wich. About twelve we took coach. About eight, Wednesday,
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[Nov. 1774.
15, about one at Loddon, to a people the most athirst for God of any I found in the county.
In the afternoon I went on to Yarmouth. When was "confusion worse confounded?" Division after division has torn the' once-flourishing society all in pieces. In order to heal the breach, in some measure, I enforced those deep words, "Though I have all knowledge and all faith, so as to remove mountains, and have not love, it profiteth me nothing."
One of our former Leaders being asked what he thought of this, frankly answered, "It is damnable doctrine."
Thur. 17.—About noon I preached at Lowestoft, where the little flock are remarkably lively.
The evening congregation at Yarmouth was all attention; and truly the power of God was present to heal them.
In the evening I returned to Norwich.
Never was a poor society so neglected as this has been for the year past.
The morning preaching was at an end; the bands suffered all to fall in pieces; and no care at all taken of the classes, so that whether they met or not, it was all one; going to church and sacrament were forgotten ; and the people rambled hither and thither as they listed.
On Friday evening I met the society, and told them plain, T was resolved to have a regular society or none.
I then read the Rules, and desired every one to consider whether he was willing to walk by these Rules or no.
Those in particular, of meeting their class every week, unless hindered by distance or sickness, (the only reasons for not meeting which I could allow,) and being constant at church and sacrament. I desired those who were so minded to meet me the next night, and the rest to stay away.
The next night we had far the greater part ; on whom I strongly enforced the same thing.
Sunday, 20. I spoke to every Leader, concerning every one under his care; and put out every person whom they could not recommend to me.
After this was done, out of two hundred and four members, one hundred and seventy-four remained.
And these points shall be carried, if only fifty remain in the society.
Mon. 21.—I examined the society at Loddon.
There are near fifty of them, simple and teachable, all of one mind, and many of them able to rejoice in God their Saviour.
Tuesday, 22. I took a solemn and affectionate leave of the society at Norwich. About twelve we took coach. About eight, Wednesday,
23, Mr. Dancer met me with a chaise, and carried me to Ely.
Nov. 1774. ] JOURNAL.
O what want of common sense!
Water covered the highroad for a mile and a half.
I asked, " How must foot-people come to the town?"
" Why, they must wade through!"
About two I preached in a house well filled with plain, loving people. I then took a walk to the cathedral, one of the most beautiful I have seen.
The western tower is exceeding grand; and the nave of an amazing height.
Hence we went through a fruitful-and pleasant country, though surrounded with fens, to Sutton. Here many people had lately been stirred up: They had prepared a large barn.
At six o'clock it was well filled ; and it seemed as if God sent a message to every soul.
The next morning and evening, though the weather was uncommonly severe, the congregationincreased rather than diminished.
Fri. 25.—I left them in much hope that they will continue in this earnest, simple love.
I set out between eight and nine in a one-horse chaise, the wind being high and cold enough.
Much snow lay on the ground, and much fell as we crept along over the fen-banks.
Honest Mr. Tubbs would needs walk and lead the horse through water and mud up to his mid-leg, smiling and saying, " We fen-men do not mind a little dirt."
When we had gone about four miles, the road would not admit of a chaise.
So I borrowed a horse and rode forward; but not far, for all the grounds were under water.
Here therefore 1 procured a boat full twice as large as a kneading-trough.
I was at one end, and a boy at the other, who paddled me safe to Erith.
There Miss L waited for me with another chaise, which brought me to St. Ives.
No Methodist, I was told, had preached in this town:
So I thought it high time to begin; and about one I preached to a very well-dressed and yet well-behaved congregation.
Thence my new friend (how long will she be such?) carried me to Godmanchester, near Huntingdon. A large barn was ready, in which Mr. Berridge and Mr. Venn used to preach.
And though the weather was still severe, it was well filled with deeply attentive people.
Saturday, 26. I set out early, and in the evening reached London.
Mon. 28.—I paid a visit to the amiable family at Shoreham, and found the work of God there still increasing.
Wednesday, 30. I,crossed over to Ryegate, and had a larger congregation than ever before.