit of Captain Webb's preaching: Some were awakened, and one perfected in love.
Yet I was a little surprised at the remark of some of our eldest brethren, that they had never heard Perfection preached before.
Wed. 4.—The preaching-house at Whitchurch, though much enlarged, could not contain the congregation in the evening.
Some genteel people were inclined to smile at first; but their mirth was quickly over.
The awe of God fell upon the whole
Nov. 1780.] JOURNAL.
congregation, and many " rejoiced unto him with reverence."
Saturday, 7. I returned from Portsmouth to London.
Mon. 16.—I went to Tunbridge-Wells, and preached to a serious congregation, on Rev. xx. 12.
Tuesday, 17. I came back to Sevenoaks, and in the afternoon walked over to the Duke of Dorset's seat.
The park is the pleasantest I ever saw ; the trees are so elegantly disposed.
The house, which is at least two hundred years old, is immensely: large.
It consists of two squares, considerably bigger than the two Quadrangles in Lincoln College.
I believe we were shown above thirty rooms, beside the hall, the chapels, and three galleries.
The pictures are innumerable ; I think, four times as many as in the Castle at Blenheim.
Into one of the galleries opens the King's bed-chamber, ornamented above all the rest.
The bed-curtains are cloth-of-gold; and so richly wrought, that it requires some strength to draw them.
The tables, the chairs, the frames of the looking-glasses, are all plated over with silver.
The tapestry, representing the whole history of Nebuchadnezzar, is as fresh as if newly woven.
But the bed-curtains are exceeding dirty, and look more like copper than gold.
The silver on the tables, chairs, and glass, looks as dull as lead.
And, to complete all, King Nebuchadnezzar among the beasts, together with his eagle's claws, has a large crown upon his head, and is clothed in scarlet and gold.
Mon. 23.—I visited, for a few days, the societies in Northamptonshire.
Monday, 30. I went to High-Wycomb, where the new preaching-house was well filled in the evening.
Tuesday, 31. We had such a congregation at noon in Oxford as I never saw there before ; and, what I regarded more than their number, was their seriousness: Even the young gentlemen behaved well; nor could I observe one smiling countenance, although I closely applied these words, "I am not. ashamed of the Gospel of Christ."
Sun. November 5.—I preached at the new chapel, on Luke ix. 55: " Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of ;" and showed, that, supposing the Papists to be heretics, schismatics, wicked men, enemies to us, and to our Church and nation ; yet we ought not to persecute, to kill, hurt, or grieve them, but barely to prevent their doing hurt.
In the ensuing week I finished visiting the classes, and had VOL. Ly.
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[Dec. 1780. the satisfaction to find that the society isconsiderably increased, both in number and strength, since the Conference.
Mon. 20.—I went on to Chatham, and finding the society groaning under a large debt, advised them to openaweekly subscription. The same advice I gave to the society at Sheerness.
This advice they all cheerfully followed, and with good effect.
On Friday, 24, we agreed to follow the same example at London ; and in one year we paid off one thousand four hundred pounds.
Mon. 27.—I went to Bedford, and preached in the evening.
Tuesday, 28. I preached at St. Neot's.
Wednesday, 29. At ten I preached in Godmanchester; and about six in the new House at Huntingdon. I have seldom seen a new congregation behave with such seriousness. Thursday, 30. I came to Luton, and found that child of sorrow and pain, Mrs. Cole, was gone to rest. For many years she had not known an hout's ease ; but she died in full, joyous peace. And how little does she regret all that is past, now the days of her mourning are ended !
Mon. DucemBer 4.—I visited the eastern societies in Kent, and on Friday returned to London.
Sunday, 10. I began veading and explaining to the society, the large Minutes of the Conference. I desire to do all things openly and above-board.
I would have all the world, and especially all of our society, see not only all the steps we take, butthe reasons why wetake them.
