5.17.18 John Wesley Works, Vol. 3 begins, May 6, 1760- October 28, 1762 to p92 so far

To the reader,

I am sensible there are many particulars in the ensuing Journal, which some serious persons will not believe and which others will turn to ridicule. but this I cannot help, unless by concealing those things which I believe it my bounden duty  to declare. I cannot do otherwise while  I am persuaded that this was a real work of God and that He hath so wrought this and all 'His marvelous works, that they ought to be had in remembrance'. I have only to desire, that those who think differently from me, will bear with me, as I do with them and that those who think with me, that this was the most glorious work of  God which has ever been wrought in our memory, may be encouraged to expect to be themselves partakers of all the great and precious promises, and that without delay,  - seeing, 'now is the accepted time! now is the day of salvation!'

*3  May 6, 1760 I  had much conversation (at Carrickfergus) with Monsieur Cavenac, the French General, not on the circumstances, but the essence of religion.he seemed to startle at nothing, but said more than once and with emotion,  'Why, this is my religion: there is no true religion besides it!

5.7  I rode to Larn.  the rain, which had continued with little intermission for several days, stopped this afternoon; so that i had a very large, as well as serious, congregation.  and I spoke to them with the utmost plainness,  but i could not find the way to their hearts.

5.8  we rode over the mountains to Ballymena and had just passed through the town, when a man came running out of the field, called me by my name and pressed me much to preach there. but i could not stay, having appointed one to meet me at Porlonane, which he accordingly did and brought me to Mr. Burrows, near Garvah.
 5.9 a little rest was acceptable. Sat, 10. I preached, morning and evening, in Mr. B----'s  house, to a well-behaved congregation, though of various denominations;  Churchmen, Papists, Presbyterians, Cameronians. one Seceder likewise ventured in, but the moment he heard,  'Our Father, which art in heaven',  he ran away with all speed. 
5.11 we had such a congregation in the church as perhaps had not been there in this century and I believe God reached some of their hearts.  several were in tears. I spoke extremely plain; especially to those who were full of their own wisdom and righteousness.

5.12 - returning through Ballymena, I preached in the market-house to a large concourse of people and God was there of a truth. I have found no such spirit in any congregation since I left Dublin. thence I rode to Moira and preached to a very civil congregation, but there is no life in them.

*4  my Irish horse was thoroughly tired. whoever, with much difficulty, partly riding and partly walking, about 8 in the evening I reached Coot-Hill. I preached in the House now and at five in the morning, but at 11 in the market-house,  where I delivered my own soul, to most of the Protestants in the town.
having procured a fresh horse, I rode on to Belturbet, a town in which there is neither Papist nor Presbyterian.  but to supply that defect, there are Sabbath-breakers, drunkards, and common swearers in abundance.  Thurs, 15. we rode through a delightful country to Swadlingbar, famed for its mineral waters. soon after my new horse began to tire so that it was with much difficulty i got to Sligo.

5.16   I walked round the ruins of the abbey, formerly one of the largest in the kingdom. the walls of it are standing and 3 sides of the cloisters are entire,  but you can scarce tread, either within or without, unless you will step upon skulls of human bones, which are everywhere scattered up and down, as dung upon the earth. surely no other nation, Christian or Heathen, would endure this!

in the evening the congregation was a little disturbed by 2 or 3 giddy Officers. I spoke to them and they stopped, but they soon recovered their spirits and behaved as they used to do at church.

5.18   I preached at 9 to a large congregation who all seemed to hear with understanding.at 5 in the evening they were not less attentive, though abundantly more numerous. on Mon, we met for the last time, between 4 and 5. many were deeply affected and all received the word 'with all readiness of mind'.  but which of these will 'bring froth fruit with patience? '  God only knoweth.

5.19  we rode to Castlebar, where I preached in the evening. I was particularly concerned for the poor backsliders. it seems as if most of us said in our hearts,  'if they  have a mind to go to hell, let them go'. not so; rather let us pluck the brands' willing or unwilling, 'out of the burning'.

5.22 I rode to Newport, and preached at 7 in the evening. I suppose all the Protestants in the town were present and many of the papists, notwithstanding the prohibition and bitter curses of their Priests. so has God spread the line from sea to sea, from Dublin on the east, to this place on the western ocean.

*5  5.25 (being Whit-Sunday) Mr. Ellison desired me to assist him at the Lord's Supper. Tues, 27. there was a remarkable trial here: A Swedish ship, being leaky,  put into one of our harbours. the Irish, according to custom,  ran to plunder her. a neighbouring gentleman hindered them and for so doing demanded a fourth part of the cargo and this, they said, the law allows! but where, meantime, is the law of God?

to hear this cause all the gentlemen of the country were come to Castlebar. it was to be heard in the Court-House where I preached,. so they met an hour sooner and heard the sermon first. who knows but even an hour sooner and heard the sermon first. who knows but even some of these may be found of Him they sought not?
5.28 I rode to Holy Mount, and the next day to Aghrim, where were a people alive to God. I told them plainly what things they wanted still and surely god will supply all their wants.

6.1 (Being Trinity-Sunday) I preached about 9  in the market-house at Athlone, on, 'there are 3 that bear record in heaven and these three are one'.  afterwards, at the Minister's desire, i read prayers in the church and in the evening preached on the Connaught side of the river, on,  'Ye must be born again'.  both Papist and protestants attended and some seemed cut to the heart.

6.3  I met the classes and was agreeably surprised to find that bitterness against the Church, with which many were infected when i was here before, was now entirely over: yet the deadness which  it had occasioned remained and I doubt it will not soon be removed.

6.6 I preached in the evening at Ahaskra, where the bulk of the congregation were Papists. yet the decency of their behaviour was such as might have made many protestants ashamed.

6.8 I rode over to Aghrim again. understanding the Rector had none to assist in the Service, i offered to read Prayers for him; which he willingly accepted. immediately after the Church service, I preached to a numerous  congregation and returned to Athlone soon enough to speak once more to a large concourse of all ranks and religions. but great part of them were as bullocks unaccustomed to the yoke, neither taught of God nor man.
6.9 about one I preached at Abidarrig and then, rode on to Longford. the town was so thronged, by reason of the approaching fair, that we had much ado to pass.  but this increased the evening congregation much; among whom was Dr. Hort, then Rector of the parish, a learned sensible, pious man and a pattern both for Clergy and laity.
 *7   6.10  I rode to Drumersnave, a village delightfully situated. almost the whole town, protestants and papists, were present at the sermon in the evening and a great part of them in the morning, but o how few of them  will bear fruit to perfection!
 6. 18   I designed to preach in the market-house at Portarlington, but it was pre-engaged for  a ball. so I preached and with much comfort, in our own Room; as also, at 5 in the  morning. I preached at 10,  for the sake of the Gentry. but it was too early, they could not rise so soon. 

in the afternoon I rode to Mount-mellick. the rain was suspended in the evening, while i exhorted a large congregation to 'walk in the old paths'. many Papists appeared to be quite astonished; some of them were almost persuaded to walk therein. the next evening i preached  i the marketplace, for the sake of the rich, who could hear there without impeachment to their honour. and some were deeply affected. surely the thorns will not choke all the good seed!

6.21  the congregation at Tullamore was near as large as at Mount-mellick. at 8 in the morning, Sun, 22,  it was much increased, but much more at 1. and I have reason to believe, that God at this time touched several careless hearts. I rode from thence to Coolyough and found a congregation gathered from 20 miles round. it rained when i began to preach; but none offered to go away and God did indeed 'send a gracious rain upon his inheritance' and comforted the souls of his servants.

6.23  being a Quarterly-Meeting, the Stewards from all the country societies were present; a company of settled sensible men. nothing is wanting in this kingdom by Zealous, active Preachers, tenacious of order and exact discipline.
6.24 I took horse early and at 10 preached at Cloughan, about 24 miles from Coolylough. we afterwards rode through Longford,  but did not stop, as the day was cool and pleasant. about 2 we were unawares encompassed with a multitude of papists, coming out of their mass-house. (def - 'L missus to send , dismiss;  perhaps extracted from a phrase in the service with missa est and a fem subject.) celebration of the Eucharist) one of them knowing me soon alarmed the rest, who set up a hideous roar, and drew up in battle-array. but we galloped through them and went on to Drumersnave, where I preached in the evening and the next day, Wed, 25, rode on to Sligo.

never did I see a fairer prospect for good here. but

*8  blossoms are not fruit. as large, if not a larger congregation than before, was at the market-place in the evening.  I was exceeding weary, having rode an extremely dull horse, but I soon forgot my weariness, seeing so many, young and old, rich and poor, receiving the word with all gladness.

6.26   I preached at 5 in a large, commodious Rom which has been procured since i was here last. I breakfasted at Mr. A----'s and dined at Mr. K----'s,  but 2 such families I have seldom seen. they had feared God for may years and served Him in the best manner they knew. nothing was wanting, but that they should hear the 'more excellent way',  which they then embraced with all their heart.

6.27  our morning congregation was doubled. Mr D---- did not fail to be there, though it seemed strange to him at first, when mention was made of preaching at 5 in the morning. in the evening we had a still larger congregation and I believe God applied His word. some trembled, others wept. surely some of these shall know there is 'balm in Gilead'. 

6.28  at 5  the congregation was larger than ever it had been at that hour. after breakfast I rode out with Mr. K.  and Mr. D., who, hearing i was ill-mounted, desired me to make use of one of his horses, during my stay in Ireland.
in the evening (it being market-day, so that the market-house was full of people)  I wrote a line to the Colonel, who readily gave me the liberty of preaching in the barrack-yard.  he likewise came to hear himself, as did several of the officers. it was a solemn conclusion of the happiest birth-day which I have know for many years.
6.29 we had a solemn meeting of the society at five. at 8 i preached again in the barrack-yard and I did not observe a trifler there. they all seemed to hear as for life.  today i saw an odd instance of the force of example:  when we were at church in the morning, scarce any one either sung or stood at the Psalms; so that i was almost alone therein. but in the afternoon almost every one stood up and most of them sung or endeavoured so to do. after service i went directly to the market-house and enforced those solemn words, 'that doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God.

*9  Mr. D----had left us at 6 in the morning, in order to serve his cure, but about 10 at night he came back and was with me soon after 4, importuning me to stay another day, but as my journeys were fixed, I could not do that without disappointing several congregations. now was the general call for the town of Sligo.  and many did 'receive the word with joy'.  but the greatest part had 'no root in themselves'.  what fruit then could be expected from them?

6.30 I have rarely seen so heavy rain in Europe, as we had in the way to Tubbercurraugh. I was quickly wet to my toes' end, but the day clearing , I was dry  again in a few hours. we had a very large congregation at Castlebar in the evening and many seemed almost persuaded to be Christians. O what does it avail, Almost to hit the mark? Almost to escape the damnation of hell?

7.1  we took horse about 4 and it was well we did for our 37 Irish miles, so called, were little less than 70  English. I preached at a friend's house soon  after 3 and then, procuring a fresh horse, about the size of a jackass, i rode on, with more ease than state, to Aghrim.

7.2 we rode on to Eyrecourt, where many threatened great things, but all vanished into air. I preached at 10 in the Court-house:  Col. Eyre was there and several other persons of fashion. In the evening I preached at Birr, with more satisfaction than for several years, finding many more alive to God than ever and provoking one another to love and to good works. I had purposed to set out early in the morning, but their love constrained me to stay a day longer. so i had leisure to complete the account of the societies. at present the societies in Connaught contain little more than 200 members, those in ulster, about 250;  those in Leinster, 1000.
7.4 i took my ease, riding in a chaise to Limerick where, on Sat, 5, 10  of us met in a little Conference.  by the blessing of God, we were all of 1 mind, particularly with regard to the Church:  Even J---- D----- has not now the least thought of leaving it, but attends there, be the Minister good or bad. on Tues, 8, having settled all our little affairs, we parted in much love.

7.9 I rode over to Killiheen, a German settlement,  near 20  miles south of Limerick.  it rained all the way;

*10  but the earnestness of the poor people made us quite forget it.  in the evening I preached to another colony of Germans, at Ballygarane. the third is at Court-mattrass, a mile from Killiheen. I suppose 3 such towns are scarce to be found again in England or Ireland. there is no cursing or swearing, no Sabbath-breaking, no drunkenness, no ale-house, in any of them. how will these poor foreigners rise up in the judgment against those that are round about them.

7.11 I preached in the new House at Clare, to a genteel congregation. what a contrast between these and the poor people at Killiheen! we had a still more genteel congregation the next morning at 9 in the Court-House at Ennis, to whom I spoke with all plainness. i did the same at Ennis, to whom I spoke with all plainness. I did the same on Sun morning; so it they hear me no more, I am clear of their blood. I took my leave of them at Clare in the afternoon and in the evening returned to Limerick.

7.16  i rode to Newmarket, which was another German settlement. but the poor settlers, with all their diligence and frugality, could not procure even the coarsest food to eat and the meanest raiment to put on, under their merciful landlords; so that most of these, as well as those at Ballygarane, have been forced to seek bread in other places; some of them in distant parts of Ireland, but the grater part in America. 

7.17 I met the classes at Limerick and found a considerable decrease. and found a considerable decrease.  AND HOW CAN IT BE OTHERWISE, WHEN VICE FLOWS AS A TORRENT, UNLESS THE CHILDREN OF GOD AR ALL LIFE, ZEAL, ACTIVITY? in hopes of quickening them, i preached at 7 in the old camp, to more than twice the usual congregation, which the 2 next evenings was more numerous still, and equally attentive. i was well pleased to see a little army of soldiers there and  not a few of their Officers. nor did they behave as unconcerned hearers, but like men that really desired to save their souls.
7.20 i took my leave of that comfortable place, where some thousands of people were assembled. I have seen no such sight since i came to the kingdom. they not only filled all the lower ground, but completely covered the banks that surround it, though they stood as close s possible. i exhorted them to 'ask for the old paths and walk therein',  that they might 'find rest to' their 'souls'. we had afterwards a solemn meeting of the society, in confidence that God would revive His work.

*11  7.21 i left Limerick and about noon preached at Shronill, near a great house which a gentleman built many years ago, but he cannot yet afford to finish it, having only 30,000 a year and some hundred thousands in ready money!
the beggars but a common lot deplore:
the rich-poor man's emphatically poor.

at 6 i preached at the camp near Caire, to a large and serious congregation of soldiers. thence we rode on to Clonmell, where i preached, near the barracks, at 8 in the morning, to a wild, staring people, but quiet perforce ( def - of necessity; by force of circumstance.) for the soldiers kept them in awe.  we rode in the afternoon to Waterford, where our friends had procured a commodious place, inclosed on all sides. I preached there 3 evenings with great hope of doing good. our large room was full every morning. O why should we despair of any souls whom God hath made?

7.24 I looked over that well-wrote book, Mr. Smith's 'State of the County and City of Waterford'. he plainly shows, that 1200 years ago Ireland was a flourishing kingdom. it seems to have been declining almost ever since; especially after it was torn into several independent kingdoms. thenceforward it grew more and more wild and barbarous, for several hundred years.in Queen Elizabeth's time it began to revive, and it increased greatly both in trade and inhabitants, til the deadly blow which commenced on Oct 23.1641.  300,000 Protestants, by a moderate computation, were then destroyed in less than a year and more than twice as many papists, within  a few years following:  most of these were adults and this was a loss which the nation has not recovered yet. nay, it will probably require another century, to restore the number of inhabitants it had before.

7.25 I preached once more near the barracks in Clonmell and the next morning took horse at 4. about 11 the sun was scorching hot, till a little cloud rose and covered us till we were near Rathcormuck. here we rested 2 hours and then rode on (mostly shaded by flying clouds) to Cork.

7.27 the House was well filled, but i expect small increase of the work of God till we preach abroad.  Thurs, 31.  i rode to Bando, but my good old friend, Mrs, Jones,

*12  did not stay for y coming. she was released out of life some weeks ago, in the 72nd year of her age. I preached, as usual, in the main street, to a large and attentive congregation. and they were nearly doubled the next evening, yet all behaved with the utmost decency. the market obliged me to preach in the House on Sat in the afternoon; a very neat and lightsome building. having spent the time proposed here, with much satisfaction, in the evening i returned to Cork.

8.3  I had wrote to the Commanding Officer for leave to preach near the barracks, but he was just gone out of town; so I was obliged once more to coop myself up in the Room. Mon, 4 knowing by the experiment i made 2 years since, that it was an entertainment above the taste our evening congregation, i read some select letters at 5 in the morning, to those who desired to hear them. and many of them were not a little comforted and established in the ways of God.

8.7 in the afternoon I set out for Kinsale, in the way a violent storm drove us into a little hut, where a poor woman was very thankful for physical advice and another for a little money to buy her food. the sky then clearing, we soon reached Kinsale, where I preached at 6 in the Exchange, to a multitude of soldiers and not a few of the dull, careless townsfolk. at 5 in the morning, it being a field-day, the soldiers could not attend, but I had a large and serious congregation notwithstanding. surely good might be done where also, would our Preachers always preach in the Exchange, as they may without any molestation, instead of a little, ugly, dirty garret.

about 9, a sharp storm having put an end to their exercise, I went to the soldiers in the field. I stood so near the intrenchments of the fort, that they could hear within as well as without. the sun indeed shone extremely hot on my head, but presently a cloud interposed. and when I began to be chill (for the wind was high and sharp) it removed till I wanted it again.how easily may we see the hand of god in small things as well as great!  and why should a little pointless raillery make us ashamed to acknowledge it?
in the evening i preached to the usual congregation in the main street at Bandon, on,  'Where ways are ways of pleasantness and all her pats peace'.  the congregation was near.

*13  twice as large, at 5 in the morning, as it was last week when i preached an hour later.

