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.

Sunday 12, I preached at Gateshead in the morning, at Swalwell about two; and at the Room in the evening. I scarce ever heard so fine a defence of a weak cause as was Mr. S.'s sermon in the morning; wherein he laboured much to prove the unlawfulness of laymen's preaching: but with such fenderness and good-nature, that I almost wished the sermon were printed, for a pattern to all polemical writers.

Sunday 19, being Easter-day, I preached in Gateshead for the last time; afterwards at Swalwell, and at Newcastle in the evening. I could gladly have spent six weeks more in these parts; but my time being now expired, I preached my farewell sermon at five.

On Monday 20, a great part of the congregation (which filled the Room) were some of the finest people I had ever seen there. Surely God is working a new thing in the earth. Even to the rich is the Gospel preached! And there are, of these also, who have ears to hear, and hearts to receive the truth as it is in Jesus.

About nine I preached to a large congregation at Renton, and before six reached Osmotherly. Finding Mr. D. (as I expected) had been vehemently attacked by the neighbouring clergy and gentry, that he might be exposed to no farther difficulty on my account, I did not claim his promise, but preached on a tombstone near the church, on The Lord is risen indeed! How wisely does God order all things! Some will not hear even the word of God out of a church. For the sake of these we are often permitted to preach in a church. Others will not hear it in a church.

For their sakes we are often compelled to preach in the highways.

Here John Nelson met me. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, he had preached at Acomb and the neighbouring places; on Good Friday, in particular, on Heworth Moor, to a large and quiet congregation. On Easter Sunday, at eight, he preached there again, to a large number of serious hearers. Towards the close of his discourse, a mob came from York, hired and headed by some (miscalled) gentlemen. They stood still, till an eminent Papist cried out, "Why do not you knock the dog's brains out?" On which they immediately began throwing all that came to hand, so that the congregation was quickly dispersed. John spoke a few words, and walked towards York. They followed with showers of bricks and stones; one of which struck him on the shoulder, one on the back and a little before he came to the city, part of a brick hit him on the back of the head, and felled him to the ground. When he came to himself, two of Acomb lifted him up, and led him forward between them. The gentlemen followed throwing as before, till he came to the city gate, near which lived an honest tradesman, who took him by the arm, and pulled him into his house. Some of the rioters swore they would break all his windows, if he did not turn him out. But he told them resolutely, "I will not; let any of you touch my house at your peril. I shall make you remember it as long as you live." On this they thought good to retire.

After a Surgeon had dressed the wound in his head, John went softly on to Acomb. About five he went out, in order to preach, and began singing a hymn. Before it was ended, the same gentlemen came in a coach from York with a numerous attendance. They threw clods and stones so fast on every side, that the congregation soon dispersed. John walked down into a little ground, not far from Thomas Slaton's house. Two men quickly followed; one of whom swore desperately he would have his life. And he seemed to be in good earnest. He struck him several times, with all his force, on the head and breast; and at length threw him

down, and stamped upon him, till he left him for dead. But, by the mercy of God, being carried into a house, he soon came to himself; and after a night's rest was so recovered, that he was able to ride to Osmotherly.

Tuesday 21, I called at Thirsk. But finding the town full of holiday folks, drinking, cursing, swearing, and cock-fighting, I did not stop at all, but rode on to Boroughbridge, and in the afternoon to Leeds.

Wednesday 22, I spent an hour with Mr. M., and pressed him to make good his assertion, that our preaching had done more harm than good. This he did not choose to pursue, but enlarged on the harm it might occasion in suc ceeding generations. I cannot see the force of this argument. I dare not neglect the doing certain, present good, for fear of some probable ill consequences in the succeeding century.

Sunday 26, I met the Leeds society at five; preached at seven, on The Spirit and the Bride say, come; and at one, to an unwieldy multitude, several hundreds of whom went away, it being impossible for them to hear. Such another congregation I had at Birstal; yet here I believe my voice reached all that were present.

