few sparks of the uncommon flame which was kindled there ten
June, 1774.] JOURNAL. ot Lastly, That Mr. Smith struck in just then: In a minute more we had been down the precipice; and had not the horses then stopped at once, they must have carried him and us down together.
'Let those give thanks whom the Lord hath redeemed, and delivered from the hand of the enemy !"
Fri, 24.—I read over Dr. Wilson's tract on the Circulation of the Blood. What are we sure of but the Bible? I thought nothing had been more sure, than that the heart is the grand moving power, which both begins and continues the circulation.
But I think the Doctor has clearly proved, that it does not begin at the heart; and that the heart has quite another office, only receiving the blood, which then moves on through its channels, on the mere principle of suction, assisted by the ethereal fire, which is connected with every particle of it.
Sun. 26.—In the morning I preached at the Ballast-Hills, among the glassmen, keelmen, and sailors.
As these had nothing to pay, I exhorted them "to buy wine and milk without money and without price."
Mon. 27.—I took my leave of this lovely place and people, and about ten preached to a serious congregation at Durham.
About six I preached at Stockton-upon-Tees, on a text suited to the congregation, '' Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
Tues. 28.—This being my birth-day, the first day of my seventy-second year, I was considering, How is this, that I find just the same strength as I did thirty years ago?
That my sight is considerably better now, and my nerves firmer, than they were then?
That I have none of the infirmities of old age, and have lost several I had in my youth?
The grand cause is, the good pleasure of God, who doeth whatsoever pleaseth Him.
The chief means are, 1. My constantly rising at four, for about fifty years.
2. My generally preaching at five in the morning ; one of the most healthy exercises in the world.
8. My never travelling less, by sea or land, than four thousand five hundred miles in a year.
In the evening I preached at Yarm; about eleven the next day at Osmotherley ; and in the evening at Thirsk. Thursday,
30. I preached at Hutton-Rudby, and found still remaining a few sparks of the uncommon flame which was kindled there ten years ago.
It was quenched chiefly by the silly, childish contentions of those who were real partakers of that great blessing.
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[July, 1774.
Fri.
Jury 1.—I preached in Stokesley at six; and many determined to set out anew.
In Guisborough I was constrained to preach abroad; and the whole multitude was as silent as the subject,—Death!
I never before had such an opportunity at this place. In the afternoon, through miserable roads, we at length got to Whitby.
Sun. 3.—We had a solemn hour at five with the society only ; and another at eight, while I enforced those words on a numerous congregation, "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?"
While we were at church, a poor man would needs divert himself by swimming; but he sunk, and rose no more.
The Minister preached in the after. noon a sermon suited to the occasion, on, "Be ye hkewise ready ; for ye know not the hour when the Son of Man cometh." At five I preached in the market-place, on, "Though
I speak with the tongues of men and angels," &c., "and have not charity, I am nothing."
I spoke exceeding plain, and the people were attentive: Yet few of them, I doubt, understood what was spoken.
'The society, however, are well established, and adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour.
Mon. 4.—At eleven I preached in the little Square at Robin Hood's Bay.
At six I preached to a numerous congregation, in the new House at Scarborough.
It is plain; and yet is one of the neatest and most elegant preaching-houses in England.
Now let the people walk worthy of their calling, and there will be a good work in this place.
Wed. 6.—I went on to Bridlington-Quay ; and in the evening preached in the town, to as stupid and ill-mannered:a congregation as I have seen for many years.
Thursday, 7. 1 preached at Beverley and Hull, where the House would not near contain the congregation. How is this town changed since I preached onthe Car! Saturday, 9. I preached at Pocklington and York.
Sun. 10.—Some of Tadcaster informing me that the Minister was willing I should preach in the church, I went thither in the morning.
But his mind was changed: So I preached in the street, to a listening multitude, from the Lesson for the day, on the righteousness which exceeds that of the Scribes and Pharisees ; in the morning and evening at York.
Tuesday, 12, was the Quarterly Meeting.
