a large number of the rabble had combined together, and declared, again and again, there should be no preaching there that day. In order to make all sure, they had provided gunpowder enough, and other things some days before. But Burnham fair coming between, they agreed to go thither first, and have a little diversion there. Accordingly they went, and bestowed a few of their crackers upon their brother mob at Burnham. But these, not being Methodists, did not take it well, turned upon them, and gave them chase. They took shelter in a house. But that would not serve; for those without soon forced a way in, and seized on as many as they could find; who, upon information made, were sent to gaol: the rest ran away; so that when I came, none hindered or interrupted. In the evening I came to London; I proposed spending a fortnight there, and then returning to Bristol. I spent this time partly in speaking severally to all the members of the society; partly in making a full inquiry into those devices of Satan whereof I had scarce ever heard or read before. And I believe they were now throughly discovered and brought to nought. O may they never more deceive the hearts of the simple!

Mon. October 11.—I had designed to leave London: but Mr. Richards being taken ill, I put off my journey. He was much better on Tuesday; so I set out the next morning; and before seven in the evening reached the half-way house, four miles short of Hungerford. I now found it was well I did not set out on Monday, in order to be at Bristol on Tuesday night, as usual. For all the travellers who went that way on Tuesday, were robbed. But on Thursday the road was clear; so that I came safe to Kingswood in the afternoon, and in the evening preached at Bristol. My chief business now was, to examine throughly the society in Kingswood. This found me full employment for several days. On Wednesday, 27, having finished my work, I set out very early, and (though my horse fell lame) on Thursday evening came to London. Fri. 29.-I largely explained, "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty:"-Namely, liberty to obey the whole will of God; to be and do whatsoever he hath commanded: in a word, to love God with all our heart, and to serve him with all our strength.

Sun. 31.-Several of the leaders desired to have an hour's conversation with me. I found they were greatly perplexed about "want of management, ill husbandry, encouraging idleness, improper distribution of money," "being imposed upon by fair pretences," and "men who talked well, but had no grace in their hearts." I asked, who those men were but that they could not tell. Who encouraged idleness: when and how: what money had been improperly distributed: by whom, and to whom in what instances I had been imposed on; (as I presumed they meant me;) and what were the particulars of that ill husbandry and mismanagement of which they complained. They stared at one another as men in amaze. I began to be amazed too, not being able to imagine what was the matter, till one dropped a word, by which all came out. They had been talking with Mr. Hall, who had started so many objections against all I said or did, that they were in the utmost consternation, till the fire thus broke out, which then at once vanished away.

Wed. November 3.-Two of those who are called prophets, desired o speak with me. They told me, they were sent from God with a

message to me; which was, that very shortly I should be born'd again. One of them added, they would stay in the house till it was done, unless I turned them out. I answered, gravely, "I will not turn you out," and showed them down into the society-room. It was tolerably cold; and they had neither meat nor drink : however, there they sat from morning to evening. They then went quietly away, and I have heard nothing from them since. Sun. 7.--I concluded the Epistle to the Hebrews, that strong barrier against the too prevailing imagination,-that the privileges of Christian believers are to be measured by those of the Jews. Not so: that Christians are under a better covenant, established upon better promises; that although "the Law made nothing perfect," made none perfect either in holiness or happiness, yet "the bringing in of a better hope" did, "by which we" now "draw nigh unto God;" this is the great truth continually inculcated herein, and running through this whole epistle.

Mon. 8.-I set out at four, reached Northampton that night, and the next evening, Donnington Park. Wednesday, 10.-I rode on to Rusworth inn, and, on Saturday, 13, reached Newcastle. My brother had been here for some weeks before, and was but just returned to London. At eight I met the wild, staring, loving society; but not them alone, as I had designed. For we could not persuade the strangers to leave us. So that we only spent about an hour in prayer.

Sun. 14.-I began preaching about five o'clock, (a thing never heard of before in these parts,) on, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." And the victorious sweetness of the grace of God was present with his word. At ten we went to All Saints, where

were such a number of communicants as I have scarce seen but at Bristol or London. At four I preached in the square of the Keelman's hospital, on, "By grace are ye saved, through faith." It rained and hailed hard, both before and after; but there were only some scattered drop while I preached, which frighted away a few careless hearers. I met the society at six, and exhorted all who had "set their hand to the plough," not to "look back."

