AN EXTRACT

OF THE

REV. MR. JOHN WESLEY'S JOURNAL

FROM JULY 20, 1749, TO OCTOBER 30, 1751

JOURNAL.-No. VIII.

THURSDAY, July 20, 1749.-About ten at night we embarked for Bristol, in a small sloop. I soon fell asleep. When I awaked in the morning, we were many leagues from land, in a rough pitching sea. Toward evening the wind turned more against us, so that we made little way. About ten we were got between the Bishop and his Clerks (the rocks so called) and the Welsh shore; the wind blew fresh from the south; so that the captain fearing we should be driven on the rocky coast, steered back again to sea. On Saturday morning we made the Bishop and his Clerks again, and beat to and fro all the day. About eight in the evening it blew hard, and we had a rolling sea: notwithstanding which, at four on Sunday morning, we were within sight of Minehead. The greatest part of the day we had a dead calm; but in the evening the wind sprung up, and carried us into Kingroad. Monday morning we landed at the quay in Bristol.

On

Tues. 25.-I rode over to Kingswood, and inquired particularly into the state of our school there. I was concerned to find that several of the Rules had been habitually neglected: I judged it necessary, therefore, to lessen the family; suffering none to remain therein, who were not clearly satisfied with them, and determined to observe them all.

Thur. 27.—I read Mr. Law "On the Spirit of Prayer." There are many masterly strokes therein, and the whole is lively and entertaining, but it is another Gospel. For if God was never angry, (as this Tract asserts,) he could never be reconciled; and, consequently, the whole Christian doctrine of reconciliation by Christ falls to the ground at once. An excellent method of converting Deists, by giving up the very essence of Christianity!

Sun. 30.-Mr. Grimshaw and Mr. B

assisted my brother and

me at Kingswood. How many there are that run well for a season! But "he that endureth to the end shall be saved." I received a letter about this time from Ireland, a part of which follows:

“Tyrrel's Pass, July 24, 1749. "DEAR SIR,-Many have found a sense of the pardoning love of God at Athlone since you left it; and the society in general are on the stretch

for the kingdom of God. The Lord has kindled a fire in Aghrim likewise. The last time but one that I was there, several were struck with deep convictions, which continued till I came again. While I was meeting the society there, the governess of Mr. S's children was struck to the ground, and in a short time filled with peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.' The next morning his steward was cut to the heart, and fell upon his knees in the midst of the sermon; as did Mr. S himself, together with his wife, and great part of the congregation. The steward went home full of peace and love. This has set the whole society on fire; so that now every one is crying out, 'What must I do to be saved?' The same fire is kindled at Portarlington. I went there the next Sunday after you. One then found a sense of God's pardoning love; and last Saturday in the society some cried out, and some fell to the ground, three of whom found peace to their souls.

"I was at Mount Mellick likewise the next Sunday after you, and the power of God was present to heal. Two that were heavy laden, found rest that night. The next time we met we scarce knew how to part. We continued singing and praying till five persons received a clear manifestation of the love of God. Another found the same blessing while I was preaching this morning. We spent some time afterward at James Moss's house, in praying with some that were under deep convictions; and two of them went home rejoicing in God their Saviour. I was now informed of two more that were rejoicing in God; so that in Mount Mellick twelve persons, in all, have found the 'peace that passeth all understanding,' since you left that place.

"I preached at Rahew likewise the week after you was there. The man of the house had fetched his mother from a considerable distance; she had never heard a Methodist preacher before. She was soon cut to the heart, and cried out aloud. One behind her bid her fall upon her knees, which she presently did, and the whole house was as in one cry. I broke off my discourse, and began to pray, which I continued till I was so spent I could hardly speak. I went out to take a little breath, and came in again. She was crying out, I am dropping, dropping into hell; its mouth is open, ready to swallow me up.' I went to prayer again; and before we had done, God spoke peace to her soul. She was filled with joy unspeakable, and could but just say, 'I am in a new world! I am in a new world!'

"From the whole, I cannot but observe two things: 1. What a blessing it is, when any who finds that peace, declares it openly before all the people, that we may break off and praise God. If this was always done, it would be good for many souls. The first that found it on Sunday evening, spoke before all; and we praised God. The moment she spoke, another, and then another, found peace; and each of them spoke aloud, and made the fire run through the whole congregation. I would observe, 2. The woman at Rahew had never before seen any one in the like trouble. Therefore she could not cry out because she had heard others do it; but because she could not help it; because she felt the word of God 'sharper than a two-edged sword:' and, generally, the sharper the convictions are, the sooner they are over.

