29, reached Dunbar. The weather was exceeding rough and
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[June, 1782.
Mon. 13.—I preached at Thorne.
Never did I see such a congregution here before.
The flame of Epworth hath spread hither also: In seven weeks fifty persons have found peace with God.
Tues. 14,.—Some years ago four factories for spinning and weaving were set up at Epworth.
In these a large number of young women, and boys and girls, were employed.
The whole conversation of these was profane and loose to the last degree. But some of these stumbling in at the prayer-meeting were suddenly cut to the heart.
These never rested till they had gained their companions.
The whole scene was changed.
In three of the factories, no more lewdness or profaneness were found; for God had put a new song in their mouth, and blasphemies were turned to praise.
Those three I visited today, and found religion had taken deep root in them.
No trifling word was heard among them, and they watch over each other in love.
I found it exceeding good to be there, and we rejoiced together in the God of our salvation.
Wed. 15.—I set out for the other side of Lincolnshire.
Thursday, 16. I preached in the new house at Barrow.
I was well pleased to meet with my old fellow-traveller, Charles Delamotte, here.
He gave me an invitation to lodge at his house, which I willingly accepted of.
He seemed to be just the same as when we lodged together, five-and-forty years ago.
Only he complained of the infirmities of old age, which, through the mercy of God, I know nothing of.
Hence I went by Hull, Beverley, Bridlington ; and then hastened to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, where I preached on Sunday,
26.
Monday, 27. I set out for Scotland, and Wednesday, 29, reached Dunbar.
The weather was exceeding rough and stormy. Yet we had a large and serious congregation. Thursday, 30. Finding the grounds were so flooded, that the common roads were not passable, we provided a guide to lead usa few miles round, by which means we came safe to Edinburgh.
Fri. 31.—As I lodged with Lady Maxwell at SaughtonHall, (a good old mansion-house, three miles from Edinburgh,) she desired me to give a short discourse to a few of her poor neighbours.
I did so, at four in the afternoon, on the story of Dives and Lazarus.
About seven I preached in our House at Edinburgh, and fully delivered my own soul.
Saturday, June 1. I spent a little time with forty poor chil-
June, 1782. ] JOURNAL.
dren, whom Lady Maxwell keeps at school.
They are swiftly brought forward in reading and writing, and learn the principles of religion.
But I observe in them all the ambitiosa paupertas.* Be they ever so poor, they must have a scrap of finery.
Many of them have not a shoe to their foot: But the girl in rags is not without her ruffles.
Sun. 2.—Mr. Collins intended to have preached on the Castle-hill, at twelve o'clock: But the dull Minister kept us in the kirk till past one.
At six the House was well filled:
And I did not shun to declare the whole counsel of God.
I almost wonder at myself.
I seldom speak anywhere so roughly as in Scotland.
And yet most of the people hear and hear, and are just what they were before.
Mon. 3.—I went on to Dundee.
The congregation was large and attentive, as usual.
But I found no increase, either of the society, or of the work of God.
Tuesday, 4.
The House at Arbroath was well filled with serious and attentive hearers.
Only one or two pretty flutterers seemed inclined to laugh, if any would have encouraged them.
Wednesday, 5. We set out early, but did not reach Aberdeen till between five and six in the evening.
The congregations were large both morning and evening, and many of them much alive to God.
Friday, 7. We received a pleasing account of the work of God in the north.
The flame begins to kindle even at poor, dull Keith: But much more at a little town near Fraserburgh: And most of all at Newburgh, a small fishing town, fifteen miles from Aberdeen, where the society swiftly increases: And not only men and women, but a considerable number of children, are either rejoicing in God or panting after him.
Sat. 8.—I walked with a friend to Mr. Lesley's seat, less than a mile from the city.
It is one of the pleasantest places of the kind I ever saw, either in Britain or Ireland.
He has laid his gardens out on the side of a hill, which gives a fine prospect both of sea and Jend: And the variety is beyond what could be expected within so small a compass.
But still Vateat possessor oportet, Si comportatis rebus bene cogitat uti.
Unless a man have peace within, he can enjoy none of the things that are round about him.
# The love of finery among the poor.—EDIT.
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[June, 1782.
Sun. 9.—We had a lovely congregation in the morning, many of whom were athirst for full salvation.
In the evening God sent forth his Voice, yea, and that a mighty voice.
I think few. of the congregation were unmoved: And we never had a more solemn parting.
