1745: London, Bristol and South Wales

Next Selection Previous Selection

January 4 - April 28, 1745

FRIDAY, January 4th, 1745. All were melted into gracious tears at the sacrament. I heard of one who had lately received the seal of forgiveness under me, when I was more than usually dead. I expounded John i. at Short's-gardens, and the power of the Lord was present: our old friend Keen was broken to pieces by it.

Sun., January 13th. I visited a sister, who walks through the valley of the shadow of death, and fears no evil. I tasted the sweet consolation and blessedness of tears. I have found these few last days more comfort, both in preaching and prayer, than for some years. Is not our God a very present help in time of trouble?

In much distress at the altar, I cast mine eye on that word, "It is good for me to have been in trouble." My heart was full of prayer. At last I broke out into tears and strong cries, and all with me. It was indeed a glorious time of visitation.

Sat., January 19th. I prayed with our brother Grey, ready for the Bridegroom, and rejoicing in hope of a speedy dissolution. I preached at the chapel, on, "Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord ;" and found, both in the word, and in prayer, and at the altar, the double blessing which now continually attends us.

Sat., January 26th. Mr. Erskine came to me at Short's-gardens with a message which the Bishop of London had sent to L. H.,* "that, if I would come to him, and declare my innocency, touching the scandals, and take the sacrament upon it, he would desire no farther satisfaction, but himself clear me." I immediately consented, and sent my brother advice of it.⁷

Sun., January 27th. I paid my last visit to our poor unstable brother Cowper; who is now so holy in Christ, as to say, "I renounce the doctrine which your brother preaches, and trample it under my feet, as a doctrine of devils."

I discoursed on, "These are they that came out of great tribulation." Both by the word and at the sacrament the Lord answered for himself.

I buried a sister, who departed in the Lord. I called the multitude at the Foundery, "Come, for all things are now ready." I met the bands; and a solemn, mournful assemly it was. I could speak, sing, pray for nothing but death. We mixed our tears and souls together in that love which death cannot violate.

Fri., February 1st. At our watchnight I described the new Jerusalem; (Rev. xxi. ;) and great was our rejoicing before the Lord.

Sun., February 3d. At the sacrament and among the bands I was enabled to pour out my soul in prayer, and carried them all with me to the throne of grace.

Sun., February 10th. I received the never-failing blessing at the sacrament. Our prayer, after it, always opens heaven.

Sun., February 17th. I was strengthened by a zealous Quaker, who informed me he had received the Spirit of adoption in hearing me .a year ago, and has walked in the light from that time to this.

Wed., February 20th. In asking, st the chapel, "Is there no balm in Gilead?" I found, with many others, that there was; and a good Physician too, whose power was even then present to heal.

Sun., February 24th. We had the spirit of prayer in the sacrament, as usual. The word at night had great effect. My subject was, the returning prodigal.

Tues., February 26th. I gave the sacrament to one on Saffron-hill; anti found faith that the Lord was at. work. Going down, they asked me to see another dying in the room below. As I entered, I heard her make confession of the faith which she received that moment, as she had told those about her she should; and that she could not die in peace till she saw me. She was full of triumphant joy, and said to me, "I am going to paradise: it will not be long before you follow me." My soul was filled with her consolation.

Sat., March 2d. At the chapel I expounded, "Thus saith the high and lofty One, that inhabiteth eternity ;" and He covered us with a covering of his Spirit.

Sun., March 3d. Our hearts were bowed down before the Lord, both in the word and sacrament.

Sat., March 9th. I dined at our brother Arvin's, just after his wife had taken her flight to paradise.

Sun., March 10th. I expounded the woman of Canaan; and was carried out after the sacrament in strong intercession for my departed friends. One of them was there, unknown to me, but went out before my prayer.

Wed., March 13th. God gave me strong words at the chapel, against the Antinomian delusion.

Sat., March 16th. I spake with one of the Society, lately a Papist, who is much haunted by her old friends, especially her confessor, who thunders out anathemas against her; and threatens to burn me,—if he could catch me at Rome. I sent my respects to the gentleman, and offered to talk with him before her, at my own lodgings, or wherever he pleased; but received no answer.

