and six in the evening, I stepped into the stage-coach, which
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[July, 1785. tion. In the evening I preached at Prosperous, to a numerous congregation, on the general judgment.
After preaching at five in the morning, T'hursday, 23, I took boat with a larger company than before; who, about eleven, desired me to preach ; for which they appeared to be exceeding thankful.
Tues. 28.—By the good providence of God, I finished the eighty-second year of my age.
Is anything too hard for God?
It is now eleven years since I have felt any such thing as weariness: Many times I speak till my voice fails, and I can speak no longer: Frequently I walk till my strength fails, and I can walk no farther; yet even then I feel no sensation of weariness ; but am perfectly easy from head to foot. I dare not impute this to natural causes: It is the will of God.
Fri.
Jury 1.—Most of our Travelling Preachers met to confer together on the things of God.
We began and ended in much peace and love; being all resolved not to "do the work of the Lord so lightly."
Sunday, 3. We had a larger congregation than ever at St. Patrick's, where many of our brethren found such a blessing, that they will not easily be so prejudiced against the Church as they were in time past.
Wed. 6.—We concluded our Conference.
I remember few such Conferences, either in England or Ireland:
So perfectly unanimous were all the Preachers, and so determined to give themselves up to God.
Sun. 10.—I went on board the Prince of Wales, one of the neatest ships I ever was in.
We left the work of God increasing in every part of the kingdom, more than it has done for many years.
About two in the morning we sailed out of Dublin-Bay, and came into Holyhead-Bay before one in the afternoon on Monday, 11.
That evening we went on to Gwendy; Tuesday, 12, to Kimmel, one of the pleasantest inns in Wales; surrounded with gardens and stately woods, which their Jate proprietor must see no more.
Wednesday, 13. We reached Chester.
After preaching there between five and six in the evening, I stepped into the stage-coach, which was just setting out; and, travelling day and night, was brought safe to London on Thursday, 14, in the afternoon.
Sun. 17.—I_ preached both morning and evening, on the education of children.
I now spoke chiefly to the parents, informing them that I designed to speak to the children at five the next morning. Monday, 18. At five not only the morning
Aug. 1785.] JOURNAL.
chapel was well filled, but many stood in the large chapel: I trust they did not come in vain.
The rest of the week I was fully employed in writing for the Magazine, and preparing for the Conference.
Sunday, 24. I preached at West-Street, morning and afternoon ; when both the largeness and earnestness of the congregation gave me a comfortable hope of a blessing at the ensuing Conference.
Tuesday, 26. Our Conference began; at which about seventy Preachers were present, whom I had invited by name.
One consequence of this was, that we had no contention or altercation at all; but everything proposed was calmly considered, and determined as we judged would be most for the glory of God.
Mon. Aveust 1.—Having, with a few select friends, weighed the matter thoroughly, I yielded to their judgment, and set apart three of our well-tried Preachers,
John Pawson, Thomas Hanby, and Joseph Taylor, to minister in Scotland; and I trust God will bless their ministrations, and show that he has sent them.
Wednesday, 8. Our peaceful Conference ended, the God of power having presided over all our consultations.
Sun. 7.—After preaching in the morning at West-Street, and in the afternoon at the new chapel, I took a solemn leave of the society; and on Monday, 8, went in the diligence to Portsmouth-Common.
Here I found a lively, and, consequently, an increasing, society.
Tuesday, 9. I crossed over to the Isle of Wight.
Here also the work of God prospers:
We had a comfortable time at Newport, where is a very teachable, though uncommonly elegant, congregation.
Wednesday, 10. We took a walk to the poor remains of Carisbrook Castle.
It seems to have been once exceeding strong, standing on a steep ascent.
But even what little of it is left is now swiftly running to ruin.
The window, indeed, through which King Charles attempted to make his escape, is still in being ; and brought to my mind that whole train of occurrences, wherein the hand of God was so eminently seen.
Thur. 11.—About noon I preached in a little court in the town of Portsmouth. The people were all attention: So there was a much larger congregation in the evening, in St. George's
Square. Surely, after all the stumbling-blocks which have been thrown in the way, God will have many souls in this place.
