1. Stewards, Exhorters and the First Irish Societies (1746–1749)
John Wesley, Journal, 4 December 1746 – 3 June 1749 (The Works of the Rev. John Wesley, A.M., ed. Thomas Jackson, Vol. II, Extract No. VII). Selected whole entries; omitted entries are marked […]. Primary source; the interpretations are the author’s.
CTS note: A “society” is a local Methodist congregation; a “class” is its weekly group of about twelve members under a “Leader”; “Stewards” are lay officers who handled money and the relief of the poor; “Exhorters” are lay members allowed to exhort but not yet accepted as Preachers. “Physic” means medicine, and “the Room” or “the House” is the preaching-house; the Foundery was the Methodist centre in London. “Papists” was the common, unfriendly eighteenth-century word for Roman Catholics; Wesley’s remarks about Catholics and the Irish belong to the conflicts of his time and should be read critically. The text comes from uncollated OCR: [illegible] marks a passage that could not be read.
Thur. December 4.—I mentioned to the society my design of giving physic to the poor. About thirty came the next day, and in three weeks about three hundred. This we continued for several years, till, the number of patients still increasing, the expense was greater than we could bear: Meantime, through the blessing of God, many who had been ill for months or years, were restored to perfect health.
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Mon. 2.—I rode to Newcastle. The next day, I met the Stewards, men who have approved themselves in all things. They are of one heart and of one mind. I found all in the house of the same spirit; pouring out their souls to God many times in a day together, and breathing nothing but love and brotherly kindness.
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Sun. 8.—I preached at Gateshead, and declared the loving-kindness of the Lord. In the evening, observing abundance of strangers at the Room, I changed my voice, and applied those terrible words, “I have overthrown some of you as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and the rest of you were as brands plucked out of the burning; yet have ye not turned unto me, saith the Lord.”
On Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, I examined the classes. I had been often told, it was impossible for me to distinguish the precious from the vile, without the miraculous discernment of spirits. But I now saw, more clearly than ever, that this might be done, and without much difficulty, supposing only two things: First, Courage and steadiness in the examiner. Secondly, Common sense and common honesty in the Leader of each class. I visit, for instance, the class in the Close, of which Robert Peacock is Leader. I ask, “Does this and this person in your class live in drunkenness or any outward sin? Does he go to church, and use the other means of grace? Does he meet you as often as he has opportunity? Now, if Robert Peacock has common sense, he can answer these questions truly; and if he has common honesty, he will. And if not, some other in the class has both, and can and will answer for him. Where is the difficulty then of finding out if there be any disorderly walker in this class, and, consequently, in any other? The question is not concerning the heart, but the life. And the general tenor of this, I do not say cannot be known, but cannot be hid without a miracle. Where then is the need of any miraculous discernment in order to purge one of those societies? Nay, where is the use of it? For if I had that discernment, I am to pass sentence only ex allegatis et probatis; not according to what I miraculously discern, but according to what is proved in the face of the sun.
The society, which the first year consisted of above eight hundred members, is now reduced to four hundred. But, according to the old proverb, the half is more than the whole. We shall not be ashamed of any of these, when we speak with our enemies in the gate.
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Fri. 10.—Having settled all the societies in the country, I began examining that of Newcastle again. It was my particular concern, to remove, if possible, every hinderance of brotherly love. And one odd one I found creeping in upon us, which had already occasioned much evil: Namely, a fancy that we must not justify ourselves. (Some of the spawn of Mystic Divinity.) Just contrary to the scriptural injunction, “Be ready to give a reason of the hope that is in you.” For want of doing this in time, some offences were now grown incurable. I found it needful, therefore, to tear up this by the roots; to explain this duty from the foundation; and to require all who desired to remain with us to justify themselves, whenever they were blamed unjustly; and not to swallow up both peace and love in their voluntary humility.
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Thur. June 4.—I reduced the sixteen Stewards to seven; to whom were given the following instructions:—“1. You are to be men full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, that you may do all things in a manner acceptable to God. “2. You are to be present every Tuesday and Thursday morning, in order to transact the temporal affairs of the society.
“3. You are to begin and end every meeting with earnest prayer unto God, for a blessing on all your undertakings. “4. You are to produce your accounts the first Tuesday in every month, that they may be transcribed into the ledger. “5. You are to take it in turn, month by month, to be Chairman. The Chairman is to see, that all the rules be punctually observed, and immediately to check him who breaks any of them.
“6. You are to do nothing without the consent of the Minister, either actually had, or reasonably presumed. “7. You are to consider, whenever you meet, ‘God is here.’ Therefore be deeply serious: Utter no trifling word: Speak as in his presence, and to the glory of his great name. “8. When any thing is debated, let one at once stand up and speak, the rest giving attention. And let him speak just loud enough to be heard, in love and in the spirit of meekness. “9. You are continually to pray and endeavour that a holy harmony of soul may in all things subsist among you; that in every step you may ‘keep the unity of the Spirit, in the bond of peace.’
“10. In all debates, you are to watch over your spirits; avoiding, as fire, all clamour and contention; being ‘swift to hear, slow to speak;’ in honour, every man preferring another before himself.
“11. If you cannot relieve, do not grieve, the poor: Give them soft words, if nothing else: Abstain from either sour looks, or harsh words. Let them be glad to come, even though they should go empty away. Put yourself in the place of every poor man; and deal with him as you would God should deal with you.
“These instructions, we whose names are under-written (being the present Stewards of the society at London) do heartily receive, and earnestly desire to conform to. In witness whereof we have set our hands.
“N. B. If any Steward shall break any of the preceding rules, after having been thrice admonished by the Chairman, (whereof notice is to be immediately given the Minister,) he is no longer Steward.”
Sat. 6.—I appointed to speak with those who had applied to us on a physical account. I found there had been about six hundred in about six months. More than three hundred of these came twice or thrice, and we saw no more of them. About twenty of those who had constantly attended, did not seem to be either better or worse. Above two hundred were sensibly better; and fifty-one throughly cured. The entire expense, from the beginning till this time, was about thirty pounds.
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Mon. 15.—Our Conference began, and ended on Saturday, 20. The Minutes of all that passed therein were some time after transcribed and published.
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Tues. 30.—We came to St. Ives before Morning Prayers, and walked to church without so much as one huzza. How strangely has one year changed the scene in Cornwall! This is now a peaceable, nay, honourable station. They give us good words almost in every place. What have we done, that the world should be so civil to us?
Wed. July 1.—I spoke severally to all those who had votes in the ensuing election. I found them such as I desired. Not one would even eat or drink at the expense of him for whom he voted. Five guineas had been given to W. C., but he returned them immediately. T. M. positively refused to accept any thing. And when he heard that his mother had received money privately, he could not rest till she gave him the three guineas, which he instantly sent back.
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Tues. 7.—I preached at St. Ives; Wednesday, 8, at Sithney. On Thursday the Stewards of all the societies met. I now diligently inquired what Exhorters there were in each society; whether they had gifts meet for the work; whether their lives were eminently holy; and whether there appeared any fruit of their labour. I found, upon the whole, 1. That there were no less than eighteen Exhorters in the county. 2. That three of these had no gifts at all for the work, neither natural nor supernatural. 3. That a fourth had neither gifts nor grace; but was a dull, empty, self-conceited man. 4. That a fifth had considerable gifts, but had evidently made shipwreck of the grace of God: These therefore I determined immediately to set aside, and advise our societies not to hear them. 5. That J. B., A. L., and J. W. had gifts and grace, and had been much blessed in the work. Lastly, That the rest might be helpful when there was no Preacher in their own, or the neighbouring societies, provided they would take no step without the advice of those who had more experience than themselves.
Fri. 10.—I preached at Gulval-Cross, in the midway between Penzance and Marazion.
Sat. 11.—I examined the classes at St. Just, established and settled in the grace of God.
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Tues. 4.—I set out for Ireland. We rode that day (but it was hard labour) to Builth, where I preached in the evening on the Prodigal Son.
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Sat. 8.—Finding one of the packet-boats ready, we went on board about eight o’clock in the morning. It was a dead calm when we rowed out of the harbour: But about two in the afternoon the wind sprung up, and continued till near four on Sunday morning, when we were within sight of the Irish shore.
I could not but observe, 1. That while we were sailing with a fresh gale, there was no wind at all a mile off; but a ship which lay abreast of us was quite becalmed, till we left her out of sight. 2. That a French privateer, which for several days had taken every ship which sailed on that coast, was taken and brought into Dublin Bay, the very morning we arrived there. Before ten we came to St. George’s Quay. Soon after we landed, hearing the bells ringing for church, I went thither directly. Mr. Lunell came to the Quay just after I was gone, and left word at the house where our things were, he would call again at one. He did so; and took us to his house. About three I wrote a line to the Curate of St. Mary’s, who sent me word, he should be glad of my assistance: So I preached there, (another gentleman reading Prayers,) to as gay and senseless a congregation as ever I saw. After sermon Mr. R. thanked me very affectionately, and desired I would favour him with my company in the morning.
Mon. 10.—I met the society at five, and at six preached, on, “Repent, and believe the Gospel.” The room, large as it was, would not contain the people, who all seemed to taste the good word.
Between eight and nine I went to Mr. R., the Curate of St. Mary’s. He professed abundance of good-will, commended my sermon in strong terms, and begged he might see me again the next morning. But, at the same time, he expressed the most rooted prejudice against Lay-Preachers, or preaching out of a church; and said, the Archbishop of Dublin was resolved to suffer no such irregularities in his diocese. I went to our brethren, that we might pour out our souls before God. I then went straight to wait on the Archbishop myself; but he was gone out of town.
In the afternoon a gentleman desired to speak with me. He was troubled that it was not with him as in times past, when, at the age of fourteen, the power of God came mightily upon him, constraining him to rise out of bed to pour out his prayers and tears from an heart overflowed with love and joy in the Holy Ghost. For some months he scarce knew whether he was in the body,—continually walking and talking with God. He has now an abiding peace; but cannot rest till the love of God again fills his heart.
Between six and seven I went to Marlborough-Street. The house wherein we then preached was originally designed for a Lutheran church, and will contain about four hundred people. But four or five times the number may stand in the yard. Many of the rich were there, and many Ministers of every denomination. I preached on, “The Scripture hath concluded all under sin;” and spoke closely and strongly: But none at all seemed to be offended. If my brother or I could have been here for a few months, I question if there might not have been a larger society here, than even in London itself.
Tues. 11.—I waited on the Archbishop at Newbridge, ten miles from Dublin. I had the favour of conversing with him two or three hours, in which I answered abundance of objections. In the evening I returned to Mr. Lunell’s. John Trembath preached at Marlborough-Street, to a large congregation both of Laity and Clergy, who behaved with much decency.
Wed. 12.—I purposely delayed examining the classes, till I had gone through the Rules of the Society, part of which I explained to them at large, with the reasons of them, every morning.
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Sat. 15.—I stayed at home, and spoke to all that came. But I found scarce any Irish among them. At least ninety-nine in an hundred of the native Irish remain in the religion of their forefathers. The Protestants, whether in Dublin or elsewhere, are almost all transplanted lately from England. Nor is it any wonder that those who are born Papists generally live and die such, when the Protestants can find no better ways to convert them than Penal Laws and Acts of Parliament.
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Mon. 17.—I began examining the society, which I finished the next day. It contained about two hundred and four-score members, many of whom appeared to be strong in faith. The people in general are of a more teachable spirit than in most parts of England. But, on that very account, they must be watched over with the more care, being equally susceptible of good and ill impressions.
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Fri. 21.—I was desired to see the town and the college. The town has scarce any public building, except the Parliament-house, which is at all remarkable. The churches are poor and mean, both within and without. St. Stephen’s Green might be made a beautiful place, being abundantly larger than Lincoln’s Inn-Square; but the houses round about it (besides that some are low and bad) are quite irregular, and unlike each other; and little care is taken of the Green itself, which is as rough and uneven as a common. The College contains two little quadrangles; and one about as large as that of New-College in Oxford. There is likewise a bowling-green, a small garden, and a little park; and a new-built handsome library.
I expected we should have sailed on Saturday, 22; but no packet-boat was come in. In order to make the best of our time, I preached this day at noon, as well as in the evening. It was not for nothing that our passage was delayed. Who knows what a day may bring forth?
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Thur. 5.—I began examining the classes, and every person severally, touching that bane of religion, evil-speaking; as well as touching their manner of life before they heard this preaching; and by comparing what they were with what they are now, we found more abundant cause to praise God.
Fri. 20.—I was informed of a remarkable providence: One going home the last watch-night, met a woman in Blackfriars, who inquired which was the way to the water-side. She said, “It is so late I doubt you will get no boat.” The woman answered, “I don’t want one.” On this she stopped and began to question her more closely, what she was going to do. After a while, she confessed she was going to drown herself, being under heavy affliction. But she was soon brought to a better mind; and seemed resolved to cast her care on Him, who had so signally cared for her.
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Sun. 17.—I made a public collection towards a lending-stock for the poor. Our rule is, to lend only twenty shillings at once, which is repaid weekly within three months. I began this about a year and a half ago: Thirty pounds sixteen shillings were then collected; and out of this, no less than two hundred and fifty-five persons have been relieved in eighteen months. Dr. W., hearing of this design, sent a guinea toward it; as did an eminent Deist the next morning.
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Mon. 14.—I began preaching at five in the morning;—an unheard-of thing in Ireland. I expounded part of the first chapter of the Acts; which I purpose, God willing, to go through in order.
Wed. 16.—I inquired into the state of the society. Most pompous accounts had been sent me, from time to time, of the great numbers that were added to it; so that I confidently expected to find therein six or seven hundred members. And how is the real fact? I left three hundred and ninety-four members; and I doubt if there are now three hundred and ninety-six!
Let this be a warning to us all, how we give in to that hateful custom of painting things beyond the life. Let us make a conscience of magnifying or exaggerating any thing. Let us rather speak under, than above, the truth. We, of all men, should be punctual in all we say; that none of our words may fall to the ground.
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Fri. 25.—I preached in Marlborough-Street at five, to the largest congregation I have yet seen in a morning. At two I began in Ship-Street, where were many of the rich and genteel. I was exceeding weak in body, having been examining classes all the day; but I felt it not after I had spoke two sentences. I was strengthened both in body and soul.
I finished the classes the next day, and found them just as I expected. I left three hundred and ninety-four persons united together in August; I had now admitted between twenty and thirty, who had offered themselves since my return to Dublin; and the whole number was neither more nor less than three hundred and ninety-six.
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Sun. 3.—I preached at five to, at least, three hundred hearers. I walked from thence to see a poor woman that was sick, about a mile from the town. About an hundred and fifty people ran after me. After I had prayed with the sick person, being unwilling so many people should go empty away, I chose a smooth, grassy place, near the road, where we all kneeled down to prayer; after which we sung a psalm, and I gave them a short exhortation. At eleven we went to church, and heard a plain, useful sermon. At two I preached on the Connaught side of the bridge, where there are only (they informed me) five or six families of Protestants. Such a company of people (many said) had never before been seen at Athlone; many coming from all the country round, and (for the present) receiving the word with joy. I preached again, at six, in the same place, and to nearly the same (only a little larger) congregation; the greater part whereof (notwithstanding the prohibition of their Priests) I afterward found were Papists.
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Tues. 5.—Our Room was filled at five. After preaching I examined the classes. I found a surprising openness among them. When I asked one in particular, how he had lived in time past; he spread abroad his hands, and said, with many tears, “Here I stand, a grey-headed monster of all manner of wickedness;” which, I verily believe, had it been desired, he would have explained before them all. Much in the same manner spoke one who came from Connaught; but with huge affliction and dismay. We determined to wrestle with God in her behalf; which we did for above an hour: And he heard the prayer; so that her soul was filled with joy unspeakable. Mr. Jonathan Handy, greatly sorrowing before, was also now enabled to rejoice in God; and four other persons were cut to the heart, and cried aloud to Him that is mighty to save.
