spoke strong words, if haply some might awake out of sleep.
Aug. 1784.) JOURNAL.
another at Pembroke in the evening.
Many mourned after God, and many rejoiced with joy unspeakable.
Mon. 16.—I preached at Haverfordwest.
Tuesday, 17.
We rode over to Roach, eight miles from Haverford. The new preaching-house was pretty welL-filled ; and I was glad to find that a little ride did meno harm.
Wednesday, 18. I went to Admiral Vaughan's, at Tracoon, one of the pleasantest seats in Great Britain.
The house is embosomed in lofty woods, and does not appear till you drop down upon it.
The Admiral governs his family, as he did in his ship, with the utmost punctuality.
The bell rings, and all attend without delay; whether at meals, or at morning and evening prayer.
I preached at seven, on Phil. iii. 8; and spent the evening in serious conversation.
Thur. 19.—I went on to Mr. Bowen's at Llyngwair; another most agreeable place ; but more so because of the company,—
Mr. and Mrs. Bowen, his brother, and six of their eleven children, two of whom are lately come from the University. Friday,
20. About eight I preached in the church at Newport, and spoke strong words, if haply some might awake out of sleep.
Thence we went to Haverfordwest ; it being the day when the Bishop held his visitation. As I was returning in the afternoon from visiting some of the poor people, a carriage in the street obliged me to walk very near a Clergyman, who made me a low bow : I did the same to him; though I did not then know the Bishop; who has indeed won the hearts of the people in general by his courteous and obliging behaviour.
Sun. 22.—I heard a good sermon in the church at Carmarthen, (being the Assize sermon,) on, " There is no power but of God."
Inthe evening I preached in the market-place, to, I think, the largest congregation I ever saw in Wales.
Thursday, 26. On the road I read over Voltaire's Memoirs of himself.
Certainly never was a more consummate coxcomb! But even his character is less horrid than that of his royal hero!
Surely so unnatural a brute never disgraced a throne before !
Cedite, Romani Catamiti!
Cedite, Graii!* A monster that made it a fixed rule to let no woman and no Priest enter his palace; that not only gloried in the constant practice of Sodomy himself, but made it free for all his subjects!
Ye Catamites among the Greeks and Romans, concede to this wretch the -palm of criminality. —EpD1T.
REV. J.. WESLEY'S
[Sept. 1784.
What a pity that his father had not beheaded him in his youth, and saved him from all this sin and shame!
In the evening I preached in the Town-Hall at Cardiff, and showed the scriptural meaning of that much-mistaken word,
"A Christian."
Friday, 27. I preached at Newport.
I hardly know such another place ; the people hear, and hear, and are as much moved as the benches they sit upon.
I spoke as strong as I possibly could, on, " Awake, thou that sleepest ;" and I judged, from the number who attended at five in the morning, that it was not all lost labour.
Sat, 28.—Being informed the boat would pass at eight, we hastened to the New-Passage : But we were time enough; for it did not set out till past six in the evening. However, we got into the boat about seven, and before nine reached Bristol.
Tues. 31.—Dr. Coke, Mr. Whatcoat, and Mr. Vasey, came down from London, in order to embark for America.
Wed. Serremser 1.—Being now clear in my own mind, I took a step which I had long weighed in my mind, and appointed Mr. Whatcoat and Mr. Vasey to go and serve the desolate sheep in America.
Thursday, 2. I added to them three more; which, I verily believe, will be much to the glory of God.
Friday, 3. I preached at Guinea-Street ; and the word of God was with power; in consequence of which there was a large congregation at five in the morning, although they had not been accustomed before to any service at that hour.
Saturday, 4. In the evening I preached at Bath. Sunday, 5. Iread Prayers, preached, and administered the sacrament, to a large congregation; but it was larger in the afternoon, and largest of all in the evening, when I opened and applied, " Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself"?
And many were laid in the balance and found wanting, even of those who had often appealed to this very rule.
Wed. 8.—I preached at Kendalshire, where I do not remember to have been for near forty years.
On the two following days, I preached at Chelton and Coleford. After preaching to an earnest congregation at Coleford, I met the society. They contained themselves pretty well during the exhortation ; but when I began to pray, the flame broke out.
Many cried aloud, many sunk to the ground, many trembled exceedingly ; but all seemed to be quite athirst for God, and penetrated by the presence of his power.
Sept. 1784.] JOURNAL.
Sun. 12.—Dr. Coke read Prayers, and I preached, in the new Room.
Afterward I hastened to Kingswood, and preached under the shade of that double row of trees which I planted about forty years ago.
How little did any one then think that they would answer such an intention!
The sun shone as hot as it used to do even in Georgia; but his rays could not pierce our canopy; and our Lord, meantime, shone upon many souls, and refreshed them that were weary.
Mon. 13.—I visited one that was confined to her bed, and in much pain, yet unspeakably happy, rejoicing evermore, praying without ceasing, and in everything giving thanks; yea, and testifying that she had enjoyed the same happiness, without any intermission, for two-and-twenty years.