Fri. 12.—I preached at Winchester; and on Saturday, 18, went on to Salisbury.
As Captain Webb had just been there,
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[Aug. 1785.
I endeavoured to avail myself of the fire which he seldom fails to kindle.
The congregation in the evening was very large, and seemed to be deeply affected: So they did again at eight on Sunday morning; but I believe the greatest blessing was in the evening; particularly during the prayer, wherein God was pleased to move many in an uncommon manncr.
Mon. 15.—I preached in Shaftesbury at nine, to such a congregation as I had not seen there before.
I was glad to see among them the gentleman who, thirty years ago, sent his Officer to discharge me from preaching in his borough.
About two I preached at Castle-Carey, to as many as could well hear; and I believe there were very few who did not feel that God was with us.
In the evening I preached at Shepton-Mallet, but the House would not near contain the congregation.
For many years this society was remarkably dead; but it is now one of the liveliest in England.
Tues. 16.—We went on to Taunton, where I expected little good.
But I was agreeably disappointed: The House was thoroughly filled.
A solemn awe sat upon the whole congregation, and God spoke to their hearts.
The House was nearly filled at five in the morning,—a sight never seen here before.
Wednesday, 17. Collumpton House was more than filled, many being constrained to go away; and I found uncommon liberty of speech here, as well as at Exeter in the evening.
Thur, 18.—I had a pleasant journey to Plymouth-Dock, the rain having but just laid the dust.
The late separation here seems to have done little hurt.
A few turbulent men have left us, but men of a more quiet spirit are continually added in their stead: So that on the whole we are gainers by our loss.
Such is the wisdom of God!
Fri. 19.—In the evening I preached in the new House at Plymouth.
This also was well filled.
Sunday, 21. I preached at the Dock at seven, and the House contained us pretty well; but in the evening, it was thought, as many went away as got in.
After preaching, I gave them a plain account of the beginning and progress of that great work of God, vulgarly called Methodism.
Mon. 22.—I took a cheerful leave of our brethren at the Dock, leaving them well united together; and on the following days preached at Liskeard, St. Austle, Sticker, (a new place
Sept. 1785.] JOURNAL.
near it,) Helstone, Marazion, and Penzance.
Thursday, 25.
About nine I preached at Mousehole, where there is now one of the liveliest societies in Cornwall.
Hence we went to the Land's End, in order to which we clambered down the rocks, to the very edge of the water; and I cannot think but the sea has gained some hundred yards since I was here forty years ago.
In the evening I preached at St. Just, where are still many of our eldest brethren, although many are gone to Abraham's bosom.
Fri, 26.—In the evening I preached in the market-place at St. Ives, to almost the whole town.
This was the first place in Cornwall where we preached, and where Satan fought fiercely for his kingdom; but now all is peace.
I found old John Nance had rested from his labours.
Some months since, sitting behind the Preacher, in the pulpit, he sunk down, was carried out, and fell asléep !
Sat. 27.—About nine I preached at the copper-works, near the Hayle, in the new preaching-house.
I suppose such another is not in England, nor in Europe, nor in the world.
It is round, and all the walls are brass; that is, brazen slugs.
It seems nothing can destroy this, till heaven and earth pass away. t two the Stewards of all the societies met at Redruth.
There is nothing but peace and love among them, and among the societies from whence they came ; and yet no great increase !
At our love-feast in the evening, several of our fricnds declared how God had saved them from inbred sin, with such exactness, both of sentiment and language, as clearly showed they were taught of God.
Sun. 28.—At half-past eight I preached at St. Agnes, to the largest congregation I ever saw there.
Between one and two I preached in the street at Redruth, to thousands upon thousands; and my strength was as my need : Yet I was afraid, lest
I should not be able to make all those hear that assembled in the evening.
But, though it was supposed there were two or three thousand more than ever were there before, yet they heard (I was afterwards informed) to the very skirts of the congregation, while I applied those solemn words, " One thing is needful."
Wed. 31.—I preached at Launceston ; SEPTEMBER 1, in the market-place at Tiverton ; and on Friday, 2, opened the little preaching-house at Wellington.
At noon I preached in an 'ancient, venerable building, once belonging to a Lord Chief
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[Sept. 1785.