Wed. 6.—I baptized seven persons educated among the Quakers. In the afternoon we rode to Philip’s Town; but the scene was changed. The curiosity of the people was satisfied; and few of them cared to hear any more. As soon as I mounted my horse, he began to snort and run backward without any visible cause. One whipped him behind, and I before; but it profited nothing. He leaped to and fro, from side to side, till he came over against a gateway, into which he ran backward, and tumbled head over heels. I rose unhurt. He then went on quietly. At Tullamore, in the evening, well nigh all the town, rich and poor, were gathered together. I used great plainness of speech, in applying those words, “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” The next day, being Good-Friday, I preached at five to a large and serious congregation. Between one and two I preached at Clara, and then rode to Athlone. I preached at six, on, “Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and after that to enter into his glory?” So general a drawing I never knew among any people; so that, as yet, none even seems to oppose the truth.
Sat. 9.—I preached in Connaught, a few miles from Athlone. Many heard; but, I doubt, felt nothing. The Shannon comes within a mile of the house where I preached. I think there is not such another river in Europe: It is here ten or twelve miles over, though scarce thirty miles from its fountain-head. There are many islands in it, once well inhabited, but now mostly desolate. In almost every one is the ruins of a church: In one, the remains of no less than seven. I fear, God hath still a controversy with this land, because it is defiled with blood.
April 10.—(Easter-Day.) Never was such a congregation seen before at the sacrament in Athlone. I preached at three. Abundance of Papists flocked to hear; so that the Priest, seeing his command did not avail, came in person at six, and drove them away before him like a flock of sheep.
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Friday, 24, the day we had appointed for opening the school at Kingswood, I preached there, on, “Train up a child in the way that he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” My brother and I administered the Lord’s Supper to many who came from far. We then agreed on the general rules of the School, which we published presently after.
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Thur. 25.—I rode with Mr. Grimshaw to Roughlee, where T. Colbeck, of Keighley, was to meet us. We were stopped again and again, and begged not to go on; for a large mob from Colne was gone before us. Coming a little farther, we understood they had not yet reached Roughlee. So we hastened on, that we might be there before them. All was quiet when we came. I was a little afraid for Mr. Grimshaw: But it needed not: He was ready to go to prison or death for Christ’s sake.
At half-hour after twelve I began to preach. I had about half finished my discourse, when the mob came pouring down the hill like a torrent. After exchanging a few words with their captain, to prevent any contest, I went with him as he required. When we came to Barrowford, two miles off, the whole army drew up in battle-array before the house into which I was carried, with two or three of my friends. After I had been detained above an hour, their captain went out and I followed him, and desired him to conduct me whence I came. He said, he would: But the mob soon followed after; at which he was so enraged, that he must needs turn back to fight them, and so left me alone.
A farther account is contained in the following letter, which I wrote the next morning:—“Sir, Widdop, Aug. 26, 1748.
“Yesterday, between twelve and one o’clock, while I was speaking to some quiet people, without any noise or tumult, a drunken rabble came, with clubs and staves, in a tumultuous and riotous manner the captain of whom, Richard B., by name, said he was a Deputy-Constable, and that he was come to bring me to you. I went with him; but I had scarce gone ten yards, when a man of his company struck me with his fist in the face with all his might; quickly after, another threw his stick at my head: I then made a little stand; but another of your champions, cursing and swearing in the most shocking manner, and flourishing his club over his head, cried out, ‘Bring him away!’
“With such a convoy I walked to Barrowford, where they informed me you was; their drummer going before, to draw all the rabble together from all quarters.
“When your deputy had brought me into the house, he permitted Mr. Grimshaw, the Minister of Haworth, Mr. Colbeck, of Keighley, and one more, to be with me, promising that none should hurt them. Soon after you and your friends came in, and required me to promise, I would come to Roughlee no more. I told you, I would sooner cut off my hand, than make any such promise: Neither would I promise that none of my friends should come. After abundance of rambling discourse (for I could keep none of you long to any one point,) from about one o’clock till between three and four, (in which one of you frankly said, ‘No; we will not be like Gamaliel, we will proceed like the Jews,’) you seemed a little satisfied with my saying, ‘I will not preach at Roughlee at this time.’ You then undertook to quiet the mob, to whom you went and spoke a few words, and their noise immediately ceased. I then walked out with you at the back-door.
“I should have mentioned that I had several times before desired you to let me go, but in vain; and that when I attempted to go with Richard B., the mob immediately followed, with oaths, curses, and stones; that one of them beat me down to the ground; and when I rose again, the whole body came about me like lions, and forced me back into the house. “While you and I went out at one door, Mr. Grimshaw and Mr. Colbeck went out at the other. The mob immediately closed them in, tossed them to and fro with the utmost violence, threw Mr. Grimshaw down, and loaded them both with dirt and mire of every kind; not one of your friends offering to call off your blood-hounds from the pursuit. “The other quiet, harmless people, who followed me at a distance, to see what the end would be, they treated still worse, not only by the connivance, but by the express order of your Deputy. They made them run for their lives, amidst showers of dirt and stones, without any regard to age or sex. Some of them they trampled in the mire, and dragged by the hair, particularly Mr. Mackford, who came with me from Newcastle. Many they beat with their clubs without mercy. One they forced to leap down (or they would have thrown him headlong) from a rock, ten or twelve feet high, into the river. And when he crawled out, wet and bruised, they swore they would throw him in again, which they were hardly persuaded not to do. All this time you sat well-pleased close to the place, not attempting in the least to hinder them. “And all this time you was talking of Justice and Law! Alas, Sir, suppose we were Dissenters, (which I deny,) suppose we were Jews or Turks, are we not to have the benefit of the laws of our country? Proceed against us by the law, if you can or dare; but not by lawless violence; not by making a drunken, cursing, swearing, riotous mob, both judge, jury, and executioner. This is flat rebellion against God and the King, as you may possibly find to your cost.” Between four and five we set out from Roughlee. But observing several parties of men upon the hills, and suspecting their design, we put on and passed the lane they were making for before they came. One of our brothers, not riding so fast, was intercepted by them. They immediately knocked him down, and how it was that he got from amongst them he knew not.
Before seven we reached Widdop. The news of what had passed at Barrowford made us all friends. The person in whose house Mr. B. preached, sent and begged I would preach there; which I did at eight, to such a congregation as none could have expected on so short a warning. He invited us also to lodge at his house, and all jealousies vanished away.
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Wed. 31.—John Bennet showed me a gentleman’s house, who was, a few years since, utterly without God in the world. But two or three years ago, God laid his hand both upon his body and soul. His sins dropped off. He lived holy and unblamable in all things. And not being able to go about doing good, he resolved to do what good he could at home. To this end he invited his neighbours to his house, every Sunday morning and evening, (not being near any church,) to whom he read the Prayers of the Church and a sermon. Sometimes he had an hundred and fifty or two hundred of them at once. At Bongs I received an invitation from him; so John Bennet and I rode down together, and found him rejoicing under the hand of God, and praising him for all his pain and weakness.
In the evening I preached at Chinley; Thursday, September 1, near Finny-Green at noon; and in the evening near Astbury. Friday, 3. I preached at Wednesbury in the afternoon, and thence rode to Meridan. Riding long stages the next day, we reached St. Alban’s, and the Foundery on Sunday morning.
In the following week I examined the classes, and settled all the business which had called me to London. Monday, 12. I preached at Reading, and rode on to Hungerford. Tuesday, 13. I preached in the new-built Room at Bristol. Thursday, 15. I rode to Beercrocombe, where, between six and seven, I preached to a serious congregation. At three, Friday, 16, we took horse and came in the evening to Litton, near Launceston.
One who removed from Camelford hither, received us gladly. I had not been well all the day, so that I was not sorry they had had no notice of my coming. Being much better in the morning, I preached at seven in the street to a listening multitude, on, “Repent ye, and believe the Gospel.” After preaching, I rode on to Mr. Bennet’s. In the evening I read Prayers and preached in Tresmere church. Sunday, 18. I rode to St. Gennis. Mr. Bennet read Prayers, and I preached, on, “Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.” I question if there were more than two persons in the congregation who did not take it to themselves. Old Mrs. T. did, who was in tears during a great part of the sermon. And so did Mr. B., who afterwards spoke of himself in such a manner as I rejoiced to hear.
Between three and four we reached Tresmere, where a large congregation waited for us. There was no need of speaking terrible things to these, a people ready prepared for the Lord. So I began immediately after Prayers, “All things are of God, who hath reconciled us unto himself.” A little before six I preached again near St. Stephen’s Down. The whole multitude were silent while I was speaking. Not a whisper was heard; but the moment I had done, the chain fell off their tongues. I was really surprised. Surely never was such a cackling made on the banks of Cayster, or the Common of Sedgmoor.
Mon. 19.—I rode to Camelford, and preached about noon, none now offering to interrupt. Thence I went to Port-Isaac, and preached in the street at five to near the whole town; none speaking an unkind word. It rained most of the time, but I believe not five persons went away.
Tues. 20.—The Room was full at four. I breakfasted about seven, at Wadebridge, with Dr. W., who was, for many years, a steady, rational infidel. But it pleased God to touch his heart in reading the “Appeal;” and he is now labouring to be altogether a Christian.
After preaching at one at St. Agnes, I went on to St. Ives. The lives of this society have convinced most of the town, that what we preach is the very truth of the Gospel.
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Sat. October 1.—I preached at Waywick about one, and then rode quietly on to Bristol.
I examined the society the following week, leaving out every careless person, and every one who wilfully and obstinately refused to meet his brethren weekly. By this means their number was reduced from nine hundred to about seven hundred and thirty.
Sun. 9.—I began examining the classes in Kingswood; and was never before so fully convinced of the device of Satan, which has often made our hands hang down, and our minds evil affected to our brethren. Now, as ten times before, a cry was gone forth, “What a scandal do these people bring upon the Gospel! What a society is this! With all these drunkards and tale-bearers and evil-speakers in it!” I expected, therefore, that I should find an heavy task upon my hands; and that none of these scandalous people might be concealed, I first met all the Leaders, and inquired particularly of each person in every class. I repeated this inquiry when the classes themselves met. And what was the ground of all this outcry? Why, two persons had relapsed into drunkenness within three months’ time; and one woman was proved to have made, or at least related, an idle story concerning another. I should rather have expected two-and-twenty instances of the former, and one hundred of the latter kind.
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Mon. 14.—I rode to Windsor, and, after preaching, examined the members of the society. The same I did at Reading in the evening; at Wycombe, on Tuesday; and on Wednesday, at Brentford. In the afternoon I preached to a little company at Wandsworth, who had just begun to seek God: But they had a rough setting out; the rabble gathering from every side, whenever they met together, throwing dirt and stones, and abusing both men and women in the grossest manner. They complained of this to a neighbouring Magistrate, and he promised to do them justice; but Mr. C. walked over to his house, and spoke so much in favour of the rioters, that they were all discharged. It is strange, that a mild, humane man could be persuaded, by speaking quite contrary to the truth, (means as bad as the end,) to encourage a merciless rabble in outraging the innocent. A few days after, Mr. C., walking over the same field, dropped down, and spoke no more! Surely the mercy of God would not suffer a well-meaning man to be any longer a tool to persecutors.
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Tues. 14.—Having set apart an hour weekly for that purpose, I met the children of our four schools together: Namely, the boys boarded in the new House, the girls boarded in the old; the day-scholars (boys) taught by James Harding, and the girls taught by Sarah Dimmock. We soon found the effect of it in the children, some of whom were deeply and lastingly affected.
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Fri. June 3.—I was sent for by a Clergyman, who had come twelve miles on purpose to talk with me. We had no dispute, but simply endeavoured to strengthen each other’s hands in God.
In the evening a gentlewoman informed me that Dr. B. had averred to her and many others, 1. That both John and Charles Wesley had been expelled the University of Oxford long ago. 2. That there was not a Methodist left in Dublin, or any where in Ireland, but Cork and Bandon; all the rest having been rooted out, by order of the Government. 3. That neither were there any Methodists left in England. And, 4. That it was all Jesuitism at the bottom. Alas, for poor Dr. B.! God be merciful unto thee, a sinner!
2. Riot at Cork, Kingswood School and the Conference (1749–1751)
John Wesley, Journal, 30 July 1749 – June 1751 (The Works of the Rev. John Wesley, A.M., ed. Thomas Jackson, Vol. II, Extract No. VIII). Selected whole entries; omitted entries are marked […]. Primary source; the interpretations are the author’s.
CTS note: A “presentment” is a formal accusation by a Grand Jury, and to be “transported” meant to be shipped to the colonies as a punishment; the “depositions” are sworn statements. “My brother” is Charles Wesley. Kingswood School, near Bristol, opened in 1748 for the sons of Methodist preachers and other children. The “Conference” was Wesley’s yearly meeting with his Preachers, and a “watch-night” was a service of prayer late into the night. Dates follow the old (Julian) calendar, which Britain used until September 1752. One editor’s footnote that had run into the text has been removed.
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:—“Dear Sir, Tyrrel’s Pass, July 17.
“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 afterwards 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.”
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. On 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 James Williams, &c.
“We find and present 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 fame, a 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.
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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, in the evening, of describing and comforting the “broken in heart.”
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Sun. 17.—I preached, morning and evening, in the Castle-Garth; and, on Wednesday, 20, set out for the western societies. In the evening, at Hinely-Hill, our hearts were all melted down in considering our great High Priest; who, though he is 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.
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.
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Sun. 12.—Many complaints were made to me of a general deadness among the people of London, at the very time that those in most other parts of England were so remarkably alive to God. It was chiefly owing to a few persons who were continually labouring to spread offences among them. But it was not long before the plague was stayed: Some of these incendiaries separating from us, others being convinced that they had been doing the work of the devil, in the name of the Lord.
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Mon. 4.—I retired to Lewisham. On Saturday, 9, I read the surprising “Extract of Mr. Brainerd’s Journal.” Surely then God hath once more “given to the Gentiles repentance unto life!” Yet amidst so great matter of joy I could not but grieve at this: That even so good a man as Mr. Brainerd should be “wise above that is written;” in condemning what the Scripture nowhere condemns; in prescribing to God the way wherein He should work; and (in effect) applauding himself, and magnifying his own work, above that which God wrought in Scotland, or among the English in New-England: Whereas, in truth, the work among the Indians, great as it was, was not to be compared to that at Cambuslang, Kilsyth, or Northampton.
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Sun. 28.—I read Prayers, and Mr. Whitefield preached. How wise is God in giving different talents to different Preachers! Even the little improprieties both of his language and manner were a means of profiting many, who would not have been touched by a more correct discourse, or a more calm and regular manner of speaking.
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Tues. 30.—I designed to preach abroad in the evening, the House being far too small for the congregation; but the rain and wind would not suffer it. Wednesday, 31. I examined the society, one by one. Some, I found, could already rejoice in God, and all seemed to be hungering after it.
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Thur. 8.—I desired all the Preachers that were in Bristol to meet me at four in the afternoon; and so every day while I was in town. In the evening God rent the rocks again. I wondered at the words he gave me to speak. But he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.
To-day God gave the people of London a second warning; of which my brother wrote as follows:—“This morning, a quarter after five, we had another shock of an earthquake, far more violent than that of February 8. I was just repeating my text, when it shook the Foundery so violently, that we all expected it to fall upon our heads. A great cry followed from the women and the children. I immediately cried out, ‘Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be moved, and the hills be carried into the midst of the sea: For the Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.’ He filled my heart with faith, and my mouth with words, shaking their souls as well as their bodies.” The earth moved westward, then east, then westward again, through all London and Westminster. It was a strong and jarring motion, attended with a rumbling noise, like that of distant thunder. Many houses were much shaken, and some chimneys thrown down, but without any farther hurt.
Sat. 10.—I talked at large with the Masters of Kingswood School, concerning the children and the management. They all agreed, that one of the boys studiously laboured to corrupt the rest. I would not suffer him to stay any longer under the roof, but sent him home that very hour.
Sun. 11.—I began visiting the society at Kingswood, strangely continuing without either increase or decrease. On the following days I visited that at Bristol. What cause have we to be humbled over this people! Last year more than an hundred members were added; This year near an hundred are lost. Such a decay has not been in this society before, ever since it began to meet together.
I should willingly have spent more time at Bristol; finding more and more proofs that God was reviving his work; but that the accounts I received from Ireland made me think it my duty to be there as soon as possible: So, on Monday, 19, I set out with Christopher Hopper for the New-Passage. When we came there, the wind was high, and almost full against us: Nevertheless we crossed in less than two hours, and reached Cardiff before night; where I preached at seven, and found much refreshment.