Sat. 16.—Having a second message from Lord George Gordon, earnestly desiring to see me, I wrote a line to Lord
Stormont, who, on Monday, 18, sent me a warrant to see him.
On Tuesday, 19, I spent an hour with him, at his apartment in the Tower.
Our conversation turned upon Popery and religion.
He seemed to be well acquainted with the Bible ; and had abundance of other books, enough to furnish a study.
I was agreeably surprised to find he did not complain of any person or thing; and cannot but hope, his confinement will take a right turn, and prove a lasting blessing to him.
Fri. 22.—At the desire of some of my friends, I accompanied them to the British Museum. What an immense field is here for curiosity to range in! One large room is filled from top to bottom with things brought from Otaheite ; two or three more with things dug out of the ruins of Herculaneum! Seven huge apartments are filled with curious books; five with manuscripts ; two with fossils of all sorts, and the rest with various
Jan. 1781.] JOURNAL.
animals.
But what account will a man give to the Judge of quick and dead for a life spent in collecting all these ?
Sun. 24,—Desiring to make the most of this solemn day, I preached early in the morning, at the new chapel; at ten and four I preached at West-Street ; and in the evening met the society. at each end of the town.
Fri. 29.—I saw the indictment of the grand Jury against Lord George Gordon.
I stood aghast!
What a shocking insult upon truth aud common sense! But it is the usual form.
The more is the shame.
Why will not the Parliament remove this scandal from our nation ?
Sat. 30.—Waking between one and two in the morning, I observed a bright light shine upon the chapel.
I easily concluded there was a fire near ; probably in the adjoining timberyard.
If so, I knew it would soon lay us in ashes. I first called all the family to prayer ; then going out, we found the fire about an hundred yards off, and had broke out while the wind was south. But a sailor cried out, " Avast! Avast! the wind is turned ina moment!" So it did to the west, while we were at prayer, and so drove the flame from us.
We then thankfully returned, and I rested well the residue of the night.
Sun. 31.—We renewed our covenant with God.
We had the largest company that I ever remember; perhaps two hundred more than we had last year.
And we had the greatest blessing. Several received either a sense of the pardoning love of God, or power to love him with all their heart.
Mon. January 1, 1781.—We began, as usual, the service at four, praising Him who, maugre all our enemies, had brought us safe to the beginning of another year.
Sun. 7.—Much of the power of God rested on the congregation, while I was declaring how "the Son of God was manifested, to destroy the works of the devil."
Sun. 14.—I preached at St. John's, Wapping.
Although the church was extremely crowded, yet there was not the least noise or disorder, while I besought them all, by the mercies of God, to present themselves a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God.
Thur. 18.—Hearing Mr. Holmes was extremely weak, I went down to Burling, and found him very near worn out, just tottering over the grave.
However, he would creep with me to the church, which was well filled, though the night
O 2
REV, J. WESLEY'S
[Feb. 1781. was exceeding dark.
I preached on, "Repent, and believe the Gospel." The congregation appeared to be quite stunned,
In the morning I returned to London.
Tucs. 23.—I went to Dorking, and buried the remains of Mrs. Attersal ; a lovely woman, snatched away in the bloom of youth. I trust it will be a blessing to many, and to her husband in particular.
Thur. 25.—I spent an agreeable hour at a concert of my nephews.
But I was a little out of my element among Lords and Ladies.
TI love plain music and plain company best.
Mon. Fusruary 12.—I went to Norwich.
The House was extremely crowded in the evening, and the whole congregation appeared to be wounded; consequently, many attended in the morning. Tuesday, 13. I was desired to preach that evening, on, " Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling ; for it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."
Even the Calvinists were satisfied for the present ; and readily acknowledged that we did not ascribe our salvation to our own works, but to the grace of God.
Wed. 14,—To awaken, if possible, the careless ones at Loddon, at two in the afternoon, I opened and enforced those awful words, " Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
In the evening, I applied those gracious words, "All things are ready; come unto the marriage."
