was sufficiently crowded; and surely God answered for
April, 1788.] JOURNAL.
ears to hear.
Afterward, leaving one to preach again, after an hour's respite I went on to Manchester.
Fri. 11.—The House was well filled in the evening.
I explained and enforced the words of St.
James, " Seest thou how faith. wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?"
I did not hear that any were offended ; for the bulk of these are an understanding people.
Sat. 12.—I took a view of the public library, preferable to most in England.
It is annexed to the Blue-Coat School, wherein fourscore children are provided with all things; and all by the munificence of one man, who expressly forbade any one to add thereto.
Sun. 138.—Mr. Simpson assisting, we dealt very well with a crowded congregation.
I suppose we had about a thousand communicants ; and surely God was among them: And so He was in the evening, while I applied, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."
Mon. 14,—At noon I preached at Northwich, to such a congregation as scarce ever was seen there before ; and had a good hope that, after all the storms, good will be done here also.
In the evening I preached to the affectionate congregation at Chester, who want nothing but more life and fire.
Tuesday, 15. I was desired to preach upon the Trinity.
The chapel was sufficiently crowded; and surely God answered for himself to all candid hearers.
Wed. 16.—I preached about eleven at Warrington, (a cold, uncomfortable place,) and in the evening at Liverpool.
The House was extremely crowded, and I found great liberty of spirit ; but still more the next evening, while I was opening and applying the parable of the Sower. How much seed has been sown in this town! And, blessed be God, all is not lost. Some has brought forth thirty, some sixty, and some a hundred fold.
Fri. 18.—Notice having been given at Wigan of my preaching a sermon for the Sunday-schools, the people flocked from all quarters in such a manner as never was seen before.
I spoke with all possible plainness on, " Repent ye, and believe the Gospel ;" and it seemed to sink deep into the hearts of the hearers.
Surely "the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Sat. 19.—We went on to Bolton, where I preached in the evening in one of the most elegant Houses in the kingdom, and to one of the liveliest congregations.
And this I must avow, there is not such a set of singers inany of the Methodist congre-
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[April, 17388. gations in the three kingdoms. There cannot be; for we have near a hundred such trebles, boys and girls, selected out of our
Sunday-schools, and accurately taught, asare not found together in any chapel, cathedral, or music-room within the four seas.
Besides, the spirit with which they all sing, and the beauty of many of them, so suits the melody, that I defy any to exceed it; except the singing of angels in our Father's house.
Sun. 20.—At eight, and at one, the House was throughly filled.
About three, I met between nine hundred and a thousand of the children belonging to our Sunday-schools. I never saw such a sight before.
They were all exactly clean, as well as plain, in their apparel.
All were serious and wellbehaved.
Many, both boys and girls, had as beautiful faces as, I believe, England or Europe can afford.
When they all sung together, and none of them out of tune, the melody was beyond that of any theatre; and, what is best of all, many of them truly fear God, and some rejoice in his salvation.
These are a pattern to all the town.
Their usual diversion is to visit the poor that are sick, (sometimes six, or eight, or ten together,) to exhort, comfort, and pray with them.
Frequently ten or more of them get together to sing and pray by themselves ; sometimes thirty or forty ; and are so earnestly engaged, alternately singing, praying, and crying, that they know not how to part.
You children that hear this, why should not you go and do likewise?
Is not God here as well as at Bolton?
Let God arise and maintain his own cause, even "out of the mouths of babes and sucklings !"
Mon.21.—I went on, through miserable roads, to Blackburn 5 where, notwithstanding the continued rain, the new preachinghouse was throughly filled with serious, well-behaved people.
Tuesday, 22.
Through equally good roads we got on to Padiham.
I preached at eleven to as quiet a congregation, though not so lively, as that at Bolton. From hence we went in the afternoon, through still more wonderful roads, to Haslingden.
They were sufficient to lame any horses, and shake any carriage in pieces.—N.B. I will never attempt to travel these roads again, till they are effectually mended !
A gentleman, no way connected with us, has built us a neat preaching-house here, desiring only three per cent. for what he has laid out, (about eight hundred pounds,) provided the seats let for so much, of which there is little doubt.