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Sat. 14.—J—— R—— came from Cork, and brought us a farther account of what had been transacted there. From the beginning of February to the end of it, King Nicholas had reigned: How he still used his power, may appear from two or three instances:—William Jewell, clothier, of Shannon Church-Lane, deposes:—That Nicholas Butler, with a riotous mob, several times assaulted this deponent’s house: That particularly on February 23d, he came thither with a large mob: That several of the rioters entered the house, and swore, the first who resisted, they would blow his brains out: That the deponent’s wife, endeavouring to stop them, was assaulted and beaten by the said Butler; who then ordered his men to break the windows; which they did, with stones of a considerable weight. Mary Philips, of St. Peter’s Church-Lane, deposes:—That on February 26, about seven in the evening, N. B. came to her house with a large mob, and asked where her husband was: That as soon as she appeared, he first abused her in the grossest terms, and then struck her on the head, so that it stunned her; and she verily believes, had not some within thrust to, and fastened, the door, she should have been murdered on the spot.
Elizabeth Gardelet, wife of Joseph Gardelet, Corporal in Colonel Pawlet’s regiment, Captain Charlton’s company, deposes:—That on February 28, as she was going out of her lodgings, being big with child, she was met by Butler and his mob: That Butler, without any manner of provocation, immediately fell upon her, striking her with both his fists on the side of her head, which beat her head against the wall: That she endeavoured to escape from him; but he pursued her, and struck her several times in the face: That she ran into the school-yard for shelter; but he followed, caught hold of her, saying, “You whore, you stand on consecrated ground;” and threw her with such force across the lane, that she was driven against the opposite wall: That when she had recovered herself a little, she made the best of the way to her lodging; but he still pursued her, and overtook her, as she was going up the stairs: That he struck her with his fist on the stomach, which stroke knocked her down backward; That, falling with the small of her back on the edge of one of the stairs, she was not able to rise again: That her pains immediately came upon her, and about two in the morning she miscarried.
These, with several more depositions to the same effect, were, at the Lent Assizes, laid before the Grand Jury: Yet they did not find any of these Bills! But they found one against Daniel Sullivan, (no Preacher, but an hearer of Mr. Wesley,) who, when Butler and his mob were discharging a shower of stones upon him, put them all in bodily fear by discharging a pistol, without any ball, over their heads. If any man wrote this story to England in a quite different manner, and fixed it on a young Methodist Preacher, let him be ashamed.
Several of the persons presented as vagabonds in autumn, appeared at these Assizes. But none appearing against them, they were acquitted, with honour to themselves, and shame to their persecutors; who, by bringing the matter to a judicial determination, plainly showed, “There is law even for Methodists;” and gave His Majesty’s Judge a fair occasion to declare the utter illegality of all riots, and the inexcusableness of tolerating (much more causing) them on any pretence whatsoever.
April 15.—(Being Easter-Day.) I preached, morning and evening; but my voice was so weak, it could scarce be heard.
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Thur. 26.—I examined the class of children, many of whom are rejoicing in God. I then sought after some of the sheep that were lost, and left all I spoke with determined to return. About noon I read the Letters, and in the afternoon rode cheerfully to Mount-Mellick. I found the society here much increased in grace, and yet lessened in number: A case which I scarce remember to have met with before, in all England and Ireland.
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Mon. 30.—I baptized a man and woman, (late Quakers,) as I had done another the night before. Afterwards I visited the sick. The first we went to had been a Papist, but was cast out for hearing us. While we were at prayer she cried bitterly after God, refusing to be comforted; nor did she cease till He revealed his Son in her heart; which she could not but declare to all that were in the house.
About one I administered the Lord’s Supper to a sick person, with a few of our brethren and sisters. Being straitened for time, I used no extemporary prayer at all; yet the power of God was so unusually present, during the whole time, that several knew not how to contain themselves, being quite overwhelmed with joy and love.
Thence we rode to Tullamore. It being the fair-day, many were tolerably drunk. When I began to preach, they made a little disturbance for a while; but the bulk of the audience were deeply attentive.
Tues. May 1.—I found many of the first were become last, being returned “as a dog to the vomit.” In the evening my hoarseness (contracted in Dublin) was so increased, that I doubt few of the congregation could hear. In meeting the society, I reproved them sharply for their lukewarmness and covetousness. In that hour the spirit of contrition came down, and all of them seemed broken in pieces. At the same time my voice was restored in a moment, so that I could once more sing praise to God.
Wed. 2.—I rode to Tyrrel’s Pass, and found more than double the congregation which I had there last year. The next day, when I spoke to those of the society severally, I had still greater cause to rejoice; finding a great part of them walking in the light, and praising God all the day long.
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Sun. 20.—Understanding the usual place of preaching would by no means contain those who desired to hear, about eight I went to Hammond’s Marsh. The congregation was large and deeply attentive. A few of the rabble gathered at a distance; but by little and little they drew near, and mixed with the congregation: So that I have seldom seen a more quiet and orderly assembly at any church in England or Ireland.
In the afternoon, a report being spread abroad that the Mayor designed to hinder my preaching on the Marsh in the evening, I desired Mr. Skelton and Mr. Jones to wait upon him, and inquire concerning it. Mr. Skelton asked, if my preaching there would be disagreeable to him; adding, “Sir, if it would, Mr. Wesley will not do it.” He replied warmly, “Sir, I’ll have no mobbing.” Mr. Skelton replied, “Sir, there was none this morning.” He answered, “There was. Are there not churches and meeting-houses enough? I will have no more mobs and riots.” Mr. Skelton replied, “Sir, neither Mr. Wesley nor they that heard him made either mobs or riots.” He answered plain, “I will have no more preaching; and if Mr. Wesley attempts to preach, I am prepared for him.”
I began preaching in our own house soon after five. Mr. Mayor meantime was walking in the ’Change, and giving orders to the town-drummers and to his Serjeants,—doubtless to go down and keep the peace! They accordingly came down to the House, with an innumerable mob attending them. They continued drumming, and I continued preaching, till I had finished my discourse. When I came out, the mob immediately closed me in. Observing one of the Serjeants standing by, I desired him to keep the King’s peace; but he replied, “Sir, I have no orders to do that.” As soon as I came into the street, the rabble threw whatever came to hand; but all went by me, or flew over my head; nor do I remember that one thing touched me. I walked on straight through the midst of the rabble, looking every man before me in the face; and they opened on the right and left, till I came near Dant’s Bridge. A large party had taken possession of this, one of whom was bawling out, “Now, hey for the Romans!” When I came up, they likewise shrunk back, and I walked through them to Mr. Jenkins’s house; but a Papist stood just within the door, and endeavoured to hinder my going in; till one of the mob (I suppose aiming at me, but missing) knocked her down flat. I then went in, and God restrained the wild beasts, so that not one attempted to follow me. But many of the congregation were more roughly handled, particularly Mr. Jones, who was covered with dirt, and escaped with his life almost by miracle. The main body of the mob then went to the House, brought out all the seats and benches, tore up the floor, the door, the frames of the windows, and whatever of wood-work remained; part of which they carried off for their own use, and the rest they burnt in the open street.
Finding there was no probability of their dispersing, I sent to Alderman Pembrock, who immediately desired Mr. Alderman Windthrop, his nephew, to go down to Mr. Jenkins, with whom I walked up the street, none giving me an unkind or disrespectful word.
Mon. 21.—I rode on to Bandon. From three in the afternoon till past seven, the mob of Cork marched in grand procession, and then burnt me in effigy near Dant’s Bridge. While they were so busily employed, Mr. Haughton took the opportunity of going down to Hammond’s Marsh. He called at a friend’s house there, where the good woman, in great care, locked him in; but observing many people were met, he threw up the sash, and preached to them out of the window. Many seemed deeply affected, even of those who had been persecutors before; and they all quietly retired to their several homes before the mob was at leisure to attend them.
Tues. 22.—The mob and drummers were moving again, between three and four in the morning. The same evening they came down to the Marsh, but stood at a distance from Mr. Stockdale’s house, till the drums beat, and the Mayor’s Serjeant beckoned to them, on which they drew up, and began the attack. The Mayor, being sent for, came with a party of soldiers, and said to the mob, “Lads, once, twice, thrice, I bid you go home: Now I have done.” He then went back, taking the soldiers with him; on which the mob, pursuant to their instructions, went on and broke all the glass and most of the window-frames in pieces.
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Sun. 27.—I wrote to the Mayor of Cork, as follows:—“Mr. Mayor, “An hour ago I received ‘A Letter to Mr. Butler,’ just reprinted at Cork. The publishers assert, ‘it was brought down from Dublin, to be distributed among the society; but Mr. Wesley called in as many as he could.’ Both these assertions are absolutely false. I read some lines of that letter when I was in Dublin; but never read it over before this morning. Who the author of it is I know not; but this I know, I never called in one, neither concerned myself about it; much less brought any down to distribute among the society. “Yet I cannot but return my hearty thanks to the gentlemen who have distributed them through the town. I believe it will do more good than they are sensible of. For though I dislike its condemning the Magistrates and Clergy in general; (several of whom were not concerned in the late proceedings;) yet I think the reasoning is strong and clear; and that the facts referred to therein are not at all misrepresented, will sufficiently appear in due time. “I fear God and honour the King. I earnestly desire to be at peace with all men: I have not willingly given any offence, either to the Magistrates, the Clergy, or any of the inhabitants of the city of Cork; neither do I desire any thing of them, but to be treated (I will not say as a Clergyman, a Gentleman, or a Christian, but) with such justice and humanity as are due to a Jew, a Turk, or a Pagan. I am, Sir, “Your obedient servant, “John Wesley.”
At eight we had such a glorious shower as usually follows a calm. After church I began preaching again, on, “The Scripture hath concluded all under sin.” In the evening a large multitude flocked together: I believe such a congregation was never before seen in Bandon; and the fear of God was in the midst. A solemn awe seemed to run through the whole multitude, while I enlarged on, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
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Tues. 5.—I returned to Limerick. In examining the society here, I could not but take particular notice of about sixty of the Highland Regiment of soldiers,—men fit to appear before Princes. Their zeal, “according to knowledge,” has stirred up many; and they still speak for God, and are not ashamed.
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Thur. 19.—I met the class of soldiers: Nineteen are resolved to “fight the good fight of faith;” eleven or twelve of whom already rejoice in God through Christ, by whom they have received the atonement.
When the society met, some sinners, whom I knew not, were convicted in their own consciences, so that they could not refrain from confessing their faults in the face of all their brethren. One of these I had but just received in: Another I had declared to be excluded; but he pleaded so earnestly to be tried a little longer, that there was no refusing; and we wrestled with God on his behalf, that sin might no more have dominion over him.
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Fri. 17.—I preached at Ludgvan at noon, and at Newlyn in the evening. Through all Cornwall I find the societies have suffered great loss from want of discipline. Wisely said the ancients, “The soul and body make a man; the Spirit and discipline make a Christian.”
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Wed. 22.—We had a Quarterly Meeting; at which were present the Stewards of all the Cornish societies. We had now the first watch-night which had been in Cornwall: And “great was the Holy One of Israel in the midst of us.”
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Thur. 27.—I went into the School, and heard half the children their lessons, and then selected passages of the “Moral and Sacred Poems.” Friday, 28. I heard the other half of the children. Saturday, 29. I was with them from four to five in the morning. I spent most of the day in revising Kennet’s “Antiquities,” and marking what was worth reading in the school.
Wed. October 3.—I revised, for the use of the children, Archbishop Potter’s “Grecian Antiquities;” a dry, dull, heavy book. Thursday, 4. I revised Mr. Lewis’s “Hebrew Antiquities;” something more entertaining than the other, and abundantly more instructive.
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Mon. 19.—I met with an uncommon instance of distress. A poor woman, whose husband was at sea, as she was stepping out of her own door, saw a man whipped along the street. Being seven months gone with child, she went up stairs and fell in labour immediately. Having none to help her, there she remained, till she was constrained to rise, and go down for some food. This immediately threw her into a high fever. A young woman calling there, by mere accident, as it is termed, found her and the child just alive, gave her all the money she had, (which was between eight and nine shillings,) and from that time duly attended her every day.
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Sun. 27.—I preached a charity sermon at Spitalfields, for the use of our poor children. The church was extremely crowded; but not many rich, not many εὐγενεῖς, “well-born,” were there. It was enough that there were many of the people of God, and their Lord in the midst of them.
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Sat. 9.—Many of our Preachers came from various parts. My spirit was much bowed down among them, fearing some of them were perverted from the simplicity of the Gospel. But I was revived at the sight of John H——, John N——, and those who came with them in the evening; knowing they held the truth as it is in Jesus, and did not hold it in unrighteousness.
Mon. 11.—Our Conference began; and the more we conversed, the more brotherly love increased. The same spirit we found on Tuesday and Wednesday. I expected to have heard many objections to our first doctrines; but none appeared to have any: We seemed to be all of one mind, as well as one heart.
Fri. 15.—I mentioned whatever I thought was amiss, or wanting, in any of our brethren. It was received in a right spirit, with much love, and serious, earnest attention; and, I trust, not one went from the Conference discontented; but rather, blessing God for the consolation.
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Wed. 24.—Mr. Hopper and I took horse between three and four, and about seven came to Old-Camus. Whether the country was good or bad we could not see, having a thick mist all the way. The Scotch towns are like none which I ever saw, either in England, Wales, or Ireland: There is such an air of antiquity in them all, and such a peculiar oddness in their manner of building. But we were most surprised at the entertainment we met with in every place, so far different from common report. We had all things good, cheap, in great abundance, and remarkably well-dressed. In the afternoon we rode by Preston-Field, and saw the place of battle, and Colonel Gardiner’s house. The Scotch here affirm, that he fought on foot after he was dismounted, and refused to take quarter. Be it as it may, he is now “where the wicked cease from troubling, and where the weary are at rest.” We reached Musselburgh between four and five. I had no intention to preach in Scotland; nor did I imagine there were any that desired I should. But I was mistaken. Curiosity (if nothing else) brought abundance of people together in the evening. And whereas in the kirk (Mrs. G—— informed me) there used to be laughing and talking, and all the marks of the grossest inattention: But it was far otherwise here: They remained as statues from the beginning of the sermon to the end.
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Fri. 23.—I drew up a short account of the case of Kingswood School.
1. The School began on Midsummer day, 1748. The first Schoolmasters were J—— J——, T—— R——, M—— S——, R—— M——, W—— S——, and A—— G——. The Rules were printed; and notwithstanding the strictness of them, in two or three months we had twenty-eight scholars: So that the family, including M—— D——, the housekeeper, R—— T——, our man, and four maid-servants, consisted of forty persons.
2. From the very beginning I met with all sorts of discouragements. Cavillers and prophets of evil were on every side. An hundred objections were made both to the whole design, and every particular branch of it; especially by those from whom I had reason to expect better things: Notwithstanding which, through God’s help, I went on; wrote an English, a Latin, a Greek, a Hebrew, and a French Grammar, and printed Prælectiones Pueriles, with many other books for the use of the School; and God gave a manifest blessing. Some of the wildest children were struck with deep conviction; all appeared to have good desires; and two or three began to taste the love of God.
3. Yet I soon observed several things which I did not like. The maids divided into two parties. R—— T—— studiously blew up the coals, by constant whispering and tale-bearing. M—— D—— did not supply the defects of other servants, being chiefly taken up with thoughts of another kind. And hence the children were not properly attended, nor were things done with due care and exactness.
4. The Masters should have corrected these irregularities; but they added to them. T—— R—— was so rough and disobliging, that the children were little profited by him. A—— G—— was honest and diligent; but his person and manner made him contemptible to the children. R—— M—— was grave and weighty in his behaviour, and did much good, till W—— S—— set the children against him; and, instead of restraining them from play, played with them himself. J—— J—— and W—— S—— were weighed down by the rest, who neither observed the Rules in the school nor out of it. 5. The continual breach of that rule, “Never to let the children work, but in the presence of a Master,” occasioned their growing wilder and wilder, till all their religious impressions were worn off; and the sooner, as four or five of the larger boys were very uncommonly wicked. 6. When I came down in September, 1750, and found the scholars reduced to eighteen, I determined to purge the house thoroughly. Two more of the children (one of them exquisitely wicked) I sent home without delay. M—— D——, T—— R——, S—— M——, and three of the maids were gone away already: R—— T——, W—— S——, and A—— G——, went after; so that only two Masters, Mr. J—— and S——, remained with Mrs. Hardwick, one maid, and sixteen scholars. 7. I now hoped the time was come for God to revive his work: But we were not low enough yet. So first J—— J—— and then W—— S——, grew weary; the Rules were neglected again; and in the following winter, Mr. Page died, and five more scholars went away. What weakened the hands of the Masters still more, was the bitter evil-speaking of some who continually endeavoured either to drive away the children that remained, or to prevent others from coming.
