church. The Vicar read Prayers, and afterwards told me
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[March, 1784. marston.
As we rode back to Bengeworth, the cold was so intense, that it had an effect I never felt before,—it made me downright sick.
However, I went on, and preached in the church at eleven, and in the evening at Worcester.
Sunday, 21. I preached to a crowded audience, in St. Andrew's church.
The Vicar read Prayers, and afterwards told me I should be welcome to the use of his church, whenever I came to Worcester.
Mon. 22.—In the evening I preached at Birmingham.
Tuesday, 23. I preached in the church at Quinton, to a congregation gathered from all parts.
Not many appeared to be unaffected ; for the power of God was eminently present.
After preaching at various other places, on Saturday, 27, I went to Madeley; and, at Mr. Fletcher's desire, revised his
Letters to Dr. Priestley.
I think there is hardly another man in England so fit to encounter him. Sunday, 28. Notwithstanding the severe weather, the church was more than filled.
I preached on part of the Epistle; (Heb. ix. 18, &c.;) in the afternoon, on "the grace of God that bringeth salvation ;" and I believe God applied it to many hearts.
Mon. 29.—I gave an exhortation at Sheriff-Hales, in my way to Stafford.
When I came thither, I found no notice had been given: So I had only a small company, in a deplorable hole, formerly a stable.
Hence we went to Lane-End, a village two or three miles from Newcastle-under-Lyne.
It was still piercingly cold; but the preaching-house would not hold a fourth part of the people.
So I preached in the open air; the moon giving us clear light, though not much heat.
The House was filled at five in the morning; and God again applied his word.
Tues. 30.—I preached in the new preaching-house at HenleyGreen ; but this was far too small to hold the congregation.
Indeed, this country is all on fire, and the flame is still spreading from village to village.
The preaching-house at Newcastle just held the congregation, many being kept away by the election ; especially the Gentry.
But still the poor heard the Gospel preached, and received it with all readiness of mind.
Wed. 31,—I reached Burslem, where we had the first society in the country; and it is still the largest, and the most in earnest.
I was obliged to preach abroad.
The House would but just contain the societies at the love-feast ; at which many, both men and women, simply declared the wonderful works of God.
I did not find so lively a people at Congleton. Although the
April, 1784.] JOURNAL.
wounds made by prejudice were nearly healed, yet a faintness and deadness remained. I found the same sad effects of prejudice at Macclesfield: But there are so many here truly alive to God, that his work goes on still; only not in so rapid a manner as it might otherwise have done.
Sun. Apri 4.—I preached at the new church, morning and evening, to a London congregation.
Monday,5. About noon I preached at Alpraham, to an unusually large congregation.
I was surprised, when I came to Chester, to find that there also morning' preaching was quite left off, for this worthy reason: " Becausé the people will not come, or, at least, not in the winter."
If so, the Methodists are a fallen people.
Here is proof.
They have " lost their first love ;" and they never will or can recover it, till they " do the first works."
As soonas I set foot in Georgia, I began preaching at five in the morning ; and every communicant, that is, every serious person in the town, constantly attended throughout the year:
I mean, came every morning, winter and summer, unless in the case of sickness.
They did so till I left the province.
In the year 1738, when God began his great work in England, I began preaching at the same hour, winter and summer, and never wanted a congregation.
If they will not attend now, they have lost their zeal ; and then, it cannot be denied, they are a fallen people.
And, in the mean time, we are labouring to secure the preaching-houses to the next generation! In the name of God, let us, if possible, secure the present generation from drawing back to perdition!
Let all the Preachers that are still alive to God join together as one man, fast and pray, lift up their voice as a trumpet, be instant in season, out of season, to convince them they are fallen ; and exhort them instantly to " yepent, and do the first works :" This in particular,—rising in the morning, without which neither their souls nor bodies can long remain in health.
Wed. 7.—I crossed over the water to Liverpool.
Here I found a people much alive to God; one cause of which was, that they have preaching several mornings in a week, and prayer-meetings on the rest ; all of which they are careful to attend.
On Good-Friday, Arrit 9, I went to Warrington.
In the morning I read Prayers, preached, and administered the Lord's Supper, to a serious congregation.