It was well filled in the evening with serious people, lying in the midst
May, 1788.] JOURNAL.
of many societies.
Wednesday, 23. We hobbled on to Bury, through roads equally deplorable ; but we met a lively congregation, which made us forget our labour.
In the evening I preached to another lively congregation at Rochdale.
Formerly we had much trouble here: But it is past; and they now hold the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Thur. 24.—About ten we began the Service in the church at Todmorden, crowded sufficiently.
I found uncommon liberty among these poor mountaineers.
We had a pleasant road from hence to Burnley, where a multitude of people were waiting ; but we had no house that could contain them.
Just then the rain ceased: So we went into the inn-yard, which contained them well; and it was an acceptable season, as indeed it was both the times before when I preached at Bury.
Fri. 25.—-In the evening I preached at Colne.
This is the fifth rainy day we have had. However, the House was pretty well filled; and I strongly exhorted them that had left their first love, to remember from whence they had fallen, to repent, and to do their first works.
Sun. 27.—I preached at Haworth church in the morning, crowded sufficiently ; as was Bingley church in the afternoon:
But as very many could not get in, Mr. Wrigley preached to them in the street ; so that they did not come in vain. In the evening we went on to Halifax.
Mon. 28.—The House in the evening was throughly filled with hearers that devoured the word.
Tuesday, 29. I was desired to preach in the church at Sowerby, four miles from Halifax.
It stands on the brow of ahigh and steep mountain.
Rich and poor flocked together to it; whom I exhorted to acquaint themselves with God, and be at peace.
T found much liberty of spirit among them ; and still more at Halifax in the evening, when it seemed as if the windows of heaven were opened ; as also at five in the morning, when I took a solemn leave of this affectionate people.
Wed. 30.—About eleven the service began at Honley.
After the Curate had read Prayers to a large and serious congregation, I preached, on, " It is appointed unto men once to die."
I believe many felt as well as heard the word.
About six I preached at Huddersfield; where our brethren are now all at peace and unity with each other. In the evening
I went to our quiet and delightful retreat at LongwoodHouse.
Thur. May 1.—The congregation at five was exceeding
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[May, 1788. large, coming from many miles round; but that at Shelly, a lone place, six or seven miles from Huddersfield, where I was constrained to preach in the open air at nine, was six or seven times larger ; indeed, the largest I have seen since I left
Manchester; and the power of God was eminently present,. both to wound and to heal.
I believe the congregation at Wakefield in the evening was larger even than this ; and the vérdure of the trees, the smoothness of the meadow, the calmness of the evening, and the stillness of the whole congregation, made it a delightful sight.
'ri. 2.—I went on to Bradford.
I feared the jars which had been here would have lessened the congregation; but it was as large as ever I remember it on a week-day; and as deeply attentive as ever.
A large number attended again at five in the morning.
In the afternoon I spent some hours with the Trustees of Eccleshill House; but I might as well have talked to so many posts.
In the evening we had a lovely congregation again, to whom I explained the former part of Rev. xiv.
These had ears to hear; and many of them rejoiced with joy full of glory.
Sun. 4.—It was not without extreme difficulty that we could get into the church ; but it was worth all the labour. I strongly applied those words in the Epistle for the day, "The end of all things is at hand ; be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer."
It seemed as if the whole congregation was moved. I believe that hour will not soon be forgotten.
The concourse of people at Birstal, about four, was greater than ever was seen there before; and the wind being very high, it was feared not half of them would be able to hear:
But God was better to them than their fears.
Afterwards we found that all could hear distinctly ; so, if they hear no more, I am clear of their blood.
I have declared to them the whole counsel of God.
Mon. 5.—About nine I preached to the loving people at Morley, on 1 Pet. i. 3, and then went forward to Leeds ; where
(Mr. Hey having sent me word that it was not convenient for him to receive me) Mr. Floyd, and every one in his house, received me with all gladness.
We had a full House in the evening.
I explained and applied James ii. 22, which I Suppose was never more needful to be insisted upon than it is this day.