Justice.
It is oddly called Cat-Hanger.
Having a stupid people to deal with, I spoke exceeding plain; and I think many of them, even Somersetshire farmers, felt as well as heard.
Thence we went on to Ditchet.
The people here are all attentive; so that I had nothing to do but apply the promises.
The society is continually increasing, and more and more of the hearers are convinced and justified.
What is the strangest thing, is, there is no opposer in the town, but rich and poor all acknowledge the work of God.
Saturday, 3. In the afternoon the good providence of God brought us once more well to Bristol.
Sun. 4.—Finding a report had been spread abroad, that I was just going to leave the Church; to satisfy those that were grieved concerning it, I openly declared in the evening, that I had now no more thought of separating from the Church than I had forty years ago.
Tues. 6.—I preached at Paulton and Coleford ; Wednesday, 7, in an open place near the road, at Mells.
Just as I began, a wasp, though unprovoked, stung me upon the lip.
I was. afraid it would swell, so as to hinder my speaking ; but it did not. Ispoke distinctly, near two hours in all; and was no worse for it.
In the evening I preached with much satisfaction at Frome, to a mixed multitude of rich and poor; and afterwards strongly exhorted them that had believed to walk in love, after the example of our Great Master.
On Thursday I preached at Trowbridge; and on Friday at Bradford, where the work of God has much increased lately ; indeed, it has increased this year through the whole Circuit, as it has not done for twenty years before.
On Saturday evening I preached at Bath.
Sun. 11.—Mr. Bradburn preached at seven, and Mr. Collins about two in the afternoon.
I began the service at eleven, and preached on part of the Epistle, Ephesians iii.
Both then and in the evening the word " distilled as the dew, and as the rain on the tender herb."
Tues. 13.—I preached at Stoke; and in the evening at Pensford ; where, I fear, after all the pains we have taken, the generality of the people know just as much of religion as the Hot-. tentots.
Wednesday, 14. I preached in the evening in the old Temple Church, on Psalm Ixxiv. 12. In the old translation it runs, '' The help that is done upon the earth, God doeth it himself." A glorious and important truth! Inthe new, '' Working salvation in the midst of the earth." What a wonderful emen-.
Oct. 1785.] JOURNAL.
dation! Many such emendations there are in this translation :
One would think King James had made them himself.
Thur. 15.—I went over to Hannam once more, and saw poor disconsolate Louisa, still wrapping herself up naked in her blanket, and not caring to speak to anyone.
The late pretty tale of her being the Emperor's daughter is doubtless a mere catch-penny: And her four-and-twenty examinations are as credible as Mahomet's journey through seventy thousand heavens.
Sun. 18.—I read Prayers and preached at the new Room in the morning ; at two under the sycamore in Kingswood ; and at five near King's Square in Bristol.
In the following week I visited the classes, and was amazed to find there is no increase in the society, considering what able and diligent
Preachers they have had the last year.
Tues. 27.—I visited the little flock at Amesbury, humble, simple, and much devoted to God.
Friday, 30. About eleven I preached in the churchat Midsummer-Norton, toa numerous congregation. The Curate, Mr. Sims, read Prayers for me, and read them admirably well.
About five I began at Ditchet, where it rained almost all the time I preached ; but this did not much lessen the congregation : Indeed all of this town, hardly one excepted, seem to have a liking to the truth.
Saturday, Ocroser 1. I preached at Shepton to acrowded audience. In the evening I preached at the Weavers' Hall to such a congregation as I had not seen there for many years.
Sunday, 2.
After reading Prayers and preaching, I administered the sacrament to many hundred communicants.
We then solemnly renewed our covenant with God; and while we solemnly avouched him to be our God, I believe many felt with holy, humble joy, that he avouched us to be his people: At four we went into the mail-coach: At twelve, it being exceeding dark, the wheel of a waggon touched ours, and the coach was over in a moment ; but just on the spot were some rails which stopped it, so that it did not fall to the ground; so that it was easily set right again, without any hurt to man or beast.
About seven we reached Hyde-Park Corner, and the new chapel at eight.
Tuesday, 4. I made a little excursion into Hertfordshire ; and on Friday, 7, returned to London.