It was a busy, and yet a comfortable, day. Many were refreshed, both at the love-feast, and while I was describing the " hundred forty and
July, 1774.] JOURNAL.
four thousand," standing "with the Lamb on mount Sion."
Who is ambitious to be of that number?
Thur. 14.—About nine I preached at Wakefield, and in the evening at Doncaster.
Here also God has a few names.
Friday, 15. About eleven I preached at Thorne, and in the evening at Rotherham, to a people who both understand and love the Gospel.
Sat. 16.—I went to Epworth, and preached in the marketplace to a numerous and quiet congregation.
Sunday, 17.
About eight I preached at Misterton.
The sun shining in my face was a little troublesome at first; but was soon covered with clouds.
We had an useful sermon at Haxey church.
About one I preached at Overthorpe; and between four and five, the rain being stayed, I began in Epworth market-place.
Such a congregation never met there before ; and they did not meet in vain.
Mon. 18.—I reached Brigg before eight ; and, by the request of the chief persons in the town, preached at nine in the marketplace, to a large and attentive congregation. Hence I went on to Tealby, and preached near the church to a multitude of plain, serious country-people: Very different from the wild, unbroken herd, to whom I preached at Horncastle in the evening.
Tues. 19.—I preached at Louth about noon, and at Grimsby in the evening.
At ten, on Wednesday, 20, I preached at Wimberton.
None of the hearers was more attentive than an old acquaintance of my father's,—Mr. George Stovin, formerly a Justice of the peace near Epworth, now as teachable as a little child, and determined to know nothing save
Christ crucified.
About two I preached in an open place at Scotter, and in the evening at Owston.
One of my audience here was Mr. Pinder, a contemporary of mine at Oxford.
But any that observed so feeble, decrepit an old man, tottering over the grave, would imagine there was a difference of forty, rather than two, years between us !
On Friday and Saturday 1 made a little excursion into Yorkshire.
Sunday, 24.1 preached at eight at Gringley-inthe-Hill, to an huge congregation, among whom I could observe but one person that was inattentive.
Here I received an invitation from Mr. Harvey, to give tim a sermon at Tinningley.
T came thither a little before the service began ; and the church was filled, but not crowded. Between three and four I returned
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[July, 1774. to Epworth.
The congregation there was large last Sunday ; but it was nearly doubled now: And never had we, from the beginning, a more solemn and affectionate parting.
Mon. 25.—I went on to Sheffield, and on Tuesday met the select society.
But it was reduced from sixty to twenty; and but half of these retained all that they once received!
What a grievous error, to think those that are saved from sin cannot lose what they have gained!
It is a miracle if they do not; seeing all earth and hell are so enraged against them: While, meantime, so very few, even of the children of God, skilfully endeavour to strengthen their hands.
Wed. 27.—About one we reached Leek, in Staffordshire.
I could not imagine who the Quaker should be that had sent me word he expected me to dinner; and was agreeably surprised to find that it was my old friend,
Joshua Strongman, of Mount-Mellick, in Ireland, whom I had not seen for many years.
I found he was the same man still; of the same open, friendly, amiable temper: And every thing about him was
(not costly or fine, but) surprisingly neat and elegant.
It began to rain soon after we came in; but the rain stayed while I was preaching ; and it seemed the whole town, rich and poor, were gathered together, and listened while I explained,
"God is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." I preached at Burslem in the evening ; and on Thursday, 28, in the afternoon, came to Shrewsbury.
Sat. 30.—I went on to Madeley; and in the evening preached under a sycamore-tree, in Madeley-Wood, to a large congregation, good part of them colliers, who drank in every word.
Surely never were places more alike, than Madeley-Wood, Gateshead-Fell, and Kingswood.
Sun. 31.—The church could not contain the congregation, either morning or afternoon; but in the evening I preached to a still larger congregation at Broseley ; and equally attentive.
I now learned the particulars of a remarkable story, which I had heard imperfectly before :—Some time since, one of the colliers here, coming home at night, dropped into a coal-pit, twenty-four yards deep.
He called aloud for help, but none heard all that night, and all the following day.