8.10 after preaching at 7, in an house crowded within and without, I left this comfortable place and went back to Cork. I had a desire to preach abroad in the evening, but the weather would not permit. when the society met, a person hugely daubed with God thrust violently in.  by his appearance I should have judged him to be some Nobleman. but i was after informed it was Dr. Taylor.

on Mon and Tues I took an account of the society, and was grieved, though not surprised, to find such a declension. I left 290 members.  I find only 233. and what will the end be, unless those that remain learn to bear one another's burdens? adding to those in the other provinces about 600 who are in Munster, the whole number is a little above 2000.
our evening congregations this week were smaller than usual; as the Gentry were engaged in a more important affair. a company of players were in town. however, many of them came on Fri for a watch-night was newer to them than a comedy.
8.18 being advised from Dublin that Captain Dansey  (with whom I desired to sail) would sail on the 19th or 20th, I took horse early and reached Clonmell between 5 and 6 in the evening. I took my usual stand near the barrack-gate and had abundantly more than y usual congregation,as it was the Assize ('a sitting'; trial session) week,  so that the town was extremely full of Gentry as well as common people.   
8.19  we had many light showers, which cooled the air and laid the dust. we dined at Kilkenny, noble in ruins.  I see no such remains of magnificence  in the kingdom. the late Duke of of Ormond's house, on the top of a rock, hanging over the river, the ancient cathedral and what is left of many grand buildings, yield a melancholy pleasure. thus
A little power, a little sway,
a sun-beam in a winter's day,
is all the great and mighty have
between the cradle and the grave! 

we lodged at Castle-Dermot, and reached Dublin on Wed, 20;  but Captain Dansey was not to sail  this
*14  week. I then inquired for a Chester ship and found one which was expected to sail on Fri morning. but on Fri morning the Captain sent us word he must wait for General Montague. so in the afternoon I rode over to the Skirries, where the packet lay; but before I came  thither, the wind, which was fair before, shifted to the east and blew a storm. I saw the hand of God and, after resting awhile, rode cheerfully back to Dublin. it being the watch-night, I came just in time to spend a comfortable hour with the congregation. O how good it is to have no choice of our won,  but to leave all things to the will of God!
8.23 the Captain of the Chester ship sent word the General would not go and he would sail the next morning. so we have one day more to spend in Ireland.  LET US LIVE THIS DAY AS IF IT WERE OUR LAST.
8.24 at 7 I took leave of my friends and about noon embarked in the Nonpareil for Chester. we had 40 or 50 passengers on board, half of whom were cabin passengers.  I was afraid we should have an uneasy time, in the midst of such a crowd of Gentry. we sailed out with a fair wind, but at 4 in the afternoon it failed and left us in a dead calm. I then made the gentlemen an offer of preaching, which they thankfully accepted. while I was preaching, the wind sprung up fair,  but the next day we were becalmed again. in the afternoon they desired me to give them another sermon and again the wind sprung up while I was speaking, and continued till, about noon, on Tues, we landed at Parkgate.

being in haste, I would not stay for my own horse, which I found could not land till low water. so I bought one, and, having hired another, set forward without delay. we reached Whitchurch that evening.
8.27 we breakfasted at Newport, where, finding out horses begin to fail, we thought it best to take the Birmingham road, that, if they should fail us altogether,  we might stay among our friends.  but they would go no farther than Wolverhampton; so we hired fresh horses there, and immediately set out for Worcester. but one of them soon after fell and gave me such a shock, (though I did not quit my seat, that i was seized with a violent bleeding at the nose, which nothing we could apply would stop. so we were obliged to go a foot pace for 2 miles and then stay at Broadwater.

*15  8.28  soon after we set out, the other horse fell lame. an honest man, at Worcester, found this was owing to a bad shoe. a smith (def - worker in metal) cured this by a new shoe,  but at the same time, by paring the hoof too close, he effectually lamed the other foot, so that we had hard work to reach Gloucester. after resting here awhile, we pushed on to Newport, where I took a chaise and reached Bristol before 11.
I spent the 2 following days with the Preachers, who had been waiting for me all the week and their love and unanimity was such as soon made me forget all my labour.

9.1 I set out for Cornwall, preaching at Shepton, Middlesey and Tiverton, in the way. Wed, 3.  I reached Launceston and found the small remains of a dead, scattered society and no wonder, as they have had scarce any discipline and only one sermon in a fortnight. on Fri, 5, I found just such another society at Camelford. but their deadness here was owing to bitterness against each other. in the morning i heard the contending parties face to face and they resolved and promised, on all sides, to let past things be forgotten. O how few have learned to forgive 'one another, as god, for Christ's sake, hath forgiven' us!
9.6 we had an exceeding lively congregation in the evening at Trewalder. indeed, all the society stands well and 'adorns the doctrine of God our Saviour'.  Sun, 7.  at 8 I preached again and was much comforted. I then rode to Port-Isaac church and had the satisfaction of hearing an excellent sermon. after service i preached at a small distance from the church to a numerous congregation and to a far more numerous one in the town, at 5 in the afternoon.
in examining this society, I found much reason to bless God on their behalf. they diligently observe all the Rules of the society;, with or without a Preacher. they constantly attend the church and sacrament and meet together at the times appointed. the consequence is, that 30 out of 35,  their whole number, continue to walk in the light of God's countenance.

9.8  a gentleman followed me to my inn at St. Columb and carried me to his house, where were 3 or 4 more as friendly as himself. one of them rode with me 7 or 8 miles and gave me a pleasing account of 2 young Clergymen, Mr.  D----and Mr. Phelps, who had the

*16  care of 3 adjoining parishes. surely God has a favour for the people of these parts! he gives them so serious, zealous, lively Ministers. by these and the Methodists together,  the line is now laid, with no inconsiderable interruption, all along the north sea, from the eastern point of Corwall to the Land's end. in a while, I trust, there will be no more cause on these coasts to Accuse (note - in latin; foot - Britons as inhospitable or cruel, to strangers).
the congregation at St. Agnes in the evening was, i suppose, double to that at Port-Issac. we had near as many, Tues, 9, at 5 in the morning, as the preaching-house could contain. afterward I examined the society and was surprised and grieved to find that, out of 98 persons, all but 3 or 4 had forsaken the Lord's Table. I told them my thoughts very plain:  they seemed convinced, and promised no more to give place to the devil.
9.10  I had much conversation with Mr. Phelps; a man of an humble, loving, tender spirit. between him on the one hand and the Methodists on the other, most in the parish are now awakened, let but out brethren have 'zeal according to knowledge', and few will escape them both.

when I came to St. Ives, I was determined to preached abroad;  but the wind was so high, I could not stand where I had intended. but we found a little inclosure near it, one end of which was native rock, rising 10 or 12 feet perpendicular, form which the ground fell with an easy descent. a jetting (def - jetty - a pier of stones, piles or the like going out into the sea) out of the rock,  about 4 feet from the ground, gave me a very convenient pulpit. here well nigh the whole town, high and low, rich and poor, assembled together. nor was there a word to be heard, or a smile seen, from one end of the congregation to the other. it was just the same the 3 following evenings. indeed I was afraid on Sat, that the roaring of the sea. raised by the north wind, would have prevented their hearing. but god gave me so clear the strong a voice, that i believe scarce one word was lost.

9.14  at 8 I chose a large ground, the sloping side of a meadow, where the congregation stood, row above row, so that all might see as well as hear. it was a beautiful sight. every one seemed to take to himself what was spoken. I believe every backslider in the town was there. and surely God was there to 'heal their backslidings'.

*17  I began at Zennor, as soon as the Church Service ended:  I suppose scarce 6 persons went away. seeing many there who did once run well, i addressed myself to them in particular. the spirit of mourning was soon poured out; and some of them wept bitterly. O that the Lord may yet return unto them and 'leave a blessing behind Him'!

at 5 I went once more into the ground at St. Ives and found such a congregation as I think was never seen in a place before (Gwennap excepted) in this county. some of the chief of the town were now not in the skirts, but in the thickest of the people. the clear sky, the setting sun, the smooth, still water, all agreed with the state of the audience. is any thing too hard for God? may we not well say, in every sense
Thou dost the raging sea control.
and smooth the prospect of the deep;
Thou mak'st the sleeping billows roll,
thou mak'st the rolling billows sleep? 

9.15  I inquired concerning the uncommon storm, which was hear an Mar.  9, the last year. it began near the Land's end, between 9 and 10 at night and went eastward not above a mile broad, over St. Just, Morva, Zennor, St. Ives and Gwinear, whence it turned northward, over the sea. it uncovered all the houses in its way and was accompanied with impetuous rain. about a mile south-east from St. Ives, it tore up a rock, 12 or 14 ton weight, from the top of a rising ground and whirled it down upon another, which it split through and at the same time dashed itself in pieces. it broke down the pinnacles of Gwiner church, which forced their away through the roof. and it was remarkable, the rain which  attended it was as salt as any sea-water.
 at one I preached in Madron parish and then rode to St. Just. I have not seen such a congregation here for twice 7  years. abundance of backsliders being present, I chiefly applied to them. some of them smiled at first, but it was not long before their mirth  was turned into mourning,  and I believe few, if any, went away without a witness from God, that He 'willeth not the death of a sinner.

9.16  at 5 the Room was near full and the great power of God was in the midst of them. it was now accompanied with one unusual effect:  the mouth of those whom it most affected was literally stopped. several of them came to

*18  me and could not speak one word; very few could utter 3 sentences. I rejoined to the society 10  or 11 backsliders, and added some new members. here (as at Port-Isaac, St. Agnes and St. Ives) we are called to thankfulness and at most other places, to patience.

all the day it blew a storm and in the evening, though the rain ceased,  the furious wind continued.  I ordered all the windows of the preaching-house o be  set open, so that most could hear without as well as within. I preached on,  'He will not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax'. and again God applied His word, both to wound and to heal them that were already wounded.

...*20  9.17.1760  the Room at St Just was quite full at 5 and God gave us a parting blessing. at noon I preached on the cliff near Penzance, where no one now gives an uncivil word. here I procured an account, from an eye-witness, of what happened the 27th of last month. a round pillar, narrowest at bottom, of a whitish colour, rose out of the sea near Mousehole, and reached the clouds. one who was riding over the strand from Marazion to Penzance saw it stand  for a short space and then move swiftly toward her, till, the skirt of it touching her, the horse threw her and ran away. it had a strong sulphurous smell. it dragged with it abundance of sand and pebbles from the shore and then went over the land, carrying with it corn, furze (def - '(winter) wheat', couch grass) or whatever it found in its way. it was doubtless a kind of water-spout,  but a water-spout on land, I believe, is seldom seen.

the storm drove us into the House at Newlyn also. Thurs,  18.  as we rode from thence, in less than half an hour we were wet to the skin, but  when we came to Penhale, the rain ceased and, the people flocking from all parts, we had a comfortable opportunity (def- 'convenient', occurring at an appropriate time.) together. about 6 I preached near Helstone. the rain stopped till I had done and soon after was as violent at before.
9.19 I rode to Illogan. we had heavy rain before I began, but scarce any while I was preaching. I learned several other particulars here concerning the water-spout. it was seen near Mousehole an hour before sunset. about sunset it began traveling over the land, tearing up all the furze and shrubs it me. near an hour after sunset it passed (at the rate of 4 or 5 miles an hour) across Mr. Harris's fields, in Camborne, sweeping the ground as it went, about 20 yards diameter at bottom and broader and broader up to the clouds. it made a noise like thunder, took up 18 stacks of corn, with a large hay-stack and the stones whereon it stood, scattered them all abroad, (but it was quite dry ) and then passed over the cliff into the sea.
9.20 in the evening I took my old stand in the main street at Redruth. a multitude of people, rich and poor,

*21  calmly attended. so is the roughest become one of the quietest towns in England.

9.21  I preached in the same place at 8. Mr. C----, of St. Cubert, preached at the church both morning and afternoon and strongly confirmed what i had spoken.  at one, the day being mild and calm, we had the largest congregation of all. but it rained all the time I was preaching at Gwennap. we concluded the day with a love-feast, at which James Roberts, a tinner of St. Ives, related how God had dealt with his soul. he was one of the first in society in St. Ives, but soon relapsed into his old sin, drunkenness and wallowed in it for 2 years, during  which time he headed the mob who pulled down the preaching-house. not long after, he was standing with his partner at Edward May's shop when the Preacher went by. his partner said,  'I will tell him I am a Methodist'. 'Nay', said Edward,  'your speech will bewray you'. James felt the word as a sword, thinking in himself, 'so does My speech now bewray Me!' he turned and hastened home, fancying he heard the devil stepping after him all the way. for 40 hours he never closed his eyes, nor tasted either meat or drink. he was then at his wit's end and went to the window, looking to drop into hell instantly, when he heard those words, 'I will be merciful to thy unrighteousness, they sins and iniquities will I remember no more'. all his load was gone and he has now for many years walked worthy of the Gospel.

9.22 I preached at Penryn in the evening it rained before and after,  but not while I was preaching. while we were at prayer, a sheet of light seemed to fill the yard and 'the voice of the Lord'  was heard over our heads.  this fixed the impression they had received upon the minds of many; as if it had said, in express terms, 'Prepare to meet they God!'
on Wed evening, having (over and above meeting the societies) preached 30 times in 11 days, I found myself a little exhausted; but a day's rest set me up: so on Fri, 26, I preached at noon again near Liskeard. in the afternoon we had rain and wind enough and when we came to Saltash, no boat would venture out: so we were obliged to take up our lodgings there.

9.27  finding there was no hope of passing here, the wind being as high as ever, we determined to ride round by

*22  the new bridge. the rain still fell on either side, but for near 20 miles we had not one drop and not a considerable shower all day. soon after 4 in the afternoon we came safe to Plymouth-Dock.

I had but a melancholy prospect here, finding most of the people dead as stones and when i took n account of the society, only 34 our of 70 were left. at 7 in the evening and at 5 in the morning, I strongly exhorted them to return to God. at eight I did the same, and at 5 in the afternoon and god made His  word as an hammer. at the meeting of the society, likewise, strong and effectual words were given me. many were convinced afresh;  many backsliders cut to the heart and I left once more between 60 and 70 member.
9.29  being invited by the Minister of Mary-Week to preach in his church, I crossed over the country and came thither about 4  in the afternoon. the congregation was large, considering the weather and quite attentive and unconcerned. hence I rode on to Mill-House and the next day to Collumpton; where, finding the congregation waiting, I began preaching without delay and felt no weariness or want of strength till I had delivered my message to them.

10.1 after preaching at 5 I examined the society and found them more alive to god than I had done for many years. about 1 I  preached at Halberton and at Tiverton in the evening. the next morning I rode to Maiden-Down, where the congregation was waiting for me. about noon I preached at Taunton. the rain lessened the congregation at Bridewater;  a dead, uncomfortable place, at best. about 7 we  set out thence for Baderipp, in as dark a night as I ever saw, but god gave His angels charge over us and we dashed not our foot against a stone.
I was surprised to see a congregation at 5 in the morning, to whom I spoke with much enlargement of heart. about 1 I preached at Shepton-Mallet and about 7 in the evening at Bristol.

10.5 I perceived, by the liveliness of the people, that Mr. Gilbert's labour had not been in vain. but i found some exercise too.  and this is always to be expected among a large body of people;  it being certain that as 'all men have not faith' so all believers  have not wisdom. 

10.12  I visited the classes at Kingswood. here only

*23  there is no increase and yet, where was there such a prospect, till that weak man, John Cennick, confounded the poor people  with strange doctrines? O what mischief may be done by one that means well! we see no end of it to this day.
in the afternoon I had appointed the children to meet at Bristol, whose parents were of the society. 30 of them came today and above 50 more on the sun and thurs following. about half of these I divided into 4 classes, 2 of boys and 2 of girls, and appointed proper leaders to meet them separate. I met them all together, twice a week and it was not long before God began to touch some of their hearts.

o Tues and Wed I visited some of the societies in the country. on thurs I returned to Bristol and in the afternoon preached a charity-sermon in Newgate, for the use of the poor prisoners.

on the 3 following days I spoke severally to the members of the society. as many of them increase in worldly goods,  the great danger I apprehend now is, their relapsing into the spirit of the world and then their religion is but a dream.
10.22 being informed that some neighbouring gentlemen had declared they would apprehend the next Preacher who came to Pensford, I rode over to give them the meeting,  but none appeared. the house was more than filled with deeply attentive hearers. it seems, the time is come at length for the word of God to take root here also.
10.24  I visited the French prisoners at Knowle and found many of them almost naked again. in hopes of provoking others to jealousy, I mad another collection of them and ordered the money to be laid out in linen and waistcoats, which were given to those that were most in want.

10.25 King George was gathered to his fathers. when will England have a better Prince?

many of us agreed to observe Fri, 31, as a day of fasting and prayer for the blessing of god upon our nation and in particular on His present Majesty. we met at 5, at 9, at 1 and at half hour past 8. I expected to be a little tired, but was more lively after 12 at night than I was at 6  in the morning.

11.1 I had the pleasure of spending a little

*24  time with that venerable man, Mr. Walker, of Truro. I fear his physicians do not understand his case. if he recovers, it must be through an almighty Physician.

11.3 I left Bristol and took Bath, Bradford and Frome, in my way to Salisbury, where I spent a day with much satisfaction. Fri, 7.  i preached about 9 at Andover, to a few dead stones; at 1  in Whitchurch and in the evening at Basingstoke. the next day, Sat, 8, I was once more brought safe to London.
I spent about a fortnight, as usual, in examining the society; a heavy, but necessary, labour.

11.17 I sent the following letter:
Sir,                                                                                                                          Nov. 17, 1760

in your last paper we had a letter from a very angry gentleman, (though he says he had put himself into as good humour as possible) who personates a Clergyman, but is, i presume, in reality, a retainer to the theatre. he is very warm against the people vulgarly called Methodists, 'ridiculous impostors', religious buffoons', as he styles them;  'saint-errants' (a pretty and quaint phrase) full of 'inconsiderate-ness, madness, melancholy, enthusiasm' teaching a 'knotty and unintelligible system' of religion, yea, a 'contradictory or self-contradicting',  nay, a 'mere illusion', a 'destructive scheme and of pernicious consequence' since 'an hypothesis is a very slippery foundation to hazard our all upon'.

methinks  the gentleman has a little mistaken his character:  He seems to have exchanged he sock for the buskin. but,  be this as it may, general charges prove nothing: let us come to particulars. here they are:  'The basis of Methodism is the grace of assurance', (excuse a little impropriety of expression) regeneration being only a preparative to it'. truly this is somewhat 'knotty and unintelligable'. I will endeavour to help him out. the fundamental doctrine of the people called Methodists is, whosoever  will be saved, before all things it is  necessary that he hold the true faith; the faith which works by love; which, by means of the love of god and our neighbour, produces both inward and outward holiness. this faith is an evidence of things not seen and he that thus believes is regenerate or born of God and he has the witness in himself: (call it assurance or what you please) the Spirit.

*25  itself witness with his spirit that he is a child of God.  'from what scripture' every one of these propositions 'is collected', any common concordance will show. 'This is the true portraiture of Methodism', so called. 'a religion superior to this' (the love of God and man) none can 'enjoy' either in time or in eternity.
but the Methodists do not hold 'good works meritorious'. No; neither does ours or any other Protestant Church. but meantime they hold it is their bounden duty, as they have time, to do good unto all men and they know the day is coming wherein God will reward every man according to his works.
but they 'act with sullenness and sourness and account innocent gaity and cheerfulness a crime almost as heinous as sacrilege'. Who does Name the men. I know them not and therefore doubt the fact; though it is very possible yo account that kind of gaity innocent which i account both foolish and sinful.  
I know none who denies that true religion, that is, love, the love of God and our neighbour, 'elevates our spirits and renders our minds cheerful and serene'.  it must, if it be accompanied, as we believer it always is, with peace and joy in the Holy ghost and if it produces a conscience void of offence toward God and toward man.
but they 'preach up religion only to accomplish a lucrative design, to fleece their hearers, to accumulate wealth, to rob and plunder, which they esteem meritorious'.  we deny the fact. who is able to prove it? let the affirmer produce his witnesses or retract.

this is the sum of your correspondent's charge, not one article of which can be proved, but whether it can or no, 'we have made them', says he, 'a theatrical scoff and the common jest and scorn of every chorister in the street. '. it may be so, but whether you have done well herein may still admit of a question. however, you cannot but wish 'we had some formal Court of Judicature erected',  (happy Portugal and Spain!) 'to take cognizance of such matters'. Nay,  (note - latin words with exclamation)...why do you wish for what  you have already? the Court is erected; the holy, devout pay-house is become the house of mercy and does take cognizance hereof, 'of all pretenders to sanctity and happily furnishes us with a discerning spirit to distinguish betwixt right and

*26  wrong'. but I do not stand to their sentence; I appeal to Scripture and reason and by these alone consent to be judged.   I am, Sir,
                                                   Your humble servant,
                                                                                     John Wesley....

