sorrow, or anxious care?
4.28
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[June, 1788.
6. To my having had so little pain in my life; and so little sorrow, or anxious care?
Even now, though I find pain daily in my eye, or temple, or arm ; yet it is never violent, and seldom lasts many minutes at a time.
Whether or not this is sent to give me warning that I am shortly to quit this tabernacle, I do not know; but be it one way or the other, I have only to say, My remnant of days I spend to his praise Who died the whole world to redeem :
Be they many or few, My days are his due, And they all are devoted to Him !
I preached in the morning on Psalm xc. 12 ; in the evening on Acts xiii. 40, 41; and endeavoured to improve the hours between to the best advantage.
Sun, 29.—At eight I preached at Misterton, as usual ; about one to a numerous congregation at Newby, near Haxey; and about four at my old stand in Epworth market-place, to the great congregation. Here there used to be a few mockers; but there were none now: All appeared serious as death, while I applied those solemn words, " When the breath of man goeth forth," &c.
We concluded with a love-feast, at which many declared, with an excellent spirit, the wonderful works of God.
Mon. 30.—About eight I preached in Scotter ; and found it good to be there.
About eleven I preached in Scowby, two miles from Brigg, to avery numerous and serious congregation.
In the afternoon, going just by that curious building, Mr.
Pelham's Mausoleum, I alighted, and took a view of it within and without.
The like, I suppose, is not to be found in England.
It is exactly round, fifty-two feet in diameter, and will be sixty-five feet high.
The lower part contains, I believe, near a hundred places for the bodies of the Pelham family,
(O what a comfort to the departed spirits, that their carcases shall rot above ground!) Over this is to be a chapel.
It is computed the whole building will cost sixty thousand pounds.
About five we came to Grimsby ; and, the Vicar reading Prayers, I preached on the Psalm for the day, " He healeth them that are broken in heart, and giveth medicine to heal their sickness." I think the church is near as large as that at Hull;
July, 1788.] JOURNAL.
and it has not been so well filled in the memory of man before.
All were seriously attentive ; many received the word with joy ; and some doubtless will bring forth fruit to perfection.
Tues.
Jury 1.—The Vicar again read Prayers at eleven; and I preached on those words in the Second Lesson, " Lord, are there few that be saved?"
I spoke as plain as possibly I could; but God only can speak to the heart.
The gentleman at whose house I was to lodge coming from Louth to meet me, his headstrong horse crushed his leg against agate, with such force, that both the bones were broke and came through his boot. The horse stood by him till some countrymen came, put him into a cart, and brought him home.
It is doubtful whether he will recover ; but death is no terror to him.
I preached in Louth at six, in the preaching-house; but perhaps I had better have been in the market-place.
At five in the morning the Room was filled; and I spoke, as doubting whether I should see them any more.
At eleven I preached at that lovely spot, Langham-Row.
Although Mr.
Robinson has made the chapel twice as large as it was, yet it would hardly contain the congregation ; and most of these are in earnest to save their souls; as well as himself, and his wife, and his sixteen children.
Thur. 3.—I was going to preach at Alford, near the end of the town ; but the Gentry sent and desired me to preach in the market-place ; which I accordingly did, to a large and attentive congregation, on, "It is appointed unto men once to die."
Thence we went to Raithby; an earthly paradise!
How gladly would I rest here a few days: But it is not my place!
T am to be a wanderer upon earth.
Only let me find rest in a better world !
At six I preached in the church to such a congregation as I never saw here before; but I do not wonder if all the country should flock in hither, to a palace in the midst of a paradise,
Fri. 4.—I set out early from Raithby, and at eight preached in Horncastle. My design was, to have preached seriously ; for which purpose I chose that text, "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved ;" but I was turned,
I knew not how, quite the other way, and could preach scarce anything but consolation. I believe this was the very thing which the people wanted; although I knew it not.
We reached Lincoln about twelve.
A very numerous congregation of rich and poor were quickly assembled.
A30
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[July, 1788, preached below hill, in Mrs. Fisher's yard; a large and commodious place.
From the quietness of the people one might have imagined that we were in London or Bristol.
Indeed the dread of the Lord was on every side; and surely his power was present to heal.
In the evening I preached in our new House at Gainsborough, which was crowded sufficiently.
I spoke strong words, on, " Now is the accepted time;'" which seemed to sink deep into the hearts of the hearers.
Saturday, 5. In the evening I preached at Owstone, to such a congregation, both for number and seriousness, as I hardly ever saw here before.
Afterwards I took a view of what was lately the glory of the town,—the great mansion-house built by the late Mr.
Pinder's father, when I was a little child.
His grandson has left it desolate and without inhabitant, has taken away all the pictures and furniture, blocked up the windows, and cut down the fine rows of trees which formed the avenue !
So fleets the comedy of life away.