Afon. 10.—We went to Arbroath; T'wesday, 11, to Dundee; and Wednesday, 12, to Edinburgh.
We had such congregations both that evening and the next, as had not been on a week-day for many years: Some fruit of our labours here we have had already.
Perhaps this is a token that we shall have more.
Fri. 14.—We travelled through a pleasant country to Kelso, where we were cordially received by Dr. Douglas.
I spoke strong words in the evening, concerning judgment to come: And some seemed to awake out of sleep.
But how shall they keep awake, unless they " that fear the Lord speak often one to another?"
Sat. 15.—As I was coming down stairs, the carpet slipped from under my feet, which, I know not how, turned me round, and pitched me back, with my head foremost, for six or seven stairs.
It was impossible to recover myself till I came to the bottom.
My head rebounded once or twice, from the edge of the stone stairs.
But it felt to me exactly as if I had fallen on a cushion or a pillow.
Dr. Douglas ran out, sufficiently affrighted.
But he needed not.
For I rose as well as ever; having received no damage, but the loss of a little skin from one cr two of my fingers.
Doth not God give his angels charge over us, to keep us in all our ways?
In the evening, and on Sunday, 16, I preached at Alnwick.
Monday, 17. I preached at Rothbury in the Forest; formerly a nest of banditti; now as quiet a place as any in the county.
About one I preached at Saugh-House, a lone house, twelve miles from Rothbury.
Though it was sultry hot, the people flocked from all sides: And it was a season of refreshment to many.
In the evening I went to Hexham, and preached near the old Priory, to an immense multitude.
Very many were present again in the morning, and seemed to drink in every word that was spoken.
Tues. 18.—After preaching about one at Prudhoe, I went. to Newcastle.
Wednesday, 19, and the following days, I examined the
July, 1782. ] JOURNAL,
society.
I found them increased in grace, though not in number.
I think four in five, at least, were alive to God.
To quicken them more, I divided all the classes anew, according to their places of abode.
Another thing I observed, the congregations were larger, morning and evening, than any 1k have seen these twenty years.
Sun. 23.—I preached about eight at Gateshead-Fell; about noon at Burnup-Field; and at the Garth-Heads in the evening.
My strength was as my day.
I was no more tired at night, than when I rose in the morning.
Mon. 24.—I came to Darlington just im time; for a great stumbling-block had lately occurred.
But my coming gave the people a newer thing to talk of.
So I trust the new thing will soon be forgotten.
Wed. 26.—I preached at Thirsk; Thursday, 27, at York.
Friday, 28. I entered into my eightieth year; but, blessed be God, my time is not "labour and sorrow."
I find no more pain or bodily infirmities than at five-and-twenty.
This I still impute, 1. To the power of God, fitting me for what he calls me to.
2. To my still travelling four or five thousand miles a year.
8. To my sleeping, night or day, whenever I want it.
4. To my rising at a set hour.
And, 5. To my constant preaching, particularly in the morning.
Saturday, 29. 1 wént on to Leeds, and, after preaching, met the select society, consisting of about sixty members ; most of whom can testify, that "the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin."
Mon. Juuy 1.—Coming to Sheffield, just at the time of the Quarterly Meeting, I preached on Acts ix. 31: "Then had the churches rest , and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied."
This is eminently fulfilled i all these parts ; at Sheffield in particular.
Tues. 2.—I found a serious, as well as a numerous, congregation at Nottingham.
Thursday, 4, I preached at Derby. I trust the work of God will now prosper here also.
All the jars of our brethren are at an end, and they strive together for the hope of the Gospel.
Sat. 6.—I came to Birmingham, and preached once more in the old dreary preaching-house.
Sun. 7.—I opened the new House at eight, and it contained the people well: But not in the evening; many were then
REV. J. WESLEY'S
(July, 1782. constrained to go away.
In the middle of the sermon, a huge noise was heard, caused by the breaking of a bench on which some people stood.
None of them was hurt; yet it occasioned a general panic at first: But in a few minutes all was quiet.
Wed. 10.—I read Prayers and preached in the church at Darlaston, and in the evening returned to Birmingham.
Friday, 12. I walked through Mr. Bolton's curious works.
He has carried every thing which he takes in hand toa high degree of perfection, and employs in the house about five hundred men, women, and children. His gardens, running along the side of a hill, are delightful indeed ; having a large piece of water at the bottom, in which are two well-wooded islands. If faith and love dwell here, then there may be happiness too. Otherwise all these beautiful things are as unsatisfactory as straws and feathers,
Sat. 13.—I spent an hour in Hagley-Park; I suppose inferior to few, if any, in England.