Mon. 15.-I began at five expounding the Acts of the Apostles. In the afternoon (and every afternoon this week) I spoke severally with the members of the society. On Tuesday evening I began the Epistle to the Romans. After sermon the society met. I reproved some among them who walked disorderly; and earnestly besought them all to beware, lest, by reason of their sins, the way of truth should be evil spoken of.

Thur. 18.-I could not but observe the different manner wherein God is pleased to work in different places. The grace of God flows here with a wider stream than it did at first either at Bristol or Kingswood. But it does not sink so deep as it did there. Few are throughly convinced of sin, and scarce any can witness, that the Lamb of God has taken away their sins.

Fri. 19.-I found the first witness of this good confession. Margaret H(0 how fallen since then!) told me, that the night before, her sight (an odd circumstance) and her strength were taken away at once. At the same time the love of God so overflowed her soul, that she could not speak or move. James R- also gave me an account

to-day, that in going home the day before, he lost his sight in a moment, and was forced to catch hold of some rails for fear of falling. He continues under strong conviction, longing for the salvation of God.

Sun. 21. After preaching in the room at five, I began preaching about eight at the hospital: it rained all the time; but that did not disturb me or the congregation, while I explained, "Thou shalt call his name Jesus; for he shall save his people from their sins." Tues. 23. -There seemed in the evening to be a deeper work in many souls than I had observed before. Many trembled exceedingly; six or seven (both men and women) dropped down as dead; some cried unto God out of the deep; others would have cried, but their voice was lost: and some have found that the Lord is "gracious and merciful, forgiving iniquity, and transgression, and sin."

Thur. 25.--In the evening God was pleased to wound many more who were quiet and at ease. And I could not but observe, that here the very best people, so called, were as deeply convinced as open sinners. Several of these were now constrained to roar aloud for the disquietness of their hearts; and these generally not young, (as in most other places,) but either middle-aged, or well stricken in years. I never saw a work of God, in any other place, so evenly and gradually carried on. tinually rises step by step. Not so much seems to be done at any one time, as hath frequently been at Bristol or London; but something at every time. It is the same with particular souls. I saw none in that triumph of faith, which has been so common in other places. But the believers go on calm and steady. Let God do as seemeth him good.

It con

Fri. 26.-Between twelve and one, I preached in a convenient ground at Whickham, two or three miles from Newcastle. I spoke strong rough words; but I did not perceive that any regarded what was spoken. The people indeed were exceeding quiet, and the cold kept them from falling asleep; till (before two) I left them, very well satisfied with the preacher, and with themselves. Sun. 28.--I preached, both at five in in the room, and at eight in the hospital, on, "Him hath God exalted to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance and remission of sins." We then walked over to Tanfield Leigh; about seven miles from Newcastle. Here a large company of people were gathered together from all the country round about: to whom I expounded the former part of the fifth chapter to the Romans. But so dead, senseless, unaffected a congregation, have I scarce seen, except at Whickham. Whether the Gospel or Law, or English or Greek, seemed all one to them! Yet the seed sown even here was not quite lost; for on Thursday morning, between four and five, John Brown, then of Tanfield Leigh, was waked out of sleep by the voice that raiseth the dead; and ever since he has been full of love, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. At four I preached in the Hospital Square, to the largest congregation I had seen since we left London, on, "Jesus Christ," our "wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption."

And

Wed. December 1.-We had several places offered, on which to build a room for the society; but none was such as we wanted. perhaps there was a providence in our not finding any as yet; for, by this means, I was kept at Newcastle whether I would or no. Sat. 4.-I was both surprised and grieved at a genuine instance of enthusiasm. VOL. III.

18

J— B—, of Tanfield Leigh, who had received a sense of the love of God a few days before, came riding through the town, hallooing and shouting, and driving all the people before him; telling them, God had told him he should be a king, and should tread all his enemies under his feet. I sent him home immediately to his work, and advised him to cry day and night to God, that he might be lowly in heart; lest Satan should again get an advantage over him. To-day a gentleman called and offered me a piece of ground. On Monday an article was drawn, wherein he agreed to put me into possession on Thursday, upon payment of thirty pounds.

Tues. 7.-I was so ill in the morning, that I was obliged to send Mr. Williams to the Room. He afterward went to Mr. Stephenson, a merchant in the town, who had a passage through the ground we intended to buy. I was willing to purchase it. Mr. Stephenson told him, "Sir, I do not want money; but if Mr. Wesley wants ground, he may have a piece of my garden, adjoining to the place you mention. I am at a word. For forty pounds he shall have sixteen yards in breadth, and thirty in length." Wed. 8.-Mr. Stephenson and I signed an article, and I took possession of the ground. But I could not fairly go back from my agreement with Mr. Riddel: so I entered on his ground at the same time. The whole is about forty yards in length; in the middle of which we determined to build the house, leaving room for a small court-yard before, and a little garden behind, the building.