Sun. 6.--At eight we had such another congregation as that in the evening; to which I expounded that comfortable scripture, the former part of Rev. xiv.
I came to Epworth before the church Service began; and was glad to observe the Seriousness with which Mr. Gibson read Prayers, and preached a plain useful sermon; but was sorry to see scarce twenty communicants, half of whom came on my account.
I was informed likewise, that. scarce fifty persons used to attend the Sunday service.
What can be done to remedy this sore evil?
I fain would prevent the members here from leaving the church ; but I cannot do it.
As Mr. G. is nota pious man, but rather an enemy to piety, who frequently preaches against the truth, and those that hold and love it, I cannot with all my influence persuade them either to hear him, or to attend the sacrament administered by him.
If I cannot carry this point even while I live, who then can do it when I die?
And the case of Epworth is the case of every church, where the Minister neither loves nor preaches the Gospel.
The Methodists will not attend his ministrations.
What then is to be done?
At four I preached in the market-place, on Rom. vi. 23; and vehemently exhorted the listening multitude to choose the better part.
Mon. 7.—Having taken leave of this affectionate people,
July, 1788.] JOURNAL.
probably for the last time, I went over to Finningley; and preached at eleven, on that verse in the Second Lesson,
Luke xix. 42.
After dinner we walked over Mr. H.'s domain, the like to which I never saw in so small a compass.
It contains a rabbit-warren, deer, swans, pheasants in abundance, besides a fish-pond and an elegant garden.
Variety indeed !
But is there no danger that such a multitude of things should divert the mind from the " one thing needful?"
In the evening I preached at Doncaster.
I never before saw this House so filled, much less crowded; and it was, in a manner I never knew before, filled with the presence of God, while I earnestly enforced that advice, " Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace."
One fruit of this was, that the congregation at five in the morning was larger than it ever was before in the evening; and God again made bare his arm, and uttered his voice, yea, and that a mighty voice.
Surely those who now heard will be without excuse, if they do not know the day of their visitation!
We were much distressed at Rotherham for want of room, the rain driving us into the House.
However, we stowed in it as many as we possibly could; and God bore witness to his word.
Wednesday, 9. After dining with that lovely old man, Mr. Sparrow, I went on to Sheffield.
The House was much crowded, though one of the largest in England; but all could hear distinctly.
In the morning, 7 hursday, 10, at five we had an evening congregation; and the people seemed to devour the word.
Here and at Hull are the two largest morning congregations which I have seen in the kingdom.
Fri. 11.—We set out early for Derby.
About nine, within about a mile of the Peacock, suddenly the axletree of my chaise snapped asunder, and the carriage overturned.
'The horses stood still till Jenny Smith and I crept out at the fore-windows.
The broken glass cut one of my gloves a little, but did us no other damage.
Isoon procured another chaise, and went on to Derby, where I preached in the evening; and at five in the morning on Saturday, 12; and then went on to Nottingham.
Sun. 13.—I began the service at ten; but I knew not how I should get to the end, being almost exhausted when I had finished my sermon ; when Mr. Dodwell came, who, though very weak through the ague, assisted me in administering the Lord's supper to a very large number of communicants.
After
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[Aug. 1788. preaching in the evening, I made a collection for Kingswood School.
To-day I had just as much work as I could do.
Mon. 14.—The mail-coach being full, I crossed over to Newark, and had the satisfaction of seeing in the evening, not only a numerous, but likewise a serious and deeply attentive congregation.
Wed. 16.—I consulted with a few friends concerning the state of things; which was better than I expected.
The society is increased, and the ordinary hearers in all parts of the town not diminished.
Meantime there is reason to hope the work of God goes on, though by slow degrees.
On the following days I looked over my books and papers, and set them in order as far as I could.
Saturday, 19. I spent am hour in Chesterfield-Street, with my widowed sister and her children.
They all seemed inclined to make the right use of the late providential dispensation.
Sun. 20.—Both in the morning and evening I preached at the new chapel, crowded sufficiently, on Heb. v. 12: "Ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God."
Monday, 21. I retired to HighburyPlace, and spent the residue of the week in answering: letters, revising papers, and preparing for the Conference.
Sun. 27.—In the morning I preached at West-Street ; and in the afternoon in Bethnal-Green church, on part of the Gospel for the day; our Lord's lamentation over Jerusalem.
I believe the word did not fall to the ground. I preached at the new chapel every evening during the Conference, which continued nine days, beginning on Tuesday, Jury 29, and ending on Wednesday, Aveust 6: And we found the timc little enough; being obliged to pass over many things very briefly, which deserved a fuller consideration.
Sun. 3.—I preached at the new chapel, so filled as it scarce ever was before, both morning and evening.
Monday, 4. At five we had a good evening congregation ; and I believe many felt the power of the word ; or, rather, of God, speaking therein.
One of the most important points considered at this Conference, was that of leaving the Church. The sum ofa long convcrsation was, 1. That, in a course of fifty years, we had neither premeditately nor willingly varied from it in one article either of doctrine or discipline.
