noon ; and in the evening at Whitby.
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[June, 1784.
Having then procured an easier horse, I rode over the great mountain into Weardale. But I found not my old host: Good
Stephen Watson was removed to Abraham's bosom.
So was that mother in Israel, Jane Nattres; (before Salkeld;) the great instrument of that amazing work among the children. But God is with them still: Most of the Leaders and many of the people are much alive to God; as we found in the evening, when we had such a shower of grace as I have seldom known.
Fri. 11.—About ten, riding through a village called Middleton, I was desired to preach there.
So I began in the street without delay.
A large number of people came together, and received the word with gladness. Afterwards we rode at leisure to Barnard-Castle; and on Saturday, 12, to Darlington.
Sun. 13.—We had a sound, useful sermon at Church.
At eight I preached in our own Room, designing to preach abroad in the afternoon ; but the rain prevented.
Monday, 14. About noon I preached at Northallerton; and, I believe, God touched many hearts: As also at Thirsk, where I preached in the evening to an attentive congregation.
Tues. 15.—I preached once more to my old friends at Osmotherley.
About noon I preached at Potto; and in the evening at Hutton-Rudby, where we had a glorious opportunity: Some great persons who were present seemed to be struck, and almost persuaded to be Christians.
Wednesday, 16. I preached in Stokesley about eight ; in Guisborough at noon ; and in the evening at Whitby.
The morning congregation filled the House.
Indced the society here may be a pattern to all in England. They despise all ornaments but good works, together with a meek and quiet spirit.
I did not seea ruffle, no, nora fashionable cap, among them; though many of them are in easy circumstances.
I preached at the market-place in the evening, where were at least thrice as many as the House could contain.
Sat. 19.—I met such a select society as I have not seen since I left London.
They were about forty, of whom I did not find one who had not a clear witness of being saved from inbred sin. Several of them had lost it fora season, but could never rest till they had recovered it.
And every one of them seemed now to walk in the full light of God's countenance.
About one I preached to another congregation of plain people at Robin Hood's Bay.
Here was the first society in
June, 1784.] JOURNAL.
all these parts, several years before there was any in Whitby.
But their continual jars with each other prevented their increase either in grace or number.
At present they seem to be all at peace: So I hope we shall now have joy over them.
In the evening I preached to a large congregation at Scarborough.
Sunday, 20. The new Vicar showed plainly, why he refused those who desired the liberty for me to preach in his church. A keener sermon I never heard.
So all I have done to persuade the people to attend the church is overturned at once! And all who preach thus, will drive the Methodists from the church, in spite of all that I can do.
I preached in the evening, on 1 Cor. xiii. 1, 2, 3; and God mightily confirmed his word, applying it to the hearts of many of the hearers.
Mon. 21.—The rain drove us into the House at Bridlington.
Tuesday, 22. We stopped at a little town, where Mr.
Osbaldeston lately lived, a gentleman of large fortune, whose lady was as gay and fashionable as any; but suddenly she ran from east to west; she parted with all her clothes, dressed like a servant, and scarce allowed herself the necessaries of life.
But who can convince her that she is going too far? I fear, nothing less than Omnipotence.
About one I preached to a large and remarkably serious congregation at Beverley; about six, at Hull.
Afterwards, I met the society, and strongly exhorted them to "press on to the prize of their high calling."
Thursday, 24. I preached about one at Pocklington; and in the evening at York, where I enforced, "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."
Friday, 25. Many were in tears, and a fire seemed to run through the whole congregation, while I opened that scripture, " They shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness."
Such another opportunity we had in the evening, while I was explaining the words of our Lord to the Centurion, " Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee."
Sat. 26.—About two I preached at Thorne, and inquired what fruit remained of the great work of God there.
Some, I found, had drawn back to their sins; but many held fast what they received.
Hence I rode to Epworth, which I still love beyond most places in the world.
In the evening I besought all them that had been so highly favoured, "not to receive the grace of God in vain."
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[June, 1784.
Sun. 27.—I preached at Misterton, at eight; and at Overthorpe about one.
At four I took my stand in Epworth market-place, and preached on those words in the Gospel for the day, "There is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons that need no repentance."
It seemed as if very few, if any, of the sinners then present were unmoved.
Mon. 28.—I inquired into the state of the work of God which was so remarkable two years ago.
Itis not yet at an end; but there has been a grievous decay, owing to several causes: 1.
The Preachers that followed Thomas Tattershall were neither so zealous nor so diligent as he had been.
2. The two Leaders to whom the young men and lads were committed, went up and down to preach, and so left them in a great measure to themselves; or, rather, to the world and the devil.
