A journal of a voyage from Gibralter to Georgia. By Geo. Whitefield, A.B. of Pembroke-College, Oxford. ; Containing many curious observations, and edifying reflections, on the several occurrences that happen'd in the voyage.

A JOURNAL OF A VOYAGE FROM GIBRALTAR to GEORGIA.

BY Geo. Whitefield, A. B. Of Pembroke-College, Oxford.

CONTAINING Many curious OBSERVATIONS, and Edifying REFLECTIONS, on the ſeveral Occurrences that happen'd in the Voyage.

PHILADELPHIA, 〈◊〉 and Sold by B. FRANKLIN, in Market-Street, 1739.

JOURNAL of a VOYAGE FROM Gibraltar to Georgia. My dear Friends,

THOUGH I know no Reaſon why you ſhould be ſolicitous about any Thing that happens to ſuch a worthleſs Creature as I am, yet as your Love (Oh unmerited Kindneſs!) abounds exceedingly towards me, and I am poſitive you will give Thanks unto our good GOD, for all the Mercies he has confer'd upon me; I have ſent you as full and particular an Account of the Remainder of my Voyage, as the little Leiſure I have had from my Miniſterial Offices would permit me to give.

Monday, February 20, 1737. Spent the Morning on Board, in writing Letters to my dear Friends in England, to acquaint them of my ſafe Arrival. Went in the Afternoon on ſhore to Gibraltar, and was unſpeakably delighted with the Proſpect of t • e Place. My Friend H. and I, din'd at an Inn, and went afterwards with Capt. W. and ſome other Company, to view one Side of the Fort; which to us ſeem'd impregnable, and at the Sight of which I could ſcarce avoid crying out, — Who is ſo great a GOD, as our GOD!

The ſeeing Perſons of all Nations and Languages, gave me great Pleaſure, and the Difference of the Value of their Money and ours, gave me Occaſion to reflect on the Stupidity of thoſe, who place their Happineſs in that which has no intrinſick Worth in itſelf, but only ſo much as we arbitrarily put upon it.

Went into a Romiſh Chappel; wherein were the Relicks of a vaſt deal of Pageantry, and ſe • veral Images of the Virgin Mary, dreſs'd up not like a poor Galilean, but in her Silks and Damasks. O, thought I, who has bewitch •• this People, that they ſhould thus depart from th • Simplicity of CHRIST, and go a Whoring after their own Inventions! Surely, was the great St. Paul to riſe from the Dead, and come and view the Romiſh Church, his Spirit would be ſtirred within him, as it was at Athens, to ſee them thus wholly given to Idolatry.

Tueſday, Feb. 21. After having read Prayers and wrote ſome religious Letters, to my Friends in England, went again to Gibraltar, to pay my Reſpects to Governor S. being told by Capt. M. that he expected to ſee me. — The worthy old Gentleman received me with the utmoſt Candour, and gave me a general Invitation to come and dine with him every Day, during my Stay at Gibraltar. I thanked him for his Kindneſs, had about a quarter of an Hour's Converſation with him, and took my Leave for that Time.

At one o'Clock I r • turn'd to dine with him, ac ••• ding to his Appointment, and was well ple • ſ • d with the • eg • lar Behaviour of the Officers a • T • ble. We had what the Epicurean would call. Coena Dubia — ſuper omnia Vultus acceſſere b • ni, — At Three I took my Leave, and walked about with Capt. W. and other Friends, to take a • econd View of the Fort. Went on Board about Five. Read Prayers, and began expounding the Creed, in the Cabin. Wrote ſome more religious Letters, and went to Bed very thankful to GOD, for ſending me abroad.

Wedneſday, Feb. 22. This Day I intended to ſtay on Board to write Letters; but GOD being pleaſed to ſhew me, it was not his Will, I went on Shore again, and paid both the Miniſters of Gibraltar a Viſit; who received me very affectionately, and offer'd me the Uſe of the Pulpit. O, what a bleſſed Thing is it for the Clergy to dwell together in Unity!

At Eleven, went to public Prayers; and was much pleaſed to ſee many Officers and Soldiers attend the General to Church. Methinks Religion looks doubly amiable in Soldiers! After Prayers, din'd again with the General; who gave me an Invitation, as I went out of the Church. He treated me with uncommon Civility, and deſired me to preach the following. Sunday, which I promiſed to do. We had an elegant Entertainment, but my Thoughts were moſtly employ'd in pitying the Unhappineſs of great Men, who are in ſuch continual Danger of having their Table become a Snare unto them. I had an Opportunity of ſending a Packet of Letters, with my Journal, to my dear Friends in England; May the good Lord give them his Bleſſing!

Went in the Afternoon to viſit a Deſerter, who had ſent me a Letter, deſiring me to intercede for him with the Governour, he being apprehenſive he ſhould die for Deſertion, I intended to anſwer his Requeſt, but the Governor was ſo merciful, that he order'd him to be whipp'd only, which I thought Puniſhment little enough. O Sin! What Miſchief doſt thou make in the World!

In the Evening, I return'd as uſual on Board. Read Prayers, and expounded in the great Cabin. Buried a Child; made an Exhortation to the Soldiers, proper for the Occaſion. Wrote to ſome Friends at Deal, and went to Bed, with unuſual Thoughts, and Convictions, that GOD would do ſome great Things at Gibraltar. O that I was a pure Veſſel, fit for my Maſter's Uſe!

Thurſday, Feb. 23. Continued all this Day on Board; did my uſual Duty in the Ship; and put my dear Friend B—'s Sermon into the Hands of two Officers at Gibraltar, who came to dine on Board with Lieutenant D. They behaved very much like Gentlemen, and ſeemed pleaſed with ſerious Converſation. May the GOD whom I ſerve, add the Chriſtian to the Gentleman!

Friday, Feb. 24. Bleſſed be God, who this Day has ſhewn me, that he has heard my Prayer, and not taken his Loving Kindneſs from me! — Before I reached Gibraltar, I prayed that God would open an effectual Door, at the Place whither we were going, and direct me where I ſhould lodge; and lo! this Day he hath anſwered me! About Ten in the Morning Capt. M. came on Board, telling me that one Major S. a Perſon I never ſaw, had provided me a convenient Lodging, at one Merchant B—'s, and deſired that I would come on Shore. I looking on this as a Call from Providence, received it with all Thankfulneſs, and went with Friend H. on Shore; but not without firſt praying GOD would direct us how to behave.

About the middle of the Town Major S. gave us the Meeting; conducted us to our new Lodgings, which were very commodious, and engaged us to dine with him, and Capt. M. When I ſent you without Scrip, or Shoe, lacked ye any Thing? they ſaid unto Him, Nothing, Lord.

About Eleven was introduc'd by Dr. C. to General C. who was very deſirous of ſeeing me: He receiv'd me exceeding kindly; and after a little ſerious Converſation, we went to Governor S—'s, and from thence to public Prayers; and was highly pleas'd to ſee ſo many Officers attending on the Generals to Church. Dr. C. told me, he had not known Governor S. abſent himſelf from Prayers once theſe ſeven Years; except when he was hinder'd by real Sickneſs. O that all others would let their Light ſo ſhine before Men!

Retir'd in the Evening to our Lodgings. Had Family Prayer. Wrote ſome few Religious Letters. Spent near half an Hour in ſerious Converſation with the People of the Houſe. Gave Thanks for the Bleſſings of the Day, and was ſoon convinc'd that God had ſent me hither of a Truth. Be careful for nothing; but in every,—even the minuteſt Thing, make your Wants known unto God; — for he careth for you.

Saturday, Feb. 25. About Six this Morning went with H. to the Church, to pray with ſome devout Soldiers, who I heard uſed to meet there at that Time, and with whom my Soul was knit immediately.— For all my Delight is in the Saints that are in the Earth, and in thoſe that excel in Virtue.

After we had finiſh'd our Devotions, I made Inquiry into their State; and found that their Society had been ſubſiſting about twelve Years; and that one Sergeant B. (a devout Soldier indeed) now among them, was the firſt Beginner of it. At firſt (they told me) they uſed to meet in Dens, and Mountains, and Caves in the Rocks; but afterwards, on their applying for Leave to build a little Place to retire in, Dr. C. and Governor S. gave them the free Uſe of the Church, where they conſtantly meet three times in a Day; and pray, read, and ſing Pſalms; and at any other Seaſon when they pleaſe. — They have met with much Contempt; and are now in Deriſion, call'd, THE NEW LIGHTS; and glorious Lights they are indeed! For I convers'd cloſely with ſeveral of them, and they made me quite aſham'd of my little Proficiency in the School of Chriſt. Many have join'd with them for a Time, but a ſervile Fear of Man (that Bane of Chriſtianity!) made them draw back. However, ſome continued ſtedfaſt and unmoveable, and tho' deſpiſed by the World, are, no Doubt, highly favour'd of GOD. Governor S. countenances them much; and has ſpoke of them often to me with much Reſpect. Bleſſed be GOD, even the Father of our Lord JESUS CHRIST, who hath not left himſelf without Witneſs at any Place; but hath ſome every-where who ſerve him, and work Righteouſneſs!

The Sunday before we came hither, I was telling my Friend H. that I had Reaſon to think, by what had happen'd to me, that GOD had ſome Work for me to do at Gibraltar. He anſwer'd, there could not be much Good expected from among Soldiers. — I reply'd, No Doubt but God has ſome ſecret ones in all Places, who tremble at his Word. And, lo! he has this Day brought me to them. By this I know thou favoureſt me, O Lord, Thou King of Saints!

There is alſo another Society of the Scotch Church, who in Contempt are called DARK LANTHORNS: It has ſubſiſted about a Year, and is made up of many ſerious Chriſtians, as I was inform'd. I did not think it proper to viſit them; but I ſent to them, as well as to the other Society, ſome proper Books. Had Religious Talk with ſeveral of them, and endeavour'd to unite both Societies together. O when will that Time come, when all Differences about Externals ſhall be taken away, and we all with one Heart, and one Mouth, glorify our Lord JESUS CHRIST?

About Eight, return'd to my Lodgings; and after having wrote ſome Religious Letters, went on Board the Amy (having firſt adviſed with Col. C.) to marry a Couple, who ſent to me Yeſterday, to come and celebrate their Nuptials. I took that Opportunity of exhorting them all to take Heed to the Things that belong to their Peace. Some, I believe, were affected; but the Generality of them behav'd ſo careleſs, that I could not ſee a Difference between thoſe that have a Miniſter among them, and thoſe that have not.

About Twelve, went on Board my own Ship▪ Din'd. Did ſome neceſſary Buſineſs. Read Prayers. Gave my Flo • k a warm Exhortation, and return'd about Five on Shore; where I ſpent near two Hours with the Devout Soldiers in the Church. Many of them convers'd moſt Spiritually; and ſeem'd well acquainted with the Pangs of the New-Birth. May God perfect the good Work begun in their Hearts! O how amiable are thy Servants, O Lord of Hoſts! How would the World admire them, did they ſee their Beauties! But Satan does now, as formerly,— dreſs them up in Bear-skins, in order to have them baited.

Sunday, Feb. 26. Between Five and Six in the Morning, went with Mr. H. and (which I did all the while I was at Gibraltar) ſung Pſalms; pray'd, and expounded the Leſſons to the devout Soldiers in the Church, and was much inlarged. Thanks be given unto Thee, O Lord!

Intended to go and preach to my People. Was prevented by the Violence of the Wind; but 〈◊〉 pleas'd to hear of ſome Gibraltar Officers, who din'd that Day on Board the Whitaker, that ſome of my Flock had the Courage to read Prayers, and ſing Pſalms themſelves; and, as I found afterwards, continued to do ſo, during my Abſence from them. Bleſſed be God! I hope I ſhall have ſome that dare to be ſingularly good, and will not be kept out by the Preſs!

Preach'd in the Morning at Gibraltar, before ſuch a Congregation of Officers and Soldiers, as I never before ſaw. The Church, tho' very large, was quite throng'd; and GOD was pleaſed to ſhew me, that he had given extraordinary Succeſs to my Sermon. O how is the Divine Strength magnify'd in my Weakneſs! O God! why doſt thou chuſe to work by ſo unfit an Inſtrument! O grant I may, like a pure Cryſtal, tranſmit all the Light thou poureſt on me, and never claim as my own, what is thy ſole Property!

Din'd, with Friend H. at Governor S—'s, who ſent moſt kindly to invite us. The Law at his Table, was the ſame with that of Ahaſuerus. No one was compell'd; and all the Officers behav'd in ſuch a decent, innocent manner, every Time I din'd there, that they ſurpriz'd me. Surely ſome Fear of God is in this Place!

After Evening Prayers, (for there are none in the Afternoon) I went and expounded, pray'd, and ſung Pſalms with the Society, and had near thirty Hearers. May the Good Lord give it his Bleſſing!

At Night had ſome devout Converſation with my Hoſt and Hoſteſs; who ſeem to love me as their own Son. Pray'd for abſent Friends; and went to Bed, aſham'd I had done ſo little for GOD, on the Sabbath Day. But when we can't do as we would, we muſt do as we can.

Monday, February 27. Went to the Society, and did as Yeſterday; and was viſited afterwards by two of the Nonconforming Society, who ſeem'd to be Iſraelites indeed. I exhorted them to Love and Unity, and not to let a little Difference about a few Externals occaſion any Narrow-Spiritedneſs to ariſe in their Hearts. I adviſed them to come and hear me expound in the Church, which they did; and providentially the Leſſon was the 4th of the Epheſians; from whence I took Occaſion to urge on them, the Neceſſity of loving one another, with a catholic, diſintereſted Love; to be of one Heart, and of one Mind, and to join, without having Reſpect to Perſons, in haſtening the Kingdom of our Lord JESUS CHRIST. I hope GOD gave a Bleſſing to what was ſaid; for I obſerv'd they came conſtantly afterwards; and I was told, there was a perfect Harmony between them. What infinite Miſchief have needleſs Diviſions occaſion'd in the Chriſtian World! DIVIDE ET IMPERA, is the Devil's Motto.

Din'd and Supp'd at General C's, with Mr. H. and was receiv'd moſt cou • teouſ • y. The Lord reward him in that Day! The Officers ſeem'd ſtudious to oblige me; and to be ſollicitous for my ſtay at Gibraltar. — But my Face is ſet to go towards GEORGIA; the Lord direct my going, in his Way!

Tueſday, Feb. 28. Expounded in the Church as uſual. Went on Board. Read Prayers. Expounded to my own Flock. Din'd with Friend H. at Governor S.'s, who ſent to invite us. Expounded to a large Number of Soldiers, in the Evening, at Church.

Was ask'd by Dr. C. in the Name of the Governor; Colonel C. &c. to preach every Prayer-day, while I ſtai • 〈◊〉 Gibraltar; which I promiſed to do; and perceived the Word of God to run very ſwiftly. Many of the Inhabitants preſs'd me to ſtay with them, and were exceedingly kind to thoſe that were with me,— for my ſake. Bleſſed be GOD, for thus giving me Favour in his People's Sight! Lord! What am I! or what is in me, that thou ſhould'ſt ſo highly honour me! Grant, O Lord, the more thou exalteſt me, the more I may abaſe myſelf, and always be looking to the Rock, from whence I was h • wn!

Converſed with one of the devout Soldiers, who was under ſtrong Spiritual Trials, and GOD was pleaſed to give him Comfort. I find it neceſſary, more and more every Day, that Miniſters ſhould be tempted, in all Things like unto their Brethren, that they may be able experimentally to ſuccour thoſe that are tempted.

Wedneſday, March 1. Expounded in the Morning; and was highly pleaſed, at my Entrance into the Church, to ſee ſeveral Soldie • s, kneeling in ſeveral Parts of the Houſe of GOD, at their private Devotions.— O happy Gibraltar! that hath ſuch a ſet of praying Men! Some I hear come in, by two o' Clock in the Morning, to pour out their Hearts unto GOD. The Lord perform all their Petitions!

Preach'd according to my Promiſe, to a numerous and affected Audience of Officers; and of the Honourable Women,—not a few.— O that they may with Meekneſs receive the ingrafted Word! And that it may be a Means of ſaving their Souls!

Thurſday, March 2. Spent Part of the Day in writing religious Letters. Din'd and Supp'd at Mr. A.'s, chief Civil Magiſtrate in Gibraltar; and was entertained with uncommon Love and Affection.

Expounded twice in the Church, as uſual; and at Night had above three hundred Hearers. Among whom were many Officers, Ladies, and Doctor C. the Miniſter of the Church, himſelf; who would have had me went up into the Reading Desk, that I might have the greater Command of the People. But I declin'd it that Night.— GOD be prais'd, for ſending me abroad, and proſpering the Work of his Hands upon me!

When all thy Mercies, O my God! My riſing Soul ſurveys, Tranſported with thy Love, I'm l • ſt In Wonder, Love and Praiſe!

Friday, March 3. Still GOD lets me ſee greater Things than before. O that my Thanks may increaſe proportionably!

This Morning, beſides a great Number of Soldiers, near, if not more than a Dozen of the Town's People, came to Church, to hear me expound. Afterwards we breakfaſted with a Gentlewoman, who ſent by Major S. to invite us, and moſt gladly received us, into her Houſe. About Ten, I preach'd my Sermon againſt Swearing, and made a Farewel Application to the Soldiers that were going over to Georgia, out of that Garriſon. The Governor had that Morning review'd them. I deſired they might be order'd to come to Church, that I might have an Opportunity of telling them how to behave, in that Land, which they were going over the Sea to protect. The Colonel and Governor moſt readily conſented, and there was a moſt thronged Audience. GOD was pleaſed to ſet his Seal to my Sermon. Many Officers and Soldiers wept ſorely; and a viſible Alteration was obſerv'd in the Garriſon, for ſome Days afterward. O that their Convictions may end in their Converſion, and that they may bring forth the Fruits of the Spirit!

Bought ſome Wine▪ with the Money I had collected for the Uſe of the ſick Poor in Georgia. The Parſonage Houſe ought to be — the Poor's Storehouſe.

Had above five hundred to hear me expound this Evening; and went up into the Desk, with the Advice of Dr. C. who now conſtantly makes one of my Hearers. After this we ſupp'd at Mr. B—'s, and return'd Home with Joy and great Gladneſs of Heart. Who can expreſs the loving Kindneſs of the Lord, or ſhew forth all his Praiſe!

Saturday, March 4. Expounded in the Morning; more Hearers than ever, ſome of which wept. — Din'd and Supp'd at General C—'s, who ſent laſt Night to invite me and my Friend; treated us with particular Reſpect.

I went in the Afternoon to the Jewiſh Synagogue, and was ſurpriſed to ſee one of the Head of them come from the further End, and put me into one of their chief Seats. But afterwards he told me, he had heard my Sermon yeſterday againſt Swearing, and thank'd me for it. Not unto me, not unto me, O Lord! but unto thy Name, be all the Thanks and Glory.

I continued with them their whole Service; and ſpent moſt of my Time in ſecret Prayer to GOD, that the Veil might be taken from their Hearts; and that bleſſed Time might come, when his choſen People ſhould again be ingrafted into their own Olive-tree, and all Iſrael be ſaved!

Viſited an unhappy Man in Priſon; who laſt Night, in a drunken Fit, murder'd a Fellow Soldier. I providentially met him juſt as he was apprehended, and laid before him the Terrors of the Lord. At firſt he ſeem'd unconcern'd; but in a ſhort Time he was pricked to the Heart; deſired me to come and ſee him, and to-day trembled, and wept bitterly. O Drunkenneſs! what Miſchief haſt thou done! Thy Name is Legion; for, behold! a Troop of Sins cometh along with thee.

In the Evening, I had near, if not more than a thouſand Hearers; and I took Occaſion from the poor Man's Wickedneſs and Misfortune, to warn the Soldiery, not to be drunk with Wine, wherein is Exceſs. A Sin that eaſily beſ • ts the Men of Gibraltar! May they hear and fear, and ſin no more preſumptuouſly!

I had a great Hoarſeneſs upon me, but notwithſtanding, GOD enabled me to ſpeak with Power. When we are weak, then are we ſtrong! What Mercies hath GOD ſhewn me this laſt Week! O that my Friends, when they hear of it, may praiſe Him! For ſurely, GOD hath hearkened to my Prayer! —

Sunday, March 5. After Morning Expoſition in the Church, went and ſaw the Roman Catholics at High Maſs; and ſhall only make this Remark; —That there needs no other Argument againſt Popery, than to ſee the Pageantry, Superſtition, and Idolatry of their Worſhip.

About Ten, went to the Church belonging to the Gariſon. Preach'd to a moſt throng'd Audience, and received what my Soul long'd after,— the Sacrament of CHRIST'S moſt bleſſed Body and Blood. Both the Generals were there, and near fifty more Communicants. The Weekly Collection for the Poor was larger than ever was known; and Dr. C. was ſo affected, that he wiſh'd himſelf a deſpiſed METHODIST. We are not fit for GOD to work by, till we are deſpiſed by Men; that the Excellency and Power of Preaching may be ſeen to be from GOD only.

Din'd at Governour S—'s; and at the Requeſt of the Inhabitants and Gentlemen of the Gariſon, preach'd a ſearching Sermon in the Afternoon. Expounded in the Evening, to above a thouſand Hearers, of all Denominations. Supp'd with General C. and went Home betimes, full of unſpeakable Comfort.— I am never better, than when I am on the full Stretch for GOD. Grant that I may not, like Jehu, drive furiouſly at firſt, and afterwards fall back; but, forgetting thoſe Things which are behind, may I reach out to thoſe Things which are before, and preſs forward toward the Mark, for the Prize of my high Calling in CHRIST JESUS. Methinks I hear my dear Friends ſay, ſilently, AMEN; and may the Great GOD ſay ſo too!

Monday, March 6. Had near, if not more than a Thouſand, at Morning Expoſition; and it being the laſt Day of my Sojourning at Gibraltar, many came to me weeping, telling me what God had done for their Souls; deſiring my Prayers, and promiſing me theirs in Return. Others both gave and ſent me Tokens of their Love, — as Cake, Figs, Wine, Eggs, and other Neceſſari • s for my Voyage; and ſeem'd to want Words to expreſs their Affection. — Surely they would have plucked out their own Eyes to have given me. — The good Lord note their Kindneſs in his Book, and reward them a thouſand-fold!

About Twelve, went to the Church, according to Appointment; and made a farewel Exhortation, as GOD gave me Utterance, to a great Number of weeping Soldiers, Women, &c. Then kneel'd down, and having recommended each other to the Care of GOD, I left them; went out and took my Leave of the two Generals. Viſited the confin'd Priſoner. Din'd at a Gentlewoman's Houſe in the Town. Left near fifty Letters to be ſent to England, and about Four went on Board; accompanied to the Sea-ſide with near 200 Soldiers, Women, Officers, &c. who all ſorrow'd at my Departure, and wiſh'd me good Luck, in the Name of the Lord. Surely I may now expect greater Succeſs abroad, having ſuch an Addition of Interceſſors on my Behalf! O Lord, put their Tears into thy Bottle: and let their Cry come unto Thee!

Samſon's Riddle has been fulfill'd at Gibraltar; out of the Eater came forth Meat, out of the Strong came forth Sweetneſs. Who more unlikely to be wrought upon, than Soldiers! — And yet, among any Set of People I have been, where has GOD made his Power more to be known! Many that were quite ſtark Blind, have received their Sight; many that have fallen back, have relented, and turned unto the Lord again; many that were aſhamed to own CHRIST openly, have waxen bold; and many that were Saints, have had their Hearts fill'd with Joy unſpeakable, and full of Glory. This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our Eyes! May he give a Bleſſing to the Books diſperſed among them, and perfect the good Work begun in their Hearts, till the Day of the Lord JESUS! May they be my Joy and Crown of Rejoicing at the laſt Day! And may GOD's Mercies to me in every Place make me more humble, more zealous, more thankful, and more ready to do, or ſuffer, whatever my dear Redeemer has allotted for me. Into his Hands I commend my Spirit, as into the Hands of an all-powerful Preſerver.

About Five, came on Board, and was moſt gladly received by my Flock; whom I hope to love better, for being a little abſent from them. Interceeded, and gave Thanks (as uſual) at Night upon Deck; and was pleaſed that I was again retir'd from the World. It rain'd much, but that made as the more fervent. Water us, O Lord, we beſeech thee, with the Dew of thy heavenly Benediction!

Tueſday, March 7. Went and converſed with, and diſperſed ſome proper Books among the Soldiers that we took from Gibraltar. Three of them belonged to one of the Societies. and deſired, with ſome others, to ſail in our Ship. GOD ſanctify my Miniſtry unto them! Moſt of them are of the Scotch Church, but ſeemed very willing to conform. What a Pity is it, CHRIST's ſeamleſs Coat ſhould be rent in pieces on Account of Things, in themſelves purely indifferent!

At Dinner we were like to be ſtruck againſt, by the Man of War. I ſaw it coming, and compoſed my ſelf for Death; but GOD had Mercy on us▪ commanded the Wind to ſhift about, and deliver'd us out of ſo great a Danger. O that we may ſhew forth our Thankfulneſs, not only with our Lips, but in our Lives! How ought Creatures to live, who are every Moment liable to be called by Death to Judgment!

This Day ſet ſail from Gibraltar; at firſt the Wind was fair, but afterwards blew contrary; which made both me and many others ſick. I ſhould have wonder'd if GOD had not ſent me a Thorn in the Fleſh, after ſuch abundant Succeſs. May I learn to SUFFER, as well as 〈◊〉 , thy Will, O GOD.

Had uſeful Conference with Capt. M. who was an Inſtrument (under God) of introducing me at Gibraltar, and who, I truſt, will make a devout Centurion. Grant this, heavenly Father, for thy dear Son's ſake.

Finiſh'd my Expoſition on the Creed, in the great Cabin, and did my other Duty in the Ship as uſual. The Wind blew hard, and GOD ſent abroad his Lightnings great Part of the Day. J. D. my Friend H. and my ſelf alſo, were ſick, but not ſo, as to prevent our Interceſſion for abſent Friends. Whatever befalls me, O Lord, may I never forget their Works and Labour of Love; as yet, bleſſed be GOD! they are always on my Mind, and I bear them on my Heart, whenſoever I go in, and from before the Lord. And nothing does and will ſupport me more, under all Croſſes, than the Hopes of ſeeing them grown in Grace, when I return to England. O GOD, prepare me for ſo great a Bleſſing!

Gave my ſelf (as much as my Indiſpoſition of Body would give me Leave) to the Word of GOD, and Prayer; and was much affected with what is ſaid of Hezekiah, that becauſe he was not thankful enough, for the great Things GOD had done for him, he was permitted to fall, thro' the Pride of his Heart. Alas! What Danger am I in of ſharing the ſame Fate! O my Friends, cry mightily to GOD, that no ſuch Evil come upon me!

Married a Couple on Deck; Capt. M. Capt. W. &c. attended very orderly. I endeavour'd to give them a ſuitable Exhortation, after the Solemnity was over; and hope this Couple did call CHRIST to their Marriage. It's through a Neglect of this, that we have ſo few happy Matches.

The contrary Wind ſtill continuing, my Sea-Sickneſs increas'd moſt bravely, ſo that I was obliged to omit reading Prayers to the Soldiers, and to go to Bed ſooner than uſual. I find this Sickneſs will purge my Body, and hope, thro' Grace, it will purify my Soul. — Every Branch that beareth Fruit, ſays Chriſt, my Father purgeth it, that it may bring forth more Fruit. May that Scripture be fulfilled in my Heart!

My bodily Indiſpoſition ſtill increaſed. There was a great Storm without; but, bleſſed be GOD! a Calm within. Sometimes indeed my Will would inwardly rebel, which plainly ſhew'd me, what a Diſtance I was from GOD; but I hope through inward, and outward Sufferings, I ſhall at length be able to ſay in all Things, — Fat • er, not my Will, but thine be done.

Did my uſual Duty in the great Cabin; and began expounding the ten Commandments. Interceded for Friends on Deck; and went to Bed, full of a Senſe of my own Unworthineſs. O that I could always ſee my ſelf in my proper Colours! I believe I ſhould have little Reaſon to fall down and worſhip myſelf. — God be merciful to me, a Sinner!

Saturday, March 11. Bleſſed be God, the Storm this Morning began to blow over, and Light broke in upon my Soul. Was enabled to read Prayers, and expound both in the Cabin, and to the Soldiers, with more Vigour than I have ſince I left Gibraltar. Had Reaſon to think that Capt. M. grew in Grace, and that my late Indiſpoſition had been ſanctify'd unto me. Suffering Times are Chriſtians beſt improving Times; for they break the Will; wean us from the Creature; prove the Heart; and by them God teacheth his Children, as Gideon, by Thorns and Briars, taught the Men of Succoth.

All the Time of my Indiſpoſition, my dear Friend H. mourn'd over me like a Dove. Bleſſed be God, Familiarity does not breed Contempt between us; but our Love to each other increaſes daily. JESUS CHRIST is the only Rock, whereon true Friendſhip can be built.

Sunday, March 12. Expounded with more Inlargement than uſual; and gave my People Notice, that I intended to ſpeak to them, one by one; to ſee what Account they could give of their Faith. — I have not ceaſed warning every one of you, ſays the Apoſtle. — May I follow his Steps!

Preach'd the Sermon (GOD enabled me to make, in the Storm, before we came to Gibraltar) in the great Cabbin, and GOD was pleas'd to ſet his Seal to it. Had ſome cloſe Converſation with ſome of my Companions, about their Interior. Interceded for abſent Friends, and have Reaſon to hope, my weak Efforts had not been in vain in the Lord. May God give me a thankful Heart!

Bleſſed be God, this is the moſt comfortable Day I have had ſince I came laſt on Board. Slept better than uſual. Was enabled to compoſe freely. Perceiv'd my Appetite to return. Was inlarg'd more, in Interceſſion, and found I had Reaſon to give Thanks for my late Indiſpoſition.— O, how gently does my gracious Maſter deal with me! Tho' Sorrow may endure for a Night, yet Joy cometh in the Morning. Lord, grant that I may ſpend that Health thou haſt now reſtored to me, to thy Honour and Service. 'Tis good for me, that I have been a little chaſtiſed; for who knows but that I might otherwiſe have periſh'd, by being lifted up above Meaſure with my late Succeſs! Lord, give me Humility, tho' it be by Sufferings; ſo ſhall thy Bleſſings never prove my Ruin!

Tueſday, March 14. Began to put in Execution what I propoſed on Sunday. Inquired into the Faith of thoſe committed to my Charge; and tho' all of them were not ſo great Proficients as I could wiſh, yet I find they know enough to ſave them, if they put what they know into Practice. So that they can't charge GOD, if they miſcarry. O that the Lord may give them all his Bleſſing!

Had much of the Preſence of GOD with me; and felt ſuch a fervent Love for my Chriſtian Friends, that I feared how I ſhould behave, was GOD to call any of them from me. But I truſt, ſufficient for ſuch an Hour w • uld be the Strength thereof.

Wedneſday, March 15. Was pleaſed much with my preſent Situation; and had Reaſon to bleſs GOD for ſome farther viſible Effects of my Miniſtry. Was highly delighted in ſeeing Friend H. active in teaching the Lambs of my Flock. He has now got a regular School, and the Children begin to come to it, at regular and ſet Hours. Several alſo of the Soldiers learn'd to write and read; ſo that my Friend is likely to make a uſeful Man. GOD make him more and more ſo every Day.

Thurſday, March 16. Preach'd this Afternoon my Sermon againſt Swearing; at which ſeveral of the Soldiers wept. Bleſſed be God, that Sin is much abated among us; and I think a viſible Reformation may be perceiv'd thro' the whole Ship. Not unto me, not unto me, but unto thy Name be the Glory, O Lord!

Was much ſtrengthen'd in my preſent Undertaking, by reading the Story of Ezra; and join'd in Interceſſion with thoſe, who ſet apart this Day, as a Day of Faſting and Prayer, for the Sins of the Nation to which we belong. May they prove as effectual as thoſe, which Moſes put up for the Children of Iſrael.

The Sick increaſed to-day. Viſited near • Dozen. May I, by thus frequent viſiting Sick-beds, learn to improve my Time of Health. For, alas! what can be done in Time of Sickneſs! I find but few that are able with any tolerable Patience to ſuſtain their bodily Infirmities; but to have a wounded Spirit at the ſame Time, — Good GOD! who can bear it!

Friday, March 17. Laſt Night God ſent us a fair Wind, and we began to ſail more pleaſantly. I was comforted on every ſide, and enabled to intercede fervently for all Mankind. O that the Love of GOD and Man was ſhed abroad in my Heart!

Saturday, March 18. The Weather being exceeding fair, and the Sea calm, I went with Capt. W. on board the Lightfoot, and din'd with the Gentlemen belonging to the Ship, and Col. C. who came on board to pay them a Viſit. Marry'd a Couple. Diſpers'd Bibles, Teſtaments, Soldier's Monitors, among the Men. Exchang'd ſome Books for ſome Cards, which I threw overboard. Preach'd a Sermon againſt Drunkenneſs, which GOD enabled me to finiſh Yeſterday; and returned in the Evening, highly delighted with ſeeing the Porpuſſes roll about the great Deep. O Lord! the Sea is full of thy Riches! Marvellous are thy Works, and that my Soul knoweth right well! O that I may live to praiſe thee for them! What Mercies have I received this Week! They are more in Number than the Hairs of my Head! O that my Friends would give Thanks for me!

Sunday, March 19. Went on board the Amy ▪ Read Prayers, and preach'd to above 200 Hearers, and marry'd a Couple, which did not behave ſo well as I could wiſh. The Bridegroom laugh'd ſeveral Times, in the midſt of the Solemnity; on which I ſhut up the Book; but he ſhewing his Repentance by Weeping, I then proceeded, and gave to him and the Bride a Bible, as the beſt Preſent I could make them, and exhorted all to Holineſs of Life. GOD give them a hearing Ear, and an obedient Heart!

Din'd with Col. C. who treated us with the utmoſt Civility; and took Care to diſpoſe of ſome Books I brought with me, to proper Perſons.

About Three we return'd to the Whitaker. Read Prayers, and preach'd my Sermon againſt Drunkenneſs. After which, Capt. M. made a uſeful Speech to the Men; and exhorted them to give Heed to the Things which had been ſpoken. Religion is likely to go on well, when both the Civil and Eccleſiaſtical Powers are engaged in keeping up the Purity of it. But, Lord, unleſs thou aſſiſt us, all our Endeavours are but in vain. Vouchſafe then, we beſeech thee, to give us thy Bleſſing.

Had above an Hour's cloſe Converſation with my Companions, concerning their Interior, and walk'd with Friend H. upon Deck, till Twelve at Night, admiring GOD's Wonders in the Deep. Bleſſed be GOD, for ſending us abroad!

Monday, March 20. To-day Col. C. came to dine with us; and in the midſt of our Meal we were entertain'd with a moſt agreeable Sight. It 〈…〉 a Shark, about the Length of a Man, who followed our Ship, attended with five little Fiſhes, called the Pilot-Fiſh; much like unto a Mackarel, but larger. Theſe (I am told) always keep the Shark Company; and, what is more ſurpriſing, tho' the Shark is ſo ravenous a Creature, yet, let him be ever ſo hungry, he never touches one of them, nor are they leſs faithful to him; for if at any time the Shark is hook'd, theſe little Creatures will not forſake him, but cleave cloſe to his Fins, and are often taken up with him. — Go to the Pilot-Fiſh, thou that forſakeſt a Friend in Adverſity; conſider his Ways, and be abaſhed. — This ſingle Sight (one would think) is ſufficient to confute any Atheiſt, if there be ſuch a Fool as a ſpeculative Atheiſt in the World.

After Dinner I read Prayers, and expounded to my own People, and then went on board the Amy, with kind Col. C. who uſed me with uncommon Civility. Marry'd a Couple, and came back to the Whitaker, rejoicing to ſee the Works of the Lord in the Beauty of the great Deep. Who would but come abroad!

Had near two Hours cloſe Converſation with Capt. M. in whom appear'd many Marks of the New-Birth. Surely he will prove a devout Centurion. How ſhall I be conſtrain'd, 'till it be accompliſhed!

Tueſday, March 21. Had freſh Reaſon to be thankful. Capt. M. made me a kind Preſent. The Weather exceeding pleaſant, and, what was the greateſt Bleſſing of all,— GOD's holy Spirit ſeem'd to be moving on the Faces 〈…〉 of the Souls in the Ship. The Weather growing warmer, Friend H. had ſome Cloths hung over to cover his School. His Children come very regularly both to learn, and to ſay their Prayers at Night. Capt. W. takes great Delight in them. Capt. M. much encourages the Soldiers to learn to read and write; ſo that we begin to live as regular now, as we could wiſh to do on Shore. Bleſſed be GOD, for thus making his Power to be known!

Tho' GOD gives me ſo much Comfort, yet my dear England-Friends are ſeldom out of my Mind. Tho' abſent in Body, I am preſent with them in Spirit. The Lord direct my Way unto them, and grant, if ever I return, it may be in the Fulneſs of the Bleſſing of the Goſpel of Peace.

Wedneſday, March 22. Saw a large Grampus rolling and ſpouting out Water, for a long while▪ at a ſhort Diſtance from our Ship. It put me in mind of the Behemoth, ſpoken of by holy Job; and of the Leviathan mentioned by the Royal Pſalmiſt. O GOD! who is like unto thee!

Thurſday, March 23. This Morning began to have Prayers at Six o' Clock, and the Drum beat to call the People. Methinks we grow more and more regular every Day. GOD be praiſed!

Was very fervent in Interceſſion for abſent Friends, and all Mankind. O! Interceſſion is a moſt delightful Exerciſe! How does it ſweeten and purify the Heart!

