from Fakenham, where also Miss Franklin had opened a door,
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[Oct. 1781.
Sun. 7.—I took my leave of the congregation in the new Square, in a calm, delightful evening. Monday, 8. I preached at the Devizes about eleven ; at Sarum in the eveniug,
Tues. 9.—I preached at Winchester, where I went with great expectation to see that celebrated painting in the cathedral, the raising of Lazarus.
But I was disappointed.
I observed, 1. There was such a huddle of figures, that, had I not been told, I should not ever have guessed what they meant.
2. 'The colours in general were far too glaring, such as neither Christ nor his followers ever wore.
When will painters have common sense ?
Wed. 10.—I opened the new preaching-house just finished at Newport in the Isle of Wight. After preaching, I explained the nature of a Methodist society; of which few had before the least conception.
Friday, 12. I came to London, and was informed that my wife died on Monday.
This evening she was buried, though I was not informed of it till a day or two after.
Mon. 15.—I set out for Oxfordshire, and spent five days with much satisfaction among the societies.
I found no offences among them at all, but they appeared to walk in love.
On Friday, 19, I returned to London.
Sun, 21.—Ahout ten at night we set out for Norwich, and came thither about noon on Monday.
Finding the people loving and peaceable, I spent a day or two with much satisfaction; and on Wednesday, went on to Yarmouth.
There is a prospect of good here also, the two grand hinderers having taken themselves away.
At Lowestoft I found much life and much love.
On Friday I preached at Lodden, and on Saturday returned to Norwich.
Sun. 28.—I preached at Bear-Street toa large congregation, most of whom had never seen my face before. At half an hour after two, and at five, I preached to our usual congregation ; and the next morning commended them to the grace of God.
Mon. 29.—I went to Fakenham, and in the evening preached in the Room, built by Miss Franklin, now Mrs.
Parker. I believe most of the town were present.
Tuesday, 30. I went to Wells, a considerable Sea-port, tielve miles. from Fakenham, where also Miss Franklin had opened a door, by preaching abroad, though at the peril of her life. She was followed by a young woman of the town, with whom I talked
Dec. 1781.] JOURNAL.
largely, and found her very sensible, and much devoted to God.
From her I learnt that till the Methodists came, they had none but female Teachers in this country ; and that there were six of these within ten or twelve miles, all of whom were members of the Church of England.
I preached about ten in a small, neat preaching-house; and all but two or three were very attentive.
Here are a few who appear to be in great earnest.
And if so, they will surely increase.
At two in the afternoon I preached at Walsingham, a place famous for many generations.
Afterwards I walked over what is left of the famous Abbey, the east end of which is still standing.
We then went to the Friary; the cloisters and chapel whereof are almost entire.
Had there been a grain of virtue or public spirit in Henry the Eighth, these noble buildings need not have run to ruin.
Wed, 31.—I went to Lynn, and preached in the evening to a very genteel congregation. I spoke more strongly than Iam. accustomed to do, and hope they were not all sermon-proof.
Friday, Novemsr 2. I returned to London.
Mon. 5.—I began visiting the classes, and found a considerable increase in the society.
This I impute chiefly to a small company of young persons, who have kept a prayer-meeting at five every morning.
In the following week I visited most of the country societies, and found them increasing rather than decreasing.
Sunday, 18. I preached at St. J ohn's, Wapping; and God was present both to wound and heal.
Monday, 19.
Travelling all night, I breakfasted at Towcester, and preached there in the evening and the following morning.
Tuesday, 20, We had a pleasant walk to Whittlebury.
This is still the loveliest congregation, as well as the liveliest society, in the Circuit.
Thuraday, 22, We had a large congregation at Northampton.
On Friday I returned to London.
Mon. 26.—1 took a little tour through Sussex ; and Wednesday, 28, I preached at TunbridgeWells, in the large Presbyterian meeting-house, to awell-dressed audience, and yet deeply serious.
On Thursday I preached at Sevenoaks.
Friday, 30.
I went on to Shoreham, to see the venerable old man.
He is in his eighty-ninth year, and has nearly lost his sight: But he has not lost his understanding, nor even his memory ; and is full of faith and love.
On Saturday I returned to London.