Tues. 14,—I preached at Bath and Bradford; Wednesday, 15, at Trowbridge and Frome.
Thursday, 16. I went to Ditchet, a village near Castle-Carey, where I found a friendly, hospitable family.
I preached in the evening to a numerous and earnest congregation.
Friday, 17. The House would not contain half the people.
Hence we passed through a delightful country to the Nunnery, a mere elegant trifle, near King
Alfred's Tower; a lofty, triangular building, standing in the height of the country, on the very spot (as is supposed) where he drew up his army against the Danes.
About eleven I preached at Castle-Carey, to a quiet and attentive multitude.
In the evening I preached at Shepton-Mallet, where the people at length know the day of their visitation.
Saturday, 18. 1 preached in the neat, cheerful church at Midsummer-Norton.
Monday, 20, Tuesday, and Wednesday, I met the classes ; but found no increase in the society.
No wonder, for discipline had been quite neglected; and without this, little good can be done among the Methodists.
Thursday, 23.
I preached at Paulton about one; and at Pensford in the evening.
'The gentlemen at Chew-Magna having sent me word I was welcome to preach in the church, I went thither the next morning; but they now sent me word they had changed their minds; so I preached in our own preaching-house, on,
"Tf we let him alone, all men will believe on him."
Thur. 80.—L had a long conversation with John M'Geary, one of our American Preachers, just come to England.
He gave a pleasing account of the work of God there continually increasing, and vehemently importuned me to pay one more
VOL. IV.
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[Oct. 1784. visit to America before I die.
Nay, I shall pay no more visits to new worlds, till I go to the world of spirits.
Sat. Ocvrozer 2.—It pleased God once more to pour out his Spirit on the family at Kingswood. Many of the children were much affected.
I talked particularly with some who desired to partake of the Lord's Supper.
They did so the next morning.
Afterwards I spent a little time with all the children; and easily observed an uncommon awe resting upon them all.
In the evening we renewed our covenant with God in the new Room at Bristol.
It was supposed we had a thousand communicants; and I believe none went empty away.
Mon. 4.—I set out for London.
About eleven I preached at the Devizes; andin the evening at Sarum.
A grievous stumbling-block was lately thrown in the way of this poor people.
young gentlewoman, after being deeply convinced of sin, found peace with God in a glorious manner.
She was unspeakably happy; but, not long after, suddenly fell into black despair, and afterwards into melancholy madness, wherein she continued about two years.
Here was an occasion of offence for them that sought occasion, which they took care to improve.
Wed. 6.—About eleven I preached at Winchester; and in the evening at Portsmouth-Common.
Those who could not get in, at first made a little noise; but in a short time all was quiet.
Thursday, 7. I crossed over to the Isle of Wight.
In the afternoon I preached at Newtown, once the largest town in the Isle; but now not having six houses together.
In the evening all the Ministers, and most of the Gentry at Newport, attended the preaching.
Who hath warned them to flee from the wrath to come?
O may many "bring forth fruit with patience!"
Friday, 8. We returned to PortsmouthCommon ; and Saturday, 9, to London.
Mon. 18.—I set out for Oxfordshire; and in the evening preached at Wallingford.
Tuesday, 19. I spent an hour at Lord Harcourt's seat, near Newnham; one of the pleasantest spots I have seen.
It stands on a gently-rising hill, and commands a most delightful prospect.
The rooms are not so grand as some, but elegant in the highest degree.
So is also the front of the house, and what is called the flower-garden ; a small inclosure, surrounded by lofty trees, and filled with all the beauties that nature and art can give.
The House at Oxford was thoroughly filled; and students as
Nov. 1784.] JOURNAL,
well as townsmen were deeply serious.
Thursday, 21. I preached at Witney, on, "As thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee."
We had a large congregation at five in the morning; at twelve I met the children, and was pleased to find that the impression which was made on them by the storm last year, is not yet worn out; and the whole society, still double to what it was, appears to be much in earnest.
After preaching in the evening, I met the select society, and found many of them who for several years have lost nothing of what they had received, but do still love God with all their heart ; and, in consequence, "rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks."
Friday, 22.
I preached at High-Wycomb about noon; and in the afternoon went on to London.
Sun, 24.—I preached at Shadwell church, which was exceedingly crowded with rich and poor, who all seemed to receive the truth in love.
In the evening I took coach, and the next evening preached at Norwich.
Afterwards I advised the people to go away in silence; and they did so: Neither man nor woman spoke till they were out of the House.
The following days I visited the other societies in the Circuit ; and on Tvesday, Novemsnr 2, returned to London.
Fri. 5.—We had a solemn watch-night. Saturday, 6. I was an hour or two in conversation with that truly great man, Pascal
Paoli; who is a tall, well-made, graceful man, about sixty years of age; but he does not look to be above forty. He appears to have a real regard for the public good, and much of the fear of God.
