but it was pre-engaged by a company of strolling players.
REV. J, WESLEY'S
(June, 1784.
Neither of them had ever yet heard a sermon out of the kirk; but they ventured that evening; and I am in hope they did not hearin vain.
Wednesday, 26. We went on to Berwickupon-Tweed.
The congregation in the Town-Hall was very numerous.
So it was likewise at five in the morning.
Thursday, 27. We travelled through a delightful country to Kelso.
Here the two Seceding Ministers have taken true pains to frighten the people from hearing us, by retailing all the ribaldry of Mr. Cudworth, Toplady, and Rowland Hill.
But God has called one of them to his account already, and in afearful manner. As no house could contain the congregation,
I preached in the church-yard; and a more decent behaviour IT have scarce ever seen.
Afterwards we walked to the Duke of Roxburgh's seat, about half a mile from the town, finely situated on a rising ground, near the ruins of Roxburgh
Castle.
It has a noble Castle; the front and the offices round, make it look like a little town.
Most of the apartments within are finished in an clegant, but not in a costly, manner.
J doubt whether two of Mr. Lascelles's rooms at Harewood House, did not cost more in furnishing, than twenty of these.
But the Duke's house is far larger, containing no less than forty bed-chambers.
But it is not near finished yet, nor probably will be till the owncr is no more scen.
Fri, 28.—I entered into England once more, and in the evening preached in the Town-Hall, at Alnwick.
Saturday, 29. I should have preached in the Town-Hall, at Morpeth ; but it was pre-engaged by a company of strolling players.
So we retired into our own preaching-house.
In the afternoon I went on to Newcastle.
May 30.—(Being Whitsunday.) The rain obliged us to be in the OrphanHouse, both morning and evening; but in the afternoon I was forced to preach abroad at the Fell, by the multitudes that flocked together ; partly moved by the death of William Bell and his wife, one so soon after the other.
Tues.
June 1.—About nine I preached to a large number of the poor people at Howden Pans; at noon, in North-Shields; and in the evening, at Newcastle; where I had now great satisfaction, the congregation, both morning and evening, being larger than they had been for many years, and the socicty being much alive, and in great peace and harmony.
Friday, 4, I went over to Sunderland, and found the work
June, 1784. | JOURNAL.
of God here also in a prosperous state.
Saturday, 5. I saw as many of the people, sick or well, as I could, and was much comforted among them.
Sunday, 6. I preached at eight in the Room; at eleven in Monk-Wearmouth church.
I purposed preaching abroad at Newcastle in the evening, but the weather would not permit: So I preached in the House, on, " This is the record, that God hath given unto us eternal life, and this life is in his Son."
Mon. 7.—About noon I preached at Anham ; and in the evening in the Town-Hall at Hartlepool, where I had not been for sixteen years.
Tues. 8.—I came to Stockton-upon-Tees.
Here I found an uncommon work of God among the children.
Many of them from six to fourteen were under serious impressions, and earnestly desirous to save their souls.
There were upwards of sixty who constantly came to be examined, and appeared to be greatly awakened.
I preached at noon, on, "The kingdom of heavenis at hand ;" and the people seemed to feel every word.
As soon as I came down from the desk, I was enclosed by a body of children ; one of whom, and another, sunk down upon their knees, until they were all kneeling: So I kneeled down myself, and began praying for them. Abundance of people ran back into the House.
The fire kindled, and ran from heart to heart, till few, if any, were unaffected. Is not this a new thing in the earth?
God begins his work in children.
Thus it has been also in Cornwall, Manchester, and Epworth.
Thus the flame spreads to those of riper years; till at length they all know him, and praise him from the least unto the greatest.
Wed. 9.—I went to Barnard-Castle. Here I was informed, that my old school-fellow, Mr. Fielding, and his wife, were gone to rest.
His son, not choosing to live there, had let his lovely house to a stranger: So in a little time his very name and memory will be lost !
Thur. 10.—After preaching at five, I took horse for the Dales, and about eight preached at Cutherston.
Here I had the pleasure of seeing some of our brethren, who had been long at variance, cordially reconciled.
Hence we rode through rain and wind to Newbiggen in Teesdale.
Being but a poor horseman, and having a rough horse, I had just strength for my journey, and none to spare; but after resting awhile, I preached without any weariness.