*28  11.24  I visited as many as I could of the sick. how much better is ti, when it can be done, to Carry relief to the poor, than to Send it! and that both for our own sake  and theirs. for Theirs, as it is so much more comfortable to them and as we may then assist them in spirituals as well as temporals and for Our Own, as it is far more apt to soften our heart and to make us naturally care for each other. 
...12.3 I rode to over. who would have expected to find here some of the best singers in England? I found likewise what was better still,  - a serious, earnest people. there was a remarkable blessing among them, both in the evening and the morning; so that I did not regret the having  been wet to the skin in my way to them.
12.12 having as far as Hyde-Park-Corner to go, I took a coach for part of the way, ordering the man to stop anywhere at the end of Piccadilly next the Haymarket. he stopped exactly at the door of one of our friends, whose mother, above 90 years old, had long desired to see me, though I knew it not. she was exceedingly comforted and could not tell how to praise God enough for giving her the desire of her soul.
we observed Fri, the 19th as a day of fasting and prayer for our King  and country and the success of the gospel and part of the answer immediately followed , in the remarkable increase of believers and in the strengthening

*29  of those who had before attained that precious faith,  'unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness'.
12.20 in the evening i hastened back from Snowsfields, to meet the penitents,  (a congregation which I wish always to meet myself) and walked thither again at 5 in the morning. blessed be god, I have no reason  or pretence to spare myself yet. I preached a charity sermon in West-Street chapel, both morning and afternoon, but may were obliged to go away, finding it impossible to get i. is it novelty still which draws there from all parts? no, but the mighty power of God....

*31 ...about the close of this year, I received a remarkable account from Ireland:
'when Miss E---- was about 15, she frequently heard the preaching of the Methodist, so called and though it make no deep impression, yet she retains a love for them ever after. about 19 she was seized with a lingering illness. she then began to wrestle with God in prayer, that his love might be shed abroad in her heart. 'then, said she,  how freely could I give up all that is dear to me in this world !'  and from this very time she did not expect, now indeed desire, to recover, but only to be cleansed from sin and to go to Christ. 
some who visited her, said, 'O Miss, you need not fear; your innocence will bring you to heaven'. she earnestly replied,  'Unless the merits of Christ plead for me and His nature be imparted to me, I can never enter there'. and she was incessantly breaking out into these and the like expressions, 'O that I knew my sins were forgiven! O that

*32  I was born again! my one wish is to know God and be with Him eternally.

she frequently sung or repeated that verse,
'O that he would himself impart,
and fix His Eden in my heart, -
the sense of sin forgiven!
how would I then throw off my load,
and walk delightfully with God,
and follow Christ to heaven.

she had now an earnest desire to see some of the Methodist and spoke to several, to ask some of those in Tullamore to visit her. at length her importunity prevailed, and James Kelly was sent for. on his coming in, she said, 'I am exceeding glad to see you. I have had a longing desire of it this month past. i believe the power of God is with you. if I had health and strength, there should not be a sermon preached, or a prayer put up, in your preaching-house, but I would be there'. 

I told her, 'I hope the Spirit of the Lord will be your present and eternal Comforter'. she answered, 'I can find no comfort in any thing but in god alone'. while she spoke, her soul was melted down. the love of God was shed abroad in her heart, the tears ran down her cheeks and she began to rejoice in God exceedingly. her mother, seeing this, was fully convinced that there was more in religion than she had herself experienced and began to pray , with many tears, that God would show her His salvation. this so affected me, that I could not refrain from tears myself; so we all wept and prayed and sang praise together.
on my going to her a second time, I found her very alive to God. 'o, she said, how I have longed to see you, that we may be happy in god together! Come let us sing an hymn'.  I gave out,
Of Him that did salvation bring,
i could forever think and sing.
She sung all the time with exceeding joy. afterwards she said, 'this is a weary world, but I have almost done with it. O how I long to be gone! some people tell me I may recover, but i do not thank them; i do not count them my friends'. on my saying occasionally, 'there is no satisfaction for sin, but that which Christ has made by his precious blood', she

*33 answered,  'That is all the satisfaction I want and I believe He both lived and died for me.

after this, she gave a strict charge that none should be admitted to see her but such as could speak for God, saying, 'I do not love to have a word spoken, which is not to edification. O how unsuitable to me, are all things which do not tend to the glory of my god!' on her spitting a large quantity of blood, one said, 'You are in great pain'. she answered, 'i think little of it. my blessed Redeemer suffered greater pain for me'.
when stood up to go away, she said, 'i now take my leave of you. perhaps we may not meet again in this world; but i trust we shall meet in heaven. i am going to god. O may it be soon! I know feel an heaven in my soul'.
the last time i came was on sun, 12.14. hearing she was extremely ill and wanted rest, we did not go up, but after a while began singing below. she immediately heard, sat up in bed and insisted on our being brought into the room and singing there. may times she repeated these words, 'Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly!' and this she continued to do till, on Wed, 17, she resigned her soul into the hands of her dear Redeemer'....

1.2.1761 I wrote the following letter:
                                                                                  To the Editor to the London Chronicle

Sir,
of all the seats of woe on this side hell, few, I suppose, exceed or even equal Newgate. (note - a celebrated London prison) if any region of horror could exceed a few years ago, Newgate in Bristol did; so great was the filth, the stench, the misery and wickedness, which shocked all who had a spark of humanity left. how was i surprised then, when I was there a few weeks ago!
1. every part of it, above stairs and below, even the pit, wherein the felons are confined at night, is as clean and sweet as a gentleman's house;  it being now a rule, that every prisoner wash and clean his apartment throughly twice a week.
2. here is no fighting or brawling. if any thinks himself ill used, the cause is immediately referred to the Keeper, who hears the contending parties face to face and decides the affair at once.
3 the usual grounds of quarrelling are removed. for it is very rarely that any one cheats or wrongs another, as being sure, if anything of this kind is discovered, to be committed to a closer confinement.
4. here is no drunkenness suffered,

*34  however advantageous it might be to the Keeper, as well as the tapster:
5. nor any whoredom; the women prisoners being narrowly observed and kept separate from the men:  nor is any woman of the town now admitted, no, not at any price.
6. all possible care is taken to prevent idleness: with tools and materials, partly by the Keeper, who gives them credit at a very moderate profit, partly by the alms occasionally given, which are divided with the utmost prudence and impartiality. accordingly, at this time, among others, a shoemaker, a tailor, a brazier (def - a person who makes articles of brass) and a coachmaker are working at their several trades.
7. only on the Lord's day they neither work nor play,  but dress themselves as clean as they can, to attend the public Service in the chapel. at which every person under the roof is present. none is excused unless sick; in which case he is provided, Gratis, both with advice and medicines.
8. and in order to assist them in things of the greatest concern, (besides a sermon every Sun and Thurs) they have a large bible chained on one side of the chapel, which any of the prisoners may read, by the blessing of God on these regulations the prison now has a new face:  nothing offends either the eye or ear and the whole has the appearance of a quiet, serious family. and does not the Keeper of Newgate deserve to be remembered full as well as the Man of Ross? may the Lord remember him in that day! meantime, will no  one follow his example?
I am, Sir,       Your humble servant,  John Wesley.

1.5 this week I wrote to the author of the 'Westminster Journal' as follows:

Sir,.
*I hope you are a person of impartiality ; if so, you will not insert what is urged on one side of a question only, but likewise what is offered on the other.
your correspondent is , doubtless, a man of sense; and he seems to write in a good humour, but he is extremely little acquainted with the persons of whom he undertakes to give an account.

there is 'gone abroad' says he, an ungoverned spirit of enthusiasm, propagated by knaves (def - unprincipled, untrustworthy, dishonest person) and  embraced by fools'

*suffer me now to address the gentleman himself. sir, you may call me both a knave and a fool, but prove me either the  

*35  one or the other, if you can.
'Why, you are an enthusiast'.

*what do you mean by the term?
a believer in Jesus Christ?
an assertor of His equality with the Father and of the entire Christian Revelation?
do you mean one who maintains the antiquated doctrines of the New birth and justification by Faith?  then I am an enthusiast.
but if you mean any thing else, either prove or retract the charge.

'the enthusiasm which has lately gone abroad is faith which worketh by love. does this 'endanger government itself? '

*Just the reverse. fearing God, it honours the King. it teaches all men to be subject to  the higher powers, not for wrath but for conscience' sake.

but 'no power in England ought to be independent of the supreme power'.

*most true,

yet 'the Romanists own the authority of a pope, independent of civil government'.

*they do and thereby show their ignorance of the English constitution.

'In Great Britain we have many popes, for so I must call all who have the souls and bodies of their followers devoted to them'.

*call them so and welcome. but this does no touch me; nor Mr. Whitefield, Jones or Romaine, nor any whom I am acquainted with. none of us have our followers thus devoted to us. those who follow the advice we constantly give are devoted to God, not man.

but 'the Methodist proclaims he can bring into the field 25,000 men'.

*what Methodist?  where and when?  Prove this fact and I will allow you, I am a Turk.

'but it is said they are all good subjects. perhaps they are; because under a protestant government they have all the indulgence they can wish for'.

*and do you seriously wish for a popish government to abridge them of that indulgence?

1. 'but has not a bad use been made of this?  has not the decency of religion been perverted?' not in the least: the decency of religion is never  so well advanced, as by advancing inward and outward religion together.
2. 'Have not the minds of the vulgar been darkened to a total neglect of their civil and social duties?  Just the contrary: thousands in London, as well as elsewhere, have been enlightened to understand and prevailed on to practice, those duties, as they never did before.
3. 'Has not the peace of many families been ruined?' the lost peace of many families has been restored. in others, a furious opposition to true religion has occasioned division, as our Lord foretold it would.
4. 'Have not the

*36  circumstances of many industrious tradesmen been hurt?'

*I believe not. I know no instance, but i know 100 tradesmen in London who began to be industrious since they began to fear God and their circumstances, low enough till then, are now easy and affluent.

*I am almost ashamed to spend time upon these threadbare objections, which have been answered over and over. but if they are advanced again, they must be answered again, lest silence should pass for guilt.

'But how can the government distinguish between tenderness of conscience and schemes of interest?'

*nothing more easy.

'They may withdraw the licenses of such'.

*Sir, you have forgot the question. before they withdraw them, they are to distinguish whether they are such or no. and how are they to do this?

*'o, it is very easy!' so you leave them as wise as they were before.

but, 'the Methodist who pretends to be of the Church of England in forms of worship and differs from her in point of doctrine, is not, let his pretences be what they will, a member of that Church.'

*Alas, Sir! your friends will not thank you for this. you have broke their heads sadly. is no man of the Church, let him pretend what he will, who differs from her in point of doctrine? (foot - Stop, I beseech you and beware of what you say.) I know not but you may stumble upon  (foot - Libel on persons of exalted rank.) But stay;  you will bring them off quickly.

'a truly good man may scruple signing and swearing to Articles which he cannot approve of?

*but is he a truly good man who does not scruple signing and swearing to Articles which he cannot approve of?  however this doth not affect us for we do not differ from our Church in point of doctrine, but all do who deny justification by faith.  therefore, according to you, they are no members of the Church of England.

'Methodist Preachers', you allow, 'practise, sign and swear whatever is required by law', a very large concession, 'but the reserves they have are incommunicable and unintelligible'.

*favour us, Sir, with a little proof of this; till then I must plead, Not guilty. in whatever I sign or swear to. i have no reserve at all. and I have again and again communicated my thoughts on most heads, to all mankind: I

*37  believe intelligibly; particularly in the 'Appeals to Man of Reason and Religion'. 

but, 'if Methodism, as its professors pretend, be a new discovery in religion'.
this is a grievous mistake. we pretend no such thing.

*we aver (def- assert or affirm with confidence) it is the one old as Moses, as old as Adam.

'They ought to discover the whole ingredients of which their nostrum (def - scheme, theory or device) is composed and have it enrolled in the public register, to be perused by all the world'.

*it is done. the whole ingredients of Methodism, so called, have been discovered in print over and over and they are enrolled in a public register, the Bible, from which we extracted them at first.

'else they ought not to be tolerated.'

* we allow it, and desire toleration on no other terms.

'nor should they be suffered to add or alter one grain different from what is so registered'.

*most certainly.' we ought  neither to add or diminish, nor alter whatever is written in that book.

*'I wish Sir, before you write concerning the Methodists again, you would candidly read some of their writings. common report is not a sure rule of judging.  I should be unwilling to judge of you thereby.
*To sum up the matter. the whole ingredients of our religion are, love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, fidelity, meekness, temperance. against these, I think, there is no law and, therefore, I still apprehend they may be tolerated, at least in a Christian country. I am, Sir,

your sincere well-wisher,  John Wesley
1.9  I rode to Sundon and preached in the evening and the next evening at Bedford. Sun, 11. I read prayers and preached at Everton, both morning and afternoon. Mon, 12. i rode to Colchester and, after spending 2 or 3 comfortable days, on Fri, 16, went on to Bury. I would gladly have stayed a day or two here, had it been only on account of the servant of the weather, but I had work to do elsewhere. so I took horse soon after preaching in the morning, Sat, 17, though as bitter an one as most I have known. I never before felt so piercing a wind as that which met us n riding out of the gate at day-break. to think of looking up was a vain thing; I knew not whether I should not lose one of my eyes. the wind affected it as if I

*38  had received a severe blow; so that I had no use of it for a time. to mend the matter, having a very imperfect direction, we soon go out of our way. however, we hobbled on, through miserable roads, till about 3 in the afternoon we got to Norwich.
1.18 I met the society in the morning and many of them went with me to the cathedral. at 2 we had the largest congregation I ever saw at that hour. at five the House was well filled and just as long as I was speaking, all were silent, but when i ceased, the floods lifted up their voice,. One would have thought Bedlam was broke loose. and thus it always is;  the custom began in the reign of King Log and continued ever since. the next evening the same hubbub began again, not among the mob, but the ordinary hearers. i desired them to stop and reasoned the case with them. the effect was far greater than one could expect. the whole congregation went as quietly and silently away as they use to do  at the Foundery in London.
1.20 I inquired concerning Yarmouth, a large and populous town and as eminent, both for wickedness and ignorance, as even any sea-port in England. some had endeavoured to call them to repentance, but it was at the hazard of their lives. what could be done more?why, last summer God sent thither the regiment in which Howell Harris was an officer. he preached every night, none daring to oppose him and hereby a good seed was sown. many were stirred up to seek God and some of them now earnestly invited me to come over. I went this afternoon and preached in the evening. the House was presently more than filled and, instead of the tumult which was expected, all were as quiet as at London. indeed the word of god was quick and powerful among them, as it was again at 6  in the morning. at 11 I preached my farewell sermon. I saw none that was not deeply affected. O fair blossoms! but how many of these will 'bring forth fruit unto perfection?'
in the afternoon I rode back to Norwich and took an account of the society there. I found the persons who professed to meet in class were about 330,  but many of them were as bullocks unaccustomed to the yoke. where or what will they be a year hence?

1.22 we had our first watch-night at the Tabernacle, at which I could not but observe, thought T preached the Law

*39  from the beginning of my sermon to the end, yet many were exceedingly comforted. so plain it is that god can send either terror or comfort to the heart, by whatever means it pleaseth him.

Sun, 1.25, was a day of solemn rejoicing. both at 8, at 11, at 2, at 5, God was eminently present in the congregation; filling their hearts with love and their mouths with praise.

in some of the following days I visited the country society. Fri, 1.30. after preaching at the Foundery in the evening, I met the Bands as usual. while a poor woman was speaking a few artless words out of the fullness of her heart, a fire kindled and ran, as flame among the stubble, through the hearts of almost all that heard. So, when God is pleased to work, it matters not how weak, or how mean, the instrument.
1.31  i spent n hour with one who was as hot as any of the lambs at the Tabernacle,  but she  is now a calm, reasonable woman. indeed God has now breathed a spirit of love and peace into all that remain united together. those who are otherwise minded have left us.

2.1 many were comforted and strengthened both at the  Lord's supper and at the evening service. I think all jealousies and misunderstandings are now vanished and the whole society is well knit together. how long will they continue so, considering the unparalleled fickleness of the people in these parts? that God knows. however, he does work now and we rejoice therein.

2.2 I let them with a cheerful hear and rode on to Lakenheath. the congregation was large, but to this day there was no society. so, after preaching, i explained the nature of a society and examined those who were willing to join together. near half of them had known the love of God and seemed alive to Him.
2.3 about non i preached at Harston, 5 miles beyond Cambridge. here Mr. Berridge's labour has not been in vain. several have found preached with God and a more artless, loving people I have seldom seen. they were gathered from all parts. it pleased god to give a manifestation of His love to one woman in the midst of the sermon. she praised God aloud and inflamed many hearts with love and thankfulness.
in the evening I preached at Melbourn, another small town,

*40  about 4 miles from Harston. many from Harston walked thither and from the neighbouring villages and surely God was in the midst of them, just as in our Bristol congregations at the beginning.
hence we rode, on Ash-Wednesday, Fe 4, to Mr Hicks, who showed me the way to his church, at Wrestlingworth,  where I exhorted a large and serious congregation from the Scripture appointed fro the Epistle, to 'rend their hearts and not their garments and turn unto the Lord their God.

in the evening Mr. Berridge read Prayers and I preached, at Everton. few of them are now affected as at first, the greater part having found peace with god. but there is a gradual increasing of the work in the souls of any believers.
2.5  i called a Barford, half-way  to Bedford and was agreeably surprised to meet J. C. , from London, who came to Bedford the day before, and walked over with Mr. Parker. we had a far larger congregation than I expected and all were deeply serious. I preached at Bedford in the evening, on Fri at Sundon and on Sat returned to London.

Mon. 2.9 and the following days, I visited the classes. Fri, 13, being the General Fast-day, the chapel in West-Street, as well as the rest, was throughly filled with serious hearers. surely god is well pleased with even these outward humiliations, as an acknowledgment that He is the Disposer of all events and they give some check, if it be but for a time to the floods of ungodliness. besides, we cannot doubt but there are some good men in most of the congregations them assembled and we know,  'the effectual fervent prayer' even of one 'righteous man availeth much'.

this week I published, in the 'London Chronicle', an answer to a Tract entitled,  " a Caveat against the Methodists' it is her subjoined:

To the Editor of the London Chronicle.