8. There are now two Masters, the housekeeper, a maid, and eleven children. I believe all in the house are at length of one mind; and trust God will bless us in the latter end, more than in the beginning.
3. Persecuted Preachers, Irish Preaching and the Poor of London (1752–1754)
John Wesley, Journal, 3 April 1752 – 26 October 1754 (The Works of the Rev. John Wesley, A.M., ed. Thomas Jackson, Vol. II, Extract No. IX). Selected whole entries; omitted entries are marked […]. Primary source; the interpretations are the author’s.
CTS note: “Colliers” are coal miners; the Marshalsea and Newgate were prisons. Thomas Walsh was an Irish lay Preacher who preached to his countrymen in the Irish language, in Ireland and in London. A “Quarterly Meeting” gathered the Stewards of a circuit to review the spiritual and money matters of every society. Two entries survive only in part in the OCR; the unreadable remainder is marked [illegible]. Wesley’s joke about a young man who “ran mad” uses the harsh language of his age about mental illness.
Fri. April 3.—I rode to Bank-House, near Rochdale, where T. Mitchell gave me the following account: “On Sunday, August 7, last, I preached at Wrangle, at five in the morning, as usual. About six two Constables came, and carried me to a public-house, where I was kept till near four in the afternoon. Then one of them said, he would go and ask the Minister, whether they might not let me go. Upon his return, they brought me out to a large mob, who carried me, and threw me into a standing water; and as often as I tried to come out, they pitched me in again. At last some of them said, I should come out, and kept the others off, till I got up the bank. I found myself very happy all the time; for I knew I was in the Lord’s hand. I got back to the house where I lodged, and went to bed. But in less than an hour the mob came again, broke open the doors of the house and the chamber, and dragged me away with them. They carried me to a great pond, which was railed round, being ten or twelve foot deep. Then four men took me up by my legs and arms. I felt the flesh shrink a little at first; but it was soon over, and I did not care whether I lived or died; just as pleased the Lord. They swung me backward and forward two or three times, and then threw me as far as they could into the water. The fall took away my senses, so that I felt nothing more. But some that did not care to have me drowned, when I came above water, catching hold of my clothes with a long pole, pulled me out. I lay senseless for some time. When I came to myself, I saw many people about me: One of them helped me up, and bade me go with him. He brought me to a little house, and put me to bed; but I had not laid long, before the mob came again, pulled me out of bed, and drove me before them, almost naked, to the end of the parish, where they left me. I made shift to get on to a place three miles off; where I got to bed again, and slept in peace.”
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Sun. 19.—At eight I preached at Clayworth, where, a year ago, the mob carried all before them. But an honest Justice quelled them at once; so that they are now glad to be quiet, and mind their own business.
At one I preached at Misterton, to a deeply attentive congregation assembled from all parts; and between four and five at Epworth Cross. The congregation here was somewhat lessened by a burial at Belton, that of poor Mr. R——d P——ll; emphatically poor, though, while he lived, he possessed (not enjoyed) at least a thousand pounds a year.
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Fri. 24.—We rode by a fine seat; the owner of which (not much above fourscore years old) says he desires only to live thirty years longer; ten to hunt, ten to get money, (having at present but twenty thousand pounds a year,) and ten years to repent. O that God may not say unto him, “Thou fool, this night shall thy soul be required of thee!” When I landed at the quay in Hull, it was covered with people, inquiring, “Which is he? Which is he?” But they only stared and laughed; and we walked unmolested to Mr. A——’s house.
I was quite surprised at the miserable condition of the fortifications; far more ruinous and decayed than those at Newcastle, even before the rebellion. It is well there is no enemy near.
I went to Prayers at three in the old church,—a grand and venerable structure. Between five and six the coach called, and took me to Mighton-Car, about half a mile from the town. An huge multitude, rich and poor, horse and foot, with several coaches, were soon gathered together; to whom I cried with a loud voice, and a composed spirit, “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Some thousands of the people seriously attended; but many behaved as if possessed by Moloch. Clods and stones flew about on every side; but they neither touched nor disturbed me. When I had finished my discourse, I went to take coach; but the coachman had driven clear away. We were at a loss, till a gentlewoman invited my wife and me to come into her coach. She brought some inconveniences on herself thereby; not only as there were nine of us in the coach, three on each side, and three in the middle; but also as the mob closely attended us, throwing in at the windows (which we did not think it prudent to shut) whatever came next to hand. But a large gentlewoman who sat in my lap, screened me, so that nothing came near me. The mob, who were increased to several thousands, when I stepped out of the coach into Mr. A——’s house, perceiving I was escaped out of their hands, revenged themselves on the windows with many showers of stones, which they poured in, even into the rooms four stories high. Mr. A—— walked through them to the Mayor’s house, who gave him fair words, but no assistance; probably not knowing that himself (the Mayor) might be compelled to make good all the damage which should be done. He then went in quest of Constables, and brought two with him about nine o’clock. With their help he so thoroughly dispersed the mob, that no two of them were left together. But they rallied about twelve, and gave one charge more, with oaths, and curses, and bricks, and stones. After this, all was calm, and I slept sound till near four in the morning. About five, Saturday, 25, we took horse, and made to Pocklington. I was sorry, when I found it was the fair-day, that notice had been given of my preaching; especially when I heard there was no society, and scarce any one awakened in the town. The unusual bitterness of several who met us in the street, made the prospect still more unpromising. However, I went to see the room provided for preaching, but found it was not above five yards square. I then looked at a yard which was proposed; but one circumstance of this I did not like. It was plentifully furnished with stones; Artillery ready at hand for the devil’s drunken companions. Just then it began to rain; upon which a gentleman offered a large commodious barn. Thither I went without delay, and began preaching to a few, who increased continually. I have known no such time since we left London. Their tears fell as the rain. None opposed or mocked: So that these made full amends for the behaviour of those at Hull. The man and his wife at whose house we dined, had been bitterly persecuted both by his and her mother. These were some of the first whose hearts were touched. Immediately after preaching they came up into the room where we were, and confessed, with many tears, how eagerly they had opposed the truth of God, and troubled their children for adhering to it. How wise are all the ways of God! Had it not been fair-day, these had not been here. Yet some of our company had dreadful forebodings of what was to be at York. A worthy Justice of the Peace (doubtless to quiet the mob there) had just caused to be cried about the streets, stuck up in public places, and even thrown into many houses, part of the “Comparison between the Papists and Methodists.” Perhaps this might be the occasion of some bitter curses which were given us almost as soon as we entered the gates. But the vain words of those Rabshakehs returned into their own bosoms. I began preaching at six. The chapel was filled with hearers, and with the presence of God. The opposers opened not their mouths. The mourners blessed God for the consolation.
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Thur. 14.—At five the soldiers made a considerable part of the congregation. At noon they came again in troops. One of them, T—— W——, came last year from the Highlands, and went through Westmoreland to beat up for recruits. He had been earnestly warned, before he left Scotland, on no account to go near the Methodists. But in Kendal he lighted on two or three; from which time they were not one day asunder. It was not long before God clearly assured him of his pardoning love. A fortnight after, he was ordered to follow the regiment to Berwick; where he is continually exhorting his comrades to be “good soldiers of Jesus Christ:” And many already have listed under his banner.
Fri. 15.—In the afternoon I preached at Alemouth. How plain an evidence have we here, that even our outward work, even the societies, are not of man’s building! With all our labour and skill, we cannot, in nine years’ time, form a society in this place; even though there is none that opposes, poor or rich: Nay, though the two richest men in the town, and the only gentlemen there, have done all which was in their power to farther it.
Sat. 16.—I rode on to the poor colliers at Placey. When we came hither first, John Lane, then nine or ten years old, was one of the first who found peace with God. From that hour he continued to walk day and night in the light of his countenance. I saw him last year, longing to be with Christ. But he was detained here a little longer, that he might witness “a good confession” in death, as well as in life. He praised God as long as he had breath, and was buried a day or two before I came.
May 17.—(Being Whit-Sunday.) I preached in the morning at Gateshead, to an huge congregation, on our Lord’s words, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.” About five I began near the Keelmen’s Hospital; many thousands standing round, or sitting on the grass. The wind was high just before; but scarce a breath was felt, all the time we were assembled before God. I praised God for this also. Is it enthusiasm to see God in every benefit which we receive?
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Mon. June 1.—I examined the society, and praised God on their behalf.
Tues. 2.—I rode to Seaton, a town of colliers, ten measured miles from Whitehaven. The poor people had prepared a kind of pulpit for me, covered at the top and on both sides, and had placed a cushion to kneel upon of the greenest turf in the country. But my voice was still so low, that I fear not half of those who were present could hear.
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Wed. 12.—In the evening I preached at Birr. I scarce ever saw so large, so genteel, and so serious a congregation there before. The next evening I reached Limerick.
I spent Friday and Saturday in conference with our Preachers, and the next week spake with each of the members of the society; many of whom, I now found, were “rooted and grounded in love,” and “zealous of good works.”
Fri. 21.—I rode through heavy rain to Shronill, and to Cork the next day. Sunday, 23. At eight the House would not near contain the congregation: Yet I judged a small congregation with peace, preferable to a large one with noise and tumult. On Monday and Tuesday I carefully examined the society, put away those who did not walk according to the Gospel, and found about three hundred who still strive to have “a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward man.”
Tues. 25.—I preached in the market-place at Kinsale. The next morning, at eight, I walked to the Fort. On the hill above it we found a large, deep hollow, capable of containing two or three thousand people. On one side of this, the soldiers soon cut a place with their swords for me to stand, where I was screened both from the wind and sun, while the congregation sat on the grass before me. Many eminent sinners were present, particularly of the army; and I believe God gave them a loud call to repentance.
In the evening I called sinners to repentance in the main street, at Bandon. On Thursday and Friday the rain drove us into the market-house. Indeed, I hardly remember two dry days together since I landed in Ireland. Saturday, 29. I returned to Cork, and spent a comfortable day; having a strong hope, that God will “lift up the hands that hang down.” Monday, 31. I rode to Clonmell. A wide door was opened here a year ago; but one evening, just after sermon was ended, the room in which the preaching had been, fell. Two or three persons were hurt thereby; for which reason, (could one desire a better?) the people of the town vowed that no Methodists should ever more preach in Clonmell.
Tues. September 1.—I preached at Waterford. Only one poor man behaved amiss: His case is really to be pitied. Some time since he had strong desires to serve God, and had broke off his outward sins, when Mr.——, one of the Prebendaries, told him, he did very wrong to go after those fellows; and made him promise to hear them no more. He kept his word, and turned back, as a dog to his vomit, wallowing in sin, as he did before. But he does not go to the Methodists; so all is well: He may go to the devil and welcome.
Wed. 2.—At eleven Mr. Walsh began preaching in Irish in the market-house. It being market-day, the people flocked from all sides: Many of them seriously attended. A few of the rabble cursed and swore, but did not make a considerable interruption.
At five I went to the Court-House, and began preaching; but the mob was so numerous and noisy that few could hear. Perceiving the noise increase more and more, I walked through the midst of the mob to my lodgings. They hallooed, and shouted, and cursed amain: Hitherto could they come but no further.
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Sat. 23.—We reached Cork. Sunday, 24. In the evening I proposed to the society the building a preaching-house. The next day ten persons subscribed an hundred pounds; another hundred was subscribed in three or four days, and a piece of ground taken. I saw a double providence now in our not sailing last week. If we had, probably this House had never been built; and it is most likely we should have been cast away. Above thirty ships, we were informed, have been lost on these coasts in the late storm.
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Sat. February 3.—I visited one in the Marshalsea Prison; a nursery of all manner of wickedness. O shame to man, that there should be such a place, such a picture of hell upon earth! And shame to those who bear the name of Christ, that there should need any prison at all in Christendom!
Thur. 8.—A proposal was made for devolving all temporal business, books and all, entirely on the Stewards; so that I might have no care upon me (in London at least) but that of the souls committed to my charge. O when shall it once be! From this day? In me mora non erit ulla. In the afternoon I visited many of the sick; but such scenes, who could see unmoved? There are none such to be found in a Pagan country. If any of the Indians in Georgia were sick, (which indeed exceeding rarely happened, till they learned gluttony and drunkenness from the Christians,) those that were near him gave him whatever he wanted. O who will convert the English into honest Heathens! On Friday and Saturday, I visited as many more as I could. I found some in their cells under ground; others in their garrets, half-starved both with cold and hunger, added to weakness and pain. But I found not one of them unemployed, who was able to crawl about the room. So wickedly, devilishly false is that common objection, “They are poor, only because they are idle.” If you saw these things with your own eyes, could you lay out money in ornaments or superfluities?
Sun. 11.—I preached at Hayes. Here we have a fair instance of overcoming evil with good. All but the Gentry of the parish patiently hear the truth. Many approve of, and some experience it.
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Wed. 21.—I visited more of the poor sick. The industry of many of them surprised me. Several who were ill able to walk, were nevertheless at work; some without any fire, (bitterly cold as it was,) and some, I doubt, without any food; yet not without that “meat which endureth to everlasting life.”
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Thur. 15.—I met the stewards of the neighbouring societies at Bearfield, and was much refreshed among them.
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Wed. 4.—I made an end of examining the society at Manchester; among whom were seventeen of the Dragoons. It is remarkable, that these were in the same regiment with John Haime, in Flanders; but they utterly despised both him and his Master, till they removed to Manchester: Here it was that one and another dropped in, he scarce knew why, to hear the preaching. And they now are a pattern of seriousness, zeal, and all holy conversation.
Thur. 5.—I rode to Bolton, and found the society just double to what it was when I was here last; and they are increased in grace no less than in number, walking closely with God, lovingly and circumspectly with one another, and wisely toward those that are without. [illegible]
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Sun. 15.—I preached in the afternoon at Cockermouth, to well nigh all the inhabitants of the town. Intending to go from thence into Scotland, I inquired concerning the road, and was informed I could not pass the arm of the sea which parts the two kingdoms, unless I was at Bonas, about thirty miles from Cockermouth, soon after five in the morning. At first I thought of taking an hour or two’s sleep, and setting out at eleven or twelve. But, upon farther consideration, we chose to take our journey first, and rest afterward. So we took horse about seven, and having a calm, moonshiny night, reached Bonas before one. After two or three hours’ sleep, we set out again without any faintness or drowsiness.
Our landlord, as he was guiding us over the Frith, very innocently asked, how much a year we got by preaching thus. This gave me an opportunity of explaining to him that kind of gain which he seemed utterly a stranger to. He appeared to be quite amazed; and spake not one word, good or bad, till he took his leave.
Presently after he went, my mare stuck fast in a quagmire, which was in the midst of the high road. But we could well excuse this; for the road all along, for near fifty miles after, was such as I never saw any natural road either in England or Ireland: Nay, far better, notwithstanding the continued rain, than the turnpike road between London and Canterbury. We dined at Dumfries, a clean, well-built town, having two of the most elegant churches (one at each end of the town) that I have seen. We reached Thorny-Hill in the evening. What miserable accounts pass current in England of the inns in Scotland! Yet here, as well as wherever we called in our whole journey, we had not only everything we wanted, but everything readily and in good order, and as clean as I ever desire.
Tues. 17.—We set out about four, and rode over several high, but extremely pleasant, mountains, to Lead-Hill; a village of miners, resembling Placey, near Newcastle. We dined at a village called Lesmahaggy, and about eight in the evening reached Glasgow. A gentleman who had overtaken us on the road, sent one with us to Mr. Gillies’s house.
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Sun. 22—It rained much: Nevertheless, upwards (I suppose) of a thousand people stayed with all willingness, while I explained and applied, “This is life eternal, to know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.” I was desired to preach afterwards at the prison; which I did about nine o’clock. All the felons, as well as debtors, behaved with such reverence as I never saw at any prison in England. It may be, some, even of these sinners, will occasion joy in heaven.