The second night, being weak and faint, he fell asleep, and dreamed that his wife, who had been some time dead, came to him, and greatly comforted him. In the morning, a gentleman going a hunting,
Aug. 1774.] JOURNAL.
an hare started up just before the hounds, ran straight to the mouth of the pit, and was gone; no man could tell how. The hunters searched all round the pit, till they heard a voice from the bottom. They quickly procured proper help, and drew up the man unhurt.
Mon. Aucust 1.—I preached at Bewdley, in an open place at the head of the town; and in the evening at Worcester, which still continues one of the liveliest places in England.
Here I talked with some who believe God has lately delivered them from the root of sin.
Their account was simple, clear, and scriptural; so that I saw no reason to doubt of their testimony.
Tues. 2.—I preached at ten in the Town-Hall, at Evesham, and rode on to Broadmarston.
Thursday, 4. I crossed over to Tewkesbury, and preached at noon in a meadow near the town, under a tall oak. I went thence to Cheltenham.
As it was the high season for drinking the waters, the town was full of Gentry: So I preached near the market-place in the evening, to the largest congregation that was ever seen there.
Some of the footmen at first made a little disturbance; but I turned to them, and they stood reproved.
Sat. 6.—I walked from Newport to Berkeley-Castle.
It is a beautiful, though very ancient, building; and every part of it kept in good repair, except the lumber-room and the chapel ; the latter of which, having been of no use for many years, is now dirty enough. I particularly admired the fine situation, and the garden on the top of the house.
In one corner of the castle is the room where poor Richard IT. was murdered.
His effigy is still preserved, said to be taken. before his death.
If he was like this, he had an open, manly countenance, though with a cast of melancholy.
In the afternoon we went on to Bristol.
The Conference, begun and ended in love, fully employed me on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday ; and we observed
Friday, 12, as a day of fasting and prayer for the success of the Gospel.
Mon. 15.—I set out for Wales, but did not reach Cardiff till near eight o'clock.
As the congregation was waiting in the Town-Hall, I went thither without delay; and many, I believe, did not regret the time they had waited there.
Tues. 16.—I preached, about noon, in the great hall at
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[Aug. 1774, Llandaff, on, "It is appointed unto men once to die." Strange doctrine, and not very welcome to the inhabitants of palaces!
Wed. 17.—At eleven I preached in the Town-Hall, at Cowbridge: The neatest place of the kind I have ever seen.
Not only the floor, the walls, the ceiling, are kept exactly clean, but every pane of glass in the windows.
Hence I hasted on to Swansea, and at seven preached in the Castle to a large congregation.
The next morning I went on to Llanelly; but what a change was there! Sir Thomas Stepney, the father of the poor, was dead: Cut down in the strength of his years! So the family was broke up, and Wilfred Colley, his butler, the father of the society, obliged to remove. Soon after,
John Deer, who was next in usefulness to him, was taken into Abraham's bosom. But just then Col. St. Leger, in the neighbourhood, sent to Galway for Lieutenant Cook to come and put his house into repair, and manage his estate.
So another is brought, just in time to supply the place of Wilfred Colley.
I preached at five near sister Deer's door, to a good company of plain country-people ; and then rode over to the old ruinous house, which Mr. Cook is making all haste to repair.
It is not unlike old Mr. Gwynne's house at Garth, having a few large handsome rooms. It is also situated much like that ; only not quite so low: For it has the command of a well-cultivated vale, and of the fruitful side of the opposite mountain.
Fri. 19.—We rode on to Larn-Ferry ; and seeing a person just riding over the ford, we followed him with ease, the water scarce reaching above our horses' knees.
Between two and three we came to Pembroke.
Sun. 21.—At nine I began the service at St. Daniel's, and concluded a little before twelve.
It was a good time.
The power of the Lord was unusually present, both to wound and to heal.
Many were constrained to cry, while others were filled with speechless awe and silent love.
After dinner I went over to Haverfordwest, but could not: preach abroad because of the rain.
Both here and at Pembroke, I found the people in general to be in a cold, dead, languid state.
And no wonder, since there had been for several months a total neglect of discipline.