2. That we were not yet conscious of varying from it in any point of doctrine.
3. That we have in a
Aug. 1788.] JOURNAL.
course of ycars, out of necessity, not choice, slowly and warily varicd in some points of discipline, by preaching in the fields, by extemporary prayer, by employing Lay Preachers, by forming and regulating societies, and by holding yearly Conferences. But we did none of these'things till we were convinced we could no longer omit them, but at the peril of our souls.
Wed. 6.—Our Conference ended, as it began, in great peace.
We kept this day as a fast, meeting at five, nine, and one, for prayer; and concluding the day with a solemn watch-night.
The three following days I retired, revised my papers, and finished all the work I had to do in London.
Sunday, 10. I was engaged in a very unpleasing work, the discharge of an old servant.
She had been my housekeeper at West-Street for many years, and was one of the best housekeepers I had had there ; but her husband was so notorious a drunkard, that I could not keep them in the house any longer. She received her dismission in an excellent spirit, prayimg God to bless us all.
I preached in the morning at West-Street to a large congregation; but to a far larger at the new chapel in the evening.
It seems the people in general do not expect that I shall remain among them a great while after my brother ; and that, therefore, they are willing to hear while they can.
In the evening we set out in the mail-coach, and early in the morning got to Portsmouth.
— They have lately built a neat preaching-house in the town, something larger than that at Deptford.
It is well situated near the midst of the town, and has three well-constructed galleries.
I preached at noon to a large and well-behaved audience, and to a much larger in the evening.
I believe the word took place in many souls.
All went away still as night.
Tues. 12.—Joseph Bradford preached at five in the morning.
I preached in the new House about six in the evening, and guarded them against that deadly Antinomianism which has so often choked the good seed here.
In the evening I preached at our House on the common. Afterwards, meeting the society,
T took a solemn leaveof them, which I hope they will remember if they see me no more.
Wed. 13.—We crossed over to Sarum, where I preached in the evening, with much enlargement of heart. Thursday, 14.
Setting out about three, we came to Gloucester early in the afternoon.
I spoke very plain, both in the evening and the VOL. LV.
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[Aug. 1788. morning.
Friday, 15. We went on to Monmouth; but Mr.
G. has done with us; so I lodged with my old friend, Mr.
Johnson ; and instead of that lovely young woman, S B , who is removed to Cowbridge, met with her younger sister, who more than supplies her place.
She is a jewel indeed ; full of faith and love, and zealous of good works.
I preached both in the evening and the next morning with the demonstration of the Spirit ; and all the congregation, rich and poor, appeared to be sensible of it. Saturday, 16. We had an easy journey to Brecon, where I preached in the evening.
Sunday, 17. I preached in the Room at eight, on the fruit of the Spirit.
In the evening I preached in the spacious TownHall, so filled as it had never been before.
J think there is a little company here that are truly alive to God.
Monday, 18.
I went on to Carmarthen, and preached at six, on 2 Cor. v.19; and again at five in the morning, Twesday, 19, when the Room was well filled.
A servant of Mr. Bowen's came early in the morning to show us the way to Liyngwair : And it was well he did ; for I do not know that we could otherwise have found our way thither.
We met (as I expected) with a hearty welcome.
At five I preached in Newport church, to a large congregation, and withagreater prospect of doing good than ever I had before.
We passed an agreeable evening at Llyngwair. Wednesday, 20.
I went to Tracoon, one of the most venerable seats in Great Britain. The good old house is buried in woods and mountains, having no resemblance to any place I have seen.
It is just suited to the good old Admiral, with his four maiden sisters; the youngest of whom, I suppose, has lived more than seventy years.
I preached at twelve, and in the afternoon went on to Haverfordwest. The Room was filled sufficiently, and I could not but believe God will build up the waste places.
Thur. 21.—The Room was well filled at five. Finding there had been no discipline here for some time, I determined to begin at the foundation, and settle everything. So I first visited and regulated the classes, then restored the bands, which had been totally neglected, and then gave directions for meeting the Leaders both of bands and classes.
After preaching in the evening, I met the society, and gave them a warm exhortation,
—to set, out anew.
I trust they will; and all the present Preachers, I am persuaded, will neglect nothing.
| Fri, 22,—I went to Pembroke.
Here, likewise, not one
Aug. 1788.] JOURNAL.
4:35 thing, but everything, had been neglected.
No Stewards, no bands, half of the preaching-places dropped; all the people cold, heartless, dead! I spoke earnestly in the evening; and the word was as fire.
Surely, some fruit will follow!
Sun. 24.—We had a lovely congregation at St. Daniel's, and aremarkable blessing. In the afternoon I returned to Haverfordwest, and preached in a large open space near the great church, to sucha congregation as I have not seen in Wales for many years. I explained and applied the parable of the Sower, and God clothed his word with power.