The behaviour of the people at church, both morning and afternoon, was beyond anything I ever saw, but in our congregations. None bowed or courtesied to each other, either before or after the Service; from the beginning to the end of which, none talked, or looked at any but the Minister. Surely much of the power of godliness was here, when there is so much of the form still.
The meadow, where I stood in the afternoon, was filled from side to side. I spoke as closely as ever in my life. Many of the students, and many of the soldiers, were there; and I bear them witness, they could bear “sound doctrine.”
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Thur. May 3.—I preached at Gateshead-Fell, to many more than the House would contain. The Society here was increased when I met them last, from nine or ten to sixty members. They are now double the number; and, I trust, will ere long overtake their brethren in Kingswood.
Fri. 4.—We had the first General Quarterly meeting of all the stewards round Newcastle, in order thoroughly to understand both the spiritual and temporal state of every society.
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Tues. 22.—Most of our Preachers met, and conversed freely together; as we did, morning and afternoon, to the end of the week; when our Conference ended with the same blessing as it began: God giving us all to be not only of one heart, but of one judgment.
This week I read over Mr. Rimius’s “Candid Narrative.” It informed me of nothing new. I still think several of the inconsiderable members of that community are upright. But I fear their governors “wax worse and worse, having their conscience seared as with an hot iron.”
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Sun. 21.—Mr. Walsh preached at Short’s Gardens in Irish. Abundance of his countrymen flocked to hear, and some were cut to the heart. How many means does God use, to bring poor wanderers back to himself!
Sun. July 1.—He preached in Irish in Moorfields. The congregation was exceeding large, and behaved seriously; though probably many of them came purely to hear what manner of language it was. For the sake of these he preached afterwards in English, if by any means he might gain some.
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Sun. 8.—After preaching at the chapel, morning and afternoon, I took horse with Mr. P——. We had designed to ride only two or three hours, in order to shorten the next day’s journey. But a young man, who overtook us near Kingston, induced us to change our purpose. So we only rested about half an hour at Cobham; and, leaving it between nine and ten, rode on softly in a calm, moonshiny night, and about twelve came to Godaiming. We took horse again at half an hour past four, and reached Portsmouth about one.
I was surprised to find so little fruit here, after so much preaching. That accursed itch of disputing had well nigh destroyed all the seed which had been sown. And this “vain jangling” they called “contending for the faith.” I doubt the whole faith of these poor wretches is but an opinion. After a little rest, we took a walk round the town, which is regularly fortified; and is, I suppose, the only regular fortification in Great Britain or Ireland. Gosport, Portsmouth, and the Common, (which is now all turned into streets,) may probably contain half as many people as Bristol; and so civil a people I never saw before in any seaport town in England. I preached at half an hour after six, in an open part of the Common, adjoining to the new church. The congregation was large and well-behaved; Not one scoffer did I see, nor one trifler. In the morning, Tuesday, 10, I went on board an hoy; and in three hours landed at Cowes, in the Isle of Wight; as far exceeding the Isle of Anglesey, both in pleasantness and fruitfulness, as that exceeds the rocks of Scilly.
We rode straight to Newport, the chief town in the Isle, and found a little society in tolerable order. Several of them had found peace with God. One informed me it was about eight years ago since she first knew her interest in Christ, by means of one who called there in his way to Pennsylvania; but having none to speak to, or advise with, she was long tormented with doubts and fears. After some years, she received a fresh manifestation of his love, and could not doubt or fear any more. She is now (and has been long) confined to her bed, and consuming away with pining sickness: But all is good to her; for she has learned in every thing to give thanks. At half an hour after six, I preached in the market-place, to a numerous congregation; But they were not so serious as those at Portsmouth. Many children made much noise, and many grown persons were talking aloud, almost all the time I was preaching. It was quite otherwise at five in the morning. There was a large congregation again; and every person therein seemed to know this was the word whereby God would judge them in the last day.
In the afternoon, I walked to Carisbrook-Castle; or rather, the poor remains of it. It stands upon a solid rock on the top of an hill, and commands a beautiful prospect. There is a well in it, cut quite through the rock, said to be seventy-two yards deep; and another in the citadel, near an hundred. They drew up the water by an ass, which they assured us was sixty years old. But all the stately apartments lie in ruins. Only just enough of them is left, to show the chamber where poor King Charles was confined, and the window through which he attempted to escape.
In the evening the congregation at Newport was more numerous and more serious than the night before. Only one drunken man made a little disturbance. But the Mayor ordered him to be taken away.
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Tues. 17.—At their earnest desire, I preached to the poor colliers confined in Newgate on account of the late riot. They would not hear the Gospel while they were at liberty. God grant they may profit by it now!
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Mon. 23.—I rode to Launceston, and had the first general meeting of the stewards, for the eastern part of Cornwall. [illegible]
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Wed. 8.—We were invited to Mevagissey, a small town on the south sea. As soon as we entered the town, many ran together, crying, “See, the Methodees are come.” But they only gaped and stared; so that we returned unmolested to the house I was to preach at, a mile from the town. Many serious people were waiting for us, but most of them deeply ignorant. While I was showing them the first principles of Christianity, many of the rabble from the town came up. They looked as fierce as lions; but in a few minutes changed their countenance, and stood still. Toward the close, some began to laugh and talk, who grew more boisterous after I had concluded. But I walked straight through the midst of them, and took horse without any interruption. On Thursday, 9, I rode to Port-Isaac, and the next day to Trewalder. The little society here meet every night and morning, with a Preacher or without; and whoever comes among them quickly feels what spirit they are of.
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Fri. 24.—I endeavoured once more to bring Kingswood School into order. Surely the importance of this design is apparent, even from the difficulties that attend it. I have spent more money, and time, and care, on this, than almost any design I ever had: And still it exercises all the patience I have. But it is worth all the labour.
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Mon. September 3.—I began visiting the little societies in Somersetshire and Wiltshire. This evening I preached at Shepton-Mallet, and found much life among the poor, plain people. It was not so at Oakhill, the next day, where many once alive have drawn back to perdition. But at Coleford, in the evening, I found many living souls, though joined with some who did not adorn the Gospel.
Wed. 5.—I rode over to Kingswood, a little town near Wotton-under-Edge. Some weeks since W—— S—— was invited to preach at Wotton; which he did once, in great peace. But the next time he went, the mob was so turbulent, that he could not finish his sermon; Upon which one desired him to come to Kingswood; which he did; and many people heard him gladly. Soon after I came in, a multitude of people was gathered from all parts. A large congregation was there at five in the morning, and a larger than ever in the evening. The next morning I accepted of Mr. [illegible], after reading Prayers, preached at the church. All the people expressed huge good-will; but none appeared to be deeply affected. At half an hour after twelve I preached in the street, at Wickwar, about four miles from Kingswood; where there has been a small society for some years; many of whom can rejoice in God. The rest of the audience gave a civil attention, and seemed little pleased or displeased at the matter.
Mon. 10.—I preached to the condemned malefactors in Newgate; but I could make little impression upon them. I then took horse for Paulton, where I called on Stephen Plummer, once of our society, but now a zealous Quaker. He was much pleased with my calling, and came to hear me preach. Being straitened for time, I concluded sooner than usual; but as soon as I had done, Stephen began. After I had listened half an hour, finding he was no nearer the end, I rose up to go away. His sister then begged him to leave off; on which he flew into a violent rage, and roared louder and louder, till an honest man took him in his arms, and gently carried him away.
What a wise providence was it, that this poor young man turned Quaker, some years before he ran mad! So the honour of turning his brain now rests upon them, which otherwise must have fallen upon the Methodists.
I preached at six in the evening at Buckland, about two miles from Frome, in a meadow of Mr. Emblen’s, a wonderful monument of the grace of God; who, from the day he received peace, (being then acquainted with no Methodist,) has continually walked in the light of God’s countenance. The Curate had provided a mob, with horns and other things convenient, to prevent the congregation’s hearing me. But the better half of the mob soon left their fellows, and listened with great attention. The rest did no harm; so that we had a comfortable opportunity; and another at five in the morning.
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Wed. 22.—Our Conference began; and the spirit of peace and love was in the midst of us.” Before we parted, we all willingly signed an agreement, not to act independently on each other: So that the breach lately made has only united us more closely together than ever.
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Thur. 5.—At noon I preached at the Town-Hall to a very wild, yet civil congregation. At two, the stewards, not only from the upper part of Cornwall, but several from the western societies, met. At six I preached in the Town-Hall, again; and for the sake of this hour only, (had no other end been answered,) I should have thought all the labour of my journey well bestowed.
Fri. 6.—I rode to Plymouth-Dock, and preached in the Room lately built. But though it was three or four times as large as the old, it would not contain the congregation. Is the time come, when even this barren soil shall bring forth “fruits of righteousness?”
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Tues. 17.—I rode to Trowbridge, where one who found peace with God while he was a soldier in Flanders, and has been much prospered in business since his discharge, has built a preaching-house at his own expense. He had a great desire that I should be the first who preached in it; but before I had finished the hymn, it was so crowded, and consequently so hot, that I was obliged to go out and stand at the door: There was a multitude of hearers, rich and poor. O that they may not all hear in vain!
Fri. 27.—I thought I had strength enough to keep a watch-night, which I had not done before for eleven months. But though I broke off at eleven, I almost lost my voice; and the next evening at Weaver’s Hall it entirely failed, so that I had much difficulty to conclude my sermon.
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Sat. 26.—Mr. Gilbert Tennent, of New-England, called upon me, and informed me of his design, now ready to be executed, of founding an American College for Protestants of every denomination. An admirable design, if it will bring Protestants of every denomination to bear with one another.
4. Covenant, Conference and the Gospel among the Nations (1755–1758)
John Wesley, Journal, 5 April 1755 – 18 April 1758 (The Works of the Rev. John Wesley, A.M., ed. Thomas Jackson, Vol. II, Extract No. X). Selected whole entries; omitted entries are marked […]. Primary source; the interpretations are the author’s.
CTS note: In 1755 Wesley first led the Methodists in renewing their covenant with God, using words of the Puritan Richard Alleine; the same year the Leeds Conference debated separation from the Church of England. An “Assistant” was the Preacher in charge of a circuit. The letters of Samuel Davies of Virginia use the period word “Negroes” for enslaved Africans; CTS keeps the historical wording. Slavery was a grave evil, and Wesley himself later condemned it in Thoughts upon Slavery (1774). The French prisoners in Cornwall were captives of the Seven Years’ War (1756–1763).
Sat. 5.—I preached at Wednesbury, and at eight on Sunday morning. But the great congregation assembled in the afternoon, as soon as the Service of the church was over, with which we take care never to interfere. A solemn awe seemed to run all through the company in the evening, when I met the society. We have indeed preached the Gospel here “with much contention:” But the success overpays the labour.
Mon. 7.—I was advised to take the Derbyshire road to Manchester. We baited at an house six miles beyond Lichfield. Observing a woman sitting in the kitchen, I asked, “Are you not well?” and found she had just been taken ill, (being on her journey,) with all the symptoms of an approaching pleurisy. She was glad to hear of an easy, cheap, and (almost) infallible remedy,—an handful of nettles, boiled a few minutes, and applied warm to the side. While I was speaking to her, an elderly man, pretty well dressed, came in. Upon inquiry, he told us he was travelling, as he could, towards his home near Hounslow, in hopes of agreeing with his creditors, to whom he had surrendered his all. But how to get on he knew not, as he had no money, and had caught a tertian ague. I hope a wise Providence directed this wanderer also, that he might have a remedy for both his maladies. Soon after we took horse we overtook a poor man creeping forward on two crutches. I asked, whither he was going. He said toward Nottingham, where his wife lived: But both his legs had been broke while he was on shipboard, and he had now spent all his money. This man likewise appeared exceeding thankful, and ready to acknowledge the hand of God.
In the afternoon we came to Barton-Forge; where a gentleman of Birmingham has set up a large iron-work, and fixed five or six families, with a serious man over them, who lost near all he had in the great riot at Wednesbury. Most of them are seeking to save their souls. I preached in the evening, not to them only, but to many gathered from all parts, and exhorted them to love and help one another.
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Tues. 6.—Our Conference began at Leeds. The point on which we desired all the Preachers to speak their minds at large was, “Whether we ought to separate from the Church?” Whatever was advanced on one side or the other was seriously and calmly considered; and on the third day we were all fully agreed in that general conclusion,—that (whether it was lawful or not) it was no ways expedient.
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Tues. 13.—I rode on to Newcastle. I did not find things here in the order I expected. Many were on the point of leaving the Church, which some had done already; and, as they supposed, on my authority! O how much discord is caused by one jarring string! How much trouble by one man who does not walk by the same rule, and agree in the same judgment with his brethren!
May 18.—(Being Whit-Sunday.) I preached about eight at Gateshead-Fell, and returned before the Service at St. Andrews began. At the sacrament many found an uncommon blessing, and felt God has not yet left the Church. In the following week I spake to the members of the society severally, and found far fewer than I expected prejudiced against the Church: I think not above forty in all. And I trust the plague is now stayed.
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Fri. 13.—In the evening I preached at Sheffield. In the morning I examined the members of the society; and was agreeably surprised to find, that though none had visited them, since I did it myself, two years ago, yet they were rather increased than diminished in number, and many of them growing in grace.
Mon. 16.—I preached in the evening at Nottingham, and on Thursday afternoon reached London. From a deep sense of the amazing work which God has of late years wrought in England, I preached in the evening on those words, (Psalm cxlvii. 20,) “He hath not dealt so with any nation;” no, not even with Scotland or New-England. In both these God has indeed made bare his arm; yet not in so astonishing a manner as among us. This must appear to all who impartially consider, 1. The numbers of persons on whom God has wrought: 2. The swiftness of his work in many, both convinced and truly converted in a few days: 3. The depth of it in most of these, changing the heart, as well as the whole conversation; 4. The clearness of it, enabling them boldly to say, “Thou hast loved me; thou hast given thyself for me:” 5. The continuance of it. God has wrought in Scotland and New-England, at several times, for some weeks or months together; but among us, he has wrought for near eighteen years together, without any observable intermission. Above all, let it be remarked, that a considerable number of the regular Clergy were engaged in that great work in Scotland; and in New-England, above an hundred, perhaps as eminent as any in the whole province, not only for piety, but also for abilities, both natural and acquired; whereas in England there were only two or three inconsiderable Clergymen, with a few young, raw, unlettered men; and these opposed by well nigh all the Clergy, as well as laity, in the nation. He that remarks this must needs own, both that this is a work of God, and that he hath not wrought so in any other nation.
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Wed. 6.—I mentioned to the congregation another means of increasing serious religion, which had been frequently practised by our forefathers, and attended with eminent blessing; namely, the joining in a covenant to serve God with all our heart and with all our soul. I explained this for several mornings following; and on Friday many of us kept a fast unto the Lord, beseeching him to give us wisdom and strength, to promise unto the Lord our God and keep it.
Mon. 11.—I explained once more the nature of such an engagement, and the manner of doing it acceptably to God. At six in the evening we met for that purpose, at the French church in Spitalfields. After I had recited the tenor of the covenant proposed, in the words of that blessed man, Richard Alleine, all the people stood up, in testimony of assent, to the number of about eighteen hundred persons. Such a night I scarce ever saw before. Surely the fruit of it shall remain for ever.
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Mon. March 1.—I set out for Bristol. Some time after, I received the copy of another letter, dated March 2, from the Rev. Mr. Davies in Virginia, part of which I have subjoined:—“When the books arrived, I gave public notice after sermon, and desired such Negroes as could read, and such white people as would make good use of them, and were not able to buy, to come to my house. For some time after, the poor slaves, whenever they could get an hour’s leisure, hurried away to me, and received them with all the genuine indications of passionate gratitude. All the books were very acceptable; but none more so than the Psalms and Hymns, which enabled them to gratify their peculiar taste for psalmody. Sundry of them lodged all night in my kitchen; and sometimes when I have awaked at two or three in the morning, a torrent of sacred psalmody has poured into my chamber. In this exercise some of them spend the whole night.