I did all I could to awaken them once more, and left them full of good resolutions.
Tuesday, 23. 1 went to the New Inn, near Llandilo ; and on Wednesday, 24, to Brecknock.
Sept. 1774.] JOURNAL.
In the evening I preached in the Town-Hall to most of the Gentry in the town.
They behaved well, though I used great. plainness of speech in describing the narrow way.
Thur. 25.—At eleven I preached within the walls of the old church at the Hay.
Here and everywhere I heard the same account of the proceedings at .
The Jumpers (all who were there informed me) were first in the court, and afterwards in the house.
Some of them leaped up many times, men and women, several feet from the ground: They clapped their hands with the utmost violence; they shook their heads ; they distorted all their features ; they threw their arms and legs to and fro, in all variety of postures ; they sung, roared, shouted, screamed with all their might, to the no small terror of those that were near them.
One gentlewoman told me, she had not been herself since, and did not know when she should.
Meantime the person of the house was delighted above measure, and said, "' Now the power of God is come indeed."
Sat. 27.—Being detained some hours at the Old Passage, I preached to a small congregation; and in the evening returned to Bristol.
Mon. 29.—I set out for Cornwall, and preached at Collumpton in the evening.
I spoke strong words to the honest, sleepy congregation : Perhaps some may awake out of sleep.
Twesday, 30. I preached to a far more elegant congregation at Launceston ; but what is that unless they are alive to God?
Wed. 31.—The rain, with violent wind, attended us all the way to Bodmin. A little company are at length united here.
At their request I preached in the Town-Hall, (the most dreary one I ever saw,) to a mixed congregation of rich and poor. All behaved well: And who knows but some good may be done even at poor Bodmin ?
In the evening I preached at Redruth.
Thursday, Srrrempen 1, after preaching at St.
John's about noon, I went on to Penzance. When the people here were as roaring lions, we had all the ground to ourselves; now they are become lambs, Mr.
b and his friends step in, and take true pains to makea rent in the society.
But hitherto, blessed be God, they stand firm in one mind and in one judgment! Only a few, whom we had expelled, they have gleaned up: If they can do them good, I shall rejoice.
In the evening I took my stand at the end of the town, and preached the whole Gospel to a listen-
REV. J. WESLEY'S
(Sept. 1774. ing multitude.
I then earnestly exhorted the society to follow after peace and holiness.
Fri. 2.—I preached in the market-place at St. Ives to almost the whole town.
I could not but admire the number of serious children, as well-behaved as the eldest of the congregation.
This was a happy meeting: So was that of the society too, when all their hearts were as melting wax.
Sat. 3.—We had the Quarterly Meeting at Redruth.
This is frequently a dull, heavy meeting ; but it was so lively a one to-day, that we hardly knew how to part. About six I preached at Treworgey, and applied closely to the Methodists, "' What do ye more than others?" One cried out, " Damnable doctrine !"
True ; it condemns all those who hear and do not obey it.
Sun. 4.—The rain drove us into the House at St. Agnes.
At one it was fair; so I preached in the street at Redruth.
But the glorious congregation was assembled at five, in the amphitheatre at Gwennap.
They were judged to cover fourscore yards, and yet those farthest off could hear.
To-day I received the following note :— "THE sermon you preached last Thursday evening was, by the grace of God, of great good to my soul.
And when you prayed so earnestly for backsliders, (of whom I am one,) an arrow dipped in blood reached my heart.
Ever since I have been resolved, never to rest till I find again the rest that remains for the people of God.
"T am, dear Sir, "A vile backslider from the pure love of Jesus, and from the society at Gwennap,"
Mon. 5.—I preached at Cubert; Tuesday, 6, at PortIsaac.
Wednesday, 7. Having preached at Camelford and Launceston, I did not think of preaching at Tavistock ; but finding a congregation waiting, I began without delay. I had scarce half finished my discourse in the Square at PlymouthDock, when the rain began. At first I did not regard it: But as it grew heavier and heavier, I thought it best to shorten my sermon.
It seems, after a long interval of deadness, God is again visiting this poor people.