Sunday, Decumsrr 2.—I preached at St. Swithin's church
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[Jan. 1782. in the evening.
About eight I took coach, and reached St.
Neot's in the morning. I preached in the evening to a larger congregation than I ever saw there before.
Tuesday, 4.
About nine I preached for the first time at Bugden, and in the evening at Huntingdon.
Wednesday, 5.
I was at Bedford.
On Thursday, 6, our House at Luton was thoroughly filled; and I believe the people felt as well as heard, those words, " Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.'
On Saturday I was in London.
Mon. 10.—I went to Canterbury, and preached in the evening on, " Casting all your care upon Him."
It was a word in season.
Tuesday, 11. Finding abundance of people troubled, as though England were on the brink of destruction,
I applied those comfortable words, "I will not destroy the city for ten's sake."
Wednesday, 12. I preached at Chatham, and the next day returned to London.
Friday, 21, we observed all over England as a day of fasting and prayer: And surely God will be entreated for a sinful nation!
Friday, 28. By reading in Thurloe's Memoirs the original papers of the treaty at Uxbridge, agnovi fatum Carthaginis!* JI saw it was then flatly impossible for the King to escape destruction. For the Parliament were resolved to accept no terms, unless he would, 1. Give up all his friends to beggary or death ; and, 2. Require all the three kingdoms to swear to the Solemn League and Covenant. He had no other choice.
Who then can blame him for breaking off that treaty?
Tuesday, January 1, 1782.—I began the service at four in West-Street chapel, and again atten. Inthe evening many of us at the new chapel rejoiced in God our Saviour.
Sun. 6.—A larger company than ever before met together to renew their covenant with God; and the dread of God, in an eminent degree, fell upon the whole congregation.
Mon. 14.—Being informed, that, through the ill conduct of the Preachers, things were in much disorder at Colchester, I went down, hoping to " strengthen the things which remained, that were ready to die." I found that part of the Class-Leaders were dead, and the rest had left the society ; the Bands were totally dissolved ; morning preaching was given up; and hardly any, except on Sunday, attended the evening preaching.
This evening, however, we had a very large congregation, to " I perceived at once the fate of the Monarchy,—Epir,
March, 1782.] JOURNAL.
whom I proclaimed "the terrors of the Lord."
I then told them, I would immediately restore the morning preaching:
And the next morning I suppose an hundred attended.
In the day-time I visited as many as I possibly could, in all quarters of the town.
I then inquired, who were proper and willing to meet in Band; and who were fittest for Leaders either of bands or classes.
The congregation this evening was larger than the last; and many again put their hands to the plough.
O may the Lord confirm the fresh desires he has given, that they may no more look back !
Fri. Marcu 1.—We had a very solemn and comfortable watch-night at West-Street.
Sunday, 3. I took coach, and the next evening had a watch-night at Bath.
Tuesday and Wednesday.
After meeting the classes, I visited as many as I could, chiefly of the sick and poor.
Thursday, 7. I preached about eleven at Keynsham, and in the evening at Bristol.
Friday, 8, and most of the following days, I visited Mr. C—n, just hovering between life and death.
What a blessing may this illness be!
On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, I visited the classes, and found a little increase.
Friday, 15. I opened the new House at Freatford.
In the afternoon I called at Mr. Henderson's, at Hannam, and spent some time with poor, disconsolate Louisa.
Such a sight, in the space of fourteen years, I never saw before!
Pale and wan, worn with sorrow, beaten with wind and rain, having been so long exposed to all weathers, with her hair rough and frizzled, and only a blanket wrapped round her, native beauty gleamed through all.
Her features were small and finely turned; her eyes had a peculiar sweetness; her arms and fingers were delicately shaped, and her voice soft and agreeable.
But her understanding was in ruins.
She appeared partly insane, partly silly and childish.
She would answer no question concerning herself, only that her name was Louisa.
She seemed to take no notice of any person or thing, and seldom spoke above a word or two at a time.
Mr. Henderson has restored her health, and she loves him much.
She is ina small room by herself, and wants nothing that is proper for her.
Some time since a gentleman called, who said he came two hundred miles on purpose to inquire after her.