"This is from your son in the Gospel,

J. R."

On

Tues. August 1.-I spent a solemn hour with our children at Kingswood. After having settled all things there and at Bristol, I returned to London, where I received a remarkable account from Cork. August 19, twenty-eight depositions were laid before the grand jury there, but they threw them all out; and at the same time made that memorable presentment, which is worthy to be preserved in the annals of Ireland, to all succeeding generations :—

"We find and present Charles Wesley to be a person of ill fame, a vagabond, and a common disturber of his majesty's peace; and we pray he may be transported.

We find and present

"We find and present James Williams, &c. Robert Swindle, &c. We find and present Jonathan Reeves, &c. We find and present John Larwood, &c. We find and present Joseph M'Auliff, &c. We find and present Charles Skaron, &c. We find and present William Tooker, &c.

"We find and present Daniel Sullivan to be a person of ill jame, & vagabond, and a common disturber of his majesty's peace; and we pray he may be transported."

Daniel Sullivan was an honest baker, who had lived in Cork many years, I suppose in as good fame as any of his trade in the city; but he had entertained my brother, and several other Methodists; nay, and suffered them to preach in his house. The other names (only most of them miserably mangled and murdered) were designed for the names of eight preachers who had been there.

Mon. 28.-I left London, and in the evening came to Great Potton. About six I went out into the market place, and called to a confused multitude, "Seek ye the Lord while he may be found; call ye upon him while he is near." Great things were threatened, but nothing done. We had a quiet and comfortable meeting, and there was reason to hope that the word of God sunk into the hearts of many.

Tues. 29.-Having appointed some from Grimsby to meet us this evening at Lincoln, (which we supposed to be within a day's ride,) we set out an hour before day, and rode, with only an hour or two's intermission, till above an hour after sunset; but we could reach no further than Cold Harbour, six miles short of Ancaster. The next morning we rode on to Lincoln, but could hear nothing of our guides; so we determined, after waiting several hours, to make the best of our way to Epworth; where, the next evening, I enforced those awful words, "What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" I had the satisfaction about this time of an agreeable letter from a gentleman in Ireland, part of which is subjoined :

"REVEREND SIR,-Your favour of the 15th instant, I received the 22d. I am more satisfied than ever that you aim at nothing but what has an immediate tendency to the glory of God, and the salvation of mankind.

"I cannot help thinking that your design, considered in this light, (allowing even of some mistakes,) must be deemed very praiseworthy. As to myself in particular, I must own it gives me infinite satisfaction to find that you have spoken to so good an effect in our town and neighbourhood. My church is more frequented than ever it was; and I have the pleasure of seeing a greater decency, and more of zeal and attention than I could have dared to promise myself; which has also this effect upon me,-that I find myself better disposed than ever to distribute to those who attend my ministry, such food as may yield them comfort here and happiness hereafter. I heartily wish this may continue; and that the people may not cool. If so, we may hope to see wickedness gene rally decline, and virtue and godliness take place. I see this work of yours, through God's blessing, thus successfully carried on, without any ill will or jealousy; and could wish that all the clergy were, in that respect, of the same mind with me.

"Your society here keeps up well; and is, I believe, considerably increased since you left it. I frequently attend the preaching; and

though I am much reflected on for it, this does not in any wise discourage me. While I am conscious to myself that I do no harm, I am careless of what men can say of me. Michael Poor, lately a Roman, who is now of your society, read his recantation on Sunday last. Pray let us know when you or your brother intend for this kingdom and town. For be sure, none wish more sincerely to see and converse with you than I, who am sincerely, reverend and dear sir,

"Aug. 29, 1749."

"Your very affectionate brother and servant.

Fri. September 1.-I spoke severally with the members of the society. Saturday, 2.-I gathered up a few at Belton who did once run well, and seemed now resolved, no more to "forsake the assembling of" themselves "together." Sun. 3.-At nine I preached at Misterton, to a very large and attentive congregation; between one and two, at Overthorp, near Haxey; and at Epworth about five. In the intervals of preaching I spoke with the members of the society in each place; most of whom I found either already alive to God, or earnestly panting after him. Mon. 4.-We rode to Sykehouse; and on Tuesday, in the afternoon, reached Osmotherley.