Thur., March 21st. I expounded Isal. xxxv. Many of our brethren from the Tabernacle were present. Our Lord did not send us empty away; but applied the word of his grace to our hearts.

Sun. evening, March 24th. I set out for Bristol with T. Butts. We lodged on Monday night in Newbury; on Tuesday, March 26th, came to Mrs. Gotley's, at Avon, and the next day to Bristol.

My subject was, "Thy sun shall no more go down by day," &c. The Lord sanctified our meeting; and we were comforted by our mutual faith.

Sun., March 31st. At five I preached in the room; at eight in Kingswood, on the new Jerusalem. I administered the sacrament to all the Society; and the God, the consolation of Israel, visited us. The whole congregation were moved to cry after him, either through sorrow or through joy.

I rode to Conham. Mr. Graves read prayers in Mr. Wane's chapel. I bade them "lift up the hands that hung down, and strengthen the feeble knees." The word did not return void. I walked back to the colliers, and exhorted them to adorn the Gospel; then to Baptist-mills, where the children of the devil fled before the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. At our love-feast in Bristol, I spoke of the fruits of faith, in strong scriptural words. Sarah Goslin, the mother of our Antinomians, was forced to fly for her life. It was a blessed opportunity. The Lord mightily confirmed his word; and thereby ministered his consolations.

Wed., April 3d. I preached at Wrexal, and found the bread I had cast upon the water, after many days. Several of my old hearers from Bradford were present. One caught hold of me, and cried, "Blessed be the day that ever I saw your face. This was the man, under God, that first opened my eyes." Another (Mrs. Taylor) now declared, she had received forgiveness in hearing me five years ago. I preached Christ crucified; and we rejoiced as in the days that are past. I returned, with joy and comfort, to Bath, and exhorted them, "Hold fast that ye have already till I come."

Thur., April 4th. I rode to Coleford, a place of colliers, lately discovered; and preached in the church-yard, on a tomb-stone. The church would not have contained a quarter of the congregation. I pointed them to "the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world." The poor people followed me to Mr. Flower's, where we wrestled two or three hours in prayer, and would not let Him go, except He blessed us.

Fri., April 5th. I read prayers and preached in the church, crowded within and without. Many followed me to Chilcompton. There I called, on above a thousand gasping souls, "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters." I began again and again, after I had, as I thought, concluded.

I returned to Bristol; was informed that one, lately of our Society, has declared, he will "make affidavit he himself saw my brother administer extreme unction to a woman, and give her a wafer, and say, that was her passport to heaven." Sun., April 7th. I found the great blessing after the sacrament, an ordinance which God always magnifies, and honours with his special presence. I prayed by our sister Rogers, just on the wing for paradise. It was a solemn season at the Society, while I spake of death, and the glory which shall follow.

Tues., April 9th. I rode to town, and preached at the Foundery, with an enlarged heart, "Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon."

Fri., April 12th. At the chapel, all the congregation looked upon Him they have pierced, and mourned.

Easter-day, April 14th. With the word, the Spirit of Him that raised Jesus from the dead came mightily upon us. For more than half an hour He cried in our hearts. At the sacrament, also, which the whole Society partook of, we all found, more or less, the power of his resurrection. So again at our love-feast, we rejoiced together, and felt that the Lord was risen indeed.

Tues., April 16th. I baptized a woman among the Leaders; who received the justifying baptismal grace.

We kept the octave, communicating every day; and the Lord never sent us away without a blessing.

Sat., April 20th. The power of the Highest overshadowed us, when met in the evening to bewail our sins against light, and pray for a fresh pardon. Most of this week I have spent in confirming the wavering; and God hath blessed me in my deed.

Sun., April 21st. While I was declaring, "This is he that came by water and by blood," the Spirit bore strong witness with many hearts. One testified her then receiving the atonement. At the sacrament we prayed in faith, that the sins of the revolting children might be retained, that is, that, while the guilt and power lasted, the misery might last, and they might not be suffered to soothe themselves with a fancied happiness.* The Lord was with us in the great power of his love.

The cloud stayed upon us when met in band; and they received my solemn warning of the approaching judgments.⁸

Mon., April 22d. I gave the sacrament yesterday to two prisoners of hope; and twice to-day, to two dying believers, who can never die.