3. The two women who were the most useful of all others, forscok them : the one leaving town, and the other leaving God.
4. The factories which employed so many of the children failed, so that all of them were scattered abroad.
5. The meetings of the children by the Preachers were discontinued; so their love soon grew cold ; and as they rose into men and women, foolish desires entered, and destroyed all the grace they had left. Nevertheless great part of them stood firm, especially the young maidens, and still adorn their profession.
This day I met the children myself, and found some of them still alive to God.
And I do not doubt, but if the Preachers are zealous and active, they will recover most of those that have been scattered.
To-day I entered on my eighty-second year, and found myself just as strong to labour, and as fit for any exercise of body or mind, as I was forty years ago.
I do not impute this to second causes, but to the Sovereign Lord of all.
It is He who bids the sun of life stand still, so long as it pleaseth him.
I am as strong at eighty-one, as I was at twenty-one; but abundantly more healthy, being a stranger to the head-ache, tooth-ache, and other bodily disorders which attended me in my youth.
We can only say, "The Lord reigneth!"
While we live, let us live to him.
In the afternoon I went to Gainsborough, and willingly accepted the offer of Mr. Dean's chapel.
The audience was large, and seemed much affected : Possibly some good may be done even at Gainsborough ! Tuesday, 29. I preached in the
July, 1784. | JOURNAL.
street at Scotter, to a large and deeply attentive congregation.
Tt was a solemn and comfortable season.
In the evening I read Prayers and preached in Owstone church; and again in the morning.
Wednesday, 30. In the evening I preached at Epworth.
In the residue of the week, I preached morning and evening in several of the neighbouring towns.
Sun. Jury 4.—I read prayers and preached in Owstone church, so filled as probably it never was before; and believe every one, awakened or unawakened, felt that God was there.
The congregation in the afternoon, at Epworth market-place, was thought to be larger than ever it was before ; and great was the Holy One of Israel in the midst of them.
Mon. 5.—At twelve I preached in the elegant House at Doncaster, for once pretty well filled; and spoke more strongly, indeed more roughly, than I am accustomed to do.
It was sultry hot (as it has been once or twice before) while we went to Rotherham, where I preached abroad to a larger congregation, both of rich and poor, than even at Epworth ; and earnestly enforced on those who are called believers, " By their fruits ye shall know them."
Tues. 6.—I joined again the select society, which was fallen in pieces; and prayed them to be wiser for the time to come.
T breakfasted at that amiable old man's, Mr. Sparrow; elder brother to his twin-soul whom I knew at Westminster.
Thence I went on to Sheffield, where the society is increased to near some hundred members.
How swiftly does the work of God spread among those who earn their bread by the sweat of their brow!
Wed. '7.—It was supposed there were a thousand persons present at five in the morning.
A young gentlewoman was with us at breakfast, who was mourning and refused to be comforted.
We prayed for her in faith, and in a few hours she was enabled to rejoice in God her Saviour.
In the afternoon the heat was scarce supportable, and it seemed to increase evéry hour; but between two and three in the morning, Thursday, 8, came a violent storm, followed by uncommon thunder, and a flood of rain, which continued about three hours; this entirely cooled the air, and, ceasing just as we set out, left us a pleasant journey to Wakefield.
I recommended to the congregation here, (and afterwards many other places,) the example of the people in Holland,
(at least, wherever I have been,) who never talk in a place
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[July, 1784. of public worship, either before or after the service. They took my advice.
None courtesied, or bowed, or spoke to any one; but went out in as decent a manner, and in as deep silenee, as any I saw at Rotterdam or Utrecht.
Fri. 9.—I preached at Huddersfield in the morning; at Longwood-House, at noon; and in the evening, at Halifax.
Sunday, 11. I preached in the morning at Greetland-House ; at one, and in the evening, at Halifax.
The House would in nowise contain the people; yet the wind was so high, that I could not preach abroad.
Mon. 12.—Mr. Sutcliffe read Prayers, and I preached at Heptonstall, where many poor souls were refreshed.
Between one and two I preached in Todmorden church; and, at five, im our own preaching-house, boldly situated on the steep ascent of a tall mountain.
Tues. 13.—I went to Burnley, a place which had been tried for many years, but without effect.
It seems, the time was now come.
High and low, rich and poor, now flocked together from all quarters ; and all were eager to hear, except one man, who was the Town-crier.
He began to bawl amain, till his wife ran to him, and literally stopped his noise: She seized him with one hand, and clapped the other upon his mouth, so that he could not get out one word.
God then began a work, which, I am persuaded, will not soon come to an end.
Wednesday, 14. I preached at Colne.
Thursday, 15. I retired to Otley, and rested two days.
Sunday, 18.
I preached, morning and afternoon, in Bingley church; but it would not near contain the congregation.