Viſited near twelve or fourteen ſick Perſons, and yet ſuch is GOD's Mercy to me, that though the Place where they lie, is much confined, and they catch the Fever one of another, yet GOD keeps me from Infection. The Way of Duty is the Way of Safety. Now God hath ſent his Viſitation abroad among us, I hope we ſhall learn Righteouſneſs!

Friday, March 24. To-day the Sick ſtill increaſed, and Friend H. very ready to aſſiſt and carry Things to them. Nothing more uſeful than the viſiting Sick-Beds. How are thoſe to be pitied, who barbarouſly ſhun ſuch improving Sights!

Had ſtill freſh Reaſon to bleſs GOD for the Succeſs of my Miniſtry, — Not unto me, not unto me, but unto thy Name, be all the Glory! We begin now to live ſo happy on Ship-board, that I believe we ſhall part from each other with Regret. By this may all Men know that we are CHRIST's Diſciples, that we love one another.

Saturday, March 25. Sail'd 154 Miles the laſt 24 Hours. Was much delighted in ſeeing many Porpuſſes playing about the Ship; one of which Capt. W. catch'd, and Part of its Liver we had dreſſed for Dinner. It had a Head much like a Pig, and about ſix Feet long. The Works of the Lord are exceeding great and to be admired of all them that have a Delight in Him.

Church'd a Woman, who lately was deliver'd of a dead Child; and afterwards gave her an Exhortation applicable to her Circumſtances. GOD grant ſhe may apply it to her Heart!

Sunday, March 26. This Day I hope GOD magnified his Power, in the Converſion of a young Gentleman on Board, whom he had been pleaſed to viſit with a Fever. His Convictions were ſtrong; and, as far as I could find, a thorough Renovation begun in his Heart. The good Lord perfect it, till the Day of his Diſſolution! Now GOD begins to ſhew me wherefore He hath ſent me. O that I was humble! that I might be fit for the HIGH and LOFTY ONE, which inhabiteth Eternity, to work by!

Preach'd a Sermon in the Afternoon, on Luke iii.14. And the Soldiers likewiſe came unto Him, and demanded, ſaying, And what muſt we do? And he ſaid unto them, Do Violence to no Man, neither accuſe any Man falſly, and be content with your Wages. I made it at the Requeſt of Capt. M. who ſeems in earneſt about the great Work of his Salvation. He has read Arnd •• s True Chriſtianity, and is now reading Law's Chriſtian Perfection; Books worth their Weight in Gold, and which GOD has bleſſed to the Converſion of many. But what are Books without thy Spirit, O Lord! Do thou bleſs them unto him, and they ſhall be bleſſed.

Exchanged ſome bad Books that were on Board, (which I threw immediately into the Sea) for ſome good ones. Bleſſed be GOD! all I have found them with, (as yet) have been ready to ſurrender them up; and I find it by daily Experience more and more, that People who are thoroughly awakened to a Senſe of the divine Life, cannot bear to read any thing trifling; but throw away their uſeleſs Books, as thoſe did the Books of Divination and curious Arts, which we read of in the Acts, who were converted by St. Paul.

Monday, March 27. Laſt Night GOD was pleaſed to take away a black Boy of Capt. Wh—'s, after he had been ill of a violent Fever for ſome Days. — He was never baptized, but I had a Commiſſion from his Maſter (who ſeem'd much affected at his Death) to inſtruct and baptize him, if it pleaſed GOD he ſhould recover; but GOD ſaw fit to order it otherwiſe: His holy Will be done! —

About Ten in the Morning, he was wrapped up in a Hammock, and thrown into the Sea. I could not read the Office over him, being unbaptized; but Capt. M. order'd the Drum to beat, and I exhorted all the Soldiers, Sailors, &c. as GOD gave me Utterance, to remember their CREATOR in the Days of their Youth, and prepare for the Time when the Sea ſhould give up its Dead, and all Nations be called together, to appear before the SON of GOD. O that they may be made wiſe by it! that they may lay to Heart what has been ſaid, and practically conſider their latter End!

Had our bleſſed Saviour been here, I believe he would have wept to ſee what Havock Sin has made among us. Do thou, Lord, teach us ſo to number our Days, that we may apply our Hearts to Wiſdom.

This Day Capt. M. began to come at Six in the Morning, and join in Prayers on Deck, inſtead of having Prayers in the great Cabin. Surely our Soldiers will be without Excuſe, ſince their Captain leads ſo good an Example. Bleſſed be GOD, I have no Reaſon to complain of them, for they come very regularly twice a Day to Prayers; and an Oath ſeems to be a ſtrange Thing among them. Many Marks of a ſound Converſion appear in ſeveral on Board; and we live in perfect Harmony and Peace, loving and beloved by one another. Surely, my Friends▪ your Prayers are heard; continue inſtant in them, and you ſhall ſee greater Things than theſe; for GOD delights in the Proſperity of his Servants.

Wedneſday, March 29. Sail near 160 Miles every 24 Hours, for ſeveral Days. Moſt delightful pleaſant Weather, and much of God's Preſence among us.

Heav'n is, dear Lord, where-e'er thou art; O! never, then, from us depart: For to my Soul, 'tis Hell to be, But for one Moment, void of thee.

Thurſday, March 30. Still more Fruits of a true Converſion being wrought in ſome in the Ship. I hope many of us ſhall have Reaſon to to bleſs GOD, for coming on Board the Whitaker. GOD grant, while I preach to others, I myſelf may not be a Caſt-away. But God is Love; and he will not, if my Eye be ſingle, let his Bleſſings deſtroy me. He preſerved young David from Spiritual Pride, when the People cried out, Saul hath ſlain his Thouſands, but David his Ten Thouſands; and let the ſame Power be exerted in preſerving me alſo, O my SAVIOUR!

I. Renew thy Likeneſs, LORD, in me; Lovely and gentle may I be! No Charms but theſe to thee are dear, No Anger may'ſt thou ever find, No Pride in my unruffled Mind, But Faith and Heav'n-born Peace be there. II. A patient and victorious Mind, A Life that all things caſts behind, Brings forth, obedient to thy Call; A Heart that no Deſire can move, But ſtill t'adore, to praiſe and love, Give me, my Lord, my Life, my All.

Friday, March 31. This being the Crucifixion of our bleſſed Lord, I preached a Sermon on the penitent Thief; and I hope God gave it his Bleſſing. We began Prayers later than uſual; ſo, before I had done, Darkneſs came upon us, which put me in Mind of that Darkneſs which overwhelm'd the World, when the GOD of Nature ſuffer'd. O that our Hearts may rend like the Rocks, and our Souls ariſe from the Death of Sin, as the Bodies of thoſe did from their Graves, to appear to many in the holy City, after our LORD's Reſurrection!

Had a good Inſtance of the Benefit of breaking Children's Wills betimes. Laſt Night, going between Decks, as I do every Night, to viſit the Sick, and examine my People, I asked one of the Women to bid her little Boy, that ſtood by her, ſay his Prayers: She anſwer'd, his elder Siſter would, but ſhe could not make him. Upon this, I bid the Child kneel down before me, but he would not, till I took hold of his Feet, and forc'd him down. I then bid him ſay the Lord's Prayer, being informed by his Mother, he could ſay it if he would; but he obſtinately refuſed, till at laſt, after I had given him ſeveral Blows, he ſaid his Prayers as well as I could expect. I gave him ſome Figs for a Reward, and lo! this ſame Child, tho' not above four Years of Age, came to-night upon Deck, when the other Children came to ſay their Prayers, to my Friend H. and he burſt out into a Flood of Tears, and would not go away till he had ſaid his too.

I mention this as a Proof of the Neceſſity of early Correction. Children are ſenſible of it ſooner than Parents imagine; and if they would but have Reſolution to break their Wills throughly when young, the Work of Converſion would be much eaſier, and they would not be ſo troubled with perverſe Children when they are old.

Saturday, April 1. Wonderful pleaſant Sailing ſtill; but, what was intirely better, had Reaſon to think ſeveral went forward in the great Work of their Salvation. O that we may be buried with CHRIST in Baptiſm, and riſe with him to Newneſs of Life!

Sunday, April 2. Roſe early this Morning, and join'd in Spirit with my dear abſent Friends, who were receiving the Holy Euchariſt, and celebrating our bleſſed Lord's Reſurrection. I find my not being in Prieſt's Orders is a great Hindrance to my Miniſtry; which will oblige me to return to England as ſoon as poſſible. The good Lord prepare me for that ſecond Impoſition of Hands.

Preached a Sermon in the Afternoon on Philippians ii.10. That I may know him, and the Power of his Reſurrection. O that we may all experience it in our Hearts! for without it, Chriſt, as to us, is dead in vain.

Monday, April 3. Had ſome further Converſation with the young Gentleman, whoſe Converſion I mentioned before, and who, I hope, is quickened from above. He told me, he uſed to wonder to hear me talk, that all our Thoughts, Words and Actions, ought to be dedicated unto God; but now he perceived what I ſaid to be true. How does the new Nature give us new Notions! It ſeems a difficult Task to the natural Man, to turn his whole Life into one continued Sacrifice; but the Spiritual Man does it with Eaſe. He feels a Divine Attraction in his Soul, which as ſenſibly draws his Heart towards God, as the Load-ſtone attracts the Needle. Draw us then, O GOD, and our Affections will aſcend up after thee!

About Eleven went on Board the Lightfoot. Pray'd with a ſick Man. Preach'd my Sermon on the penitent Thief. Afterwards went on Board the Amy. Catechiſed the Children. Din'd of a Dolphin. Preach'd to the Soldiers. Return'd about Six. Read Prayers. Viſited the Sick. Interceded for Friends, and went to Bed bleſſing and praiſing God.

April 7. Great Enlargement of Heart has been given me for theſe four Days laſt paſt; particularly to-day, in which God hath vouchſafed me much of his Preſence, and aſſiſting Grace. Obſerved ſtill ſtrong Signs of a thorough Converſion being wrought in ſome on Board. Had moſt delightful Sailing, and every Thing that is pleaſant, as this vain World can afford. Theſe are Preparatives for future Trials. Welcome in the Name of God! He will uphold me, if it be not for the Corruptions of my own Heart, which are continually creeping up. What have I to diſturb my Peace? But as long as thoſe Amalekites remain in my Soul, I ſhall never be perfectly at Eaſe. LORD, keep me but ſtriving, and I ſhall at laſt be more than Conqueror, through JESUS CHRIST that loved me.

April 8. Went on Board the Lightfoot, and Amy; and preached to the Soldiers of each Ship. Din'd with Colonel C. who continues extremely civil; and at my Return, found the Sick increaſe on my Hands. But few of the Ship eſcape! The good Lord make all their Beds in their Sickneſs! Had much of God with me today. The Heat uncommonly temperate, as it has been for ſome time. The Ship ſail'd all Day, as tho' ſhe was carried on the Wings of the Wind. Preached two Sermons, beſides my Expoſition at Six in the Morning, and I hope God ſet his Seal to them. Was well pleaſed to hear by my Friend H. (who is very active in carrying Things to the Sick) that the poor People between Decks pray'd heartily for me and Capt. M. who ſeems to improve every Day. And now indeed we live more comfortably in the great Cabin, than can eaſily be imagin'd. We talk of little elſe but GOD and CHRIST. GOD has greatly bleſſed — the Country Parſon's Advice to his Pariſhioners, to Capt. W. and ſcarce a Word is to be heard among us, when we are together, but what has reference to our Fall, in the Firſt, and our new Birth in the ſecond Adam,— the LORD from Heaven. So that we all (I truſt) are •• ſolved to put my Afternoon's Text into Practice, and are determined not to know any Thing, ſave JESUS CHRIST, and him crucified. Grant this, O Father, for thy dear SON's ſake! O that I knew how to be thankful! O that▪ Heaven and Earth would join with us, in praiſing God! For,

I would not, LORD, alone Thy Praiſes celebrate; I'd call the bleſſed Angels down, I'd move the World's united State, Till they in Fervence, all Thy gracious Acts relate.

April 10, and 11. Spent good Part of theſe two Days in mending my Nets. Had exceeding pleaſant Weather. Some more of the Sailors were convinced of Sin; and others ſend Notes to be prayed for, and give T • anks as regularly as in any Pariſh. Bleſſed be God, we live very comfortably!

To-day Capt. Wh— caught a Dolphin, which was moſt beautiful when drawn out of the Water, but his Colours ſoon change. Juſt ſo is Man: He flouriſheth for a little while, but when once Death cometh, how quickly is his Beauty gone! A Chriſtian may learn a Leſſon of Inſtruction from every Thing he meets with.

April 14. To-day I could have wiſhed for ſome young Prodigal aboard the Whitaker, to ſee one of our Soldiers dying. Alas! How did his Breaſt heave, his Heart pant, and great Drops of Sweat trickle down his Face! His Eyes looked ghaſtly, and the whole Man was in a bitter Agony! Capt. Wh— went down between Decks with me once or twice to ſee him, and I uſed the laſt Prayer over him ſeveral times. About Nine at Night he expired, I fear, without Hope; for he killed himſelf with drinking. O that all Drunkards would learn from him, to be wiſe in Time, and practically conſider their latter End!

April 15. This Morning I buried the dead Soldier, in Time of public Prayers. Choſe proper Leſſons, and gave the Soldiers a ſuitable Exhortation. But I was ſo affected with a Senſe of the Miſery of fallen Man, that I could not ſpeak with my uſual Vigour. JESUS wept!

To-day was call'd in a Hurry to pray by one of the devout Soldiers, who came from Gibraltar, and who was ſuppos'd to be expiring. I came; I ſaw; I rejoiced in Spirit, for his Soul ſeem'd full of GOD. Inſtead of being affrighted at the Approach of the King of Terrors, he welcom'd it, and ſaid he was going to his dear Redeemer. Then he fell, as it were, into a Trance, and pour'd out his Heart in repeating ſome very applicable Verſes out of the Pſalms, on which we thought he would have died. But lo! GOD brought him from the nethermoſt Hell! for that Inſtant the Fever left him, and he recover'd. O what Difference is there between him that feareth GOD, and him that feareth him not, in their laſt Hours! LORD, let me die the Death of the Righteous, and let my future State be like his.

Exercis'd a little Diſcipline this Evening on a Boy, whom Capt. M. had taken Notice of above a Week agone, for behaving ill at Church; and ſaid he would deliver him up to me. I therefore, by the Advice of his Maſter, order'd him to be ty'd, 'till he could repeat the 51ſt Pſalm, which he repeated to-night very ſolemnly, in the midſt of the Congregation. May it be a Warning to him for the future!

April 16. Read Prayers. Expounded at Six in the Morning, and preach'd at Ten to my own People. Then went and preach'd on board the Lightfoot, and afterwards din'd. Read Prayers, and preach'd on board the Amy. Return'd about Five in the Evening to the Whitaker. Read Prayers and preach'd. Viſited the Sick, and went to Bed, bleſſing GOD for the Strength of the Day.—All the Officers continue extremely kind; and ſome, ſtudious to oblige me all they can.—The Good Lord reward them a thouſand-fold!

This Evening I was ſent for by a Sailor, who had been the moſt remarkable Swearer on board, and whom I in an eſpecial manner warn'd about two Days agone; telling him, I believ'd GOD would remarkably viſit him, as well as the others. He laughed and ſaid, he hoped not. But to-night he ſent for me trembling, and burning with a ſcorching Fever; told me what grievous Sins he had been guilty of, and pray'd moſt fervently for Repentance.— Two or three of the ſame Stamp have been taken in the like manner. God grant they may flee from the Wrath to come! Sinner • muſt either bend or break.

April 18. Greatly delighted in ſeeing two Water Spouts. One of which ran along for ſeveral Miles, and, by the eſpecial Providence of GOD, eſcaped us. We ſaw it coming, and were ſurpriſed to obſerve a ſudden Calm for about ſix Minutes round the Whitaker, when the other Parts of the Sea boil'd like a Pot. But ſurely the everlaſting I AM ſaid unto the Sea at that Inſtant, Let there be a Calm in that Place. For by that means our Ship was immediately ſtopp'd in her Courſe, and ſo the Water Spout paſſed by, before we came up to it; otherwiſe it would have torn our Sails in Pieces. GOD's Hand was ſo viſible in this, that ſeveral ſaid, they never beheld the like before. O how does Providence wa • h over us, when we think nothing of it! Who would but live well, to be under the immediate Protection of ſuch an overruling Power?

After this ſeveral Squalls came upon us, which afforded me glorious Matter for adoring that great GOD, whom Winds and Storms obey. — The Sailors were in great Hurry and Confuſion, but, to my Comfort, not one ſingle Oath was heard all the while. — A Proof this, that Sailors may pull the Ropes, without ſwearing; and that the Words ſpoken to them, have not altogether fallen to the Ground. — Bleſſed be God!

April 22. Fled, as it were, on the Wings of the Wind, for ſome Days paſt. Sometimes 170, ſometimes 178 Miles in 24 Hours. I find GOD generally ſends us the ſtrongeſt Winds, when neareſt our Port. May I learn from hence a Leſſon of Inſtruction; and the nearer I come to my Haven of eternal Reſt, the quicker may I move!

Spent moſt of this Day in writing Letters to my dear Friends in England. In particular, Supplication for Direction how to act, in the Land whither I am going. The Thoughts of my own Weakneſs, and the Greatneſs of thoſe Trials, which I muſt neceſſarily expect, fill me with an holy Dread. But wherefore do I fear? The Eternal, Almighty, I AM, hath ſent me, and will, no Doubt, protect me.

April 23. Preach'd twice to-day to my People, and ſpent moſt of the reſt of the Day in earneſt Prayer for the Divine Aſſiſtance, in my preſent Undertaking; being, as we imagin'd, near the Haven where we would be. The Morning Leſſons were exceeding applicable, ſo that we could not help taking Notice of it. By this I know GOD favours me.

May 1. This Morning went out on Deck; after being confin'd to my Bed for a Week by a violent Fever, with which all, except three or four in the Ship, have been viſited. I was blooded thrice; vomited once, and bliſter'd; and, bleſſed be GOD, can ſay, 'tis good for me that I have been afflicted; for as Affliction abounded, Conſolation much more abounded, and God enabled me to rejoice with Joy unſpeakable and full of Glory. Satan deſired to have me, to ſift me as Wheat; but JESUS CHRIST pray'd for me, and my Faith fail'd not.

I have all the Conveniencies I could have on Shore. Capt. W. turn'd out of his own Bed for me. J. D. and Mr. H. ſat up with me every Night, and nothing was wanting to make my Sickneſs comfortable and eaſy. Bleſſed be GOD, for theſe abundant Mercies in CHRIST JESUS!

I hope I ſhall now experimentally ſympathize with thoſe that are ſick; and learn to be more tender-hearted to my Fellow Chriſtians. I am now made whole. May I ſin no more, but be more fervent in Spirit, ſerving the Lord, leſt a worſe Evil befal me.

May 5. About Ten o' Clock this Morning, buried the Cook of the Ship, who expired laſt Night. I could have wiſh'd for a thouſand Tongues, to have ſounded a loud Alarm to my People; but the Sight of the Corps, and the Weakneſs of my Body, would but juſt permit me to read out the Office. Lord what is Man! O! why are others taken, and I left, but that GOD's Long-ſuffering ſhould lead me to Repentance! Grant it, O Lord, for thy dear SON's ſake.

In the Afternoon privately, I baptiz'd a new-born Infant. Thus it is; ſome coming into the World, others going out of it continually. Good God, who can deſire to live here always.

After having lain about the Coaſt for a Week, this Afternoon we ſaw Savannah River, and ſent off for a Pilot. O what Joy appear'd in every one's Countenance! How infinitely more joyful will the Children of GOD be, when having paſs'd thro' the Waves of this troubleſome World, they arrive at the Haven of eternal Reſt! Haſten, O LORD, that bleſſed Time, and let thy Kingdom come!

Sunday, May 7. Laſt Night, by the Bleſſing of GOD, we caſt Anchor near Tibby Iſland, about 24 Miles off Savannah; and to-day GOD gave me Strength to preach my Farewel Sermon; which I have not ſent you, and at which many wept. After this I took Boat with my Friend H. and arriv'd ſafe at Savannah (having a moſt pleaſant Paſſage) about ſeven in the Evening; and how GOD is pleaſed to deal with me, I will endeavour to inform you hereafter.

In the mean Time, fail not to give Thanks for all the Mercies I have received, tho' we had a long, yet it was an exceeding pleaſant Paſſage. GOD in Compaſſion to my Weakneſs has ſent me but a few Trials, and ſanctified thoſe he hath ſent me. I am now getting forth among Wolves; but he that protected Abram, when he went out, not knowing whither he went, will alſo guide and protect me; and therefore I can't cloſe this Part of my Journal better, than with Mr. Addiſ • n's Tranſlation of the 23d Pſalm▪

THE Lord my Paſture ſhall prepare, And feed me with a Shepherd's Care; His Preſence ſhall my Wants ſupply, And guard me with a watchful Eye: My Noon-day Walks he ſhall attend, And all my Mid-night Hours deſend. When in the ſultry Glebe I faint, Or on the thirſty Mountain pant; To fertile Vales, and dewy Meads, My weary wand'ring Steps he leads, Where peaceful Rivers, ſoft and ſlow, Amid the verdant Landskip flow. Though in the Paths of Death I tread, With gloomy Horrors overſpread; My ſtedfaſt Heart ſhall fear no Ill; For thou, O Lord, art with me ſtill; Thy friendly Crook ſhall give me Aid, And guide me through the dreadful Shade. Though in a bare and rugged Way, Through devious lonely Wilds I ſtray; Thy Bounty ſhall my Pains beguile, The barren Wilderneſs ſhall ſmile, With ſudden Greens and Herbage crown'd▪ And Streams ſhall murmur all around. FINIS.

CONTINUATION Of the Reverend Mr. Whitefield's JOURNAL FROM His Arrival at SAVANNAH, TO His Return to LONDON.

PHILADELPHIA, Printed and Sold by B. FRANKLIN, in Market-Street, 1739.

THE PREFACE.

THOUGH the Journals already publiſh'd, were printed without my Knowledge, yet as GOD has been pleaſed to let me ſee, by Letters ſent to me, that he has greatly bleſſed them, I now upon the Importunity of Friends, conſent to the publiſhing a Continuation of them, that thoſe pious Perſons who have interceded in my behalf, may ſee what GOD, in anſver to their Prayers, has done for my Soul.

I am ſenſible that this, as well as every Thing elſe of ſuch a Nature, muſt neceſſarily meet with great Contempt from natural Men, who are Strangers to the Influences of the HOLY GHOST upon the Heart. But what have I to do with them? If any of GOD's Children receive the • aſt Conſolation from my Experiences, Let almoſt, formal Chriſtians be offended, and the Scoffers of theſe laſt Days mock on. — I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

A CONTINUATION OF Mr. Whitefield's JOURNAL, &c.

SUNDAY, May 7. Arrived at Savannah Town about ſeven this Evening, and joined in Prayer, and a Pſalm of Thankſgiving with Mr. Delamotte, and ſome pious Souls that were rejoiced at my Arrival: The good LORD ſanctify our meeting to his Glory, and his People's Welfare.

Spent the remainder of the Evening in taking ſweet Counſel with Mr. Delamotte, who ſeems providentially left behind at Savannah againſt my coming. How ſweetly does Providence order Things for us! Oh may I conſtantly follow it as the wiſe Men did the Star in the Eaſt.

Monday, May 8. Begun to read publi •• • rayers and expound the ſecond Leſſon at Fiv • 〈…〉 Morning to ſeventeen Adults and twenty 〈◊〉 Children. May GOD open their Hearts, tha • 〈◊〉 may attend to the Things that were ſpoken.

In the Afternoon Mr. Cauſton ſent Word that he and the Magiſtrates would wait upon me, but I choſe rather to wait upon them. I was received with great Civility, and our chief Converſation ran upon the Place of my Settlement; at laſt it was reſolved that I ſhould have a Houſe and Tabernacle built at Frederica, and ſerve at Savannah, when, and as long as I pleaſed. I find there are many Diviſions amongſt the Inhabitants, but GOD, I hope, will make me an Inſtrument of compoſing them: Grant this, O LORD, for thy dear Son's ſake.

Sunday, May 14. After another Week's Confinement, by the Return of my Fever, under which GOD ſhewed me great Mercies, and which went off with a Fit of the Ague, I attempted to read Prayers, but was ſo exceeding • aint and weak, that I was obliged to leave off before I began the ſecond Service. Oh that my Friends had ſeen me at that Hour, they then might have learnt not to have any Man's Perſon in Admiration, and not to think more highly of me than they ought to think.

Tueſday, May 16. Having by the Bleſſing of GOD gotten a little Strength, I went to ſee To •• Chachi, who, I heard, was near expiring at a Neighbour's Houſe. He lay on a Blanket thin and meagre, and little elſe but Skin and Bones. Senauki ſat by fanning him with ſome Indian Feathers. There was no Body that could talk Engliſh, ſo I could only ſhake Hands and leave him.

Friday, May 19. GOD ſtill ſtrengthening me more and more, I went this Morning to two little Villages, Hampſtead and Highgate, about Five Miles off Savannah: The former conſiſts of three Families, making in all eleven Souls, one Man a Jew; two Men, one Woman and ſeven Children Swiſſers. I was much delighted with ſeeing the Improvements a few pair of Hands had made in their reſpective Plantations, and was ſurprized to ſee what Induſtry will do. Surely they ſpeak not Truth, who ſay that the Georgia People have been idle; for I never ſaw more laborious People than are in theſe Villages. They live exceeding hard, but with a little Aſſiſtance may do very well. I was at a Loſs, becauſe I could not talk French, but however I reſolved, under GOD, to follow my worthy Predeceſſor's Example, and to viſit them once a Week, and read Prayers to as •• ny as could underſtand me. I alſo enquired into the State of their Children, and found there were many who might prove uſeful Members of the Colony, if there was a proper Place provided for their Maintenance and Education. Nothing can effect this but an Orphan-Houſe, which might eaſily be erected at Savannah, would ſome of thoſe that are rich in this World's Good contribute towards it. May GOD, in his due Time, ſtir up the Wills of his faithful People to be ready to diſtribute, and willing to communicate on this commendable Occaſion.

Saturday, May 20. Went once more to 〈◊〉 To •• Chachi, hearing his Nephew 〈◊〉 who was there, who could talk Engliſh. I deſired of him to enquire of his Uncle, Whether he thought he ſhould die; who anſwer'd, He could not tell: I then asked where he thought he ſhould go after Death? He replied, to Heaven. But alas, how can a Drunkard enter there! I then exhorted Tooanoowee (who is a tall proper Youth) not to get drunk, telling him, he underſtood Engliſh, and therefore would be puniſhed the more if he did not live better. I then asked him, Whether he believed a Heaven? He anſwer'd, Yes. I then asked, Whether he believed a Hell? and deſcribed it by pointing to the Fire, he replied, No. From whence we may eaſily gather how natural it is to all Mankind to believe there is a Place of Happineſs, becauſe they wiſh it may be ſo, and on the contrary, how • verſe they are to believe a Place of Torment, becauſe they wiſh it may not be ſo. But GOD is true and juſt, and as ſurely as the Good ſhall go into everlaſting Happineſs, ſo the Wicked ſhall go into everlaſting Puniſhment.

Wedneſday, May 24. Went to Day to Thunderbolt, a Village about ſix Miles off Savannah, ſituated very pleaſantly near the River, and conſiſting of three Families, four Men and two Women, and ten Servants; I was kindly received, expounded a Chapter, uſed a few Collects, called on a Family or two that lay near our Way, and returned home to Savannah very comfortably, with my Friend Delamotte, about ſix o'Clock in the Evening. Bleſſed be GOD for ſtrengthening my weak • ody.

Friday, June 2. This Evening parted with kind Captain Whiting and my dear Friend Delamotte, who embarked for England about ſeven at Night. The poor People lamented the Loſs of him, and went to the Water-ſide to take a laſt Farewel. And good Reaſon had they to do ſo: For he has been indefatigable in feeding CHRIST's Lambs with the ſincere Milk of the Word, and many of them (Bleſſed be GOD) have grown thereby. Surely I muſt labour moſt heartily, ſince I come after ſuch worthy Predeceſſors. The Good that Mr. John Weſly has done in America, under GOD, is inexpreſſible▪ His Name is very precious among the People; and he has laid ſuch a Foundation, that I hope neither Men nor Devils • ill ever be able to ſhake. Oh that I may • llow him, as he has Chriſt.

Monday, June 5. Had a Conference with a certain Perſon of the Pariſh, who, I heard laſt Night, had been broaching many heretical Doctrines to one of my Friends, particularly in denying the Eternity of Hell-Torments. I therefore invited him this Morning to Breakfaſt; and after imploring God's Aſſiſtance in the Spirit of Meekneſs, I asked him, Whether he believed the Eternity of Hell-Torments? He anſwer'd frankly, No. I replied, What do you mean, Sir, when you repeat the 12th Article of our Creed? He ſaid, he believed wicked Men were to be annihilated. I then read Pearſon's Expoſition of the laſt Article, but he 〈…〉 all▪ ſaid he thought himſelf in the 〈…〉 believed it his Duty to inform Mankind, that they were to be annihilated. Upon which I repeated to him that Paſſage out of the Revelations. If any Man ſball take away from or add unto Words that are written in this Book, GOD ſhall take away his Name out of the Book of Life, and add unto him all the Plagues that are written in this Book. This he ſaid he believed. Afterwards we diſcourſed afreſh, but finding him reſolute to propagate his Principles, I then told him with the utmoſt Calmneſs that I was ſorry that I gave him the 〈…〉 at the Sacrament; but for the futu •• 〈…〉 pardon me if I refuſed ever to give 〈…〉 . This ſtagger'd him a little, but 〈…〉 it pretty patiently, yet thought me unc • a • table. But I told him I ſhould meet him at the Judgment-Seat of CHRIST, and then he would ſee upon what Principles I acted. May GOD give me Grace not to regard the Faces of Men, but with an humble well guided Zeal and Courage to watch the Flock over which the Holy Ghoſt has made me Overſeer.

Saturday, June 10. Placed one that came with me, at Highgate, to teach the Children Engliſh, that belong to that Village and Hampſtead. They are about Twenty in all, of French Extraction, but ſome few of them are able to ſpeak a little in our vulgar Tongue. I thought placing a Maſter there would be of great Conſequence. Firſt, Becauſe I cannot think Children will ever be naturaliz'd to the Colony, till 〈…〉 talk our Language. Secondly, Becauſe the preſent Generation will ſoon wear off, and theſe Children being well inſtructed in ours, will make them forget their own Tongue▪ and ſhould they marry and have Children, they would naturally teach their Children the ſame; ſo that at Length we ſhall all be of one Speech. Thirdly, As they are but few in Number, and no likelihood of any French Miniſter to come amongſt them; I or my Succeſſors ſhall be unable to catechiſe or bring them to hear the Word of GOD at our Church, unleſs they are acquainted with the Engliſh Tongue.

Monday, June 11, Opened a School to Day for the Girls of Savannah, a Friend, whoſe Heart GOD was pleaſed to touch on Board the Ship, having at my Requeſt undertaken to teach them. The Work is for my Maſter, and therefore I doubt not of being ſupplied ſome Way or another with a ſufficient Fund for the Support of it. May GOD enable him who is ſet over them to feed them with the ſincere Milk of the Word, and give them Grace to grow thereby?

Thurſday, June 22. Was taken (as all about me thought for Death) with a violent Purging and Vomiting, which in the Space of five Hou • e quite exhauſted my Spirits, and brought me in Appearance, almoſt to the Point of Death. But God ſupported me by his inward Comforts, cauſed me to rejoice in it; and caſt me into a deep Sleep, out of which I awoke perfectly well, to the Surprize of all about me. O 〈◊〉 can expreſs the loving Kindneſs of the 〈◊〉 or ſhew forth all his Praiſe! My Pariſhioners in general ſhewed they loved me; for they ſeem'd moſt ſollicitous for my Welfare. For their Sake, as well as for my own, I hope GOD has ſo ſuddenly reſtored me. GOD grant I may now begin to be active in my Maſter's Service, that whenſoever he ſhall call I may be found ſo doing.

Friday, June 24. To the great Surpriſe of myſelf and People, was enabled to read Prayers and preach with Power before the Free-Maſons, with whom I afterwards dined, and was uſed with the utmoſt Civility. May GOD make them Servants of CHRIST, and then and not till then will they be free indeed.

Friday, July 7. Being the Anniverſary for opening the Court, I preached in the Morning at the Magiſtrate's Requeſt, and endeavoured with all Plainneſs and Humility to ſhew both them and the People, what they ought to do to promote their Temporal and Eternal Welfare. O GOD, do thou bleſs it, and it ſhall be bleſſed thro' JESUS CHRIST.

Tueſday, July 11. Returned this Evening from Ebenezer (whither I went Yeſterday) the Place where the Salizburghers are ſettled; and was wonderfully pleaſed with their Order and Induſtry. Their Lands are improved ſurpriſingly for the Time they have been there, and I believe they have far the beſt Crop of any in the Colony. — They are bleſs'd with two ſuch pious Miniſters as I have not often ſeen; They have no 〈◊〉 of Judicature, but all little Differences are immediately and implicitly decided by their Miniſters, whom they look upon and love as their Fathers. They have likewiſe an Orphan-Houſe, in which are ſeventeen Children, and one Widow, and I was much delighted to ſee the Regularity wherewith it is managed. — O that GOD may ſtir up the Hearts of his Servants to contribute towards that and another which we hope to have erected at Savannah. — Mr. Bo • zius, one of their Miniſters, being with me on Saturday, I gave him ſome of my Poor's Store for his Orphans, and when I came to Ebenezer, he call'd them all before him, catechiſed and exhorted them to give GOD Thanks for his good Providence towards them; then prayed with them, and made them pray after him; then ſung a Pſalm, and afterwards the little Lambs came and ſhook me by the Hand one by one, and ſo we parted, and I ſcarce was ever better pleaſed in my Life. — Surely whoever contributes to the Relief of the Saltzburghers, will perform an acceptable Sacrifice to our Bleſſed Maſter. They are very poor; but with a little Aſſiſtance might live comfortably and well. They want a Place for Public Worſhip, and Money to buy Cattle and other Neceſſaries for the Orphan-Houſe and People. May the great GOD raiſe up Inſtruments to aſſiſt and relieve them; for ſurely they are worthy.

Tueſday, July 18. About Ten o' Clock this Evening returned to Savannah, having ſet out from thence Yeſterday to viſit four or five Families that live at ſome of the outward Settlement, about twelve Miles off. — Their Beginnings as yet are but ſmall, but I cannot help thinking there are Foundations laying for great temporal and ſpiritual Bleſſings in Georgia, when the Inhabitants are found worthy. — Bleſſed be GOD, in Savannah they will hear the Word gladly, and People every where receive me with the utmoſt Civility, and are not angry when I reprove them. — May GOD keep them always thus minded, and prepare me for whatever Sufferings he ſhall permit to fall upon me for doing my Duty.

Tueſday, July 25. I am now waiting for the Scout-Boat which Mr. Horton has ſent to take me to Frederica, to preach the Goſpel there alſo. For therefore am I ſent. — I ſhould part with regret from the People of Savannah, did I not know GOD call'd me from them. For they ſeem to have a ſincere Affection for me, and flock (eſpecially every Evening) to hear the Word of GOD.— I have endeavoured to let my Gentleneſs be known amongſt them, becauſe they conſiſt of different Nations and Opinions. — And I have ſtrove to draw them by the Cords of Love, becauſe the Obedience reſulting from that Principle I take to be moſt genuine and laſting. My ordinary Way of dividing my miniſterial Labours has been as follows, —

On Sunday Morning at Five o' Clock, I publickly expound the ſecond Leſſon for the Morning or Evening Service as I ſee moſt ſuited to the People's Edification; at Ten I preach and read Prayers, at Three in the Aftern • on I do the ſame, and at Seven expound Part of the Church Catechiſm, at which great Numbers are uſually preſent. I viſit from Houſe to Houſe▪ read publick Prayers and expound twice▪ and catechiſe (unleſs ſomething extraordinary happens) viſit the Sick every Day, and read to as many of my Pariſhioners as will come thrice a Week,— and bleſſed be GOD, my Labours have not been altogether vain in the LORD. For he has been pleaſed to ſet his Seal to my Miniſtry in a Manner, I could not, I dared not, in America expect. Not unto me, O LORD, not unto me, but unto thy Name be the Glory.

At FREDERICA.

Tueſday, Auguſt 8. After a pleaſant Paſſage of five or ſix Days arrived at Frederica, a Town ſituated ſouthwardly above an hundred Miles from Savannah, and conſiſting of about an hundred and twenty Inhabitants. The People received me moſt gladly, having had a Famine of the Word for a long Seaſon. May GOD give a Bleſſing to my coming amongſt them.

In the Evening we had public Prayers, and expounding of the ſecond Leſſon under a large Tree, and many more preſent than could be expected. Bleſſed be GOD.

Wedneſday, Auguſt 9. Began to Day viſiting from Houſe to Houſe, and found the People in Appearance, deſirous of being fed with the ſincere Milk of the Word, and ſollicitous for my Continuance amongſt them. Poor Creatures! my Heart • ached for them, becauſe I ſaw the • and their Children ſcatter'd abroad as Sheep having no Shepherd. LORD in thy due Time ſend forth ſome Labourer, in this Part of thy Vineyard.

This Evening had Prayers in a Houſe which Mr. Horton hired for us during my Stay, and moſt of the Inhabitants, I believe, were preſent. Bleſſed be GOD, Timber is ſawing for the erecting a more commodious Place for publick Worſhip, 'till a Church can be built. GOD grant we may always worſhip him in Spirit and in Truth, and then we may be aſſured that at all Times and in all Places he will hear us.