Tues. 6.—About eleven I actepted the invitation of Mr,
May, 1788.] JOURNAL.
Stone, a truly pious and active man, and preached in his church at Rawdon, ten miles from Leeds, to a very serious congregation, on Mark i. 15: 'Repent ye, and believe the Gospel."
In the evening I preached at Otley to a lovely congregation, and at five in the morning. At four in the afternoon I preached at Pateley-Bridge; and setting out at four on Friday morning, reached Kendal that evening, (sixty-one miles,) and Whitehaven at five on Saturday, 10.
The congregation in the evening rejoiced much, as they had not seen me for four years. But scarce any of the old standers are left: Two-and-forty years have swept them away.
Let us who are left live to-day.
'' Now is the day of salvation."
May 11.—(Being Whitsunday.) In the morning, while those words were applied, '' And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost," his power was eminently present in the congregation; but much more in the evening.
At noon Joseph Bradford preached in the market-place to a numerous congregation; and I am not without hope, that poor Whitehaven will lift up its head again.
Mon. 12.—About eight I began preaching in the markethouse at Cockermouth.
I was surprised to find several of those that are called the best of the town there; and they were one and all serious and attentive: So we had a solemn parting.
Hence we went on to Carlisle.
I never found this society so well united before.
The preaching-house, begun three or four years ago, is now completely finished.
It is neat, lightsome, and cheerful; but it was very ill able to contain the congregation.
Several Ministers were there ; and so was the power of God, in an uncommon degree.
All that were under the roof seemed to be moved more or less; and so they were in the morning, Tuesday, 13, when I besought them to present themselves a living sacrifice to God.
To-day we went on through lovely roads to Duinfries.
Indeed all the.roads are wonderfully mended since I last travelled this way. Dumfries is beautifully situated ; but as to wood and water, and gently-rising hills, &c., is, I think, the neatest, as well as the most civilized, town that I have seen in the kingdom.
Robert Dall soon found me out.
He has behaved exceeding well, and done much good here; but he is a bold man: He has begun building a preaching-house, larger than any in Scotland, except those in Glasgow and Edinburgh!
In VOL. TV.
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[May, 1788. the evening I preached abroad in a convenient street, on one side of the town.
Rich and poor attended from every quarter, of whatever denomination; and every one seemed to hear for life.
Surely the Scots are the best hearers in Europe!
Wed. 14.—At five I was importuned to preach in the preaching-house; but such a one I never saw before.
It had no windows at all: So that although the sun shone bright, we could see nothing without candles. But I believe our Lord shone on many hearts, while I was applying those words, "TI will, be thou clean."
I breakfasted with poor Mr. Ashton, many years ago a member of our society in London; but far happier now in his little cottage, than ever he was in his prosperity.
When I was in Scotland first, even at a Nobleman's table, we had only flesh meat of one kind, but no vegetables of any kind; but now they are as plentiful here as in England. Near
Dumfries there are five very large public gardens, which furnish the town with greens and fruit in abundance.
The congregation in the evening was nearly double to that we had the last; and, if it was possible, more attentive. Indeed one or two gentlemen, so called, laughed at first; but they quickly disappeared ; and all were still while I explained the worship of God in spirit and in truth.
Two of the Clergy followed me to my lodging, and gave me a pressing invitation to their houses.
Several others intended, it seems, to do the same; but having a long journey before me, I left Dumfries earlier in the morning than they expected.
We set out on Thursday, 15, at four; and reached Glasgow, Friday, 16, before noon.
Much of the country, as we came, is now well improved ; and the wilderness become a fruitful field.
Our new preaching-house will, 1 believe, contain about as many as the chapel at Bath.
But O the difference! It has the pulpit on one side; and has exactly the look of a Presbyterian meeting-house.
It is the very sister of our House at Brentford.
Perhaps an omen of what will be when I am gone. I preached at seven to a tolerably large congregation, and to many of them at five in the morning.
At six in the evening they were increased fourfold; but still I could not find the way to their hearts.
Sun. 18.—I preached at eleven on the parable of the Sower ; at half-past two on Psalm ]. 23; and in the evening on, " Now abideth faith, hope, love; these three."