I know not whether I have had such an opportunity before, since I left London.
Mon. 25.—I spent another night at Carmarthen very agreeably.
Tuesday, 26. I preached in Kidwelly at nine ; between twelve and one at Llanelly, to all the Gentry in the town; and in the evening to a multitude of people at Swansea.
day, 27. Far more than the Room would contain attended at five in the morning.
About eight I preached in our new preaching-house at Neath; and in the afternoon reached Fontegary, and found Mrs. Jones, with several of her children about her, on the margin of the grave; worn out with that dreadful disease,—a cancer.
She uttered no complaint, but was all patience and resignation, showing the dignity of a Christian, in weakness, and pain, and death.
I preached on, "It is appointed unto men once to die;" and I believe all present felt the awful truth.
Thad intended togo on to Cowbridgethe next day; but, being much importuned to give one day more to a dying friend, I yielded, and desired another Preacher to go and supply my place. In the evening I preached on Psalm cxlvi. 3, 4, The scene before us greatly confirmed the word.
Friday, 29. That they might not be offended, I went to Cowbridge.
In half an hour's notice, we had a large congregation in the Town-Hall, to whom I showed the nature and pleasantness of religion, from Prov. iii. 17.
I returned to Fontegary, took my last leave of the dying saint, and then went on to Cardiff. In the evening I preached (probably for the last time) to a very genteel congregation in the Town-Hall. Saturday, 30. I returned to Bristol.
Sun. 31.—Mr. Collins came very opportunely, to assist me at the morning service. Otherwise, I should have been distressed; for such a number of communicants I never saw here before.
I would fain have preached abroad; but the ground was too 2F 2
4.36
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[Sept. 1788. wet.
So TI preached within, on, " Ye cannot serve God and mammon."
Wed. SurtemBerR 3.—I made a little beginning of some account of my brother's life.
Perhaps I may not live to finish it.
Then let it fall into some better hands!
Thur. 4.—I had the satisfaction of spending an hour with that excellent woman, Lady : Not quite so honourable, but full as much devoted to God, and as useful, as even Lady
Betty Hastings.
What is too hard for God?
We see even this is possible with God, to raise a Lady and a saint in one person !
Fri. 5.—We had a solemn watch-night at Kingswood. The school is now in just such a state as I wish.
Mr. M'Geary has three pious and able Assistants, out of those that were brought up in it; and I doubt not it will supply a sufficiency of Masters for the time to come.
Sat. 6.—I walked over to Mr. Henderson's, at Hannam, and thence to Bristol.
But my friends, more kind than wise, would scarce suffer it.
It seemed so sad a thing to walk five or six miles!
I am ashamed, that a Methodist Preacher, in tolerable health, should make any difficulty of this.
Sun. 7.—Having none to assist me, I found it hard work to read Prayers, preach, and administer the sacrament to such a number of people.
The moment I had done, I hastened to Kingswood; having but just timeto take a little dinner before I began preaching to a large congregation, before the preachinghouse.
Returning to Bristol, I preached at five in CarolinaCourt, to animmense number of people, on Rom. viii. 33, 34.
Tues. 9.—I saw the large church at Midsummer-Norton throughly filled with serious hearers. The Room at SheptonMallet, though greatly enlarged, could in nowise contain the congregation.
At five in the morning, Wednesday, 10, it was throughly filled.
At Coleford, in the evening, I was obliged to preach.
Thursday; 11. We had a lovely congregation at Frome, both in the evening and at five in the morning.
At length this wilderness, too, as it has long appeared to be, begins to blossom and bud as the rose.
About two o'clock, Friday, 12, I preached in the preachinghouse yard, at Trowbridge, where, notwithstanding the harvest, we had an unusually large congregation, who listened with deep attention; in the evening at Bradford, to as many as the
Sept. 1788. ] JOURNAL.
House would contain.
But I did not find good Mrs. Ballard there.
After long struggling with a deep nervous disorder, which for a time depressed the mind as well as the body, the cloud removed; her load fell off, and her spirit joyfully returned to God. j Sat. 18.—I found the society at Bath in a more flourishing state than it had been for many years; and the congregation in the evening was unusually large, and, as usual, seriously attentive.
Sun. 14.—We had twice as many communicants as I ever remember here.
Just before service Mr. Shepherd came, and offered me his service.
It could not have been more seasonable.
J had much liberty of spirit the first time I preached to-day ; but greater at half-hour past two, and the greatest of all in the evening ; when I vehemently enforced those awful words, " Why will ye die, O house of Israel?"
Mon. 15.—I returned to Bristol, and on the four following days was sufficiently employed in meeting the classes.
At each end of the town, the society increases greatly.
It does not decrease in any part.
Glory be to God!
Fri. 19.—Being pressed to preach to the poor people in George-Street, and knowing the House would not contain half the congregation in the evening, I began at five; by which means we had room for all that could attend at so early an hour.