Wed., April 24th. I recovered one out of the paw of the Antinomian lion. This whole week I have gone on treading him under my feet, through the power of the serpent-bruiser.

Sun., April 28th. I expounded Matt. xxv., that flail of Antinomianism.

May 5 - August 26, 1745

Sun., May 5th. I preached from I Peter ii. 12: "Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles, that whereas they speak against you as evil-doers, they may, by your good works which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation." I warned them of that day, already begun, and of that fiery trim approaching.

At the Foundery I expounded Ezek. ix. A great cry followed. Surely there were many present who have the mark in their foreheads. The Lord increase their number!

Wed., May 8th. The fast-day. I expounded Zeph. i. 2, then Joel ii., and lastly those awful words of God to Ezekiel: "Though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, as I live, saith the Lord, they should but deliver their own souls."

Tues., May 21st. I began examining the classes with my brother, and rejoiced in the success of our past labours. Amidst all the rage and havoc of Satan at the Tabernacle, the plague has not come nigh our dwelling.

Fri., May 31st. I visited, at her own desire, a Roman Catholic gentlewoman, at Islington, who had refused her Priest, and would have none but my brother or me. She readily gave up her own merits, (which she owned was hell,) and the merits of all the saints, for those of Jesus Christ, her only hope, Mediator, and Saylout. I prayed in faith, and left her not far from the kingdom of heaven.

We kept a watchnight. Dear Howel Harris I carried into the desk; and we sang together, and shouted for joy, till morning.

Tues., June 4th. I baptized three adults; who all confessed the ordinance a seal of the covenant of forgiveness.

Tues., June 11th. I was much revived by the sight of M. Davis's mother, departing in peace. For seventy years she lived, if it may be called life, a stranger to the covenant of promise. For these two last years, since faith came by hearing, she has never had a doubt or fear; but walked with Christ, and adorned the Gospel. Now she longs to go see him face to face.

Wed., June 12th. Going to bed at M. Witham's, I could not rest, but must needs go to the other end of the town. In Holborn I found the reason,—-a poor man, and countryman, challenged me, who had been converted by occasional hearing us, but, through neglect of the means, had fallen from his first love, and into poverty. I exhorted him to return to God, gave him somewhat, and parted. The next day he spent in seeking me everywhere, to restore a guinea I had given him by mistake.

Sun., June 16th. I expounded Elijah's flight, and pining desire to die: we were strengthened by his weakness. My brother Taylor read prayers, and assisted at the truly blessed sacrament. In the evening also, we had the shout of a King in the midst of us, as at the beginning.

Mon., June 17th. I preached at Brentford in our way to Bristol. The moment our Society met, Jesus appeared in the midst, and we lay an happy hour, weeping and rejoicing, at his feet.

Wed., June 19th. Three miles on this side Salisbury, a still sister came out to meet, and try her skill upon, me. But, alas! it was labour lost! I knew the happy sinner, and all her paces.

I found my sister as a rock in the midst of the waves. Mr. Hall's Society had all left the Church, and mocked and persecuted her for not leaving it. Many pressed me to preach; but I answered them, "My heart was not free to it." At four I set out with my sister; and reached Bristol in the afternoon of the next day.

Fri., June 21st. I sent an account of our affairs here to a friend:—

" The work of God goes on successfully. Great is the constancy of them that believe. Neither error nor sin can shake them. Several, since I left this place, have witnessed a good confession in death, particularly a girl of thirteen, and an old sinner of threescore. We had expelled him the Society for drunkenness; and he went on sinning, and repenting, and sinning again, till God laid his chastening hand upon him. After a great agony, he found redemption in the blood of Jesus. He lay some time rejoicing, and testifying the grace of Christ to the chief of sinners. When one said, 'Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord,' he replied, interrupting him, ' Even so, saith the Spirit in me.' To another, ' I am just entering the haven on a broken piece of the ship.'

"I am just come from giving the sacrament to a young woman, rejoicing in death, with joy unspeakable. The day before my first visit, the Lord revealed himself in her. Her soul seemed all desire and love, ' ready to go this moment,' as she often testified, yet willing to tarry the Lord's leisure, or even to recover, if it were his will.