I preached at
REY. J. WESLEY'S
[April, 1784. five again, and believe few were present who did not feel that God was there of a truth.
Sat. 10.—I preached to a huge congregation at Manchester, and to a far larger at ten in the morning, being Euster-Day.
It was supposed there were near a thousand communicants.
But hitherto the Lord has helped me in this respect also:
I have found no congregation which my voice could not command, Mon. 12.—I found a lovely congregation at Stockport, much alive to God. So was that at Oldham the next day, which was not perceptibly lessened, though it'blew a storm, and poured downwith rain. Here a young woman, of unblamable character,
(otherwise I should not have given her any credit,) gave mea remarkable account.
She said, "I had totally lost the sight of my right eye, when I dreamed one night, that our Saviour appeared to me; that I fell at his feet, and he laid his hand upon my right eye.
Immediately I waked, and from that moment have seen as well with that eye as with the other."
I applied, to a very large congregation, the case of the Rechabites.
(Jer. xxxv.) I asked, 1. Does it appear that these owed to Jonadab more than the Methodists owe to me?
2, Are they as observant of my advices (although both scriptural and rational; to instance only in dress and rising early) as the Rechabites were of his advices?
(Of drinking no wine, and living in tents; which had neither Scripture nor reason to support them!) I think every member of the society at Bolton does take my advice, with respect to other things, as well as with respect to dress and rising early ; in consequence of which they are continually increasing in number as well as in grace.
Fri. 16.—I preached about ten at Wingate, a village five or six miles from Bolton.
I was constrained, by the multitude of people, to preach abroad, though it was exceeding cold, on,
"All things are ready ; come unto the marriage."
Truly the people were ready too.
They drank in every word.
In the evening we had a very uncommon congregation at Wigan.
Only one gentlewoman behaved "as she used to do at church ;" (so several afterwards informed me ;) talking all the time, though no one answered her!
But the rest were deeply attentive ; and, I trust, will not be forgetful hearers.
I had designed to go from hence to Blackburn ; but hearing that
April, 1784.] JOURNAL.
one of our society, ncar Preston, was at the point of death, I turned a little out of my way, to spend half an hour with her.
I found Mrs. Nuttal, a lovely patient creature, praising God continually, though worn away with pining sickness and longcontinued pain. Having paid the last office of friendship here,
I went to Preston, and preached toa serious congregation. In the evening I preached at Blackburn, where also the society is lively, and continually increasing.
Sun. 18.—After preaching at five to a numerous congregation, (but not one rich or well-dressed person among them, either morning or evening! Poor Blackburn !) I hastened on to Gisburn.
The church was so full that a few were obliged to stand without the doors.
The word was quick and powerful.
So it was afterward at Settle.
Sufficient for this day was the labour thereof.
Mon. 19.—1 went on to Ambleside; where, as I was sitting down to supper, I was informed, notice had been given of my preaching, and that the congregation was waiting. I would not disappoint them; but preached immediately on salvation by faith. Among them were a gentleman and his wife, who gave me a remarkable relation.
She said she had often heard her mother relate, what an intimate acquaintance had told her, that her husband was concerned in the Rebellion of 1745. He was tried at Carlisle, and found guilty. The evening before he was to die, sitting and musing in her chair, she fell fast asleep. She dreamed, one came to her, and said, " Goto such a part of the wall, and among the loose stones you will find a key, which you must carry to your husband." She waked ; but, thinking it a common dream, paid no attention to it.
Presently she fell asleep again, and dreamed the very same dream. She started up, put on her cloak and hat, and went to that part of the wall, and among the loose stones founda key.
Having, with some difficulty, procured admission into the gaol, she gave this to her husband.
It opened the door of his cell, as well as the lock of the prison-door.
So at midnight he escaped for life.
Tues. 20.—We went to Whitehaven, where there is a fairer prospect than has been for many years.
The society is united in love, not conformed to the world, but labouring toexperience the full image of God, wherein they were created. The House was filled in the evening, and much more the next, when we had all the Church Ministers, and most of the Gentry in the
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[April, 1784. town; but they behaved with as much decency as if they had been colliers.