After spending Thursday and Friday with the affectionate people at Lowestoft, on Saturday I returned to Norwich.
Here I found about fifty missing out of the two hundred and sixteen whom I left in the society a year ago. Such fickleness
I have not found any where else in the kingdom ; no, nor even in Ireland.
Sun. 18.—The chapel was full enough, both in the afternoon and the evening.
I declared to them the whole counsel of God, and on Monday returned to London.
Wednesday, 21, being the National Fast, I preached in the new chapel in themorning, and at West-Street in theafternoon.
At this, as well as the two last Public Fasts, all places of public worship were crowded: All shops were shut up; all was quiet in the streets, and seriousness seemed to spread through the whole city.
And one may hope even this outward acknowledgment of God is in a measure acceptable to him.
Sun. 25,—My brother, Mr. Richardson, and Mr. Bucking...
March, 1781.} JOURNAL
ham being ill, I went through the Service at Spitalfields alone.
The congregation was much larger than usual; but my strength was as my day, both here, the new chapel, and afterwards at St. Antholin's church: The Seryice lasted till near nine; but I was no more tired than at nine in the morning.
Fri. Marcu 2.—We had our General Quarterly Meeting, and found the money subscribed this year for the payment of the public debt was between fourteen and fifteen hundred pounds.
Sun. 4.—At eight in the evening I took coach for Bristol, with Mr. Rankin and two other friends.
We drove with two horses as far as Reading.
Two more were then added, with a postilion, who knowing little of his business, instead of going forward, turned quite round on a sloping ground, so that we expected the coach to overturn cvery moment.
So it must have done, but that the coachman instantly leaped off, and with some other men held it up, till we got out at the oppcsite door.
The coach was then soon set right, and we went on without let or hinderauce.
After spending two or three days at Bath, on Thursday, 8, I went forward to Bristol.
On Monday, 12, and the following days, I visited the society; but was surprised to find no greater increase, considering what Preachers they had had.
Sun. 18.—I preached morning and evening at the Room; in the afternoon at Temple church.
The congregation here is remarkably well-behaved; indeed so are the parishioners in general. And no wonder, since they have had such a succession of Rectors as few parishes in England have had. The present incumbent truly fears God. So did his predecessor, Mr. Catcott, who was indeed as eminent for piety as most Clergymen in England.
He succeeded his father, a man of the same spirit, who I suppose succeeded Mr. Arthur Bedford ; a person greatly esteemed, fifty or sixty years ago, for piety as well as learning.
Mon. 19.—For several years the severe weather has begun the very day I set out from Bristol. But the mild weather now continued seven or eight days longer.
This evening I preached at Stroud; Tuesday, 20, at Stroud, Gloucester, Tewkesbury, and Worcester.
Wednesday, 21.
At noon I preached in Bewdley; and at Worcester in the evening.
Thursday, 22.
I preached in Bengeworth church, and had some conversation with that amiable man, Mr. B. I preached in the evening at Pebworth church, on those words in the Lesson, " Godliness with contentment is great gain."
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[March, 1781.
Sat. 24.—I was invited to preach at Quinton, five miles from Birmingham.
I preached there at noon in the open air, to a serious and attentive congregation.
Some of them appeared to be very deeply affected.
Who knows but it may continue?
In the evening I had another comfortable opportunity with our friends at Birmingham.
Sun.
25.—I preached at Birmingham, Dudley, and Wednesbury.
Monday, 26.
I preached at noon in Mr.
Barker's large parlour, at Congreve, near Penkridge.
Many stood in the next room, and many in the garden, near the windows: And I believe all could hear.
JI brought strange things to the ears of those that had been used to softer doctrines.
And I believe not in vain.
They seemed to receive the truth in the love thereof.
In the evening I preached at Newcastle-under-Lyne.
Mr.
Scott and two or three of his Preachers were present.