When he saw her face, he trembled exceedingly ; but all he said was, " She was born in Germany, and is not now four-and-twenty years old"
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[March, 1782.
In the evening I preached at Kingswood School, and afterwards met the Bands.
The colliers spoke without any reserve.
I was greatly surprised: Not only,the matter of what they spoke was rational and scriptural, but the language, yea, and the manner, were exactly proper.
Who teacheth like Him?
Mon. 18.—I left our friends at Bristol with satisfaction ; having been much refreshed among them.
In the evening and the next day, I preached at Stroud; Wednesday, 20, at Gloucester, Tewkesbury, and Worcester.
Fri. 22.—About two in the morning we had such a storm as I neverremember. Before it began, our chamber-door clattered toand fro exceedingly: So it sounded to us; although, in fact, it did not meve at all.
I then distinctly heard the door open, and, having a light, rose and went to it; but it was fast shut.
Meantime the window was wide open: I shut it, and went to sleep again.
So deep a snow fell in the night, that we were afraid the roads would be impassable.
However, we set out in the afternoon, and made shift to get to Kidderminster.
We had a large congregation in the evening, though it was, intensely cold ; and another at seven in the morning, Saturday,
23; and all of them were deeply serious.
It was with a good deal of difficulty we got to Bridgenorth, much of the road heing blocked up with snow.
In the afternoon we had another kind of difficulty: The roads were so rough and so deep, that 'we were in danger, every now and then, of leaving our wheels behind us.
But, by adding two horses to my own, at length we got safe to Madeley.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher complained, that, after all the pains they had taken, they could not prevail on the people to join in society, no nor even to meet in a class.
Resolving to try, I preached to a crowded audience, on, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ."
I followed the blow in the afternoon, by strongly applying those words, " Awake, thou that sleepest ;" and then enforcing the necessity of Christian fellowship on all who desired either to awake or keep awake.
I then desired those that were willing to join together for this purpose, to call upon Mr. Fletcher and me after Service.
Ninety-four or ninety-five persons did so; about as many men as women.
We explained to them the nature of a Christian society, and they willingly joined therein.
Mon, 25.—I spent an agreeable hour at the Boarding-School in Sheriff-Hales.
I believe the Misses Yeomans are well
April, 1782.] JOURNAL.
qualified for their office.
Several of the children are under strong drawings.
We then went on to Newcastle-under-Lyne.
is the name of a little river which runs near the town.) Tuesday, 26. I found many at Burslem, too, under sad apprehensions of the public danger: So I applied to these also those comfortable words, "I will not destroy it for ten's sake."
Thur. 28.—Coming to Congleton, I found the Calvinists were just breaking in, and striving to make havoc of the flock.
Is this brotherly love?
Is this doing as we would be done to?
No more than robbing on the highway.
But if it is decreed, they cannot help it: So we cannot blame them.
Marcu 29.—(Being Good-Friday.) I came to Macclesfield just time enough to assist Mr. Simpson in the laborious service of the day.
I preached for him morning and afternoon; and we administered the sacrament to about thirteen hundred persons.
While we were administering, I heard a low, soft, solemn sound, just like that of an Aolian harp.
It continued five or six minutes, and so affected many, that they could not refrain from tears.
It then gradually died away.
Strange that no other organist (that I know) should think of this.
In the evening, I preached at our Room.
Here was that harmony which art cannot imitate.
Sat. 30.—As our friends at Leek, thirteen miles from Macclesfield, would take no denial, I went over, and preached about noon to a lovely congregation.
God bore witness to his word in an uncommon manner, so that I could not think much of my labour.
Marcu 31.—(Being Easter-Day.) I preached in the church, morning and evening, where we had about eight hundred communicants.
In the evening, we had a love-feast ; and such an one as I had not seen for many years.
Sixteen or eighteen persons gave a clear, scriptural testimony of being renewed in love.
And many others told what God had done for their souls, with inimitable simplicity.
Mon. Arvrit 1.—We set out in the morning for Chapel-enJe-Firth.
But such a journey I have seldom had, unless in the middle of January.
Wind, snow, and rain we had in abundance, and roads almost impassable.
However, at last we got to the town, and had a good walk from thence to the chapel, through the driving snow, about halfa mile.