Friday, Auguſt 11. Went in the Morning to, and returned in the Evening from the Darien, a Settlement about twenty Miles off from Frederica, whither I went to ſee Mr. Macloud a worthy Miniſter of the Scotch Church, and GOD gave me a moſt pleaſant Paſſage.

Saturday, Auguſt 12. This Afternoon was alarmed with the News of a Family Diſaſter. My dear Friend • .'s Brother going to find a Horſe that was loſt in the Woods, was loſt himſelf, and many Guns ſhot after him for ſeveral Days, but in vain. I endeavoured to give Thanks to GOD for this and every Thing that befals me, becauſe it is his Will, and reſolved to ſet out for Savannah immediately, knowing what Concern my dear Friend H. muſt be in at ſo ſudden a Loſs. Bleſſed be God, for this and all Croſſes. Father thy Will be done in, by, and upon me for Time and for Eternity.

In the Evening, becauſe I was to go about Midnight, I • ave Notice I would preach as well as expound, as which almoſt all the Inhabitants were preſent; for many were obliged to ſtand without the Door. The Leſſon was very applicable to my Circumſtances. It was the firſt of St. James, wherein the Apoſtle bids us rejoice when we fall into divers Temptations. GOD enabled me to enlarge on it pretty much. I told the People that GOD called me and I muſt away, at which ſome wept. Oh GOD how doſt thou follow me with thy Bleſſings wherever thou ſendeſt me! I looked for Perſecution, but lo! I am received as an Angel of God. Not unto me, O LORD, not unto me, but unto thy Name be the Glory!

Sunday, Auguſt 13. Being diſappointed of going by the Boat laſt Night, I read Prayers and preached to my dear little Flock twice, which cauſed great Joy among them. Mr. Horton was extreamly civil and did every Thing he could to oblige me. This Afternoon after Sermon intended to go with him to preach to the Soldiers at the Fort of St. Simon's, and then the next Day to go to St. Andrew's, but Lord thou calleſt me elſewhere. Oh grant I may have no Will of my own, but whenever or wherever thou ſhalt be pleaſed to call me, may I without the leaſt Reluctance ſay, lo I come! Had an Alarm brought to Frederica, that the Spaniards had taken Poſſeſſion of Fort St. George, and fired at one of our Boats: But this was quickly found to be entirely groundleſs.

About Two in the Afternoon having firſt read Prayers, and preached, moſt of the Inhabitants accompanied me to the Bluff, and took their Leaves of me in an affectionate Manner, and laded me with Things convenient for my Journey. The good Lord reward them ten thouſand fold, and make me thankful for his unmerited Mercies!

At SAVANNAH.

Wedneſday, Auguſt 16. Arrived this Day at Savannah, and had the Pleaſure of meeting my Friend who had been loſt, he was from Tueſday 'till Friday, roving about the Woods, during which Time the great Guns were fired according to Cuſtom, and the People ſhewed what a great Reſpect they had for me and my Friends. Many of them going out all Day and Night after him. — Aſſoon as I had refreſhed myſelf I went and viſited my Pariſhioners from Houſe to Houſe to return them Thanks for their Kindneſs to my Friends. An unuſual Joy appear'd in their Faces at my unexpected Return, and they were ready to ſay, How beautiful are the Feet of him that bringeth the glad Tidings of Salvation! At Evening Prayers (and a very large Congregation was preſent) I returned my dear Hearers hearty Thanks for the late Inſtance of their ſincere Affection, I publickly exhorted my Friend that was loſt to ſhew forth his Thankfulneſs not only with his Lips but with his Life, and deſired their Prayers to GOD for me that I might now more and more devote myſelf to my Bleſſed Maſter's Service, and ſtudy daily to purify my corrupt Nature, that I might be made an Inſtrument under him, of winning their Souls to GOD.

Wedneſday, Auguſt 23. A Neceſſity was laid on me to Day to expreſs my Reſentment againſt Infidelity by refuſing to read the Burial Office over the moſt profeſſed Unbeliever I ever yet met with. — GOD was pleaſed to viſit him with a lingring Illneſs, in which Time I went to ſee him frequently. — Particularly about five Weeks agone, I asked him what Religion he was of, he anſwered, "Religion was divided into ſo many Sects he knew not which to chuſe." — Another Time I offer'd to pray with him, but he would not accept it, upon which I reſolv'd to go ſee him no more; — But being told two Days before he dyed, that he had an Inclination to ſee me, I went to him again, and after a little Converſation, I put to him the following Queſtions. "Do you believe JESUS CHRIST to be GOD, the one Mediator between God and Man?" He ſaid, "I believe Chriſt was a good Man." — "Do you believe the Holy Scriptures?" I believe, replied he, ſomething of the Old Teſtament, the New I do not believe at all. — Do you believe, Sir, a Judgment to come? He turn'd himſelf about and replied, I know not what to ſay to that. — Alas, ſaid I, Sir, if all theſe Things ſhould be true. — Which Words I believe, gave him Concern, for he ſeemed after to be very uneaſy, grew delirious, and departed in a Day or two. — Unhappy Man, how quickly was he convinced that all I ſaid was true. Now he and I are of one Mind. The Day after his Deceaſe he was carried to the Ground, and I refuſed to read the Office over him, but went to the Grave and told the People what had paſſed between him and me, warned them againſt Infidelity, and asked them whether I could ſafely ſay, "as our Hope is this our Brother doth," upon which I believe they were thoroughly ſatisfied that I had done right. — GOD grant this may be a Warning to ſurviving Unbelievers.

Thurſday, Aug. 24. This Day went to Highgate with a Friend or two more, and read Prayers, preach'd and baptized a Child, and and catechiſed in a Houſe lately erected by the Inhabitants. For upon my ſending a Maſter to teach their Children, one offer'd to give me a part of his Lot, and the reſt to give their Labour. Accordingly I accepted of it, found Materials, and to Day it was ſit to preach in, and be made a School-Houſe of. The Children tho' Foreigners anſwer'd admirably well, which gave me great Hopes that the other foreign Children of the Colony may alſo learn our Engliſh Tongue when a proper Maſter is provided.—After Service we refreſhed ourſelves together, thanked our good GOD, and eat our Bread with Gladneſs of Heart.

Sunday, Auguſt 27. GOD having now ſhewn both me and my Friends that it was his Will I ſhould return for awhile to England: This Afternoon I preached my Farewel Sermon, to the great Grief of my dear Pariſhioners, for their Hearts I found were very full as well as mine, which they expreſſed by ſhedding many Tears. But a ſenſible Alteration appear'd in their Countenances, when I promiſed them ſolemnly before GOD to return as ſoon as poſſible. May GOD enable me to perform my Promiſe and prepare my Way before me.

The Weather was exceeding hot, and the Greatneſs of the Congregation made it ſtill hotter, but GOD enabled me to preach with Power. Thanks be to GOD for the Strength he gives me through JESUS CHRIST.

Monday Auguſt 28. This being the Day of my Departure, it was moſtly ſpent in taking Leave of my Flock, who expreſſed their Affection now more than ever. For they came to me from the Morning to the Time I left them with Tears in their Eyes, wiſhing me a proſperous Voyage and ſafe Return, and gave me other Tokens of their Love. For they brought me Wine, Ale, Cake, Coffee, Tea, and other Things proper for my Paſſage, and their Love ſeem'd without Diſſimulation.

About Four in the Afternoon I went into the Boat provided for me by Mr. Cauſton, who with the Recorder came to my Houſe and took their Leave. A great Number of People came to the Bluff and wiſh'd me a good Voyage with all their Souls, and a ſpeedy Return; I thanked them, and having deſired their Prayers, bleſſed them in the Name of GOD and took my Leave.

My Heart was full and I took the firſt Opportunity of venting it by Prayers and 〈◊〉 ▪ I think I never parted from a Place with more Regret; for America in my Opinion is an excellent School to learn CHRIST in; and I have great Hopes ſome good will come out of Savannah, becauſe the longer I continued there, the larger the Congregations grew. And I ſcarce know a Night, though we had Divine Service twice a Day, when the Church-Houſe has not been near full.— A Proof, this, I hope, that GOD has yet Spiritual and Temporal Bleſſings in ſtore for them. Haſten, O LORD that bleſſed Time.

At CHARLES-TOWN.

Sunday, September 3. Arrived laſt Night here, and preached twice to Day, I hope with ſome good Effect. The Biſhop of London's Commiſſary, the Rev. Mr. Garden, a good Soldier of JESUS CHRIST, received me in a moſt Chriſtian Manner. He and ſeveral others offered me a Lodging, and were more than civil to me. How does GOD raiſe me up Friends wherever I go! Who is ſo good a GOD as our GOD?

Was much pleaſed with the Neatneſs of the Buildings, and the Largeneſs of the Place. The Church is very beautiful, and the Inhabitants ſeem to be excellently well ſettled. GOD's Judgments have been late abroad amongſt them by the Spreading of the Small-Pox, I hope they will learn Righteouſneſs!

Monday, September 4. Was much delighted with a Packet of Letters I received from Savannah, not only as they were a Proof of the Writer's Affection for me, but alſo that the Holy Ghoſt was effectually moving on their Souls.

Saturday, Sept. 9. Received another comfortable Packet of Letters from Savannah Friends, and was ſoon hurried on Board, the Wind being fair for ſailing. Great Kindneſs has been ſhewn me at Charles-Town, ſome Preſents made me, and there was a general and earneſt Expectation of my Preaching on Sunday. But GOD ſeeth not as Man ſeeth. Father thy Will be done!

On Board the Mary, Captain Coc, Commander, bound from Charles-Town to England.

Saturday, Sept. 9. About Noon came on Board with great Compoſure of Mind, and thought of my abſent Friends, ſettled my Things, wrote my Journal, and finiſhed ſome other Matters. The Wind being fair, weighed Anchor, and ſet ſail about five in the Evening. The LORD ſend us a proſperous Voyage, and bring us in his appointed Time to the Haven where we would be!

Saturday, Sept. 16. Had contrary Winds all the Week, and got but a few Leagues from Charles-Town, yet GOD ſhewed me great Mercies: For he enabled me to write ſeveral Things, and correct others. I have been but a little Sea-ſick; and though I have not had my Cloaths off, and lay upon Deck or on a Cheſt every Night, yet the Goodneſs of GOD keeps me healthy and ſtrong, and gives me a feeling Poſſeſſion of his Holy Spirit. My Sphere of Action is now contracted into a narrow Compaſs. There are but few Souls on Board, and all that I can do is to read public Prayers, and add a Word of Exhortation twice every Day, and catechiſe thoſe I brought with me. The Captain and all are very civil, my Chriſtian Friends have been much upon my Heart, and cauſed me ſome Dejections, but GOD was my Comforter.

Had I my own Will, I could wiſh myſelf a ſpeedy Paſſage, that I may return the ſooner to thoſe few Sheep I have left at Savannah; but GOD knows beſt, and this Retirement, I hope will break my Will, purify my Heart, and fit me for the great Work that lies before me. Even ſo Lord JESUS, Amen, and Amen.

Saturday, Sept. 23. Still GOD is pleaſed to ſend us contrary Winds, except one Night about the Middle of the Week.— However he enables me to give Thanks — and great Reaſon have I ſo to do. — For the Holy Spirit has been with me of a Truth!

I have obſerved, that before GOD calls me to a public Work, he always ſends me into ſome Retirement, but never to ſo great a one as now. — A Sign this, I hope, that a greater Work is yet behind. Lord fit and prepare me for it.

My Mind, bleſſed be GOD, has been compoſed and eaſy. Only the Abſence of my Friends, now and then ſtruck a Damp upon my Spirits. — But the Friend of all is with and in me, and he by his Spirit I truſt, will ſupply the Want of their dear Company. — Amen, Lord JESUS, Amen.

Sunday, 24. Monday, Sept. 25. Was oppreſſed much in Spirit theſe two Days. The Wind was contrary, and the Sea wrought and was tempeſtuous; but bleſſed be GOD, he enabled me to be reſigned • o his Will, this outward and inward Trial being only what was to be expected after my late Aſſiſtances. We muſt not always be upon the Mount in this Life.

Ever ſince Monday Evening, GOD has been pleaſed to ſend us fair Winds, particularly to Day, when our Ship has ſail'd ſeven Miles an Hour, Bleſſed be GOD.

I have been chiefly buſied about writing Letters, to engage more Labourers, and to ge • Contributions for my poor Flock.

Bleſſed be GOD! he has made me frequently rejoice in Spirit, and now quite reconciles me to my preſent Retirement. When ſhall I have no Will but GOD's!

Sunday, Octob. 1. Had very little ſleep all Night, and was like to fall off the Cheſt whereon I lay ſeveral Times, the Sea being very rough, and the Wind-turning in an Inſtant directly contrary. Oh that I could learn from Winds and Storms to obey my Maſter!

Buried a young Man that came from Georgia, and died this Morning. LORD, What is Man? He ſolaced himſelf with the Thoughts of ſeeing his Friends in England. But GOD ſaw fit to prevent it by ſhortning his Days. LORD, thy Judgments are like the great Deep!

When I buried him, I could 〈◊〉 ſay much, becauſe of the rowling of the Ship▪ but at Evening-Prayer I took occaſion fro • the Leſſon which providentially was the 15th Chap. of the firſt of Corinthians) to exhort all my Shipmates to conſider ſo, as to prepare for their latter End. I believe my Words came with Power. GOD grant they may have a due Effect. Amen, LORD JESUS, Amen!

Friday, Octob. 6. Before I left Savannah, the Leſſon appointed for the Morning, was St. Paul's Shipwreck, out of the Acts, and before I left Charles-Town, the Leſſon was the firſt of Jonah, both which made ſuch a deep Impreſſion upon me, that I wrote to my Friend Haberſham, to acquaint him I was apprehenſive we ſhould have a dangerous Voyage: Since I have been on Board, what St. Paul ſaid to his Companions, That he perceived their Voyage would be to their great Damage, has frequently been preſs'd upon my Heart; and GOD has now ſhewn me wherefore he gave me theſe previous Notices.—For on Tueſday Night laſt, after we had ſailed 150 Miles, the laſt twenty-four Hours, about Eleven o'Clock aroſe a ſudden violent Eaſt Wind, which continued till about Four in the Morning, and put all the Sailors to their Wits End.— Moſt of them declared they never had ſeen the like before. The main Sail was ſlit in ſeveral Pieces, and ſeveral of the other Sails, and much of the Tackling all to Tatters; not a dry Place was to be found in all the Ship: The Captain's Hammock, in the great Cabin, was half filled with Water; and though I lay in the moſt dry Part of the Ship, yet the Waves broke in upon me twice or thrice. In ſhort, all was Terror and Confuſion, Men's Hearts failing them for fear, and the Wind and the Sea raging moſt horribly. But GOD (for ever be adored his unmerited Goodneſs) was exceeding gracious unto me. For I felt a ſweet Complacency in my Will, in Submiſſion to his. Many particular Promiſes GOD has made me from his Word, that I ſhould return in Peace, flowed in upon my Heart. And he enabled me greatly to rejoice.—This is the firſt Day we have ventured to pull down any of our dead Lights, which put me in Mind of the long Night the Egyptians once ſaw. But I ſpent my Time in reading, and fervent Interceſſion for abſent Friends, and comforted myſelf much with the Remembrance of them; moſt of freſh Proviſions are waſhed over Board, and our Tackling much out of order, ſo that we have a Proſpect but of an indifferent Voyage. But bleſſed be GOD, the Proſpect pleaſes me. For now I ſhall learn, I truſt, how to want as well as how to abound, and how to endure Hardſhip like a good Soldier of JESUS CHRIST. O LORD let thy Strength be magnified in my Weakneſs, ſay unto my Soul, It is I, be not afraid, and then let Storms and Tempeſts do their worſt.

Saturday, Octob. 7. This has been a Week, bleſſed be GOD, though not of much Action, yet full of Opportunities of exerciſing my paſſive Graces! To Day, adored be the Divine Goodneſs, the Weather has cleared up more and more, and our Ship has ſailed directly before the Wind, at the Rate of four or five Miles an Hour.

A Deſire to ſee my Friends in England, to diſpatch my Buſineſs, and to return to my poor Flock, prompt me ſecretly to wiſh for a Continuance of this proſperous Gale. But LORD I know not what to pray for as I ought. Do with me as ſeemeth good in thy Sight. Only I beſeech thee to ſanctify my preſent Retirement; that the longer I am upon the Sea, the more zealous I may be in thy Service, when I come upon dry Land.

Saw a Jamaica Ship▪ Captain Philips, who has been out nine Weeks. What Reaſon have we to be 〈◊〉 !

Having 〈…〉 • pportunity before, ſince the Storm, of getting many of our People together, gave a Word or two of Exhortation to my Ship-Mates, to bleſs GOD for our late Deliverance, and to ſin no more leſt a worſe Storm ſhould befal us.

Saturday, October 14. Sailed this Week about 600 Miles; but Yeſterday GOD was pleaſed to ſend us a contrary Wind, which ſtill continues. Father, thy Will be done.

A few Days agone I flatter'd myſelf we ſhould be ſoon at our deſired Port, but GOD is pleaſed to defer the Accompliſhment of my Hopes: However, bleſſed be his Name, He enables me to give Thanks.

Moſt of this Week has been ſpent in ſearching the Scriptures; and particular Retirements for Direction and Aſſiſtance in the Work before me. — GOD has been pleaſed to ſend me many inward Trials. And now my freſh Proviſions are gone, and the People are put to the Allowance of a Quart of Water each Man for a Day▪ So that I hope now the ſpiritual Man will grow, having ſo little for the natural Man to feed on. Amen, Lord JESUS. — Bleſſed be GOD, I can by his Grace ſay that I rejoice in Neceſſities, and do in every Thing give Thanks. Keep me thus minded, O Dear Redeemer, till thou perfect thy Work in my Soul.

Had this Sentence out of Henry much preſſed upon my Heart to comfort me in my Retirement. — The Mower looſes no Time whilſt he is whetting his Scythe. — Thus ſhall all Chriſtians be taught of GOD.

Sunday, October 15. The Weather being calm, and I being kindly invited Yeſterday, went on board the Conſtant, Capt. Philips, bound from Jamaica, who now ſails in Company with us, and was kindly received both by the Captain and his Paſſengers, and not only ſo, but they ſpared me what they could of their Proviſions▪ A moſt providential Supply; for ours was quite out. But our Extremity is GOD's Opportunity. Bleſſed be his Name for thus ſtrengthning our Faith. May this be looked upon as a Pledge that He will never leave or forſake us.

Our chief Diſcourſe was about Georgia; and ſtaying a little longer than was thought, my Shipmates were very ſuſpicious I ſhould be detain'd on board. But tho' there was Proviſion for the Fleſh, yet I like my own Situation beſt, becauſe here are greater Opportunities of denying myſelf, and conſequently of making farther Improvement in the Spirit. O that I may always walk by this Rule!

Saturday, October 21. Made but ſlow Advances in our Voyage, having had but one or two Days of fair Wind. But notwithſtanding, I believe we ſhall now ſoon reach Shore; for GOD has been pleaſed to viſit me all the Week with variety of inward Trials, which is a Sign to me that I ſhall experience yet more and more of his Mercies. How good is GOD thus to prepare me by Sufferings, that ſo his Bleſſings may be my Ruin; theſe Things to the natural Man ar • not joyous, but grievous, but GOD enables me to take Comfort only in him, to thank him ſincerely for his loving Correction, and therefore when I am ſufficiently exerciſed thereby, I hope it will bring forth in me the peaceable Fruits of Righteouſneſs. Amen.

Sunday, October 22. At the Deſire of the Captain preached my Sermon on raſh Anger, having hitherto uſed to expound only. In the Leſſon were theſe remarkable Words, Return to thy own Houſe, and ſhew how great Things God has done unto thee. And again, It came to paſs that when Jeſus was returned, the People gladly received him, for they were all waiting for him. Theſe laſt Words were remarkably preſſed upon me at Savannah, when I was conſulting GOD by Prayer, whether it was his Will that I ſhould go to England. Thus GOD's Word is in particular Caſes as well as in general, a Light unto our Feet and a Lanthorn unto our Paths.

Thurſday, October 25. Was much comforted this Evening, in reading the 33d and 34th Chapters of Ezekiel, wherein I could not but obſerve many Circumſtances of GOD's dealing with him correſponding with what I have experienced in myſelf: The following Verſes in particular were ſet home to my Heart, — Alſo thou Son of Man, the Children of thy People are ſtill talking 〈…〉 by the Wall and in the Doors of th • 〈…〉 ſaying, Come I pray 〈…〉 what Word cometh from the LORD. — And they came unto thee as the People cometh, and they hear thy Words, but they will not do them, for with their Mouth they ſhew much Love, but their Heart goeth after Covetouſneſs. And lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely Song of one that hath a pleaſant Voice, and can play well on an Inſtru • ent: for they hear thy Words but do them not. — Who that knows how GOD has dealt with me ſince I have been in the Miniſtry, ſees not that this Paſſage anſwers to my Circumſtances, as Face anſwers to Face in the Water? However this I know, what I have ſpoken from GOD will come to paſs (lo it will come) and then ſhall theſe Scoffers and Deſpiſers know, that a Miniſter of CHRIST has been amongſt them. O that I may never be brought forth as a ſwift Witneſs againſt any; but we muſt all appear before the Judgment Seat of CHRIST.

Saturday, October 28. Sailed about 300 Miles the four firſt Days of this Week: Had a little Storm on Wedneſday Night, and a great Calm ever ſince. We are now within 150 Leagues of Land, and our Proviſions and Water very ſcanty, and our Ship very weak; but the Hour of our Arrival is not yet come. Lord, teach me to be reſigned and thankful, and then deal with me as ſeemeth good in thy Sight.

Bleſſed be GOD! he has this Week enlarged my Heart, and filled me with great Comfort, after great inward Conflicts. Is not all this to prepare me for further Trials we are yet to endure e'er we get to England? LORD, thy Grace I know will be ſufficient for me, and therefore I rejoice in the Proſpect of enduring Tribulation.

Had Reaſon to believe one on board was offended at my enlarging one Night on the Sin of Drunkenneſs. — I always endeavour to ſpeak with the Meekneſs and Gentleneſs of CHRIST. — But if People will account me their Enemy, becauſe out of Love, I tell them the Truth, I cannot help that. Lo I have delivered my Soul.

Monday, October 30. Still GOD is pleaſed 〈◊〉 the Wind, what there is of it, ſhould be ••• trary, and our Ship's Company are now • rought into great Streights. Their Allowance of Water is a Quart a Day, and our conſtant Food for ſome Time has been on Salt Beef and Water Dumplins, which do not agree with the Stomachs of ſome amongſt us. But GOD enables me to rejoice in that and all other our Neceſſities, yea, He ſo comforts me that many I believe are ſurpriſed at my Chearfulneſs. But when we are deſtitute of outward Comforts, then does GOD more comfort our Souls. This Morning when I awoke, the Faith of Abraham was greatly preſſed upon me; and the Example of Daniel and the three Children, who were fat and well favoured, notwithſtanding they were fed with Pulſe and Peaſe, is continually before my Eyes. Some ſay we are within a hundred Leagues of Land. But what does that ſignify, if GOD ſays, Hitherto ſhall you go, and no further. LORD, in thy due Time let that which now letteth be taken away, but not before this Trial has done what it was ſent for, tho' it make us ſmart.

I warm myſelf by ſmiling on, and exhorting them, and this Afternoon we joined in ſolemn Prayers ſuitable to our preſent Circumſtances. LORD, let our Cry come unto thee. I know it will, and that we ſhall be anſwer'd, if it be beſt. But great Bleſſings await me 〈◊〉 Shore, and great Trials muſt precede. Oh that I may by theſe ſmall, be prepar'd for greater Suffering • ▪ Amen, Lord JESUS.

Monday, October 30. Was comforted to Night in my preſent Circumſtances, by theſe Verſes out of this Evening's Leſſon, — I have learnt in whatſoever State I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abaſed, and I know how to abound; every where, and in all Things I am inſtructed, both to the full and to be hungry, both to abound and to ſuffer Need. I can do all thro' Chriſt which ſtrengthneth me. Even ſo come, Lord JESUS. Amen and Amen.

Reading afterwards in the Book of Maccabees, and thinking of my preſent Situation, this Verſe was preſſed with unſpeakable Comfort upon my Soul,— After this they went Home, and ſung a Song of Thankſgiving, and praiſed the LORD in Heaven; becauſe it is good, becauſe his Mercy endureth forever. I hope my Friends will take care to fulfil this when we meet together on Shore.

Wedneſday, November 1. This Afternoon, about four o'Clock, as I was in Secret, humbling my Soul before GOD, interceding for my Friends, and had been praying for a fair Wind, and Aſſiſtance in the great Work lying before me, News were brought that the Wind was fair; which put me in Mind of the Angel's being ſent to Daniel, to tell him his Prayer was heard, when he was humbling his Soul with Faſting, and praying for the Peace and Reſtoration of Jeruſalem. Indeed I cannot ſay I have purpoſely, for theſe three Weeks, eat no pleaſant Food, or faſted, as he did; but our Food is ſo ſalt, that I dare eat but little, ſo that I am now literally in Faſtings often. O that I may improve this bleſſed Seaſon for Humiliation and extraordinary Acts of Devotion, that I may be duly prepar'd to approve myſelf a faithful Miniſter of JESUS CHRIST, whether by Honour or Diſhonour, by evil Report or good Report.

As ſoon as we found the Wind fair, we join'd in Thankſgiving, and in ſinging the firſt Part of the 34th Pſalm (new Verſion) which was very applicable to our Circumſtances. For they tell me they have not above three Days Water on Board, allowing a Quart to each Man a Day. But he, that at one Time, at the Requeſt of his Diſciples, conſider'd the Multitude, and work'd a Miracle for their Relief; and at another Time, at the Interceſſion of Moſes, gave Water to the wandring Iſraelites, I truſt, now, has heard our Prayers, and ſent this Wind with a Commiſſion to bring us where he will ſupply all our Wants. If not, O Bleſſed JESU, thy Will be done. Give me Grace, I moſt humbly beſeech thee, to hold out my three Watches, and at the fourth Watch I know thou wilt come. Even ſo come Lord JESUS.

Thurſday, Nov. 4. For theſe two Days laſt paſt, GOD has been pleaſed greatly to humble my Soul, and bring me low by Spiritual Deſertions. And to Day he has thought proper again to ſend us a contrary Wind, bleſſed be his Name. Our Allowance of Water now is but a Pint a Day; ſo that we dare not eat much Beef. Our Sails are exceeding thin; ſome more of them were ſplit laſt Night, and no one knows where we are; but GOD does, and that is ſufficient.

Laſt Night He lifted up the Light of his bleſſed Countenance upon me, and to Day fills me with Joy unſpeakable, and full of Glory; ſo that though I have little to eat, yet I inwardly poſſeſs all Things. I am ſometime afraid leſt continued Abſtinence may occaſion a bodily Sickneſs. But wherefore do I fear? If it does, that and every Thing elſe I know will work for my Good. — What I moſt dread, is leſt any on Board ſhould charge GOD fooliſhly; but I check the firſt Motions I diſcern ariſing in any one's Heart, and endeavour to juſtify our good GOD, in all the Evil that he hath brought upon us. I put before them the Example of the Widow of Sarepta, and caution them againſt murmuring like the Iſraelites at the Waters of Meribah, And thus I endeavour to comfort and ſupport them with the Comforts wherewith I myſelf am comforted of GOD.

This is now the eighth Week I have been Aboard. If my Friends aſk me, why I arrived no ſooner, I may truly anſwer, Satan hinder'd us. For I believe it is he who is permitted to do this; but this ſtill gives me greater Hopes, that a more effectual Door than ever, will be be open'd in England, for preaching the everlaſting Goſpel. O Satan, Satan, I defy thee to do thy worſt; thou mayſt toſs me up and down, and bring me into Jeopardy on every Side; but JESUS CHRIST is praying for me on the Mount. And when the Time appointed by the Father is come, and my Soul hereby prepared, he whom Winds and Storms obey, will ſpeak the Word; and then I ſhall have a happy meeting with my dear Friends!

Sunday, Nov. 5. This Day we rejoiced with trembling. For though we thereon commemorated our Deliverance from the Gunpowder-Plot, yet as our Circumſtances call'd for Acts of Humiliation, I uſed Part of the Office of Commination, (beſides ſolemn Prayer and Pſalms three Times) and enlarged on theſe Words of St. James, My Brethren, count it all Joy, when ye fall into diverſe Temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your Faith worketh Patience: But let Patience have her perfect Work. I hope this had a good Effect upon my Hearers Hearts, and calm'd their Spirits. For indeed we are brought very low: But I can ſay with the penitent Thief, That I ſuffer juſtly, and do not receive the ten thouſandth Part of the Reward due to my Crimes. LORD, remember me now thou art in thy Kingdom!

Monday, Nov. 6. Laſt Night, about ſeven o'Clock, GOD was pleaſed to ſuffer a violent Wind to ariſe, which would not permit me to riſe till this Afternoon, about which Time it began in ſome meaſure to abate. Bleſſed be GOD through the Precaution uſed by our Ship-Mates, we ſhip'd but little Water, only we were driven ſome Leagues back. The Weather was pretty cold, and a little Cake or two baked on the Coals, and a very little Salt-Beef was all my Proviſion for the Day; but thus Elijah lived for a long while, and why not I? Nay, he faſted forty Days and forty Nights. And though I dare not preſume to do ſo, yet if GOD ſtill brings me into greater Wants, I doubt not, but I ſhall find that Man liveth not by Bread alone, but by every Word that proceedeth out of the Mouth of GOD. LORD, I deſire not to be exempted from ſufferings, but to be ſupported under them. If thy Glory can be promoted by my Tryals, lo, here I am, ſcourge me, try me as it ſeemeth good in thy Sight!

Wedneſday, November 8. Perceived my ſelf Yeſterday and this Morning, inwardly weak and fainting, and unable to read ſcarce any Thing. But bleſſed be GOD! though he kill me, yet will I put my Truſt in him.

When my Spirits are gone, I then find my Faith, as it were, leſs lively; But I truſt that is only owing to the Frame of my Body. For at all other Times I have great Confidence in God! And was he now to put it to my Choice, whether this Trial ſhould continue, or he ſhould ſend us a fair Wind, I ſhould humbly refer it to him again. For I know not what is beſt for me!

Moſt in the great Cabin now begin to be weak and look hollow-Ey'd, yet a little while, and we ſhall come to Extremities; and then God's Arm will bring us Salvation. May we patiently tarry the LORD's Leiſure! Amen, Amen.

Great Part of this Day I lay down, being weak and much oppreſſed in my Head; but at Night when ſome doubted what the End of this Viſitation would be, the following Verſes were with great Comfort preſſed upon my Soul. For I am in a ſtrait between two, having a Deſire to be diſſolved and to be with CHRIST, which is far better. Nevertheleſs to abide in the Fleſh is more needful for you. And having this Confidence, I know that I ſhall abide and continue with you all, for your furtherance and joy of Faith: That your rejoicing may be more abundant in JESUS CHRIST for me, by my coming to y • u again. Thus Chriſtians have Meat to eat, which the World knoweth not.

In confidence of this, and ſuch like Texts, that have been from time to time applied to my Soul, I ſtill (as often as my Strength will permit) contine to write Letters ready to ſend when I come on Shore. Which reminds me of Jeremiah's being commanded to buy Land, when his whole Country was about to be carried into Captivity. Bleſſed are they that walk by Faith, and not by Sight.

Though one in his haſte the other Day cried out, "What Jonah have we here on Board?" And I anſwer'd, I am he; yet many now, I believe, bleſs GOD, that I am with them. For, ſay they, How ſhould we have been blaming and curſing one another, had not Mr. W—d been amongſt us? Bleſſed be GOD, if my Miniſtry or Preſence can be inſtrumental to preven • Sin againſt thee, O LORD, toſs me on the Ocean as long as it pleaſeth thee! O my dear LORD, I deſire to be reſigned!

Thurſday, Nov. 9, Enjoyed great Peace of Mind to Day, and was ſtronger in Body than uſual. Bleſſed be the LORD! We are now making for Ireland, and are advanced ſome Leagues towards it. Whether we ſhall arrive there or not, GOD only knows. I find all uneaſineſs ariſes from having a Will of my own. And therefore I ſimply deſire to will what GOD willeth. Oh, when will this once be?

Friday, Nov. 10. Was much ſtrengthened in our preſent Diſtreſs by the ſecond Leſſon for the Day. It was our Saviour's turning the Water into Wine at the Marriage of Cana. We have applied to him as the Holy Virgin did and told him in Prayer, that, we have but very little Water? At preſent he ſeems to turn away his Face, and to ſay, What have I to do with you? But this is only becauſe the the Hour of Extremity is not yet come. When it is, I doubt not but he will now as richly ſupply our Wants, as he did theirs then. May we in Patience poſſeſs our Souls!

Saturday, Nov. 11. Still we are floating about, not knowing where we are. But our People ſeem yet to have hopes of ſeeing Ireland. I know not whether I am out in my Conjecture, but I imagine ſome of thoſe Ships we have ſeen, are arrived at England before us. Upon which, perhaps, my Friends will expect me, pray for me, and at laſt give me up for loſt. And then GOD will reſtore me to them.

The Weather now begins to be cold, ſo that I can ſay with the Apoſtle. I am in Hungrings and Thirſtings, Cold and Faſtings often. Hereafter, perhaps, I may add moreover in Bonds and Impriſonments. But I truſt the Sufferings of this Life will not move me. For they are not worthy to be compared with the Glory that ſhall be revealed in us.

My outward Man ſenſibly decayeth, but the Spiritual Man I truſt, is renewed Day by Day. I have beſought the LORD many times to ſend us a fair Wind: But now I ſee he does not think fit to anſwer me, I am wholly reſigned, knowing that his Grace will be ſufficient for me, and that his Time is beſt.

Our Ship is much out of repair, and our Food by no means, enough to ſupport Nature in an ordinary Way, and that of the moſt indifferent Kind too: An Ounce or two of Salt-Beef, a Pint of Water, and a Cake made of Flower and Skimmings of the Pot. But I think often on him who preſerved Moſes in the Ark of Bulruſhes. And ſo long as I look upwards my Faith will not fail.

Bleſſed be Go • for theſe Things, I rejoice in them daily. They are no more than I expected, and I know they are Preparatives for future Mercies. GOD of his infinite Mercy humble and try me, till I am rightly diſpoſed to receive them. Amen, LORD JESUS, Amen.

It pities me often to ſee my Brethren, lying in the Duſt, as they have done theſe many Weeks, and expoſed to ſuch Streights: For GOD knows both their Souls and Bodies are dear unto me. But thanks be to GOD, they bear up well, and I hope we ſhall all now learn to endure Hardſhips, like good Soldiers of JESUS CHRIST.

Sunday, Nov. 12. This Morning the Doctor of our Ship took up the Common-Prayer Book, and obſerved that he opened upon theſe Words, Bleſſed be the LORD GOD of Iſrael, for he hath viſited and redeemed his People. And ſo indeed he has, for about 8 o'Clock this Morning News were brought, that our Men ſaw Land, and I went and was a joyful Spectator of it myſelf. The Air was clear, and the Sun ariſing in full Strength, ſo that 'tis the moſt pleaſant Day I have ſeen theſe many Weeks. Now know I that the LORD will not always be chiding, neither keepeth he his Anger forever. For theſe two or three Days laſt paſt, I have enjoyed an uncommon Serenity of Soul, and given up my Will to GOD. And now he hath brought us Deliverance. —From whence I infer, that a Calmneſs of Mind, and entire Reſignation to the Divine Will, is the beſt Preparative for receiving Divine Mercies. LORD evermore make me thus minded!

As ſoon as I had taken a View of the Land, we joined together in a Prayer and Pſalm of Thankſgiving, and already began to reflect with Pleaſure on our late Streights. Thus it will be hereafter, the Storms and Tempeſts of this troubleſome World will ſerve to render our Haven of eternal Reſt doubly agreeable. — I fear now nothing ſo much as the Treachery of my Heart, leſt like the ungrateful Lepers, I ſhould not turn to GOD and give Thanks by leading a Holy Life. But all Things are poſſible with GOD, on whoſe rich Mercies and free Grace in JESUS CHRIST, I alone depend for Wiſdom, Righteouſneſs, Sanctification and Redemption.

Spent a good Part of this Afternoon in walking upon Deck, and bleſſing GOD for the Proſpect I ſaw all around me. His good Providence has been pleaſed to bring us into a fine large Bay, ſurrounded on each Side with high Lands and Hommocks, much like thoſe near Gibraltar, and a large Light-Houſe on the Fore-Land, from which in the Evening was ſhewn a Light. It lies on the North-Weſt of Ireland, and moſt ſuppoſe we are near Limerick, but are not certain, only one of our Men having been here before. There are no Soundings till you come very near the Land. The Wind being againſt us (that little that was of it) we could not get much forward: But GOD in his due Time will bring us on Shore. Bleſſed be his Name, the Weather is exceeding clear, and this is the moſt comfortable Day I have ſeen a long Time. LORD make me mindful of theſe thy Mercies all the Days of my Life!

Tueſday, Nov. 14. Let this Day, my Soul, be noted in thy Book, for GOD has viſited thee with his Salvation, — On Monday midnight, as I was lying on my Bed, my Sleep departed from me, and I had no reſt in my Spirit, becauſe although the Weather was ſo exceeding calm, and we in ſo great Diſtreſs, yet no Boat was ſent to fetch us Proviſions. Upon this I ſpoke to the Captain, and he to the Mate, who in the Morning went with a Boat, and about Noon this Day returned loaded with Proviſions and Water, and not only ſo, but told us, he was kindly intreated, by the People he met with, eſpecially by a great Country Gentleman, who came from his Seat at Midnight, on purpoſe to relieve him and his Companions; furniſhed them with a freſh Boat and other Neceſſaries, moſt kindly invited me, though unknown, to his Houſe, to ſtay as long as I pleaſed; and has order'd Horſes to wait ready to take me thither.