"I have observed that all our people, without exception, be they ever so dark or weak before, when they come to die, recover their confidence. Would to God every soul, of every Christian denomination, might witness the same confession of eternal life in them, when they turn their faces to the wall!"

Sun., June 23d, was a day much to be remembered. I preached to our colliers on Jer. xxxi. I; and received strong faith for the desolate Church of England.

In the sacrament, the spirit of grace and supplication came down, and we prayed after God, that it might reach all our absent brethren. The backsliders we never forget at such gracious opportunities. Near four hours we were employed in doing this; and not one soul, I am persuaded, thought it long.

I had just time to reach Conham chapel by two. From those words, "I will that they may behold my glory," while I was speaking of our Lord's appearing, we were alarmed with the loudest clap of thunder I ever heard. I thought it must have cleft the house. Most of the congregation shrieked out, as if the day of the Lord were come.

A thought darted into my heart as quick as the lightning, "What, if it should be the day of judgment?" I was filled immediately with faith, stronger than death, and rejoiced in hope of the glory of God. The same spirit rested on all the faithful, while I broke out into singing,- "So shall the Lord the Saviour come, And lightnings round his chariot play: Ye lightnings, fly to make him room, Ye glorious storms, prepare his way!"

I went on for half an hour describing that final scene. The heart of every person present, I believe, either rejoiced or trembled. A mixed cry of horror and triumph was heard, till I dismissed them with the blessing.

Afterwards we heard that an house, on one side our chapel, was almost demolished, both roof and walls, by the thunder-clap; the lead of the windows melted, and six persons struck down to the ground. On the other side of us, a gibbet was split into a thousand pieces.

Sun., June 30th. I preached our sister Rogers's funeral sermon; whose blessed life and death were of a piece.

Wed., July 3d. I took horse for London. The first night I preached at Cirencester; the two next at Evesham, where I found the Society increased both in grace and number. I was welcomed to London, on Saturday evening, with the joyful news of T. Maxfield's deliverance.

Sun., July 7th. I preached on Luke xxii. 34; and many, I would hope, were stirred up to watch and pray.

Sun., July 14th. The Lord set to his seal while I explained, "Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain." We rejoiced in steadfast hope of the precious sanctifying promises.

Mon., July 15th. The Lord comforted our hearts by the letters, and confirmed our faith, that the work he is now reviving shall never be destroyed.

Sun., July 21st. In our prayer after the sacrament, the heavens dropped down from above, nay, and the skies seemed even to pour down righteousness.

Mon., July 22d. I gave the sacrament to our sister H., who is coming to the grave as a ripe shock of corn. A poor trembling, tempted soul she has been; but, at the approach of death, all her fears are vanished; and she lies gasping for the fulness of eternal life.

Thur., July 25th. I strongly exhorted the Society to constancy in the faith, and fervency in prayer. Their hearts were melted much, if one may judge by their tears.

Sun. evening, July 28th. I took leave of the Foundery in those words, which I vehemently wished accomplished, "The redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Sion."

Wed., July 31st. I joined with my brother to examine the Society at Bristol. Mr. Gwynne, of Garth, accompanied us, and rejoiced greatly in the grace given them.

Thur., August let. We began our Conference with Mr. Hodgee, four of our own Assistants, Herbert Jenkins, and Mr. Gwynne. We continued it five days, and parted in great harmony and love.

Fri., August 2d. At the watchnight our souls were satisfied as with marrow and fatness, while our mouth praised God with joyful lips.

Wed., August 7th. While I was speaking from those words, "The end of all things is at hand," the Lord applied them to our hearts, and we felt the solemn weight of things eternal.

He passed by us again in the bands, and showed us his goodness. For near two hours we tasted the powers of the world to come, in solid, serious joy.

Sat., August 10th. I preached at Shepton-Mallet, where a great door is opening, and there are many adversaries. One of the devil's drunken champions attempted to disturb us; but my voice prevailed. They desired me to meet their little Society at an unusual place, to disappoint the mob. I walked forward toward the town, then turned back over the field, to drop the people, and, springing up a rising ground, sprained or broke my leg, I knew not which; but I fell down when I offered to set my foot to the ground. The brethren carried me to an hut, which was quickly filled with the poor people. It was soon noised about the town that I had broke my leg; some said my neck, and that it was a judgment upon me.