Mon. 10.—Setting out for Oxfordshire, I preached at Wallingford in the evening, and at five in the morning. I preached
VOL. IV.
REV. J. WESLEY'S
Oct. 1785. in Oxford at noon; and in the evening at Witncy, where the power of God uses to be eminently present.
Thursday, 18.
Returning to Oxford, I once more surveyed many of the gardens and delightful walks.
What is wanting but the love of God, to make this place an earthly paradise?
I preached in the evening to a very serious audience; as also the next evening at High-Wycomb.
In all this Circuit the work of God appears both to widen and to deepen.
Sat. 15.—I returned to London.
Sunday, 16. At nine in the evening I set out for Norwich.
Tuesday, 18, and the following days, I visited Yarmouth, and the other parts of the Circuit.
Sat. 22.—I returned to Norwich; and in the evening spoke home to an uncommonly large congregation ; telling them,
"Of all the people I have seen in the kingdom, for between forty and fifty years, you have been the most fickle, and yet the most stubborn."
However, our labour has not been lost, for many have died in peace; and God is able to say to the residue of these dry bones, " Live!"
Sun. 23.—I administered the Lord's Supper to about a hundred and sixty communicants. a Tues. 25.—I crossed over to Lynn, which has been, of a long season, a cold and comfortless place.
But the scene is now entirely changed: Two young, zealous, active Preachers, strongly urging the people to expect a full and present salvation, have enlivened both the society and the congregation.
But the difficulty was, how to get to London.
No coach set out till Friday morning, nor got in before Saturday night.
So I took a postchaise after preaching, and reached Downham between ten and eleven: But here we were informed, that, in so dark anight, we could not travel over Ely roads, which run between two banks, across which are many bridges, where the coachman must drive to an inch ; but we knew in whom we trusted, and pushed forward, till about one on Thursday we reached London.
Mon. 31.—I set out for N orthamptonshire, and in the afternoon came to Luton.
For many years I had lodged at Mr.
Cole's in Luton; but he was now gone to his long home. The room prepared for me now was very large and very cold, and had no fire-place in it. After dinner I called upon Mr. Hampson, the Lawyer who had made Mr. Cole's will,
He gave me,
Nov. 1785.] JOURNAL,
with the utmost courtesy, all the information I wanted; and afterwards invited me to lodge at his house, which I willingly did. In the evening the preaching-house was thoroughly filled; and we had a blessed season, both now and in the morning.
Tues. NovemBrr 1.—Wheri I came to Northampton, the new Presbyterian meeting-house was offered me, twice as large as our own.
The congregation was numerous and deeply attentive.
Many attended again in the morning; I trust, not without a blessing.
Wednesday, 2.
I preached at Whittlebury.
Thursday, 3. I met with Peru's "Treatise upon the Gravel and Stone."
I had long supposed that there 'could not be in nature any such thing as a lithontriptic, a medicine that could dissolve the stone, without dissolving the bladder; but I am now convinced ; there is no arguing against matter of fact; the facts here alleged are too recent to be denied, and too clear to be evaded: Therefore I cannot but earnestly advise every one that has this dreadful distemper, to try without delay, if he can afford it, this sovercign remedy.
Fri, 4.—I returned to London.
Sunday, 6. I preached a funeral sermon for that great and good man, Mr. Fletcher; and most of the congregation felt that God was in the midst of them.
In the afternoon I buried the remains of Judith Perry, a lovely young woman, snatched away at eighteen ; but she was ripe for the Bridegroom, and went to meet him in the full triumph of faith.
Sunday, 13. I preached at Shoreditch church.
The congregation was very numerous, and the collection unusually large.
Mon. 14.—This week I read over again, and carefully considered, Mr. Fry's tract upon Marriage.
I wonder it is not more known, as there is nothing on the head like it in the English tongue.
I still think he has proved to a demonstration, that no marriages are forbidden, either by the law of God or of England, but those of brothers and sisters, and those in the ascending and descending line.
The contrary supposition seems to be built wholly in a misinterpretation of that expression in Lev. xvii., "Thou shalt not uncover her nakedness."
But this, he clearly shows, does not mean to marry a woman, but to deflower her.