Who is ſo great, ſo good a GOD, as our GOD! Our Hour of Extremity was indeed come: For we had but half a Pint of Water left, and my Stomach was exceeding weak, through my long Abſtinence; but now his Almighty Arm hath brought us Salvation.

Thro' all the changing Scenes of Life, In Trouble and in Joy, The Praiſes of my GOD ſhall ſtill My Heart and Tongue employ, Of his Deliverance I will boaſt, Till all that are diſtreſt; From my Example Comfort take And charm their Griefs to reſt. Fear him, ye Saints, and you will then Have nothing elſe to fear; Make you his Service your Delight, Your Wants ſhall be his Care.

As ſoon as the Proviſions came, we kneeled down and returned hearty Thanks to our good GOD who has heard our Prayers, and ſent his Angel before us, to prepare our Way.

Therefore my Life's remaining Years, Which GOD to me ſhall lend, Will I in Praiſes to his Name, And in his Service ſpend.

A little before our Proviſion came, I had been noting in my Diary, that I believed Deliverance was at Hand; for laſt Night and this Morning, I had the moſt violent Conflict within my ſelf that I have had at all. Thus GOD always prepares me for his Mercies. O that this may ſtrengthen my Faith, and make me willing to follow the Lamb whereſoever he ſhall be pleaſed to lead me. Amen, Lord JESUS, Amen!

Still greater Mercies GOD confers on his unworthy Servant. For after our Proviſions were brought aboard, the Wind ſtill continued fair, and by ſix at Night blew us to a little Place on Karrigholt Iſland, before which we caſt Anchor. Praiſe the Lord, O my Soul, and all that is within me praiſe his holy Name!

Ever ſince we have been on Board the Mary, theſe Words, "Howbeit we muſt be caſt upon a certain Iſland" (which were Part of the Leſſon I read laſt at Savannah) have been continually preſs'd upon my Heart, ſo that I have ofte • mention'd it to one of my Companions. Behold they are now fulfilled. O how unſearchable are thy Doings, O LORD, and thy Ways paſt finding out ▪

Why GOD dealeth thus with me, I know not now, but I ſhall know hereafter. However this I know, that this Voyage has been greatly for my Good. — For I have had a glorious Opportunity of ſearching the Scriptures, compoſing Diſcourſes, writing Letters, and communing with my own Heart. — We have been on Board juſt nine Weeks and three Days. — A long and perilous, but profitable Voyage to my Soul: For I hope it has learnt me, in ſome meaſure, to endure Hardſhips as becometh a Miniſter of CHRIST. My Clothes have not been off (except to change me) all the Paſſage: Part of the Time I lay on open Deck, Part on a Cheſt, and the Remainder on a Bed-ſtead cover'd with my Buffaloe's Skin. Theſe Things, though little in themſelves, yet are great in their Conſequences; and whoever deſpiſeth ſmall Acts of bodily Diſcipline, it is to be feared, will inſenſibly loſe his ſpiritual Life by little and little.— Many inward Trials alſo GOD has been pleaſed to ſend me, which I believe, he has ſanctified to my great Good. I am now going on Shore, to the Houſe of a wealthy Gentleman, whom GOD has commanded to receive me. I may yet be expoſed to many Perils by Land e'er I ſee my dear Friends: But his Grace who has preſerved me from ſo many Perils by Water, will alſo be ſufficient for me on dry Land. Whilſt I continue on this ſide Eternity, I never expect to be free from Trials, only to change them: For it is neceſſary to heal the Pride of my Heart, that ſuch ſhould come: With a particular fear and trembling, I think of going to London. But he that preſerved Daniel, in the Den of Lions, and the three Children in the fiery Furnace, will, I hope, preſerve me from the fiery Trial of Popularity, and from the miſguided Zeal of thoſe, who without Cauſe, are my Enemies. Father, into thy Hands I commend my Spirit. Magnify ſtill thy free Grace in me. Guide me by thy unerring Wiſdom, receive, O receive me for thy infinite Mercies ſake, in CHRIST JESUS, into Glory hereafter!

As for the Succeſs of my Miniſtry, whilſt on Board, I ſhall only ſay, That I hope much Sin has been prevented, and one I hope effectually converted, who is to be my Fellow Traveller to England. LORD if I can but be made inſtrumental to ſave one Soul, I care not if I am toſſed on the Ocean through my whole Life. Glory be to GOD on High!

It is obſervable, that juſt as we had caſt Anchor, a violent Wind roſe, which (had it happen'd ſooner) muſt have greatly hurt us. Marvellous are thy Works, O LORD, and that my Soul knoweth right well!

About ſeven at Night I dreſs'd myſelf and went on Shore, and was received into a ſtrong Caſtle belonging to Mr. Mac Mahon, the Gentleman who ſent me an Invitation. He himſelf was not at home, having went ſome Miles up to meet me; but his Maid Servant kindly received us; I asked for Water, and ſhe gave me Milk, and brought forth Butter in a lordly Diſh: And never did I eat a more comfortable Meal: About ten the Gentleman (having miſſed of me at the Place appointed) came through the Rain, and entertain'd us moſt hoſpitably, and about One we went to Bed; I hope with Hearts full of a Senſe of the Divine Love. My Song ſhall henceforward be always of the loving Kindneſs of the LORD. I will make mention of his Righteouſneſs and Truth, in the Aſſemblies of his Saints. Now our Water is turned into Wine!

KILRUSH in IRELAND.

This Morning about 11 o'Clock, after being moſt hoſpitably entertain'd by Mr. Mac Mahon, and furniſhed with three Horſes, I and my Servant, and my new Convert ſet out for Dublin, and reach'd Kilruſh, a little Town, about eight Iriſh Miles from Karrigholt, about two in the Afternoon, where we were ſweetly refreſhed, and tarried the Remainder of the Day with Capt. Coc, who laſt Night with his whole Crew was like to be Shipwreck'd; but this Morning, by the good Providence of GOD, was brought hither on Shore, Surely my Ship-mates will, of all Men, be moſt miſerable, if they continue impenitent, having ſuch loud and repeated Calls from GOD.

As I rode along, and obſerved the Meanneſs of the poor People's living in theſe Parts, I ſaid, if my Pariſhioners at Georgia, complain to me of Hardſhips, I muſt tell them how the Iriſh live; for their Habitations are far more deſpicable, and their Living as hard, I believe, as to Food; and yet, no doubt, Content dwells in many of theſe low Huts. A Man's Life does not conſiſt in the Abundance of the Things which he poſſeſſeth.

At my firſt coming into our Inn, we kneeled down and prayed; and again at Night ſung Pſalms, and prayed with the Captain and ſeveral of my Ship-mates. — The firſt Time I believe the Room was ever put to ſuch a Uſe by a Ship's Crew and their Chaplain.

FOURTHFAPGUS.

Friday, Nov. 17. Had a very pleaſant ride, over a fine fruitful Country to Fourthfargus, a Village as was reckoned only ten, but at a moderate Computation thirty Engliſh Miles from Kilruſh: But this is not the firſt Piece of Iriſh I have met with.— Their innocent Blunders often extort Smiles from me.

As I ſtopped to have my Horſes ſhoe'd, I went into one of the poor People's Cabbins, as they call them, but it may as well be called a Stye, a Barn, or a Poultry Coop. It was about twenty Feet long, and twelve broad, the Walls built with Turf and Mud. In it, was a Man threſhing Corn, two Swine feeding; two Dogs, ſeveral Geeſe, a Man, his Wife, three Children, and a great Fire.— Georgia Huts are Palaces to it.— Indeed the People live very poorly in this Part, ſome walk barefoot with their Shoes in their Hands to ſave them from wearing out, others out of Neceſſity. And I obſerved many of their Feet to be much ſwell'd, and ready to guſh out with Blood, through Extremity of Cold. — LORD, Why is my Lot caſt into a fairer Ground? Thy free Grace alone has made the Difference!

Whilſt I was in the Cabin, as they call their little Iriſh Huts, I talk'd with the Woman in the Houſe, and found ſhe was a Roman Catholic: And indeed the whole Commo •• lty almoſt, are of the Romiſh Profeſſion, and ſeem to be ſo very ignorant, that they may well be termed the Wild Iriſh. No Wonder, when the Key of Knowledge is taken from them. Wo unto their blind Guides. I can think of no likelier Means to convert them from their erroneous Principles, than to get the Bible tranſlated into their own native Language, to have it put in their Houſes, and Charity-Schools erected for their Children, as Mr. Jones has done in Wales, which would inſenſibly weaken the Romiſh Intereſt: For when once they could be convinced that they were impoſed upon, they would no longer ſuffer themſelves to be miſled. O that ſome Man, in whom is the Spirit of the Holy GOD, would undertake this!

LIMERICK.

Saturday, Nov. 19. Preſuming the People where I lay laſt Night, were Roman Catholicks, I neglected to call them in to join in Prayer, but to my great Grief found afterwards that ſome were Proteſtants, and expected Prayers from me. Oh baſe Ingratitude! Is this my Zeal for my late ſignal Deliverance? Oh treacherous Heart! Fye upon thee, fye upon thee. GOD be merciful to me a Sinner!

About two this Afternoon we reach'd Limerick, a large Garriſon Town, with a Cathedral in it, about twenty one Engliſh Miles from Fourthfargus. The Roads, as we came along, grew better; but the People much more ſubtle and deſigning. Here are alſo many Beggars, which I impute to the Want of Pariſh Proviſions for them. — At Evening Prayer we went to the Cathedral, and returned public Thanks for our ſafe Arrival. The Remainder of the Night was ſpent in neceſſary Buſineſs, refreſhing our Bodies, religious Converſation, and in writing ſome Things I ſtood in need of.

Good GOD! Where was I laſt Saturday? In Hunger, Cold and Thirſting; but now I enjoy fullneſs of Bread, and all Things convenient for me, GOD grant, I may not, Jeſhurun like, wax fat and kick. Perhaps it is more difficult to know how to abound, than how to want. But I endeavour to receive both with Thankſgiving.

Sunday, Nov. 20. Having ſent laſt Night to inform Dr. Burſcough, Biſhop of Limerick, that I was lately arrived: At his Lordſhip's Appointment, I waited on him this Morning, and was received with the utmoſt Candour and Civility. At his Lordſhip's Requeſt, I preached in the Morning at the Cathedral, to a very numerous Audience, who ſeem'd univerſally affected, and full of Expectation that I would preach in the Afternoon; but Providence did not ſeem to open a Door. But why ſhould not a ſtrange Miniſter always offer his Service? I think it is a wrong Piece of Modeſty not to do it. For a Sermon from a Stranger, may do more good than many from thoſe the People are conſtantly uſed to.

After Sermon the Mayor ſent twice to invite me, but I was pre-engaged to the Biſhop, who kindly invited both me and my Friend, thanked me for my Sermon, and offered me the free Uſe of his Palace, and would have inſiſted on my accepting of it, had I not told his Lordſhip I was to leave Limerick in the Morning: Oh into what a wealthy Place has my good GOD brought me? How does he every where command ſome or other to receive me? As I was eating at Dinner, I was meditating on the Divine Goodneſs in ſpreading ſuch a Table for me, when laſt Sunday I was in Danger almoſt of periſhing with Hunger. But I thought at the ſame Time, if this was ſo great a Bleſſing, what an infinitely greater one will it be, after the Troubles of this Life, to ſit down and eat Bread in the Kingdom of GOD. O that I may be accounted worthy of that heavenly Banquet!

TULLER-BRIDGE.

Monday, Nov. 20. Went about Limerick Town this Morning, to diſpatch ſome neceſſary Buſineſs. And found the good Seed ſown yeſterday, had received a Bleſſing from above. For all the Inhabitants ſeem'd alarmed, and look'd moſt wiſhfully at me, as I paſſed along. One ſubſtantial Tradeſman in particular even compell'd me to come in, and ſhewed me and my Friend uncommon Civilities, and told me how ſollicitous the People were for my ſtaying longer.— Another came to my Inn, and begg'd me to come and ſee him, which I did. — And the good Biſhop, when I went to take leave of his Lordſhip, kiſſed me, and ſaid theſe Words, Mr. Whitefield, GOD bleſs you, I wiſh you Succeſs abroad. Had you ſtaid in Town, this Houſe ſhould have been your Home.

About four in the Afternoon, againſt much Perſuaſion to the Contrary, we left Limerick, and reach'd Tuller-Bridge, about ſix Miles diſtant from thence, by ſix o'Clock, where I and my Friend were agreeably refreſhed, and ſpent the Remainder of the Evening in writing to ſome at Limerick, and ſtrengthening one another, and bleſſing GOD for theſe freſh Inſtances of his unmerited Mercies. Who knows what a great Matter this little Fire may kindle? This I am aſſured of, GOD did not ſend me to Ireland for nothing.

BURRASS and OSSERY.

Tueſday, Nov. 21. Went on journeying before Day, and came about five in the Evening to Burraſs and Oſſery, twenty-five Miles from Tuller-Bridge.

In my Way I had a ſhort Conference with a Roman Catholic, who ſeem'd more knowing than the Generality of thoſe of that Perſuaſion, but ſadly miſguided. My main Drift was to convince him he was impoſed upon. Am I? ſays he, with great Earneſtneſs, did I know that, I would follow him, i. e. the Prieſt, no longer.

As far as I can find by all I converſe with, they place Religion in being of the Proteſtant or Roman Catholic Communion, and are quite ignorant of the Nature of inward Purity and Holineſs of Heart.— Lord, the Chriſtian World is caſt into a deep ſleep, ſend forth, I beſeech thee, ſome faithful and true Paſtors to awaken them out of it.

DUBLIN.

Thurſday, Nov. 23. Came forwards laſt Night, to a Place called Neas, thirty three Miles from Burraſs and Oſſery, and reach'd Dublin about Noon, without the leaſt Fatigue or Wearineſs. Bleſſed be GOD, he cauſes me to renew my Strength, or otherwiſe it would not be thus with me.

Two Things I can remark much for the Credit of Ireland, that the Roads, eſpecially to Dublin, are ſurprizingly good, and Proviſions exceeding • heap. A Perſon may travel without much Expence.

Friday, Nov. 24. Went to Day with Mr. Bradford, Brother to Mr. Bradford of Georgia, to viſit Doctor Delany, who moſt kindly received me, and invited me to dine with him on Sunday. Some other Part of the Day I was neceſſarily obliged to go and ſee the buſy Part of Dublin: But the more I ſee of the World, the more I grow ſick of it every Day. GOD grant this Sickneſs may increaſe?

Sunday, Nov. 26. Preached twice to Day at the Churches of Waborough and St. Andrew's▪ I believe with Succeſs; for GOD enabled me to ſpeak with Power. And the People, as it were, not only hung upon me to hear me in the Morning, but alſo flock'd to the Church where I preach'd in the Afternoon; ſo that it was like a London Congregation. Great good might be done in Dublin, by preaching Charity Sermons for the eſtabliſhing Proteſtant Schools.

Tueſday, Nov. 28. By the Advice, and through the Introduction of Dr. Delany, I waited on Dr. Rundle, Biſhop of Londonderry, and on his Grace the Arch-Biſhop of Armagh, Lord •• imate of all Ireland; the former engaged me to dine with him on the Morrow if I ſtaid in Town; the latter to dine with him at three in the Afternoon, at which Time I waited on his Grace, and was courteouſly received both by him and his Clergy. Having heard of me, as the Biſhop of Derry told me, from ſome Friend at Gibraltar.

Now GOD begins to ſhew me why he ſo viſited me in the Ship. Sweeteſt JESUS give me Humility, and I ſhall ſee yet greater Things than theſe.

ENGLAND. PARK-GATE.

Thurſday, November 30. After near twelve Months Abſence from London, three Months from Georgia, and a pleaſant Paſſage of twenty four Hours from Dublin, to my inexpreſſible Comfort, GOD brought me to Park-Gate, and ſo fulfilled a Promiſe which was preſſed upon my Heart laſt Innocents-Day, in Hampſhire, when I was under a great Concern what my Mother would ſay to the Reſolution I had then made to go to Georgia.—Rachel weeping for her Children▪ refuſed to be comforted for her Children, becauſe they were not. Thus ſaith the LORD, Refrain thy Voice from Weeping, and thine Eyes from Tears; for thy Work ſhall be rewarded. And there is Hope in thine End, ſaith the LORD, that thy Children ſhall come again to their own Border. Jer. xxxi.15, 16, 17. Many other Promiſes there are which I have laid up in my Heart. I pray GOD I may be ſo bleſſed as to believe: For there certainly will be a fulfilling of thoſe Things which GOD by his Spirit hath ſpoken unto my Soul.

NANTWICH.

Friday, Dec. 1. Rode from Park-Gate to Nantwich, in hopes of ſeeing my old Friend Mr. Salmon, but GOD was pleaſed to diſappoint me. However he enlarged my Heart, and enabled me to write ſeveral Letters to Friends at Dublin; and I now, as I have often done before, make this Remark, That GOD never diſappoints us one Way, but he opens a Door to do good in another.

MANCHESTER.

Saturday, Dec. 2. Reach'd Mancheſter by four this Afternoon, and was much edified by dear Mr. Clayton's judicious Chriſtian Converſation, for the Benefit of which, I came ſo far out of my Way.

Sunday, December 3. Preached twice at Mr. Clayton's Chappel to a thronged and very attentive Audience, eſpecially in the Afternoon, aſſiſted with ſix more Miniſters in adminiſtring the bleſſed Sacrament to three Hundred Communicants. Never did I ſee a Table more richly ſpread, nor a greater Order and Decency obſerved.—Bleſſed be God for my coming to Mancheſter, I hope it has greatly benefited and ſtrengthened my Soul. — This has been a Sabbath indeed! May it prepare me for that eternal Reſt which awaits the Children of GOD!

STONE.

Monday, December 4. Set out at Day-break and got to Stone, thirty four Miles from Mancheſter, by five in the Evening, was a little fatigu'd; but quite refreſhed by the Morning.— Bleſſed be GOD for theſe Conveniencies. Oh that I may always look upon myſelf as a Stranger and a Sojourner upon Earth!

Friday, December 8. After having rode thirty ſix Miles on Tueſday, and twenty four on Wedneſday, on Thurſday about three in the Afternoon reach'd St. Alban's. — In the Morning I ſet out for London, and was agreeably ſurpriz'd with the Sight of ſome of my Chriſtian Friends, on the Road, who were coming to meet me, which put me in Mind of St. Paul's Friends, meeting him at the three Taverns, and I like him, was not a little comforted. O that I may, like him, alſo be willing to follow my Maſter whereſoever he ſhall be pleaſed to call me, not counting even my Life dear unto myſelf, ſo that I may finiſh my Courſe with Joy!

I. Shall I for fear of feeble Man, Thy Spirit's Courſe in me reſtrain? Or •• diſmay'd in Deed and Word, Be a true Witneſs to my Lord? II. Aw'd by a Mortal's Frown, ſhall I Conceal the Word of GOD moſt High? How then before thee ſhall I dare To ſtand, or how thy Anger bear? III. No; let Man rage! ſince thou wilt ſpread Thy ſhadowing Wings around my Head: Since in all Pain thy tender Love Will ſtill my ſweet Refreſhment prove. IV. Saviour of Men! thy ſearching Eye Does all my inmoſt Thoughts deſcry: Doth ought on Earth my Wiſhes raiſe? Or the World's Favour, or its Praiſe? V. The Love of Chriſt does me conſtrain, To ſeek the wand'ring Souls of Men: With Cries, Intreaties, Tears to ſave, To ſnatch them from the gaping Grave. VI. For this let Men revile my Name, No Croſs I ſhun, I fear no Shame: All hail Reproach, and welcome Pain! Only thy T •• rors, LORD, reſtrain. VII. My Life, My Blood I here preſent, If for thy Truth they may be ſpent. Fulfil thy Sov'reign Counſel LORD: Thy Will be done! thy Name ador'd! VIII. Give me thy Strength, O GOD of Power▪ Then let Winds blow, or Thunders roar, Thy faithful Witneſs will I be — 'Tis fix'd! I can do all thro' Thee!

A CONTINUATION Of the Reverend Mr. Whitefield's JOURNAL FROM His Arrival at LONDON, TO His Departure from thence, on His Way to GEORGIA.

PHILADELPHIA, Printed and Sold by B. FRANKLIN, in Market-Street, 1739.

To the Reverend Mr. GEORGE WHITEFIELD. I. BROTHER in CHRIST, and well-belov'd. Attend, and add thy Pray'r to mine; As AARON call'd, yet inly mov'd, To miniſter in Things divine. II. Faithful, and often own'd of GOD, Veſſel of Grace, by JESUS us'd; Stir up the Gift on thee beſtow'd, The Gift by hallow'd Hands transfus'd. III. Fully thy heavenly Miſſion prove, And make thy own Election ſure; Rooted in Faith, and Hope, and Love, Active to work, and firm t' endure. IV. Scorn to contend with Fleſh and Blood, And trample on ſo mean a Foe; By ſtronger Fiends in vain withſtood, Dauntleſs to nobler Conqueſts go. V. Go where the darkeſt Tempeſt low'rs, Thy Foes, triumphant Wreſtler foil; Thrones, Principalities, and Powers, Engage, o'ercome, and take the Spoil. VI. The Weapons of thy Warfare take, With Truth and Meekneſs arm'd ride on; Mighty, through GOD, Hell's Kingdom ſhake, Satan's ſtrong Holds, through GOD, pull down. VII. Humble each vain aſpiring Boaſt, Intenſely for GOD's Glory burn; Strongly declare the Sinner loſt, Self-Righteouſneſs o'erturn, o'erturn. VII. Tear the bright Idol from his Shrine▪ Nor ſuffer him on Earth to dwell; T'uſurp the Place of Blood Divine, But chaſe him to his native Hell. IX. Be all into Subjection brought, The Pride of Man let Faith abaſe; And captivate his every Thought, And force him to be ſav'd by Grace. CHARLES WESLEY.

A CONTINUATION OF Mr. Whitefield's JOURNAL, &c.

LONDON.

FRIDAY, December 8. About Noon I reached London, was received with much Joy by my Chriſtian Friends, and joined with them in Pſalms and Thankſgiving for my ſafe Arrival. My Heart was greatly enlarged hereby.

In the Evening went to a truly Chriſtian Society in Fetter-Lane, and perceived God had greatly watered the Seed ſown by my Miniſtry, when laſt at London. The Lord increaſe it more and more.

Saturday, Dec. 9. Waited this Morning on the Archbiſhop of Canterbury, and the Biſhop of London, and met with a favourable Reception.

Sunday, December 10. When I was on Board the Mary, thoſe particular Parts of the Book of Jeremiah, which relate to the Oppoſition he met with from the Falſe Prophets, were deeply impreſſed upon my Soul. And now I begin to ſee the Wiſdom of God in it. For five Churches have been already denied me, and ſome of the Clergy, if poſſible, would oblige me to depart out of theſe Coaſts. But I rejoice in this Oppoſition, it being a certain Sign that a more effectual Door will be opened, ſince there are ſo many Adverſaries.

However, I had an Opportunity of preaching in the Morning at St. Helen's, and at Iſ •• ngton in the Afternoon, to large Congregations indeed, with great Demonſtrations of the Spirit, and with Power.

Here ſeems to be a great pouring out of the Spirit; and many, who were awakened by my Preaching a Year ago, are now grown ſtrong Men in CHRIST, by the Miniſtrations of my dear Friends and Fellow-Labourers, John and Charles W • ſley. Bleſſed be God, I rejoice in the Coming of the Kingdom of his dear Son.

The old Doctrine about Juſtification by Faith only, I found much revived, and many Letters had been ſent concerning it to me, all which, I providentially miſſed of. For now, I come unprejudiced, and can the more eaſily ſee who is in the Right. And who dares aſſert that we are not ju • tified in the Sight of GOD, merely by an Act of Faith in JESUS CHRIST, without any Regar • to Works paſt, preſent, or to come?

In the Evening I went to Fetter-lane Society, where we had (what might not improperly be called) a Love-Feaſt, eating a little Bread and Water, and ſpending about two Hours in Sing •• g and Prayers, and I found my Heart greatly united with the Brethren. Surely a primitive Spirit is reviving amongſt us. May God •• it my Heart to theirs more and more!

Sunday, December 24. Preached twice, and went in the Evening to Crooked-lane Society, where GOD enabled me to withſtand ſeveral▪ Perſons, who cavilled againſt the Doctrine of the New Birth. But the Paſſion, wherewith they oppoſe, is a Demonſtration, that they themſelves have not experienced it. LORD make them Partakers of it, for thy dear SON's ſake.

After I left Crooked-lane, I went and expounded to a Company at Mr. B—'s, in Little • Britain ▪ then I went to another Love-Feaſt at Fetter-lane; and, it being Chriſtmas-Eve, continued till near Four in the Morning in Prayer, Pſalms, and Thankſgiving, with many truly Chriſtian Brethren; and my Heart was much enlarged, and full of Love. — GOD gave me a great Spirit of Supplication. Adored be his free Grace in CHRIST JESUS, Amen and Amen.

Monday, Decemb. 25. About Four went and prayed, and expounded to another Society in Red • roſs-ſtreet, conſiſting of near two or three hundred People, and the Room was exceeding hot. I had been watching unto Prayer all Night, yet GOD vouchſafed ſo to fill me with his Bleſſed Spirit, that I ſpoke with as great Power as ever I did in my Life. My Body was weak, but I found a ſupernatural Strength, and the Truth of that ſaying, When I am weak, then I am ſtrong.

At Six I went to Crutched Fryar's Society, and expounded as well as I could, but perceived myſelf a little oppreſſed with Drowſineſs. How does the corruptible Body weigh down the Soul! When ſhall I be delivered from the Burden of this Fleſh?

Preached thrice, and aſſiſted in adminiſtring the Sacrament the ſame Day without going to ſleep. GOD will make his Power to be known in me. — This Day 24 Years, was I baptized, LORD! to what little Purpoſe have I lived? However, I ſealed my Baptiſmal Covenant with my dear Saviour's moſt bleſſed Body and Blood, and truſt in his Strength I ſhall keep and perform it. Amen, Amen.

Saturday, December 30. Preached nine Times this Week, and expounded near 18 Times, with great Power and Enlargement. — Bleſſed be GOD! I am every Moment employed from Morning 'till Midnight. — There's no End of People's coming and ſending to me, and they ſeem more and more deſirous, like New-born Babes, to b • fed with the ſincere Milk of the Word. — What a great Work has been wrought in the Heares of many within this Twelve-month! Now know I • that though Thouſands might come at firſt out of Curioſity, yet GOD has prevented and quickened them by his free Grace.—Oh that I could be humble and thankful.

Glory be to GOD that be fills me continually, not only with Peace, but alſo Joy in the HOLY GHOST. — Before my Arrival, I thought I ſhould envy my Brethren's Succeſs in the Miniſtry; but Bleſſed be GOD▪ I rejoyce in it, and am glad to ſee CHRIST's Kingdom come, whatſoever Inſtruments GOD ſhall make Uſe of to bring it about. — Sometimes • perceive my ſelf deſerted for a little While, and much oppreſſed, eſpecially before preaching, but Comfort ſoon after flows in. — Th • Kingdom of GOD is within me. O free Grace in CHRIST!

Sunday, December 31. Preached twice to large Congregations, eſpecially in the Afternoon, at Spittlefields. — I had a great Hoarſeneſs upon me, and was deſerted before I went up into the Pulpit; but GOD ſtrengthened me to ſpeak, ſo as to be heard by all.

After I left Spittlefields, my Cold being very great, I deſpaired of ſpeaking much more that Night. — But GOD enabled me to expound to two Companies in Southwark, and I was never more enlarged in Prayer in my whole Life.— Theſe Words, And the Power of the Lord was preſent to heal them, were much preſſed upon my Soul, and indeed I believe it was. For many were prick'd to the Heart, and felt themſelves to be Sinners. O that all the World knew and felt that!

Monday, January 1. Received the Holy Sacrament, preached twice, and expounded twice, and found this to be the happieſt New-Year's Day that I ever yet ſaw. Oh! What Mercies has the Lord ſhewn me ſince this Time Twelvemonth! And yet I ſhall ſee greater Things than theſe. O that my Heart may be prepared to ſee them! O that my old Things may paſs away, and all Things become new!

Had a Love-Feaſt with our Brethren at Fetter-lane, and ſpent the whole Night in cloſe Prayer. Pſalms, and Thankſgivings.— GOD ſupported me without Sleep, Oh that our Deſpiſers were Partakers of our Joys!

Tueſday, January 2. Staid at Home o • purpoſe to receive thoſe, who wanted to conſult me. — Bleſſed be GOD, from ſeven in the Morning, till three in the Afternoon, People came, ſome telling me what GOD had done for their Souls, and others crying out, What ſhall we do to be ſaved? Being obliged to go out after this, I referred ſeveral 'till Thurſday.— GOD enabled me to give them Anſwers of Peace! How does God work by my unworthy Hands! His Mercies melt me down, O that I was thankful!

Thurſday, January 4. Though my Cold continued, and I feared it would prevent my ſpeaking, yet GOD enabled me to expound with extraordinary Power in a private Society; and then to preach at Wapping-Chappel, ſo that the Word pierced the Hearers Souls; and afterwards I expounded and prayed for an Hour and an Half with great Power and Demonſtration of the Spirit, and my Heart was full of GOD. How immediately does JESUS CHRIST reward me for my poor Services! Aſſoon as my daily Work is done, he ſays, Enter thou into the Joy of thy Lord, He commands, and it is done.

Friday, January 5. Held a Conference at Iſlington, concerning ſeveral Things of very great Importance, with ſeven true Miniſters of JESUS CHRIST, deſpiſed Methodiſts, whom GOD has brought together from the Eaſt and the Weſt, the North and the South.— What we were in doubt about, after Prayer, we determined by Lot, and every Thing elſe was carried on with great Love, Meekneſs and Devotion.— We continued in Faſting and Prayer 'till three o' Clock, and then parted with a full Conviction that GOD was going to do great Things among us. O that we may be any way inſtrumental to his Glory! That he would make us Veſſels pure and holy, meet for our Maſter's Uſe!

Expounded twice afterwards in London with great Power, and then was much enlarged for near an Hour in Prayer, in Fetter-lane Society.— The Spirit of Supplication increaſes in my Heart daily.— May it increaſe ever more and more!

Did not find the Pity I ought, upon ſeeing a Brother full of Self-love. Lord enlarge my narrow Heart, and give me that Charity which rejoices not in Iniquity, but in the Truth. — Perceived ſomething a little bordering on Envy towards my Brother H. — I find more and more, that true Humility conſiſts in being ſubmiſſive to thoſe, who are a little above, or a little below us.— Oh when ſhall I come to rejoice in others Gifts and Graces as much as in my own! I am reſolved to wreſtle with JESUS CHRIST, by Faith and Prayer 'till he thus bleſſes me.

Saturday, January 6. Preached ſix Times this Week, and ſhould have preached a ſeventh Time, but one Miniſter would not permit me; which cauſed me to pray for him moſt earneſtly, Bleſſed be God, I can ſay, I love mine Enemies.

Expounded twice or thrice every Night this Week. The Holy Ghoſt ſo powerfully worked upon my Hearers, pricking their Hearts, and melting them into ſuch Floods of Tears, that a ſpiritual Man ſaid, He never ſaw the like before.—GOD is with me of a Truth. Adored be his unmerited Goodneſs, I find his Grace quickening me more and more every Day. My Underſtanding is more enlightned, my Affections more enflamed, and my Heart full of Love towards GOD and Man. — Oh! that the Scoffers of theſe laſt Days were not only almoſt, but altogether ſuch as I am, except theſe indwelling Corruptions!

Sunday, January 7. Preached twice to Day, and expounded with great Power to three Societies, one of which I never viſited before.— GOD grant I may purſue the Method of expounding and praying extempore. I find God bleſſes it more and more.

Had another Love-Feaſt, and ſpent the whole Night in Prayer and Thankſgiving at Fetter-lane. — There was a great pouring out of the Spirit amongſt the Brethren; but I cannot ſay I was ſo full of Joy as the laſt Night we ſpent together.

Monday, January 8. Tho' I ſat up all Night▪ yet GOD carried me through the Work of the Day with about an Hour's Sleep. — Expounded in the Evening, and confuted a virulent Oppoſer of the Doctrine of the New Birth, and Juſtification by Faith only. — But what can be ſaid to thoſe that will not be convinced? Lord, open thou their Hearts and Eyes.

Spent the Remainder of the Evening with our Bands, which are little Combinations of ſix or more Chriſtians meeting together to compare their Experiences. Build ye up one another, even as alſo ye do. — Confeſs your Faults one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed.

Tueſday, January 10. Stay'd at home again to day, to talk with thoſe that came to conſult me, and found that GOD has awakened ſeveral, and excited in them a Hunger and Thirſt after Righteouſneſs by my Sermon on the Power of CHRIST's Reſurrection, and Have ye received the Holy Ghoſt? Every Day I hear of ſomebody or another quickened to a Senſe of the divine Life. — Oh what abundant Reaſon have I to be thankful.

This Evening I preached a Sermon at Great St. Helens, for erecting a Church for the Salt • burghers, and collected Thirty-three Pounds! Bleſſed be GOD! The People gave moſt readily, many wiſhing they had more to give; for which we afterwards prayed and gave Thanks.

OXFORD.

Wedneſday, January 11. Slept about three Hours, roſe at five, ſet out at ten, and reached Oxford by five in the Evening. As I entered the City, I called to mind the Mercies I had received ſince I left it. They are more than I am able to expreſs. Oh that my Heart may be melted down by a Senſe of them, Amen, Lord JESUS! — Spent the Remainder of the Evening very agreeably with ſeveral Chriſtian Friends.— May GOD ſanctify our Meeting!

Friday, January 12. Breakfaſted with ſixteen or ſeventeen Chriſtian Brethren; expounded and read Prayers at the Caſtle, to many devout Souls. Afterwards I waited on the Biſhop of Glouceſter, who received me very kindly. — Waited on the Maſter of Pembroke? afterwards on the Arch-deacon. — Went to public Worſhip at Pembroke. — Supp'd, prayed, and ſung Pſalms with a Room full of Brethren at Mr. F—'s; then adjourned to Corpus Chriſti College, where GOD aſſiſted me to talk clearly of the New Birth, and Juſtification by Faith alone, with one that oppoſed it. — Lord, open thou our Eyes, that we may prove what is that acceptable and perfect Will of God! — Received the Holy Sacrament at St. Mary's, expounded with great Power at Mr. F—'s, went with the other Candidates for Holy Orders to ſubſcribe to the Articles, and ſecretly pray'd that we all might have our Names written in the Book of Life. — Drank Tea with a well-diſpoſed Gentleman Commoner, and had cloſe Converſation with many others at Corpus Chriſti College. — I enjoyed great Tranquility of Soul, and had much Reaſon to bleſs GOD for ſending me to the Univerſity. Oh! that I may be prepared for receiving the HOLY GHOST to Morrow by the Impoſition of Hands. Amen, Lord JESUS, Amen.

Sunday, January 14. This, bleſſed be GOD, has been a Day of fat Things. — Roſe in the Morning, and prayed and ſung Pſalms luſtily, and with a good Courage; and afterwards was ordained Prieſt at Chriſt's Church. Before, I was a little diſſipated, but at Impoſition of Hands, my Mind was in an humble Frame, and I received Grace in the Holy Sacrament.— That I might begin to make Proof of my Miniſtry, I preached, and adminiſtred the Sacrament at the Caſtle; and preached in the Afternoon at St. Albans to a crowded Congregation. — The Church was ſurrounded with Gownſ-men of all Degrees, who, contrary to their Cuſtom, ſtood attentive at the Windows during my Sermon. — GOD enabled me to preach with the Demonſtration of the Spirit, and with Power, and quite took away my Hoarſeneſs, ſo that I could lift up my Voice like a Trumpet. — After Sermon, I joined in giving Thanks to our good GOD for all the Mercies he had conferred upon me; then I read Prayers at Carfax, expounded to a large and devout Company both of Men and Women at a private Houſe, and ſpent the Remainder of the Evening with thirteen more, where GOD gave me great Cheerfulneſs of Spirit.

LONDON.

Monday, January 15. Took a moſt affectionate Leave of my dear Oxon Brethren, ſet out at Seven, reached London by Five, ſpent the Evening in anſwering ſome Letters, eſpecially one from Howel Harris, an Inſtrument, under GOD, of doing much good in Wales. — Read a Pamphlet wrote againſt me by a Clergyman, I bleſs GOD, without any Emotion; prayed moſt heartily for the Author; opened the Corruptions of my Heart to my Brethren in Bands, and felt great Peace conſequent thereupon.

Tueſday, January 16. After much Oppoſition, read Prayers, and preached to a thronged and affected Audience at St. Helens. — After this, I expounded twice to two Companies, and prayed by Name for the Author of the Pamphlet; left my Auditors in Tears, and went home full of Love, and Joy, and Peace, which paſſeth all Underſtanding. — Oh that he felt what I do! Happy, unſpeakably happy, would he then be!

Wedneſday, January 17. Din'd with and convinced ſeveral that were prejudiced againſt extempore Prayer. — Waited on the Truſtees, and was moſt kindly received. — Afterwards much aſſiſted in expounding twice at Mr. C—'s. —The more I am oppoſed, the more GOD enlightens my Underſtanding. So it was formerly, ſo it is now. — Spent the Remainder of the Evening at Fetter-lane Society; and GOD enabled me to tell of ſome Experiences, which I hope comforted their Hearts.