Thur. 22.—I preached in the market-house at Cockermouth.
In our way thence, we had some of the heaviest rain I have seen in Europe.
The Sessions being at Carlisle, I could not have the Court-House; but we had a good opportunity in our own House.
Friday, 28. We travelled through a lovely country to Longtown, the last town in England; and one of the best built in it; for all the houses are new, from one end tothe other.
The road from hence to Langholm is delightfully pleasant, running mostly by the side of a clear river.
But it was past seven before we reached Selkirk.
Sat. 24.—We had frost in the morning, snow before seven, piercing winds all day long, and in the afternoon vehement hail; so that I did not wonder we had a small congregation at Ndinburgh in the evening.
Sun. 25.—I attended the Tolbooth kirk at eleven. The sermon was very sensible ; but having no application, was no way likely to awaken drowsy hearers.
About four I preached at Lady Maxwell's, two orthree miles from Edinburgh, and at six inour own House.
For once it was thoroughly filled.
I preached on, "God is a Spirit ; andthey that worship him, must worship him in spirit and in truth."
Iam amazed at this people.
Use the most cutting words, and apply them in the most pointed manuer, still they hear, but feel no more than the seats they sit upon !
Mon. 26.—I went to Glasgow, and preached in the evening to a very different congregation.
Many attended in the morning, although the morning preaching had been long discontinued both here and at Edinburgh.
In the evening many were obliged to go away, the House not being able to contain them.
Wednesday, 28. We found the same inconvenience, but those who could get in found a remarkable blessing.
Thursday, 29. The House was thoroughly filled at four ; and the hearts of the people were as melting wax. Afterwards I returned to Edinburgh, and in the evening the House was well filled.
So that we must not say, "The people of Edinburgh love the word of God only on the Lord's day."
Fri. 830.—We went-to Perth ; now but the shadow of what it was, though it begins to lift up its head.
It is certainly the sweetest place in all North Britain, unless perhaps Dundee. I preached in the Tolbooth, to a large and well-behaved congre-
May, 1784.) JOURNAL.
gation.
Many of them were present again at five in the morning, May 1.
I then went to Dundee, through the Carse of Gowry, the fruitfullest valley in the kingdom.
And I observe a spirit of improvement prevails in Dundee, and all the country round about it.
Handsome houses spring up on every side.
Trees are planted in abundance.
Wastes and commons are continually turned into meadows and fruitful fields.
There wants only a proportionable improvement in religion, and this will be one of the happiest countries in Europe.
In the evening I preached in our own ground to a numerous congregation:
But the next afternoon to one far more numerous; on whom I earnestly enforced, " How long halt ye between two opinions?"
Many of them seemed almost persuaded to halt no longer: But God only knows the heart.
Mon. 3.—I was agreeably surprised at the improvement of the land between Dundee and Arbroath.
Our preachinghouse at Arbroath was completely filled.
I spoke exceeding plain on the difference of building upon the sand, and building upon the rock.
Truly these "approve the things that are excellent," whether they practise them or no.
I found this to be a genuine Methodist society: They are all thoroughly united to each other.
They love and keep our Rules; they long and expect to be perfected in love: If they continue so to do, they will and must increase in number as well as in grace.
Tues. 4.—I reached Aberdeen between four and five in the afternoon. Wednesday, 5. I found the morning preaching had been long discontinued: Yet the bands and the select society were kept up.
But many were faint and weak for want of morning preaching and prayer-meetings, of which I found scarce any traces in Scotland.
In the evening I talked largely with the Preachers, and showed them the hurt it did both to them and the people, for any one Preacher to stay six or eight weeks together in one place. Neither can he find matter for preaching every morning and evening, nor will the people come to hear him.
Hence he grows cold by lying in bed, and so do the people.
Whereas, if he never stays more than a fortnight together in one place, he may find matter enough, and the people will gladly hear him.
'They immediately drew up such a plan for this Circuit, which they determined to pursue.
VOL. IV. fy
274:
REV. J, WESLEY'S
[May, 1784.
Thur. 6.—We had the largest congregation at five which I have seen since I came into the kingdom.
We set out immediately after preaching, and reached Old-Meldrum about ten.