O what an advantage have the poor over the rich!
These are not wise in their own eyes, but all receive with meekness the ingrafted word which is able to save their souls.
Sat. 20.—I met the Trustees for the new Room ; who were all willing to add a codicil to the Deed of Trust, in order to ascertain to the Conference (after me) the sole right of appointing the Preachers in it.
Sun. 21.—I preached morning and afternoon at the Room ; and at three in Temple church; so filled as I never saw it before.
In the evening I spent an hour in fixing the places of the several classes, at the society ; a thing necessary to be done, although it is certain some will be not a little displeased.
Tues. 23.—An end was put to the long contest between Dr. Coke and Mr. Durbin, by the Doctor's acknowledging that the words he had wrote were too keen; and that he was sorry he had given Mr. D. so much uneasiness.
Wed. 24,—lI took a walk in Miss Goldney's gardenat Clifton.
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[Oct. 1788.
Nothing can be more pleasant. But what is most remarkable is, the long terrace-walk, commanding a most beautiful prospect, and the grotto, the largest and most beautiful in its kind that 1 ever saw.
It is admirably well laid out, and decorated with a surprising variety of shells and glittering fossils; the procuring and placing of which (we were informed) took the late Mr.
Goldney above twenty years.
And he has left it all!
Fri. 26.—We had a fast-day, which was concluded with a solemn watch-night.
At the close of this we sung, Ye virgin souls, arise ! accompanied by the Gloucestershire band of music.
Such a concert was never heard in that House before, and perhaps never will be again.
Sat. 27.—Two or three friends took me to Blaise-Castle, about five miles from Bristol.
Mr. F , a person of exquisite taste, built it some years ago on the top of ahill, which. commands such a prospect all four ways as nothing in England excels.
Thence we went to Lord Clifford's seat, at King's Weston.
His house, one of the most beautiful I ever saw, stands on a little eminence in his park, and fronts all four ways.
The prospect is fine every way, commanding both the land and the water ; and the rooms are very elegantly furnished, particularly with excellent pictures.
And must the owner leave all these beautiful things?
Will Death have no more respect for a Lord than for a beggar ?
Sun. 28.—I set out in the mail-coach.
Tuesday, 30. Having for the present settled my business at London, in the evening I took coach for Lynn ; and came thither about noon on Wednesday, Octozrr 1. I spent all the time with much satisfaction, as I never found them so much alive before.
On Friday, 3, I set out for Norwich, in the coach oddly called the Expedition.
Going through Dereham about noon, I was desired to preach, which I willingly did on Isaiah xxxvii. 8; and in the evening, to a huge congregation at Norwich, on theparableof the Sower.
Sunday, 5, was a comfortable day, especially at seven in the morning, when I administered the Lord's Supper ; and at two in the afternoon and six in the evening, when I preached to very seriouscongregations. Monday, 6. I preached at Loddon,
North-Cove, and Lowestoft.
When I came into the town, it blew a storm; and many cried out, "So it always does when
Oct. 1788.] JOURNAL.
he comes."
But it fell as suddenly as it rose ; for God heard the prayer.
Wed. 8.—I preached at Caston about noon, and at Yarmouth in the evening.
Thursday, 9. I returned to Norwich ; and, after preaching in the afternoon, took coach for London.
Fri. 10.—I appointed a Committee for auditing my accounts, and superintending the business of the Book-room ; which, I doubt not, will be managed in a very different manner from what it has been hitherto.
Sun. 12.—I preached in the morning at the new chapel; in the afternoon, at West-Street. Monday,13. I went to Wallingford, and preached to a serious and, it seemed, much-affected audience.
Tuesday, 14. I preached at Witney, which I generally find a very comfortable place.
I think much of the impression which was made on the people here, at the time of the great storm, remains still.
Wednesday, 15. I preached at Oxford, on Gen.i. 27. We wanted only a larger Room. Many young gentlemen were there, and behaved well.
I hope some of them did not come in vain.
Thursday, 16. We went onto High-Wycomb.
Mr. Murlin's settling here has been of great use.
Here is now a steady and understanding people; to whom I preached, as usual, evening and morning, with a good deal of satisfaction.
Friday, 17. We returned to London.
Sun. 19.—We had, as usual, a comfortable time at Spitalfields.
Monday, 20. Iset out for Northamptonshire.
In the evening I preached to the lovely congregation at Whittlebury, standing fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has.made them free.
Wednesday, 22. I made one more trial of poor Towcester, if haply God might yet breathe on the dry bones, by opening and strongly applying these words, "I will heal their backsliding ; I will love them freely."
In the evening, and on Thursday morning, I preached at Northampton, in the new Presbyterian meeting-house, a large and elegant building,
I think not without effect ; and then returned to London.