Thurſday, January 18. Perceived myſelf much diſordered, ſo that I was obliged to lie down to ſleep. But afterwards GOD greatly enlarged my Heart, and enabled me to expound to two Societies. I made a Collection for two poor Houſekeepers, — I find Action is the beſt Way to take all Oppreſſion off the Spirits. God w • ll meet and bleſs us when doing his Work.

Friday, Jan. 19. Did ſome neceſſary Buſineſs for Georgia, and ſpent the Afternoon in viſiting ſome diſſenting Brethren, who are Chriſtians indeed. But, as ſuch, I acknowledge all who love our Lord JESUS in Sincerity and Truth.

Saturday, Jan. 20. Preached three Times this Week, and expounded to about ſixteen thronged Companies, wherein GOD gave me great Power and Succeſs. — Had many Contributions ſent me in for the Orphan-houſe.

Sunday, January 21. Went this Morning and received the Sacrament at the Hands of the Miniſter who wrote againſt me. Bleſſed be GOD, I do not feel the leaſt Reſentment againſt, but a Love for him; for I believe he has a Zeal for GOD, though, in my Opinion, not according to Knowledge. Oh that I could do him any Good!

Preached twice with great Power and Cleaneſs in my Voice to two thronged Congregations, eſpecially in the Afternoon, when I believe near a thouſand People were in the Churchyard, and hundreds more returned Home that could not come in. Thus GOD magnifies his Power, moſt when moſt oppoſed.

Expounded twice afterwards, where the People preſſed moſt vehemently to hear the Word. — GOD enabled me to ſpeak with the Demonſtration of the Spirit, and with Power, and the Remainder of the Evening, filled me with a humble Senſe of his infinite Mercies. I think I am never more humble than when exalted. — By the Grace of GOD I am what I am. Oh that I could be thankful!

Monday, January 22. Spent all the Day in neceſſary Buſineſs for my poor Flock, and in going about doing good. In the Evening I expounded to three ſeveral Societies, one of which was the moſt polite I ever yet ſaw; but GOD enabled me to ſpeak upon the Doctrine of the New Birth; and however ſome might mock, yet others, I believe, were affected, eſpecially three Quakers, who afterwards came and paid me a viſit, and glorified GOD on my Behalf.— Oh how thankful, how humble ought I to be! — GOD fills me with Love, Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghoſt.— Such is his Free Grace in CHRIST JESUS!

Tueſday, January 23. Staid at Home to Day as uſual, to receive People, and ſtill had the Comfort of hearing many coming to me, who have been awaken'd to a Senſe of the New-Birth. What Reaſon have I to bleſs GOD for ſending me to England! How does he daily ſet his Seal to my Miniſtry! Praiſe him all the Hoſt of his, let every Thing that hath Breath praiſe the LORD.

Received a Packet of Letters from my dear Friend H—m, by which I find the infinite Wiſdom of GOD more and more, in ſending me to England.— The poor People of Savannah love me ſtill moſt affectionately. But the Colony ſeems to be at a low Ebb. — Poor Georgia! When thou art univerſally d • ſpiſ • d, and quite deſpaireſt of human Help, then will God manifeſt his mighty Arm in thy Salvation.

Read Prayers and preached at St. Helens, with great Power to a crowded and attentive Audience. — Was enabled to expound to two Companies, and collected above Forty Shillings for the Orphan-houſe of Georgia. I could wiſh to have it built with Mites. — Oh how does the Holy Ghoſt cauſe me to joy in GOD! How does he bring me acquainted more and more with his faithful Servants! Not unto me, O LORD, not unto me, but to thy Name be the Glory!

Wedneſday, January 24. Preached a Charity Sermon, went to Newington to ſee Dr. Watts, and returned in the Evening and expounded with Power to two Companies. — Wrote ſeveral Letters to my Friends at Savannah, and was filled with the Holy Ghoſt; and Oh that all that deny the Promiſe of the Father, might thus receive it themſelves!

Thurſday, January 25. Received the Sacrament at Bow, where four of my Oppoſers adminiſtred; one of whom was the Perſon that wrote the ſelf-anſwering Pamphlet againſt me. At firſt a Thought darted into my Mind that they were of a perſecuting Spirit, but I ſoon checked it, and was filled with Love towards them. GOD grant they may be like minded towards me.

At two in the Afternoon read Prayers and preached at Chriſt Church, Spittlefields, for the Orphan-houſe.— The Congregation was not ſo large as might be expected, and that of the pooreſt Sort, ſo that I began to doubt. But wherefore did I fear? For GOD enabled 〈◊〉 to preach with Power, and twenty-five Po • nds were collected, to our great Surpriſe, and to the Glory of our great and good • OD; for which we kneeled down and gave moſt hearty Thanks.

This done, I went and gave a Word or two of Exhortation, and prayed to a Comp • ny that waited for me. Then • expounded with uncommon Power to another Society in Leadenhall-ſtreet, and collected very near five Pounds for the Orphan-houſe. Bleſſed be God through Chriſt.

About Eight I went to another Society, after Nine to a third, at both which I ſpoke with the Demonſtration of the Spirit, and made Collections for the Orphan-houſe, and was filled with the Holy Ghoſt, which very much ſtrengthned my Body, and make my Feet like Hart's Feet. The Strength GOD gives me would ſurprize me, did I not know what a gracious Maſter I ſerve.

Received a Letter from Edinburgh, from a truly pious Gentlemen, who tells me his Heart was knit to me moſt ſtrongly, upon the reading of my Journal. How many are there, whom I know not, praying for me in ſecret! Surely GOD intends to bring mighty Things to paſs. — Is not his Strength made perfect in Weakneſs?

Friday, January 26. Waited upon an oppoſing Clergyman, and had a Conference with him of near two Hours. His grand Objection was againſt our private Societies, and uſing extempore Prayer, which he grounded on the Authority of the Canons, and the Act of Charles II. In Anſwer, I ſhewed that that Act was entirely levelled againſt ſeditious ſchiſmatical Meetings, contrary to the Church of England, which confines us to a Form in public Worſhip only. He replied, that ours was public Worſhip; but this I deny; for ours were Societies never intended to be ſet up in Oppoſition to the public Worſhip, by Law eſtabliſhed; but only in imitation of the primitive Chriſtians, who continued daily with one Accord in the Temple, and yet in Fello • ſhip building up one another, and exhorting one another from Houſe to Houſe.— Went with Mr. Seward to Bexly, about ten Miles off London, where I preached to a large Congregation, to their great Comfort, and afterwards ſpent the Evening moſt delightfully in religious Converſation, and in ſinging Pſalms and Hymns, and Spiritual Songs with Mr. Delamot's Family, who ſeem almoſt with one Accord, ready to receive JESUS CHRIST. A happier Houſhold have I ſeldom found, or one that more reſembles that of Martha, Mary, and their Brother Lazarus.

Saturday, January 27. Slept but little to Night, as well as the Night before, but was much ſtrengthened without it by the Holy Spirit. Roſe about Five, ſpent above an Hour moſt agreeably in Prayer, ſinging and reading the Scriptures with the Church in Mr. Delamot's Houſe; ſome of whom, after the Example of their Lord, paſſed the whole Night in the ſame delightful Employment.

Came to London about Nine in the Morning, and expounded twice in Beech-lane, where I believe near ſeven hundred People were preſent; collected five Pounds for the Orphan-houſe.

Had extraordinary Comforts this Week, heard much of what GOD has done abroad for me in other Places, where I am not known in the Fleſh, and deſired greatly to be humble and thankful▪

Received the Sacrament at Crooked-Lane, but was a little diſſipated; however I found I received CHRIST, and fed on him in my Heart, by Faith with Thankſgiving. Afterwards went and preached at Ironmongers Alms-houſes at St. Catherine's in the Afternoon; afterwards expounded to two large Companies in the Min • ri • s, with ſuch Demonſtration of the Spirit, as I never ſpoke with before. — I offered JESUS CHRIST freely to Sinners, and many, I believe, were truely pricked to the Heart. Now, my Friends, your Prayers are heard, GOD has given me a double Portion of his Spirit indeed. Oh free Grace in CHRIST JESUS. With what Love, Peace, and Joy does GOD fill this Soul of mine! LORD I am not worthy, but thy Mercie • in Chriſt Jeſus are infinite.

Monday▪ Jan. 29. Expounded twice, and ſat up till near One in the Morning, with my honoured Brother and Fellow-Labourer, Iohn Weſley, in Conference with two Clergymen of the Church of England, and ſome other ſtrong Oppoſers of the Doctrine of the New-Birth.— GOD enabled me with great Simplicity to declare what he had done for my Soul, which made them look upon me as a Madman. We ſpeak what we do know, and teſtify that we have ſeen, and they receive not our Witneſs. Now therefore I am fully convinced • here is a fundamental Difference between us and them. They believe only an outward CHRIST, we farther believe that he muſt be inwardly formed in our Hearts alſo. But the natural Man receiveth not the Things of the Spirit of GOD, for they are Fooliſhneſs unto him; neither can he know them, becauſe they are ſpiritually diſcerned.

Tueſday, Jan. 30. Preached at Duke's-Place and St. Helens, to crouded Audiences, and afterwards expounded twice on Dowgate-hill, where the People preſſed mightily to come in. The Miniſter of the Pariſh threatens the Maſter of the Houſe with a Proſecution, though it will be hard for him to prove ſuch Societies any ways contrary to the Laws either of GOD or Man.

GRAVESEND.

Wedneſday, January 31. Slept about two Hours, roſe at Three in the Morning, and went with ſome Chriſtian Friends in a Boat to Graveſend, where I have been long expected. — GOD inclined the Miniſters Hearts to let me have the Uſe of both the Pulpits, and I preached and read Prayers at Three in the Afternoon at the Church without the Town; and did the ſame at the Church in the Town, and the People, as elſewhere, hung upon me to hear the Word of GOD. — God is with me wherever I go.

Thurſday, Feb. 1. Read Prayers and expounded on the third of St. John; expounded at a private Houſe in the Afternoon, and read Prayers and expounded a third Time on the Converſion of St. Paul, in the Evening.— I had great Freedom of Speech, was filled with exceeding great Joy, at the Conſideration of what great Things GOD yet continues to do for my Soul; and yet I ſhall ſee greater Things than theſe.

I ſpent the Remainder of the Evening in ſinging Hymns, and religious Converſation; took Boat about Eleven, ſpoke warmly to the Paſſengers, and came to London rejoicing about Five in the Morning. The Lord preſerve my going out, and my coming in, from this Time forth for evermore.

LONDON.

Friday, Febr. 2. Slept about two Hours, roſe and went and preached at Iſlington, and collected twenty-two Pounds for my Orphan-houſe.

Had a great Number of Communicants, and was told my preaching was attended with uncommon Power. This is the firſt Time I have preached without Notes, (for when I preached at Deptford and Graveſend, I only repeated a written Sermon) but I find myſelf now, as it were, conſtrained to do it.

Expounded in the Evening, and collected three Pounds for the Orphan-houſe, at Mr. Abbot's; preached extempore with great Freedom at Wapping-Chappel, then expounded to another Society, and returned Home without Fatigue or Wearineſs. How does GOD deal with me! He gives me a Heaven upon Earth, and makes my Heart leap for Joy almoſt continually. — Oh that all who now oppoſe it, were partakers of this Joy!

Saturday, February 3. Staid at Home this Day on purpoſe to ſettle my private Affairs; and, bleſſed be GOD, did it greatly to my Satisfaction. — Was very much compoſed in Spirit, began a new Society at the Houſe of Mr. M—n; and was much aſſiſted in expounding twice at Beech-lane to two Companies, making in all near a thouſand People. — Viſited a ſick Brother, came home full of Peace, and Love, and Joy in the Holy Ghoſt.

Near nine Times has GOD enabled me to preach this Week, and to expound 12 or 14 Times; near forty Pounds, I believe, have been collected for the Orphan-houſe. — I find I gain greater Light and Knowledge, by preaching extempore. — So that I fear I ſhould quench the Spirit, did I not go on to ſpeak as he gives me Utterance.

Sunday, February 4. Had a comfortable Night's Rest▪ was warmed much by ta • king to an almoſt Chriſtian, that came to ask me certain Queſtions. — Preached in the Morning at St. George's in the Eaſt, collected eighteen Pounds for the Orphan-houſe, and had, I believe, 600 Communicants, which highly offended the officiating Curate. Poor Man, I pitied and prayed for him ſincerely.

Preached again at Chriſt-Church, Spittlefields, gave Thanks, and ſung Pſalms at a private Houſe: Went thenc • to St. Margaret's, Weſtminſter; but ſomething breaking belonging to the Coach, could not get thither 'till the middle of Prayers. — Went through the People to the Miniſter's Pew, but finding it locked, I returned to the Veſtry till the Sexton could be found. Being there informed that another Miniſter intended to preach, I deſired ſeveral Times that I might go Home: My Friends would by no Means conſent, telling me I was appointed by the Truſtees to preach, and that if I did not, the People would go out of the Church; at my Requeſt, ſome went to the Truſtees, Church-wardens, and Miniſter; and whilſt I was waiting for an Anſwer, and the laſt Pſalm ſinging, a Man came with a Wand in his Hand, whom I took for the proper Church-Officer, and told me I was to preach; I not doubting but the Miniſter was ſatisfied, followed him to the Pulpit: And GOD enabled me to preach with greater Power than I had done all the Day before.

After this, prayed with, and gave a Word or two of Exhortation to a Company that waited for me, then took a little bodily Refreſhment, and then went to a Love-Feaſt in Fetter-lane, where I ſpent the whole Night in watching unto Prayer, and diſcuſſing ſeveral important Points with many truely Chriſtian Friends. About Four in the Morning we went all together and broke Bread at a poor ſick Siſter's Room, and ſo we parted, I hope, in a Spirit not unlike that of the primitive Chriſtians.

This has been a Sabbath indeed! How has GOD owned me before near Twelve thouſand People this Day. — How has he ſtrengthened my Body! How has he filled and ſatisfied my Soul. Now know I, that I did receive the Holy Ghoſt at Impoſition of Hands. — For, I feel it as much as Eliſha did, when Elijah dropped his Mantle. Nay, others ſee it alſo; and my Oppoſers, would they but ſpeak, cannot but confeſs that GOD is with me of a Truth. Wherefore then do they fight againſt GOD?

Monday, February 5. Went about gathering for my poor Flock, had a little Time to write my Journal, was ſomewhat weak part of the Day, but grew ſtrong by expounding to four Companies at Night. I always get Strength by working. What great Things has GOD d • ne for my Soul! Oh that I could praiſe him with my whole Heart!.

Tueſday, February 6. Was refreſhed much this Morning, and found that the Sleep of a labouring Man was ſweet. — Waited on the Biſhop of Glouceſter with Brother John Weſley, and received his Lordſhip's liberal Benefaction for Georgia.

Went to St. Helen's, where Satan withſtood me grea • y. For on a ſudden I was deſ • rted▪ and my Strength went from me. — But I thought it was the Devil's doing, and therefore was reſolved to r • ſiſt him ſtedfaſt in the Fait • ▪ Accordingly, though I was exceeding ſick in reading the Prayers, and almoſt unable to ſpeak when I entered the Pulpit, yet GOD gave me Courage to begin, and before I had done I waxed warm and ſtrong in Spirit, and offered JESUS CHRIST freely to all that would lay hold on him by Faith. Many, I believe, were touched to the Quick: For they ſeemed to feel what was ſpoken, and ſaid hearty and loud Amens to my Sentences. The Church was greatly thronged, and after I had done, Prayers were put up on all ſides for my ſafe Journey and return. — Surely theſe are not curious Hearers! If they are, why do they follow more and mo • e for ſuch a Continuance? No, many Converſions have bee • wrought in their Hearts. GOD has ſet his Seal to my Miniſt • y, and I truſt they will be my Joy and Crown of Rejoycing in the Day of the Lord JESUS.— Oh the Riches of GOD's free Grace in CHRIST, to the Chief of Sinners! Oh that I fully felt the Senſe of theſe Words!

After this the People waited in great Companies to ſee and follow me; but I got from them by going out at a back Door. Perhaps hereafter I may be let out in the ſame Manner to eſcape the Fury of mine Enemies. As my good GOD pleaſes.

In coming along I perceived myſelf more and more ſtrengthened, and was much comforted in reading a Letter ſent me by an excellent Saint, who loves me in the Bowels of JESUS CHRIST. About Nine at Night I expounded with great Enlargement at Dowgate-hill to a moſt crouded Audience. Tongue cannot expreſs what Power GOD • ave me, or how the Hearts of the poor P ••• le were affected. They ſighed and mourned, and wept ſorely, when I mentioned my Departure from t • em, though but for a Seaſon. I exhorted •• em particularly not to forſake the aſſembling themſelves toget ••• notwithſtanding the People of the Houſe had been threatned with a Proſecution. — But ſo far as our Oppoſers are permitted to go, ſhall they go, but no farther. I never was more oppoſed, never met with ſo great Succeſs, never was filled with ſuch a Portion of GOD's holy Spirit. — My dear Chriſtian • riends waited, at my coming Home, to ſalu •• • e.— GOD filled me with Love and Joy, and I waxed ſtronger and ſtronger in Spirit, to their and my own unſpeakable Comfort in CHRIST JESUS our LORD. All Love, all Glory be to the ever bleſſed Trinity, now and for evermore. Amen.

Wedneſday, February 7. Spent the Morning in providing Things for my Journey, and taking leave of my dear Chriſtian Friends, whom I love as my own Soul. — Had ſeveral Preſents made me by ſuch as GOD had worked upon by my Miniſtry; and after having prayed and ſung Pſalms in ſeveral Chriſtian Houſes, about Two I ſet out for Windſor, deſiring to be thankful for thoſe marvellous great Kindneſſes GOD had ſhewn me in this City. I perceived my Heart ſo nearly knit to my dear Friends, that was it the Divine Will, I ſhould gladly continue here. But I muſt go into every Place and City where I have been already, for therefore am I ſent. LORD, ſend thy Angel before me to prepare my Way. But wherefore ſhould I doubt, ſince ſo many thouſands are continually praying for me? The good Lord pour down upon them the choiceſt of his Bleſſings!

WINDSOR.

Got hither about Six in the Evening, and was joyfully received by ſeveral Chriſtian Friends, who were waiting for me. — About Seven I was taken very ill indeed, but GOD ſtrengthened me to go out, and I expounded with great Freedom and Power in the School-houſe to a great Num ••• of People, who were appriſed of my comi •• and, I believe, felt what I ſpoke; for ſome wept, and many expreſſed their Thankfulneſs for my Expoſition. Not unto me, O LORD, not unto me, but unto thy Name be • all the Glory.

Being much refreſhed by talking for GOD, I ſpent the Remainder of the Evening in writing to ſome dear Chriſtian Friends, and in ſinging, praying, and converſing with others, as likewiſe with the People of the Inn where we lodged.

Thurſday, Feb. 8. Breakfaſted, prayed, and ſung a Hymn at the Houſe of Mr. D—'s, who kindly invited both me and my Friends.— Some other Perſons ſent for me to their Houſes, and I believe, much Good might be done here. But I muſt not ſtay by the Way. LORD, • o I come: Only I beſeech thee open an effectual Door for preaching thy Gospel, whither ſoever thou ſhalt ſend me. Even ſo Lord JESUS, Amen.

I find much Service might be done to Religion on Journeys, if we have but Courage to ſhew ourſelves Chriſtians in all Places: Others ſing Songs in Publick-Houſes; why ſhould not we ſing Pſalms? And when we give the Servants Money, why may we not with that give them a little Book, and ſome good Advice? I know by Experience it is very beneficial. — GOD grant this may be always my Practice?

BASINGSTOKE.

Left Windſor about Ten in the Morning, dined at Bagſhot, and reached Baſingſtoke at Five in the Evening. — Not meeting with our Friends, who were to come from Dummer, I wrote to ſome Chriſtian Brethren I had left behind me, and afterwards was agreeably ſurpriſed by ſeveral who came uninvited to ſee me. — After a little Converſation, I perceived they were deſirous to hear the Word of GOD, and being in a large Dining-room in the Publick Houſe, I gave Notice I would expound to as many as would come. In a ſhort Time I had above a Hundred very attentive Hearers, to whom I expounded for above an Hour, for which they were very thankful. Bleſſed be GOD for this Opportunity. I hope I ſhall learn more and more every Day, that no Place is amiſs for preaching the Goſpel.—GOD forbid that the Word of GOD ſhould be bound, becauſe ſome out of a miſguided Zeal deny the Uſe of their Churches. For though they bid me no more ſpeak to the People in this Way, yet I cannot but ſpeak the Things that I have ſeen and felt in my own Soul. The more I am bid to hold my Peace, the more earneſtly will I lift up my Voice like a Trumpet, and tell the People what muſt be done in them before they can be finally ſaved by JESUS CHRIST.

Friday, Febr. 9. After Breakfaſt and Prayer with the Family where we lodged, I ſet out for Dummer (a Pariſh once for a little while under my Care) and met with near a Dozen Chriſtian Brethren, with whom we took exceeding ſweet Counſel, prayed, and ſung Pſalms, and eat our Bread with Gladneſs and Singleneſs of Heart. I wiſh all knew how chearful we, that are Beginning to be Chriſtians, live! And if the Beginning be ſo ſweet, What muſt the End of Believing be? Oh the Goodneſs of GOD in thus bringing me back to the Places where I have been already! LORD melt down my frozen Heart with a Senſe of thy unmerited Love. Amen, Amen.

After having wrote ſeveral Letters, I returned with my Friends to Baſingſtoke, where I had appointed to expound. Accordingly, in the Evening I went to a large Room prepared for that Purpoſe, and expounded for an Hour. — The Place was very much thronged, many were very noiſy, and others did us the Honour of throwing up Stones at the Windows. But I ſpoke ſo much the louder; being convinced ſome Good muſt come out from a Place where Oppoſition is. I ſhould doubt whether I was a true Miniſter of CHRIST, was I not oppoſed. And I find it does me much Good. For it drives me nearer to my LORD and Maſter, JESUS CHRIST, with whom I long to dwell.

After Expoſition, near Twenty Friends came to viſit me, and Two young Men in particular, (once Leaders of the religious Society, but ſince fallen back.) They came, I believe, with a Deſign to puzzle me about the Doctrine of Regeneration; But alas, they ſoon ſhewed what Strangers they were to it. — For one was ſo full of Zeal, that he could not keep his Seat; and both were entirely ignorant of the Indwelling of the Spirit. One Thing they took Care to ſhew as much as poſſible, viz. That they had read the Fathers, (I ſuppoſe the Engliſh Tranſlations) but at the ſame Time denied Experience in Religion. Poor Men! I pitied and told them, how they reſted in Learning, falſly ſo called, while they were Strangers to the Power of Godlineſs in their Hearts. At laſt, finding no Probability of convincing them, and being called away to Supper, I and my Friends took our Leave in Love, with true Concern to ſee what an unhappy Spirit our Oppoſers are of. Afterwards we prayed for them, and endeavoured to bleſs GOD for making us to Triumph, through his dear SON, in every Place.

Saturday, Febr. 10. Breakfaſted with ſome Friends; and after Family Prayer, went with my dear Brethren, Mr. Kinchin and Mr. Hutchi • to Dummer, where I ſpent moſt of the Day in viſiting that poor Flock from Houſe to Houſe, who rejoyced exceedingly at the Sight of me, and had not forgotten their former Love.— Their Simplicity delighted me and my Friend Seward much, and GOD enlarged my Heart greatly to praiſe him, and to pray for my dear abſent Brethren. — Indeed I love them in the Bowels of JESUS CHRIST.

About Four in the Afternoon we returned to Baſingſtoke, in order to expound. And near Three large Rooms were filled. — We expected ill Treatment ere we returned home, and ſome did begin to interrupt me: But GOD enabled me to ſpeak with ſuch irreſiſtible Power, that they were quite ſtruck dumb and confounded. — Many ſaid, We will never oppoſe again. Others ſaid they would follow me whitherſoever I ſhould go; and the Hearts of GOD's Children, as well as my own, were filled with Joy unſpeakable. — This Night, I hope, Salvation is come to this Place.

After Expoſition, many Chriſtian Friends came to ſee me in a moſt affectionate Manner, and about Nine at Night we ſet out for Dummer. But no one can tell what Enlargement of Heart GOD gave me. — My Soul was full of ineffable Comfort and Joy in the Holy Ghoſt. — I poured out my Heart before the Throne of Grace as I rode by the Way, and felt the Spirit of GOD working in me mightily, and enabling me to intercede moſt earneſtly for my dear Friends. LORD hear my Prayers, and let my Cry come unto thee. — In a ſhort Time we reached Dummer, and after having taken a little Refreſhment, I went to Bed full of Love, and rejoycing for the great Things GOD had done for my Soul.

Sunday, Febr. 11. Roſe full of Love and Joy, but afterwards on a ſudden was deſerted, and then taken very ill in Body. — I ſtruggled just like one in his laſt Agonies, and longed to ſtretch myſelf into GOD. — After having vomited ſeveral Times, I was obliged to go to Bed; and it would have melted any one down to ſee my dear Friends (eſpecially my deareſt Mr. H—s) weeping and praying around me. — Oh how did I long to be diſſolved, and be with JESUS CHRIST! How did I wiſh for the Wings of an Eagle, that I might fly away to Heaven! But that happy Hour is not yet come. There are many Promiſes to be fulfilled in me, many Souls to be called, many Sufferings to be endured, before I go hence. — Father, thy Will be done.

After having fallen aſleep for a ſhort Time, I aroſe and went to publick Worſhip, and preached and adminiſtred the Sacrament, but without any Life or Power.

My Sickneſs ſtill continuing after Service, I went to Bed again full of Peace, but weak in Body, oppreſſed much in my Head, and quite ſhut up till near Five at Night: At which Time, by the Advic • of my Brother Seward, I took Courage; and though it rained hard, rode with my dear Friends to Baſingſtoke, where above five Hundred were waiting to hear me expound; but my Indiſpoſition continuing, Brother Kinchin expounded in my Stead. — After this my Spirits revived, my Body was ſ • rengthened, and GOD gave me Utterance, ſo that I ſpoke freely to near Twenty People, that came to converſe with me, and to hear the Word of GOD. — How thankful ought I to be to my dear Maſter for ſending me hither! — A moſt beneficial and comfortable Meeting have I had with my dear Chriſtian Friends; and many, I hope, will have Reaſon to bleſs GOD for what they have ſeen and heard. — A Veſtry, I find, was called to ſtop my Proceedings, and I hear I am to be preſented to the Dioceſan. — Several Lies have been told in the News about my Preaching at St. Margaret's laſt Sunday. — Bleſſed be GOD that I can rejoyce in theſe lower Marks of my Diſcipleſhip. — Wherever I go, GOD cauſeth me to triumph, knits the Hearts of his People moſt cloſely to me, and makes me more than Conqueror through his Love. — The Comforts I enjoy within are inexpreſſible; they have a great Effect upon my outward Man, and make me of a chearful Countenance; which recommends my Maſter's Service much. — Oh Free Grace in CHRIST JESUS.

SALISBURY.

Monday, Febr. 12. Perceived myſelf perfectly recovered, and was much refreſhed by the coming of many dear Friends, with whom after I had breakfaſted and prayed, I took a moſt affectionate Leave; called at Dummer, ſung a Hymn, prayed, and gave a Word of Exhortation to certain Diſciples that were there, and reached Saliſbury with my Companion in Travel Mr. Seward about Six in the Evening. — Here I wrote ſeveral Letters to my London and Baſingſtoke Friends, and ſent for Mr. Chubb, in order to have a Conference with him concerning his late Book, but he happened not to be at home. — Oh that that unhappy Man was turned from his erroneous Principles! For I fear, like Simon Magus he has bewitched many about Saliſbury with his falſe Doctrines. — LORD, ſuffer not thy People to believe a Lye, though they have held the Truth in Unrighteouſneſs. Raiſe up, I beſeech thee, ſome true Paſtors amongſt them, who may accquaint them with the Nature and Neceſſity of the New Birth, and point out to them the bleſſed Spirit, whereby they may have that Repentance wrought in their Souls, which the ſelf-righteous Mr. Chubb falſely aſſerts may be wrought in them by a moral Perſuaſion.

STAPLEASHWIN, WILTS.

Tueſday, February 13. Thought when I roſe to abide at Saliſbury a few Days, but finding it quite inconſiſtent with my other Buſineſs, I left that Place (after public Worſhip, and paying a Viſit to an old Diſciple, my Brother Weſley's Mother) and reached Stapleaſhwin about Six at Night. — After having refreſhed ourſelves, we intended to ſet forward towards Bath; but finding the People, at whoſe Houſe we put up, were worthy, we alter'd our Reſolution. And our Hoſteſs having called in many of her Neighbours, I prayed, converſed and ſung Pſalms with them for a conſiderable Time, wrote ſome Letters, and went to Bed, not doubting but the Lord would cauſe me to dwell in Safety. — Who knows but ſome good may have been d • ne here this Night? But what have I 〈◊〉 with that? I am only to follow • y Lord, who, whereſoever he came, talked of the one Thing needful.

BATH and BRISTOL.

Wedneſday, February 14. After Family-Prayer, and giving a Word of Exhortation, I ſet out for Bath, and was greatly comforted there with ſome Chriſtian Brethren. — I then waited on Dr. C—y, deſiring I might have the Uſe of the Abbey Church to preach for the Orphan-houſe, the Truſtees having obtained • eave of the Biſhop before I went to Georgia. But he was pleaſed to give me an abſolute Refuſal to preach either on that, or any other Occaſion, without a poſitive Order from the King or Biſhop. I aſked him his Reaſons. He ſaid, he was not obliged to give me any. Upon which, I took my leave, and retired with my Friends, and prayed for him moſt fervently. — The Time will come, ſays our LORD, when they ſhall thruſt you out of their Synagogues.

After Dinner, other Circumſtances concurring, we thought GOD called us to Briſtol. And with Chearfulneſs of Heart, we reached that Place about Seven in the Evening. — But who can expreſs the Joy with which I was received? To add to my Comfort, many Letters came to my Hands from London Friends, which rejoyced me exceedingly. And what was the chiefeſt Pleaſure, ſomebody or other thought me conſiderable enough to write a Letter in the Weekly Miſcellany againſt me, and with ſeveral Untruths, about my preaching at St. Margaret's Weſtminſter. — Thou ſhalt anſwer for me, my LORD and my GOD. Yet a little while and we ſhall appear at the Judgment-ſeat of CHRIST. Then ſhall my Innocence be made clear as the Light, and my juſt Dealings as the Noon day.

BRISTOL.

Thurſday, February 15. Sat up till paſt one in the Morning anſwering my dear Friends Letters, having no Time otherwiſe.— Received a Letter from a dear Chriſtian Brother, wherein were theſe Words,

I was told that Mr. B—n ſaid to Mr. C—h, I believe the Devil in Hell is in you all. Whitefield has ſet the Town on Fire, and now he is gone to kindle a Flame in the Country. Shocking Language for one who calls himſelf a Miniſter of the Goſpel! But, my dear Friend, I truſt this will not move you, unleſs it is to pity him, and pray the more earneſtly that he may experience the Power of thoſe Truths he is now oppoſing, and have the ſame Fire kindled in his Breaſt, againſt which he is now ſo much enraged. For I truſt, I am perſuaded, it is not a Fire of the Devil's kindling, but an holy Fire that has proceeded from the Holy and Bleſſed Spirit. Oh that ſuch a Fire may not only be kindled, but blow up into a Flame all England, and all the World over!

After having breakfaſted and prayed with ſome religious Friends, I went with Mr. Seward • o public Worſhip: from thence to the Rev. Mr. G—s, Miniſter of St. Mary, Ratcliff, who, as I was informed, had promiſed to lend me his Church to preach in for the Orphan-houſe. But he, in effect, gave me a Refuſal, telling me, that he could not lend his Church without a ſpecial Order from the Chancellor.— Upon this, I immediately waited on the Chancellor, to whom I had ſent the Night before. — But he told me frankly, that he would not give any poſitive Leave, neither would he prohibit any one that ſhould lend me a Church; but he would adviſe me to withdraw to ſome other Place till he had heard from the Biſhop, and not preach on that or any other Occaſion. I asked him his Reaſons. He anſwered, Why will you preſs ſo hard upon me? The Thing has given a general Diſlike. — I replied, Not the Deſign of the Orphan-houſe, — Even thoſe that diſagree with me in other Particulars, approve of that. And as for the Goſpel, when was it preached without Diſlike?" Soon after this, I took my leave, and waited upon the Reverend the Dean, who received me with great Civility. When I had ſhewn him my Georgia Accounts, and anſwered him a Queſtion or two about the Colony, I asked him, Whether there could be any juſt Objection againſt my preaching in Churches for the Orphan-houſe?" — After a Pauſe for a conſiderable Time, he anſwered, "He could not tell." But ſomebody knocking at the Door, he replied, Mr. Whitefield, I will give you an Anſwer ſome other Time; now I expect Company. Will you be pleaſed to fix any, Sir? ſaid I. I will ſend to you ſays the Dean. O Chriſtian Simplicity, whither art thou fled! Why do not the Clergy ſpeak the Truth, that it is not againſt the Orphan-houſe but againſt me and my Doctrine, that their Enmity is levelled. Had another came in his own Name, him they would have received. — But do thou, O LORD, behold their Enmity, and grant unto me, and all thy deſpiſed Servants, that with all Boldneſs we may ſpeak thy Word.

About three in the Afternoon, GOD having given me great Favour in the Jaylor's Eyes, I preached a Sermon on the Penitent Thief to the poor Priſoners in Newgate, and collected fifteen Shillings for them. — Many ſeemed much affected, and I hope the Power of the LORD was preſent to awaken them.

At ſeven I expounded for an Hour with very great Power to a young Society, which GOD has cauſed to be eſtabliſhed ſince I was in Briſtol laſt: And many, I heard afterwards, were pricked to the Heart, which was manifeſt enough by the Tears that were ſhed by almoſt all that heard me. — Bleſſed be GOD the good Seed ſown by my Miniſtry, though but as a Grain of Muſtard-Seed, is now, being watered by the Dew of Heaven, beginning to grow into a great Tree. LORD this is thy doing, and it is marvellous in our Eyes.

The Leſſons were very remarkable, and the People made an Application for me. — The firſt was the Oppoſition mad • againſt Aaron' • Prieſthood, and GOD's determining who was in the right, by cauſing his Rod to bloſſom when the other Rods produced nothing. So let it happen, O LORD, to me thy unworthy Servant. — The ſecond was the Eleventh Chapter of St. Paul's 2d Epiſtle to the Corinthians, where the Apoſtle recounted his Sufferings for CHRIST, againſt the Inſinuations of the falſe Apoſtles. Bleſſed be GOD, in moſt of the Things there recorded, I have, in ſome ſmall Degree, had F • llowſhip with the Apoſtle, and before I die, I doubt not but I ſhall ſympathize with him in moſt other Articles.— While I was reading it, I could not forbear bluſhing much. The People were intent upon me, their Eyes beſpoke the Language of their Hearts: Each ſeemed to ſay, Thou art the Man. Suffering is the beſt Preferment.

Friday, Feb. 16. Begun this Morning to ſettle a daily Expoſition, and reading Prayers to the Priſoners in Newgate. I opened it by enlarging on the Converſion of the Jailor, and I truſt the ſame good Work will be experienced in this Priſon before I leave it.

Dined with a religious Family, ſpent a conſiderable Time in ſinging Hymns, and Prayer, viſited and prayed with two choice Servants of our bleſſed LORD, and expounded from Five 'till near Nine, to two thronged Societies, one of which chiefly conſiſted of young Men whom GOD ſeems to have called to ſhine as Lights in the World, in a crooked and perverſe Generation.—Oh how thankful ought I to be, for ſeeing theſe Frui • s of my poor 〈◊〉 !

Saturday, February 17. Read Prayers and expounded the Parable of the Prodigal Son at Newgate, to a great Number of People; and afterwards was much refreſhed by the coming of a dear London Friend, and the Receipt of ſeveral Letters; for the Writers of which, I with many others immediately kneeled down and gave Thanks. One Thing affected me much in their Letters, viz. Their News of a great Oppoſer's being given over by the Phyſicians. — Alas poor Man! We all prayed moſt heartily for him, knowing how ſhortly he muſt give an Account of what he had moſt unjuſtly ſaid and wrote againſt me and many true Servants of JESUS CHRIST. Father lay not this Sin to his Charge.

About One in the Afternoon I went with my Brother Seward, and another Friend, to Kingſwood, and was moſt delightfully entertained by an old Diſciple of the Lord.— My Bowels have long ſince yearned toward the poor Colliers, who, as far as I can find, are very numerous, and yet are as Sheep, having no Shepherd.— After Dinner therefore, I went upon a Mount and ſpake to as many People as came unto me. They were upwards of two Hundred.— Bleſſed be GOD, that I have now broke the Ice; I belie • e I never was more acceptable to my Maſter than when I was ſtanding to teach thoſe Heare • s in the open Fields. — Some may cenſure me. — But if I thus pleaſed Men, I ſhould not be the Servant of CHRIST.

About five, we returned full of Joy; and I wrote to the Biſhop of Briſtol (as I had done before to the Biſhop of Bath and Wells) for Leave to preach in his Lordſhip's Churches, for the Benefit of the Orphan-houſe. May GOD incline him to ſend me an Anſwer of Peace!

At ſeven, I went to expound to a Society of young Men for near two Hours, and then came home with my Friends, bleſſing and praiſing GOD.