“The good effects of this charity are already apparent. It convinces the Heathen, that however careless about religion the generality of the white people are, yet there are some who think it a matter of importance. It has excited some of their masters to emulation; and they are ashamed, that strangers on the other side the Atlantic Ocean should be at such pains to teach their domestics, while themselves are negligent about it. Such of the Negroes as can read already, are evidently improving in knowledge. It has excited others to learn to read: For as I give books to none but such as can read, they consider them as a reward for their industry. And I am told, that in almost every house in my congregation, and in many other places, they spend every leisure hour in endeavouring to learn. Many do this from a sincere desire to know the will of God; and if some should do it from the meaner principle of vanity or curiosity, yet I cannot but rejoice, that it renders them the more capable of receiving instruction. To all this I may add, that the very distributing these books gives me an opportunity of speaking seriously, and with particular application, to many who would not otherwise come in my way.
“There are thousands of Negroes in this colony who still continue in the grossest ignorance, and are as rank Pagans now, as they were in the wilds of Africa. Not a few of these are within the bounds of my congregation. But all are not of this character. Upon some my ministry of late has been successful. Two Sundays ago I had the pleasure of seeing forty of their black faces at the Lord’s Table, several of whom give unusual evidence of their sincerity in religion. Last Sunday I baptized seven or eight, who had been catechised for some time. Indeed many of them appear determined to press into the kingdom, and I am persuaded will find an abundant entrance, when many of the children of the kingdom are shut out. “I have distributed some of the books among the poor white people, with a charge to circulate them among such of their neighbours as would seriously read them; that they might be as extensively serviceable as possible: And some of them have since discovered to me what solemn impressions they received in reading them.
“I sent a few of each sort to my friend Mr. Wright, Minister of Cumberland, about ninety miles hence; where there are not a few Negroes thoughtful about Christianity, and sundry real converts: And, he informs me, they have met with a very agreeable and promising reception. He takes much pains in instructing them, and has set up two or three schools among them; where they attend on Sundays, before and after sermon: For they have no other leisure time.”
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Sun. 11.—I met about an hundred children, who are catechised publicly twice a week. Thomas Walsh began this some months ago; and the fruit of it appears already. What a pity that all our Preachers in every place have not the zeal and wisdom to follow his example!
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Mon. 26.—I set out for Cork, purposing to see as many societies as I could in my way. In the afternoon I came to Edinderry, where the little society have built a commodious preaching-house. I had designed to preach abroad; but the keen north wind drove us into the House. The congregation (though they had no previous notice) filled it from end to end; but some of them found it too hot, and hurried out, while I applied, “Ye must be born again.”
About this time I received the following letter:—“Reverend Sir, “I once, through the influence of those about me, was ready to join the common cry against you, not knowing what I did: But since, by hearing your discourses, with some of Mr. Walsh’s, and by reading your Sermons and Appeals, I have learned a better lesson. I have learned that true Christianity consists, not in a set of opinions, or of forms and ceremonies, but in holiness of heart and life,—in a thorough imitation of our divine Master. And this I take to be the doctrine of the Church of England; nor do I apprehend you differ from her at all in doctrine. And I am grieved to know you have too much cause to differ from many of her present Clergy. Why then should I cavil at you for feeding those sheep that are starved by their own shepherds? for endeavouring to recover them from that stupid lethargy and open wickedness which involve the generality of mankind? This is your happiness: Would to God it could be mine! I have often had a strong desire for it; and would now gladly dedicate my life to it, if my poor abilities and mean education, together with the twenty-third Article of our Church, did not crush the thought. However, as I do not see you vary from the doctrine of the Church, I should not scruple to join with you. My chief motives (beside that strong desire) are, First, I reflect, there is scarce a situation in life, at least in the trading world, without its attendant frauds or vices, which are now scarce separable from it. Secondly, I am at present of no use in society; so that on account of any advantage that now accrues from me to the public, I need not scruple giving myself to my darling employment. Thirdly, I am convinced a man may instruct and reform himself by instructing and reforming others. But may I attempt this otherwise than by the ordinary method of admitting labourers into the Lord’s vineyard? Your thoughts on this subject would be received as a singular favour; for which I shall impatiently wait, who am, “Reverend Sir, “Your affectionate and ready servant.”
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Thur. 6.—I rode to Kilkenny. One of the Dragoons who were quartered here, soon found us out. A few, both of the army and of the town, are joined, and constantly meet together. I preached in the barracks, in one of the Officers’ rooms. Still, in Ireland, the first call is to the soldiery.
Fri. 7.—We rode to Waterford; where, after preaching, I earnestly exhorted the society to “love as brethren.” On the same subject, I preached in the morning, and spent great part of the day in striving to remove misunderstandings and offences. It was not lost labour. Six-and-twenty were left in the morning: Before night seven-and-fifty were joined together.
T. Walsh preached at five; but the Room being too small, they were obliged to go into the yard. In the evening we had high and low, rich and poor, both in the yard and adjoining gardens. There seemed now to be a general call to this city. So I thought it best the next morning, Monday, 10, to leave Mr. Walsh there, while I went forward to Clonmell, the pleasantest town, beyond all comparison, which I have yet seen in Ireland. It has four broad, straight streets of well-built houses, which cross each other in the centre of the town. Close to the walls, on the south side, runs a broad, clear river. Beyond this rises a green and fruitful mountain, and hangs over the town. The vale runs many miles both east and west, and is well cultivated throughout.
I preached at five in a large loft, capable of containing five or six hundred people: But it was not full; many being afraid of its falling, as another did some years before; by which several of the hearers were much hurt, and one so bruised, that she died in a few days.
Tues. 11.—I was at a loss where to preach, the person who owned the loft refusing to let me preach there or even in the yard below. And the Commanding Officer being asked for the use of the barrack-yard, answered, it was not a proper place. “Not,” said he, “that I have any objection to Mr. Wesley. I will hear him, if he preaches under the gallows.” It remained, to preach in the street: And by this means the congregation was more than doubled. Both the Officers and soldiers gave great attention, till a poor man, special drunk, came marching down the street, attended by a Popish mob, with a club in one hand, and a large cleaver in the other, grievously cursing and blaspheming, and swearing he would cut off the Preacher’s head. It was with difficulty that I restrained the troopers; especially them that were not of the society. When he came nearer, the Mayor stepped out of the congregation, and strove, by good words, to make him quiet; but he could not prevail: On which he went into his house, and returned with his white wand. At the same time he sent for two Constables, who presently came with their staves. He charged them not to strike the man, unless he struck first; but this he did immediately, as soon as they came within his reach, and wounded one of them in the wrist. On this the other knocked him down, which he did three times before he would submit. The Mayor then walked before, the Constables on either hand, and conducted him to the gaol.
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Fri. 18.—In examining the society I was obliged to pause, several times. The words of the plain, honest people came with so much weight, as frequently to stop me for a while, and raise a general cry among the hearers. I rode back through Adair, once a strong and flourishing town, well-walled and full of people; now, without walls, and almost without inhabitants, only a few poor huts remain. At a small distance from these are the ample ruins of three or four convents, delightfully situated by the river, which runs through a most fruitful vale.
Mon. 21.—I talked with one who was in deep distress. She had been represented to me as in despair; but I soon found her disorder (natural or preternatural) had nothing to do with religion. She was greatly troubled, but knew not why; not for her sins, they scarce came into her mind. I know not that prayer will avail for her, till she is troubled in quite another manner; till she cries out from her inmost soul, “God be merciful to me a sinner!”
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Wed. 23.—I took my leave of Limerick, and rode to Six-Mile-Bridge. There I left T. Walsh to preach in Irish, and went on to Rathlahine.
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Fri. 25.—Mr. Walsh preached at six, first in Irish and then in English. The Papist Priest had contrived to have his Service just at the same hour; and his man came again and again with his bell, but not one in ten of his people would stir. At eight I preached to a far more serious congregation; and the word seemed to sink into their hearts. We took horse about ten, and rode through the fruitful and pleasant county of Galway. After having heard so much of the barrenness of this county, I was surprised, in riding almost the whole length of it, from south-east to north-west, to find only four or five miles of rocky ground, like the west of Cornwall; all the rest exceeded most that I have seen in Ireland. We came to Galway pretty well tired, and would willingly have rested at the inn where we alighted from our horses; but the landlord informed us he had no room; both his house and stables were full. Two regiments of soldiers passing through the town had taken up all the inns: However, we procured a private lodging, which was full as agreeable. The town is old, and not ill-built, most of the houses being of stone, and several stories high. It is encompassed with an old, bad wall, and is in no posture of defence, either toward the land or toward the sea. Such is the supine negligence of both English and Irish!
Five or six persons, who seemed to fear God, came to us at our lodgings. We spent a little time with them in prayer, and early in the morning set out for Castlebar. This day, likewise, I was agreeably surprised at the pleasantness and fruitfulness of the country. About noon two or three friends met us, and begged us to turn aside to Hollymount, a town twelve miles from Castlebar, where the Minister readily consented to my preaching in the church. Many Papists as well as Protestants were there, and my heart was much enlarged toward them. Through a delightful mixture of vales and gently-rising hills, we then rode on to Castlebar.
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Mon. 12.—After preaching at Abidarrig about noon, I went on to Longford. Many supposed the mob would be too violent there to allow me a peaceable hearing. I began at five in the yard of the old barrack. An huge crowd soon flocked in; but most of the Papists stood at the gate, or just without the wall. They were all still as night; nor did I hear an uncivil word while we afterwards walked from one end of the town to the other.
Tues. 13.—A large congregation was present at five, and stood unmoved, notwithstanding some heavy showers. At noon I preached at Cleg-Hill; at five in the barrack-yard again, where the concourse of people was greater than before. Mr. P., the Minister of a neighbouring parish, and another Clergyman who came with him, received the truth in love: Mrs. P. (his wife) found rest to her soul.
But how is it, that almost in every place, even where there is no lasting fruit, there is so great an impression made at first upon a considerable number of people? The fact is this:—Everywhere the work of God rises higher and higher, till it comes to a point. Here it seems for a short time to be at a stay. And then it gradually sinks again.
All this may easily be accounted for. At first curiosity brings many hearers: At the same time God draws many by his preventing grace to hear his word, and comforts them in hearing. One then tells another. By this means, on the one hand, curiosity spreads and increases, and, on the other, drawings of God’s Spirit touch more hearts; and many of them more powerfully than before. He now offers grace to all that hear; most of whom are in some measure affected, and more or less moved, with approbation of what they hear, desire to please God, and good-will to his messenger: These principles, variously combined and increasing, raise the general work to its highest point. But it cannot stand here; for in the nature of things, curiosity must soon decline. Again, the drawings of God are not followed; and thereby the Spirit of God is grieved. The consequence is, he strives with this and this man no more, and so his drawings end. Thus both the natural and supernatural power declining, most of the hearers will be less and less affected. Add to this, that in the process of the work, “it must be, that offences will come.” Some of the hearers, if not Preachers also, will act contrary to their profession. Either their follies or faults will be told from one to another, and lose nothing in the telling. Men once curious to hear, will now draw back: Men once drawn, having stifled their good desires, will disapprove what they approved before, and feel dislike, instead of good-will, to the Preacher. Others, who were more or less convinced, will be afraid or ashamed to acknowledge that conviction. And all these will catch at ill stories, (true or false,) in order to justify their change. When, by this means, all who do not savingly believe, have quenched the Spirit of God, the little flock goes on from faith to faith; the rest sleep on and take their rest. And thus the number of hearers in every place may be expected first to increase, and then decrease.
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Mon. 26.—Mr. Walsh met me at Belfast, and informed me that the day before he was at Newtown, intending to preach: But while he was at prayer, Mr. M——r came with a drunken mob, seized him by the throat, and dragged him along, till a stout man seized him, and constrained him to quit his hold. Mr. W. having refreshed himself at a friend’s house, began a second time. But in a quarter of an hour, Mr. M., having rallied his mob, came again: On which Mr. W. gave him the ground, and walked away over the fields.
In the evening I spoke very plain at Lisburn, both to the great vulgar and the small. But between Seceders, old self-conceited Presbyterians, New-Light men, Moravians, Cameronians, and formal Churchmen, it is a miracle of miracles if any here bring forth fruit to perfection.
The country between Lisburn and Moira is much like Berkshire, having fruitful vales on each side of the road, and well-wooded hills running even with them, at a small distance. At seven I preached in the market-house at Lurgan. Many of the Gentry were met at the room over it, it being the time of the assembly. The violins were just tuning; but they ceased till I had done; and the novelty at least drew and fixed the attention of the whole company.
Wed. 28.—I read Mr. Barton’s ingenious “Lectures on Lough-Neagh,” near Lurgan, which turns wood into stone, and cures the King’s-evil, and most cutaneous distempers. Under part of this lake there is first a stratum of firm clay, and under that a stratum of trees four foot thick, all compacted into one mass, doubtless by the pressure of the incumbent earth, (perhaps water too,) which it has probably sustained ever since the General Deluge.
In the evening we had the largest congregation which I have seen since we left Cork. It was almost as large at five in the morning. Why should we despair of doing good at Lurgan also?
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Sat. 28.—The Rules of Kingswood School were read and considered, one by one; and we were all convinced they were agreeable to Scripture and reason: In consequence of which it was agreed,—1. That a short account of the design and present state of the School be read by every Assistant in every society: And, 2. That a subscription for it be begun in every place, and (if need be) a collection made every year.
My brother and I closed the Conference by a solemn declaration of our purpose never to separate from the Church; and all our brethren concurred therein.
For a few days I was laid up with a flux; but on Sunday, September 5, I crept out again, and preached at Kingswood in the morning, and Stokes-Croft in the afternoon.
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Mon. 11.—I went to Leigh. Where we dined, a poor woman came to the door with two little children. They seemed to be half-starved, as well as their mother, who was also shivering with an ague. She was extremely thankful for a little food, and still more so for a few pills, which seldom fail to cure that disorder.
In this little journey I read over a curiosity indeed,—a French heroic poem, Voltaire’s “Henriade.” He is a very lively writer, of a fine imagination; and allowed, I suppose, by all competent judges, to be a perfect master of the French language: And by him I was more than ever convinced, that the French is the poorest, meanest language in Europe; that it is no more comparable to the German or Spanish, than a bag-pipe is to an organ; and that, with regard to poetry in particular, considering the incorrigible uncouthness of their measure, and their always writing in rhyme, (to say nothing of their vile double rhymes, nay, and frequent false rhymes,) it is as impossible to write a fine poem in French, as to make fine music upon a Jews harp.
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Mon. 6.—I began reading to our Preachers the late Bishop of Cork’s excellent “Treatise on Human Understanding;” in most points far clearer and more judicious than Mr. Locke’s, as well as designed to advance a better cause.
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Fri. 28.—Mr. Meier, Chaplain to one of the Hanoverian regiments, called and spent an hour with me. I am surprised at the seriousness of all the German Ministers with whom I have had occasion to converse: Entirely different from that pertness and affectation of wit which is too common in our own country.
The following letter (which I received two or three months after) was dated on this day:—“Though you and I may differ in some little things, I have long loved you and your brother, and wished and prayed for your success, as zealous revivers of experimental Christianity. If I differ from you in temper and design, or in the essentials of religion, I am sure the error must lie on my side. Blessed be God for hearts to love one another! “As I knew your correspondence must be very extensive, and your labours various and incessant, I intended to have kept my peculiar love for you a secret, till we arrived where seas shall no more roll between us. But your late pious charity constrains me to give you the trouble of a letter. I am confident God will attend it with his blessing, and render you useful at the distance of near four thousand miles. “How great is the honour God has conferred upon you, in making you a restorer of declining religion! And after struggling through so much opposition, and standing almost single, with what pleasure must you behold so many raised up, zealous in the same cause, though perhaps not ranked under the same name, nor openly connected with you! “I am endeavouring, in my poor manner, to promote the same cause in this part of our guilty globe. My success is not equal to my wishes; but it vastly surpasses both my deserts and my expectation. I have baptized near an hundred and fifty adult Negroes, of whom about sixty are communicants. Unpolished as they are, I find some of them have the art to dissemble. But, blessed be God, the generality of them, as far as I can learn, are real Christians. And I have no doubt, but sundry of them are genuine children of Abraham. Among them, in the first place, and then among the poor white people, I have distributed the books you sent me. “I desire you to communicate this to your brother, as equally intended for him. And let me and my congregation, particularly my poor Negro converts, be favoured with your prayers. In return for which, I hope neither you nor your cause will be forgotten by, “Reverend Sir, “Your affectionate fellow-labourer, and obliged servant, “Hanover, [in Virginia,] “Samuel Davies.”