Sir,                                                                                                                                    Feb. 19,1761
is it not surprising the every person of understanding does not discern, at the very first view, that the Tract entitled, 'A caveat against the Methodists', is, in reality, a Caveat  against the Protestants?  do not the arguments conclude, (if they conclude at all), not against the Methodists only, but against the whole body of Protestants? the names, indeed,

*41  of Mr. Whitefield and Mr. Wesley are used; but this is mere finesse! greater men are designed and all along are wounded through our sides.
 I was long in hopes of seeing an answer to this artful performance, from some one of more leisure, as well as abilities and some whose name would  have recommended his work:  for that thought has something of truth in it,  -
O what a tuneful wonder seized the throng.
when Marlbro's conquering name alarm'd the foe?
had Whiznowisky led the armies on,
the General's scarecrow name had foil'd each blow.
however, who knows but reason, for once, may be stronger than prejudice? and many may forget my scarecrow name and mind not who speaks, but what is spoken. I am pleading now, not for the Methodists only, but for the whole body of Protestants; first, for the Church of England, then for the protestants of every denomination; in doing which i shall first give the substance of each Section of the Romish Tract: Secondly, answer, and retort it upon the members of the Church of Rome. o that this may incite some more skillful advocate to supply my lack of service!

Section I
'the Methodists' (Protestants) are not the people of God; they are not true Gospel Christians;  nor is their new-raised society the true church of Christ, nor any part of it.  (P.3)

this is demonstrated by the word of God, marking out the people of God, the true church of Christ, by such characters as cannot agree to the Methodists or any other new-raised sect or Community'. (Ibid.)

the Old Testament is full of prophecies relating to the church: and the New Testament makes glorious promises to it and gives glorious characters of it  (P4)

now all those prophecies, promises and characters, point out a society founded by Christ Himself and by His commission propagated throughout the world, which should flourish till time should end, ever one, ever holy, ever orthodox; secured against error by the perpetual presence of Christ; ever directed by the Spirit of truth; having a perpetual succession of Pastors and Teachers, divinely appointed and divinely

*42  assisted, but no part of this character is applicable to any new-raised sect, who have no succession from or connexion with, that one holy society;  therefore no modern sect can be any part of the people of God'. (P.5)  
I  answer, it is true,  all these promises, prophecies and characters, point out a society founded by Christ Himself and by His commission propagated throughout the world, which should flourish till time should end' and such is the Catholic church, that is, the whole body of men, endued with faith working by love, dispersed over the whole earth, in Europe, Asia, Africa and America. and this church is 'ever one'.;  in all ages and nations it is the one body of Christ. it is 'ever holy' for no unholy man can possibly be a member of it. it is 'ever orthodox'. so is every holy man, in all things necessary to salvation: 'secured against error', in things essential, 'by the perpetual presence of Christ and ever directed y the spirit of truth', in the truth that is after godliness. this church has 'a perpetual succession of Pastors and Teachers, divinely appointed and divinely assisted'.  and there has never been wanting, in the Reformed Churches, such a succession of Pastors and Teachers; men both divinely appointed and divinely assisted; for they convert sinners to God:  A work none can do unless god Himself doth appoint them thereto and assist them therein; therefore every part of this character is applicable to them. their Teachers are the proper successors of those who have delivered to the saints and their members have true spiritual communion with the 'one holy' society of true believers,  consequently, although they are not the whole 'people of God',  yet are they an undeniable part of His people.

on the country, the Church of Rome, in its present form, was not 'founded by Christ Himself'.  all the doctrines and practices wherein she differs from us, were not instituted by Christ,  - they were unknown to the ancient church of Christ,  - they are unscriptual, novel corruptions; neither is that Church 'propagated throughout the world'. therefore, if either antiquity, or universality, be essential thereto, the Church of Rome cannot be 'the true church of Christ'.

nor is the Church of Rome one; it is not in unity with itself; it is to this day torn with numberless divisions. and

*43  it is impossible it should be 'the one church', unless a part can be the whole; seeing the Asiatic, the African and the Muscovite Churches, (to name no more,) never were contained in it.

neither is it holy.  the generality of its members are no holier than Turks and Heathens.  you need not go far for proof of this:  Look at the romaists in London or Dublin. are these the holy, the only holy church? just such holiness is in the bottomless pit.
nor is it 'secured against error' either 'by Christ' or 'His Spirit'; witness Pope against Pope, Council against Council, contradicting, anathematizing each other. the instances are too numerous to be recited.
neither are the generality of her 'pastors and Teachers' either 'divinely appointed' or 'divinely assisted'.  if God had sent them, He would confirm the word of His messengers, but he does not;  they convert no sinners to God; they convert many to their own opinion, but not to the knowledge or love of God. he that was a drunkard, is a drunkard still; he that was filthy, is filthy still; therefore neither are they 'assisted' by Him; so they and their flocks wallow in sin together:  Consequently, (whatever may be the case of some particular souls) it must be said, if your own marks be true, the Roman Catholics in general are not 'the people of God'.

It may be proper to add here the second section, which is all I  had leisure to write, though it was not published till the following week:

Section II

'the Methodist (Protestant) teachers are not the true Ministers of Christ; nor are they called or sent by Him'. (P.6)
this appears from what has been already demonstrated.  for if the Protestants are not the true people of Christ, their Ministers cannot be the true Ministers of Christ'. (Ibid)

Farther, 'The mature Ministers came down by succession from the Apostles. but the Protestant Teachers do not. therefore they are not the true Ministers of Christ'. (Ibid)

'all power in the church of Christ comes from Him; so that whosoever, without a commission from Him, intrudes into the pastoral office, is a thief and a robber.  now, the commission can be conveyed but 2 ways ;  either immediately from God

*44  Himself,  as it was to the Apostles or from men who have the authority handed down to them from the Apostles. 
but this commission has not been conveyed to protestant Preachers either of these ways. not immediately from God Himself;  for how do they prove it?  by what miracles? neither by men deriving authority from the Apostles, through the channel of the Church. and they stand divided in communion from all Churches that have any pretensions to antiquity. their doctrine of justification by faith alone, was anathematized at its first appearance, by the undoubted heirs of the Apostles, the Pastors of the Apostolic churches; consequently they are sent by no other but him who sent all the false prophets from the beginning'. (P;. 8.9)

I answer, 'from what has been already demonstrated',  that nothing will follow; for you have demonstrated just nothing.
now for your 'farther' proof. 'the true Ministers came down by succession from the apostles'. so do the Protestant Ministers, if the Romish do; the English in particular; as even one of yourselves, F. Courayer, has irrefragably (def- 'not' + 'opposed'; not to be disputed or contested) proved.

all power in the church of Christ comes from Him; either immediately from Himself or from men who have the authority handed down to them from the Apostles. but this commission has not been conveyed to the Protestant Preachers either of these ways:  not immediately;  for by what miracles do they prove it?'  so said Cardinal Bellarmine long ago. neither 'by men deriving authority from the apostles'. Read F. Courayer and know better. neither  are the Protestants 'divided from' any 'Churches' who have true 'pretensions to antiquity'.  but 'their doctrine of justification by faith alone was anathematized, at its first appearance, by the undoubted heirs of the apostles, the pastors of the Apostolic church'. by the prelates at the Council of Trent it was who thereby anathematized the apostle Paul., to all intents and purposes. here you throw off the mask; otherwise you might have passed for a Protestant a little longer. 'consequently they are sent by no other but him who sent all the false prophets from the beginning'. Sir, we thank you. this is really a very modest assertion for the subject of a protestant King.
but to turn the tables: I said,  'If the Romish Bishops do'.  for this I absolutely deny. I deny that the Romish Bishops came down by Uninterrupted succession from the

*45  Apostles. I never could see it proved and I am persuaded I never shall. but unless this is proved, your own Pastors, on your principles, are no Pastors at all.

but farther: it is a doctrine of your Church, that the intention of the administrator is essential to the validity of the sacraments which are administered by him. now, are you assured of the intention of every Priest from whom you have received the Host? if not, you do not know but what you received as the sacrament of the altar, was no sacrament at all. are you assured of the intention of the priest who baptized you? if not, perhaps you are not baptized at all. co come close to the point in hand: if you pass for a Priest, are you assured of the intention of the Bishop that ordained you? if not, you may happen to be no Priest and so all your ministry is nothing worth: nay, by the same rule, he may happen to be no Bishop. and who can tell how often this has been the case?  but if there has been only one instance in 1000 years, what becomes of your Uninterrupted successions?

this ad hominem.  (def - appealing to one's prejudices, emotions or special interests rather than to one's intellect or reason) but I  have a word more ad rem (def - relevant, pertinent, in a straightforward manner, without digressing). Can a man teach what he does not know? is it possible a man should each others what he does not know himself? certainly it is not. can a Priest then teach his hearers the way to heaven, marked out in our Lord's Sermon on the Mount, if he does not know or understand the way himself? nothing is more impossible but how many of your Priests know nothing about it! what avails then their Commission to teach what they cannot teach, because they know it not? did god then send these men of  a fool's errand? send them to do what they cannot do? O say not so! and what will be the event o their attempting to teach they know not what? why, 'if the blind lead the blind, other shall all into the pit.
2.21  I spent some hours with Mr. L and Mr. I'anson, in order to prevent another Chancery suit. and though the matter could not then be fully adjusted, yet the suit did not go on.

2.24  I retired to Lewisham and transcribed the list of the society. about 160 I left out, to whom i can do no good at present. the number of those which now remain, is 2375.

*46  2.27  at 12 I met about 30 persons who had experienced a deep work of God and I appointed an hour for meeting them every week. whether they are saved from sin or no, hey are certainly full of faith and love and peculiarly helpful to my soul.
3.1 we had a happy love-feast at the chapel. many of our brethren spoke plainly and artlessly what God had done for their souls. I think none were offended,  but many were strengthened and comforted.
3.4   i was scarce come into the room where a few believers were met together , when one began to tremble exceedingly and soon after sunk  to the floor. after a violent struggle, she burst out into prayer, which was quickly changed into praise. she then declared, 'The Lamb of God has taken away all my sins.' she spoke many strong words to the same effect, rejoicing with joy unspeakable.

3.6 I met again with those who believe God has delivered them from the root of bitterness. their number increases daily. I know not if 15 or 16 have not received the blessing this week.

3.9  I set out early and about noon preached at High-Wycombe, where the dry bones began to shake again. in the afternoon I rode on to Oxford and spent an agreeable evening with Mr. H. his openness and frankness of behaviour were both pleasing and profitable. such conversation I want, but I do not wonder it is offensive to men of nice ears.
3.10 we rode to Evesham, where I found the poor shattered society almost sunk into nothing. and no wonder since they have been almost without help, till Mr. Mather came. in the evening i preached in the Town-hall. both at this time and at 5 in the morning, God applied his word, and many found a desire to 'strengthen the things that remained.' I designed to have rested on Wed, but finding that notice had been given of my preaching at Stanley, we got thither, through roads almost impassable, about noon and found more people than the House could contain;  so i stood in the yard and proclaimed free salvation to a loving, simple people. several were in tears and all of them so thankful that i could not repent of my labour.
the congregation at Eveham in the evening was thrice as large as the night before. indeed many of them did not design to hear or to let any one else hear, but they were over-ruled,

*47 and behaved with tolerable decency, til the service was over.  then they roared amain, but i walked straight through them, and none offered the least rudeness.

3.12   about one I preached at Redditch, to a deeply serious congregation; about 7, in the Room at Birmingham, now far too small for the congregation. Fri, 13.  many flocked together at 5 and far more than the Room would contain in the evening. perhaps the time is come for the Gospel to take root even in this barren soil.
3.14  I rode to Wednesbury. Sun, 15.  I mad a shift to preach within at 8  in the morning, but in the afternoon I knew not what to do, having a pain in my side, and a sore throat. however, I resolved to speak as long as i could. I stood at one end of the House, and the people (supposed to be 8 or 10,000)
in the field adjoining.  I spoke from, 'I count all things but loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord'. when i had done speaking, my complaints were gone, at the love-feast in the evening, many both men and women, spoke their experience in a manner which affected all that heard, one in particular said, 'for 17 or 18 years I thought God had forgotten me. neither i nor any under my roof could believe. but now, blessed by His name, He has taken me an d all my house and given me and my wife and our 7 children to rejoice together in God our Saviour'.

3.16 I intended to rest 2 or 3 days, but being pressed to visit Shrewsbury and having no other time, I rode over today, though upon a miserable beast. when I came in, my head ached as well as my side. I found the door of the place where I was to preach surrounded by a numerous mob. but they seemed met, only to stare. yet part of them came in,  almost all that did (a large umber) behave quietly and seriously.
3.17  a 5 the congregation was large and appeared not a little affected. the difficulty now was, how to get back. for I could not ride the horse on which i came. but this too was provided for. we met in the street with one who lent me his horse, which was so easy, that i grew better and better till I came to Wolverhampton. none had yet preached abroad in this furious town, but I  was resolved, with God's help, to make a trial and ordered a table to be set in the inn-yard. such a number of wild men I have seldom seen;

*48  but they gave me no disturbance, either while I preached or when I  afterwards walked through the midst of them.
about 5 I preached to a far larger congregation at Dudley and all as quiet as at London. the scene is changed, since the dirt and stones of this town were flying about me  on every side.

3.18  by talking with several at Wednesbury, I found God is carrying on His work here as at London. we have ground to hope, one prisoner was set at full liberty under the sermon on Sat morning;  another under that on Sat,  evening. one or more received remission of sins on sun; on Mon morning another and on Wed yet another believed the blood of Jesus Christ had cleansed him from all sin. in the evening I could scarce think but more than one heard Him say, 'I will; be thou clean!' indeed so wonderfully was He present till near midnight, as if He would have healed the whole congregation.

3.19  after preaching at Bilbrook I rode on to Burslem and preached at half-hour past 5, in an open place on the top of the hill, to a large and attentive congregation; though it rained almost all the time and the air was extremely cold. the next morning, (being Good-Friday), I did not preach till 8.  but even then, as well as in the evening, the cold considerably lessened the congregation. such is human wisdom! so small are the things which divert mankind from what might be the means of their eternal salvation!
3.21  about 10 I preached at Biddulph and about 6 at Congleton. Sun, 22. about 1 I preached at Macclesfield, near the preaching-house. the congregation was large, though the wind was sharp. but it was more than doubled after the evening service, while I opened and enforced the solemn declaration,  'Him hath god exalted with His own right hand, to be a Prince and a Saviour'. in the evening I rode on to Manchester.
3.23  after preaching t 5, I hastened forward and reached Leeds about 5 in the evening, where i had desired all the Preachers in those parts to meet me and an happy meeting we had both in the evening and morning. i afterwards inquired into the state of the societies in Yorkshire and Lincoldnshire. I find the work of God increases on every side, but particularly in Lincolnshire, where there has been no work like this, since the time i preached at Epworth on my father's tomb.

*49  in the afternoon I talked with several of those who believe they are saved from sin and, after a close examination,  I found reason to hope that 14 of them were not deceived. in the evening I expounded the 13th chapter of I Corinthians, and exhorted all to weigh themselves in that balance and see if hey were not 'found wanting'.

3.25 I took horse early, breakfasted with Mr. Venn, and about 4 in the afternoon came to Stockport. finding the congregation waiting, i preached immediately and then rode on to Manchester where i rested on Thurs. Fri 2.  I rode to Bridgefield, in the midst of the Derbyshire Mountains and cried to a large congregation,  'If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink'. and they did indeed drink in the word, as the thirsty earth the showers. about 6 I preached at Stockport. her I inquired after a young man, who was sometime since much in earnest for salvation. but it was not long before he grew quite cold and left the society. within a few months after, he left the world and that by his own hand! the next day I returned to Manchester.
3.29 we had an uncommon blessing, both morning and afternoon. in the evening I met the believers and strongly exhorted them to 'go on unto perfection'.  to many of them it seemed a new doctrine. however, they all received it in love and a flame was kindled, which i trust neither men nor devils shall ever be able to quench.
3.31 I rode to Altringham. we had 4 rooms, which opened into each other, but they would not near contain the congregation, so that many were obliged to stand without.  I believe many we wounded and some much comforted. perhaps this town will not be quite so furious as it has been.

in the evening we had abundance of genteel people at Manchester, while I described faith as 'the evidence of things not seen'. I left Manchester in the morning, April 1,  in a better condition than ever I knew it before; such is the shaking, not only among the dry bones, but likewise among the living souls.
about noon I preached at Little -Leigh and at Chester in the evening. Thurs, 2.  I rode over to Tattenhall, 8 or 9 miles from Chester. when we came, the town seemed to be all in an uproar, yet when I began preaching, (in  the open air, the House not being large enough to contain one quarter of the congregation) none opposed or made the least

*50  disturbance, the fear of God falling upon them. I think Tattenhall will be less bitter for the time to come.  well may Satan be angry with field-preaching!

4.3 I preached, about 1, at Mould, in Flintshire and was again obliged to preach abroad,  though the wind was exceeding rough. all were deeply attentive.  I preached in the evening at Chester and in the morning set out for Liverpool: I came thither preaching at Warrington by the way) in the evening. the election seemed to have driven the common sort of people out of their senses.  but on Sun they were tolerable recovered, and the town looked like itself. i heard 2 useful sermons at our parish church:  one upon, 'Follow peace with all men and holiness',  the other on, 'blessed are the dead which die in the Lord'. I pity those who can learn nothing at church.
4.13 I left them at Liverpool, a little increased in number, but very considerably in strength; being now entirely united together in judgment, as well as in affection.
about noon, I preached to a serious congregation at Downham-Green, near Wigan; but to a far more serious one in the evening, atBbolton. I find few places like this; all disputes are forgot and the Christians do indeed love one another. when I visited the classes. on Wed,  16,  I did not find a disorderly walker among them; no, nor a trifler. they appeared to be, one and all, seriously seeking salvation.
4.16 after preaching at noon, I rode to Lower-Darwen, near Backburn, where a large congregation behaved with deep seriousness. leaving honest Mr. Grimshaw to preach in the morning, I set out early and in the evening reached a little quiet house a few miles beyond Kendal, to which, i believe, we did not come in vain.  the man of the house, having been long ill, was tankful for advice with regard to his bodily disorder.  and his guest appeared right willing to receive some advice with respect to their souls.
4.18 we were soon lost on the mountains, but in an hour we found a cottage and a good woman, who bade her son 'take the galloway (def - a scottish breed of small, strong horses) and guide them to the fell (def - fierce, cruel, dreadful, savage; destructive, deadly) foot. (def - lowest part or foot of...in this case, mountain) there we met a poor man just coming from a Doctor, who, I think, had quite mistaken his case.  perhaps his meeting us may save his life. he piloted us over the next mountain, the like to which i never beheld either in wales or Germany. as we

*51  were climbing the third, a man overtook us, who was going the same road. so he accompanied us till we were in a plain, level way, which in 3 hours brought us to Whitehaven.

4.19 I preached morning and evening at the Gins,  to far more people than the house would have contained. at 1 I preached in the assembly-room at Workington. the whole congregation behaved well; though I could not perceive that the greater part of them understood any thing of the matter.

4.22 about noon I preached at Branthwayte and in the evening at Lorton. who would imagine that Deism should find its way into the heart of these enormous mountains?  yet so it is. yea and one who once knew the love of God is a strenuous advocate for it.

4.25 as the people at Whitehaven are usually full of zeal, right or wrong, I this evening showed them the nature of Christian zeal. perhaps some of them may now distinguish the flame of love, from a fire kindled in hell.
4.26 I preached in the morning at the Gins; in the Room at 1 and about 5 at Cockermouth, on the steps of the market-house. even the genteel hearers were decent; many of the rest seemed deeply affected. the people of the town have never been uncivil. surely they will not always be unfruitful.