A servant of Lady Banff's was waiting for us there, who desired I would take post-horses to Fort-Glen.
In two hours we reached an inn, which, the servant told us, was four little miles from her house.
So we made the best of our way, and got thither in exactly three hours.
All the family received us with the most cordial affection.
At seven I preached to a small congregation, all of whom were seriously attentive, and some, I believe, deeply affected.
Fri. 7.—I took a walk round about the town.
I know not when I have seen so pleasant a place.
One part of the house is an ancient castle, situated on the top of a little hill.
Ata small distance runs a clear river, with a beautiful wood on its banks. Close to it isa shady walk to the right, and another on the left hand.
On two sides of the house there is abundance of wood:
On the other, a wide prospect over fields and meadows.
About ten I preached again with much liberty of spirit, on, "Love never faileth.'"
About two I left this charming place, and made for Keith.
But I know not how we could have got thither, had not Lady Banff sent me forward, through that miserable road, with four stout horses.
I preached about seven to the poor of this world: Nota silk coat was seen among them: And to the greatest part of them at five in the morning. And I did not at all regret my labour.
Sat. 8.—We reached the banks of the Spey. I suppose there are few such rivers in Europe. The rapidity of it exceeds even that of the Rhine: And it was now much swelled with melting snow.
However, we made shift to get over before ten; and about twelve reached Elgin.
Here I was received by a daughter of good Mr. Plenderleith, late of Edinburgh; with whom having spent an agreeable hour, I hastened toward Forres: But we were soon at full stop again ; the river Findhorn also was so swollen, that we were afraid the ford was not passable.
However, having a good guide, we passed it without much difficulty.
T found Sir Lodowick Grant almost worn out.
Never was a visit more seasonable.
By free and friendly conversation his spirits were so raised, that I am in hopes it will lengthen his life.
Sun. 9.—I preached to a small company at noon, on, " His commandments are not gricvous."
As I was concluding,
May, 1784. ] JOURNAL,
Colonel Grant and his lady came in: For whose sake I began again, and lectured, as they call it, on the former part of the fifteenth chapter of St. Luke.
We had a larger company in the afternoon, to whom I preached on "judgment to come."
And this subject seemed to affect them most.
Mon. 10.—I set out for Inverness.
I had sent Mr. M'Allum before, on George Whitfield's horse, to give notice of my coming.
Hereby I was obliged to take both George and Mrs.
M'Allum with mein my chaise.
To ease the horses, we walked forward from Nairn, ordering Richard to follow us, as soon as they were fed: He did so, but there were two roads.
So, as we took one, and he the other, we walked about twelve miles and a half of the way, through heavy rain.
We then found Richard waiting for us at a little ale-house, and drove on to Inverness.
But, blessed be God, I was no more tired than when I set out from Nairn.
I preached at seven to a far larger congregation than I had seen here sinceI preached in the kirk. And surely the Jabour was not in vain: For God sent a message to many hearts.
Tues. 11.—Notwithstanding the long discontinuance of morning preaching, we had a large congregation at five.
I breakfasted at the first house I was invited to at Inverness, where good Mr. M'Kenzie then lived.
His three daughters live in it now; one of whom inherits all the spirit of her father.
In the afternoon we took a walk over the bridge, into one of the pleasantest countries I have seen.
It runs along by the side of the clear river, and is well-cultivated and wellwooded.
And here first we heard abundance of birds, welcoming the return of spring.
The congregation was larger this evening than the last: And great part of them attended in the morning.
We had then a solemn parting, as we could hardly expect to meet again in the present world.
Wed. 12.—I dined once more at Sir Lodowick Grant's, whom likewise I scarce expect to see any more.
His lady is lately gone to rest, and he seems to be swiftly following her. A church being offered me at Elgin, in the evening I had a multitude of hearers, whom I strongly exhorted to " seek the Lord while he may be found."
Thursday, 13. We took a view of the poor remains of the once-magnificent cathedral.
By what ruins are left, the workmanship appears to have beenexquisitely fine. What barbarians must they have been, who hastened the destruction of this beautiful pile, by taking the lead off the roof !
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[May, 1784.
The church was again well filled in the evening, by those who seemed to feel much more than the night before.