They have lately begun to preach both here and at Burslem.
If they would go and break up fresh ground, we should rejoice ; but we cannot commend them for breaking in upon our labours, after we have borne the burden and heat of the day.
Tues. 27.—I went a little out of my way in order to open the new preaching-house at Shrewsbury.
I did not so much wonder at the largeness, as at the seriousness, of the congregation.
So still and deeply attentive a congregation I did not expect to see here.
How apt are we to forget that important truth, that "all things are possible with God!"
Wed. 28.—I returned to Burslem.
How is the whole face of this country changed in about twenty years!
Since the potteries were introduced, inhabitants have continually flowed in from every side.
Hence the wilderness is literally become a fruitful field.
Houses, villages, towns have sprung up.
And the country is not more improved than the people.
The word of God has had free course among them.
Sinners are daily awakened and converted to God; and believers grow in the knowledge of Christ.
In the evening the House was filled with people, and with the presence of God.
This constrained me to extend the service a good deal longer than IT am accustomed to do.
Likewise at the meeting of the society, many were filled with strong consolation.
After preaching at Congleton, Macclesfield, and Stockport, in my way, on Friday, 30, I opened the new chapel at Manchester, about the size of that in London.
The whole
April, 1781.] JOURNAL.
congregation behaved with the utmost seriousness.
I trust much good will be done in this place.
Sun. Aprit 1.—I began reading Prayers at ten o'clock.
Our country friends flocked in from all sides.
At the Communion was such a sight as I am persuaded was never seen at Manchester before:
Eleven or twelve hundred communicants at once; and all of them fearing God.
Tues. 3.—1 took a solemn leave of our affectionate friends here, and went on to Bolton.
The society here are truc, original Methodists.
They are not conformed to the world, either in its maxims, its spirit, or its fashions; but are simple followers of the Lamb: Consequently they increase both in grace and number.
Wed. 4.—I went over to Wigan, and preached a funeral sermon for Betty Brown, one of the first members of this society ; one of whom, John Laylaud, gave me the following artless account of her:—"She met with us in a class about twenty years, even to the Sunday before her death, which was on Friday, March 2. Going to market that day in good health, she returned (as she often did) without her husband, ate her supper, and went to bed. About midnight, he came, and found her body; but the spirit was fled!
Her love for God, for his cause, and for her brethren and sisters, was truly remarkable.
So was her pity for backsliders.
At home and abroad she was continually intent on one thing.
We cannot forget her tears and prayers, which we doubt not the Lord hath heard.
"A little before her death, sitting with my sisters, she seemed in deep thought, and broke out , 'I will go to God!'
One of them being surprised, said, ' Pray, Betty, what do you mean?'
She only replied, 'I will go to God.'
So that, if I think right, she was the beloved of God, the delight of his children, a dread to wicked men, and a torment to devils."
Thur. 5.—I went to Chester.
The House was well filled with deeply attentive hearers. I perceived God had exceedingly blessed the labours of Jonathan Hern and William Boothby.
The congregations were much larger than they used to be.
The society was increased; and they were not only agreed among themselves, but in peace with all round about them.
Fri. 6.—1 went to Alpraham, and preached the funeral sermon of good old sister Cawley.
She has been indeed a mother in Israel; a pattern of all good works.
Saturday, 7.
At noon, I preached at Preston-on-the-Hill; and in the
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[April, 1781. evening at Warrington.
Sunday, 8. The service was at the usual hours.
I came just in time to put a stop to a bad custom, which was creeping in here: A few men, who had fine voices, sang a Psalm which no one knew, in a tune fit for an opera, wherein three, four, or five persons, sung different words at the same time!
What an insult upon common sense!
What a burlesque upon public worship!
No custom can excuse such a mixture of profaneness and absurdity.
Mon. 9.—Desiring to be in Ireland as soon as possible, I hastened to Liverpool, and found a ship ready to sail; but the wind was contrary, till on Thursday morning, the Captain came in haste, and told us, the wind was come quite fair.