The principal man of the place, Mr. P., sent me a kind message, and his bath-chair to bring me to his house. I thanked him, but declined his offer, on account of my pain, which unfitted me for any company, except that of my best friends,—the poor. With these I continued praying, singing, and rejoicing for two hours. Their love quite delighted me. Happiest they that could come near to do anything for me. When my strength was exhausted, they laid me on their bed, the best they had; but I could not sleep for pain.

Sun., August 11th. I met the Society at six, and took in twenty new members. About eight the Surgeon from Oakhill came, and found, in dressing my leg, that it was not broke, but violently sprained. Many being come from far to hear the word, I got the brethren to carry me out in a chair, which they set on a table, and I preached, kneeling. I thought of Halyburton's best pulpit, which alone seemed preferable to this. For near an hour I forgot my maim; and appointed to preach again at Oakhill.

The brethren carried me thither by noon in Mr. P.'s chair. My congregation was mostly Dissenters, not wise and rich, but poor and simple, and longing to be taught the first elements of Christ's doctrine. They stood listening in the hard rain, while I showed them "the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world." The word was not bound, but ran very swiftly through their hearts. For an hour I preached kneeling as before, and felt no pain or weariness till it was over: then my flesh shrunk at the twenty measured miles to Bristol. They set me on the horse, and by night I performed the journey, but in such extreme pain as I have not known, with all my broken bones and sicknesses.

Tues., August 18th. I preached from, "They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength ;" and then, confiding in the promise, went in my chair, and lay at Mr. Wigginton's, by the water-side.

Between four and five next morning I was carried to Captain Philips's vessel, which was filled with our own people chiefly. We spent the day in singing and reading; and by six on Thursday morning, August 15th, landed at Cardiff. At night, most of the gentry of the town were at the room. I laboured to trouble the careless, as well as comfort the troubled, hearts.

Sun., August 18th. Our greatest persecutor lent his chair to carry me to Wenvo. Indeed, the whole place at present seems turned towards us. But we do not depend on this peace as lasting. I preached at Wenvo, from Heb. xii. 1, to a weeping audience. My brothers Thomas and Hedges administered the sacrament.

The room at Cardiff was crowded with high and low. I invited them to come thirsty to the waters. The same spirit was with us, as in the months that are past. Our love-feast was a feast indeed!

Tues., August 20th. At the request of the prisoners, I had promised to preach in the jail; but Mr. Michael Richards came first, and threatened and forbade the jailer. If these souls perish for lack of knowledge, Mr. Michael Richards, not I, must answer it in that day.

I was carried to Fonmon, with Mr. Hedges and Mrs. Jones. I once more met the church in her house. We were all melted down by the fire of the word.

Wed., August 21st. This and every evening I got down to the chapel on my crutches, and preached to the family, with fifty harvesters and others that came from far.

Fri., August 28d. I wrote thus to my brother :— "Once more hear my raven's note,—and despise it. I look most assuredly, unless general repentance prevent it, for the day of visitation. Whether my apprehensions have aught divine in them, I never presume to say; neither am I concerned for the credit of my prophecy, or conjecture; but none of you all will more rejoice at my proving what you may call a false Prophet than I. For should I prove a true one, I expect Balaam's fate. In great weariness of flesh and spirit I conclude.

"Your Mantis kakvn."

Sun., August 25th. Mr. Gwynne's servant came to show me the way to Garth; but returned without me; my lameness still continuing, or rather increasing, by the use of the British oil, which inflamed and swelled my foot exceedingly. Probably it was the counterfeit sort.

Mon., August 26th. I admitted several into the Society. I continued preaching twice a day the rest of the month.

September 1 - December 29, 1745

Sun., September 1st. I ventured to ride to church, where the Minister invited us all to the sacrament next Sunday; and afterwards made proclamation in the church-yard, that no stranger should be admitted. He might as well have excepted me by name. But though I could not be admitted, a notorious drunkard was, as Mrs. Jones and other eye-witnesses told me next Sunday. He made much disturbance in the time of service, and was actually drunk when the Minister gave him the sacrament.