I subjoined a short
May, 1788.] JOURNAL.
account of Methodism, particularly insisting on the circumstances,—There is no other religious society under heaven which requires nothing of men in order to their admission intoit, but a desire to save their souls. Look all round you, you cannot be admitted into the Church, or society of the Presbyterians,
Anabaptists, Quakers, or any others, unless you hold the same opinions with them, and adhere to the same mode of worship.
The Methodists alone do not insist on your holding this or that opinion; but they think and let think.
Neither do they impose any particular mode of worship; but you may continue to worship in your former manner, be it what it may. Now, Ido not know any other religious society, either ancient or modern, wherein such liberty of conscience is now allowed, or has been allowed, since the age of the Apostles.
Here is our glorying ; and a glorying peculiar to us. What society shares it with us?
Mon. 19.—I went to Edinburgh, and preached to a much larger congregation than I used to see here on a week-day.
I still find a frankness and openness in the people of Edinburgh, which I find in few other parts of the kingdom. I spent two days among them with much satisfaction ; and I was not at all disappointed, in finding no such increase, either in the congregation or the society, as many expected from their leaving the Kirk.
Thur. 22.—The House at Dalkeith being far too small, even at eight in the morning, to contain the congregation, I preached in a garden, on, "Seek ye the Lord while he may be found :" And from the eager attention of the people, I could not but hope, that some of them would receive the truth in love.
In the evening I preached in the House at Dunbar, tolerably well filled, on Job xxii. 2, 3; I believe with The spirit of convincing speech :
But much more, at five in the morning, Friday, 23.
And will God manifest his power among these dry bones also?
Immediately after preaching we set out.
How is the face of this country changed in a few years!
It was, twenty years ago, dreary enough; but is now as a pleasant garden.
But what is most remarkable, is the bridge which connects the two mountains, the Peas, together; one of the noblest works in Great Britain; unless you would except the bridge at Edinburgh, which lies directly across the Cowgate: So that one street (a thing not heard of before) runs under another.
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[May, 1788.
About noon we came to Berwick-upon-Tweed ; but the town being all in a hurry, on occasion of the fair, so that I could not conveniently preach in the market-house, I was glad that Mr.
Atcheson, the Presbyterian Minister, offered me the use of his chapel.
It wasa large commodious place. Several of his hearers attended ; to whom I spoke exceeding plain, in the evening, on 1 Cor, xii. 3; and in the morning, on Isaiah lix. 1—8.
Sat, 24.—About one we reached Alnwick.
I was alittle surprised at the new preaching-house, (in which I preached in the evening,) exactly resembling the meeting-house we hire at Brentford.
Had they noeyes?
Or had they never seen any English House?
But the scarecrow must now stand without remedy.
Sun. 25.—This was the day on which all the Nonjuring congregations in Scotland began, by common agreement, to pray in all their public worship for King George and his family.
I preached at nine, at two, and at half-past five ; the last time on the Gospel for the day, (the history of Dives and Lazarus,) with much enlargement of spirit.
After preaching at five in the morning, on Matt. xxvi., and taking a solemn leave of the congregation, I went on to Morpeth; but was informed the TownHall was totally engaged; the lower part, by a company of players ; the upper, by a dancing-master.
However, the latter did scruple the having his right: So I preached to the largest congregation I ever saw there.
And our Lord seemed to Dart into all the melting power Of love, and make the mountains flow.
It was indeed a wonderful season, such as we had scarce had before since we left Bristol.
In the evening I preached at Newcastle, to such a congregation as was never there before, unless on a Sunday; and indeed all the congregations, morning and evening, were such as had not been before since the House was built. Surely this is the accepted time for Newcastle.
Perhaps I may see it no more!
At noon I preached in the lower House, to a very crowded congregation; and I believe most of them felt that God was there; for it was as a season of great refreshment.
So it was at the upper House in the evening.
I doubt not but God will be glorified in both, provided the people in each agree to provoke one another only to love, and to good works.