So Mr. Floyd, Snowden, Joseph Bradford, and I, with two of our sisters, went on board.
But scarce were we out at sea, when the wind turned quite foul, and rose higher and higher.
In an hour I was so affected, as I had not been for forty years before.
For two days I could not swallow the quantity of a pea of any thing solid, and very little of any liquid.
I was bruised and sore from head to foot, and ill able to turn me on the bed.
All Friday, the storm increasing, the sea of consequence was rougher and rougher.
Early on Saturday morning, the hatches were closed, which, together with the violent motion, made our horses so turbulent, that I was afraid we must have killed them, lest they should damage the ship.
Mrs. S. now crept to me, threw her arms over me, and said, "O Sir, we will die together!"
We had by this time three feet water in the hold, though it was an exceeding light vessel.
Meantime we were furiously driving on a lee-shore j and when the Captain cried, "Helm a lee," she would not obey the helm. I called our brethren to prayers; and we found free access to the throne of grace.
Soon after we got, I know not how, into Holyhead harbour, after being sufficiently buffeted by the winds and waves, for two days and two nights.
The more I considered, the more I was convinced, it was not the will of God I should go to Ireland at this time.
So we went into the stage-coach without delay, and the next evening came to Chester.
I now considered in what place I could spend a few days to the greatest advantage.
I soon thought of the Isle of Man, and those parts of Wales which I could not well see in my ordinary course.
I judged it would be best to begin with the latter.
So, after a day or two's rest, on Wednesday, 18, I
April, 1781.] JOURNAL.
set out for Brecon, purposing to take Whitchurch (where I had not been for many years) and Shrewsbury in my way. At noon I preached in Whitchurch, to a numerous and very serious audience; in the evening at Shrewsbury; where, seeing the earnestness of the people, I agreed to stay another day.
Here I read over Sir Richard Hill's Letter to Mr. Madan, on his Defence of Polygamy. I think it is home to the point; and wish always to write (if I must write controversy) in just such a spirit.
Not knowing the best way from hence to Brecon, I thought well to go round by Worcester.
I took Broseley in my way, and thereby had a view of the iron bridge over the Severn:
I suppose the first and the only one in Europe.
It will not soon be imitated.
In the evening I preached at Broseley; and on Saturday, 21, went on to Worcester.
I found one of our Preachers, Joseph Cole, there ; but unable to preach through his ague.
So that I could not have come more opportunely.
Sunday, 22. I preached at seven in our own Room.
At three the Service began at St. Andrew's.
As no notice had been given of my preaching there, only as we walked along the street, it was supposed the congregation would be small; but it was far otherwise.
High and low, rich and poor, flocked together from all parts of the city; and truly God spoke in his word ; so that I believe most of them were almost persuaded to be Christians.
Were it only for this hour alone, the pains of coming to Worcester would have been well bestowed.
Mon. 23.—Being informed it was fifty miles to Brecknock, we set out early : But, on trial, we found they were computed miles. However, taking fresh horses at the Hay, I just reached it in time, finding a large company waiting.
Wednesday, 25.
I set out for Carmarthen.
But Joseph Bradford was so ill, that, after going six miles, I left him at a friend's house, and went only myself.
I came in good time to Carmarthen, and enforced those solemn words on a serious congregation, " Now he commandeth all men everywhere to repent."
Thur. 26.—I went on to Pembroke, and in the evening preached in the Town-Hall.
Friday, 27. I preached at Jefferson, seven miles from Pembroke, to a large congregation of honest colliers. In the evening I preached in Pembroke TownHall again, to an elegant congregation ; and afterwards met the
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[May, 1781. society, reduced to a fourth part of its ancient number.
But as they are now all in peace and love with each other, I trust they will increase again.