4.27 I preached at 8 in the market-place at Wigton. the congregation, when i began, consisted of one woman, 2 boys and 3 or 4 girls, but in a quarter of an hour we had most of the town. I was a good deal moved at the exquisite self-sufficiency which was visible in the countenance, air, and whole deportment of a considerable part of them. this constrained me to use a very uncommon plainness of speech. they bore it well. who knows but some may profit?
before noon we came to Solway-Frith. the guide told us it was not passable, but I resolved to try and got over well.  having lost ourselves but twice or thrice, in one of the most difficult roads I ever saw, we came to Moffat in the evening.  Tues, 28. we rode partly over the mountains, partly with mountains on either hand, between which was a clear, winding river and about 4  in the afternoon reached Edinburgh.
here i met Mr. Hopper, who had promised to preach in the evening, in a large room, lately an episcopal meeting-house. Wed, 29. it being extremely cold, I preached in the

*53  lodgings, where I spent an hour very agreeably. in the evening, the eagerness of the people made them ready to trample each other under foot. it was some time before they were still enough to hear, but then they devoured every word.  after preaching, Sir Archibald grant (whom business had called to town) sent and desired to speak to me. i could not then, but promised to wait upon him, with god's leave, in my return to Edinburgh.
5.5  I accepted the Principal's invitation and spent an hour with him at his house. I observed no stiffness at all, but the easy good breeding of a man of sense and learning. i suppose both he and all the professors, with some of the Magistrates, attended in the evening. i set all the windows open, but the hall, notwithstanding, was as hot as a bagnio. (def - a bath or bathing house, especially in Italy or Turkey. but this did not hinder either the attention of the people or the blessing of God.

5.6 we dined at Mr. Ogilvy's, one of the Ministers, between whom the city is divided. a more open-hearted, friendly man, I know not that I ever saw.  and indeed i have scarce seen such a set of Ministers in any town of Great Britain or Ireland.
at half-hour after 6 i stood in the College-Close and proclaimed Christ crucified. my voice was so strengthened that all could hear and all were earnestly attentive. I have now 'cast' my 'bread upon the waters'. may I 'find it again after many days!'

5.7 leaving near 90 members in the Society, I rode over to Sir A. Grant's, near Monymusk, about 20 miles north-west from Aberdeen. it lies in a fruitful and pleasant valley, much of which is owing to Sir Archibald's improvements, who had ploughed up abundance of waste ground and planted some millions of trees. his stately old house is surrounded by gardens and rows of trees, with a clear river on one side. and about a mile from his house he has laid out a small valley into walks and gardens, on one side of which the river runs. on each side rises a steep mountain; one rocky and bare, the other covered with trees, row above row, to the very top.
about 6 we went to the church. it was pretty well filled with such persons as we did not look for so near the highlands. but if we were surprised at their appearance, we were much more so at their singing. 30 or 40 sung an

*54  anthem after sermon, with such voices as well as judgment, that I doubt whether they could have been excelled at any cathedral in England.
5.8 we rode to Glammis, about 64 measured miles and on Sat, 9, about 666 more, to Edinburgh. i was tired, however, i would not disappoint the congregation and God gave me strength according to my day.
5.10 I had designed to preach near the Infirmary, but some of the managers would not suffer it. so i preached in our room, morning and evening, even to the rich and honourable. and I bear them witness,  they will endure plain dealing, whether they profit by it or not.

5.11 I took my leave of Edinburgh  for the present. the situation of the city, on a hill shelving down on both sides, as well as to the east, with the stately castle upon a craggy rock on the west, is inexpressibly fine. and the main street, so broad and finely paved, with the lofty houses on either hand, (many of them 7 or 8 stories high) is far beyond any in great Britain. but how can it be suffered, that all manner of filth should still be thrown even into this street continually? where are the Magistracy
(def - a magistrate is  a civil officer charged with the keeping of the law), the Gentry,   (def - well-born and well-bred people below Nobility, who are noted as noble (def - of exalted moral or mental character or excellence)  the Nobility of the land?  have they no concern for the honour of their nation? how long shall the capital city of Scotland,  yea, and the chief street of it, stink worse than a common-sewer?  will no lover of his country or of decency and common sense, find a remedy for this?
Holyrood-House, at the entrance of Edinburgh, the ancient palace of the Scottish Kings, is a noble structure. it was rebuilt and furnished by King Charles the Second. one side of it is a picture-gallery, wherein are pictures of all the Scottish Kings and an original one of the celebrated Queen Mary:  it is scarce possible for any who looks at this to think her such a monster as some have painted her; nor indeed for any who considers the circumstances of her death, equal to that of an ancient martyr.

I preached in the evening at Musselburgh, and at 5 in the morning. then we rode on to Haddington,  where (the rain driving me in) I preached between 9 and 10 in Provost Dickson's parlour. about one I preached at North-Berwick, a pretty large town, close to the sea shore; and at 7 in the evening, (the rain continuing) in the House at Dunbar.

*55  5.13  it being a fair, mild,evening, I preached near the quay to most of the inhabitants of the town and spoke full as plain as the evening before. every one seemed to  receive it in love; probably if there was regular preaching here, much good might be done.

5.14 i set out early and preached at noon on the Bowling-Green, at Berwick-upon -Tweed. in the evening I preached at Alnwick.  Fri, 15.  abundance of soldiers came in, on their way to Germany. many of these attended the preaching, to whom I could not but make a particular application. and who knows, but what they have now heard may stand them in stead in a day of trial?

5.16 one of our friends importuned me much to give them a sermon at Warksworth. and a post-chaise (def - a light, open carriage, 2 passenger, 1 horse and up) came for me to the door; in which I found one waiting for me, whom in the bloom of youth, mere anguish of soul had brought to the gates of death. she told me the troubles which held her in on every side, from which she saw no way to escape. I told her, 'the way lies straight before you.
WHAT YOU WANT IS THE PURE LOVE OF GOD.
I BELIEVE GOD WILL GIVE IT you shortly.
PERHAPS IT IS HOS GOOD PLEASURE TO MAKE YOU, A POOR BRUISED REED,
the first witness here of that great salvation.
LOOK FOR IT JUST AS YOU ARE, UNFIT, UNWORTHY, UNHOLY, BY SIMPLE FAITH,
EVERY DAY, EVERY HOUR.'
she did feel the next day something she could not comprehend and knew not what to call it. in one of the trials which used to sink her to the earth, she was all calm, all peace and love; enjoying so deep a communion with God, as nothing external could interrupt. Ah,! thou child of affliction, of sorrow and pain, hath Jesus found thee also? and he is able to find and bring back they husband, as far as he is wandered out of the way.
about noon I preached at Warksworth, to a congregation as quiet and attentive as that at Alnwick. how long shall we forget that God can raise the dead?  were not we dead till he quickened us?

a little above the town, on one side of the river, stands the remains of a magnificent  castle. on the other side ,  toward the bottom of a steep hill, covered with wood, is an ancient chapel, with several apartments adjoining to it, hewn in the solid rock. the windows, the pillars, the communion-table, and several other pars are entire. but where are the inhabitants? gathered to their fathers, some of them, I hope, in

*56  Abraham's bosom, till rocks and rivers and mountains flee away and the dead, small and great, stand before God!

5.17 I preached at 8 in Alnwick and about one at Alemouth,  a poor, barren place, where as yet there is no fruit of all the seed which has been sown. but there may be, since many are still willing to hear.

in the evening a multitude of people and a little army of soldiers were gathered in the market-place at Alnwick.  in the morning they were to march for Germany. I hope some of them have put their armour on.

5.18  at 9 I preached to a large and serious congregation at Widrington. thence we rode to Morpeth, as it was a rainy day, they expected me to preach in the Room. but observing a large covered place in the market-place,  i went thither without delay. it was soon more than filled and many, soldiers and others, stood on the outside, notwithstanding the rain.
WHY SHOULD WE DESPAIR OF DOING GOOD IN ANY PLACE, BECAUSE WE DO NOT SEE PRESENT FRUIT?  at 5 i preached to the honest, simple-hearted colliers at Placey and before sunset reached Newcastle.

5.19  ,  was a day of rest. in the evening God was with us of a truth and many felt their hearts burn with fervent desire of being renewed in the whole image of God. the same flame was kindled at Gateshead-Fell, while i was OPENING and APPLYING those words, 'Every one that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself, even as he is pure'....

*59   5.21  among the believers, who met in the evening, God had kindled a vehement desire of His FULL SALVATION. Inquiring how it was that, in all these parts, we have scarce one living witness of this, i constantly received,  from every person, one and the same answer:  - 'WE SEE NOW,
WE SOUGHT IT BY OUR WORKS;
WE THOUGHT IT WAS TO COME GRADUALLY'
WE NEVER EXPECTED TO RECEIVE IT IN A MOMENT, BY FAITH, AS WE DID.

5.22 i earnestly exhorted all who were sensible of their wants and athirst for holiness, to look unto Jesus, to come to Him just as they were and receive all His promises. and surely it will not be long before some of these also are fully saved by simple faith.

*60  5.23 i rode over to Placey. i was wet through, both going and coming, but I did not repent of my journey;  such a number gathered together, a great part of whom could rejoice in god. these were quite ripe for all the great and precious promises, which they received with all gladness.

5.25 I rode to Shields and preached in an open place, to a listening multitude. many of them followed me to south-Shields, where I preached in the evening to almost double the congregation. how ripe for the Gospel are these also! what is wanting but more labourers?
More! WHY IS THERE NOT HERE, (as in every parish in England) A PARTICULAR MINISTER, WHO TAKES CARE OF ALL THEIR SOULS? there is one here who takes care of all their souls; what Care of them he takes, is another question. it may be, he neither knows nor cares, whether they are going to heaven or hell. does he ask man, woman, or child, any question about it, from one Christmas to the next? o. what account will such a pastor give to the Great shepherd in that day?

5.26 I went on to Sunderland and in the evening preached in the new house. the next evening i preached at Monkwearmouth. (def the outfall of a river;  the entrance to a haven, valley, etc.)

5.28  about noon i preached at Biddick and the power of God was in the midst of His people and more eminently at Sunderland in the evening. after preaching i met the believers and exhorted them to 'go on unto perfection'.  it pleased God to apply the plain words which were spoken; so that all were athirst for him; objections vanished away and a flame was kindled almost in every heart.

5.31 i preached again, both morning and evening, in Monkwearmouth church, but it would not near contain the people many of whom were constrained to go away. after Evening Service i hastened to Newcastle and exhorted a wiling multitude to 'STAND IN THE WAYS AND SEE'  and 'ASK FOR THE OLD PATHS'  and 'WALK THEREIN'.
in the week following i preached at many little places round Newcastle. Fri, june 5. i went to Prudhoe, where here had been some jar in the society, occasioned by a few who had lately espoused and warmly defended, a new opinion. i said not one word about it, but preached on, 'there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over 99 just persons who need no repentance'.

*61 afterwards, perceiving their hearts were much softened, I met the society and exhorted them to beware of bitter zeal; and to 'walk in love, as Christ also loved us'.  they were ashamed before god and (for the present at least) their contentions were at an end.

in the evening i preached at Nafferton and he next morning rode to Winlington, whee I had appointed to be between 12 and 1.  they placed the stand exactly fronting  the sun ,  which shone very warm and very bright;  but almost as soon as i began, the clouds rose and shadowed us till i concluded. I preached at Swalwell at 5, to such a congregation as was never seen there before.

6.8 i rode to Hexham and preached, at noon, in an open place near the church. some expected there  would be much disturbance, but there was none at all. we rode thence over the mountains to Allandale, where i had not been for several years. after preaching and meeting the society, I took horse again and, crossing another chain of mountains, reached Eardale before 11.

6.9 I preached at 9, but was obliged to sand abroad, because of the multitude of people.  the sun shone full in my face, but after having spent a short time in prayer, I regarded it not. i then met the society and came just in time to prevent their all turning Dissenters, which they were on the point of doing, being quite disgusted at the Curate, whose life was no better than his doctrine.

at noon I preached in Teesdale. most of the men are led-miners, who awhile ago were turned out of their work for following 'this way'. by this means many of them got into far  better work and some time after, their old master was glad to employ them again.

we had a long stage from hence to Swaldale, where I found an earnest, loving, simple people, whom I likewise exhorted not to leave the church, though they had not the best of Ministers. I then baptized a man and 2 women, who had been bred among the Anabaptists and i believe all of them received such a blessing therein at they were not able to express.
6.10 I took horse at half-hour past 3 and reached Barnard-Castle soon after 6. I preached at 8 in a ground adjoining to the town. are these the people that a few years ago were like roaring lions? they were now quiet as lambs; nor could several showers drive them away till I concluded. in

*62  the evening I preached at Brancepath, near Bishop-Auckland.  most of the congregation, though i stood in the street, were deeply attentive; only one, a kind of gentleman, seemed displeased; but he had none to second him.
6.12 we had one of the most solemn watch-nights at Newcastle which we have had for several years. Sat. 13. i rode once more to Sunderland and preached as usual to a numerous congregation. Sun, 14.  after Mr. G. had read Prayers, i spoke exceeding plain to as many as could crowd into the church. and out of so many that are called, will not some be chosen?
about 3 I preached at Gateshead-Fell; at 5, at the Garth-Heads; at each place to a larger congregation that I ever saw there before. what a change is wrought in this whole country! and will it not be wrought in the whole kingdom?
6.15 I rode to Druham, having appointed to preached there at noon. the meadow, near the river side, was quite convenient and he small rain neither disturbed me nor the congregation. in the afternoon I rode to Hartlepool; but i had much ado to peach: My strength was gone as well as my voice and, indeed, they generally go together. 3 days in a week I can preach thrice a day without hurting myself; but I had now far exceeded this, besides meeting classes and exhorting the societies. i was obliged o lie down good part of  Tues, however, in the afternoon i preached at Cherington, and in the evening at Hartlepool again, though not without difficulty. Wed, 17. i rode to Stockton, whee, a little before the time of preaching, my voice and strength were restored at once. the next evening it began to rain just as I began to preach, but it was suspended till the service was over. it then rained again till 8  in the morning.
6.19 it was hard work to ride 8 miles (so called) in 2 hours and a half; the rain beating upon us and the by-road being exceeding slippery. but we forgot all this when we came to the grange; so greatly was God present with His people thence we rode to Darlington. here we were under a difficulty again. not half the people could come in, and the rain forbade my preaching without. but at 1 (the hour pf preaching) the rain stopped and did not begin again till past 2, so the people stood very conveniently in the yard and many did not care to go way. when I went in,

*63 they crowded to the door and windows and stayed till i took horse. at 7 I preached at Yarm and desired one of our brethren to take my place in the morning.

6.20  at noon I applied those words, 'Now abide faith, hope, love; but the greatest of these is love'.


this evening also it rained at Hutton-Rudby, till 7, the hour of preaching, but god heard the prayer and form the time i began we had only some scattering drops. after sermon the society alone filled the new preaching-house; so mightily has the word of god prevailed since Alexander Mather laboured here.
6.21  I preached to a larger congregation than in the evening, on, 'Behold what manner of love the Father had bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God!' i then rode to Osmotherley, where the Minister read Prayers seriously and preached an useful (def - to some purpose) sermon. after service i began in the church-yard:  I believe many were WOUNDED and many COMFORTED. after dinner i called on Mr. Adams, who first invited me to Osmotherley. he was reading the strange account of the 2 Missionaries who have lately made such a figure - in the newspapers.  I suppose the whole count is just such another gross imposition upon the public as the man's gathering the people together to see him go into the quart bottle.  'men 700 years old!' and why not 7 yards high? he that Can believe it, let him believe it.

at 5 I preached at Potto, a mile from Hutton. when I began i was extremely weak, but God renewed my strength, and so applied His word, that it seemed as if every one must believe it. but the Scripture cannot be broken. some seed will still fall 'by the way side' and some 'on stony ground'.

6.22 I spoke, one by one, to the society at Hutton-Rudby. they were about 80 in number; of whom near 70 were believers and 16 (probably) renewed in love. here were 2 Bands of children, one of boys and one of girls, most of whom were walking in the light. 4 of those who seemed to be saved from sin were of one family and all of them walked holy and unblamable, adorning (def - make pleasing, attractive and impressive) the doctrine of God their Saviour.

at 11 I preached once more, though in great weakness of body and met the Stewards of all the societies. i then rode to Stokesley and, having examined he little society, went on

*64  for Guisborough. the sun was burning hot; but, in a quarter of an hour, a cloud interposed and he troubled us no more. I was desired by a gentleman of the town to preached in the market-place and there a table was placed for me, but it was in a bad neighbourhood, for there was so vehement a stench of stinking fish, as was ready to suffocate me and the people roared like the waves of the sea,  but the voice of the Lord was mightier and in a few minutes the whole multitude was still and seriously attended while I proclaimed 'Jesus Christ, made of God unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.
6.23  I began about 5, near the same place and had a great part of the same audience; yet they were not the same. the change might easily be read in their countenance.  when we took horse and just faced the sun, it was hard work for man and beast, but about 8 the wind shifted and blowing in our face, kept us cool till we came to Whitby.
in the evening I preached on the top of the hill, to which you ascend by 191 steps.  the congregation was exceeding large and 999 in an hundred were attentive. when i began, the sun shone full in my face, but he was soon clouded and shone no more till I had done.

after meeting the society, I talked with a sensible woman, whose experience seemed peculiar. she said:  'a few days before Easter last, i was deeply convinced of sin and in Easter week, I knew my sins were forgiven and was filled with 'joy and peace in believing'.  but in about 18 days I WAS CONVINCED IN A DREAM OF THE NECESSITY OF A HIGHER SALVATION and I  MOURNED DAY AND NIGHT, IN AGONY OF DESIRE TO BE THROUGHLY SANCTIFIED;  till on the 23rd  day after my justification, I FOUND AND TOTAL CHANGE,  together with a clear witness that the blood of Jesus had cleansed me from all unrighteousness'.

6.24  ...we rode to Robin Hood's Bay, where I preached at 6 in the Lower-Street, near the quay. in the midst of the sermon a large cat, frighted out of a chamber, leaped down upon a woman's head and ran over the heads or shoulders of many more, but none of them moved or cried out, any more than if it had been a butterfly.

*65  6.25 I had a pleasant ride to Searborough, the wind tempering the heat of the sun. I had designed (def - 'mark out'; to plan or fashion) to preach abroad in the evening,  but the thunder, lightning and rain prevented .  however, I stood on a balcony and several hundreds of people stood below  and, notwithstanding the heavy rain, would not stir till I concluded.

6.26  i rode to Hull and had there also the comfort of finding some witnesses of the great salvation. I was constrained to leave them early in the morning on Sat, 27.  at 7 I preached in Beverley; about one in Pocklington; and at York in the evening, to the far genteelest audience i have had since i left Edinburgh.
6.29  I met the classes, and found many therein who were much alive to god, but many others were utterly dead, which sufficiently accounts for the society's not increasing.