But we were straitened for time.
To take a proper view of it, would require five or six hours.
Afterwards I went to the Leasowes, a farm so called, four or five miles from Hagley.
I never was so surprised.
I have seen nothing in all England to be compared with it.
It is beautiful and elegant all over.
There is nothing grand, nothing costly ; no temples, so called ; no statues ; (except two or three, which had better have bcen spared;) but such walks, such shades, such hills and dales, such lawns, such artless cascades, such waving woods, with water intermixed, as exceed all imagination!
On the upper side, from the openings of a shady walk, is a most beautiful and extensive prospect.
And all this is comprised in the compass of three miles!
I doubt if it be exceeded by any thing in Europe.
The father of Mr. Shenstone was a gentleman-farmer, who bred him at the University, and left him a small estate.
This he wholly laid out in improving the Leasowes, living in hopes of great preferment, grounded on the promises of many rich and great friends.
But nothing was performed, till he died at forty-eight; probably of a broken heart !
Sun. 14.—I heard a sermon in the old church, at Birmingham, which the Preacher uttered with great vehemence against these "hairbrained, itinerant enthusiasts."
But he totally missed his mark; having not the least conception of the persons whom he undertook to describe.
Mon. 15.—Leaving Birmingham early in the morning, I
Aug. 1782.] JOURNAL.
preached at nine in a large school-room at Coventry.
About noon I preached to a multitude of people, in the brick-yard, at Bedworth.
A few of them seemed to be much affected.
In the evening I preached at Hinckley, one of the civilest towns I have seen.
Wed. 17.—I went on to Leicester ; Thursday, 18, to Northampton ; and Friday, 19, to Hinxworth, in Hertfordshire.
Adjoining to Miss Harvey's house is a pleasant garden; and she has made a shady walk round the neighbouring meadows.
How gladly could I repose awhile here!
But repose is not for me in this world.
In the evening many of the villagers flocked together, so that her great hall was well filled.
I would fain hope, some of them received the seed in good ground, and will bring forth fruit with patience.
Sat. 20.—We reached London.
All the following week the congregations were uncommonly large.
Wednesday, 24.
My brother and I paid our last visit to Lewisham, and spent a few pensive hours with the relict of our good friend, Mr.
Blackwell.
We took one more walk round the garden and meadow, which he took so much pains to improve.
Upwards of forty years this has been my place of retirement, when I could spare two or three days from London.
In that time, first Mrs. Sparrow went to rest; then Mrs. Dewall; then good Mrs. Blackwell; now Mr. Blackwell himself.
Who can tell how soon we may follow them ?
Mon. 29.—I preached at West-Street, on the ministry of angels ; and many were greatly refreshed in considering the office of those spirits that continually attend on the heirs of salvation.
Friday, Aveust 2, we observed as a day of fasting and prayer for a blessing on the ensuing Conference; and I believe God clothed his word with power in an uncommon manner throughout the week; so that, were it only on this account, the Preachers, who came from all parts, found their labour was not in vain.
Tues. 13.—Being obliged to leave London a little sooner than I intended, I concluded the Conference to-day; and desired all our brethren to observe it as a day of solemn thanksgiving. At three in the afternoon I took coach. About one on Wednesday morning we were informed that three highwaymen were on the road before us, and had robbed all the
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[Aug. 1782. coaches that had passed, some of them within an hour or two.
I felt no uneasiness on the account, knowing that God would take care of us.
And he did so; for, before we came to the spot, all the highwaymen were taken ; so we went on unmolested, and early in the afternoon came safe to Bristol.
Thur. 15.—I set out for the west ; preached at Taunton in the evening; Friday noon, at Collumpton; and in the evening, at Exeter.
Here poor Hugh Saunderson has pitched his standard, and declared open war.
Part of the society have joined him; the rest go on their way quietly, to make their calling and election sure.
Sun. 18.—I was much pleased with the decent behaviour of the whole congregation at the cathedral; as also with the solemn music at the post-communion, one of the finest compositions I ever heard.
The Bishop inviting me to dinner, I could not but observe, 1. The lovely situation of the palace, covered with trees, and as rural and retired as if it was quite in the country.
2. The plainness of the furniture, not costly or showy, but just fit for a Christian Bishop.
3. The dinner, sufficient, but not redundant ; plain and good, but not delieate.
4. The propriety of the company,—five Clergymen and four of the Aldermen; and, 5. The genuine, unaffected courtesy of the Bishop, who, I hope, will be a blessing to his whole diocese.