Sun. 12.-I expounded, at five, the former part of the parable of the sower. At eight I preached in the Square, on, "I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep." The effect of what had been spoken in the morning now evidently appeared; for one could not observe any in the congregation to stir hand or foot. When the sermon was done, they divided to the right and left, none offering to go till I was past: and then they walked quietly and silently away, lest Satan should catch the seed out of their hearts. Mon. 13.—I removed into a lodging adjoining to the ground where we were preparing to build; but the violent frost obliged us to delay the work. I never felt so intense cold before. In a room where a constant fire was kept, though my desk was fixed within a yard of the chimney, I could not write for a quarter of an hour together, without my hands being quite benumbed.

Wed. 15.-I preached at Horsley-upon-Tyne, eight (computed) miles from Newcastle. It was about two in the afternoon. The house not containing the people, we stood in the open air in spite of the frost. I preached again in the evening, and in the morning. We then chose to walk home, having each of us catched a violent cold by riding the day before. Mine gradually wore off; but Mr. Meyrick's increased, so that, on Friday, he took his bed. I advised him to bleed; but he imagined he should be well without it in a few days. Sun. 19.-I cried to all who felt themselves lost, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved:" and in the afternoon, "Ho! every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters." At that hour, one who was bitterly mourning after Christ (Mary Emerson) was filled with joy unspeakable.

Mon. 20.-We laid the first stone of the house. Many were gathered, from all parts, to see it; but none scoffed or interrupted, while we praised

God, and prayed that he would prosper the work of our hands upon us. Three or four times in the evening, I was forced to break off preaching, that we might pray and give thanks to God. When I came home, they told me the physician said, he did not expect Mr. Meyrick would live till the morning. I went to him, but his pulse was gone. He had been speechless and senseless for some time. A few of us immediately joined in prayer: (I relate the naked fact:) before we had done his sense and his speech returned. Now, he that will account for this by natural causes, has my free leave: but I choose to say, This is the power of God.

Thur. 23.—It being computed that such a house as was proposed could not be finished under seven hundred pounds, many were positive it would never be finished at all; others, that I should not live to see it covered. I was of another mind; nothing doubting but, as it was begun for God's sake, he would provide what was needful for the finishing it. Sat. 25.-The physician told me he could do no more; Mr. Meyrick could not live over the night. I went up, and found them all crying about him; his legs being cold, and (as it seemed) dead already. We all kneeled down, and called upon God with strong cries and tears. He opened his eyes, and called for me; and, from that hour, he continued to recover his strength, till he was restored to perfect health.--I wait to hear who will either disprove this fact, or philosophically account for it. Sun. 26. From those words, "Sing we merrily unto God, our strength; make a cheerful noise unto the God of Jacob;" I tock occasion to show the usual way of keeping these days holy, in honour of the birth of our Lord; namely, by an extraordinary degree of gluttony and drunkenness; by Heathen, and worse than Heathen diversions; (with their constant attendants, passion and strife, cursing, swearing, and blasphemy;) and by dancing and card playing, equally conducive to the glory of God. I then described the right way of keeping a day holy to the Lord: by extraordinary prayer, public and private; by thanksgiving; by hearing, reading, and meditating on his word; and by talking of all his wondrous works.

Mon. 27.-I rode to Horsley. The house being too small, I was obliged again to preach in the open air; but so furious a storm have I seldom known. The wind drove upon us like a torrent; coming by turns from east, west, north, and south; the straw and thatch flew round our heads; so that one would have imagined it could not be long before the house must follow: but scarce any one stirred, much less went away, till I dismissed them with the peace of God. Tues. 28.--I preached in an open place at Swalwell, two or three miles from Newcastle. The wind was high, and extremely sharp; but I saw none go away till I went. Yet I observed none that seemed to be much convinced; only stunned, as if cut in the head. Wed. 29.—After preaching (as usual) in the Square, I took horse for Tanfield. More than once I was only not blown off my horse. However, at three I reached the Leigh, and explained to a multitude of people the salvation which is through faith. Afterward I met the society in a large upper room, which rocked to and fro with the violence of the storm. But all was calm within; and we rejoiced together in hope of a kingdom which cannot be moved.