7.1 the stewards met from the societies in the country. in the evening we all wrestled with god for he revival  of His work. many found their hearts much  enlarged herein and had confidence he would answer the prayer.
7.2 I set out early for North-Cave, 20 computed miles from York. I preached here at 9 to a deeply serious congregation and was much refreshed. at 2 I preached to such another congregation at Thorpe and concluded the day by preaching and meeting the society at Pocklington.

7.3  we returned to York, where I was desired to call upon a poor prisoner in the Castle. I had formerly occasion to take notice of an hideous monster, called, a Chancery Bill; I now saw the fellow to it, called, a Declaration. the plain fact was this: some time since a man who lived near Yarm assisted others in running some brandy. his share was worth near 4 pounds. after he had wholly left off that bad work and was following his own business, that of a weaver, he was arrested and sent to York gaol; and, not long after, comes down a Declaration,  'that Jac. Wh---- had landed a vessel laded with brandy and Geneva , at the port of London and sold them there, whereby he was indebted to his majesty 573 pounds and upwards'. and to tell this worthy story, the Lawyer takes up 13 or 14 sheets of trebel stamped paper. O England, England! will this reproach never be rolled away from thee/  is thee any thing like this to be found,

*66   either among Papists, Turkes or Heathens?  in the name of truth, justice, mercy and common sense, I ask,
1. why do men lie for lying sake?
is it only to keep their hands in? what need else, of saying it was the port of London, when every one knew the brandy was landed above three hundred miles from thence? what monstrous contempt of truth does this show, or rather hatred of it!
2. where is the justice of swelling 4 pounds into 577?
3. where is the common sense of taking up 14 sheets to tell a story that may be told in 10 lines?
4. where is the mercy of thus grinding the face of the poor?
thus sucking the blood of a poor, beggared prisoner?
would not this bot be execrable villany, if the paper and writing together were only six-pence a sheet, when they have stripped him already  of his little all, and not left him 14 groats (def -i+4 pennies) in the world?
7.5  believing one hinderance of the work of God in York, was the neglect of field-preaching, I preached this morning at 8, in an open place, near the city walls.  abundance of people  ran together, most of whom were deeply attentive. one or two only were angry and threw a few stones, but it was labour lost; for none regarded them.
7.6 I rode to Tadcaster and preached within, the rain not suffering us to be abroad, as i intended. in the evening i preached at Otley and afterwards talked with many of the society. there is reason to believe that 10 or 12 of these are filled with the love of God I found one or two more the next day at Fewston, a few miles north of Otley (where I preached at noon) whom god had raised up to witness the same good confession. ad, indeed, the whole congregation seemed just ripe for receiving all the promises.
7.8  I rode to Knaresborough, where it was expected we should not meet with so friendly a reception. but the Lord is King. our own House being too small,  I preached in the assembly-room. most of the people looked wild enough when they came in, but they were tame before they went our and behaved as decently and seriously as the congregation at Otley.
Indeed, the mob never was so furious here, as they were formerly at Otley; where the good Magistrate directed, 'Do what you will to them, so you break no bones'. but may not a man cut his neighbour's throat without breaking his bones?

*67  the remaining part of this week I preached at Guiseley, Bingley and Kneighley. Sun, 12. I had appointed to be at Haworth, but the church would not near contain the people who came from all sides.  however, Mr. Grimshaw had provided for this by fixing a scaffold on the outside of one of the windows through which I went after Prayers, and the people likewise all went out into the church-yard. the afternoon congregation was larger still. what has God wrought in the midst of those rough mountains!
7.13  at 5 i preached on the manner of waiting for 'perfect love',  the rather to satisfy Mr. Grimshaw, whom many had laboured to Puzzle and perplex about it. so once more their bad labour was lost and we were more united both in heart and judgment than ever.
at noon I preached in Colne, once inaccessible to the Gospel; but now the yard I was in would not contain the people. I believe I might have preached at the Cross without the least interruption.

about 5 i preached at Paddiham, another place eminent for all manner of wickedness. the multitude of people obliged me to stand in the yard of the preaching-house. over against me, at a little distance, sat some of the most impudent women I ever saw, yet I am not sure that God did not reach their hearts; for
'they roar'd  and would have blush'd, if capable of shame.

in the morning I preached at Bentley-Wood-Green, on 'Be ye perfect, as your Father which is in heaven is perfect'. Mr. G afterwards told me, that this perfection he firmly believed and daily prayed for, namely, the love of God and man producing all those fruits which are described in our Lord's Sermon upon the mount.
about noon I preached at Bacup, a village in Rosendale. the new preaching house is large, but not large enough to contain the congregation. soon after 5 I preached at Heptonstall. the society here had been greatly hurt by 2 leaders getting into new opinions. one of them feel upon me directly, for 'denying the righteousness of Christ'. on this we discoursed about an hour. the issue was, one of them was quite convinced and the other (to my no small satisfaction)desired me to put a new Leader in his place.
7.15  about 7 I preached at Ewood and about

*68  noon at Halifax. new opinions had done harm here also; but at this time all was quiet. I rode over to Bradford in the afternoon, where Ai found an Anabaptist Teacher had perplexed the unsettled the minds of several, but they are now less ignorant of Satan's devices.

7.17 I rode to Birstal and was much comforted to find many of our first children in this county who are not yet weary of the good old way. may they continue therein unto the day of the Lord Jesus!

7.18 at one I preached at South-Royd. the good people had placed the stand so that the sun, which was very hot, shone upon my head and the wind, which was very cold, blew in my neck, but it was all one. I was on my master's business and great was our rejoicing in Him.

7.19  I preached in Birstal Room at 8. at 1 we had thousands, the greatest part of whom were persons 'fearing God and working righteousnes'. i rode thence to Leeds, in order to preached a funeral sermon for Mary Shent, who, after many severe conflicts, died in great peace. it was one of the largest congregations which has been seen at Leeds; to whom I spoke very plain from part go the gospel for the day, 'Give an account of they stewardship, for thou mayest be no longer steward.

I hastened back to the love-feast at Birstal. it was the first of the kind which had been there. many were surprised when I told them, 'the very design of a love-feast is a free and familiar conversation, in which every man, yea, and woman, has liberty to speak whatever may be to the glory of God'.  several then did speak and not in vain:  the flame ran from heart to heart, especially while one was declaring, with all simplicity, the manner wherein God, during the morning sermon, (on those words,  'I will, be thou clean', had set her soul at full liberty. two men also spoke to the same effect and two others who had found peace with God. we then joyfully poured out our souls before god and praised him for His marvellous works.
7.20  I came to a full explanation with that good man Mr. V----. Lord, if I must dispute, let it be with the children of the devil! let me be at peace with they children!

on Tues, Wed and Thurs, I preached at the neighbouring towns. Fri, 24.  in speaking from those words. 'In many things we offend all, I observed,
1. as long as we live, our soul is connected with the body

*69  3. as long as these organs are imperfect, we are liable to mistakes, both speculative and practical
4. yea and a mistake may occasion my loving a good man less than I ought; which is a defective, that is, a wrong temper.
5. for all these we need the atoning blood, as indeed for every defect or omission.  therefore,
6. all men have need to say daily, 'Forgive us our trespasses.'

about 1 I preached at Bramley, where Jonas Rushford, about 14 years old, gave me the following relation
'about this time last hear i was desired by 2 of our neighbours, to go with them to Mr. Crowther's at Skipton, who would not speak to them, about a man that had been missing 20 days, but bid them bring a boy 12 or 13 years old. when we came in, he stood reading a book. he put me into a bed, with a looking glass in my hand and covered me all over. then he asked me whom i had a mind to see and I said , 'My mother'.  I presently saw her with a lock of wool in her hand, standing just in the place and the clothes she was in, as she told me afterwards. then he bid me look again for the man that was missing, who was one of our neighbours. and I looked and saw him riding towards idle, but he was very drunk and he stopped at the alehouse and drank 2 pints more and he pulled out a guinea to change. 2 men stood by, a big man and a little man and they went on before him and got 2 hedgestakes and when he came up, on Windle-Common, at the top of the hill, they pulled him off his horse and killed him and threw him into a coal-pit. and I saw it all as plain as if I was close to them. and if I saw the men, i should know them again.
we went back to Bradford that night and the next day I went with our neighbours and showed them the spot where he was killed and the pit he was thrown into and a man went down and brought him up.  and it was as I had told them; his handkerchief was tied about his mouth and fastened behind his neck'.
is it improbable only, or flatly impossible, when all the circumstances are considered, that this should all be pure fiction? they that can believe this should all be pure fiction? they that can believe this, may believe a man's getting into a bottle.

*70 from Bramley I rode to Kippax, Mr. Venn came a little after we were gone into the church. Mr. Romaine read Prayers. I preached on, 'Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling-block and to the Greeks foolishness'. O why should they who agree in this great point, fall out about smaller things?

7.25  about one, I preached at Seacroft and found several who believed God had saved them from sin. in the evening i talked with 12 or 14 of these particularly, but I found not one who presumed to say that he did not need the atoning blood: nor could I hear of any more than 2 persons that ever spoke  in this manner and these were soon after, for that reason, expelled out of Otley society.

7.26 I preached at 7 on, 'Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean'. and o what a flame did god kindle! many were 'on fire, to be dissolved in love'.
about one I preached to the usual congregation at Birstal. what a work is God working here also! six in one class have, within this week, found peace with God, two this morning in meeting the class. while i was praying on Sun evening that God would give us a token for good, James Eastwood was set at full liberty; as were William Wilson and Elizabeth his wife before and Martha his daughter, with Agnes Gooddel, on the Wednesday after. to these were added, Joseph Newsam and Richard Hellewell, 16 years of age. so that the oldest of our believers now cry out, 'we never saw it before on this fashion!'
7.27  I preached at Staincross about 11; about 5, at Barley-Hall; the next morning, at Sheffield. in the afternoon I rode on to Matlock-Bath. the valley which reaches from the town to the bath is pleasant beyond expression. in the bottom of this runs a little river, close to which a mountain rises, almost perpendicular, to an enormous height, part covered with green, part with ragged and naked rocks. on the other side, the mountain rises gradually with tufts of trees here and there. the brow on both sides in fringed with trees,which seem to answer each other.

many of our friends were come from various parts. at 6 i preached standing under the hollow of a rock, on one side of a small plain; on the other side of which was a tall mountain. there were many well-dressed hearers, this being the high season and all of hem behaved well. but as I

*71  walked back, a gentleman-like man asked me, 'why do you talk thus of faith? Stuff, nonsense!' upon inquiry, I found he was an eminent Deist. what, has he plague crept into the Peak of Derbyshire?

8.29  I preached at 5 near the Bath; in wood-seats at 2 and in the evening, at the end of the House in Sheffield, to thrice as many people as it would have contained. Thurs and Fri, I preached at Rotherham, in the shell of the new House, which is an octagon. pity our houses, where the ground will admit of it, should be built in any other form. the congregation was larger than ever; the society well united and much alive to God.




8.1  I rode to Clayworth  and , after preaching, laboured all I could to reconcile 2 brothers, who had long been quarreling about their inheritance, but it was labour lost. indeed the reason of the thing was clear, but passion is ever too hard for reason.
hence I went on to Misterton and, both in the evening and morning, spoke to a lifeless, money-getting people, in a sharper manner than ever i did before and (I heard afterward_with good effect.

*8.2 I had the satisfaction of hearing Mr. Madan preach an excellent sermon at Haxey. at 2 i preached at Westwood-Side, to the largest congregation i ever saw in the Isle of Axholme and to nearly the same at Epworth-Cross, as soon as the Church service was ended. after spending 2 days her, on Wed, 5, i preached at Wetwood-Side, to the largest congregation I ever saw in the Isle of Axholme and to nearly the same at Epworth-Cross, as soon as the Church Service was ended. after spending 2 days here, on Wed, 5, I preached about 9 at Ferry and then rode on to Ganinsborough. i preached in the old hall to a mixed multitude, part civil. part rude as bears. we rode home through heavy rain, joined with much thunder and lightning,part of which was just over our heads. but 'the Lord sitteth above the water floods;. so we came safe, only very wet, to Epworth.

8.6  I preached about 9 at Hatfield Woodhouse and about one at Sykehouse, to far the largest congregation which has been seen there for many years. boast who will, that Methodism (the revival of true religion) (def - systematic course + way, road) is just coming to nothing. we know better things and are thankful to God for its continual increase.

8.8  I preached at Winterton to such a congregation as I suppose never met there before. from thence we rode

*72  on to Barrow, where the mob was in readiness to receive us, but their hearts failed,  so they gave only2 or 3 huzzas and let us pass by unmolested.

as soon as i came out to preach, we had another huzza; but as more and more of the angry ones came within hearing, they lost all their fierceness and sunk into calmness and attention. so I concluded my discourse with quietness and satisfaction. in the evening I preached at Grimsby, where AI spent Sun and Mon. Tues, 11. i preached at 2 in Lorborough; in the evening at Elkington. the next morning we rode to Horncastle, where Satan's children had threatened terrible things, but they could go no farther than to give one feeble shout as we entered into the town. as the House would not contain the congregation, i preached on the outside of it and there was no disturbance. indeed a silly, pert man spoke twice or thrice, but none regarded him. 

about 1 I preached at Sibsey,on the edge of the Fens. there were a few wild colts her also, but all the rest (and they were not a few) were serious and deeply attentive. so were most of the congregation even at Boston, though much astonished, as not being used to field-preaching.

...on Sat, 22, i returned to London.
I found the work of God swiftly increasing here. the congregations in every place, were larger than they had been for several years. many were from day to day convinced of sin. many found peace with God. many backsliders were healed, yea, filled with joy unspeakable. and many believers entered into such a rest, as it had not before entered into

*73  their hearts to conceive. meantime, the enemy was not wanting in his endeavours to sow tares among the good seed. I saw this clearly, but durst not use violence, lest, in plucking up the tares, I should root up the wheat also.
9.1 our conference began and ended on Sat. after spending a fortnight more in London and guarding both the preachers and people against running into extremes on the one hand or the other, on Sun, 20, at night, I took the machine and on Mon, 21, came to Bristol.

here likewise I  had the satisfaction to observe a considerable increase of the work of God the congregations were exceeding large and the people hungering and thirsting after righteousness and every day afforded us fresh instances of persons convinced of sin or converted to God. so that it seems god was pleased to pour out his Spirit this year, on every part both of England and Ireland; perhaps in a manner we had never seen before; certainly not for 20 years. O what pity, that so many, even of the children of God, did not know the day of their visitation!

10.4  I preached at Kingswood, morning and afternoon,  but not, as I designed, under the sycamore-tree, because of the rain. in the ensuing week I visited the societies in Somersetshire. Sun, 11. I observed God is reviving His work in Kingswood;  the society, which had much decreased, being now increased again to near 300 members; many of whom are now athirst for  full redemption, which  for some years they had almost forgot.

10.13 I preached at Newgate; at Kingswood in the afternoon and in the evening at North-Common. here a people are sprung up, as it ere , out of the earth; most of them employed in the neighbouring brass-works. we took a view of these the next day and one thing I learned here, the propriety of that expression, Rev. 1.15: 'His feet were as fine brass, burning in a furnace'. the brightness of this cannot easily be conceived: I have seen nothing like it but clear white lightning.

10.19 I desired all those to meet me, who believed they were saved from sin. there were 17 or 18. I examined them severally, as exactly as I could and I could not find any thing in their tempers (supposing they spoke true) and way contrary to their profession.

*74  10.21 I was desired by the condemned prisoners to give them one sermon more. and on Thurs, Patrick Ward, who was to die on that day, sent to request i would administer the sacrament to him. he was 1 and 20 years of age, and had scarce ever had a serious thought, till be shot the man who went to take away his gun. from that  instant he felt a turn within and never swore an oath more. his whole behaviour in prison was serious and composed: He read, prayed and wept much; especially after one of his fellow-prisoners had found peace with God. his hope gradually increased till this day and was much strengthened at the lord's Supper, but still he complained, 'I am not afraid, but I am not desirous to die. i do not find that warmth  in my heart. i am not sure my sins are forgiven.  he went into the cart, about 12, in calmness, but mixed with sadness. but in a quarter of an hour, while he was wrestling with God in prayer,  (not seeming to know that any one was near him,) 'The Holy Ghost',  said he, 'came upon me and i knew that Christ was mine'. from that moment his whole deportment breathed a peace and joy beyond all utterance, till, after having spent about 10 minutes in private prayer, he gave the sign.
10.25 I took a comfortable leave of Kingswood, leaving both the society and School in a flourishing state; and the next morning, of Bristol, leaving the society larger than it had been for many years. now, let zeal as well as 'brotherly love continue', and it will not decrease any more. having travelled slowly through the intermediate societies, on Sat, 31, I came to London.
11.1  I found the same spirit which I left here, both in the morning and evening service. Mon, 2, at 5, I began a course of sermons on Christian Perfection. at 7 I began meeting the classes. Tues, 10.  I found the society at Deptford more alive than ever; a sure consequence of which is their increasing in number. Thurs, 12. I rode to Brentford. here likewise God is at work and sinners are converted to Him. Sat, 14. I spent an hour with a little company near Grosvenor-Square. for many years this has been the darkest, driest spot, of all in or near London. but God has now watered the barren wilderness and it is become a fruitful field.
11.16 I retired to Lewisham, having many things to

*75  write. Fri, 20.  I spent an hour at St. George's Hospital. the behaviour of 2 or 3 patients there had done unspeakable good. deep prejudice was torn up by the roots and much good-will to the truth had succeeded it. O what may not a single believer do, who seeks nothing but the glory of God? 

11.23  I went to Canterbury. the congregations were larger than I ever remember and may found a deeper work of god in their hears than ever they had known before...

11.28  we returned to London. Sun, 29. we had a comfortable lovefeast, at which several declared the blessings they had found lately. we need not be careful by what Name to call them, while the Thing is beyond dispute. many have and many do daily experience an unspeakable change. after being deeply convinced of inbred sin, particularly of pride, anger, self-will and unbelief,  in a moment they feel all faith and love; no pride, no self-will, or anger. and from that moment they have continual fellowship with god, always rejoicing, praying and giving hanks. whoever ascribes such a change to the devil, I ascribe it to the Spirit of God:  and I say, let whoever feels it wrought cry to god that it may continue; which it will, if he walks closely with God'  otherwise it will not...

12.13  Sun, was a comfortable day, wherein several prisoners were set at liberty. Sat, 19.  I visited many near oxford-Market and Grosvenor-Square and found God was still enlarging His work. more and more were convinced , converted to God and built up, day by day and that, notwithstanding the weakness of the instruments by whom God was pleased to work.

12.21  I retired again to Lewisham and wrote 'Farther Thoughts of Christian perfection'. had the cautions given herein been observed, how much scandal had been prevented! and why were they not? because my own familiar friend was even now forming a party against me.

12.25  we began, as usual, at 4. a few days since, one who lived in known sin, finding heavy conviction, broke away and ran out, she knew not whither . she met one who offered her a shilling a week to come and take care of her child. she went gladly. the woman's husband, hearing her stir between 3 and 4, began cursing and swearing bitterly. his wife said, 'I wish thou wouldst go with her, and see if any thing will do thee good, '  He did so. in the first hymn God broke his heart and he was in tears all the rest of the service. how soon did God recompense this poor woman for taking the stranger in!...