“Jan. 28, 1757.”
Sun. 30.—Knowing God was able to strengthen me for his own work, I officiated at Snowsfields as usual, before I went to West-Street, where the Service took me up between four and five hours. I preached in the evening, and met the society; and my strength was as my day. I felt no more weariness at night, than at eight in the morning.
Sun. February 6.—The number of communicants at Spitalfields made this Lord’s Day a little more laborious than the former. But God added proportionably to my strength; so I felt no difference.
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Sat. 21.—I had a little Conference with our Preachers. In the afternoon I preached at Bingley. I have not lately seen so genteel a congregation; yet the word of God fell heavy upon them.
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Mon. 13.—I proclaimed the love of Christ to sinners in the market-place at Morpeth. Thence we rode to Placey. The society of colliers here may be a pattern to all the societies in England. No person ever misses his band or class: They have no jar of any kind among them; but with one heart and one mind “provoke one another to love and to good works.” After preaching I met the society in a room as warm as any in Georgia; This, with the scorching heat of the sun, when we rode on, quite exhausted my strength. But after we came to Newcastle I soon recovered, and preached with as much ease as in the morning.
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Sun. 18.—At eight many of the French prisoners were mixed with the usual congregation. This was doubled at one; but still came nothing near to that which assembled at Gwennap in the evening. It rained all the time I preached; but none went away. A shower of rain will not fright experienced soldiers.
Here I learned a remarkable occurrence. A few days ago, some hundred English, who had been prisoners in France, were landed at Penzance, by a cartel ship. Many of these passed through Redruth, going home; but in a most forlorn condition. None showed more compassion to them than the French: They gave them food, clothes, or money, and told them, “We wish we could do more; but we have little for ourselves here.” Several who had only two shirts, gave a naked Englishman one. A French boy, meeting an English boy, who was half naked, took hold of him, and stopped him, cried over him a while, and then pulled off his own coat, and put it upon him.
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Sun. 16.—I began visiting the classes at Kingswood; steady, but not zealous. It is impossible they should stand here long; they must go on, or go back.
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Fri. 13.—Having ended my business at Bristol, I rode to Newbury, and the next day to London. Now if it be the will of God, I should be glad of a little rest: If not, let me rejoice to be without it.
Tues. 17.—I preached at Wandsworth. A gentleman, come from America, has again opened a door in this desolate place. In the morning I preached in Mr. Gilbert’s house. Two Negro servants of his and a Mulatto appear to be much awakened. Shall not His saving health be made known to all nations?
Sat. 28.—I was inquiring of William Hurd, who discharged him from the army; and he might fairly say, God discharged him; his Officers being determined not to do it. Nevertheless he stood among the men whom they had picked out for that purpose: And when he came in his turn, his discharge was written, and no man gainsayed.
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Sun. 9.—I exhorted the society to follow the example of their English brethren, by jointly renewing their covenant with God. On Tuesday evening I read the letters; by one of which a poor backslider, who had been wandering near eleven years, was cut to the heart, and determined to return to Him from whom he had so deeply revolted.
Thur. 13.—I explained at large the nature and manner of entering into covenant with God, and desired all who were purposed so to do, to set Friday apart for solemn fasting and prayer. Many did so, and met both at five in the morning, at noon, and in the evening.
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Mon. 17.—We met in the evening to renew our covenant with God. It was a glorious season. I believe all that were present found that God was there.
Tues. 18.—Among the letters I read in public last week, was one from Mr. Gillies, giving an account of a society lately formed at Glasgow, for promoting Christian Knowledge among the poor, chiefly by distributing Bibles among them, and other religious books. I could not then help expressing my amazement, that nothing of this kind had been attempted in Ireland; and inquiring if it was not high time that such a society should be formed in Dublin. This morning Dr. Tisdale showed me a paper, which the Archbishop had just sent to each of his Clergy; exhorting them to erect a society for the distribution of books among the poor. Thanks be to God for this! Whether we or they, it is all one, so God be known, loved, and obeyed.
5. The Palatines, the French Prisoners and the Open Field (1758–1760)
John Wesley, Journal, 21 June 1758 – 5 May 1760 (The Works of the Rev. John Wesley, A.M., ed. Thomas Jackson, Vol. II, Extract No. XI). Selected whole entries; omitted entries are marked […]. Primary source; the interpretations are the author’s.
CTS note: The “Palatines” were German Protestant refugees from the Palatinate, settled in County Limerick about 1709; Methodist preaching among them later carried Methodism to North America. A “Local Preacher” preached near his home without travelling, and a “Circuit” was a round of societies served by travelling Preachers. A “love-feast” was a simple shared meal of bread and water with testimonies. The Everton accounts describe cries, trances and convulsions; Wesley reports them, and readers should weigh them with care. In February 1760 the French commander François Thurot landed at Carrickfergus.
Wed. 21.—Our little Conference began, at which fourteen Preachers were present. We settled all things here, which we judged would be of use to the Preachers or the societies, and consulted how to remove whatever might be an hinderance to the work of God.
Fri. 23.—I rode over to Court-Mattress, a colony of Germans, whose parents came out of the Palatinate, about fifty years ago. Twenty families of them settled here, twenty more at Killiheen, a mile off; fifty at Balligarane, about two miles eastward, and twenty at Pallas, four miles farther. Each family had a few acres of ground, on which they built as many little houses. They are since considerably increased in number of souls, though decreased in number of families. Having no Minister, they were become eminent for drunkenness, cursing, swearing, and an utter neglect of religion. But they are washed since they heard and received the truth which is able to save their souls. An oath is now rarely heard among them, or a drunkard seen in their borders. Court-Mattress is built in the form of a square, in the middle of which they have placed a pretty large preaching-house: But it would not contain one half of the congregation; so I stood in a large yard. The wind kept off the rain while I was preaching. As soon as I ended, it began.
Sun. 25.—About six I preached in the island in a square, green inclosure, which was formerly Oliver Cromwell’s camp. I have not seen such a congregation since we left London. To how much better purpose is this ground employed than it was in the last century!
Thur. 29.—I rode to Clare, and at six preached in the street to many poor Papists, and rich Protestants, almost all the gentry in the country being assembled together. Thence I went on to Ennis, and at ten the next morning had another genteel congregation in the Court-House. In Ennis, many suppose there are not less than fifty Papists to one Protestant. They would have been very ready to show their good-will; but the sight of Mr. B—— kept them in awe. A report, however, was spread of some terrible things they were to do in the evening; and many were surprised to observe, that more than nine in ten of the congregation were Papists: But none spoke an unkind or uncivil word, either while I preached or after I had done.
How unspeakable is the advantage, in point of common sense, which middling people have over the rich! There is so much paint and affectation, so many unmeaning words and senseless customs among people of rank, as fully justify the remark made seventeen hundred years ago, Rarus enim ferme sensus communis in illa Fortuna.
Sun. July 2.—I preached in the island near Limerick, both morning and evening, standing on the side of a large hollow, adjoining to the old camp. The ground on the sides of it sloped upward, so that the people sat on the grass, row above row. Such an amphitheatre I never saw before, in which thousands of hearers were so commodiously placed; and they seemed earnestly to attend to our Lord’s invitation, “Come, for all things are now ready!”
I did not then observe that I strained myself; but in the morning I was extremely hoarse. This increased all day, together with a load and stoppage in my breast. On Tuesday morning I began spitting blood, found a pain in my left side, a sensible decay of strength, and a deep wheezing cough, just the symptoms which I had some years since. I immediately applied a brimstone plaster to my side, and used a linctus of roasted lemon and honey. Wednesday, 5. My side was quite easy, and my hoarseness much abated: So in the evening I made shift to preach again, though not without difficulty. I had purposed preaching the next day at Shronill, about twenty-four English miles from Limerick; and at Clonmell, about the same distance from Shronill; but perceiving my strength would not suffice, and yielding to the advice of my friends, I rested another day.
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Tues. 25.—In the evening I assisted the society in renewing their covenant with God. It was to many a season of great refreshment, and the fear of God was upon all.
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Tues. 19.—I rode on to Lakenheath. How surprising a providence has been over this little village! Forty years ago a poor man lived here who walked with God, and was the means of awakening a few others. When these were nearly extinct, Charles Skelton came, awakened a few more, and forsook them. A year ago, one of Lakenheath, seeing me pass through Thetford, desired me to come and preach there. I did so; and occasionally mentioned to them Mr. Madan, then at Thetford. They went over, and invited him to Lakenheath, where, soon after, he preached in the church. The Rector desired he would help him to a Curate: So now they have one that both preaches and lives the Gospel.
Wed. 20.—I rode to Norwich. James Wheatley now repeated his offer of the Tabernacle. But I was in no haste. I wanted to consult my friends, and consider the thing thoroughly. One glaring objection to it was, “The congregation there will not hear me.” He replied, “Sir, you cannot tell that, unless you will make the trial.” I consented so to do, on Thursday, 21. But many declared, “No, he shall never come into that pulpit;” and planted themselves in the way to prevent it. Hitherto only could they go. I went up and preached to a large congregation, without any let or hinderance. I preached there again on Saturday evening; and again God stopped the mouths of the lions. Sunday, 24. I preached in the Tabernacle at eight, to a very serious congregation, and at the Foundery between four and five. About six the Tabernacle was thoroughly filled, and mostly with quiet hearers. I saw none who behaved amiss, but two soldiers, who struck some that desired them to be silent. But they were seized and carried to the Commanding Officer, who ordered them to be soundly whipped.
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Fri. 29.—I found the society had decreased since L—— C—— went away; and yet they had had full as good Preachers. But that is not sufficient: By repeated experiments we learn, that though a man preach like an angel, he will neither collect, nor preserve a society which is collected, without visiting them from house to house.
To-day I walked all over the famous Castle, perhaps the most ancient building in England. A considerable part of it is, without question, fourteen or fifteen hundred years old. It was mostly built with Roman bricks, each of which is about two inches thick, seven broad, and thirteen or fourteen long. Seat of ancient Kings, British and Roman, once dreaded far and near! But what are they now? Is not “a living dog better than a dead lion?” And what is it wherein they prided themselves, as do the present great ones of the earth? A little pomp, a little sway, / A sun-beam in a winter’s day, / Is all the great and mighty have / Between the cradle and the grave!
Sat. 30.—I returned to London, and received a pressing letter from Bristol; in consequence of which, I took horse on Monday morning, January 1, 1759, and came thither the next evening. After resting two days (only preaching morning and evening) I examined severally the members of the society. This was one great end of my coming down. Another was, to provide for the poor. Accordingly, on Sunday, 7, I preached a sermon for them, to which God was pleased to give his blessing; so that the collection was a great deal more than double of what it used to be.
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Thur. 29.—I divided the Norwich society into classes, without any distinction between them who had belonged to the Foundery or the Tabernacle.
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Thur. 19.—I visited two prisoners in the Castle, which is, I suppose, the most commodious prison in Europe. Both of them seemed to be much convinced, and not far from the kingdom of God. At six I preached in the shell of the new House, to a numerous and serious audience.
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Wed. 6.—I preached at Gateshead-Fell to a numerous congregation. In earnestness the colliers of Gateshead utterly shame the colliers of Kingswood; scarce thirty of whom think it worth while to hear the word of God on a week-day, not even when I preach: And here the House will scarce contain the week-day congregation of a Local Preacher.
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Wed. 20.—I endeavoured to compose the little differences which had much hurt the poor people at Gateshead-Fell. O what zeal, what prudence and patience, are requisite to bear the manners of an untoward people, and to train them up in Christian discipline, till they come to the full stature of Christ!
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Thur. 28.—We had the general meeting of the stewards, by whom I found the societies in this Circuit still contain about eighteen hundred members. I hope not many of these will be choked by the thorns.
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Sun. 29.—I preached about eight at Birstal. The congregation covered a great part of the field, and my voice was exceedingly strengthened, so that I believe all could hear. At one I enforced those solemn words on an immense multitude: “This is life eternal, to know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.”
I shall easily be excused for adding here a farther account of the work of God in and near Everton:—“On Monday, July 9, I set out, and on Wednesday noon reached Potton, where I rejoiced at the account given by John Keeling of himself and others. He was justified, it seems, on that memorable Sabbath, but had not a clear witness of it till ten days after; about which time his sister (who was, on that day, in great distress) was also set at liberty. I discoursed also with Ann Thorn, who told me of much heaviness following the visions with which she had been favoured; but said she was at intervals visited still with such overpowering love and joy, especially at the Lord’s Supper, that she often lay in a trance for many hours. She is twenty-one years old. We were soon after called into the garden, where Patty Jenkins (one of the same age) was so overwhelmed with the love of God, that she sunk down, and appeared as one in a pleasant sleep, only with her eyes open; yet she had often just strength to utter, with a low voice, ejaculations of joy and praise; but no words coming up to what she felt, she frequently laughed while she saw his glory. This is quite unintelligible to many; for a stranger intermeddleth not with our joy. So it was to Mr. M——, who doubted whether God or the devil had filled her with love and praise. O the depth of human wisdom! Mr. R——, the mean time, was filled with a solemn awe. I no sooner sat down by her than the Spirit of God poured the same blessedness into my soul. Hers continued till the time we were to set out for Cockin-Hatley. Then her strength was restored in a moment, and we walked together, sixteen in number, singing to the Lord as we went along.
“Mr. Hicks preached an excellent sermon on the Strait Gate. The next morning, Thursday, 12, he gave me leave to take an extract from his Journal; But I had only time to write the occurrences of one morning, as follows;—“June 6, 1759.—I spoke this morning at Orwell, on Isaiah lv. 1. One who had been before convinced of sin, fell down in a kind of fit, and broke out, in great anguish of soul, calling on the Lord Jesus for salvation. He wrought, as in the agonies of death, and was quite bathed in sweat. He beat the chair against which he kneeled, as one whose soul drew nigh unto hell. His countenance then cleared up at once: We hoped he would be presently set at liberty; but on a sudden he was more distressed than ever, being in the sharpest conflict. Every muscle of his body was in strong agitation, as if nature was just dissolving. I never saw any convulsion fit so violent. But in a moment God dispelled the cloud. His face was again covered with smiles, and he spake as seeing the Lord near him. He cried unto Him; and the Lord hearing pronounced him freely forgiven. At that instant he clapped his hands, and cried aloud, ‘Jesus is mine! He is my Saviour!’ His soul was in peace; neither did he find the least bodily pain or soreness. I asked, ‘For what would you undergo this again?’ He said, ‘Not for all the world; but I would suffer more rather than be without Christ; Yea, for his sake, I would suffer all things.’ ‘An unwise man doth not consider this; a fool doth not understand it.’
“This morning, Ann Simpson, aged sixteen or seventeen, lay near an hour in the utmost distress, shrieking out, ‘Christ!’ ‘Christ!’ and no other word; her face all the time being violently distorted. I left her awhile, but could scarce sit down before I heard the voice of praise. I went, and found her heaviness turned into joy, even the joyful assurance that her sins were pardoned. She sprang by me to a young woman who lay in a kind of trance, and clasped her in her arms, breathing forth praise to God. I retired again, but had not been long seated ere she came in, running to me in a transport of praise. I asked her, why she cried out continually, ‘Christ! Christ!’ She answered, ‘I thought myself at that time on a little island, and saw Satan in a hideous form, just ready to devour me, hell all round open to receive me, and myself ready to drop in; while no help appeared, nor any way to escape. But just as I was dropping in, the Lord appeared between me and the great gulf, and would not let me fall into it. As soon as I saw him, all my trouble was gone, and all the pain I felt before; and ever since I have been light and joyful, and filled with the love of God.’
“So far Mr. Hicks, who told me he was first convinced of sin, August 1st, 1758; and finding peace in about six weeks, first preached the Gospel on September 17th. From that time he was accounted a fool and a madman. About two thousand souls seem to have been awakened by Mr. B. and him within this twelvemonth.
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Wed. 8.—Our Conference began, the time of which was almost entirely employed in examining whether the spirit and lives of our Preachers were suitable to their profession. On Saturday, in the afternoon, we concluded. Great was the unanimity and love that reigned among us; and if there were any who hoped or feared the contrary, they were happily disappointed.
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Sun. 9.—I met the society at seven; and told them in plain terms, that they were the most ignorant, self-conceited, self-willed, fickle, untractable, disorderly, disjointed society, that I knew in the three kingdoms. And God applied it to their hearts: So that many were profited; but I do not find, that one was offended.