Tues., September 3d. Mr. Gwynne and Mr. Philips, of Maesmynis, came to pay us a Christian visit. We had sweet fellowship till the 6th instant; when they departed without me, whom they came to fetch.

Fri., September 6th. At the hour of intercession we found an extraordinary power of God upon us, and close communion with our absent brethren. Afterwards I found, by letters from London, that it was their solemn fast-day. The night we passed in prayer. I read them my heavy tidings out of the north.

"The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way."

Sun., September 8th. The spirit of supplication was given us in the Society for His Majesty, King George; and, in strong faith, we asked his deliverance from all his enemies and troubles.

Mon., September 9th. My three weeks' delightful confinement ended, and I returned to Cardiff.

Wed., September 11th. I rose, after a restless night, with a fever upon me; but was forced to take my bed again. How gladly would I have been taken from the evil to come; but, alas I my sufferings are scarce begun.

Sat., September 14th. My fever left me, and my strength so far returned, that I could sit an horse with one behind me. Almost as soon as we set out, my supporter and I were thrown over the horse's head; but neither hurt. My lameness was much mended by three or four days' rest.

Sun., September 22d. I met the poor shattered bands; and found the cause of their decay. One of them had drunk into the Quakers' spirit, and got all their form, which he laboured to bring into the Society. I preached at Wenvo, "That ye may be found of him in peace ;" then at Fenmen, on that great and terrible day of the Lord. His fear was mightily upon us; but at the Society his love constrained and quite overpowered us. For two hours we wept before the Lord, and wrestled for our Sodom. We shall hear of these prayers another day.

Mon., September 28d. Having been often importuned to preach at Cowbridge, this morning I set out with sister Jones and others. The gentleman who had invited and promised me the church, took care to be out of town; but left word that the church-doors were open, and, if I pleased to preach there, no man would forbid me. I did not choose to go in a clandestine manner; but sent to the Church-wardens, who durst neither deny or grant leave. I therefore preached in a large hall, over against the place where my brother had been stoned. Many attended, and, I believe, were pricked at the heart.

Wed., September 25th. After a tedious and dangerous passage, I got to shore, and soon after to Bristol. I heard the news confirmed, of Edinburgh being taken by the rebels. I saw all around in deep sleep and security. I warned our children with great affection. Our comforts, we expect, will increase with our danger.

Thur., September 26th. Tidings came that General Cope was cut off with all his army. The room was crowded in the evening. I warned them, with all authority, to flee to the mountains, escape to the strong tower, even the name of Jesus. We seemed to have strong faith, that the Romish Antichrist shall never finally prevail in these kingdoms.

Sun., September 29th. My subject at Kingswood was, "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I will also keep thee in the hour of temptation," &c.; at Bristol, "Fear God, and honour the King."

Tues., October 8th. Having left the Society fully warned, I rode to Bath, and exhorted them also to meet God in the way of his judgments. At noon I preached repentance and faith, at the Cross, to the people of Road. They drank in every word. When I said, "Put away the evil of your doings," several cried out, "We will, we will!" When I said, "Be drunk no more, swear no more," &e., they answered, "I will not swear: I will not be drunk again, as long as I live." The ale-house keepers and profligate young men are the most exemplary in their repentance. I dined at the Squire's, who seemed amazed, and half converted, at their change.

I preached at four to a barn full of simple, hungry, seeking souls. They sunk under the hammer, and melted before the fire of the word.

Wed., October 9th. I met them again in the barn, and wept with them that wept. All were stirred up, and made haste to escape into the ark, because of the stormy wind and tempest.

I preached at Bearfield, after five years' absence, to many of my old hearers. They received the word with all readiness of mind, and will be, I doubt not, a people fearing God, and working righteousness.