Tues. 28.—I took the stage-coach for Rye ; which promised to be there by six in the evening: But the coachman lingered so, that in the afternoon I found they did not intend to be there till near eight: So at Hawkhurst I tookapost-chaise, which, with much ado, reached it soon after six. Being informed the service was begun, I did not stay to eat or drink, but went directly to the preaching-house, which was sufficiently crowded ; and, as
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[Nov. 1788. soon as I could get through the people, I began with solemn prayer; and then explained and applied that glorious truth,
"God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself."
We had another happy opportunity at five in the morning.
Knowing there was no depending on the coach, I took chaise ; and by that means came early to Sevenoaks.; where, in the evening, I found uncommon liberty of spirit in exhorting the audience to worship God in spirit and in truth.
Sat. NovemsBer 1.—(Being All-Saints' Day.) I preached at Snowsfields, on Rev. xiv. 1; a comfortable subject; and I always find this a comfortable day.
Monday, 3. I began visiting the classes ; a work which usually takes up about a fortnight. Sunday, 9. I preached at West-Street, and found uncommon liberty in enforcing that caution, " Quench not the Spirit."
On Wednesday, 12, and the following days, I visited the country societies ; some of which, that of Mitcham in particular, are swiftly increasing in the grace of God.
Mon. 17.—I set out for Hertfordshire.
In the evening I preached at Hinxworth, to a deeply serious congregation ; the next evening, in the church at Wrestlingworth, to the largest congregation I have seen there these twenty years.
Wednes-' day, 19. I crossed over to Bedford ; but where to lodge I did not know: But one met me in the street, and said Mr. desired I would go straight to his house.
I did so, and found myself in a palace ; the best house by far in the town; where
I was entertained not only with the utmost courtesy, but, I believe, with sincere affection. Our Room was much crowded in the evening, and pretty well filled in the morning; and as all disputes are at an end, there is great reason to hope that the work of God will increase here also.
Thur. 20.—We had a lovely congregation at St. Neot's, who seemed ripe for the promises; so I preached on our Lord's words to the leper: "I will; be thou clean."
Friday, 21.
About noon I preached at Huntingdon, and in the evening at Godmanchester.
Still it is the day of small things here; but a few are still fighting the good fight of faith.
Mon. 24,—I went toCanterbury.
As all the Preachers are in earnest, God has blessed them through the whole Circuit,
This evening we had a large and' deeply serious congregation, and not a few of them in the morning. Tuesday, 25. Though it blew a storm, and was piercing cold, we were sufficiently
Dec. 1788.] JOURNAL.
crowded at Dover; where the work of God is very lively, and continually increasing.
Wednesday, 26. Our Room at Sandwich being small, both the Dissenting Ministers sent to offer me the use of their chapels.
I willingly accepted one of them, which was far larger than ours, and very commodious.
I believe God spoke to many hearts.
In the evening we had another storm, with much snow and sleet: However, our House at Margate was well filled; and I was much comforted by the earnestness of the congregation.
Fri. 28.—A little preaching-house being just built at St.
Peter's, (two miles from Margate,) notice had been given, without my knowledge, of my preaching there in the morning. It was utterly inconvenient, on many accounts; the wind was piercing cold, and the ground covered with snow.
However, I would not disappoint the congregation ; so I preached at nine, and hastened to Canterbury, where the House was, as usual, well filled ; and God gave us his blessing.
Tues. DecEMBER 2.—I went to Chatham, and preached in the evening, on, " We walk by faith, not by sight." Wednesday, 3. I went to Sheerness, where the society is considerably increased since I was here before.
Thursday, 4. At noon, I preached at Faversham, where, after a long winter, the seed seems to be springing up.
The congregation was very large, and deeply attentive.
. In the evening I preached in the new House at Brompton.
I had not preached there between thirty and forty years; and there is now a fair prospect here also.
Friday, 5. I returned to London.
Mon. 8.—I had the pleasure of meeting an old friend, who gave mea pleasing account of the glorious death of his mother, which had made so deep an impression upon him that he was almost persuaded to be a Christian.
Wednesday, 10, and the following days, I corrected my brother's posthumous poems ; being short Psalms, (some few excepted,) [hymns] on the four
Gospels, and the Acts of the Apostles.
They make five volumes in quarto, containing eighteen or nineteen hundred pages.
They were finished April 25, 1765, The revisal finished, April 24, 1774.
A second revisal finished, January 26, 1777.
A third revisal finished, February 20, 1780.
A fourth revisal finished.
A fifth revisal finished.
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[Dec. 1788.
A sixth revisal finished.
A seventh revisal finished.
The last revisal finished, May, 1787.
Many of these are little, if any, inferior to his former poems, having the same justness and strength of thought, with the same beauty of expression; yea, the same keenness of wit on proper occasions, as bright and piercing as ever.
Mon. 15.—In the evening I preached at Miss Teulon's school in Highgate.