The society is nearly doubled within this year, and is still continually increasing.
And many are athirst for full salvation; particularly the young
Oct. 1774.]
«JOURNAL.
men.
Friday, 9. I set out early from the Dock; and the next afternoon reached Bristol.
Fri. 16.—We had a solemn watch-night at Kingswood.
It seemed, every one felt that God was there; so that hardly any went away till the whole serviee was concluded.
In the following week I visited many of the country societies.
At Frome I learned the remarkable case of sister Whitaker. Last Sunday she met her class as usual ; and after saying, "I know that my Redeemer liveth," dropped down, and in a few minutes, without any struggle or pain, expired.
Tues. 27.—I preached at Freshford and Bradford; Wednesday, 28, at Bath, where many of the people seemed much moved; chiefly those who had long imagined they were
"built on a rock," and now found they had been " building upon the sand."
Thur. 29.—I preached at Pill, on the " worm" that "dieth not, and the fire" that "is not quenched:" If haply some of these drowsy ones might awake, and escape from everlasting burnings.
Mon. Octoser 8, and on Tuesday and Wednesday, I examined the society.
Thur. 6.—I met those of our society who had votes in the ensuing election, and advised them, 1. To vote, without fee or reward, for the person they judged most worthy :
2. To speak no evil of the person they voted against: And, 3. To take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side.
Sun. 9.—The evening being fair and mild, I preached in the new Square.
It was a fruitful season:
Soft fell the word as flew the air; even "as the rain into a fleece of wool."
Many such seasons we have had lately: Almost every day one and another has found peace, particularly young persons and children.
Shall not they be a blessing in the rising generation ? In the evening we had a solemn opportunity of renewing our covenant with God; a means of grace which I wonder has been so seldom used either in Romish or Protestant churches !
Mon. 10.—I preached at Salisbury ; and on Tuesday, 11, set out for the Isle of Purbeck.
"When we came to CorfeCastle, the evening being quite calm and mild, I preached in a meadow near the town, to a deeply attentive congregation,
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[Oct. 1774. gathered from all parts of the island.
I afterwards met the society, artless and teachable, and full of good desires.
But few of them yet have got any farther, than to "see men as trees walking."
Wed. 12.—I preached to a large congregation at five, who seemed quite athirst for instruction.
Afterwards we took a walk over the remains of the Castle, so bravely defended in the last century, against all the power of the Parliament forces, by the widow of the Lord Chief Justice Banks.
It is one of the noblest ruins I ever saw: The walls are of an immense thickness, defying even the assaults of time, and were formerly surrounded by a deep ditch.
The house, which stands in the middle, on the very top of the rock, has been a magnificent structure.
Some time since the proprietor fitted up some rooms on the south-west side of this, and laid out a little garden, commanding a large prospect, pleasant beyond description. For awhile he was greatly delighted with it: But the eye was not satisfied with seeing.
It grew familiar; it pleased no more; and is now run all to rum. No wonder: What can delight always, but the knowledge and love of God?
About noon I preached at Langton, three or four miles from Corfe-Castle, to a large and deeply serious congregation.
Here is likewise a little society ; but I did not find any among them who knew in whom they had believed.
In the evening I preached in a meadow, near Swanage, to a still larger congregation. And here at length I found three or four persons, and all of one family, who seemed really to enjoy the faith of the Gospel.
Few others of the society (between thirty and forty in number) appeared to be convinced of sin.
I fear the Preachers have been more studious to please than to awaken, or there would have been a deeper work.
The Isle (or properly Peninsula) of Purbeck is nine or ten miles broad, and perhaps twenty long, running nearly from north-east to south-west. Two mountains run almost the whole length, with valleys both between them and on each side, but poorly cultivated.
The people in general are plain, artless, good-natured, and well-behaved.
If the labourers here are zealous and active, they will surely have a ptentiful harvest.
Thur. 13.—I set out early, and reached Gosport, (seventytwo miles,) not long after six. Finding a boat ready, I crossed, aud went straight to the Room.
It was full enough; so I began without delay, and enforced our Lord's words, (one of my