Sun. 20.—I preached in Bethnal-Green church, and spoke as plain as I possibly could, on " having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof."
And this I judged to be XY 2
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[Dec. 1785. far more suitable to such a congregation, than talking of justification by faith.
Having promised our friends at Winchester tocome and open their preaching-house when it was ready, I setout on Thursday,
24, and preached there in the evening to a numerous congregation; but I have not seen a people less affected: They seemed to be mere stocks and stones. However, I have cast my bread upon the water: Possibly it may be found again after many days.
On Friday evening we went into the mail-coach, and reached London at eight in the morning.
Sun. 27.—As soon as I had concluded my sermon at the new chapel, I hastened away to preach at St. Luke's, one of the largest parish churches in London.
It was thoroughly filled, as it was seven years ago, when I preached there before.
God enabled me to speak strong words on the epistle for the day ; and I believe some felt that it was now high "time to awake out of sleep."
Mon, 28.—I went to Canterbury : The chapel was more than filled.
On Tuesday I found at Dover also a considerable increase of the work of God.
Wednesday, 30. I went on to Margate. Some years since we had a small society here; but a Local Preacher took them to himself: Only two or three remained, who from time to time pressed our Preachers to come again ; and, to remove the objection, that there was no place to preach in, with the help of a few friends they built a convenient preaching-house.
Thursday, I opened it in the evening; the congregation was large, and perfectly wellbehaved ; and I cannot but hope, that, after all the stumblingblocks, there will be a people here, who will uniformly adorn the Gospel of Christ.
On Friday I returned to London.
Monday, Duczmsrr 5, and so the whole week, I spent every hour I could spare, in the unpleasing but necessary work of going through the town, and begging for the poor men who had been employed in finishing the new chapel.
It is true, I am not obliged to do this ; but if I doit not, nobody else will.
Sun. 11.—I strongly enforced St. James's beautiful description of "the wisdom from above." How hard is it to fix, even on serious hearers, a lasting sense of the nature of true religion!
Let it be right opinions, right modes of worship, or anything, rather than right tempers!
Thur, 22.—I preached at Highgate.
Considering how
Jan. 1786.] JOURNAL.
magnificent a place this is, I do not wonder so little good has been done here.
For what has religion to do with palaces ?
Sun. 25.—(Being Christmas-Day.) I preached at the new chapel early in the morning, and in the evening ; about eleven at West-Street.
Monday, 26. I baptized a young woman brought up an Anabaptist; and God bore witness to his ordinance, filling her heart, at the very time, with peace and joy unspeakable.
This week I endeavoured to point out all the errata in the eight volumes of the Arminian Magazine. This must be done by me: Otherwise several passages therein will beunintelligible.
Sun.
January 1, 1786.—We began that solemn service, the renewing of our covenant with God, not in the evening as heretofore, but at three in theafternoon, as more convenient for the generality of people.
And God was with us of a truth.
Mon. 9.—At leisure hours this week, I read the Life of Sir William Penn, a wise and good man.
But I was much surprised at what he relates concerning his first wife; who lived, I suppose, fifty years, and said a little before her death,
"T bless God, I never did anything wrong in my life!"
Was she then ever convinced of sin?
And if not, could she be saved on any other footing than a Heathen ?
Tues. 24.—I was desired to go and hear the King deliver his speech in the House of Lords.
But how agreeably was I surprised!
He pronounced every word with exact propriety.
I much doubt whether there be any other King in Europe, that is so just and natural a speaker.
Tues. 31.—I had a more particular account of Joseph Lee than ever I had before. When I went first to Newcastle-uponTyne, I chose him, being a man full of faith and love, to be one of the Leaders, Steward of the society, and Caterer for our family.
He discharged his trust with the utmost ability and integrity. He walked humbly and closely with God ; and was a pattern to all the town, as well as to all the society.
But after some time, he was persuaded to quit Newcastle, and settle at Nottingham.
There he fell among Antinomians, and, trusting in his own strength, gradually sucked in their opinion, grew less and less strict; and lost first the power, and then the very form, of religion.
After he had lived some years openly and avowedly without God in the world, while he was one evening quite merry with his jovial companions,
B26
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[Feb. 1786. ne of them said, " Why, Mr.