I think it was the coldest night I ever: remember. The house we were in stood on the edge of the hill, and the east wind set full in the window.
I counted eleven, twelve, one, and was then obliged to dress, the cramp growing more and more violent. But in the morning, not only the cramp was gone, but likewise the lameness which used to follow it.
About this time I was reflecting on the gentle steps whereby age steals upon us.
Take only one instance.
Four years ago my sight was as good as it was at five-and-twenty. I then began to observe that I did not see things quite so clear with my left eye as with my right ; all objects appeared a little browner to that eye.
I began next to find some difficulty in reading a small print by candle-light. A year after, I found it in reading such a print by day-light.
In winter, 1786, I could not well read our four-shilling hymn-book, unless with a large candle : the next year I could not read letters, if wrote with a small or bad hand.
Last winter a pearl appeared on my left eye, the sight of which grew exceeding dim.
The right eye seems. unaltered; only I am a great deal nearer sighted than ever { was.
Thus are "those that look out at the windows darkened ;" one of the marks of old age.
But I bless God, "the grasshopper is" not "a burden."
I am still capable of travelling ; and my memory is much the same as ever it was ; and so, I think, is my understanding, This week I dedicated to the reading over my brother's. works. They are short poems on the Psalms, the four Gospels,. and the Acts of the Apostles.
Some are bad; some mean; some most excellently good: They give the true sense of Scripture, always in good English, generally in good verse 3 many of them are equal to most, if not to any, he ever wrote; but some still savour of that poisonous mysticism, with which we were both not a little tainted before we went to America.
This gave a gloomy cast, first to his mind, and then to many
Jan. 1789.] JOURNAL.
443, of his verses: This made him frequently describe religion as a melancholy thing: This so often sounded in his ears, 'To the desert ;" and strongly persuaded in favour of solitude.
Thur. 25.—(Being Chrisimas-Day.) We began the service, as usual, at four im the new chapel.
Notwithstanding the severe frost which had now lasted a month, the congregation was uncommonly large.
I preached here again in the evening ; about eleven, in the chapel at West-Street.
This was a comfortable day, as were also the two following.
Sun. 28.—I preached at Allhallows church, on those words. in the Service, " His commandments are not grievous." The congregation was exceeding large, and seemed to taste the good word.
Tues. 30.—The frost continued severe; yet the congregation was uncommonly large in the evening, and God warmed many hearts.
Wed. 31.—A numerous company concluded the old year with a very solemn watch-night.
Hitherto God hath helped us, and we neither see nor feel any of those terrible judgments which it was said God would pour out upon the nation about. the conclusion of the year.
For near seventy years I have observed, that before any war or public calamity, England abounds with prophets, who confidently foretell many terrible things.
They generally believe themselves, but aré carried away by a vain imagination. And they are seldom undeceived, even by the failure of their predictions ; but still believe they will be fulfilled some time or other.
Thur.
JANGARY 1, 1789.—If this is to be the last year of my life, according to some of those prophecies, I hope it will be the best.
I am not careful about it, but heartily receive the advice of the angel in Milton,— How well is thine: How long permit to Heaven.
Sun. 4.—Although the extreme severity of the weather kept many tender people away ; yet we had a large congregation in the evening to renew their covenant with God; and we always find, when we avouch Him to be our God, he avouches us to be his people.
Mon. 5.—At the earnest desire of Mrs. T , L once more sat for my picture.
Mr. Romney is a painter indeed.
He struck off an exact likeness at once ; and did more in one hour than Sir Joshua didinten. Tuesday, 6. I retired to Highbury-
444,
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[Jan. 1789.
Place, and on Thursday, 8, to Peckham.
Here, in the evening, I preached to a very serious congregation, although many of them were of the better rank.
But rich and poor seemed equally determined to work out their own salvation.
Fri. 9.—I left no money to any one in my Will, because I had none.
But now considering, that, whenever I am removed, money will soon arise by sale of books, I added a few legacies by a codicil, to be paid as soon as may be.
But I would fain do a little good while I live; for who can tell what will come after him ?
Sun. 11.—I again warned the congregation, as strongly as I could, against conformity to the world.
But who will [take the warning]?
If hardly one in ten, yet is my record with the Most High.
Tues. 13.—I spent a day or two with my good old friends at Newington.
Thursday, 15. I retired to Camberwell, and carried on my Journal, probably as far as I shall live to write it.
On Thursday I preached once more at Peckham ; and did not withhold from them that had ears to hear, the whole counsel of God.
Fri. 16.—I looked over the finest picture of atheistical religion that ever I saw, in the account that Captain Wilson gives of Thule, King of Pelew.
But how utterly needless is either the knowledge for the grace] of God, (consequently, how idle a book is the Bible,) if a man be all-accomplished, that has no more knowledge of God than a horse, and no more of his grace than a sparrow !