We set out early in the morning, Monday, 19, and in the afternoon came to Plymouth.
I preached in the evening, and at five and twelve on T'wesday, purposing to preach in the Square at the Dock in the evening; but the rain prevented,
However, I did so on Wednesday evening. A little before I concluded, the Commanding Officer came into the Square with his regiment ; but he immediately stopped the drums, and drew up all his men in order on the high side of the Square.
They were all still as night; nor did any of them stir, till I had pronounced the blessing.
Thur. 22.—I preached at St. Austle ; Friday, 23, at Truro, and in the street at Helstone.
Saturday, 24. I preached in Marazion, at eleven; in the evening, at Penzance.
Sun. 25.—We prayed that God would " stay the bottles of heaven ;" and he heard our prayer.
I preached at Mousehole. about nine, to a large congregation; toa larger at Buryan,. about two: But that at St. Just in the evening exceeded both
Sept. 1782.] JOURNAL.
of them put together.
After visiting the other societies, I came to Redruth on Saturday, 31.
I preached there in the evening, and at noon on Sunday, Sertemser 1.
Afterwards I expounded the Parable of the Sower at Gwennap, to how many thousands I know not.
But all (I was informed) could hear distinctly.
"This is the Lord's doing."
Mon. 2.—I went on to Port-Isaac.
Tuesday, 3. I preached in the street at Camelford.
Being informed here, that my old friend, Mr. Thompson, Rector of St. Gennis, was near death, and had expressed a particular desire to see me, I judged no time was to be lost.
So, borrowing the best horse I could find, I set out, and rode as fast as I could.
On the way, uf met with a white-headed old man, who caught me by the hand, and said, "Sir, do you not know me?"
I answered, "No."
He said, "My father, my father!
I am poor John Trembath."
I desired him to speak to me in the evening at Launceston; which he did.
He was for some time reduced to extreme poverty, so as to hedge and ditch for bread ; but in his distress he cried to God, who sent him an answer of peace.
He likewise enabled him to cure a gentleman that was desperately ill, and afterward several others; so that he grew into reputation, and gained a competent livelihood.
now," said he, "I want for nothing; I am happier than ever I was in my life."
I found Mr. Thompson just alive, but quite sensible.
It seemed to me as if none in the house but himself was very glad to see me.
He had many doubts concerning his final state, and rather feared, than desired, to die; so that my whole business was to comfort him, and to increase and confirm his confidence in God.
He desired me to administer the Lord's Supper, which I willingly did ; and I left him much happier than I found him, calmly waiting till his change should come.
NEWINGTON,
January 19, 1786.
AN EXTRACT
OF THE
REV. MR. JOHN WESLEY'S JOURNAL
FROM SEPTEMBER 4, 1782, TO JUNE 28, 1786.
NUMBER Xx,
JOURNAL
FROM SEPTEMBER 4, 1782, TO JUNE 28, 1786.
Wednesday, Sertemper
4, 1782.—I
preached in the market-house at Tiverton; Thursday, 5, at Halberton, Taunton, and South-Brent.
Friday, 6. About ten I preached at Shipham, a little town on the side of Mendiff, almost wholly inhabited by miners, who dig up lapis calaminaris.
I was surprised to see such a congregation at so short a warning; and their deep and serious attention seemed to be a presage, that some of them will profit by what they hear.
In the afternoon we went on to Bristol.
Sun. 8.—My brother read Prayers, and I preached to a very uncommon congregation.
But a far more numerous one met near King's Square in the evening, on whom I strongly enforced, "Ye cannot serve God and mammon."
Permit me to observe here, how you may distinguish a genuine small Field's Bible from a spurious one: The genuine reads here,
"Ye can serve God and mammon."
In the spurious, the "not" is supplied.
Mon. 9.—About nine I preached at Paulton, where the flame is abated, but not quenched. The same is the case at SheptonMallet, where I preached in the evening.
T'uesday, 10. I went on to the simple-hearted colliers, at Coleford, abundance of whom met at six in the evening, in a green meadow, which was delightfully gilded by the rays of the setting sun.
Wednesday, 11. I preached to a large and serious congregation at the end of the preaching-house at Frome.
After preaching at Roade, Pensford, Trowbridge, and Freshford, on Friday, 18,1 preached at Bath.
Sunday, 15.
I had a far greater number of communicants than usual.