Sat. 31.—At five I preached in the lower House to a numerous congregation: I believe the greater part of whom
June, 1788.] JOURNAL.
had no thought of salvation, till they heard the preaching at this place. Were it only for the sake of these, I do not regret all the trouble I have had on occasion of this building.
At nine I preached in South-Shields to a large and serious congregation, ready prepared for the Gospel; in the evening at Sunderland, to an experienced peopie, many of whom are rooted and grounded in love.
Sun. June 1.—I willingly accepted of Mr. Hampson's invitation, and preached in his church morning and afternoon.
I suppose it was hardly ever so filled before.
And the power of God was present to heal.
It was doubted whether all could hear.
In order to try, Joseph Bradford stood in the farthest corner; and he could hear every word. I preached inour chapel at six ; but abundance of people could not get in. I was sorry I did not preach abroad, while so many were athirst for the word.
Mon. 2.—About noon I preached at Cockermouth.
I had never such a season there before: The glory of the Lord seemed to fill the House, and the people trembled before him.
We had such another opportunity at Sunderland in the evening: Surely God will be glorified in this place !
Tues. 8.—I returned to Newcastle, and preached in the evening on the "rest" that "remaineth for the people of God :" And a few have believed our report, and are eager to enter into it.
Thur. 5.—Desiring to pay one more visit to the loving society in Weardale, I set out early, and drove through wonderful roads to Wolsingham ; a town near the entrance of the vale. I could not preach abroad, because of the storm ; and the House would not near contain the people.
However, as many crowded in as could: The rest got near the door or windows ; and surely the willing mind was accepted.
In the evening, the wind being still very high, I was obliged to preach within, in Weardale also; and it was a time of uncommon blessing.
Friday, 6. Going out of my room, I missed a step, and fell forward, so that the edge of one of the stairs came a quarter of an inch above my right eye, exactly upon my eyelid.
I put a little white paper upon it, which immediately stopped the bleeding, and preached without any inconvenicaice.
The work of God has much increased here lately.
Many have been convinced of sin, many justified ; some perfected in love, and many added to the society.
Fri. 6.—We returned to Stanhope, formerly the seat of
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[June, 1788. several great families, now an inconsiderable village.
It is eminent for nothing in this age, but a very uncommon degree: of wickedness.
I preached at five, in what I understood was once the market-place, to an exceedingly numerous congregation.
I preached on Isaiah lv. 6, 7; and, if ever, with the demonstration of the Spirit.
The people were all bowed down together, as the heart of one man.
Surely God will have a people in this place !
Sat.
7.—Our brethren thought the preaching-house would contain the congregation at five in the morning.
It wasa large upper room: But before I began to speak, it was exceedingly crowded ; and the main beam that supported it giving way, the floor began to sink.
Some crying out, "The room is falling 1"? one man leaped out of the window; the rest slowly and quietly went out, without the least hurry or confusion; so that nothing was hurt except a poor dog that was under the window. I then preached in the open air, to twice or thrice as many as the room would have contained, who were all attention.
O how white are these fields to the harvest!
About twelve, I preached to a lovely congregation at Burnupfield, on, " Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous."
I have found nothing like it since I left London; such was The' o'erwhelming power of grace divine !
I know not that ever I felt such self-abasement before 3 and the whole congregation seemed almost equally moved.
And _ So they were at Newcastle in the evening, while I explained and strongly applied, "I am the All-sufficient God: Walk before me, and be thou perfect."
Sun. 8.—I preached at the Ballast-Hills, about half an hour after eight. I think the congregation was hearly double to that ft had here two years ago; and they increased in earnestness as much asin number.
About two I preached at Gateshead-Fell, to I suppose twice as many as were at the Ballast-Hiils, on the joy that is in heaven "over one sinner that repenteth.'""
Though the sun was very hot, and the wind very cold, the people regarded neither one nor the other. They seemed only to attend to the voice of God, and the breathing of his Spirit.
In the evening I preached near the Keelmen's Hospital, within sight of the place where I preached the first Sunday I. was at Newcastle; and I think tothe largest congregation which.
Thave seen at Newcastle since that time.
The Second Lesson.