He has a strong understanding, and seemed to be acquainted with every branch of polite literature.
On my saying he had met with much the same treatment with that of an ancient lover of his country, Hannibal, he immediately answered, " But I have never yet met with a King of Bithynia."
Mon. 8.—This week I visited the societies near London; a very heavy, but necessary, work.
Thursday, 18. I visited two persons in Newgate, who were under sentence of death.
They seemed to be in an excellent temper, calmly resigned to the will of God.
But how much stress can be reasonably laid on such impressions, it is hard to say :
So often have I known them vanish away as soon as ever the expectation of death was removed.
Sat. 20.—At three in the morning two or three men broke U 2
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[Nov. 1784. into our house, through the kitchen-window.
Thence they came up into the parlour, and broke open Mr. Moore's bureau, where they found two or three pounds: The night before I had prevented his leaving there seventy pounds, which he had just received.
They next broke open the cupboard, and took away some silver spoons.
Just at this time the alarum, which Mr. Moore, by mistake, had set for half past three, (instead of four,) went off, as it usually did, with a thundering noise.
At this the thieves ran away with all speed; though their work was not half done; and the whole damage which we sustained scarce amounted to six pounds.
Mon. 22.—I preached at Northampton; and on Tuesday, 23, at Whittlebury. Here my servant was seized with a fever, attended with eruptions all over, as big as pepper-corns.
I took knowledge of the Prickly-heat, as we called it in Georgia, termed by Dr. Heberden, the Nettle-rash, and assured him he would be well in fonr-and-twenty hours.
He was so; and drove us on to Banbury; where, on Wednesday, 24, I met with a hearty welcome from Mr. George, formerly a member of the London society.
The Presbyterian Minister offering me the use of his meeting, I willingly accepted his offer.
It was, I believe, capable of containing near as many people as the chapel at West-Street ; but it would not near contain the congregation: And God uttered his voice, yea, and that a mighty voice; neither the sorrow nor the joy which was felt that night will quickly be forgotten.
Thur. 25.—I desired the people would sit below in the morning, supposing not many would be present; but I was much mistaken ; notwithstanding the darkness and rain, the House was filled both above and below ; and never did I see a people who appeared more ready prepared for the Lord.
Returning through Brackley, I was informed that notice had been given of my preaching there at nine in the Town-Hall :
So I began without delay.
The congregation was large and attentive, but seemed to understand me no more than if I had been talking Greek ; but the society seemed alive to God, and striving to enter in at the strait gate.
In the evening I preached at poor, dead Towcester.
But is. not God able to raise the dead?
There was a considerable shaking among the dry bones.
And who knows but these dry bones may live?
Dec. 1784.] JOURNAL.
Fri, 26.—I returned to London.
Sunday, 28. I preached a charity sermon at St. Paul's, Covent-Garden.
It is the largest and the best-constructed parish church that I have preached in for several years ; yet some hundreds were obliged to go away, not being able to get in.
I strongly enforced the necessity of that humble, gentle, patient love, which is the very essence of true religion.
Monday, 29. In the evening I preached at Hinxworth, in Miss Harvey's new House.
TJ'uesday, 30. I visited my old friends at Bedford ; but found Mr.
Hill was gone to rest, and Mr. Parker was just quivering on the verge of life.
However, I rejoiced to find him clearly possessed of that perfect love which he had so long opposed.
Wed. DecrmsBeEr 1.—I preached at St. Neot's, to the largest congregation I ever saw here; and I know not that ever I knew them so affected ; it seemed as if God touched all their hearts.
Thursday, 2. I preached about noon at Bugden ; and in the evening to acrowded congregation at Binlington.
I wondered that I saw nothing here of a young Clergyman, who last year professed much love and esteem; but I soon heard that his eyes were opened to see the decrees.
So he knows me no more.
Fri. 3.—Partly riding, and partly walking, through wind and rain, and water and dirt, we got at last to Luton, where
I found a large congregation ; and we greatly rejoiced in God our Saviour.
Saturday, 4. I went on to London.
Mon. 6.—I went to Tunbridge-Wells, but not without difficulty ; part of the road being made scarce passable, through the abundance of rain.
I preached in the large Presbyterian meeting-house; but the violent rain thinned the congregation.
Yet on Tuesday, 7, we set out in a lovely morning ; but in about an hour, just asa pack of hounds came on in full cry, a furious storm of hail met them in the teeth, and utterly silenced them.
It soon turned to snow; which so covered the road, that we could scarce get on, though we walked good part of the way; so that we could not get to Robertsbridge till after the time appointed.
The snow likewise so retarded us in our journey to Rye, that we were above an hour in the night.
However, the House was well filled with serious hearers ; so that I did not repent of my labour.
Wed. 8.—With great difficulty, with two pair of good horses, we got on fifteen miles in five hours; but we could not reach Sevenoaks till the congregation had been long