Sunday, February 18. Aroſe this Morning about ſix, being called up by near fifty young Perſons, whom I appointed to meet me at my Siſter's Houſe, and with whom I ſpent above an Hour in Prayer, Pſalm-ſinging, and a warm Exhortation. — Soon after this, I read Prayers, and preached at Newgate to a large and very attentive Congregation. At Ten, I preached at St. Warburgh's with great Freedom, and to a large Audience. — Bleſſed be GOD, I thought yeſterday I ſhould not have the Uſe of any Pulpit; but GOD, who has the Hearts of all Men in his Hands, diſpoſed the Reverend Mr. Penroſe to lend me his, who thanked me for my Sermon; and the Reverend Mr. Gibbs ſent to me, and offered me the Uſe both of St. Thomas and St. Mary Ratcliff. — The latter of theſe I accepted of, and preached to ſuch a Congregation as my Eyes never yet ſaw, with great Liberty and Demonſtration of the Spirit. — Many went away for want of room; and Mr. Gibbs and his Lady were exceeding civil both to me and Mr. Seward.— The LORD reward them for this their Love.

After Sermon, and taking a little Refreſhment, I haſted to a Society in Baldwin-ſtreet, where many Hundreds were aſſembled to hear me, ſo that the Stairs and Court below, beſides the Room itſelf, were crowded. — Here I continued expounding for near two Hours. And then expounded for as long a Time at another Society in Nicholas-ſtreet, equally thronged, but with much greater Power. Surely, that ſame JESUS that came to his Diſciples, the Doors being ſhut, when they aſſembled together, was with us of a Truth: For great Numbers were quite melted down, and GOD ſo cauſed me to renew my Strength, that I was better when I returned home, than when I began to exhort my young Fellow-ſoldiers at ſix in the Morning. I could not do this, except JESUS CHRIST did ſtrengthen me. By his free Grace alone, I am what I am▪ Not unto me, but unto thy Name, O LORD, alone be all the Glory.

Monday, February 19. Read P • ayers and expounded as uſual at Newgate, and preached in the Afternoon to a great Multitude at the Pariſh Church of St. Philip and Jacob, and collected Eighteen Pounds for the Orphan-houſe. — Thouſands went away, becauſe there was no room for them within; and GOD enabled me to read Prayers and preach with great Boldneſs. — See ye not, ye oppoſers, how you prevail nothing? Why do you not believe that it would not be thus, unleſs GOD was with me? LORD, open thou their Eyes, that they may ſee that this is thy doing.

About Six in the Evening I went to a new Society greatly thronged, and was enabled, notwithſtanding I had exerted myſelf ſo much at St. Philip's, to expound with great Freedom of Spirit for above an Hour. — Thence I went and expounded for near the ſpace of two Hours to another Society in Baldwin-ſtreet, and much Power from above was amongſt us. This done, I returned home full of Joy, which was kept up by converſing, ſinging and praying with many Chriſtian Brethren. — We parted, rejoycing that GOD cauſed us to go on from conquering, and to conquer.

Amongſt the Letters I received from religiou • Correſpondents, one writes to me thus,— Mr.—, who wrote that Letter in the Miſcellany, died yeſterday. He is now gone to give an Account of the many hard Speeches contained therein. — And is convinced that Orthodoxy in Notions is not the whole of Religion.— In another Part of his Letter he writes thus, We had ſuch a remarkable and ſenſible Preſence of GOD with us at Beech-lane this Evening, as my Eyes and Ears were never ſuch Witneſſes of before. In the midſt of Mr. John Weſley's Expoſition, a Woman preſent had ſuch Convictions of her loſt Eſtate by Nature, and ſuch a ſenſe of Sin, that ſhe could not forbear crying out aloud; upon which Mr. Weſley, breaking off, went to her, who earneſtly deſired him to pray for her, which he did in the Preſence of 2 or 300 People, hardly one of whom, I think, could forbear Tears, upon which ſhe had Comfort. Bleſſed be GOD, the more we are deſpiſed, the more he ſhews that we are Teachers ſent by him. For no one could do theſe Things, except GOD was with him.

Tueſday, Feb. 20. This Day my Maſter honoured me more 〈◊〉 ever he did yet.— About Ten in the Morning, in Compliance with a Summons received from the Apparator yeſterday, I waited upon the Rev. Mr. R—l, the Chancellor of Briſtol, who now plainly told me, he intended to ſtop my Proceedings. — I have ſent for the Regiſter here, Sir, ſays he, to take down your Anſwer. Upon which he asked me by what Authority I preached in the Dioceſe of Briſtol, without a Licence. I anſwered, I thought that Cuſtom was grown obſolete: And why, pray Sir, replied I, did not you ask the Iriſh Clergyman this Queſtion, who preached for you laſt Thurſday? He ſaid that was nothing to me. — He then read over Part of the Ordination-Office, and thoſe Canons that forbid any Miniſter preaching in a private Houſe, &c.— And then he asked me what I ſaid to them? I anſwered, that I apprehended thoſe Canons did not belong to profeſſed Miniſters of the Church of England. — But he ſaid they did. — There is alſo a Canon, ſaid I, Sir, forbidding all Clergyman to frequent Taverns and play at Cards; why is not that put in Execution? Why does not ſomebody complain of them, ſays he, and then it would. — When I asked him why I was thus taken particular Notice of, (referring to my printed Diſcourſes for my Principles) He ſaid, I preached falſe Doctrine. Upon which I anſwered him not a Word, but told him, notwithſtanding thoſe Canons, I could not but ſpeak the Things that I knew, and was reſolved to proceed as uſual. — Obſerve his Anſwer then, ſa •• he, Mr. Regiſter. — And turning to me, added, I am reſolved, Sir, if you preach or expound any where in this Dioceſe, till you have a Licence, I will firſt ſuſpend, and then excommunicate you. — I then took my leave. — He waited upon me very civilly to the Door, and told me, What he did was in the Name of the Clergy and Laity of the City of Briſtol.— And ſo we parted.

Being taken ill, juſt before I went to the Chancellor, in my Return home, I found I had not ſo much Joy as Peace. But however, I did not perceive the leaſt Motion of Reſentment to ariſe in my Heart. And to ſhow how little I regarded ſuch Threatnings, after I had joyned in Prayer for the Chancellor, I immediately went and expounded at Newgate as uſual; where GOD gave me great Joy, and wonderouſly pricked many to the Heart, as though he would ſay, This is the Way, walk in it. — After this we dined with ſeveral Chriſtian Friends with the kind Keeper of the Priſon, and rejoyced exceedingly at the Thoughts, that we ſhould one Day or other ſing together in ſuch a Place as Paul and Silas did. — GOD prepare us for that Hour. For I believe it will come. I ſhall be exalted, I muſt be humbled.

At four there was a general Expectation of my preaching at St. Nicholas; thouſands wer • to hear me. — But the Lecturer ſent Word, that Orders were given by Mr. B—r, that I ſhould not preach in his Church; which rejoyced me greatly. Lord, why doſt thou thus honour me?

At five I went and expounded on the firſt of St. James, to a Chriſtian Aſſembly indeed, who were much affected. — And afterwards I haſted to Nicholas-ſtreet, where was a great Crowd waiting for me upon the Stairs, Yard and Entry of the Houſe, as well as in the Room itſelf. — I expounded the ninth of St. John, exhorted all to imitate the poor Beggar, and not to fear the Face of Men. — GOD was pleaſed to fill me with unſpeakable Joy and Power. — All were wonderouſly touched, and when after my Expoſition I prayed particularly for the Chancellor, the whole Company was drowned in Tears, and ſaid moſt earneſt Amens to all the Petitions I put up for him. — It is remarkable, we have not had ſuch a continued Preſence of GOD amongſt us, as we have had ſince I was threatned to be excommunicated. But thus it was formerly, ſo it will be now. When we are caſt out, CHRIST will more clearly reveal himſelf to us.

Wedneſday, Feb. 21. Had ſeveral come to me this Morning, to enquire about the State of their Souls, amongſt whom was a little Girl of thirteen Years of Age, who told me in great Simplicity, She was pricked through and through with the Power of the Word. And indeed a good Work, I believe, has been wrought in her Heart. Out of the Mouths of Babes and Sucklings haſt thou perfected Praiſe.

Preached at Newgate with uncommon Freedom and Power, and obſerved the Audience to be quite melted down, After this I made a Collection for the poor Priſoners, and at my Return home was much comforted by another gracious Soul, whom GOD brought unto me, and who was willing to follow me not only to Georgia, but alſo to Priſon and to Death.

At three in the Afternoon, according to my Appointment, I went to Kingſwood amongſt the Colliers. GOD highly favoured us in ſending a fine Day, and near two Thouſand People were aſſembled on that Occaſion. I preached on John ch. iii. ver. 3. and enlarged for near an Hour, I hope, to the Comfort and Edification of thoſe that heard me. GOD grant the Seed ſown may not fall on ſtony or thorny, but on good Ground.

About ſix in the Evening, I expounded to a Society without Lawford's Gate, and afterwards to another in Baldwin-ſtreet; both were exceedingly crowded and attentive. At firſt I could not ſpeak ſo ſtrongly, becauſe I had exerted myſelf ſo much upon the Mount; but afterwards GOD gave me a freſh Supply of Grace, and I was enabled to go through my Work chearfully. Lo! I am with you always, even unto the End of the World.

BATH.

Thurſday, February 22. Obſerving Providence called me, this Morning I went, with ſome Chriſtian Friends, to Bath; where I was much comforted by meeting with ſeveral that love our Lord JESUS in Sincerity. — More eſpecially, I was edified by the pious Converſation of the Rev. Mr. Griffith Jones, whom I have deſired to ſee of a long Seaſon. His Words came with Power, and the Account he gave me of the many Obſtructions he had met with in his Miniſtry, convinced me that I was but a young Soldier, juſt entring the Field. Good GOD, prepare me manfully to fight whatſoever Battles thou haſt appointed for me. I can do all Things through thee ſtrengthening me.

BRISTOL.

Friday, February 23. Returned hither about Ten this Morning. About Eleven, went, as uſual, and preached a written Sermon at Newgate, and collected two Pounds five Shillings for the Priſoners. Many, I believe, were much affected. To GOD be all the Glory.

After Dinner, I was taken very ill, ſo that I was obliged to lie upon the Bed; but, looking upon it only as a Thorn in the Fleſh, at three I went, according to Appointment, and preached to near four or five Thouſand People, from a Mount in Kingſwood, with great Power. The Sun ſhone very bright, and the People ſtanding in ſuch an awful Manner round the Mount, in the profoundeſt Silence, filled me with an holy Admiration. Bleſſed be GOD, for ſuch a plentiful Harveſt. LORD, d • thou ſend forth more Labourers into thy Harveſt.

This done, GOD ſtrengthened me to expound to a Society without Lawford's Gate, and afterwards to another in the City, and afterwards to a third. And I ſpoke with more Freedom the laſt Time than at the firſt. When I am weak, then am I ſtrong.

Saturday, Feb. 24. About Ten in the Morning I waited on the Chancellor, and ſhewed a Letter I had received from the Lord Biſhop of Briſtol. My Maſter gave me great Boldneſs of Speech, and I asked the Chancellor why he did not write to the Biſhop according to his Promiſe? And, I think, he anſwered, he was to bl • me. I then inſiſted on his proving I had preached falſe Doctrine, and reminded him of his threatning to excommunicate me in the Name of the Clergy and Laity of the City of Briſtol. But he would have me think that he had ſaid no ſuch Thing; and confeſſed, at this Time, that he had neither heard me preach, nor read any of my Writings. I asked him his Reaſons for prohibiting my collecting for the Orphan-houſe. He anſwered, It would hinder the People's Benefactions to the Briſtol Clergy. I replied, It would by • o Means hinder their Contributions, and that the Clergy ought firſt to ſubſcribe themſelves for Example's Sake. — After much Converſation on this Subject, I, with all Meekneſs, told him, I was reſolved to go on preaching, and that if Collections were not made here for the poor Georgians, I would lay it entirely upon him; adding withal, I would not be one that ſhould hinder ſuch a Deſign for the Univerſe.

After I left the Chancellor, I went and preached at Newgate; and at three in the Afternoon, went to a Poor-houſe without Lawford's Gate; but the Room and Yard being full, I ſtood upon the Steps going up to the Houſe, and preached to them from thence. Many that were paſſing along the Road on Horſeback, ſtood ſtill to hear me; and, I hope, many were bettered by what was ſpoken.

This Evening I declined going to any Society, that I might have a little Time to write Letters; amongſt which, I wrote the following one to the Biſhop of Briſtol.

My Lord, Briſtol, Feb. 14, 1738, 9.

I humbly thank your Lordſhip for the Favour of your Lordſhip's Letter. It gave abundant Satisfaction to me, and many others, who have not failed to pray in a particular Manner for your Lordſhip's Temporal and Eternal Welfare. — To day I ſhewed your Lorſhip's Letter to the Chancellor, who (notwithſtanding he promiſed not to prohibit my preaching for the Orphan-houſe, if your Lordſhip was only neuter in the Affair) has influenced moſt of the Clergy to deny me their Pulpits, either on that or any other Occaſion. Laſt Week he was pleaſed to charge me with falſe Doctrine, To day he has forgot that he ſaid ſo. — He alſo threatned to excommunicate me for preaching in your Lordſhip's Dioceſe. I offered to take a Licence, but was denied. — If your Lordſhip ſhould ask, What Evil I have done? I anſwer▪ None, ſave that I viſit the Religious Societies, preach to the Priſoners in Newgate, and to the poor Colliers in Kingſwood, who they tell me, are little better than Heathens. — I am charged with being a Diſſenter; though many are brought to the Church by my preaching, not one taken from it. — Indeed the Chancellor is pleaſed to tell me my Conduct is contrary to the Canons; but I told him thoſe Canons which he produced were not intended againſt ſuch Meetings as mine are, where his Majeſty is conſtantly prayed for, and every one is free to ſee what is done. I am ſorry to give your Lo • dſhip this Trouble; but I thought proper to mention theſe Particulars, that I might know of your Lordſhip wherein my Conduct is exceptionable. I heartily thank your Lordſhip for your intended Benefaction. — I think the Deſign is truly good, and will meet with Succeſs, becauſe ſo much oppoſed. GOD knows my Heart, I deſire only to promote his Glory. If I am ſpoken evil of for his ſake I rejoyce in it. My Maſter was long ſince ſpoken evil of before me. — But I intrude on your Lordſhip's Patience. — I am, with all poſſible Thanks,

My Lord, Your Lordſhip's dutiful Son and Servant, G. W.

Sunday, Feb. 25. What Mercies has my good GOD ſhewn me this Day! When I aroſe in the Morning, I thought I ſhould be able to do nothing; but the divine Strength was greatly magnified in my Weakneſs. — About Six in the Morning I prayed, ſung with, and exhorted my young Morning Viſiters, as I did laſt Lord's Day. — At Eight I read Prayers, and preached to a very thronged Congregation at Newgate, and from thence I rode to Buſsleton, a Village about two Miles from Briſtol, where was ſuch a vaſt Congregation, that after I had read Prayers in the Church, I thought proper to go and preach in the Churchyard, that none might be ſent em • ty away. — The People were exceedingly at •• ntive, and GOD gave me great Utterance; a • d what was beſt of all, by the Leave of the Miniſter, who invited me thither, we had a S • crament; and, I hope, it was a Communion of Saints indeed. All Things, I find, happen to the Furtherance of the Goſpel; Why then ſhould I fear what Man can do unto me?

At four I haſted to Kingſwood. — At a moderate Computation, there were above ten Thouſand People to hear me. The Trees and Hedges were full. All was huſh when I began; the Sun ſhone bright, and GOD enabled me to preach for an Hour with great Power, and ſo loud, that all (I was told) could hear me. Bleſſed be GOD, Mr. B—n ſpoke right. The Fire is kindled in the Country; and, I know, all the Devils in Hell ſhall not be able to quench it.

Finding myſelf ſtrengthened from above, I went and expounded at Baldwin-ſtreet Society. when above five Pounds were collected for the Orphan-houſe. — Afterwards I went to another; and about Nine at Night came home, rejoycing at the great Things GOD had done for my Soul. This Day I have been exalted, I muſt expect now to be humbled- Any Thing is welcome to me that GOD ſends.

Monday, Feb. 26. This Morning I wrote the following Letter to the Chancellor.

Reverend Sir,

The incloſed is a Letter I ſent on Saturday to the Biſhop of Briſtol; be pleaſed to peruſe it, and ſee if any Thing contrary to Truth is there related by,

Reverend Sir, Your very humble Servant. G. W. Briſtol, Feb 28 1738, 9.

Pre • ched at 〈…〉 — was refreſhed by the Converſation of ſome whom GOD had wrought upon by my Miniſtry; — anſwered my religious Friends Letters, and expounded twice in the Evening to two large Societies. Bleſſed be GOD, I find myſelf much refreſhed in Spirit, and a new ſupply of Strength given me. Thus ſhall it be done to the Man whom GOD delighteth to honour. Oh free Grace in CHRIST JESUS!

Tueſday, Feb. 27. Expounded at Newgate, with more Power than ever; had Succeſs in my Collections for the Orphan-houſe, and expounded twice, as uſual, and was greatly ſtrengthened with Might in the Inner Man. This is to prepare me for ſome freſh Oppoſition. I wonder I meet with ſo little. But GOD will lay upon me no more than I am able to bear. Forever adored be his unmerited Love, through CHRIST.

Wedneſday, Feb. 28. Preached at Newgate, and expounded to the Societies, as uſual; and intended to go and preach upon the Mount in Kingſwood; but was diſſuaded from it, by a Report th • t the Waters were out. However, many, as I was told afterwards, came from far to hear me; ſo that it repented me that I went not. When People are willing to hear, it is a Pity that any Miniſter ſhould be ſlow to preach.

Thurſday, March 1. Amongſt my other Letters by this Day • s Poſt, I received the following one from the Rev. Mr. John W •• ſ • ey.

My dear Brother, Feb. 20.

Our Lord's Hand is not ſhortned • mongſt us. Yeſterday I preached at St. Katharines, and at Iſ • ington, where the Church was almoſt as hot as ſome of the Society Rooms uſed to be. I think I never was ſo much ſtrengthened before. The Fields, after Service, were white with People praiſing GOD. About three Hundred were preſent at Mr. S—s; thence I went to Mr. B—s, then to Fetter-lane, and at nine to Mr. B—s; where alſo we only wanted room. — Today I expound in the Minories at four, at Mrs. W—s at ſix, and to a large Company of poor Sinners in Gravel-lane (Biſhopſgate) at eight. The Society at Mr. Crouch's does not meet till eight; ſo that I expound before I go to him near St. James's Square; where one young Woman has been lately filled with the Holy Ghoſt, and overflows with Joy and Love. On Wedneſday at ſix, we have a noble Company of Women, not adorned with Gold or coſtly Apparel, but with a meek and quiet Spirit, and good Works.— At the Savoy, on Thurſday Evening, we have uſually two or three hundred, moſt of them, at leaſt, throughly awakened. Mr. A—'s Parlour is more than filled on Friday, as is Mr. P—'s Room twice over; where, I think, I have commonly had more Power given me than at any other Place. A Week or two ago a Note was given me there, as near as I can remember in theſe Words, Your Prayere are deſired for a ſick Child that is lunatick, and ſore vexed Day and Night, that our Lord would heal him, as he did thoſe in the Days of his Fleſh; and that he would give his Parents Faith and Patience till his Time is come.

On Saturday Se • ennight, a middle aged, well dreſſed Woman at Beech-lane, (where I expound uſually to five or ſix Hundred before I go to Mr. E—'s Society) was ſeized, as it appeared to ſeveral about her, with little leſs than the Agonies of Death. We prayed that GOD, who had brought her to the Birth, would give her Strength to bring forth, and That he would work ſpeedily, that all might ſee it, and fear, and put their Truſt in the LORD. Five Days ſhe travailed and groaned, being in Bondage. On Thurſday Evening our Lord got himſelf the Victory; and, from that Moment, ſhe has been full of Love and Joy, which ſhe openly declared at the ſame Place, on Saturday laſt; ſo that Thankſgivings alſo were given to GOD by many on her Account. It is to be obſerved, her Friends have accounted her mad for theſe three Years; and accordingly bled, bliſte • ed her, and what not. Come and let us praiſe the LORD, and magnify his Name together.

The following Paragraph was likewiſe in a Letter I received from my dear Brother Kinchin of Oxon.

GOD has greatly bleſſed us at Oxford of late. We have reaſon to think, that four, within this Fortnight, have been born of GOD. The People croud to the Societies on Sunday Nights, ſeveral Gownſmen among the reſt. GOD has much aſſiſted me. Laſt Night we had a thronged Society, and about forty Gownſmen.

Bleſſed be GOD, I hope the Kingdom of JESUS CHRIST will now come with Power, and that a Remnant of deſpiſed Methodiſts will ſtill be left at Oxford, which ſhall take Root downwards, and bear Fruit upwards.

The Weather being fair, after I had preached and collected Thirty ſeven Shillings at Newgate, I went on the Mount at Kingſwood; where, about fifteen hundred Colliers and Country People were gathered together, and were very attentive to hear me. Bleſſed be GOD I preached with Power, and have reaſon to believe, by what I have heard, that my Words have not altogether fallen to the Ground. Some of the Colliers, I find, have been much affected. Bleſſed be GOD.

BATH.

Friday, March 2. Went to Bath this Morning to ſee the Rev. Mr. T—n, who came from Cornwall to ſee me. In the Afternoon I read Prayers at the Hoſpital; the Leſſons were exceeding applicable, and g • ve is Comfort. I ſpent the Evening in taking ſweet Counſel with ſome pious honourable Women, Mr. Griff •• h Jones, and other good Soldiers of JESUS CHRIST. Bleſſed be GOD, there are yet ſome left who are true followers of the Lamb.

BRISTOL.

Saturday, March 3. Returned before ten to Briſtol, was greatly refreſhed by a Packet of Letters from London. Expounded with great Power at Newgate, and preached in the Afternoon on the Steps before the Poor-houſe without Lawford's Gate, and perceived my Audience much increaſed ſince laſt Saturday. Bleſſed be GOD, many went affected away.

Sunday, March 4. Roſe much refreſhed in Spirit, and gave my early Attendants a warm Exhortation as uſual. Went to Newgate, and preached with great Power to an exceedingly thronged Congregation. Then haſted to Hannam Mount, three Miles from the City, where the Colliers live altogether. GOD highly favoured us in the Weather. Above four Thouſand were ready to hear me; and GOD enabled me to preach with the Demonſtration of the Spirit. The Ground not being high enough, I ſtood upon a Table, and the Sight of the People covered the green Fields, and their deep Attention pleaſed me much. I hope that ſame LORD who fed ſo many Thouſands with bodily Bread, will feed all their Souls with that Bread which cometh down from Heaven: For many came from far.

At four in the Afternoon, I we •• to the Mount on Roſe-green, and preached to above fourteen Thouſand Souls; and ſo good was my GOD, that all could hear. I think it was worth while to come many Miles to ſee ſuch a Sight.— I ſpoke, bleſſed be GOD, with great Freedom; but thought all the while) as I do continually when I aſcend the Mount, That hereafter I ſhall ſuffer as well as ſpeak for my Maſter's Sake. LORD, ſtrengthen me againſt that Hour. LORD, I believe (O help my Unbelief! that thy Grace will be more than ſufficient for me.

In the Evening I expounded at Baldwin-ſtreet Society, but could not get up to the Room without the utmoſt Difficulty, the Entry and Court were ſo much thronged. Bleſſed be GOD, the Number of Hearers much increaſes; and as my Day is, ſo is my Strength. To Night I returned home much more refreſhed in my Spirits than in the Morning when I went out. I was full of Joy, and longed to be diſſolved, and to be with JESUS CHRIST; but I have a a Baptiſm firſt to be baptized with. Father, thy Will be done. This has been a Sabbath indeed to my Soul!

Monday, March 5. Had the Pleaſure of having many, whom GOD has touched by my Miniſtry, come to me, enquiring about the New Birth. At eleven, I preached with uncommon Freedom and Power at Newgate, and collected Thirty-nine Shillings for the poor Priſoners; and being invited by many Colliers, at three in the Afternoon I went to a Place called the Fiſhponds, on another Side of Kingſwood, where about two Thouſand were gathered together. The Sight pleaſed me much; and having no better Place to ſtand upon, the Wall was my Pulpit, and, I think, I never ſpoke with greater Power. My preaching in the Fields may diſpleaſe ſome timorous bigotted Men; but I am throughly perſuaded it pleaſes GOD, and why ſhould I fear any Thing elſe.

At my Return home, I was much refreſhed with the Sight of two pious Friends. After ſome Converſation, they went with me to a Society, where I prayed and expounded for above an Hour, and then ſpent the Remainder of the Evening with them and many other Chriſtian Brethren, in warming one anothers Hearts by mutual Exhortation, and ſinging of Pſalms. Oh that Senſualiſts knew the Pleaſure of a religious Converſation! I am ſure they would no longer eat Huſks with Swine, but return home to feed on the fatted Calf.

NEW PASSAGE.

Tueſday, March 9. Having left my dear Brother Hutchins, whom I ſent to for that Purpoſe, to ſupply my Place during my Abſence; after many kind Salutations, Pſalms and Prayers on both Sides, Mr. Seward, myſelf, and another Brother, took Leave of our Briſtol Friends, and got to the New Paſſage in a ſhort Time. Here we ſtaid and refreſhed ourſelves, and endeavoured to go off in the Boat about Noon; but the Wind not permitting us, we took this Opportunity of writing to many of our Chriſtian Friends, and exhorting them to lay hold on JESUS CHRIST by Faith.

At the Inn where we put up there was an unhappy Clergyman, who (ſo far had his Corruptions dominion over him) would not go over in the Paſſage-Boat becauſe I went in it. Alas! thought I, this very Temper would make Heaven itſelf unpleaſant to that Man, if he ſave me there. I was likewiſe told, that in the publick Kitchin, he charged me with being a Diſſenter; when a little after, as I paſſed by, I ſaw him ſhaking his Elbows over a Gaming-table. I heartily wiſh thoſe who charge me cauſeleſly with Schiſm, and being righteous over-much, would conſider that the Canon of our Church forbids our Clergy to frequent Taverns, to play at Cards or Dice, or any other unlawful Games. Their indulging themſelves in theſe Things, is a ſtumbling Block to Thouſands.

After Supper, in the Evening, I called the Family of the Inn together, and was pleaſed to ſee near twenty come to hear the Word. GOD enabled me to ſpeak and pray with Power, and having diſperſed ſome Extracts from our Church Homilies amongſt them, I and my Friends went early to Bed, being apprized that we were to be called up betimes. Bleſſed be GOD, for any Opportunity of doing good.

CARDIFF.

Wedneſday, March 8. Aroſe before twelve 〈◊〉 Night, ſung Pſalms, and prayed; and the Wind being fair, we had a ſpeedy Paſſage over 〈◊〉 the Welch Shore. Our Buſineſs being in • aste, GOD having of his good Providence, ſent 〈◊〉 to guide us, we rode all Night, ſtopped at Newport to refreſh ourſelves, where we met with two Friends, and reached Cardiff about eleven. in the Morning.

The Town, I ſoon found, was apprehenſive of my coming; and therefore, whilſt I was giving a Word of Exhortation to ſome poor People at the Inn, who hanged upon me to hear the Word, Mr. Seward went to aſk for the Pulpit? but being denied, we pitched on the Town-Hall, which Mr. Seward got by his Intereſt; and at four in the Afternoon, I preached from the Judges Seat to about four hundred Hearers. Moſt were very attentive; but ſome mocked: However, I offered JESUS CHRIST freely even to them, and ſhould have rejoyced if they would have accepted of him; but their fooliſh Hearts were hardned. LORD, make them Monuments of thy free Grace.

After I came from the Seat, I was much refreſhed with the Sight of my dear Brother Howel Harris; whom, though I knew not in Perſon, I have long ſince loved in the Bowels of JESUS CHRIST, and have often felt my Soul drawn out in Prayer in his Behalf.

A burning and ſhining Light has he been in thoſe Parts; a Barrier againſt Prophaneneſs and Immorality, and an indefatigable Promoter of the true Goſpel of JESUS CHRIST. About three or four Years GOD has inclined him to go about doing good. He is now above Twenty five Years of Age. Twice he has applied (being every Way qualified) for holy Orders; but was refuſed, under a falſe Pretence, that he was not of Age, though he was then Twenty-two Years and ſix Months. About a Month ago he offered himſelf again, but was put off. Upon this, he was, and is ſtill reſolved to go on in his Work; and indefatigable Zeal has he ſhewn in his Maſter's Service. For theſe three Years (as he told me from his own Mouth) he has diſcourſed almoſt twice every Day for three or four Hours together; not authoritatively, as a Miniſter; but as a private Perſon, exhorting his Chriſtian Brethren. He has been, I think, in ſeven Counties, and has made it his Buſineſs to go to Wakes, &c. to turn People from ſuch lying Vanities. Many Ale-houſe People, Fidlers, Harpers, &c. (Demetrius like) ſadly cry out againſt him for ſpoiling their Buſineſs. He has been made the Subject of Numbers of Sermons, has been threatned with publick Proſecutions, and had Conſtables ſent to apprehend him. But GOD has bleſſed him with inflexible Courage: Inſtantaneous Strength has been communicated to him from above; and he ſtill continues to go on from conquering to conquer. He is of a moſt Catholic Spirit, loves all that love our Lord JESUS CHRIST, and therefore he is ſtiled by Bigots, a Diſſenter. He is contemned by all that are Lovers of Pleaſure more than Lovers of GOD▪ but GOD has greatly bleſſed his pious Endeav •• rs. Many call, and own him as their ſpiritual Father, and, I believe, would lay down their Lives for his Sake. He diſcourſes generally in a Field; but at other Times in a Houſe, from a Wall, a Table, or any Thing elſe. He has eſtabliſhed near thirty Societies in South-Wales, and ſtill his Sphere of Action is enlarged daily. He is full of Faith, and the Holy Ghoſt.

When I firſt ſaw him, my Heart was knit cloſely to him. I wanted to catch ſome of his Fire, and gave him the right Hand of Fellowſhip with my whole Heart. After I had ſaluted him, and given a warm Exhortation to a great Number of People, who followed me to the Inn, we ſpent the Remainder of the Evening in taking ſweet Counſel together, and telling one another what GOD had done for our Souls. My Heart was ſtill drawn out towards him more and more. A divine and ſtrong Sympathy ſeemed to be between us, and I was reſolved to promote his Intereſt with all my Might. Accordingly we took an Account of the ſeveral Societies, and agreed on ſuch Meaſures as ſeemed moſt conducive to promote the common Intereſt of our Lord. Bleſſed be GOD, there ſeems to be a noble Spirit gone out into Wales; and I believe, e'er long there will be more viſible Fruits of it. What inclines me ſtrongly to think ſo is, that the Partition Wall of Bigotry and Party Zeal is broken down, and Miniſters and Teachers of different Communions, joyn with one Heart and one Mind to carry on the Kingdom of JESUS CHRIST. — The LORD make all the Chriſtian World thus minded. For till this is done, I fear, we muſt deſpair of any great Reformation in the Church of GOD. — After much comfortable and encouraging Diſcourſe with each other, we kneeled down and prayed, and great Enlargement of Heart GOD was pleaſed to give me in that Duty.

This done, we eat a little Supper, and then, after ſinging a Hymn, we went to Bed, praiſing and bleſſing GOD, for bringing us Face to Face. I doubt not but Satan envied our Happineſs. But, I hope, by the Help of GOD we ſhall make his Kingdom ſhake. GOD loves to do great Things by weak Inſtruments, that the Power may be of GOD, and not of Man.

Thurſday, March 9. Was much refreſhed by laſt Night's Reſt, and ſpent the Beginning of the Morning in Prayer and private Diſcourſe with the Members of the Religious Society. About ten, according to Appointment, I went to the Town-hall, and preached for about an Hour and a Half to a large Aſſembly of People. My dear Brother Howel Harris ſat cloſe by me. I did not obſerve any S • off • rs within; but without, ſome were pleaſed to honour me ſo 〈◊〉 , as to trail a dead Fox, and hunt it about the Hall. — But, bleſſed be GOD my Voice prevailed. GOD gave me great Strength, and I could have have heartily wiſhed all ſuch Scoffers had been preſent, that I might have offered them Salvation through JESUS CHRIST. This being done, I went, with many of my Hearers, amongſt whom were two worthy diſſenting Miniſters, and my Brother Howel Harris, to public Worſhip; and in the ſecond Leſſon were theſe remarkable Words, And the High Prieſts, and the Scribes, and the Chief of the People ſought to deſtroy him, but they could not find what they might do to him: For all the People were attentive to hear him.

In the Afternoon, about four of the Clock▪ I preached again to the People without any Scoffing or Diſturbance. And at ſix in the Evening, I talked for above an Hour and a half, and prayed with the religious Society, whoſe Room was quite thronged. Indeed GOD was with us of a Truth. I think I never ſpoke with greater Freedom and Power, and never ſaw a Congregation more melted down. The Love of JESUS CHRIST touched them to the quick; moſt of them were diſſolved into Tears, and ſeemed to have their Hearts perfectly knit towards me. Afterwards, they came to me weeping, bidding me farew • l, and wiſhing I was to continue with them longer. — Indeed th • ir L •• e and undiſſembled Simplicity affected me much. My Bowels yearned towards them; I wreſ • led with GOD in Prayer for them, and bleſſed 〈◊〉 holy Name for ſending me into Wales. I hope theſe are the firſt Fruits of a greater Harveſt, if ever it ſhould pleaſe GOD to bring me back fro • Georgia. Father, thy Will be done.

NEWPORT in WALES.

Friday, March 9. Left Cardiff about ſix in the Morning, and reached Newport about ten, where many came from Pontypo • l, and other Parts, on purpoſe to hear me. The Miniſter being asked, and readily granting us the Pulpit, I preached with great Power to about a thouſand People; and then, with my Brother H • wel Harris, Seward, &c. we went rejoycing, and bleſſing GOD for opening an effectual Door by the Way. I think Wales is excellently well prepared for the Goſpel of Chriſt. They have many burning and ſhining Lights both among the Diſſenting and Church Miniſters, amongſt whom Mr. Griffith Jones ſhines in particular. No leſs than fifty Charity Schools have been erected by his Means, without any ſettled viſible Fund, and freſh ones are ſetting up every Day. People make nothing of coming twenty Miles to h •• r a Sermon, and great Numbers there are who have not only been Hearers, but Doers alſo of • he Word; ſo that there is a moſt comfortable Proſpect of the ſpreading of the Goſpel in Wales. I really believe there are ſome now living, which ſhall not taſte of Death till they ſee the Kingdom of GOD come with Power.

BRISTOL.

Saturday; March 10. Got ſafe to Briſtol with my dear Fellow Travellers about eleven at Night. Preached in the Morning at Newgat • , and in the Afternoon on the Poor-houſe Steps. The Hearers were much affected, and melted into Tears.

Sunday, March 11. Had a whole Room full of People come to hear me at ſix in the Morning, with whom I prayed and ſung Pſalms for, 〈◊〉 an Hour. Then I read Prayers, and preached at Newgate. Afterwards went to Ha •• am Mount, where was near a third Part as many again as laſt Sunday; and at four in the Afternoon, preached, as uſual, on the Mount at Roſe-green. The Congregation was not quite ſo large as before, on account of the Coldneſs of the Weather▪ but GOD was pleaſed to withhold the 〈◊〉 and Hail whilſt I was ſpeaking, and we collected Ten Pounds for the Orphan-houſe. Bleſſed be GOD my Strength increaſes. Satan has been very quiet this Week paſt, and GOD has poured much Comfort into my Soul; ſo • hat I muſt prepare for freſh Trials. O my dear 〈…〉 that I may put on the whole 〈◊〉 of GO • , that I may withſtand all the 〈…〉 of the Devil.

BATH.

Monday, March 12. Went in Company with ſeven more dear Friend • , to Bath, and had the Comfort of meeting with ſome true Followers of JESUS CHRIST, whom I knew not before. Received News of the wonderful Progreſs of t • e Goſpel in Yorkſhire, under the Miniſtry of my dear Brother Ingham.— Had the Pleaſure of hearing that the Mayor and the Sheriffs of 〈◊〉 had abſolutely forbid the Keeper of 〈…〉 me pr •• ch there any longer, 〈◊〉 I 〈◊〉 upon the Neceſſity of our New Birth.—The Keeper was much concerned, and told them, I preached agreable to Scripture; but they were offended at him. They anſwered and ſaid unto him, Thou art altogether born in Sin, and doſt thou teach us? John ix.34.

Finding many in Bath were deſirous to hear me, having given a ſhort Notice, about five in the Evening I preached out on the Town-Common, to a much larger Audience than could reaſonably be expected.— It ſnowed good Part of the Time; but the •• ople ſtaid very contentedly. Indeed 〈…〉 (as I heard afterwards) that I ſpoke Bla •••• my; but the People of GOD were much rejoyced; and ſome, I hope, effectually wrought upon. Praiſed be GOD for opening ſuch an effectual Door here. Many Adverſaries muſt be expected in ſo polite a Place as Bath. But GOD is with me, and I fear neither Men or Devils.

After Sermon, I returned to our Inn, and ſpent the Remainder of the Evening in ſweet Converſation with a great Number of experienced Chriſtians. My Heart was much enlarged in Prayer; and I can ſay, the Love of GOD was ſhed abroad abundantly therein. For ever adored be the Riches of his free Mercy.

Tueſday, March 13. Preached again at the Fiſh-ponds with great Power, and obſerved all to behave exceeding orderly.

Had extraordinary Power given me at the Society in Nicholas-ſtreet, and exhorted them with all poſſible Earneſtneſs, not to let • igotry, or Party Zeal, be ſo much as mentioned among them. For I deſpair of ſeeing CHRIST's Kingdom come, till we are all thus minded.