But I soon forgot my labour, finding a large congregation that were all athirst for God.
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[April, 1782.
Tues. 2.—About ten I preached at New-Mills, to as simple a people as those at Chapel.
Perceiving they had suffered much by not having the doctrine of Perfection clearly explained, and strongly pressed upon them, I preached expressly on the head; and spoke to the same effect in meeting the society.
The spirits of many greatly revived; and they are now "going on unto perfection."
I found it needful to press the same thing at Stockport in the evening.
Thursday, 4. I preached at noon in the new preaching-house at Ashton, to as many as the House would hold.
The inscription over the door is, "Can any good come out of Nazareth?
Come and see."
In the evening I preached at Manchester.
Fri. 5.—About one I preached at Oldham; and was surprised to see all the street lined with little children; and such children as I never saw till now.
Before preaching they only ran round me and before me; but after it, a whole troop, boys and girls, closed me in, and would not be content till E shook each of them by the hand.
Being then asked to visit a dying woman, I no sooner entered the room, than both she and her companions were in such an emotion as I have seldom seen.
Some laughed; some cried; all were so transported, that they could hardly speak.
O how much better is it to go to the poor, than to the rich; and to the house of mourning, than to the house of feasting !
About this time I had a remarkable letter.
Part of it was as follows :— "Tue work of God prospers among us here: I never saw anything equal to it.
The last time I was at St. Just, the Leaders gave me an account of seventy persons who had found either pardon or perfect love, within the last fortnight :
And the night and morning I was there, twenty more were delivered.
One-and-twenty, likewise, were then added to the society ; most of whom have found pcace with God.
"CHRISTOPHER WatkINs."
Sat. 13.—I preached at St. Helen's, a small, but populous town, ten or twelve miles from Liverpool, in Joseph Harris's house; who is removed hither from Kingswood, to take care of the copper-works.
Surely God has brought him hither for good.
The people seem to be quite ripe for the Gospel.
I was waked at half-past two this morning, as was Mr. Broadbent also, by a very loud noise, like a vast crack of thunder,
April, 1782.] JOURNAL.
accompanied with aflashof bright light. It made the whole room shake, and all the tables and chairs therein jar.
But (what is strange) none in the house, or in the town, heard it, beside us.
Mon. 15.—I saw an uncommon sight,—the preaching-house at Wigan filled, yea, crowded!
Perhaps God will cause fruit to spring up even in this desolate place.
I had now leisure to transcribe a letter, wrote last May, from Amherst, in Nova-Scotia, by a young man whose father, some years since, went thither with his whole family :—
"In the year 1779, I saw, if I would go to heaven, I must lead a new life. But I did not know I wanted an inward change, or see the deplorable state I was in by nature, till I was at a prayer-meeting, held at Mr. Oxley's. While they were praying, my heart began to throb within me, my eyes gushed out with tears, and I cried aloud for mercy ; as did most that were in the room, about fourteen in number.
One, indeed, could not hold from laughing, when we began to cry out; but it was not long before he cried as loud as any.
In a few moments, it pleased God to fill Mrs. Oxley with joy unspeakable.
After this, we went, almost every night, to Mr. Oxley's, to sing and pray.
Going thence one night, and seeing the Northern Lights, I thought, 'What, if the Day of Judgment be coming?'
I threw myself down on the ground, and cried to the Lord for mercy.
On Sunday, Mr. Wells, an old Methodist, came to Amherst, and gave us an exhortation ; in which he said, ' Sin and repent, sin and repent, till you repent in the bottomless pit.'
The words went like a dagger to my heart; and I continued mourning after God for five weeks and four days, till our monthly meeting.
I was then strongly tempted to put an end to my life; but God enabled me to resist the temptation.
Two days after, an old Methodist, after praying with me, said, 'I think you will get the blessing before morning.'
About two hours after, while we were singing a hymn, it pleased God to reveal his Son in my heart.
Since that time, I have had many blessed days, and many happy nights.
"One Sunday night, after my brother Dicky and I were gone to bed, I asked him, 'Can you believe?'
He answered, 'No.'
I exhorted him to wrestle hard with God, and got up to pray with him.
But he was unbelieving still: So I went to sleep again.