*77  ..Thur. 31 we concluded the year, as usual, with a solemn watchnight. O may we conclude our lives in the same manner, blessing and praising God!

***1.1.1762  we had, I believe, pretty near 2000 of the society at Spitalfields in the evening; where Mr. Berridge, Maxfield and Colley, assisted me. and we found God was in the midst, while we devoted ourselves to Him in the most solemn and explicit (def - fully and clearly expressed) manner.

1.2  I set out for Everton, in order to supply Mr. Berridge's church in his absence. in my way I preached at Rood-Farm, 45 miles from London. afterwards, the moon shining bright, we had a pleasant ride to Everton.
1.3  I read Prayers and preached, morning and evening, to a numerous and lively congregation. I found the people in general were more settled than when I was here before, but they were in danger of running from east to west. instead of thinking, as many then did, that none can possibly have true faith but those that have trances or visions,  they were now ready to think that whoever had any thing of this kind had no faith.
1.4  after preaching to a large congregation at Wrestlingworth, we rode on to Harston. I never preached a whole sermon by moonlight before.  however, it was a solemn

*78  season; a season of holy mourning to some; to others, of joy unspeakable.

1.5 I preached in Harston at 9 and bout 11 at Wiltstow, 3 miles farther, to a people just ripe for 'Come unto Me, all ye that are weary and heavy laden'.  in the afternoon we set out for Stoke, on the edge of Suffolk. as we rode through Haverhill, we were saluted with one huzza, the  mob of that town having no kindness for Methodist. but all was quiet at Stoke; for Sir H---- A-----will suffer no disturbance there. the congregation came from man miles round, and God was in the  midst of them. their hearty prayers went up on every side and many felt the answer to them.

1.6  the largeness of the congregation at 5 showed they were not forgetful hearers. I preached longer than I am accustomed to do, but still they were not satisfied. many crowded after me into the dwelling-house. after speaking a few words, i went to prayer. a cry began and soon spread through the whole company; so that my voice was lost. 2 seemed to be distressed above all the rest. we continued wrestling with God,  till one of them had a good hope, and the other was 'filled with joy and peace in believing'.
in the afternoon it blew a storm, by the favour of which we came into Haverhill, quite unmolested. but, notwithstanding wind and rain, the people crowded so fast into the preaching-house, that I judged it bet to begin half an hour before the time; by which means it contained the greater part of them. although they that could not come in made a little noise, it was a solemn and an happy season.

1.7  abundance of them came again at 5 and drank in every word. here also many followed me into the house and hardly knew how to part. at 9 I preached at Steeple-Bunistead, 3 miles from Haverhill, to a considerably larger congregation and all were serious. hence we rode fro Barkway, 4 miles from Haverhill, to a considerably larger congregation and all ere serious. hence we rode for Barkway, 4 miles from Royston. the preaching-place was exceeding large; yet it was well filled, and the people were wedged in as close as possible and many of them found that God was there, to their unspeakable comfort.  
hence we rode to Barley,where I preached at one. a middle-aged woman dropped down at my side and cried aloud for mercy.it was not long before God put a new

*79  song in her mouth. at 6 in the evening I preached at Melbourn. here too god both wounded and healed. I laid hold, after preaching, on a poor backslider, who quickly melted into tears and determined to return once more to Him from whom she had deeply revolted.

here i talked at large with one who thinks he is renewed in love. perhaps he is, but his understanding is so small, his experience so peculiar and his expressions so uncouth, that I doubt very few will receive his testimony.
1.9 I rode to Potton. what has God wrought here since i saw this town 20 years ago! I could not then find a living Christian therein, but wild beasts in abundance. now her are many who know in whom they have believed and no one gives us an uncivil word! I preached at 6 to a very numerous and serious congregation. what have we to do to despair of any person or people?

1.10  I preached at 6 in the morning to nearly the same congregation. I read prayers and preached morning and afternoon, at Everton and gave the sacrament to a large number of communicants. at 4 we took horse and reached Grandchester a little before 7. finding a little company met together, I spent half an hour with them exceedingly comfortably and through the blessing of God, I was no more tired when I went to bed than when I arose in the morning.
1.11 the house was throughly filled at 5 and that with serious and sensible hearers. I was sorry I had no more time at this place; especially as it was so near. Cambridge, from whence many gentlemen used to come when any Clergyman preached. but my work was fixed; so I took horse soon after preaching and rode to a village called Botsamlode,  7 miles from Cambridge. here a large congregation was soon assembled and I had no sooner named my text, 'when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both ', then a murmur ran through the whole people and many of them were in tears. this concern increased at I went on; so that none appeared to be unmoved. one just by me cried with a bitter cry, but in a short time she shouted for joy. so did several others, so that it was not easy to tell whether more were wounded or comforted.

hence we rode to Lakenheath and passed a comfortable night. Tues, 12. just as we set out, the storm, which

*80  had been very high all night, brought on impetuous rain. it was a good providence,
1. that we had now firm, sandy road, not clay and miry fields, as yesterday
2. that the wind was behind us; otherwise i believe it would have been impossible to go on . it was often ready to bear away man and beast. however, in the afternoon we came safe to Norwich.

1.13  we rested from our labour. how can they who never labour taste the sweetness of rest? Fri, 15. I preached at Yarmouth. Sat, 16.  I transcribed  (def- to copy off) the society at Norwich,but 200 of them I made no account of , as they met no class. about 400 remained; half of whom appeared to be in earnest. 

1.19  I rode to Bury and was glad to find a little , serous company still. but there cannot be much done here, till we preach abroad, or at least in the heart of the  town. we are now quite at one end and people will not come from the other till they have first tasted the good word.

1.21  I rode to Colchester and found a quiet, loving, regular society. after spending a day with them, on sat, 23, I cheerfully returned to London.
1.27 I had a striking proof that God Can teach by whom He Will teach. a man full of words, but not of understanding, convinced me of what i could never see before, that...all the souls of His posterity, as well as their bodies, were in our first parent.
2.5  I  met at noon, as usual, those who believe they are saved from sin and warned them of the enthusiasm which was breaking in, by means of 2 or 3 weak though good men, who, from a misconstrued text in the Revelation, inferred that they should not die. they received the warning in much love. however,this gave great occasion of triumph to those who sought occasion,  so that they rejoiced,as though they had found great spoil.
after preaching at Deptford, Welling and Sevenoaks, on Tues and Wed I rode on to Sir Thomas I'anson's, near Tunbridge and, between 6 and 7, preached in his large parlour, which opens likewise into the hall. the plain people were all attention. if the seed be watered, surely there will be some fruit.
Sun.  14 - I buried the remains of Thomas Salmon, a good and useful man.  what was peculiar in his experience was, he did not know when he was justified; but he did know when he

*81  was renewed in love, that work being wrought in a most distinct manner. after this he continued about a year in constant love, joy and peace;  then,  after an illness of a few days, he cheerfully went to God.
Mon, 15, and the following days, I spent in transcribing the list of the society. it never came up before to 1400: now it contains above 2700 members.
Sun. 28 We had a peculiar blessing at Spitalfields while I was enforcing (def - to cause to + be in strengthened position), 'Now is the day of salvation'. indeed there is always a blessing when we cut off all delay and come to God now by simple faith.

3.5  I  had a long conversation with Joseph Rule, commonly called the White Quaker. he appeared to be a calm, loving, sensible man and much devoted to God.

3.8 I retired to Lewisham, to answer Dr. Horne's ingenious 'Sermon on Justification by works'. O that I might dispute with no man! but if I must dispute, let it be with men of sense.

3.11 I buried the remains of Mary Ramsey, a true daughter of affliction, worn out by a cancer in her breast with a variety of other disorders. to this was added, for a time, great darkness of mind;  the body pressing down the soul. yet she did not murmur or repine, much less charge God foolishly. it was not long before He restored the light of his countenance and shortly after she fell sleep.

3.12 the National Fast was observed all over London with great solemnity. surely God is well pleased even with this acknowledgment that He governs the world and even the outward humiliation of a nation may be rewarded with outward blessings.
3.15 I left London, though not without regret and went slowly through the societies to Bristol. Sat,  27.  i heard a large account of the children near Lawford's Gate, which has made so much noise here. the facts are too glaring to be denied. but how are they to be accounted for ? by natural or supernatural agency? contend (def - strive with) who list (def - hear) about this.

3.29 I came to the New-passage a little before 9.  the rain and wind increased much while we were on the water:  However, we were safe on shore at 10. I preached about 12 in the new Room at Chepstow. one of the

*82  congregation was a neighbouring Clergyman, who lived in THE same staircase with me at Christ-Church and WAS then far more serious than me. blessed be God,who has looked upon me at last! NOW LET ME REDEEM THE TIME !
In the afternoon we had such a storm of hail as I scarce ever saw in my life.  the roads likewise were so extremely bad that we did not reach Hereford till past eight. having been well battered both by hail, rain and wind, I got to bed as soon as I could,  but was waked many times by the clattering of the curtains. in the morning I found the casement wide open, but i was never the worse. I took horse at six, with William Crane and Francis Walker. the wind was piercing cold and we had many showers of snow and rain; but the worst was, part of the road was scarce passable; so that, at Church-Stretton, one of our horses lay down and would go no farther. however, William Crane and I pushed on and before 7 reached Shrewsbury.
a large company quickly gathered together .  many of them were wild enough,  but the far greater part were calm and attentive and came again at 5 in the morning.
1.31 having been invited to preach at Wem, Mrs. Glynne desired she might take me thither in a post-chaise, but in little more than an hour we were fast enough, however, the horse pulled till the traces broke. I should then have walked on had I been alone, though the mud was deep and the snow drove impetuously, but I could not leave my friend;  so I waited patiently till the man had made shift to mend the traces and the horse pulled amain (def - full force) so that with much ado, not long after the time appointed, I came to Wem.
I came:  but the person who invited me was gone; gone out of town at 4 in the morning and I could find no one who seemed either to expect or desire my company. I inquired after the place where Mr. Mather preached,  but it was filled with hemp. it remained only to go into the market-house, but neither any man, woman,  nor child cared to follow us; the north wind rared so loud on every side and poured in from every quarter. however, before I had done singing, 2 or 3  crept in and after them, 2 or 300 and the power of God was so present among them, that I believe many forgot the storm.

the wind grew still higher in the afternoon, so that it was difficult to sit our horses and it blew full in our face, but

*83  could not prevent our reaching Chester in the evening.  though the warning was short, the room was fall and full of serious, earnest hearers,  many of whom expressed a longing desire of the whole salvation of God.
here I rested on Thurs.  Fri, 4.2. I rode to Parkgate and found several ships, but the wind was contrary. I preached at 5 in the small House they have just built and the hearers were remarkably serious. I gave notice of preaching at 5 in the morning. but at half-hour after 4 one brought us word that the wind was come fair, and Captain Jordan would sail in less than an hour. we were soon in the ship. wherein we found about threescore passengers. the sun shone bright, the wind was moderate, the sea smooth,and we wanted nothing but room to stir ourselves;  the cabin being filled with hops, so that we could not get into it but by climbing over them on our hands and knees. in the afternoon we were abreast of Holyhead. but the scene  was quickly changed:  the wind rose higher and higher and by 7 o'clock blew a storm. the sea broke over us continually and sometimes covered the ship, which both pitched and rolled in an uncommon manner.  so I was informed, for being a little sick I lay down at 6 and slept, with little intermission, till near 6 in the morning. we were then near Dublin Bay, where we went into a boat, which carried us to Dunleary.  there we met with a chaise just ready, in which we went to Dublin.
I found much liberty of spirit in the evening while I was enforcing, 'Now is the day of salvation'. the congregation was uncommonly large in the morning and seemed to be much alive. many children, I find, are 'brought to the birth'.  and shall there not be strength to bring forth?

it was at this time that Mr. Grimshaw fell asleep. he was born Sept. 3, 1708, at Brindle, 6 mile south of Preston, in Lancashire and educated at the schools of Balcburn and Heskin, in the same county. even then the thoughts of death and judgment made some impression upon him. at 18 he was admitted at Christ's College, in Cambridge. here bad example so carried him away, that for more than 2 years he seemed utterly to have lost all sense of seriousness;  which did not revive till the day he was ordained Deacon, in the year 1731. on that day he was much affected with the sense of the importance of the ministerial

*84  office and this was increased by his conversing with some at Rochdale, who met once a week to read and sing and pray. but on his removal to Todmorden soon after, he quite dropped his pious acquaintance, conformed to the world, followed all its diversions and contented himself with 'doing his duty' on Sundays.
but about the year 1734,  he began to
think seriously again. he left off all his diversions;
he began to catechise the young people
to preach the absolute necessity of a devout life and
to visit his people, not in order to be merry with them as before,
but to press them to seek the salvation of their souls.

at this period also he began himself to pray in secret four times a day
and the God of all grace, who prepared his heart to pray, soon gave the answer to his prayer; not, indeed, as he expected, not in joy or peace, but by
bringing upon him very strong and painful convictions of his own
guilt and helplessness and misery;
by discovering to him what he did not suspect before,
that his heart was deceitful and desperately wicked
and what was more afflicting still that
all his duties and labours could not procure him pardon or gain him a title to eternal life.
in this trouble he continued more than 3 years,
not acquainting  any one with the distress he suffered, till one day,  (in 1742)
being in the utmost agony of mind,
there was clearly represented to him,
Jesus Christ pleading for him with God the Rather and gaining a free pardon for him.
in that moment all his fears vanished away and he was filled with joy unspeakable.
'I was now...willing to renounce myself and to embrace Christ for my all in all.
O what light and comfort did I enjoy in my own soul and what a taste of the pardoning love of God.

all this time he was an entire stranger to the people called Methodists, whom afterwards he thought it his duty to countenance and to labour with them in his neighbourhood. he was an entire stranger also to all their writings, till he came to Haworth, May 26, of this year. and the good effects of his preaching soon became visible:
many of his flock were brought into deep concern for salvation,
were in a little time after filled with peach and joy through believing
and (as in ancient times) the whole congregation have been often seen in tears
on account of their provocations against God and
under  a sense of his goodness in yet sparing them.

his lively manner of representing the truths of God could

*85  not fail of being much talked of and bringing many hundreds out of curiosity to Haworth church;
who received so much benefit by what they heard, that, when the novelty was long over, the church continued to be full of people, many of whom came from far and this for 20 years together.

Mr. Gimshaw was now too happy himself, in the knowledge of Christ, to rest satisfied without taking every method he thought likely to spread the knowledge of his God and Saviour. and as the very indigent constantly made their want of better clothes to appear in, an excuse for not going to church in the day-time, he contrived, for them chiefly, a lecture on Sun evenings; though he had preached twice in the day before. God was pleased to give great success to these attempts,  which animated him still more to spend and be spent for Christ. so the next year, he began a method,which was continued by him for ever after,of preaching  in each of the 4 hamlets he had under his care 3 times every month. by this means the old and infirm, who could not attend the church, had the truth of God brought to their houses and many, who were so profane as to make the distance from the house of God a reason for scarce ever coming to it, were allured to hear. by this time
the great labour with which he instructed his own people,
the holiness of his conversation
and the benefit which very many from the neighbouring parishes had obtained by attending his ministry, concurred  to bring upon him many earnest entreaties to come to their houses,
who lived in neighboring parishes
and expound the word of God to  souls as ignorant as they had been themselves.
this request he did not dare to refuse.
so that while he provided abundantly for his own flock,
he annually found opportunity of preaching near 300 times to congregations in other parts

and for the course of 15 years  or upwards, he used to preach every week, 15, 20 and sometimes 30 times, beside visiting the sick and other occasional duties of his function. it is not easy to ascribe such  unwearied diligence, chiefly among the poor, to any motive but the rel one. he thought he would never keep silence, while he could speak to the honour of that God who had done so much for his soul.  and while he saw sinners perishing for lack of knowledge and no one breaking to them the bread of life, he was constrained notwithstanding the reluctance he felt within, to give up his

*86  name to still greater reproach, as well as all his time and strength,  to the work of the ministry.

during this intense application to what was the delight of his heart, God was exceeding favourable to him. in 16 years he was only once suspended from his labour by sickness; though he dared all weathers, upon the bleak mountains and used his body with less compassion than  a merciful man would use his beast. his soul at various times enjoyed large manifestations of God's love  and he drank deep into His Spirit.  his cup ran over and at some seasons his faith was so strong and his hope so abundant,that the higher degrees of spiritual delight would have overpowered his mortal frame.

in this manner Mr. Grimshaw employed all his powers and talents, even to his last illness and his labours were not in vain in the Lord. he saw an effectual change take place in many of his flock and a restraint from the commission of sin brought upon the parish in general. he saw the name of Jesus  exalted and many souls happy in the knowledge of him and walking as became the Gospel.happy he was himself, in being kept by the power of God, unblamable in his conversation.  Happy in being beloved, in several of the last years of his life, by every one in his parish who, whether they would be persuaded by him to forsake the evil of their ways, or no,  had no doubt that Mr. Gimshaw was their cordial friend.hence, at his departure a general concern was visible through his parish. hence his body was interred with  what is more ennobling that all the pomp of a royal funeral: for he was followed to the grave by a great multitude, with affectionate sighs and many tears; who cannot till hear his much-loved name, without weeping for the guide of their souls, to whom each of them was dear as children to their father.

his behaviour, throughout his last sickness, was of a piece with the last 20 years of his life,  from the very first attack of his fever, he welcomed its approach. his intimate knowledge o Christ abolished all the reluctance nature feels to a dissolution and, triumphing in Him, who is the resurrection and the life, he departed, April the 7th, in the 55th year of his age and the 21st of his eminent usefulness.

it may not be unacceptable to subjoin here one of his plain, rough letters,  to the society in London:

*87   My Dear Brethren,                                                                     Haworth, Jan,. 9, 1760

'Grace, mercy and peace, be to you from god our Father and from our Lord Jesus. it is well with 4 sorts of people,  that you have had or now have,to do with.
it is well with those of you in Christ who are gone to God.
it is well with those of you in Christ who are not gone to God.
it is well with those who earnestly long to be in Christ, that they may go to God.
it is well with those who neither desire to be in Christ nor to go to God. and
it is only ad with such who, being out of Christ, are gone to the devil.
these it is best to let alone and say no more about them.

but to be sure, it is well with the other 4.
it is well with those of you who, being in Chris, are gone to God
You Ministers and members of Christ have no more doubt or pain about them.
they are now and forever out of reach of the world, flesh and devil.
they are gone 'where the wicked cease from troubling and where the weary are at rest'.
they are sweetly reposed in Abraham's bosom.
they dwell in His presence who hath redeemed them;
where 'there is fullness of joy and pleasures for evermore'.
they are waiting the joyful morning of the resurrection, when their vile bodies
shall be made like his glorious body,
shall be re-united to their souls,
shall receive the joyful sentence, and
inherit the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world.

it is well also with those of you who are in Christ, though not gone to God. 
you live next door to them.
Heaven is begun with you too.
the kingdom of God is within you.
You feel it.
this is a kingdom of righteousness and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
it is begun in grace and shall terminate in glory.
yea, it is 'Christ within you, the hope of glory'.
Christ the rock, the foundation, laid in your hearts.
Hope in the middle and glory at the top.
Christ, hope, glory.
Christ hope, glory.
you are washed  in the blood of the Lamb, justified, sanctified and shall shortly be glorified.
Yea, your lives are already 'hid with Christ in God'.
you have your conversation  (def - 'with', 'turn' ; intimate acquaintance) already in heaven.
already you 'sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus'...