At ten we had another happy opportunity, and many stubborn hearts were melted down. Just at two the great congregation met, and the power of God was again present to heal: Though not so eminently as at five, while I was describing “the peace that passeth all understanding.” After preaching, I was desired to spend an hour with some whom I supposed to be of our own society. But I soon found my mistake:—Sensim medios delapsus in hostes. One in particular warmly told me, she could not like mine or Mr. Murlin’s doctrine: It always threw her into heaviness. But in dear Mr. Cudworth’s she could find comfort. I desired we might pray. God quickly answered for himself: Her heart was broke in pieces. She was filled with love, and grief, and shame; but could only tell it by her eyes and her tears. About this time I received a remarkable letter from abroad; an extract of which follows:—“Berlin, August 26, 1759.
“God has again wrought publicly in this place, in the presence of many thousand people. A soldier of the King’s Guard was sentenced to be hanged for desertion and theft. He was a wretch abandoned to all manner of wickedness. General K—— was much concerned for his soul. He earnestly desired me to take the charge of it, though we saw no prospect of success. I visited him the day he was condemned, being Thursday. He seemed quite careless and unconcerned. I endeavoured to convince him of sin; but did not perceive any effect. I begged of him not to deceive his own soul, but to consider the condition he was in. On Friday this began to sink into his heart, and on Saturday much more. Perceiving this, I much insisted on those words: ‘This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.’ The effect was astonishing. He laid hold of them by faith, and not only his burden was gone, but he had such experience of the love of Christ as it is impossible to describe: His peace, triumph, and joy increased every hour, till the night before his execution; and indeed were never more observable than when he was brought out of prison. In his way to the place of execution he praised God for dragging him, as it were, with chains to heaven; ‘What!’ said he, ‘will God, after all my hellish actions, give me eternal life into the bargain?’ The efficacy of the blood and death of Christ being made known to him by the Holy Ghost, he spoke of nothing but his wedding-day, which was to be this 13th of August. Every one that looked upon him was struck. Officers and all were moved. Being entered into the ring, I once more prayed with him, and gave him the last blessing. But the very instant he was to be turned off, Colonel H. called out, ‘Pardon!’ I was thunderstruck, and Mittelstadt protested, it was to him like a ball shot through his body. He fainted away for some time. Being recovered, his first words were, ‘Why was I not rather hanged, or even crucified, than pardoned? Why am I thus stopped in my course? I should now have been with Christ!’ I was myself more afraid of him now than ever. But the grace of God was strong in his soul. And ever since it has continued the same. Yesterday I was informed by one who went on purpose to inquire, that his whole employ during his confinement (which is to continue six months) is reading, praying, and comforting himself with the blood of Christ.
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Sun. 23.—A vast majority of the immense congregation in Moorfields were deeply serious. One such hour might convince any impartial man of the expediency of field-preaching. What building, except St. Paul’s church, would contain such a congregation? And if it would, what human voice could have reached them there? By repeated observations I find I can command thrice the number in the open air, that I can under a roof. And who can say the time for field-preaching is over, while, 1. Greater numbers than ever attend: 2. The converting, as well as convincing, power of God is eminently present with them?
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Monday, 15. I walked up to Knowle, a mile from Bristol, to see the French prisoners. Above eleven hundred of them, we were informed, were confined in that little place without any thing to lie on but a little dirty straw, or any thing to cover them but a few foul thin rags, either by day or night, so that they died like rotten sheep. I was much affected, and preached in the evening on, (Exodus xxiii. 9,) “Thou shalt not oppress a stranger; for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.” Eighteen pounds were contributed immediately, which were made up four-and-twenty the next day. With this we bought linen and woollen cloth, which were made up into shirts, waistcoats, and breeches. Some dozen of stockings were added; all which were carefully distributed, where there was the greatest want. Presently after, the Corporation of Bristol sent a large quantity of mattresses and blankets. And it was not long before contributions were set on foot at London, and in various parts of the kingdom; so that I believe from this time they were pretty well provided with all the necessaries of life.
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Sun. December 9.—I had, for the first time, a love-feast for the whole society. Wednesday, 12. I began reading over the Greek Testament and the Notes, with my brother and several others; carefully comparing the translation with the original, and correcting or enlarging the notes as we saw occasion.
The same day I spent part of the afternoon in the British Museum. There is a large library, a great number of curious manuscripts, many uncommon monuments of antiquity, and the whole collection of shells, butterflies, beetles, grasshoppers, &c., which the indefatigable Sir Hans Sloane, with such vast expense and labour, procured in a life of fourscore years.
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Mon. 28.—I began visiting the classes in London, and that with more exactness than ever before. After going through them, I found the society now contained about three-and-twenty hundred and fifty members; few of whom we could discern to be triflers, and none, we hope, live in any wilful sin.
Tues. February 5.—I baptized a gentlewoman at the Foundery; and the peace she immediately found was a fresh proof, that the outward sign, duly received, is always accompanied with the inward grace. Tuesday, 12. After preaching at Deptford, I rode on to Welling, where I received (what few expected) an exceeding comfortable account of the death of Mr. Mason, of Bexley. For many years he seemed to be utterly senseless; neither justified, nor even convinced of sin. But in his last sickness, the God that heareth prayer broke in upon his soul: And the nearer death came, the more did he rejoice, to the astonishment of all that saw him.
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Fri. 29.—A great number of us waited upon God, at five, at nine, and at one, with fasting and prayer; and at six in the evening we met at the church in Spitalfields to renew our covenant with God. It was a blessed time: The windows of heaven were open, and the skies poured down righteousness.
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Mon. 10.—About nine I preached at Biddulph, about eight miles north of Burslem. The earnestness of the whole congregation well rewarded me for my labour. Hence we had an extremely pleasant walk, three or four miles, to Congleton. Here we were accosted in a very different manner, almost as soon as we entered the town, which caused some of our brethren to apprehend we should have rough treatment before we got out of it. That I left to God. They had procured the use of a meadow adjoining to the preaching-house, in a window of which they had fixed a kind of scaffold. Most of the congregation were deeply serious; so that three or four who took much pains to disturb them, entirely lost their labour. About seven in the evening I preached at Stockport, where more and more hear the word of God and keep it. In the morning we took horse at five, but could find none to tell us which was the road to Leeds; so we rode on to Mottram. Following the directions we received there, we rode up a mountain, and our path ended. We made toward a large house, and the gentleman sent a servant who pointed out the way we were to take. But soon after it divided; and an honest man bidding us keep to the right, (meaning the left,) we did so, till we came to the top of another high mountain, among several old stone quarries. Here that road ended. However, we went straight forward, till we came to the brow. With great difficulty we led our horses down, and rode up a path on the opposite mountain. But at the top this likewise ended. Still we thought it best to push forward. But my horse was quickly embogged. After he had thrown me on one side, and scrambled out himself, we endeavoured to walk down the mountain; but such a walk I never had before, for steepness, and bogs, and large stones intermixed. That we got to the bottom without hurt either to man or beast, was little less than a miracle. But we were still at a loss, till we met a sensible man, who directed us to Saddleworth. In our inn here we found one who had frequently heard me preach at Builth, in Brecknockshire, I fear to little purpose; for on my speaking a few words, he ran away in haste. But the whole family seemed to fear God. So we did not repent of our clambering up and down the mountains.
At six we reached Leeds, sufficiently tired: But I forgot it as soon as I began to preach; and the spirit of the congregation comforted us over all our labour.
Wed. 12.—Having desired that as many as could of the neighbouring towns, who believed they were saved from sin, would meet me, I spent the greatest part of this day in examining them one by one. The testimony of some I could not receive; but concerning the far greatest part, it is plain, (unless they could be supposed to tell wilful and deliberate lies,) 1. That they feel no inward sin; and to the best of their knowledge commit no outward sin: 2. That they see and love God every moment, and pray, rejoice, give thanks evermore: 3. That they have constantly as clear a witness from God of sanctification as they have of justification. Now in this I do rejoice, and will rejoice, call it what you please; and I would to God thousands had experienced thus much: Let them afterward experience as much more as God pleases.
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Thur. 27.—I rode to Liverpool in order to embark for Dublin. We were desired to be on board by nine on Saturday morning: But the wind falling, and a fog coming on, we gained a little more time; so we had one more solemn opportunity in the evening. Sunday, 30. The fog was gone, and the wind fair. We took ship about nine, and got under sail at noon, having only eight cabin passengers, seven of whom were our own company; so we prayed, and sung, and conversed, at our own discretion. But a poor woman whom we permitted to come into the cabin gave us some uneasiness. She had been tapped for the dropsy in the infirmary but two days before. When I spoke to her concerning her soul, she gave but little answer, appearing to be serious and willing to hear, but totally uninstructed. She would eat nothing, but willingly accepted a dish or two of tea, and two or three glasses of wine. The next morning she was extremely restless, continually moving from place to place, till the Captain put a bed for her in the forecastle, on which she lay down about eight o’clock. A little after, she grew light-headed, and began shrieking dreadfully. This she continued to do till about noon, and then died. At night, the Captain and all the sailors being present, we committed her body to the deep. On Tuesday noon, April 1, we landed safe at Dublin. I never saw more numerous or more serious congregations in Ireland than we had all this week. On Easter-Day, April 6, I introduced our English custom, beginning the service at four in the morning.
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Fri. 18.—I went with Miss F—— to see the French prisoners sent from Carrickfergus. They were surprised at hearing as good French spoke in Dublin as they could have heard in Paris, and still more at being exhorted to heart-religion, to the “faith that worketh by love.”
Sun. 20.—I appointed those of the society who desired to renew their covenant with God, which I had several times before explained, to meet me in the evening; and, I believe, of the five hundred and twelve members, hardly twelve were wanting.
Mon. 21.—In riding to Rosmead, I read Sir John Davis’s “Historical Relations concerning Ireland.” None who reads these can wonder, that, fruitful as it is, it was always so thinly inhabited; for he makes it plain, 1. That murder was never capital among the native Irish; the murderer only paid a small fine to the Chief of his sept. 2. When the English settled here, still the Irish had no benefit of the English laws. They could not so much as sue an Englishman. So the English beat, plundered, yea, murdered them, at pleasure. Hence, 3. Arose continual wars between them, for three hundred and fifty years together; and hereby both the English and Irish natives were kept few, as well as poor. 4. When they were multiplied during a peace of forty years, from 1600 to 1641, the general massacre, with the ensuing war, again thinned their numbers; not so few as a million of men, women, and children, being destroyed in four years’ time. 5. Great numbers have ever since, year by year, left the land merely for want of employment. 6. The Gentry are continually driving away hundreds, yea, thousands, of them that remain, by throwing such quantities of arable land into pasture, which leaves them neither business nor food. This it is that now dispeoples many parts of Ireland, of Connaught in particular, which, it is supposed, has scarce half the inhabitants at this day which it had fourscore years ago.
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Thur. May 1.—I rode to Moira. Soon after twelve, standing on a tomb-stone, near the church, I called a considerable number of people, to “know God, and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent.” We were just opposite to the Earl of Moira’s house, the best finished of any I have seen in Ireland. It stands on a hill, with a large avenue in front, bounded by the church on the opposite hill. The other three sides are covered by orchards, gardens, and woods, in which are walks of various kinds.
General Flaubert, who commanded the French troops at Carrickfergus, was just gone from Lord Moira’s. Major Brajelon was now there, a man of a fine person and extremely graceful behaviour. Both these affirmed, that the French were all picked men out of the King’s Guards: That their commission was, to land either at Londonderry or Carrickfergus, while Monsieur Conflans landed in the south: And if they did not do this within three months, to return directly to France.
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Mon. 5.—After preaching in the market-place at Belfast, to a people who care for none of these things, we rode on, with a furious east wind right in our face to Carrickfergus, where I willingly accepted of an invitation from a merchant in the town, Mr. Cobham, to lodge at his house; The rather, when I understood, that Mr. Cavenac, the French Lieutenant-General, was still there. I now received a very particular account of what had been lately transacted here. Mrs. Cobham said, “My daughter came running in, and said, ‘Mamma, there are three Indiamen come into the bay, and I suppose my brothers are come in them.’ (Who had been in the East Indies for some time.) An hour after she came in again, and cried, ‘O mamma, they say they are Frenchmen; and they are landing; and their guns glitter in the sun.’” Mr. Cavenac informed me, that Mr. Thurot had received a thousand men out of the King’s Guards, with orders to land in the north of Ireland, at the same time that Monsieur Conflans landed in the south: That a storm drove him up to Bergen, in Norway, from whence he could not get out, till his ships were much damaged, and his provisions consumed; nor could he there procure a supply at any price; That another storm drove him to 66 degrees north latitude; from whence he did not get back to Carrick-Bay till all on board were almost famished, having only an ounce of bread per man daily: That they then landed merely to procure provisions. I asked, “Is it true, that you had a design to burn the town?” He cried out, “Jesu, Maria! We never had such a thought! To burn, to destroy, cannot enter into the heart or head of a good man.”
After they had landed, (Mrs. Cobham and others informed me,) they divided into two bodies. One of these marched up to the east gate, the other to the north. Twelve soldiers and a Corporal were there on the wall, who fired upon them when they came near. Immediately General Flaubert fell, having his leg broke by a musket-ball. The next in command, a young Marquis, then led them on. When the English had fired four rounds, having no more ammunition, they retired, and the French entered the town, and at the market-place met those who had come in at the east gate. When they had joined, they marched up to the castle, (though the English there, who were an hundred and sixty-two in number, kept a constant fire,) the gate of which was not barred, so that the Marquis thrust it open and went in. Just then he was shot dead. Mr. Cavenac immediately took his place, and drew up his men again. The English then desired a parley, and articled to furnish them with provisions in six hours. But they could not perform it, there being little in the town. On this Mr. Cavenac sent for Mr. Cobham, and desired him to go up to Belfast and procure them, leaving his wife with the General, as an hostage for his return. But the poor Frenchmen could not stay for this. At the time prefixed, they began to serve themselves with meat and drink; having been in such want, that they were glad to eat raw oats to sustain nature. They accordingly took all the food they could find, with some linen and wearing-apparel. But they neither hurt nor affronted man, woman, or child, nor did any mischief for mischief’s sake; though they were sufficiently provoked; for many of the inhabitants affronted them without fear or wit, cursed them to their face, and even took up pokers, or other things to strike them.
While Mrs. Cobham was with the General, a little plain-dressed man came in, to whom they all showed a particular respect. It struck into her mind. Is not this Mr. Thurot? Which was soon confirmed. She said to him, “Sir, you seem much fatigued. Will you step to my house and refresh yourself?” He readily accepted the offer. She prepared a little veal, of which he ate moderately, and drank three glasses of small warm punch; after which he told her, “I have not taken any food before, nor slept, for eight-and-forty-hours.” She asked, “Sir, will you please to take a little rest now?” Observing he started, she added, “I will answer, life for life, that none shall hurt you under my roof.” He said, “Madam, I believe you: I accept the offer.” He desired that two of his men might lie on the floor by the bed-side, slept about six hours, and then, returning her many thanks, went aboard his ship.
Five days he was kept in the bay by contrary winds. When he sailed, he took the Mayor of Carrick, and another gentleman, as hostages for the delivery of the French prisoners. The next morning, as he was walking the deck, he frequently started, without any visible cause, stepped short, and said, “I shall die to-day.” A while after he said, to one of the English, “Sir, I see three ships: Pray take my glass, and tell me freely what you think they are.” He looked some time, and said, “I think they are English; and I guess they are about forty-gun ships.” He called his Officers, and said, “Our ships are too foul to fight at a distance: We must board them.” Accordingly, when they came up, after a short fire, he ran up close to Captain Elliot; and Captain Scordeck, with his four-and-twenty hussars, immediately leaped on board. Almost instantly, nine of them lay dead; on which he was so enraged, that he rushed forward with his sabre among the English, who seized his arms and carried him away. Meantime, his men that were left retired into their own ship. Thurot seeing this, cried out, “Why should we throw away the lives of the poor men?” and ordered to strike the colours. A man going up to do this was shot dead; as was likewise a second; and before a third could do it, Mr. Thurot himself was shot through the heart. So fell a brave man; giving yet another proof, that “there is no counsel or strength against the Lord.”