Wed. 6.-I reached Newcastle; and after resting a day, and preaching two evenings and two mornings, with such a blessing as we have not often found, on Friday set out to visit the northern societies. I began with that of Morpeth, where I preached at twelve, on one side of the market place. It was feared the market would draw the people from the sermon; but it was just the contrary: they quitted their stalls, and there was no buying or selling till the sermon was concluded. At Alnwick likewise I stood in the market place in the evening, and exhorted a numerous congregation to be always ready for death, for judgment, for heaven. I felt what I spoke; as I believe did most that were present, both then and in the morning, while I besought them to "present" themselves," a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God." Sat. 9.-I rode slowly forward to Berwick. I was myself much out of order; but I would not lose the opportunity of calling, in the evening, all that were 66 weary and heavy laden," to Him who hath said, "I will give you rest." Sun. 10.-I preached at eight, and at four in the afternoon; and in the hours between, spoke with the members of the society. I met them all at seven, and a glorious meeting it was. I forgot all my pain while we were praising God together; but after they were gone, I yielded to my friends, and determined to give myself a day's rest. So I spent Monday, the 11th, in writing; only I could not refrain from meeting the society in the evening. The next evening God enabled me to speak searching words to an earnestly attentive congregation.

Wed. 13.-After preaching at five, I visited many, both of the sick and well particularly, Robert Sutty, the first instrument in God's hand of awakening many in this place, who, till then, slept in sin. But O! how changed! He seemed stripped both of his gifts and graces, and forsaken both of God and man. I had a delightful opportunity, ir the evening, of describing and comforting the "broken in heart."

Thur. 14.-Immediately after preaching, I took horse, and rode in a rough, stormy day to Alnwick. But before noon, it cleared up; so that I stood once more in the market place, and called all to "come

boldly to the throne of grace." Hence I rode to Alemouth, and laboured to awaken a stupid, drowsy people, by preaching, both in the evening and the next morning, in the most convincing manner I could. For the present, they seemed to be deeply affected: God grant it may continue! Fri. 15.-I offered "the redemption which is in Jesus," to a more lively congregation at Widdrington. Sat. 16.-I preached in Morpeth at noon; in Plessy about five; and then rode on to Newcastle. Sun. 17.-I preached, morning and evening, in the Castle Garth; and, on Wednesday, 20, set out for the western societies. evening, at Hinely Hill, our hearts were all melted down in considering our great High Priest; who, though he has gone into the heavens, is still sensibly "touched with the feeling of our infirmities." A deep sense of his love constrained many to call upon him with "strong cries and tears ;" and many others, though not in words, yet with groanings that could not be uttered.

In the

Thur. 21.-Moved by the pressing instances of Mr. Cownley, and convinced the providence of God called me thither, I left all my company, but Mr. Perronet, at Hinely Hill, and set out for Whitehaven. The next day I preached there in the market place, to a multitude of people, on, "Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ." I saw they were moved, and resolved to improve the opportunity. So, after preaching, I desired those who determined to serve God, to meet me apart from the great congregation. To these I explained the design, nature, and use of Christian societies. Abundance were present again at five in the morning, though we had no room but the market place. At three in the afternoon I preached at Hensingham, a large colliery, about a mile from the town. The eagerness of the people put me in mind of the early days at Kingswood. O why should we not be always what we were once? Why should any leave their first love? At six I preached again in Whitehaven, on, " Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden;" and at eight endeavoured to mould as many as desired it into a regular society.

Sun 24.-I began examining them one by one. At eight I preached at the Gins, another village, full of colliers, about half a mile from the town. The congregation was very large, and deeply attentive. Between one and two I preached again at Hensingham, to as many as my voice could command, on, "Repent ye and believe the Gospel." Thence I hastened to church; and in the midst of the service I felt a sudden stroke. Immediately a shivering ran through me, and in a few minutes I was in a fever. I thought of taking a vomit immediately, and going to bed. But when I came from church, hearing there was a vast congregation in the market place, I could not send them empty away. And while I was speaking to them, God remembered me, and strengthened me both in soul and body.

Reflecting on the manner of God's working here, I could not but make the following remark :-The work in Whitehaven resembles that at Athlone more than does any other which I have seen in England. It runs with a swift and a wide stream; but it does not go deep. A considerable part of the town seems moved, but extremely few are awake; and scarce three have found a sense of the pardoning love of God, from the time of the first preaching to this day.