June, 1788. ] JOURNAL,
for the Evening Service supplied me with a text, 2 Cor. vi. 1:
"We then, as workers," &c.
The people appeared to devour the word, and I did not spare them.
I was then ready to say, '© Now I am clear from the blood of these men."
No, I dare not! I judge not my own selff He that judgeth me is the Lord.
Mon. 9.—I preached at Durham about eleven, to more than the House could contain.
Even in this polite and elegant city, we now want a larger chapel. In the evening I preached near our preaching-house, to a large multitude; I think, as numerous as that at Gateshead-Fell.
Many of the Durham Militia, with several of their officers, were there: And all of them seemed to receive the word, "not as the word of man ; but, as it is indeed, the word of God."
Tues. 10.—We went through one of the pleasantest countries I ever saw, to Darlington.
Before I left Newcastle, I was desired to read a strange account of a young woman, late of Darlington.
But I told the person who brought it, "I can form no judgment till I talk with Margaret Barlow herself."
This morning she came to me, and again in the afternoon; and I asked her abundance of questions. I was soon convinced, that she was not only sincere, but deep in grace ; and therefore incapable of deceit.
I was convinced, likewise, that she had frequent intercourse with a spirit that appeared in the form of an angel. I know not how to judge of the rest.
Her account was :—" For above a year, I have seen this angel, whose face is exceeding beautiful; her raiment," so she speaks, " white as snow, and glistering like silver; her voice unspeakably soft and musical.
She tells me many things before they come to pass.
She foretold, I should be ill at such a time, in such a manner, and well at such an hour; and it was soexactly. She has said, such a person shall die at such a time ; and he did so. Above two months ago, she told me, your brother was dead; (I did not know you had a brother ;) and that he was in heaven.
And some time since she told me, you will die in less than a year. But what she has most earnestly and frequently told me, is, that God will in a short time be avenged of obstinate sinners, and will destroy them with fire from heaven." Whether this will be so or no, I cannot tell; but when we were alone, there was a wonderful power in her words ; and, as the Indian said to David Brainerd, " They did good to my heart."
It is above a year since this girl was first visited in this man-
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[June, 1788. ner, being then between fourteen and fifteen yearsold. But she was then quite a womanish girl, and of unblamable behaviour.
Suppose that which appeared to her was really an angel; yet from the face, the voice, and the apparel, she might easily mistake him fora female ; and this mistake is of little consequence.
Much good has already resulted from this odd event; and is likely to ensue; provided those who believe, and those who disbelieve, her report, have but patience with each other.
We had a love-feast in the evening, at which several spoke deep experience in a plain, artless manner; and many were greatly comforted, and stirred up more intensely to hunger and thirst after righteousness.
Wed. 11.—About noon I preached at Stockton; but the House would not contain the congregation; nor indeed at Yarm, in the evening.
Here I heard what was quite new to me, namely, that it is now the custom, in all good company, to give obscene healths, even though Clergymen be present; one of whom, lately refusing to drink such a health, was put out of the room; and one of the forwardest, in this worthy company, was a Bishop's steward.
Thur, 12.—Between one and two we had a larger congregation at Potto than I ever saw there before.
At Hutton-Rudby, in the evening, I spoke strongly to the backsliders; and I think not in vain.
At eight I preached to a lovely congregation, at Stokesley, with much liberty of spirit; and at eleven, in Guisborough, to one far larger, and equally attentive.
In the evening I preached at Whitby, in the new House, throughly filled above and below; though it contains twice as many as the old one; and although the unfinished galleries, having as yet no fronts, were frightful to look upon.
Itis the most curious House we have in England.
You go up to it by about forty steps ; aud have then before you a lofty front, I judge, near fifty feet high, and fifty-four feet broad.
So much gainers have we been by the loss of the former House.
Beside that it stood at one end of the town, and in the very sink of it, where people of any fashion were ashamed to be seen.
Sat. 14.—At five in the morning we had a large congregation; but it was more than doubled in the evening ; and at both times I could not but observe the uncommon earnestness of the people.
Sunday, 15.
The House was well filled at seven.
For the sake of the country people, who flocked
June, 1788.] JOURNAL.