- In consequence, the morning congregation was more than doubled; and deep attention sat on every face.
I do not despair of good being done even here, provided the Preachers be "sons of thunder."
Fri. 14.—We saw, at a distance, the Duke of Gordon's new house, six hundred and fifty feet in front.
Well might the Indian ask, " Are you white men no bigger than we red men?
Then why do you build such lofty houses?"
The country between this and Banff is well cultivated, and extremely pleasant.
About two I read Prayers and preached in the Episcopal chapel at Banff, one of the neatest towns in the kingdom.
About ten I preached in Lady Banff's dining-room, at FortGlen, to a very serious, though genteel, congregation ; and afterwards spent a most agreeable evening with the lovely family.
Sat. 15.—We set out early, and dined at Aberdeen.
On the road I read Ewen Cameron's Translation of Fingal.
I think he has proved the authenticity of it beyond all reasonable contradiction: But what a poet was Ossian! Little inferior to either
Homer or Virgil ; in some respects superior to both. And what an hero was Fingal!
Far more humane than Hector himself, whom we cannot excuse for murdering one that lay upon the ground ; and with whom Achilles, or even pious Aineas, is not worthy to be named.
But who is this exccllent translator, Ewen Cameron?
Is not his other name Hugh Blair?
Sun. 16.—I went to Newburgh, a small fishing-town, fifteen miles north of Aberdeen.
Here is at present, according to its bigness, the liveliest society in the kingdom. I preached here in a kind of Square, to a multitude of people; and the whole congregation appeared to be moved, and ready prepared for the Lord.
At two in the afternoon Mr. Black read Prayers, and I preached, in Trinity chapel.
It was crowded with people of all denominations.
I preached from 1 Cor. xiii. by 25 Onin utter defiance of their common saying, "He is a good man, though he has bad tempers."
Nay, if he has bad tempers, he is no more a good man than the devil is a good angel.
At five I preached in our own chapel, exceeding crowded, on the form and power of godliness.
I am now clear of these people, and can cheerfully commend them to God.
May, 1784.] JOURNAL.
Mon. 17.—I reached Arbroath, and inquired into that odd event which occurred there in the latter end of the last war.
The famous Captain Fell came one afternoon to the side of the town, and sent three men on shore, threatening to lay the town in ashes, unless they sent him thirty thousand pounds.
That not being done, he began firing on the town the next day, and continued it till night.
But, perceiving the country was alarmed, he sailed away the next day, having left some hundred cannon-balls behind him; but not having hurt man, woman, or child, or anything else, save one old barn-door.
Tues. 18.—1 preached at Dundee.
Wednesday, 19. I crossed over the pleasant and fertile county of Fife, to Melval
House, the grand and beautiful seat of Lord Leven.
He was not at home, being gone to Edinburgh, as the King's Commissioner ; but the Countess was, with two of her daughters, and both her sons-in-law.
At their desire I preached in the evening, on, "It is appointed unto man once to die ;" and I believe God made the application.
Thursday, 20. It blew a storm: Nevertheless, with some difficulty, we crossed the Queen's Ferry.
Friday, 21. I examined the society, and found about sixty members left.
Many of these were truly alive to God: So our labour here is not quite in vain. Saturday, 22. I had some close conversation with L. M., who appeared to be clearly saved from sin, although exceedingly depressed by the tottering tenement of clay.
About noon I spent an hour with her poor scholars ; forty of whom she has provided withaserious master, who takes pains toinstruct them in the principles of religion, as well as in reading and writing.
A famous actress, just come down from London, (which, for the honour of Scotland, is just during the sitting of the Assembly,) stole away a great part of our congregation to-night.
How much wiser are these Scots than their forefathers !
Sun. 23.—I went in the morning to the Tolbooth kirk ; in the afternoon, to the old Episcopal chapel.
But they have lost their glorying ; they talked, the moment Service was done, as if they had been in London.
In the evening the Octagon was well filled; and I applied, with all possible plainness,
is a Spirit ; and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."
Mon. 24.—I preached at Dunbar.
Tuesday, 25. Ispent an hour with Mr. and Mrs. F., a woman every way accomplished.