Yet, not being satisfied, after talking largely to him, I got up again, and began praying for him; being fully
VOL. IV.
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[April, 1782. persuaded that God would set his soul at liberty.
And so he did: He pardoned all his sins, and bade him 'go in peace.'
"Tt being now between twelve and one, I waked my brothers, John and Thomas, and told them the glad tidings.
They got up.
We went to prayer; and when we rose from our knees, Tommy declared, 'God has blotted out all my sins.
I then went to my father and mother, (who were both seeking salvation,) and told them the joyful news.
My father said, ' Willy, pray for us.'
I did; and earnestly exhorted him to wrestle with God for himself.
So he did; and it was not long before God set his soul also at liberty. The next morning, it pleased Him to show my sister Sally his pardoning love.
Blessed be his name for all his benefits !
"Not long after, Mr. Oxley's son came to our house, and lay with me, and complained of his hardness of heart.
After I had talked with him a little while, the Lord laid his hand upon him in a wonderful manner, so that he rolled up and down, and roared as in the agonies of death.
But between one and two in the morning, he likewise could rejoice in God his Saviour.
These are a few of the wonderful works of God among us:
But he is also working on the hearts of the inhabitants in general.
Wittiam Brack, Jun."
Mon. 22.—I preached, about eleven, in Todmorden church, thoroughly filled with attentive hearers; in the afternoon, in Heptonstall church ; and at the Ewood in the evening.
Wednesday, 24, The flood, caused by the violent rains, shut me up at Longwood-House.
But on Thursday the rain turned to snow: So on Friday I got to Halifax; where Mr. Floyd lay in a high fever, almost dead for want of sleep.
This was prevented by the violent pain in one of his feet, which was much swelled, and so sore, it could not be touched.
We joined in prayer that God would fulfil his word, and give his beloved sleep.
Presently the swelling, the soreness, the pain, were gone; and he had a good night's rest.
Sat. 27.—As we rode to Keighley, the north-east wind was scarce supportable ; the frost being exceeding sharp, and all the mountains covered with snow.
Sunday, 28. Bingley church was hot, but the heat was very supportable, both in the morning and afternoon.
Monday, 29. I preached at Skipton-in-Craven, at Grassington, and at PateleyBridge.
Tuesday, 30. I found
May, 1782.]} JOURNAL.
Miss Ritchie, at Otley, still hovering between life and death.
Thursday, May 2. I met the select society; all but two retaining the pure love of God, which some of them received near thirty years ago.
On Saturday evening I preached to an earnest congregation at Yeadon.
The same congregation was present in the morning, together with an army of little children; full as numerous, and almost as loving, as those that surrounded us at Oldham.
Sun. 5.—One of my horses having been so thoroughly lamed at Otley, that he died in three or four days, I purchased another: But as it was his way to stand still when he pleased, I set out as soon as possible.
When we had gone three miles, the chaise stuck fast.
I walked for about a mile, and then borrowed a horse, which brought me to Birstal before the Prayers were ended.
I preached on those words in the Gospel, "Do ye now believe?" which gave me an opportunity of speaking strong words, both to believers and unbelievers.
In the evening I preached at Leeds, on St.
James's beautiful description of pure religion and undefiled :
visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."
Thur. 9.—I preached at Wakefield in the evening.
Such attention sat on every face, that it seemed as if every one in the congregation was on the brink of believing.
Friday, 10.
I preached at Sheffield ; Saturday, 11, about noon, at Doncaster ; and in the evening at Epworth. I found the accounts
I had received of the work of God here, were not at all exaggerated.
Here is a little country town, containing a little more than eight or nine hundred grown people; and there has been such a work among them, as we have not seen in so short a time either at Leeds, Bristol, or London.
Sun. 12.—About eight I preached at Misterton; about one at Overthorpe.
Many of the Epworth children were there, and their spirit spread to all around them.
But the huge congregation was in the market-place at Epworth, and the Lord in the midst of them.
The love-feast which followed exceeded all. I never knew such a one here before. As soon as one had done speaking, another began.
Several of them were children; but they spoke with the wisdom of the aged, though with the fire of youth.
So out of the mouth of babes and sucklings did God perfect praise.