A25 from all sides, I preached again at half an hour past one, on, "The end of all things is at hand: Be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer." After preaching at five, on the education of children, I made a collection for Kingswood School; the vather, that I might have an opportunity of refuting that poor, threadbare slander, of my " getting so much money."
We concluded our service with a comfortable love-feast.
Mon. 16.—From the plain people at Whitby I went on to the elegant congregation at Scarborough.
I was surprised at their flocking together in such numbers,—many more than the House could contain ; and I strongly enforced, '' Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation."
Tues. 17.—Desiring Joseph Bradford to preach at five, I did not preach till three.
I then urged on a very genteel congregation, " One thing is needful ;" and surely the power of the Lord was present to heal them, in a manner I have not often found ; and again in the evening, while I enforced, " He is able to save to the uttermost all them that come unto God by him."
Wed. 18.—I designed to preach in the street, at Bridlington; but the wind and dust would not suffer it.
So as many as could pressed into the House; but near as many were constrained to go away.
I preached on Rev. xx. 12; and, I believe, not in vain.
Thur. 19.—I went about forty miles out of my way, to see my old friends at Malton; and particularly old Mr. Wilson, at whose house I first lodged there. Between eleven and twelve I began preaching on, " It is appointed unto men once to die:"
And God applied his word, one would almost have thought, to every one under the roof.
It was a glorious opportunity.
The people were gathered from many miles round, and I think few repented of their labour.
As soon as the service was over, I hasted away, and reached Beverley (twenty-eight miles) in good time.
The House here, though greatly enlarged, was well filled with high and low, rich and poor ; and (it being the day of the Archdeacon's visitation) many of the Clergy were there. I rejoiced in this, as it might be a means of removing prejudice from many sincere minds.
Fri. 20.—I went on to Hull; and in the evening explained and applied those remarkable words of our Lord, ' Whosoever doeth the will of God, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother." The new preaching-house here is nearly as large as
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[June, 1788. the new chapel in London.
It is well built, and elegantly finished ; handsome, but not gaudy. Saturday, 21. We had a. large congregationat five, larger thaneventhat at Birmingham; which exceeded all the morning congregations I had then seen.
Sunday, 22. Mr. Clark, the Vicar, inviting me to preach in the High Church, I explained (what occurred in the Service of the day) what it is to build our house upon the rock ; and applied it as strongly as I could. I dined at the Vicarage with Mr. Clark; a friendly, sensible man; and, I believe, truly fearing God. And such, by the peculiar providence of God, are all the three stated
Ministers in Hull.
He said he never saw the church so full before. However, it was still fuller in the afternoon; when, at the desire of Mr. Clark, I preached on St. James's beautiful account of the wisdom which is from above.
At six in the evening I preached in our own House, to as many as could get in, (but abundance of people went away,) on Gal. vi. 14.
Mon,.23.—About eight we reached Mr. Stillingfleet's, at Hotham ; one of the pleasantest places I have seen.
At nine he read prayers, and I preached to a large and serious congregation. At eleven I preached, with much enlargement of heart, in the new chapel, at Market-Weighton ; and at half an hour after one, in Pocklington: But the House was like an oven.
Between six and seven I began at York, on Rom. xiii. 12.
The word was as fire; and all that heard it seemed to feel the power thereof.
Tues. 24.—Having no other opportunity, I went over to:
Thirsk, and preached in the evening on 1 Pet. i. 24.
All the congregation were serious, but two young gentlewomen, who laughed and talked incessantly, till I turned and spoke expressly to them.
They then seemed to be ashamed.
Wed. 25.—Belicving the little flock there wanted encouragement, I took Ripon in my way to York, and gave them a strong discourse on the story of Dives and Lazarus. Many strangers seemed greatly astonished ; and I believe they will not soon forget what they heard ; for God applied it to their hearts: As he did also the parable of the Sower at York, I will hope, to most of the congregation.
Thur. 26.—The Vicar of Selby having sent me word that I was welcome to preach in his church, I went that way.
But before I came he had changed his mind: So I preached in our own chapel ; and not without ablessing. In the evening I