After preaching in Bath, a woman desired to speak with me. She had been in our Society, and in Christ; but lost her grace through the spirit of offence; left the fellowship, and fell by little and little into the depth of vice and misery. I called M. Naylor to hear her mournful account. She had lived some time at a wicked house in Avon-street; confessed it was hell to her, to see our people pass by to the preaching; knew not what to do, or how to escape. We bade her fly for her life, and not once look behind her. M. Naylor kept her with herself till the morning; and then I carried her with us in the coach to London; and delivered her to the care of our sister Davey. Is not this a brand plucked out of the fire

Sun., October 13th. I warned them earnestly, both at the chapel and the Foundery, of the impending storm.

Thur., October 17th. We had twenty of our brethren from Flanders to dine with us at the Foundery, and rejoiced in the distinguishing grace of God toward them.

Fri., October 18th. I expounded Jer. iii. at the chapel. Some endeavored to disturb us, by throwing in a cracker; which many took for a gun discharged. In one minute the people recovered their hurry, and I went on for another half hour with double assistance.

Sat., October 26th. I dined at Mrs. R's.⁹ The family concealed their fright tolerably well. Mr. R. behaved with great civility. I foresee the storm my visit will bring upon him.

Sun., November 3d. I found much life and solemn com fort among the bands.

Mon., November 4th. At M. Sparrow's I waited some days, to renew my strength.

Fri., November 8th. I preached first in Bexley church, then in the front of the camp near Dartford. Many of the poor soldiers gave diligent heed to the word. One of the most reprobate was pricked at the heart, and entered the Society.

Sat., November 9th. A regiment passing by our door, I took the opportunity of giving each soldier a book. All, excepting one, received them thankfully.

Sun., November 10th. I expounded Psalm xlvi., with great enlargement. An officer was present, and by his tears confessed the emotion of his heart. The same power attended the word in the evening. (Zeph. ii.) It was a solemn assembly, while we rejoiced in the release of an happy brother.

Mon., November 11th. We had some of our brethren of the army at the select Society, and solemnly commended them to the grace of God, before they set out to meet the rebels. They were without fear or disturbance, knowing the hairs of their head are all numbered, and nothing can happen but by the determinate counsel of God.

Sat., November 16th. I prayed with the penitents, all in tears.

Sun., November 17th. I brought back (with the extra-ordinary blessing of God) two wandering sheep from the Germans.

Sat., November 23d. I finished examining the classes with my brother, and rejoiced in their steadfastness.

Sat., November 30th. I prayed by Bridget Armstead, full of desire to be dissolved. She sent for me some hours after. I found her in a great agony of temptation. We prayed, and God arose, and all his enemies were scattered.

Sun., December lst. It was a season of love, a time of great refreshing, at the sacrament.

Fri., December 6th. In reading my brother's last Appeal, I was drawn out into fervent prayer for him, myself, and all the children whom God hath given us.

Mon., December 23d. I met my old friend J. G.¹⁰ at my printer's, and appointed to meet him to-morrow at Dr. Newton's. I brought my brother with me. I found the Germans had quite estranged and stole away his heart; which, nevertheless, relented, while we talked over the passages of our former friendship: but he hardened himself against the weakness of gratitude. We could not prevail upon him to meet us again.

Fri., December 27th. While I discoursed on that word, "The Spirit and the Bride say, Come," the whole congregation seemed to hear and answer the divine call.

Sun., December 29th. I explained my commission, "To open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light," &c. An extraordinary power and blessing sealed the word. One of my audience was the famous Mr. Chambers, the honest Attorney!

---

Footnotes:

⁷ Probably Lady Huntingdon.

⁸ The same sentiment Mr. Charles Wesley expressed in the following stanzas :— "O wouldst thou break the fatal snare Of carnal self-security, And let them feel the wrath they bear, And let them groan their want of thee, Robb'd of their false pernicious peace, Stripp'd of their fancied righteousness. "Long as the guilt of sin shall lust, Them in its misery detain; Hold their licentious spirits fast, Bind them with their own nature's chain, Nor ever let the wanderers rest, Till lodged again in Jesu's Breast."

⁹ Probably Mrs. Rich, the actress, whose husband was a proprietor of Covent-garden theatre.

¹⁰ Probably the Rev. John Gambold, who renounced his connexion with the Church of England, and became a Bishop in the Moravian Church.

Next Selection Previous Selection