Tues. 20.—I retired in order to finish my year's accounts. If possible, I must be a better economist ; for instead of having anything before hand, Iam now considerably in debt ; but this
T do not like. I would fain settle even my accounts before I die, Sun. 25.—Much of the power of God was in the congregation, both morning and afternoon ; asalso on Monday evening ; which gave me a good hope that God will carry on his own work. At the earnest importunity of our friends, on Wednesday,
28, I went to open the new preaching-house at Rye. It is a noble building, much loftier than most of our Houses, and finely situated at the head of the town. It was throughly filled.
Such a congregation I never saw at Rye before; and their behaviour was as remarkable as their number; which, added to the peaceable, loving spirit they are now in, gives reason to hope there will be such a work here as has not been heretofore.
Feb. 1789. ] JOURNAL.
Thur. 29.—I went over to Winchelsea; once a large, flourishing city ; but ever since it was burnt by the Danes, a little, inconsiderable town, though finely situated on the top of a range of hills. The new preaching-house was well filled with decent, serious hearers, who seemed to receive the truth in the love of it.
I returned to "Rye in the afternoon; and in the evening preached to another large and serious congregation.
Friday, 30. We made our way through miserable roads to Sevenoaks, where the congregation, both evening and morning, was uncommonly large.
So (whether I see them again or not) I cheerfully commended them to God, and the next morning returned to London.
Sun. Fespruary 1.—We had an exceeding solemn season, both morning and evening.
It seemed indeed as if the skies poured down righteousness on all that lifted up their hearts to God.
Monday, 2, and the following days, I spent in meeting the classes.
Friday, 6, being the Quarterly Day for meeting the Local Preachers, between twenty and thirty of them met at West-Street, and opened their hearts to each other.
Taking the opportunity of having them all together, at the watchnight, I strongly insisted on St. Paul's advice to Timothy,
" Keep that which is committed to thy trust ;" particularly the doctrine of Christian Perfection, which God has peculiarly entrusted to the Methodists.
Wed. 11.—I went to Brentford, and found the society still alive, and increasing both in strength and number.
Thursday, 12. I preached once more at Chelsea, where there is at length a fair and promising prospect.
Friday, 13. I took a view of that noble building, Chelsea College, and all the parts of it.
It is designed to lodge five hundred old soldiers, who are furnished with all things needful for life and godliness.
Sunday, 15. We had the usual blessing at Spitalfields.
Monday, 16. I went to Dorking.
I scarce find any society in England like this.
Year after year, it seems at one stay, neither increasing nor decreasing; only if one or two die, one or two are quickly added to fill up the number.
Tues. 17.—I examined the society at Deptford, and preached there in the evening. Wednesday, 18. I retired into the country to finish my writings. Sunday, 22. God was eminently present with us at West-Street chapel, both in the morning and evening.
Tuesday, 24. Mr. W—— called upon me, and we had
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[ March, 1789. an agreeable and useful conversation.
What a blessing is it to Mr. P. to have such a friend as this!
In the evening I expounded part of the Second Lesson, Eph. iii.
Wednesday, 25, was the day which I had ordered all our brethren in Great Britain and Ireland to observe with fasting and prayer, for the recovery of His Majesty's health: But we had the satisfaction to hear, that before we asked (unless in private) He answered ; insomuch that the time intended for humiliation, turned into a time of thanksgiving ; and both at five, at nine, at one, and in the evening, we were most employed in praises.
Sunday, Marcu 1, was a solemn day indeed.
The new chapel was sufficiently crowded both morning and afternoon; and few that expected a parting blessing, were disappointed of their hope.
At seven in the evening I took the mail-coach; and having three of our brethren, we spent a comfortable night, partly in sound sleep, and partly in singing praise to God.
It will now quickly be seen whether they who prophesied some time since, that I should not outlive this month, be sent of God or not.
One way or the other, it is my care to be always ready.
Mon. 2.—At Bath the evening congregation was such as we used to have on Sunday evening; and I have seldom seen a larger here.
In the morning, a young gentleman, who had heard me the evening before, desired to speak to me.
He seemed greatly affected, and was almost persuaded to be a Christian.
In the afternoon he sent his carriage, and would needs have me see his lady, though she had lain in but two or three days.
Whether they turn back or no, they both seem now not far from the kingdom of God.
Wed. 4.—I went on to Bristol, where we had a crowded congregation both this evening and the next.
Sunday, 8. In the evening I preached in Temple church toa large congregation.
It was an acceptable time, especially to the mourners in Zion.
Mr. Baddiley read Prayers for me, but could not stay to assist me at the Lord's Supper.
However, my strength was as my day.
Monday, 9, and the following days, I visited the classes, which do not decrease either in grace or number. Tuesday, 10.
Thad the pleasure of an hour's conversation with Mr. —_., whom I had hardly seen for several years.
On all these evenings God was eminently present in the congregation. On Thursday, 12, the grand day of rejoicing for His Majesty's