Saturday, 28. We had, in the evening, the most solemn opportunity which I have had since we came into Wales: And the society seemed all alive, and resolved to be altogether Christians.
Sun. 29.—At seven I preached in the Room, on, " Lazarus, come forth;" and about ten, began at St. Daniel's.
The church was filled as usual ; and the Second Lesson gave me a suitable text, '"' Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian."
I applied the words as closely as possible; and I doubt not, some were more than almost persuaded.
In the evening I preached at Haverfordwest, to the liveliest congregation I have seen in Wales.
Mon. 30.—I met about fifty children; such a company as I have not seen for many years.
Miss Warren loves them, and they love her.
She has taken true pains with them, and her labour has not been in vain.
Several of them are much awakened; and the behaviour of all is so composed, that they are a pattern to the whole congregation.
Tues. May 1.—I rode to St. David's, seventeen measured miles from Haverford.
I was surprised to find all the land, for the last nine or ten miles, so fruitful and well cultivated. What a difference is there between the westernmost parts of England, and the westernmost parts of Wales! The former (the west of Cornwall) so barren and wild; the latter, so fruitful and well improved.
But the town itself is a melancholy spectacle.
I saw but one tolerable good house in it. The rest were miserable huts indeed.
I do not remember so mean a town even in Ireland.
The cathedral has been a large and stately fabric, far superior to any other in Wales.
But agreat part of it is fallen down already ; and the rest is hastening into ruin: One blessed fruit (among many) of Bishops residing at a distance from their
See. Here arethe tombs and effigies of many ancient worthies:
Owen Tudor in particular.
But the zealous Cromwellians broke off their noses, hands, and feet; and defaced them as much as possible.
But what had the Tudors done to them?
Why, they were progenitors of Kings.
Thur. 3.—About ten I preached at Spittal, a large village about six miles from Haverford. Thence we went to Tracoon, and spent a few hours in that lovely retirement, buried from all
May, 1781.] JOURNAL.
the world, in the depth of woods and mountains.
Friday, 4.
About eleven I preached in Newport church, and again at four in the evening.
Saturday, 5. I returned to Haverford.
Sun. 6.—I preached in St. Thomas's church, on, "We preach Christ crucified."
It was a stumbling-block to some of the hearers.
So the Scripture is fulfilled.
But I had amends when I met the society in the evening.
Mon. 7.—About ten I preached near the market-place in Nerbeth, a large town ten miles east from Haverford.
Abundance of people flocked together.
And they were all still as night.
In the evening I preached to an equally attentive congregation at Carmarthen.
Tues. 8.—I had a large congregation at Llanelly and at Swansea. Some months since, there were abundance of hearers at Neath: But, on a sudden, one lying tongue set the society on fire, till almost half of them were scattered away.
But as all, offended, or not offended, were at the Town-Hall, I took the opportunity of strongly enforcing the Apostle's words,
"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil-speaking, be put away from you, with all malice."
I believe God sealed his word on many hearts; and we shall have better days at Neath.
About three I preached in the church near Bridge-End, and at six in the Town-Hall at Cowbridge.
Thursday, 10. I preached in our Room about ten, on, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ."
May God deliver us from this evil disease, which eats out all the heart of religion!
In the evening I preached in the Town-Hall, at Cardiff: But the congregation was almost wholly new.
The far greater part of the old society, Ann Jenkins, Thomas Glascot, Arthur Price, Jane Haswell, Nancy Newell, and a long train, are gone hence, and are no more seen.
And how few are followers of them, as they were of Christ !
Mon. 14.—Before I reached Monmouth, one met and informed me, that Mr. C., a Justice of the Peace, one of the greatest men in the town, desired I would take a bed at his house.
Of consequence, all the rabble of the town were as quiet as lambs; and we had a comfortable opportunity both night and morning.
Surely this is the Lord's doing!
Tues. 15.—We went through miserable roads to Worcester.
Wednesday, 16. About ten I preached in the large meeting