Lee, you was once very godly ; you was one of those mad Methodists!"
He answered not a word, but leaned his arm on the table, and died.
Sun. Fesruary 5.—In the morning, while I was applying at the new chapel that solemn declaration, '' The Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor his ear heavy, that it cannot hear ;" he did indeed speak aloud in his word, so that the stout-hearted trembled.
I broke out into prayer:
The power of God came mightily upon us, and there was a general cry.
But the voice of two persons prevailed over all the rest; one praying, and the other shrieking as in the agonies of death.
God relieved the former in a few minutes; the other, not till evening.
This week, in travelling, I read over Dr. Stuart's History of Scotland.
He is a writer indeed! as far above Dr. Robertson, as Dr. Robertson is above Oldmixon.
He proves beyond all possibility of doubt, that the charges against Queen Mary were totally groundless ; that she was betrayed basely by her own servants, from the beginning to the eud; and that she was not only one of the best Princesses then in Europe, but one of the most blameless, yea, and the most pious women !
Mon. 18.—I went to Mitcham, and found a little company just started up, who were all on fire for God.
The house being too small, I preached at the front of a house adjoiing to the road ; where the earnestness of the people made amends for the keenness of the north wind.
Sun. 19.—I preached in Horsleydown church, where (to my no small surprise) no man, woman, or child, seemed to know me either by face or by name!
But before I had done, many of the numerous congregation knew that God was there of a truth.
Mon, 20.—I paid my last visit to that saint of God, Ann Sharland, dying of a cancer in her breast, in continual pain ; but triumphing over pain and death.
Sun. 26.—I took a solemn leave of the congregation at the new chapel, at West-Street, and at Brentford.
Monday, 27.
We went on to Newbury, with little interruption from the snow ; and I hada comfortable opportunity, with a large and serious congregation.
But I have not passed such a night for these forty years, my lodging-room being Just as cold as the outward air.
I could not sleep at all till three in the
March, 1786.] JOURNAL.
morning.
I rose at four, and set cut at five.
But the snow which fell in the night lay so deep, it was with much difficulty we reached Chippenham.
'Taking fresh horses there, we pushed on to Bath; and found a larger congregation than could well be expected.
Wed. Marcu 1.—I had appointed to preach in Trowbridge atnoon.
But wecould not get thither till half an hour after.
I then preached without delay ; and in the evening in Bristol, on, "O death, where is thy sting?
O grave, where is thy victory?"
Afterwards I visited one who could say with Mr.
De Renty, "I bear with me an experimental verity, and a plenitude of the presence of the ever-blessed Trinity." In the afternoon I went over to Kingswood, and found the school in excellent order.
Sunday, 5. I read Prayers and preached, and administered the sacrament to about five hundred communicants.
At three I preached in Temple church ; at five in the new Room.
On Friday, I baptized a young Negro, who appeared to be deeply serious and much affected ; asindeed did the whole congregation.
Saturday, 11. I rode over to Churchill, about twelve miles from Bristol; where Dr. Barry read Prayers, and I preached to a serious congregation.
Mon. 18.—I left Bristol, taking Mr. Bradburn with me ; as I judged a change of place and of objects would be a means of calming his mind, deeply affected with the loss of a beloved wife.
In the evening I preached at Stroud; Tuesday, 14, at noon in Painswick, with uncommon liberty; and in t!:c evening at Gloucester.
I preached in the old church (now vanished away) belonging to St. Bartholomew's Hospital; which I think was very considerably larger than the new chapel in London.
Wed. 15.—Much snow fell in the night, and quite blocked up the road.
Yet with some difficulty we got through to Tewkesbury, where I preached at noon.
Abundance of snow likewise fell in the afternoon ; but we pushed through it to Worcester.
Thursday, 16. It was not without some difficulty, that we made our way through the snow to Bewdley.
Prejudice is here now vanished away.
The life of Mr. Clark turned the tide; and, much more, his glorious death.
I preached about noon ; and at Worcester in the evening ; where we had an uncommon blessing while I was enforcing, " 'Thou shalt have no other gods before me."
Fri. 17,—At eleven I preached at Bengeworth ; and again at