Before Service I stepped into the Sunday-school, which contains two hundred and forty children, taught every Sunday by several masters, and superintended by the Curate.
So, many children in one parish | are restrained from open sin, and taught a little good manners, at least, as well as to read the Bible.
I find these schools springing up wherever I go.
Perhaps God may have a deeper end therein, than men are aware of.
Who knows but some of these schools may become nurseries for Christians ?
Tues. 20.—Though it rained all day, in the morning we had a good congregation at five.
Wednesday, 21. I met the society, and found but one or two of the original members, most of them being gone to Abraham's bosom. I was a little surprised to find that only two or three of the rest had stood
Aug. 1784.] JOURNAL.
fast in the glorious liberty.
But, indeed, most of them recovered their loss four years ago.
Thur. 22.—Although it rained, yet I met the congregation in the morning, and most of them were athirst for full salvation.
Friday, 23. Abundance of people were present at five in the morning, and such a company of children as I have hardly seen in England.
Sat. 24.—In the evening I went to HangingHeaton, a little village near Dewsbury.
Some months since, an uncommon work of God broke out here ;—the whole town was in a flame.
There are now about two hundred in the society, and very few that do not know God.
I was obliged to preach abroad, by the multitude that flocked together ; and many of them found that God was there, to their unspeakable comfort.
Sun. 25.—I preached to several thousands at Birstal, and to, at least, as many at Leeds.
Tuesday, 27. Our Conference began; at which four of our brethren, after long debate, (in which Mr. Fletcher took much pains,) acknowledged their fault, and all that was past was forgotten.
Thursday, 29, being the public Thanksgiving Day, as there was not room for usin the old church, I read Prayers, as well as preached, at our Room.
I admired the whole Service for the day.
The Prayers, Scriptures, and every part of it, pointed at one thing: " Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another." Having five Clergymento assist me, we administered the Lord's Supper, as was supposed, to sixteen or seventeen hundred persons.
Sun. Auaust 1.—We were fifteen Clergymen at the old church.
Tues. 3.—Our Conference concluded in much love, to the great disappointment of all.
This evening I went as far as Halifax, and the next day to Manchester.
Thursday, 5. We set out early, but, being obliged to go round about, could not reach Shrewsbury till half-past seven.
I began preaching immediately, in memory of good John Appleton, lately called away, on, " Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."
Friday, 6. I preached at Birmingham ; and on Saturday, 7, at Worcester.
Sun. 8.--I preached inthe afternoon in St. Andrew's church, and was agreeably surprised to observe the congregation deeply attentive, while I applied the story of Dives and Lazarus.
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[Aug. 1784.
Mon. 9.—I rode over Malvern-Hills, which affords one of the finest prospects in the kingdom, to Ledbury; then, through miserable roads, to Ross.
I preached in the evening at Monmouth, to a very quiet and civil congregation.
Tumults were now at anend, as I lodged at the house of a gentleman whom none cared to oppose; and even in the morning we had a large congregation, both of rich and poor.
Tues. 10.—I took a walk to what is called the BowlingGreen House, not a mile from the town. I have hardly seen such a place before.
A gravel-walk leads through the most beautiful meadows, surrounded on all sides by fruitful hills, to a gently -rising ground, on the top of which is asmooth Green, on which the Gentry of the town frequently spend the evening in dancing. From hence spread various walks, bordered with flowers ; one of which leads down to the river, on the back of which runs another walk whose artless shades are not penetrated by the sun, These are full as beautiful in their kind, as even the hanging-woods at Brecknock.
Wednesday, 11. It was with some difficulty that I broke from this affectionate peonle, and went on, through a most lovely country, to Brecon.
Liur, 12.—I found the little flock were in great peace, and increasing in number as well as in strength.
I preached in the Town-Hall.
Inever saw sucha congregation in Brecknock before; no, not even when I preached abroad.
And I scarce ever found the power of God so present, It seemed as if every one must know the Lord, from the least to tlie greatest.
Fri. 13.—We went on to Carmarthen.
After preaching, I advised all the audience to copy after the decent behaviour of the Hollanders, in and after public worship. They all took my advice ; none opened their lips till they came into the open air,
Saturday, 14, was the hottest day we have had this summer.
We reached Tenby soon after one.
After dinner we took a walk through the town.
I think there is not such a town in England. It is the Killmallock of Great Britain. Two-thirds of the ancient town are either in ruins, or vanished away. In the evening I preached in the street, to a large congregation of rich and poor, all quiet and attentive.
I cannot but think, salvation is at length come to this town also. I preached again in the morning, Sunday, 15, and the word seemed to sink into the hearts of the hearers. Thence we went by Pembroke to St. Daniel's.
It was a comfortable season.
We had such