Both at this time, and in the afternoon and the evening service, we had no common blessing.
On Monday and Tuesday I preached at Chew-Magna, at Sutton, Stoke, and Clutton: In my way thither, I saw a famous monument of antiquity, at Stanton-Drew; supposed
REV, J. WESLEY'S
[Oct. 1782. to have remained there between two and three thousand vears.
It was undoubtedly a Druid's temple, consisting of a smaller and a larger circle of huge stones set on end, one would think by some power more than human.
Indeed, such stones have been used for divine worship, nearly, if not quite, from the time of the flood.
On the following days I preached at many other little places.
Sun. 22.—-After the service at Bristol, I hastened to Kingswood, and preached a funeral sermon on Jenny Hall; a lovely young woman, who died in full triumph, and desired a sermon might be preached on Rev. vii. 18, and following verses.
On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, I visited the classes ; and was concerned to find, that, for these two last years, the society has been continually decreasing.
Thursday, 26, and the following days, I visited the rest of the country societies.
For a day or two I was not well, but I went on with my work till Sunday, when I preached morning and evening at the new Room, and in the afternoon in Temple church.
Tues. OctoBeR 1.—I read among the letters, in the evening, the striking account of Robert Roe's death; a burning and a shining light while alive, but early numbered with the dead.
Saturday, 5. I visited several that are yet in the body, but longing to depart and to be with Christ.
But many have this year stepped before them.
For forty years I do not know that so many have, in the space of one year, been removed to Abraham's bosom.
Sun. 6.—I preached in Temple church, between our own morning and evening service; and I now found how to speak here, so as to be heard by every one: Direct your voice to the middle of the pillar fronting the pulpit.
Mon. 7.—I left Bristol with much satisfaction, firmly belieying that God will revive his work there.
I preached at the Devizes about eleven; and in the evening at Sarum; Jwesday, 8, at Winchester, and at Portsmouth-Common.
Wed. nesday, 9. We took a wherry for the Isle of Wight.
There was sea enough, which now and then washed over our boat.
However, in about an hour we landed safe, and walked on to Newport.
This place seems now ripe for the Gospel: Opposition is at an end.
Only let our Preachers be men of faith and love, and they will see the fruit of their labours.
Fri. 11.—I returned to Portsmouth; took chaise at two the next morning, and in the afternoon came to London.
Oct. 1782.] JOURNAL,
Mon. 14.—I went to Wallingford. The House was filled in the evening with much-affected hearers.
Shall all our labour here be in vain?
Lord, thou knowest !
Tues. 15.—About noon I preached at Oxford. I have seen no such prospect here for many years.
The congregation was large and still as night, although many gentlemen were among them, The next evening the House would not contain the congregation; yet all were quiet, even those that could not come in: And I believe God not only opened their understandings, but began a good work in some of their hearts.
Wed. 16.—I preached at Witney, one of the liveliest places in the Circuit, where I always find my own soul refreshed.
I saw such a garden at Oxford as I verily believe all England cannot parallel.
It is three-square; and, I conjecture, contains about an acre of ground: It is filled with fruit-trees of various sorts, and all excellent in their kinds. But it is odd beyond all description ; superlatively whimsical.
The owner has crowded together pictures, statues, urns, antiques of various kinds: For all which why should not Mr. Badcock's name, as well as Mr. Roberts's, be consigned to posterity ?
Thur. 17.—I preached at Thame ; this evening and the next, at High-Wycomb ; and on Saturday, returned to London.
Mon. 21.—I preached at Tunbridge-Wells; T'wesday, 22, at Sevenoaks. Wednesday, 23. I visited the house of mourning at Shoreham, and read the strange account at first hand. Not Jong after his former wife died, Mr. H. paid his addresses to Miss B. He had been intimately acquainted with her for some years.
By immense assiduity, and innumerable professions of the tenderest affection, he, by slow degrees, gained hers.
The time of marriage was fixed: The ring was bought: The wedding clothes were sent to her.
He came one Thursday, a few days before the wedding-day, and showed the most eager affection; so he did on Saturday.
He came again on the Wednesday following, sat down very carelessly on a chair, and told her with great composure, that he did not love her at all, and therefore could not think of marrying her.
He talked a full hour in the same strain, and then walked away !
Her brother sent a full account of this to Miss Perronet, who read it with perfect calmness, comforted her niece, and strongly exhorted her to continue steadfast in the faith. But the grief which did not outwardly appear, preyed the more upon her