Wedneſday, March 14. Being forbid preaching in the Priſon, and, withal, being reſolved not to give place to my Adverſaries, no not for an Hour, I preached at Baptiſt-Mills, a Place very near the City, to three or four Thouſand People, from theſe Words, "What think you of Chriſt?" Bleſſed be GOD, all Things happen for the Furtherance of the Goſpel. I now preach to ten Times more People than I ſhou •• if I had been confined to the Churches. 〈…〉 Devil is blind, and ſo are his Emiſſaries, •• herwiſe they would not thus confound themſelves. Every Day I am invited to freſh Pla • s. I will, by the Divine Aſſiſtance, go to as many as I can; the reſt I muſt leave unviſited, till it ſhall pleaſe GOD to bring me back from Georgia.

Thurſday, March 15. It ſnowing all Day, I could not go to Siſon to preach, as I propoſed, but ſpent the Day in religious Diſcourſe, writing Letters, and expounding; in which GOD was pleaſed to give me unſpeakable Comfort, Received a ſtrong Invitation to come to Cardiff once more, and to preach at Landaff; but Buſineſs will not permit. Bleſſed be GOD, that People are ready to hear his Word. Surely the Lord will fulfil the Deſires of them that fear him.

Friday, March 16. Being much intreated by the People, and Horſes being ſent for me, I went and preached at Elberton, a Village about nine Miles off Briſtol. The Clergyman denied me the Pulpit; ſo I preached on a little Aſcent on which the May-pole was fixed. The Weather being cold, and the adjacent Villages having but little Notice, I had not above two Hundred Hearers. But after Dinner, I haſted to Thornbury, where I was invited alſo, and preached with uncommon Power to a great Part of my Morning Congregation, and many hundreds beſides. Mr. Willis, the Incumbent, lent me the Church, and uſed me with great Civility, as did two other Clergymen who were there preſent. The People were very deſirous to have me ſtay; but I had promiſed to lie at Wintenburn, at a Quaker's Houſe, where three more of their Friends met us, and with whom we had agreeable Converſation. But I cannot ſay their Arguments for omitting the outward Signs of Baptiſm, and the Lord's Supper, and for having no outward Call to the Miniſtry, were at all convincing: However, they wiſhed me good Luck in the Name of the LORD, and we parted from each other very lovingly. GOD grant I may be always of a Catholic Spirit.

BRISTOL.

Saturday, March 17. Returned to Briſtol about eight in the Morning, and had the Pleaſure of hearing that Mr. Mayor, &c. had engaged a Clergyman to preach to the poor Priſoners at Newgate, rather than to agree to a Petition they had preſented to have me. Some preach Chriſt out of Contention, ſuppoſing to add Affliction to my Bonds, and others of good Will: However, Chriſt is preached, and I therein rejoyce, yea, and will rejoyce.

Had the Honour of ſeeing another Letter, intended againſt me, put in Print; and GOD rewarded me for it, by giving me ſuch extraordinary Power at the Poor-houſe this Afternoon, that great Numbers were quite melted, and diſſolved into Tears. The Enemies of GOD's Church undeſignedly do GOD's Work. I never am ſo much aſſiſted, as when Perſons endeavour to blacken me; and I find the Number of my Hearers ſo encreaſe by Oppoſition, as well as my own inward Peace, and Love, and Joy, that I only fear a Calm. But the Enmity that is in the Heart of every natural Man againſt GOD, will not ſuffer them to be quiet long. I only ſay, I would ſend my Adverſaries to School to Gamaliel. If this Work be not of God, ſays he, it will come to nought; but if it be, ye cannot overthrow it; leſt haply ye be found to fight againſt God.

Sunday, March 18. Had the Pleaſure of ſeeing my Morning Audience ſo much increaſed, that above an Hundred were obliged to ſtand without in the Street.— Was taken ill for about two Hours; but, notwithſtanding, was enabled to go and preach at Hannam to many more than were there laſt Sunday. And in the Afternoon, I really believe no leſs than twenty Thouſand were preſent at Roſe-Green. Bleſſed are the Eyes which ſee the Things which we ſee. Surely GOD is with us of a Truth. To behold ſuch Crouds ſtand about us in ſuch an awful Silence, and to hear the Echo of their ſinging run from one End of them to the other, is very ſolemn and ſurprizing. — My Diſcourſe continued for near an Hour and a Half; and at both Places, above fourteen Pounds were collected for the Orphan-houſe; and it pleaſed me to ſee with what Chearfulneſs the Colliers and poor People threw in their Mites. — Contrary to my Expectation, having a Cold upon me, GOD enabled me afterwards to expound for above an Hour to a crouded Society, with great Freedom and Plainneſs of Speech. And I came home full of Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghoſt. What a Myſtery is the divine Life! Oh that all were Partakers of it!

BATH.

Monday, March 19. After having refreſhed myſelf and Friends, by reading a Packet of Letters from London, and diſpatched ſome other Buſineſs, according to Appointment, I ſet out for Bath, and got thither about three in the Afternoon. Dinner being ended, through great Weakneſs of 〈◊〉 , and Sickneſs in my Stomach, I was obliged 〈◊〉 lie down upon the Bed; but the Hour being come for my preaching, I 〈◊〉 , weak and l • nguid as I was, depending on the Divine Strength, and, I think, ſcarce ever preached with greater Power. There were about 4 or 5000, of High and Low, Rich and Poor, to hear. As I went along, I obſerved many Scoffers; and when I got upon the Table to preach, many laughed; but before I had finiſhed my Prayer, all was huſht and ſilent; and • ' • r I had concluded my Diſcourſe, GOD, by his Wor • , ſeemed to impreſs a great Awe upon their Mind; for all were deeply attentive, and ſeemed much affected with what had been ſpoken. Men may ſcoff for a little while, but there is ſomething in this Fooliſhneſs of Preaching which will make the moſt ſtubborn Heart to bend or break. Is not my Word like Fire, ſaith the Lord, and like a Hammer that breaketh the Rock in pieces?

Tueſday, March 20. Had the Pleaſure of hearing of the Succeſs of my Diſcourſe yeſterday upon many Souls, eſpecially upon two little Children, who were obſerved to come home crying, and to retire to Prayers. — Spent the Morning in writing Letters, and viſiting ſome few righteous Souls that live in this Sodom. — GOD has a Remnant every where. — At eleven o' Clock I read Prayers at the Hoſpital, and was greatly comforted by the ſecond Leſſon▪ which was the 7th of St. John. After Dinner I was taken ill again; but notwithſtanding, GOD ſtrengthned me to preach to about as great a Congregation as yeſterday, 〈◊〉 , I believe, with great Succeſs; • or ſom • 〈◊〉 , and all ſeemed much affected, and were very ſilent. — The Remainder of the Evening I ſpent with many gracious Souls, who came to my Lodgings, with whom I took ſweet Counſel, and went to Bed full of Comfort and unſpeakable Joy. Bleſſed be GOD, I can ſay, The Life which I now live in the Fleſh, I live by the Faith of the Son of GOD, who loved me, and gave himſelf for me.

Wedneſday, March 21. Breakfaſted this Morning with one Mr. M—r, who kindly invited me and my Friends. — Perceived a great Freedom in my Spirit, and afterwards went to a private Houſe, where many were aſſembled to hear the Word. — But GOD only can •• ll how their Hearts were melted down. — Oh! how did the poor Souls weep over me! How did they pray that I would come amongſt them again! Surely, I might have ſaid with St. Paul on another Occaſion, What mean you to weep, and to break my Heart? — But I could do no more than pray that GOD would ſend them ſome faithful Labourer. Having diſperſed among them ſome of my Sermons on the Marks of the New Birth, I at length took my leave, and retired to my Lodgings. — Every Time I look upon the Bath, I think on the Pool of Betheſda. O bleſſed JESU, look down with Compaſſion on it; and as thou haſt cured many impotent Perſons by theſe healing Waters, heal, I beſeech thee, the Diſeaſes of their ſin-ſick Souls, by the Power of thy all-quickening ſtrengthening Grace. — Even ſo, Lord JESUS! Amen.

KEINSHAM.

Dined with one Mr. M—, an eminent Quaker in Bath, who entertained me and my Friends in a moſt Chriſtian Manner. — About three we left Bath, and though it was a wet Day, were agreeably ſurprized by meeting great Numbers of Horſemen, &c. from Briſtol, beſides ſeveral Thouſands from the neighbouring Villages, who came to hear me, according to Appointment.— The Church being refuſed, I preached on a Mount. — Our Maſter being with us, I preached with Power.— We came on our Way rejoycing▪ and reached Briſtol, about Seven at Night, and went immediately and expounded the 7th of St. John to Bald • in-ſtreet Society, where we alſo gave Thanks for the great Things we had ſeen and heard ſince we met together l • ſt.

〈◊〉 , March 22. Received unſpea •• ble Pleaſure from a L • tter of this Day' • Poſ • , which brought me word of the flouriſhing of the Goſpel at O • ford. — Had many gracious Souls▪ came to conſult me in ſpiritual Caſes, and could not but rejoyce to ſee how 〈◊〉 and irreſiſtibly the Kingdom of JESUS CHRIST is carried on, in ſpite of all Oppoſition. — In the Afternoon I preached again at Baptiſt Mills, where ſomebody was ſo 〈◊〉 as to put ſome Turf together for me to ſtand upon. I perceived a great Freedom of Speech, and inſ • ſted much on Original Sin, becauſe there are many in this City, who, I 〈◊〉 , have imbibed the Principles of that polite Preacher Mr. F—. But Woe be to them that 〈◊〉 that they are born in Sin. Surely, they muſt 〈…〉 f •• ling. W • e be to them that d •• y the LORD that bought them: For it ſ • ps the very Foundation of the Chriſtian Religion. And as for my own Part, did I not firmly believe that JESUS CHRIST was t •• ly and properly GOD, I never would preach the Goſpel again. Whoſoever preaches any otherwiſe, let him he accurſed. Had great Power amongſt us at the Society in the Evening. — The People throng more and more. — A good Sign that all do not come out of Curioſity, but with a Deſire to know and do their Duty.

Friday, March 23. Dined with many Quakers at French-hay, who entertained me and my Friends with much Chriſtian Love; but we could by no means agree about the Diſuſe of the two outward Signs in the Sacrament, nor of their abſolute refuſing to pay Tithes. — But I think their Notions about walking and being led by the Spirit are right and good. I ſhould rejoyce to find all Quakers thus minded. Much Sincerity and Simplicity ſeems to be amongſt them. — But I think, at the ſame Time, they inſiſt ſo much upon the inward Life, they place too much Religion in their not uſing Externals.

After Dinner, I went and preached at the Fiſh-ponds, as uſual, where were many Coaches, and about as great a Number of People as before. GOD gave me great Freedom and Power. I was longer than common both in my Prayers and Sermon. — Many, I believe, were affected. — After I came home, I viſited two Societies, where GOD was pleaſed to give us great Tokens of his Preſence; and the Way up to the laſt Room was ſo exceedingly thronged that I was obliged to go up by a Ladder through the Window.

Saturday, March 24. Received glad Tidings of great Joy from my religious Correſpondents▪ —Spent the Morning in anſwering their kind Letters,— and preached in the Afternoon at the Poor-houſe, where both the Number of the People, and my Strength were greatly encreaſed. — After Sermon▪ I collected for the Orphan-houſe, and the poor People ſo loaded my Hat with their Mites, that I wanted ſomebody to hold up my Hands. — The Chearfulneſs with which they gave is inexpreſſible, and the many Prayers they joined with their Alms, I hope, will lay a good Foundation for the Houſe intended to be built. — After this, GOD brought me to ſome more of his own dear Children, and I ſpent the Remainder of the Evening in expounding to a Society, where almoſt all were drowned in Tears, when I mentioned my Departure to them. — The good LORD, ſend ſomebody amongſt them to water what his own Right Hand hath planted. Even ſo, come Lord JESUS, come quickly.

Sunday, March 25. GOD will work, and who ſhall hinder? I am ſhut out of the Priſon, and my Siſter's Room was not large enough to contain a fourth part of the People who came to me on a Sunday Morning. But GOD put it into the Hearts of ſome Gentlemen to lend me a large Bowling-Green, where I preached to about five Thouſand People, and made a Collection for my poor Orphans, till my Hands were quite weary. — Bleſſed be GOD, that the Bowling-Green is turned into a Preaching-place. This, I hope, is a Token that Aſſembly-rooms and Play-houſes will ſoon be put to the ſame Uſe. O may the Word of GOD be mighty to the pulling down of theſe ſtrong Holds of the Devil! All that love our Lord JESUS, I am ſure, will ſay, Amen.

Preached at Hannam to a larger Congregation than ever, and preached again in the Afternoon to upwards (as was computed) of 23000 People. I was afterwards told, that thoſe who ſtood fartheſt off could hear me very plainly. Oh may GOD ſpeak to them by his Spirit, at the ſame Time that he enables me to lift up my Voice like a Trumpet!

About eight I went to the Society in Nicholas-ſtreet, I with great Difficulty, at laſt got up into the Room, which was extreamly hot. GOD enabled me to ſpeak with much Freedom and Power; and at the Cloſe of my Exhortation, I recommended a Charity-ſchool, which was opened by this Society to-day. I collected at the Door myſelf, and few paſſed by without throwing in their Mites. — Yet a little while, and I hope Briſtol will be as famous for Charity ſchools as London. We muſt not deſpiſe the Day of ſmall Things. Bleſſed be GOD, for the Strength of this Day. The Lord make me humbly thankful.

Monday, March 26. Still GOD has pleaſed to give me freſh Tokens of his Love. Letters are ſent me, and People come to me continually, telling me what GOD had done for their Souls by my unworthy Miniſtry.

At four in the Afternoon, I preached again at the Bowling-Green, to, I believe, ſeven or eight Thouſand People. The Sun ſhone bright, and the Windows and Balconies of the adjoining Houſes were filled with H • arers. I was uncommonly enlarged in Prayer, and ſo carried out beyond myſelf in preaching, eſpecially when I came to talk of the Love and free Grace of JESUS CHRIST, that I heartily wiſhed it was in my Power that Moment to place all my Enemies at the Right Hand of GOD. The Concern the People were in is inexpreſſible. — An hearty Groan goes through them all when any Thing affecting is ſpoken; and I am ſure, that Thouſands come not out of Curioſity, but a ſincere Deſire of being fed with the Milk of the Word — Afterwards, I again collected for the Orphan-houſe, and it was near an Hour and a half before the People could go out. Many were very faint becauſe of the Throng, which was ſo exceeding great, that they trod one upon another.

At eight I haſted to Weavers Hall, in Temple-ſtreet, which was procured me becauſe the Society Rooms were too little. I was almoſt faint before I could get in through the Croud; but GOD enabled me to ſpeak with uncommon Freedom, and was with us of a Truth. — I believe there might be a thouſand Hearers.— Well may the Devil and his Servants rage horribly. Their Kingdom is in Danger.

After I had done, I went to a Chriſtian Houſe, where many waited for me; and, 〈◊〉 my Return home, my Maſter paid me my Wages: For my Soul was filled with an Intenſeneſs of Love, and I knew what it is not only to have Righteouſneſs and Peace, but Joy in the Holy Ghoſt. This is my continual Food.

Tueſday, March 27. At four this Afternoon, being invited ſeveral Times, I preached in a Yard belonging to the Glaſs-Houſes, where many dwell, who (as I was informed) neither feared GOD, nor regarded Man. The Congregation conſiſted of many Thouſands, and GOD enabled me to lay before them his Threatnings and Promiſes; ſo that none might either deſpair or preſume. O that I may be t • ught of GOD rightly to divide the Word of Truth!

Whilſt I was preaching, I heard many People behind me, hollowing and making a Noiſe, and ſuppoſed they were ſet on by ſomebody on purpoſe to diſturb me.— I bleſs GOD I was not in the leaſt moved, but rather increaſed the more in Strength; but when I had done, and enquired the Cauſe of that Noiſe, I was informed, tha • Gentleman (being drunk) had taken the Liberty to call me Dog, and ſay, That I ought to be whipped at the Cart's Tail, and offered Money to any that would pelt me. Inſtead of that, the Boys and People near him began to caſt Stones & Dirt at him. —I knew nothing of it till afterwards, when I expreſſed my Diſlike of their Behaviour, but could not help obſerving, what ſorry Wages the Devil gives his Servants.

In the Evening I expounded again in Weavers Hall, to a moſt crouded and attentive Aſſembly. — People follow more and more. — There is a divine Attraction in the Word of GOD — Still draw us, O LORD, and we ſhall ſtill come after thee.

Wedneſday, March 28. Had the Pleaſure of hearing, that above an Hundred People ſet apart a Day for Prayer, in Behalf of me and my dear Brother Howel Harris, &c. While our Friends thus continue to hold up their Hands, our ſpiritual Amaleck will never prevail againſt us.

Preached in the Afternoon at Publow, a Village about five Miles from Briſtol, to ſevera • thouſands of People. —The Church was offered; but being not ſufficient to contain a third Part of the Audience, by the Advice of Friends I preached in the Fields; which put me in mind of our Lord's ſaying, Go out into the Highways and Hedges and compel them to come in.

Was bleſſed with two excellent Letters. Found out ſome more of God's ſecret ones. — Received ſome temporal Mercies, expounded to a Society in Baldwin-Street, and went to a Friend's Houſe, where we eat 〈◊〉 Bread with Gladneſs and Singleneſs of Heart. Oh the Comforts of a ſpiritual Life!

Thurſday, March 29. Bleſſed be God, I hope a good Work is begun to Day.— Having had ſeveral Notices that the Colliers of Kingſwood were willing to ſubſcribe, I went to Dinner with them near a Place called Two Mile Hill, and collected about twenty Pounds in Money, and got above Forty Pounds in Subſcriptions towards building them a Charity-School. — It was ſurprizing to ſee with what Cheerfulneſs they parted with their Money on this Occaſion.— Was I to continue here, I would endeavour to ſettle Schools all over the Wood, as alſo in other Places, as Mr. Griffith Jones has done in Wales.— But I have but juſt Time to ſet it on Foot.— I hope God will bleſs the Miniſtry of my honoured • riend Mr. John Weſley, and enable him to •• ing it to good Effect. — It is a Pity ſo many little ones as there are in Kingſwood, ſhould periſh for Lack of Knowledge.—Stir • up thy Power, O Lord, and come amongſt them, for the Sake of JESUS CHRIST.

After Dinner I preached a farewel Sermon, and recommended the Charity-School to their Conſideration; and they all ſeemed willing to aſſiſt either by their Money or their Labour, and to offer ſuch Things as they had, I doubt not but the Lord will proſper this Work of my Hands upon me.

Aſſoon as I came to Town, I took my leave of a Society in Caſtle-ſtreet; — but Tongue •• nnot expreſs the Sorrow they were in at the mention of my Departure. — After this, I did the ſame at a Society in Nicholas-ſtreet; and, I believe, for near an Hour, they wept aloud and ſorely all over the Room, as though they were mourning for the Death of their Firſt-born. — Oh how cloſe are their Hearts knit to me! Bleſſed be God, there is one coming after me, who, I hope, will cheriſh the Spark of divine Love now kindled in their Hearts, till it grows into a Flame. Amen, LORD JESUS.

Friday, March 30. Preached this Afternoon near Colepit Heath, ſeven Miles from Briſtol, a Place to which I was earneſtly invited, and where great Numbers of Colliers live. — I believe there were above two thouſand People aſſembled on this Occaſion. — The Weather was exceeding fair, the Hearers behaved very well, and the Place where I preached being near the Maypole, I took Occaſion to warn them of miſpending their Time in • evelling and dancing. Oh that all ſuch • • ntertainments were put a ſ • op to! I ſee no other Way to effect it, but by going boldly, and calling People from ſuch lying Vanities in the Name of JESUS CHRIST. — That Reformation which is brought about by a coercive Power, will be only outward and ſuperficial; but that which is done by the Force of God's Word, will be i • ward and laſting. Lord make me meet by thy Grace for ſuch a Work, and then ſend me. Lo! I come to do thy Will.

About ſeven I returned to Briſtol, and took Leave of the Society without Lawford's Gate; but there were ſo many People, that I was obl • ged to ſtand and expound at the Window, that thoſe in the Yard (which was full) might hear alſo.— Their Hearts were ready to burſt with Grief; but I hope my dear Maſter will come and comfort them.

Saturday, March 31. Went this Morning, and viſited the poor Man who was miſuſed at the Glaſs Houſes. He ſeemed much concerned for what he had done, and confeſſed he knew not what he did: Upon which, I took Occaſion to diſſuade him from the Sin of Drunkenneſs, and parted from him very friendly.

At eleven, I went and gave the Priſoners a farewel Exhortation, and left Orders concerning the Diſtribution of the Money that had been collected for them.—At four I preached, as uſual, at the Poor-houſe, where was a greater Congregation than ever, and very near nine Pounds gathered for the Orphan-houſe.—Bleſſed be God, the longer I ſtay, the more my Hearers increaſe.

〈◊〉 my return home, I was much refreſhed with the Sight of my honoured Friend Mr. John Weſ •• y, whom God's Providence has ſent to Briſ • ol.—Lord now let • eſt thou thy Servant depart in Peace.

Saturday, April 1. Preached at the Bowling-Green, Hannam, and Roſe-Green; at all which Places, the Congregations were much enlarged, eſpecially at the latter. There were Twenty-four Coaches, and an exceeding great Number of other People, both on Foot and Horſeback. The Wind was not ſo well ſet to carry the Voice as uſual; but however, I was ſtrengthened to cry aloud, and take my laſt Farewel.—As I was returning home, it comforted me exceedingly, to hear almoſt every one bleſſing me, and wiſhing me a good Voyage in the Name of the Lord.—And indeed my Heart is ſo knit to Briſtol People, that I could not with ſo much Submiſſion leave 〈◊〉 did I not know dear Mr. Weſley was left 〈◊〉 to teach them the Way of God more perfectly. Pr • ſper, O Lord, the Works of his Hands upon • im.

At ſeven, I went and took my Leave of Baldwin-ſtreet Society; but the Yard, and • ntry le • ding to it, was ſo exceeding • y crowded, that I was obliged to climb up by a Ladder, and go over the T • ing of another Houſe near adjoining, before I could get to the Door.

• onday, April 2. Spent a good Part of the Morning in talking with thoſe who came to take their Leave, and Tongue c • nnot expreſs what a ſorrowful parting we had. 〈◊〉 of Tears flowed plentifully; and my Heart was ſo melted down, that I prayed for them with ſtrong Cryings, and many Tears. — The Scene was very affecting, and, I think, muſt have made an Impreſſion upon the moſt hardned Heart.

About one, I was obliged to force myſelf away. — Crowds were waiting at the Door to give me a laſt F • rewel, and near twenty Friends accompanied me on Horſeback. Bleſſed be God for the marvellous great Kindneſs he hath ſhewn me in this City. Many Sinners I believe, hath been effectually converted. It is unknown what Numbers have come to me under Convictions, and all the Children of God have been exceedingly comforted. — Various Preſents were ſent me as Tokens of their Love. — Several thouſands of little Books have been diſperſed among the People; about two hundred Pounds collected for the Orphan-houſe, and many poor Families relieved by the Bounty of my Friend Mr. Seward. — And what gives me the greater Comfort, is the Conſideration, that my dear and honoured Friend Mr. Weſly is left behind to confirm thoſe that are awakened; ſo that when I return from Georgia, I hope to ſee many bold Soldiers of JESUS CHRIST. Grant this, O Lord, for the ſame thy dear Son's Sake.

KINGSWOOD.

Having taken my Leave, and paſſed through the People of Briſtol, who poured out many Bleſſings upon me, I came about two to Kingſwood, where the Colliers, unknown to me, had prepared an hoſpitable Entertainment, and were very forward for me to lay the firſt Stone of their School. At length I complied, and a Man giving me a Piece of Ground, in caſe Mr. C— ſhould refuſe to grant them any; I laid a Stone, and then kneeled down on it, and prayed GOD that the Gates of Hell might not prevail againſt our Deſign. The Colliers ſaid a hearty Amen; and after I had given them a Word of Exhortation ſuitable to the Occaſion, I took my Leave, promiſing that I would come amongſt them again, if ever GOD ſhould bring me back to England. They ſeemed much pleaſed at this; and indeed they ſeem to have ſuch an uncommon Affection for me, that I hope a Reformation will be carried on amongſt them. And as for my own Part, I had rather preach the Goſpel to the unprejudiced ignorant Colliers, than to the bigotted, ſelf-righteous formal Chriſtians. The Colliers will enter into the Kingdom of GOD before them.

THORNBURY.

About five, I and my Friends got ſafe to Thornbury; where I had appointed to preach as on this Day, when I was there laſt. — The Miniſter, I find, was offended at my Doctrine, and therefore would not lend me the Pulpit again.—However, there being above a thouſand People waiting to hear the Word, I ſtood upon a Table, and taught in the Street. All was ſolemn and awful around us; every one behaved with Gravity; and GOD gave me Freedom of Speech. — The Remainder of the Evening was ſpent delightfully in ſinging Pſalms and Hymns with my dear Companions; and had not the parting with my Briſtol Friends caſt a little Damp upon my Heart, no one could have laid down his Head to ſleep with greater Pleaſure than I did. I find I never undertake a new Thing for my Maſter, but he gives me new Manifeſtations of Joy and Comfort. Who would but work for JESUS CHRIST?

OLD-PASSAGE, CHEAPSTOW.

Tueſday, April 3. Came to the Old-Paſſage by nine in the Morning, and, according to Appointment, preached from ſome Steps to many People who came to hear me. —Then I exhorted, and ſung with as many as the Room would contain above in the Inn; and having providentially l • ſt our Paſſage, about three in the Afternoon I preached a ſecond Time from the Steps, at which many were much aff • cted. The Remainder of the Day I ſpent in writing and praying with my Friends, and having taken a laſt Farewel, we p • ſſed over to Be • chly abo • t ſeven, and get ſo far as Cheapſ • ow, where the People, I 〈◊〉 , expected to hear me; but it being late, I could only ſing, and pray, and preach to about forty that came to the Inn, and gave a Promiſe, if poſſible▪ that I would come and preach in their Church before I left Wales. Every Day do I ſee the Benefit more and more • f this publick Way • f ••• ting.

Wedneſday, April 4. Came hither before ten, and was much refreſhed with the Sight of my dear Brother Howel Harris, and ſeveral Chriſtian Friends, who came from Cardiff, and other Places, to give me the Meeting. —The Pulpit being denied, I preached upon a Table under a large Tree to ſome hundreds, and GOD was with us of a Truth. After Dinner, with near forty on Horſeback, I ſet out for Po ••• pool, five Welch Miles from Huſk, and in the Way was informed, by a Man that heard it, that Mr. C— H-ry did me the Honour, at the l • ſt Mo • mouth Aſſizes, to make a public Motion to Judge P—d, to ſtop me and Brother Howel Harris, from going about • eaching the People. Poor Man! he put me in mind of Tertullus in the Acts. — But the Hour is not ye • • ome; I have ſcarce begun my Teſtimony: For my finiſhing it, my Enemies may have Power over me from above. LORD, prepare me for that Hour. — About five we got to Pontypool, and ſeveral Thouſands were ready to hear me. — The Curate being very ſolicitous for it, I preached firſt (he having read Prayer.) in the Church; but their being great Numbers that could not come in, I went afterwards and preached to all the People in the Field. — My own Heart was much enlarged, and the divine Preſence was much amon • ſt us; and indeed, I always find I have moſt 〈◊〉 when I ſpeak in the open Air. A Proof 〈◊〉 to me, that GOD is pleaſed with this Way o • Preaching▪ — After Sermon, we went, and joyned in Prayer at the Gentlewoman's Houſe that owned the Field, and then we returned to the Houſe of Mr. G—s of Pontyp • ol; where, after taking a little Supper, and expounding the third Chapter of Geneſis to two Rooms full of People, I prayed, and betook myſelf to Reſt, and was full of ſuch unutterable Love, as no one can conceive but thoſe who feel it. — GOD be praiſed for my coming hither. — Here are many gracious Souls, and their Hearts are knit to me in Chriſtian Love. LORD, what am I?

ABERGAVENNY and COMIHOY.

Thurſday, April 5. Spent ſome Time very comfortably with my dear Friends at Pontypool, in ſinging, praying, and religious Conferences; and then, in Company with about thirty on Horſeback, I came to Abergavenny, ten Miles from Pontypool, by eleven in the Morning. — All the Way as we journeyed, GOD ſtrengthned me mightily in the inner Man, and I could think of nothing ſo much as Joſhua going from City to City, and ſubduing the devoted Nations. — Here I expected much Oppoſition, having been informed, that many intended to diſturb me.

But GOD impreſſed a divine Awe upon all; ſo that though there were many Oppoſers preſent when I preached, yet not any dared to utter a Word. — GOD cauſed me to ſpeak with extraordinary Authority, and I did not ſpare the polite Scoffers in the leaſt. Oh that they may come to the Knowledge of the Truth, and be ſaved! The Place I preached from, was the Backſide of a Garden, belonging to one Mr. W—s, who invited me to Abergavenny, and erected a Place very commodious for my ſtanding upon; ſo that the People, (in Number about two Thouſand) could all hear very well. Afterwards we retired, and ſung a Hymn; and ſome Ladies having the Curioſity to come and hear us, I took that Opportunity of diſſuading them againſt Ball • and Aſſemblies, and all other polite Entertainments. I hope GOD intended them good: For afterwards, I heard they were the chief Miſtreſſes of the Aſſembly in Abergavenny. Oh the polite World! How are they led away by lying Vanities.

After Dinner, I went, according to Appointment, with about forty on Horſeback, to Comihoy, five Miles from Abergavenny, and found the Miniſter of the Church to be a hearty Friend, and two or three others like minded with him. This rejoyced me exceedingly; and to ſee how loving the poor People were to me, much increaſed my Joy. — The Church not being quite large enough to hold half the Congregation, I preached from the Croſs in the Churchyard. — The Word came with Power. — Did not GOD call me elſewhere, I could ſpend ſome Months in Wales very profitably: The longer I am in it, the more I like it. To me they ſeem a People ſweetly diſpoſed to receive the Goſpel. — They are ſimple and artleſs. They have left Bigotry more than the Generality of our Engliſhmen; and, through the Exhortations of Howel Harris, and the Miniſtry of others, they are hungring and thirſting after the Righteouſneſs of JESUS CHRIST. — When I had done, I haſted back with my Friends to Abergavenny, where we were kindly entertained; and, after having written a Letter or two, and expounded to three Rooms full of People, I went to Bed, rejoycing that my Eyes every Day ſaw the Salvation of GOD.

CARLEON and TRELEK.

Friday, April 6. Set out about eight in the Morning from Abergavenny, with near a dozen Friends on Horſeback; and ſoon after near fifty or ſixty more joined us; moſt of whom, I hope, had been effectually called by the Grace of GOD. About Noon we reached Carleon, fifteen Miles from Abergavenny, a Town famous for having thirty Britiſh Kings buried in it, and producing three noble Chriſtian Martyrs. I choſe particularly to go hither, becauſe when my Brother Howel Harris was there laſt, ſome of the baſer Sort beat a Drum, and huzza'd around him, on purpoſe to diſturb him. — But GOD ſuffered them not to move a Tongue now, though I preached from the very ſame Place, and prayed for him by Name, as I have in every Place where I have preached in Wales. GOD forbid I ſhould be aſhamed either of my Maſter or his Servants. — Many Thouſands were there from all Parts to hear me, and GOD gave me ſuch extraordinary Aſſiſtance, that I was carried out beyond myſelf; and I believe the Scoffers felt me to ſome Purpoſe. Oh that the Love of CHRIST may melt them down.

After Dinner, we parted with ſome of our Friends, who were obliged to return home, becauſe they came from far. And it gave • e great Pleaſure to ſee how affectionately the poor People came, with Tears in their Eyes, bleſſing GOD for my Miniſtry, ſhaking me by the Hand, and praying for my ſpeedy Return amongſt them. —Surely Godlineſs has the Promiſe of the Life that now is, as well as that which is to come. The Numbers of my Enemies are inconſiderable; but my Friends cannot be numbred. And what gives me more Satisfaction, is, that they are Friends of GOD's making, not of the World's, who follow not only for Intereſt, but ſuch as love me for the Sake of JESUS CHRIST, and who, I believe, would go with me to Priſon, or to Death.

At three in the Afternoon we ſet out for Trelek, ten Welch Miles from Carleon; but the Miles being very long, we could not reach thither till it was almoſt dark; ſo that moſt of the People who had been waiting for me, were returned home: However, the Church being denied, I ſtood upon the Horſe-block before the Inn, and preached from thence for about three Quarters▪ of an Hour to thoſe that were le • t behind; but I could not ſpeak with ſuch Power as uſual: For, though the Spirit was willing, the Fleſh was weak through the Fatigue of the paſt Day. LORD, when ſhall I be delivered from the Burden of this Fleſh.

CHEAPSTOW.

Saturday, April 7. Found myſelf but weak in Body when I roſe in the Morning, and it being a very rainy Day, I reſolved to ſtay at Cheapſtow (which we reached by eleven of the Clock.) Great Numbers that came from the Countries round about, were ready to hear; but the Miniſter being unwilling to lend the Pulpit on a Week Day, I only exhorted the Pe • ple in the Dining-Room where I lodged. I believe GOD was with us. Oh how ſwiftly has this Week paſſed off! To me it has been but as one Day. How do I pity thoſe polite ones, who complain that Time hangs heavy upon their Hands! Let them but love CHRIST, and ſpend their whole Time in his Service, and they will find no dull melancholl • Hours. Want of the Love of GOD I take to be the chief Cauſe of Indolence and Vapours. O that our Gentry would up and be doing for JESUS CHRIST! They would not complain then for the Want of Spirits.

Sunday, April 8. Aroſe much refreſhed, and highly pleaſed with the laſt Afternoon's Retirement; read Prayers, and preached twice at Cheapſtow Church to very attentive Congregations, many of whom came from far. After Sermon, I gave a Word of Exhortation, and prayed with ſeveral that came to the Inn, and GOD was pleaſed to give it his Bleſſing. — About five, I ſet out, with my Friends, to Colford, eight Miles from Cheapſtow, and went and viſited the religious Society, which has met with much Oppoſition. Good GOD! wherever I go, People are ready to periſh for Lack of Knowledge, and are as ignorant of JESUS CHRIST, as the Papiſts. My Heart within me is broken becauſe of the Prophets. Jer. 23.

At Night, I was pleaſed with the Company of ſeveral Friends, who came from Pontypool to ſee me once more. — We ſpent the Evening very agreeably in ſinging Pſalms, Prayer and Converſation, and, I hope, edified one another in Love.

COLFORD and GLOUCESTER.

Monday, April 9. Preached this Morning in the Market-houſe to about one hundred People, and afterwards talked with Effect to ſome Scoffers at the Inn. After this, I ſet out for, and reached Glouceſter about Noon; where I was refreſhed by a great Packet of Letters, giving me an Account of the Succeſs of the Goſpel in different Parts. GOD grant I may ſee it come as powerfully amongſt my own Countrymen.

GLOUCESTER.

Tueſday, April 10. Viſited the religious Society laſt Night, preached at four in the Afternoon, to a great Congregation at St. Michael's Church, viſited a Society near the Weſt-gate-Street at ſeven, and another at eight; the laſt of which was very much cr • uded. Oh what unſpeakable Pleaſure does it give me, to ſee my own Townſmen receive the Word with Joy!

Wedneſday, April 11. Was treated this Day as I expected, and as I told my Friends I ſhould be uſed, when I firſt entred the City. — The Miniſter of St. Michael's was pleaſed to lend me his Church yeſterday and to day, but ſome wealthy Demetrius's being offended at the Greatneſs of the Congregations, and alledging that it kept People from their Buſineſs, he was influenced by ſome of them to deny the Uſe of his Pulpit any more on a Week Day. Alas! what an Enmity there is in the natural Man againſt the Succeſs of the Goſpel! How fond are they of Ph • raoh's Objection, Ye are idle, ye are idle; therefore ye ſay, Let us go worſhip the LORD.

About four I ſet out for Painſwick, a Town four Miles diſtant from Glouceſter, where the Pulpit being denied, I preached to a very large Congregation from the Stairs belonging to the School-houſe, in one of the Streets. Many were ſolicitous for me to come and preach at other neighbouring Places alſo. —At my Return to Glouceſter, my Heart was much refreſhed by the Reception of near thirty Letters from Briſtol; all, I hope, from Perſons whoſe Hearts GOD hath been pleaſed to touch, and powerfully convince of Self-righteouſneſs. — LORD, not unto me, but unto thy Name be all the Glory.

Thurſday, April 12. Spent the Morning in anſwering ſome of my dear Correſpondents, and preached in the Evening to near three Thouſand Hearers in a Field belonging to my Brother. Cry out who will againſt his my Forwardneſs, I cannot ſee my dear C • untrymen and Fellow Chriſtians every where ready to periſh through Ignorance and Unbelief, and not endeavour to convince them of both.

Thoſe who forbid me to ſpeak to theſe poor baptized Heathens, that they may be ſaved, upon them I call to give a Reaſon for their ſo doing; a Reaſon which may ſatisfy not Man only, but GOD. And accordingly, I here cite them to anſwer it to our common Maſter. What their real Reaſon is, whether Envy, or Maſter, in ſo doing thou reproacheſt us; or ought elſe, ſhall, one Day, be manifeſted to Men and Angels.