Monday 27, I preached at Birstal, at Wibsey Moor, and at Bradford, and regulated the societies. Tuesday 28, one of Pudsey would take no denial, so I promised to preach there at eight o'clock. Coming before the hour, we walked to the new house of the Germans. It stands on the side of a hill, commanding all the vale beneath, and the opposite hill. The front is exceedingly grand, though plain, being faced with fine, smooth, white stone. The Germans suppose it will cost, by that time it is finished, about three thousand pounds. It is well if it be not nearer ten. But this is no concern to the English brethren. For they are told, (and potently believe,) that "All the money will come from beyond sea!"

I preached at eight at the place appointed, and thence rode to Dewsbury, where I was to preach at noon. But first I called on the minister, Mr. Robson: and in an ac

ceptable time. Abundance of little offences had arisen, and been carefully magnified by those who sought such occasions. But we both spoke our minds without reserve; and the snare was presently broken.

After sermon, Mr. R., having sent a note to desire I would call upon him again, I went and passed such an hour as I have not had since I left London. We did not part without tears. Who knows how great a work God can accomplish in a short time!

Thursday 30, I rode to Keighley. The ten persons I joined here are increased to above a hundred. And above a third of them can rejoice in God, and walk as becomes the Gospel.

Friday, May 1, I read prayers and preached in Haworth church to a numerous congregation. In the evening I preached near Skircoat-green, and baptized Eliz. K., late a Quaker. Saturday 2, I preached at Halifax, to a civil, senseless congregation; at noon in Gildersom, and in the evening at Armley.

Sunday 3, At one I preached to a vast congregation at Hunsleet; and about five to a still larger at Birstal. I preached, on All things are ready; come to the marriage. And some, I trust, were compelled to come in.

Monday 4, At his earnest request I began examining those that are called W. D.'s societies. At three I preached at Great Harding; in the evening at Roughlee, where there was a large society. But since the men of smooth tongue broke in upon them, they are every man afraid of his brother; half of them ringing continually in the ears of the rest, "No works, no law, no bondage." However, we gathered above forty of the scattered sheep, who are still minded to stand in the old paths.

Tuesday 5, I preached at Roughlee at five; about eleven at Hinden, and about three at Widdap, a little village in the midst of huge, barren mountains, where also there was a society. But Mr. B. had effectually dispersed them, so that I found but three members left.

We rode thence about five miles to Stonesey-gate, which . lies in a far more fruitful country. Here was a larger congregation at six o'clock than I had seen since my leaving Birstal. They filled both the yard and the road to a considerable distance, and many were seated on a long wall adjoining, which being built of loose stones, in the middle of the sermon all fell down at once. I never saw, heard, or read of such a thing before. The whole wall, and the persons sitting upon it, sunk down together, none of them screaming out, and very few altering their posture. And not one was hurt at all; but they appeared sitting at the bottom, just as they sat at the top. Nor was there any interruption either of my speaking, or of the attention of the hearers.

Wednesday 6, I rode to Shore, four miles south from Stonesey, lying about half way down a huge, steep mountain. Here I preached at twelve to a loving, simple-hearted people. We then climbed up to Todmorden-edge, the brow of a long chain of mountains, where I called a serious people to Repent and believe the Gospel.

Thursday 7, We left the mountains and came down to the fruitful valley of Rosendale. Here I preached to a large congregation of wild men ; but it pleased God to hold them in chains. So that even when I had done, none offered any rudeness, but all went quietly away.

We came to Manchester between one and two. I had no thought of preaching here, till I was informed John Nelson had given public notice that I would preach at one o'clock. I was now in a great strait. Their house would not contain a tenth part of the people. And how the unbroken spirits of so large a town would endure preaching in the street, I knew not. Besides, that having rode a swift trot for several hours, and in so sultry a day, I was both faint and weary. But after considering that I was not going a warfare at my own cost, I walked straight to Salford Cross. A numberless crowd of people, partly ran before, partly followed after me. I thought it best not to sing, but looking round, asked abruptly, "Why do you look as if you had never seen me before? Many of you