*88 ...and what does all this require at our hands?
why, infinitely more than we can render Him to all eternity.
however, let us praise and glorify God in the best manner and with the best member that we have.
let us do it constantly, cordially, cheerfully, so long as we live
and then, no doubt, we shall do it in heaven for ever.

keep close, I beseech you, to very means of grace.
strive to walk in all the ordinances and commandments of God blameless,
'giving all diligence to make your calling and election sure;
add to your faith virtue
to virtue knowledge;
to knowledge temperance;
to temperance patience;
to patience godliness brotherly kindness;
to brotherly kindness charity'
for 'if these things.. be in you and bound, they make you that you shall
neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
thus you will give the best token of your thankfulness to Him for what He hath done for your souls and you shall not long hence, in heaven sing of His praise with your happy brethren, gone thither before you.
it is well, likewise, with all those of you who do truly desire to be in Christ, that you may go to God.
surely He owns you;
your desires are from Him;
you shall enjoy His favour.
by and by you shall have peace with Him through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Go forth by the footsteps of the flock and feed ye by the Shepherd's tents.
be constant in every means of grace.
He will be found of them that diligently seek Him.
'Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted
though your sins be never so many, never so monstrous, all shall be forgiven.
 he will have mercy upon you and well abundantly pardon. for who
hath begun this good work in you will accomplish it to your eternal good and His eternal glory.

*89  therefore, doubt not, fear not.
 a broken and a contrite heart God will not despise.
the deeper is your sorrow,  the nearer is your joy.
your extremity is God's opportunity.
it is usually darkest before day-break.
you shall shortly find pardon, peace and plenteous redemption and
at last rejoice in the common and glorious salvation of his saints.

and, lastly, it is well for you, who neither truly desire to be in Christ, nor to go to God;
for it is well for you that you are out of hell:
it is well your day of grace is not utterly past.
behold, now is your accepted time; behold, now is the day of your salvation!
O that you may employ the remainder of it in working out your salvation!
O that you may employ the remainder of it in working out your salvation with fear and trembling!

now is faith to e had, saving faith;
now you may be washed from all your sins in the Redeemer's blood, justified, sanctified, and prepared for heaven. take, I beseech you, the time while the time is:
you have now the means of grace to use;
the ordinances of God to enjoy;
His word to read and hear;
his Ministers to instruct you
and His members to converse with.
you know not what a day may ring forth: you may die suddenly
as death leaves you, judgment will find you
and if you die as you are, out of Christ, void of true faith, in regenerate, unsanctified, snares, fire and brimstone,storm and tempest, God will rain upon you,  (Ps 11.6)
as your eternal, intolerable portion to drink.

suffer me, therefore, this far, one and all of you.  god's glory and your everlasting welfare is all I aim at. what I look for in return from you is, I confess, much more than I deserve,  -your prayers. Pray for me and I will pray for you, who am                                               Your affectionate brother, 
                                                                                                         W. Grimshaw

4.9  (being Good Friday) I had almost lost my voice by a cold,  however, I spoke as i could till, before 12, (it being a watch-night) I could speak near as well as ever.

on Easter-Day we had uncommon congregations, as indeed we have had all the week and I observed a more stayed and solid behaviour in most, than is usual in this kingdom. Mon and Tues I was employed in visiting the classes; and I was much comforted among them: there was such an hunger and thirst in all who had tasted of the grace of God after a full renewal in His image.

4.18  as often as I have been here I never saw the

*90  House thoroughly filled before and the multitude did not come together in vain. I think many will remember this day.
4.19 I left Dublin and i could look back with satisfaction on the days I had spent therein. I had reason to believe that God had been at work in a very uncommon manner.  many of those who once contradicted and blasphemed were now convinced of 'the truth as it is in Jesus'. many who had long revolted from god had returned to him with full purpose of heart. several mourners had found peace with God and some believe He has saved them from all sin. many more are all on fire for this salvation and a spirit of love runs through the whole people.

I came in the evening to Newry, where I found a far different face of things. offences had broke the society in pieces, only 32 being left of near 100.  but God has a few names left here also. let these stand firm and God will maintain his own cause.
*4.21  I rode to Carrickfergus. the violent rain kept away the delicate and curious hearers.  for the sake of these I delayed the morning preaching till a quarter before 9,  but it was too early still for a great part of the town, who could not possibly rise before 10. I added a few members to the society and left them in peace and love.
where to preached in Belfast I did not know. it was too wet to preach abroad and a dancing-master was busily employed in the upper part of the market house, on, 'I will heal their backsliding'.  god fulfilled his word:  may were healed and many more deeply wounded. I had full employment among them the next day and on Sat, 24, I left between 30 and 40 members, full of desire and hope and earnest resolutions, not to be almost, but altogether, Christians.

about 10 I preached at Comber and then rode to Lisburn, where,in the evening, I had many rich and genteel hearers. Sun,  25.  the congregation was larger in the morning than

*91  the evening before and many appeared to be deeply wounded. O may none heal their wound slightly! but far the largest congregation of all met in the evening and yet I saw not a scoffer, no, nor trifler, among them.
4.26 in the evening I preached to a large congregation in the market-house at Lurgan.I now embraced the opportunity which I had long desired of talking with Mr. Miller, the contriver of that statue which was in Lurgan when I was there before. it was the figure of an old man, standing in a case, with a curtain drawn before him, over against a clock which stood  on the other side of the room. every time the clock struck, he opened the door with one hand, drew back the curtain with the other, turned his head, as if looking round on the company and then said, with a clear, loud, articulate voice, 'Past one, tow, three' and so on.  but so many came to see this (the like of which all allowed was not to e seen in Europe) that Mr.Miller was in danger of being ruined, not having time to attend is own business; so, as none offered to purchase it or to reward him for his pains, he took the whole machine in pieces: now has he any thought of ever making anything of the kind again.

4. 27 i preached in Lurgan at 5; in Terryhuganat 10 and at 2 in the market-house at Claumain, the largest in the north of Ireland and the people were all alive, being stirred up by Mr. Ryan,once an attorney, but now living upon his own estate.
4.28  the rain kept off the curious hearers, so that we had few in the evening but earnest souls; after sermon we had a love-feast. it was a wonderful time. god poured out His Spirit abundantly. many were filled with consolation, particularly 2 who had come from Lisburn, (26 Irish miles) one a lifeless backslider, the other a girl of 16, who had been sometime slightly convinced of sin. God restored him to the light of his countenance and  GAVE HER A CLEAR EVIDENCE OF HIS LOVE.  and indeed in so uncommon  a manner that it seemed her soul was all love. one of our brethren was constrained openly to declare, he believed God had wrought this change in him. I trust he will not lightly cast away the gift which God has given him. in the morning I left them rejoicing and praising God and rode to Monagahan

*92  the commotions in Munster having now alarmed all Ireland,  we had hardly alighted, when some wise persons informed the Provost there were 3 strange sort of men some to the King's Arms. so the Provost with his officers came without delay, to secure the north from so imminent a danger. I was just come out, when I was required to return into the house. the Provost asked me many questions and perhaps the affair might have turned serious, had I not had 2 letters with me,  which I had lately received; one from the Bishop of Londonderry, the other from the Earl of Moira. upon reading these, he excused himself for the trouble he had given and wished me a good journey.

between 6 and 7 I preached at Coot-Hill, and in the morning rode on to Enniskillen; the situation of which is both pleasant and strong, as it is surrounded by a deep and broad river; but fortifications it has none; no, nor so much as an old Castle. the inhabitants glory that they have no Papist in the town.

after riding round and round we came in the evening to a lone house called Carrick-a-Beg. it lay in the midst of horrid mountains and had no very promising appearance. however, it afforded corn for our horses and potatoes for ourselves. so we mad an hearty supper, called in as many as pleased of the family to prayers and, though we had no fastening either for our door or our windows, slept in peace.
5.1  we took horse at 5.  the north-east wind would have suited the first of January and we had soaking rain on the black mountains.  however, before noon we came well to Sligo.

none in Sligo, when I was there last, professed so much love to me as Mr. Know's family. they would willingly have had me with them morning, noon and night and omitted no possible mark of affection. but what a change! Mrs. K----- went into the country the day before I came; her brother and his wife set out for Dublin, at the same time; he himself and the rest of his family, saw em, that is , at church, because they could not help it;
But wonder'd at the strange man's face,
as one they ne'er had known.
I am sorry for their sake, not my own. perhaps they may wish to see me when it is too late.

5.2  I preached in the market-house, morning and evening. abundance of the Dragoons were there; so were many of the officers, who behaved with uncommon seriousness.

5.3 in the evening  a company of platers began acting in the upper part of the marke-house, just as we began singing in the lower. The case  of these isremarkable.  the Presbytrians for a long time had their public worship here; but when the strollers came to town, they wer turned out; and from that time had no public worship at all. on Tues evening the lower part too was occupoied by buyers and sellers of oatmeal; but as soon as T began, the people quitted their sacts and listened to busioness of greater importance...
5.13 I was in hopes even the Papists here had at length a shepherd who cared for their souls. he was stricter than any of his predecessors and was esteemed a man of piety


I am sorry for their sake, not my own. perhaps they may wish to see me when it is too late.

5.2 I preached in the market-house, morning and

*93  evening. abundance of the Dragoons were there; so were many of the Officers, who behaved with uncommon seriousness.

5.3 in the evening a company of players began acting in the upper part of the market-house, just as we began singing in the lower. the case of these is remarkable.  the Presbyterians for a long time had their public worship here; but when the strollers came to town, they were turned out; and from that time had no public worship at all. on Tues evening the lower part too was occupied by buyers and sellers of oatmeal, but as soon as I bean, the people quitted their sacks and listened to business of greater importance.
on the following days I preached at Carrick-on-Shannon, Drumersnave, Cle-Hill, Longford and Abidarrig. Sat, 8.  calling on a friend in our way, we had not sat down before several of the neighbours, papists as well as Protestants, came in, supposing I was to preached. I was not willing to disappoint them and they all listened with deep attention.

hence I rode to Athlone. I intended on Sun, 9, to preach abroad as usual, but the sharp wind made it impracticable and obliged me to keep in the House. the congregations, however, were large, both morning and evening and I found a little fruit of my labor.

5.13 i was in hopes even the Papists here had at length a shepherd who cared for their souls. he was stricter than any of his predecessors and was esteemed a man of piety as well as learning.accordingly , he had given hem strict orders not to work on the Lord's day, but I found he allowed them to play as much as they pleased, at cards in particular;  nay, and averred it was their duty so to do, to refresh both their bodies and minds . alas, for the blind leader of the blind! has not he the greater sin?

5. 16 I had observed to the society last week, that I had not seen one congregation ever in Ireland  behave so ill at church as that at Athlone, laughing,  talking and staring about during the whole service. I had added, 'This is your fault; for if you had attended the church, as you ought to have done, your presence and example would not have failed to influence the whole congregation'. and so it appeared; I saw not one today either laughing, talking or staring about, but a remarkable seriousness was spread from the one end of the church to the other.

5.17  I preached at Ahaskra to all the protestants in

*94  or near the town. but their Priest would not suffer the papists to come. what could a Magistrate do in this case? doubtless he might tell the priest, 'Sir, as you enjoy liberty of conscience, you shall allow it to others. you are not persecuted yourself: Wou shall not persecute them.

5.18  I preached at Tallinasloe about 10 in the morning and in the evening at Aghrim. Thurs, 20 I rode to to Hollymount. the sun was extremely hot, so that I was much exhausted. but after a little rest, I preached in the church-yard without any weariness. 
 5.21 I preached at Balcarrow church at 10 to a deeply serious congregation and in the Court-House at Castlebar in the evening. Sun, 23. the chief family in the town made a part of our congregation. and whether they  received any benefit thereby or no, their example may bring other s who will receive it. 
5.26  we took horse at four, to enjoy the cool of the morning. at 7 the sun was warm enough: i verily think as warm as in Georgia. we could not have borne it, but the wind was in our face. however, in the afternoon we got well to Galway. there was a small society here and (what is not common

*95  all of them were young women. between 7 and 8 I began preaching inn the Court-house to a mixed multitude of papists and Protestants, rich and poor,  who appeared to be utterly astonished. at five in the morning I preached again, and spoke as plain as I possibly could. but to the far greater part it seemed to be only 'as the sound of many waters'.
5.27  we had another Georgian day, but having the wind again full in our face, after riding about 50 English miles, we got well in Ennis in the  afternoon. many being ready to make a disturbance at the Court-house, I left them to themselves and preached over against Mr. Bindon's house, in great quietness.
5.28 I was informed, that a few days before, 2 of Mr. B---'s maids went to bathe (as the  women ere frequently do) in the river near his house. the water was not above a yard deep;  but there was a deep hole at a little distance, as one  of them dashed water at the other,  she, endeavouring to avoid it, slipped into the hole and the first striving to help her slipped in too: Nor was either of them seen any more, till their bodies floated upon the water. yet after some hours, one of them was brought to life. but the other could not be recovered.
the violent heat, which had continued for 8 days, was now at an end, the wind turning north. so on Sat,  29,  we had a pleasant ride to Limerick. sun, 30 I preached in the old camp. the plesantness of the place , the calmness of the evening and the convenient distance from the town, all conspired to draw the people together,  who flocked from every quarter. many officers, as well as abundance of soldiers, were among them  and behaved with the utmost decency. i preached the following evening at the same place, and that in great measure for the sake of the soldiers, it being within a musket-shot of the place where they were exercising. nay, 2 evenings an officer ordered a large body to exercise on the very spot. but the moment  I began they laid down their arms, and joined the rest of the congregation. 
6.4 I preached at noon in Balligarane, to a large congregation, chiefly of Palatines. and so at Newmarket in the evening and the morning following. these have quite a different look from the natives of the country, as well as a different temper. they are a serious, thinking people. and their diligence turns all their land into a garden.

*96  6.7 I met a large number of children, just as much acquainted  with God and with the things of God, as 'a wild ass's colt'  and just as much concerned about them.  and yet who can believe that these pretty little creatures have 'the wrath of God abiding on them?

numberless crowds ran together about this time, to see the execution of the poor deserter. and i believe some of them retained serious impressions for near 24 hours! but it was not so with the soldiers : Although they  waked one by one, close to the bleeding, mangled carcase, most of them were as merry within 6 hours, as ti they had only seen a puppet-show.

6.8  I visited the classes and wondered to find no witness of the great salvation. surely the flame which is kindled in Dublin will not stop there.  the next evening God did indeed kindle it here; a cry went up on every side: and the lively believers seemed all on fire to be 'cleansed from all unrighteousness.
on Fri and Sat i had much conversation with a very noted person. but i found none in town who expected that any good could be done to such a sinner as Him! such a Sinner?  why, were we not all such? we were dead in sin. and is he more than dead.

6.13 being informed I had shot over the heads of the soldiers, who did not 'understand any thing but hell and damnation',  I took my leave of them  this evening by strongly applying the story of Dives and Lazarus:  they seemed to understand this and all but 2 or 3  boy-officers behaved as men fearing God.
6.14 I rode to Cork. here i procured an exact account of the late commotions. about the beginning of Dec last, a few men met by night near Nenagh, in the county of Limerick and threw down the fences of some commons, which had been lately inclosed. near the same time others met in the county of Tipperary, of Waterford, and of Cork.  as no one offered to suppress or hinder them they  increased in number continually and called themselves Whiteboys, wearing whit cockades and white linen frocks. in Feb there were 5 or 6 parties of them, 2 or 300 men in each, who moved up and down, chiefly in the night; but for what end did not appear. only they levelled a few fences, dug up some grounds

*97  and hamstrung some cattle, perhaps 50 or 60 in all, one body of them came into Cloheen, of about 500 foot, and 200 horse. they moved as exactly as regular troops and appeared to be throughly disciplined. they now sent letters to several gentlemen, threatening to pull down their houses. they  compelled every one they met to take an oath to be true to Queen Sive (whatever that meant) and the Whiteboys; not to reveal their secrets; and to join them when called upon. it was supposed,  8  or 10,000 were now actually risen, many of them well armed and that a far greater number were ready to rise whenever they should be called upon. those  who refused to swear, they threatened to bury alive.  2 or 3 they did  bury up to the neck, and left them; where they must quickly have perished, had they not been found in time by some travelloing by. at length, toward Easter, a body of troops, chiefly light horse, were sent against them.  many were apprehended and committed to gaol; the rest of them disappeared. this is the plain, naked fact, which has been so variously represented.

6.17  I rode about 30English miles, through a pleasant and well cultivated country, to Youghall. it is finely situated on the side of an hill, so as to command a wide sea-prospect. I preached in the evening at the Exchange. abundance of people attended; as did the far greater part of them at 5 o'clock in the morning. i returned to Cork on Fri. Sun, 20. at the desire of Captain Taylor, i went to Passage and preached to many of the town's people and as many of the sailors as could attend. on Mon and Tues I visited the classes and observed what was very uncommon; in 2 years there was neither any increase on any decrease in this society. 233 members i left and 233 I find. 

6.24 I rode to Kinsale and preached in the Exchange to a considerable number of attentive hearers. in the afternoon I rode to Bandon and found the society much lessened and dead enough. yet the congregation in the main street was remarkably large, as well as deeply attentive. so it was on Fri. Sat,  26. I visited the classes, and exhorted them to 'be zealous and repent'. the word  sunk into their hearts;  so that when we met in the evening,  they did not seem to be the same persons. they appeared to breathe quite another spirit, every one stirring up his

*98  neighbor. I know not when I have seen so deep and general an impression made in so short a time.
6.27 I returned to Cork and in the afternoon preached on the Barrack-hil. the congregation was such as I  had not seen at Cork for at least 12 years. one soldier  made some noise; but the Commanding officer soon ordered soldiers, mad a solemn appearance. lte this preaching be continued and the work of God will quickly revive at Cork.
on Mon and Tues the congregation at the House was far larger than on any week-day before. and there was much life among the people, which perhaps was increased by the epidemic disorder. this generally attacked first the head; afterward the throat  and the breast. Mr. Jones, who had been drooping for some time, was seized with this 3  weeks since. while i was at Youghall, he sent for a Physician,  who applied a blister to his head, in 2 or 3 days a second physician was called in, who told his relations he was better and better. returning from Bandon and observing what was prescribed, i could not help saying, 'when a fever neither intermits, nor remits, the bark is no better than poison'.  at hearing this, the  Doctors were much displeased, and declared again he was a great deal better. on wed morning, a little before 2 , his spirit returned to God. 
so died honest Thomas Jones, secundum artem! a man whom God raised from nothing, by a blessing on his unwearied didlgence, to a plentifulfotune. yet when riches increased on every side, he did not set his heart upon them. some years since he retiree