I am, and proſeſs myſelf a Member of the Church of England. I have received no Prohibition from any of the Biſhops; and having had no Fault ſound by them with my Life or Doctrine, have the ſame general Licence to preach, which the Rectors are willing to think ſufficient for their Curates; nor can any of them produce one Inſtance of their having refuſed the Aſſiſtance of a Stranger Clergyman, becauſe he had not a written Licence. — And have their Lordſhips, the Biſhops, inſiſted that no Perſon ſhall ever preach occaſionally without ſuch ſpecial Licence? Is not our producing our Letters of Orders always judged ſufficient? Have not ſome of us been allowed • o preach in Georgia, and other Places, by no other than our general Commiſſion? Take thou Authority to, &c. nay, and therefore ordained that we might preach in Georgia? — His Lordſhip of London allowed of my preaching there, even when I had only received Deacon's Orders; and I have never been charged by his Lordſhip with teaching or living otherwiſe than as a true Miniſter, and true Son of the Church of England. I keep cloſe to her Articles and Homilies; which, if my Oppoſers did, we ſhould not have ſo many Diſſenters from her. But it is moſt notorious, that for the moralizing Iniquity of the Prieſts, the Land mourns. We have preached and lived many ſincere Perſons out of our Communion.—I have now converſed with ſeveral of the beſt of all Denominations; many of them ſolemnly proteſt that they went from the Church, becauſe they could not find Food for their Souls; they ſtayed among us till they were ſtarved out.

I know this Declaration will expoſe me to the Illwill, not of all my Brethren, but of all my indolent, earthly-minded, Pleaſure-taking Brethren. But was I not to ſpeak, the very Stones would cry out againſt them. Speak therefore I muſt, and will, and will not ſpare. GOD look to the Event. Whatever becomes of the Paſtors who feed themſelves, and not the Flock, I have born my Teſtimony, I have delivered my own Soul.

After Sermon, I viſited two crowded Societies; many received the Word with Gladneſs; and to day I felt ſuch an intenſe Love, that I could have almoſt wiſhed myſelf accurſed for my Brethren according to the Fleſh. Oh that they experimentally knew the Things that belong to their Peace before they are everlaſtingly bid from their Eyes!

Friday, April 19. Was much delighted with ſome more Letters I received from ſome young Soldiers of JESUS CHRIST. — Redeemed what Time I could to anſwer ſome of them; preached at Noon to a much larger Congregation than yeſterday in the Field; took a little Refreſhment, and went, upon Invitation to Chafford, eight Miles from Glouceſter, where I preached with great Power to above 3000 Souls, all which behaved with great Decency, and like new-born Babes, ſeemed deſirous to be fed with the ſincere Milk of the Word. It rejoyces me much to find that my Countrymen alſo receive the Goſpel. Oh that it may take deep Root in their Hearts!

Saturday, April 14. Lay at Stroud, about three Miles from Chafford, preached in the Fields belonging to the Inn, at Nine in the Morning, to about 600 People; went to Stonehouſe to pay my dear Flock a Viſit there; and being intreated moſt earneſtly, as I paſſed through the Town yeſterday, at three I preached again at Painſwick, to double the Number I preached to before. And GOD was with us of a Truth. Aſſoon as I had done, I haſted to Glouceſter, according to Appointment, and preached in the Boothall to, I believe, near 5000 People. Extraordinary Power GOD was pleaſed to give me. I was uncommonly enlarged in Prayer; and though I had preached twice, and rode ſome Miles, yet I think I never ſpoke with greater Demonſtration of the Spirit. GOD will work, and who ſhall hinder?

After this, I received another Packet of Letters from Briſ • ol People, and was comforted by the coming of ſome more Friends, with whom I took ſweet Counſel, and praiſed GOD luſtily, and with a good Courage. How are his Mercies ſhowered down upon me! What Enlargements of Heart have I experienced this Night! Oh that I had a thouſand Tongues wherewith to praiſe my GOD! About three Days ago I was much humbled, now am I exalted. Yet a little while and I ſhall be humbled again. Thus GOD acts according as he ſeeth beſt for our Souls.

Sunday, April 15. Preached by eight in the Morning to a larger Congregation than ever in my Brother's Field; went to the Cathedral Service at Ten; and after Dinner went to Stonehouſe, being invited thither by the Miniſter, as well as People. — It rained all the Way going thither; but notwithſtanding that, I believe 3000 Souls were ready to hear me, and behaved with great Decency and Devotion whilſt I was ſpeaking to them. The Church not being large enough to contain a third part of the Auditory, I preached from a very commodious Place on the Outſide; and though it rained the whole Time, yet I did not obſerve one Perſon leave the Place before I had done.—Afterwards many of the Children of GOD came to me. rejoycing that Free Grace in CHRIST had been preached unto them, telling me, it was Food to their Souls, and what they had experienced for ſome Years. — The other People alſo behaved moſt affectionately, and would have conſtrained me to abide with them all Night; but being engaged to return back to Glouceſter, I haſted thither through the Rain, and expounded in the Boothall to above 5000 People. They behaved excellently well, and hung upon me to hear the Word. — All was huſht and ſolemn. — And my delivering the Word from a Place juſt before where the Judges ſit rendered it very awful. — Oh that I could plead the Cauſe of my Lord and King, even JESUS CHRIST, with greater Power!

Monday, April 16. Preached with an extraordinary Preſence of GOD amongſt us at my Brother's Field about ten in the Morning. — Received a moſt comfortable Packet of Letters, giving me an Account of the Succeſs of the Goſpel; — viſited the Priſon, took a little Refreſhment, preached to near a Thouſand at Oxnell, ſeven Miles from Glouceſter. being invited thither by the Reverend Mr. Paunce • oot, a worthy Miniſter of JESUS CHRIST; then returned, and preached my Farewel Diſcourſe to more People than ever in the Boothall, and afterwards found my Strength renewed, and my Soul filled with divine Love and Joy in the Holy Ghoſt. Oh what a Myſtery is the hidden Life of a Chriſtian!

Had many merciful Deliverances in going to, and returning from Newent. Praiſe the LORD, O my Soul, and all that is within me, praiſe his holy Name.

Received Letters from Abergavenny, acquainting me how many had been convinced ſince I was there. — Heard of one that had received the Holy Ghoſt immediately upon my preaching CHRIST. Received a Letter from one under ſtrong Convictions; and, indeed, there is ſcarce a Day paſſes over my Head, but GOD ſhews me that he works effectually upon the Hearts of many by my Miniſtry. A Proof this, I am ſure, that the Word preached is not my own, but GOD's. May he always own it in this Manner. Even ſo Lord JESUS.

Tueſday, April 17. Spent this Morning in viſiting a private Society, and converſing with many religious Friends, who came from far to take their Leave. — About eleven, by the Biſhop's Permiſſion, I baptized, at the Church of St. Mary de Crypt, Mr. Thomas W—d, a profeſſed Quaker, about ſixty Years of Age, who was convinced of the Neceſſity of being born again of Water as well as the Spirit. Many of CHRIST's faithful Servants a •• ended on the Prayers around him; and, I believe, the Holy Ghoſt was with us of a Truth. — After the Solemnity was over, I gave a Word of Exhortation from the Font; and it being the Place where I myſelf not long ſince had been baptized, it gave me an Opportunity of reflecting on my own frequent Breaches of my baptiſmal Vow, and proving the Neceſſity of the New-Birth from the Office of our Church. GOD, I believe, gave it his Bleſſing.

After this, we returned, and gave private Thanks; and having dined, prayed with, and taken Leave of my weeping Friends, and diſperſed a great many of my Sermons amongſt the Poor, I took Horſe. But, Oh what Love did the People expreſs for me! How many came to me weeping, and telling me what GOD had done for their Souls by my Miniſtry! Oh how did they pray for my Return amongſt them! LORD, I dared not expect ſuch Succeſs among my own Countrymen. When I came to the City, I found the Devil had painted me in moſt horrible Colours: For it was currently reported, that I was really mad; that I had ſaid, I was the Holy Ghoſt, and that I had walked bareheaded through Briſtol Streets ſinging Pſalms. — But GOD was pleaſed to ſhew them that the Devil was a Liar, and that the Words that I ſpoke were not thoſe of a Madman, but the Words of Soberneſs and Truth.— It often pleaſes me to think how GOD makes Way for me into the Hearts of his People; nay, even of his Enemies, wherever I go. — My firſt asking Leave for the Pulpit, and preaching in the Fields, notwithſtanding they are denied, puts me in mind of the Children of Iſrael firſt intreating Leave of Og, Sihon, &c. To go quietly through their Land; but fighting their Way through, when Leave was denied. Like them, by the Strength of my Divine Leader, I ſhall, at laſt, be more than Conqueror over all the Canaanites, and carnal Teachers among the Iſrael of GOD.

CHELTENHAM, 7 Miles from Glouceſter.

Being earneſtly invited by ſeveral of the Inhabitants, I came hither, attended with about a dozen Friends, by five of the Clock; and the Uſe of the Pulpit being refuſed me, I preached on the Bowling-green belonging to the Plough-Inn. — When I came in, the Town, I perceived, was alarmed, by the People ſtanding at their Doors. At the firſt, I found my ſelf quite ſhut up. — My Heart and Head were dead as a Stone; but when I came to the Inn, my Soul began to be enlarged. I felt a Freedom in my Spirit, and was enabled to preach with extraordinary Power, to near two Thouſand People. Many were convicted. One was drowned in Tears, becauſe ſhe had ſaid I was crazy; and ſome were ſo filled with the Holy Ghoſt, that they were almoſt unable to ſupport themſelves under it. This, I know, is Fooliſhneſs to the natural and Letter-learned Men; but I write this for the Comfort of GOD's Children. They know what theſe Things mean.

Wedneſday, April 8. Preached this Morning with Power, to a much larger Congregation than we had laſt Night. Several Servants of GOD ſaid, they never ſaw the like before.— Whilſt I was preaching, I ſaw the People melted into Tears, and, by their Looks, ſhewed that the Divine Preſence was amongſt them.— We ſhall ſee greater Things than theſe: For almoſt every Day Perſons of all Denominations come unto me, telling how they interceed in my Behalf. And it ſhall now be my particular Buſineſs, wherever I go, to bring all the Children of GOD, notwithſtanding their Differences, to rejoyce together. How dare we not converſe with thoſe that have received the Holy Ghoſt as well as we?

EVESHAM in Worceſterſhire, twelve Miles from Cheltenham.

Continued at Cheltenham, for the Sake of a little Retirement, and ſome private Buſineſs, till after Dinner, and got ſafe to Eveſham, (where Mr. Seward's Relations live) about ſeven at Night. — I found there had been much Talk about my coming, GOD wiſely ordering it to engage and excite the People's Attention. — Several Perſons came to ſee me, amongſt whom was Mr. Benjamin Seward, whom GOD has been pleaſed to call by his free Grace very lately. —Both his Circumſtances before, and in Converſion, much reſemble thoſe of St. Paul. For he was bred up at the Feet of Gamaliel, being at Cambridge for ſome Years. As touching the Law, ſo far as outward Morality went, he was blameleſs; concerning Zeal, oppoſing the Church. My Proceedings he could not like, and he had once a Mind, he ſaid, to write againſt Mr. Law's Enthuſiaſtic Notions in his Chriſtian Perfection. — But lately it has pleaſed GOD to reveal his dear Son in him, and to caſt him down to the Earth, as he did Saul, by eight Days Sickneſs; in which Time he ſcarce ever eat, or drank, or ſlept, and underwent great inward Agonies and Tortures. — After this, the Scales fell more and more from the Eyes of his Mind. — GOD ſent a poor travelling Woman, that came to • ell Straw Toys, to inſtruct him in the Nature of our ſecond Birth, and now he is reſolved to prepare for Holy Orders, and to preach CHRIST and thoſe Truths ſtraightway in every Synagogue, which once he endeavoured to deſtroy. — He is a Gentleman of a very large Fortune, which he has now devoted to GOD. And I write this, to ſhew how far a Man may go, and yet know nothing of JESUS CHRIST. — Behold, here was one who conſtantly attended on the Means of Grace, exact in his Morals, humane and courteous in his Converſation, who gave much in Alms, was frequent in private Duties; and yet, till about ſix Weeks ago, as deſtitute of any ſaving experimental Knowledge of JESUS CHRIST, as thoſe on whom his Name was never called, and who ſtill ſit in Darkneſs, and the Shadow of Death. Bleſſed be GOD, that although not many rich, not many mighty, not many noble are called, yet ſome are. — Who would but be accounted a Fool for CHRIST's ſake? How often has my Companion and honoured Friend Mr. William Seward been deemed a Madman even by this very Brother, for going to Georgia? But lo! GOD now has made him an Inſtrument of converting his Brother. This more and more convinces me, that we muſt be deſpiſed, e'er we can be Veſſels fit for GOD's Uſe. As for my own Part, I find, by happy Experience, the more I am contemned, the more GOD delights to honour me, in bringing home Souls to CHRIST. —And I write this for the Encouragement of my fellow Labourers, who have all Manner of Evil ſpoken againſt them falſly for CHRIST's Sake. Let them not be afraid, but rejoice and be exceeding glad: For the Spirit of God, and of Glory, ſhall reſt upon their Souls.

Thurſday, April 19. Went to Badſey, about two Miles from Eveſham, where Mr. Seward's eldeſt Brother lives. — We were moſt kindly received, and, I hope, a true Chriſtian Church will be in their Houſe. — About four in the Evening, the Churches both at Eveſham, Bengeworth, and Badſey, being denied, I preached from the Croſs, in the Middle of Eveſham-ſtreet. to a great Congregation, and went to Badſey, and preached in Mr. Seward's Brother's Yard to a great Number of People, many of which came from Eveſham to hear me again. — GOD grant it may ſtrike home to their Hearts.

Friday, April 20. Preached about nine in the Morning at the Croſs, went to public Worſhip, and received the Sacrament. — Preached at Badſey at five in the Evening, and returned and expounded in the Town-Hall; which, though very large, was quite thronged.— The Recorder himſelf procured the Keys for us, and great Numbers of People were truly affected. The ſtanding in the Judge's Place, and ſpeaking from thence, gave me awful Thoughts of GOD; and the Conſideration that I was ſpeaking in the Name of our great High Prieſt and Judge, animated me very much. Oh that I had a thouſand Tongues, they ſhould all be employed in his Service.

OXON.

Saturday, April 21. Preached in the Morning at Badſey, to a weeping Audience, joyned in Prayer, and ſet out for Oxon, which I reached about Ten at Night. I had been much preſſed in Spirit to haſten hither, and now I found the Reaſon for it. For alas! the Enemy had got great Advantage over three of our Chriſtian Brethren, and driven them to deny CHRIST's viſible Church upon Earth. They had ſo far influenced and deluded Mr. Kinchin, a ſincere and humble Miniſter of JESUS CHRIST, that I found, through their Perſuaſion, he had actually quitted his Fellowſhip, and intended to reſign his Living. — This, I muſt needs confeſs, gave me a great Shock: For I knew what dreadful Conſequences would attend a needleſs Separation from the eſtabliſhed Church.— As for my own Part, I can ſee no Reaſon for my leaving the Church, however I am treated by the corrupt Members and Miniſters of it: For I judge of the State of a Church, not from the Practice of its Members, but its primitive and public Conſtitutions. — And ſo long as I think the Articles of the Church of England are agreeable to Scripture, I am reſolved to preach them up without either Bigotry or Party Zeal. — For I love all that love the LORD JESUS.

Sunday, April 22. Being much concerned about Mr. K—'s Conduct, this Morning I wrote him the following Letter.

Deareſt Mr. K— Oxon, April 22. 1739.

Juſt now have I received the bleſſed Sacrament, and have been praying for you. Let me exhort you, by the Mercies of GOD in CHRIST JESUS, not to reſign your Parſonage till you have conſulted your Friends at London. It is undoubtedly true, that all is not right when we are afraid to be open to our dear Brethren. Satan has deſired to ſift you as Wheat: He is dealing with you as he did with me ſome Years ago, when he kept me in my Cloſet near ſix Weeks, becauſe I could not do any Thing with a ſingle Intention; ſo he would have you no • preach till you have received the Holy Ghoſt in the full Aſſurance of it, and that is the Way never to have it at all: For GOD will be found in the Uſe of Means, and our LORD ſent out his Diſciples to preach before they had received the Holy Ghoſt in that moſt plentiful Manner at the Day of Pentecoſt. Beſides, conſider, my dear Brother, what Confuſion your ſeparating from the Church will occaſion. The Priſon Doors are already ſhut, one Society ſtopped, and moſt afraid almoſt to converſe with us. — I can aſſure you, that my being a Miniſter of the Church of England, and preaching its Articles, is a Means, under GOD, of drawing ſo many after me.— As for objecting about the Habits, &c. good GOD! I thought we long ſince knew, that the Kingdom of GOD did not conſiſt in any Externals, but in Righteouſneſs, and Peace, and Joy in the Holy Ghoſt. Oh! my dear Brother, I travel in Pain for you. — Never was I more ſhocked at any Thing than at your Proceedings. I doubt not but you will pray to GOD that you may be kept from Deluſion at the reading of this: For I am not ignorant of Satan's Devices, and I know he never more ſucceſsfully tempts us, than when he turns himſelf into an Angel of Light. Oh! my deareſt Mr. K— do nothing raſhly. — Conſult your Friends, and do not break the Heart of

Your moſt affectionate, though unworthy Brother in Chriſt. G. W.

Viſited two Societies 〈◊〉 the firſt of which many Gownſmen did me the Honour of coming to hear. — Before I began, I deſired them to behave like Gentlemen and Chriſtians. — I alſo prayed particularly for them, and applied myſelf in Meekneſs and Love to them at the End of my Diſcourſe. I bleſs GOD, an Awe was impreſſed upon their Minds, and they behaved quietly; — but afterwards they followed me to my Inn, and came uninvited up into my Room.— However, I took that Opportunity of giving them a ſecond Exhortation. — I found great Freedom and Sweetneſs in my Spirit; and though ſome, no doubt, mocked, yet I believe ſome will remember what was ſaid. — Oh how is the faithful City become an Harlot! O that my Head was Water, and my Eyes Fountains of Tears, that I might weep Day and Night for the Members of this Univerſity! LORD ſend forth thy Light, and thy Truth, and make them Scribes ready inſtructed to thy heavenly Kingdom.

Bleſſed be GOD for ſending me hither. — I find now it was his Divine Will. — For our dear Brother K— falling into ſuch an Error, has given ſuch a Shock, that unleſs I had come, in all Probability the Brethren would have been ſcattered abroad like Sheep having no Shepherd. But GOD, I hope, will always have a Remnant here left, which may take Root downward, and bear Fruit upward.— Let all that love the Lord JESUS, ſay, Amen.

Tueſday, April 24. Perceived myſelf much ſtrengthened yeſterday and this Morning, and told my Friends how theſe Words were impreſſed upon me, And more than meet the gathering Storm.— About Nine of the Clock, after I had exhorted the Brethren, and pretty well eſtabliſhed them in the Faith, the Vice-Chancellor came in Perſon to the Houſe where we were aſſembled, having threatned to do ſo ſome Time ago, if they continued to build up one another in that Manner.— He ſent for me down Stairs, being informed that I was in the Houſe. — When I firſt ſaw him, I perceived he was in a Paſſion, which he ſoon expreſſed in ſuch Language as this; Have you, Sir, ſays he, a Name in any Book here? Yes, Sir, ſaid I,; but I intend to take it out ſoon. — Yes, and you had beſt take yourſelf out too, replied he, or otherwiſe I will lay you by the Heels. What do you mean, continued he, by going about, and alienating the People's Affections from their proper Paſtors? Your Works are full of Vanity and Nonſenſe, you pretend to Inſpiration. If you ever come again in this Manner among theſ • People, I will lay you firſt by the Heels, and theſe ſhall follow. Upon this, he turned his Back, and went away.— I deſired the Brethren to joyn in Prayer for him. — Took my Leave, being juſt going to ſet out as the Vice-Chancellor came in. I ſoon found by the Comforts GOD gave me, how glorious it was to ſuffer any Thing for the Sake of JESUS CHRIST.— However, I muſt not forget mentioning, that I exhorted all the Brethren not to forſake the aſſembling themſelves together, though no Paſtor ſhould be permitted to come amongſt them; For ſo long as they continued ſtedfaſt in the Communion of the eſtabliſhed Church, I told them no Power on Earth could juſtify hindring them from continuing in Fellowſhip, as the primitive Chriſtians did, in order to build up each other in the Knowledge and Fear of GOD. Oh what Advantage has Satan gained over us, by our Brother K—'s putting off his Gown! However, though he is permitted to bruiſe our Heel, yet we ſhall, in the End, bruiſe his Head. — The Gates of Hell ſhall never prevail againſt the Church of JESUS CHRIST, either viſible or inviſible.

About Eight at Night, I, and my Friends, reached Uxbridge, where we were greatly refreſhed by the coming of ſeveral Brethren, and the Receipt of ſome Letters from Savannah. Bleſſed be GOD, all is well; and I ſhall now thing the Time long till I embark for Georgia. LORD, let that People be precious in thy Sight.

LONDON.

Wedneſday, April 25. Reached London with my dear Friends about Ten in the Morning; was received moſt tenderly by my dear Brethren. Received a Letter from Gibral •• r, giving an Account of the Succeſs of my Labours in that Garriſon. — Expounded to a Society of holy Women, and afterwards ſpent about two Hours in cloſe Conference at Fetter-lane Society. Thanks be to GOD, we talked with great Sweetneſs and Chriſtian Love, and unanimouſly declared againſt the Principles of our three Brethren, who lately made ſuch Confuſion in Oxford. There muſt be Hereſies amongſt you, that they which are approved may be made manifeſt.

Thurſday, April 26. Aſſiſted in adminiſtring the bleſſed Sacrament at Iſlington: where the Vicar, in Conformity to the Rubrick, takes Care to obſerve the Octaves of Eaſter.—After this, I expounded to a large Room full of People, and with ſuch Power and Demonſtration of the Spirit, as I never ſaw before. Surely the Hearers Hearts were quite melted down by the preaching of the free Grace of GOD in CHRIST JESUS to poor Sinners. Floods of loving Tears flowed from their Eyes. — In the Evening I expounded to a Society at St. Mary's Hill, and then retired to Bed, wiſhing that all felt the Comforts GOD was then pleaſed to communicate to my Soul. Indeed I can ſay, that the LORD is gracious.

Friday, April 27. Went this Morning to Iſlington to preach, according to the Appointment of my dear Brother in CHRIST, the Rev. Mr. Stonehouſe; — but in the midſt of the Prayers, the Church-Warden came, demanding me to produce my Licence, or otherwiſe he forbad my preaching in that Pulpit. I believe I might have inſiſted upon my Right to preach, being in Prieſt's Orders, and having the Preſentation of the Living at Savannah, which is in the Biſhop of London's Dioceſe, a ſtronger Licence than that implicite one, by which Hundreds of the inferior Clergy are by his Lordſhip permitted to preach: However, for Peace Sake, I declined preaching in the Church; but after the Communion Service was over, I preached in the Churchyard; being aſſured my Maſter now called me out here, as well as in Briſtol.— The ſecond Leſſon was Acts the xxiv. which contained the plauſible Speech Tertullus made againſt Paul, a Ringleader of the Sect of the Nazarenes, which GOD applied cloſely to my Heart. And he was pleaſed ſo to aſſiſt me in preaching, and ſo wonderfully to affect the Hearers, that I believe we could have went ſinging of Hymns to Priſon. Let not the Adverſaries ſay, I have thruſt myſelf out of their Synagogues: No; they have thruſt me out. And ſince the Self-righteous Men of this Generation count themſelves unworthy, I go out into the Highways and Hedges, and compel Harlots, Publicans and Sinners to come in, that my Maſter's Houſe may be filled. They who are ſincere, will follow after me to bear the Word of GOD.

Expounded at Night to a very large Society in Wapping, with great Power, and perceived that the London People were much improved ſince I left them; indeed their Hearts ſeem to be quite broken, and I believe they would pluck out their Eyes if it were poſſible to ſerve me. LORD▪ ſanctify my coming to them, and grant that they may receive a ſecond Benefit.

Saturday, April 28. Preached this Morning again in Iſlington Churchyard, and, bleſſed be GOD, the Congregation was near as large again as Yeſterday, and the Word was attended with extraordinary Power. The ſecond Leſſon was very applicable, being Acts xxv. I can ſay with St. Paul, Neither againſt the Temple, nor againſt Caeſar have I done any Thing, and yet I am put out of their Synagogues, and reviled as an evil Doer; but the Scriptures muſt be fulfilled, If they have perſecuted me, they will alſo perſecute you.

About ſix I expounded to a thronged Society of Women at Fetter-lane, and at eight on St. Mary's Hill. The Portion of Scripture that Providence directed me to, was the Nineteenth of Geneſis, which was very applicable to what happened: For ſome wicked Men, Men of Belial, came and preſſed, and broke down the Door; but GOD was pleaſed to give me ſuch Power at the laſt, that they were forced into an awful Silence, and, I believe they really felt the Weight of GOD's Word. The Fierceneſs of Men ſhall turn to thy Praiſe, and the Fierceneſs of them ſhalt thou reſtrain.

Sunday, April 29. Preached in the Morning at Moorfields, to an exceeding great Multitude.— At Ten, went to Chriſt-Church, and heard Dr. Trapp preach moſt virulently againſt me and my Friends, upon theſe Words, Be not righteous • ver-much, why ſhouldſt thou deſtroy thy ſelf? GOD gave me great Serenity of Mind; but alas! the Preacher was not ſo calm as I wiſhed him. His Sermon was ſounded upon wrong Suppoſitions, (the neceſſary Conſequence of his hearing with other Men's Ears) not to ſay there were many direct Untruths in it. — And he argued ſo ſtrenuouſly againſt all inward Feelings, that he plainly proved, that with all his Learning, he knew nothing yet as he ought to know. I pray GOD rebuke his Spirit, and grant that that Sermon may never riſe up in Judgment againſt him.

Being weakened by my Morning's preaching, in the Afternoon I refreſhed myſelf by a little Sleep, and at five went and preached at Kennington Common, about two Miles from London, where no leſs than thirty Thouſand People were ſuppoſed to be preſent; the Wind being for me, it carried the Voice to the extremeſt Part of the Audience.

All ſtood attentive, and joined in the Pſalm and Lord's Prayer moſt regularly, — and I ſcarce ever preached more quietly in any Church.— The Word came with Power. — The People were much affected▪ and expreſſed their Love to me many Ways. — All agreed it was never ſeen on this wiſe before. Oh what need have all GOD's People to rejoyce and give Thanks! I hope a good Inroad has been made into the Devil's Kingdom this Day. LORD, not unto me, but to thy Name be all the Glory.

Monday, April 30. Declined preaching to Day, that I might have Leiſure to write to ſome of my Correſpondents, and make Preparations for my poor Orphans at Georgia. — Received Letters this Evening from thence, telling me of the Affairs of that Colony. — At preſent they have but a melancholly Aſpect; but our Extremity is GOD's Opportunity. — LORD, thou calledſt me; lo! I come to do thy Will. — Heard alſo that Mr. K—n had got over his Scruples, and of the wonderful Succeſs of my honoured Friend Mr. John Weſley's Miniſtry in Briſtol, and of much Oppoſition at Oxon. Certainly GOD is about to bring mighty Things to paſs.

Tueſday, May 1. Preached after publick Service in Iſlington Churchyard, to a greater Congregation than ever. And in the Evening went to expound on Dowgate Hill, the Houſe of Mr. C— 〈◊〉 but when I came to the Door, no leſs than two or three Thouſand People were gathered round it; ſo that to avoid a Noiſe, I was obliged to ſtand up in the Fore-ſtreet Window, and preach to them in the Street.— And I think they behaved well; and they would have behaved much better, had they not been disturbed. Now know I more and more, that the LORD calls me into the Fields: For no Houſe or Street is able to contain half the People that come to hear the Word. — This is a Time for doing; yet a little while, and a ſuffering Time will come. I cannot follow him now; but I ſhall follow him afterwards.

Wedneſday, May 2. Preached this Evening again to above ten Thouſand at Kennington Common, and ſpent the Remainder of the Evening in Conference with our Brethren in Fetter-lane Society.—I hope we do build up one another in our moſt holy Faith. — Our Brethren that have fallen into Errors, have left us voluntarily. And now the old Leaven is purged out, we walk in the Comforts of the Holy Ghoſt, and are edified.

Thurſday, May 3. Was fully employed all Day in making Preparations for my Voyage, and preached at ſix in the Evening (a Time I chooſe that People may not be drawn away from their Buſineſs) at Kennington, and great Power was amongſt us▪ — The Audience was more numerous and ſilent than yeſterday, the Evening calm, and many went affected away. Glory be to GOD, I begin to find an Alteration i • the People's Behaviour ••• eady. GOD grant it may increaſe more and more.

Saturday, May 5. Preached Yeſterday and to Day, as uſual, at Kennington Common, to about twenty Thouſand Hearers, who were very much affected. —The Remainder of my Time I ſpent in preparing Things for Georgia. — I am not uſually ſo much engaged in Seculars; but I as readily do this as preach, when it is the Will of GOD. — It is a great Miſtake that ſome run into, to ſuppoſe Religion conſiſts only in ſaying our Prayers▪ but I think a Man is no further holy, than he is relatively holy. And he only will adorn the Goſpel of our Lord JESUS CHRIST in all Things, who is careful to perform all the civil Offices of Life, whether Servant, Maſter, or Miſtreſs, with a ſingle Eye to GOD's Glory, and from a Principle of a lively Faith in JESUS CHRIST our Saviour. — This is the Morality which I preach, and which ſhall ſtand as long as the Rock on which it is founded; while all Morality ſet up in Oppoſition to this, ſhall ſink, with its Profeſſors, into Hell.

Sunday, May 6. Preached this Morning in Moorfields, to about twenty Thouſand People, who were very quiet and attentive, and much affected.— Went to publick Worſhip Morning and Evening; and at ſix preached at Kennington —But ſuch a Sight never were my Eyes bleſſed with before.— I believe there were no leſs than fifty Thouſand People, near fourſcore Coaches, beſides great Numbers of Horſes, and what is moſt remarkable, there was ſuch an awful Silence amongſt them, and the Word of GOD came with ſuch Power, that all, I believe, were pleaſingly ſurprized. GOD gave me great Enlargement of Heart. I continued my Diſcourſe for an Hour and a Half; and when I returned home, I was filled with ſuch Love, Peace and Joy, that I cannot expreſs it. — I believe this was partly owing to ſome Oppoſition I met with Yeſterday. It is hard for Men to kick againſt the Pricks. — The more they oppoſe, the more ſhall JESUS CHRIST be exalted. Our Adverſaries ſeem to be come to an Extremity, while for want of Arguments to convince, they are obliged to call out to the civil Magiſtrate to compel me to be ſilent; but I believe it will be difficult to prove our Aſſemblies in the Fields to be either diſorderly or illegal. But they that are born after the Fleſh, muſt perſecute thoſe that are born after the Spirit.— Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.

Monday, May 7. Had full Employment again to Day in preparing for my Voyage; did not preach, only expounded in a private Houſe, where ten Pounds were collected for the Orpha •• Though I kept it as ſecret as poſſible, yet Numbers of People crouded round the Door; ſo that I find myſelf more and more under a Neceſſity of going out into the Fields.

Received ſeveral Letters of the Fruits of my Miniſtry in ſeveral Places, and had divers come to me awakened, under GOD, by my preaching in the Fields.

Tueſday, May 8. Preached in the Evening, as uſual, on Kennington Common.— Some conſiderable Time before I ſe • out from Town, it rained very hard, ſo that once I thought of not going; but ſeveral pious Friends joined in hearty Prayer that GOD would be pleaſed to withhold the Rain, which was done immediately. — To my great Suprize, when I came to the Common, I ſaw above twenty Thouſand People. — All the while, except for a few Moments, the Sun ſhone out upon us; and, I truſt, the Sun of Righteouſneſs aroſe on ſome with healing in his Wings. For the People were melted down very much at the preaching of the Word, and put up hearty Prayers for my temporal and eternal Welfare. Oh that they may enter into the Ears of the Lord of Sabbaoth!

Wedneſday, May 9. Waited at Noon upon the honourable Truſtees for Georgia. — They received me with the utmoſt Civility, agreed to every Thing I aſked, and gave me a Grant of Five Hundred Acres of Land, to me and my Succeſſors for ever, for the Uſe of the Orphan-Houſe. — My Friend H— alſo writes me Word to Day from Georgia, that the General and Officers are very kind to him upon my Account; ſo that, bleſſed be GOD, there is a comfortable Proſpect of all Things going on as I could wiſh.

About Four in the Afternoon I was taken ill and deſerted, which I always look upon as a certain Preparative for ſome approaching Mercy. —And ſo this was; for after GOD had enabled me to preach to about Twenty Thouſand for above an Hour at Kennington, he inclined the Hearers Hearts to contribute moſt cheerfully and liberally towards the Orphan-Houſe. — I was one of the Collectors,—and it would have delighted any one to have ſeen with what Eagerneſs and Cheerfulneſs the People came up both Sides the Eminence on which I ſtood, and afterwards to the Coach Doors to throw in their Mites. — Surely GOD muſt have touched their Hearts: —For when we came home, we found we had collected above Forty Seven Pounds, amongſt which were Sixteen Pounds in Halfpence; for which we endeavoured to give hearty thanks. — GOD was pleaſed to pour into my Soul a great Spirit of Supplication, and a Senſe of his free diſtinguiſhing Mercies ſo filled me with Love, Humility, and Joy, and holy Confuſion, that I could at laſt only pour out my Heart before him in an awful Silence.—It was ſo full, that I could not well ſpeak. Oh the Happineſs of a Communion with GOD!

Thurſday, May 10. Preached at Kennington; but it rained moſt Part of the Day. There were not above Ten Thouſand People, and Thirty Coaches.—However, GOD was pleaſed ſo viſibly to interpoſe in cauſing the Weather to clear up, and the Sun to ſhine out juſt as I began, that I could not avoid taking Notice of it to the People in my Diſcourſe. Our minute Philoſophers, nay, and our Chriſtians, falſly ſo called, laugh at the Notion of a particular Providence. But to ſuppoſe a general, without holding a particular Providence, is as abſurd, as to imagine there can be a Chain without being compoſed of Links.— Search the Scriptures, and we ſhall find, That not a Sparrow can fall to the Ground without our heavenly Father, and that the very Hairs of our Head are numbred.

Friday, May 11. Preached at Kennington to a larger Audience than the laſt Night, and collected Twenty Six Pounds Fifteen Shillings and Sixpence, for the Orphan-Houſe.—The Readineſs wherewith the People gave is inexpreſſible. —Indeed I can ſay they offered willingly. — They could not have taken more Pains, or expreſſed more Earneſtneſs, had they all been to have received an Alms from me. A Sign this, that the Word of God has taken hold of their Hearts. I found great Sweetneſs of Soul in myſelf; and being upon the Publican and Phariſee, I was very earneſt in endeavouring to convince the Self-righteous Phariſees of this Generation, and offering JESUS CHRIST freely to all, who, with the hum • le Publican, feelingly and experimentally could cry out, GOD be merciful to me a Sinner.

Saturday, May 12. Agreed to Day for myſelf, and E • even more, to go on Board the Elizabeth, Captain Allan, to Pennſylvania; where I deſign, GOD willing, to preach the Goſpel in my Way to Georgia, and buy Proviſions for my Orphan-Houſe. LORD ſend thy Angel before me to prepare my Way.

Had many come to me this Morning, acquainting me what GOD had done for their Souls by my preaching in the Fields.— And in the Evening preached to about Twenty Thouſand People at Kennington as uſual, the Weather continuing remarkably fair whilſt I was delivering my Maſter's Meſſage.— Though I was full of Matter, yet I found a Reſtraint upon my Spirits, which prevented my ſpeaking with my wonted Freedom: However, I offered JESUS CHRIST to all that would apply him to their Hearts by Faith. Oh that all would embrace him! The LORD make them willing in the Day of his Power.

Sunday, May 13. Preached this Morning to a prodigious Number of People in Moorfields, and collected for the Orphans Fifty Two Pounds Nineteen Shillings and Sixpence, above Twenty Pounds of which was in Halfpence. — Indeed they almoſt wearied me in receiving their Mites; and they were more than one Man could carry home.—Thus will GOD make his Power to be known.—Went to publick Worſhip twice, and preached in the Evening to near Sixty Thouſand People.—Many went away becauſe they could not hear; but GOD enabled me to ſpeak, ſo that the beſt Part of them could underſtand me well; and it is very remarkable what a deep Silence is preſerved whilſt I am ſpeaking.—After Sermon, I made another Collection of Twenty Nine Pounds Seventeen Shillings and Eightpence, and came home deeply humbled with a Senſe of what God had done for my Soul. — I doubt not but many ſelf-righteous Bigots, when they ſee me ſpreading out my Hands to offer JESUS CHRIST freely to all, are ready to cry out, How glorious did the Reverend Mr. Whitefield look to Day, when, neglecting the Dignity of a Clergyman, he ſtood venting his Enthuſiaſtick Ravings in a Gown and Caſſock upon a Common, and collecting Mites from the poor People? But if this be to be vile, LORD grant that I may be more vile. — I know this Fooliſhneſs of preaching is made inſtrumental to the Converſion and Edification of Numbers. Ye Phariſees mock on, I rejoyce, yea, and will rejoyce.

Monday, May 14. Spent moſt of this Day in viſiting ſome Friends, and ſettling my Georgia Affairs. Spent the Evening very agreeably with ſeveral Quakers at the Houſe of Mr. Hy—m. How much Comfort do thoſe loſe who converſe with none but ſuch as are of their own Communion!

Tueſday, May 15. Preached this Evening at Kennington, and GOD was pleaſed to ſend us a • ittle Rain. — But it rejoiced me greatly: — For the People, notwithſtanding, ſtood very attentive; and aſſoon as the Rain came, I received uncommon Strength from above. The good LORD water us all with the Dew of his heavenly Bleſſing.

Wedneſday, May 16. Sent a Quaker, whom GOD was pleaſed to convince, to be baptized by my dear Brother Mr. Stonehouſe. Waited upon the honourable Truſtees, who ſtill treated me with the utmoſt Civility.—Dined with ſome more ſerious Quakers, and preached at Kennington, and have Reaſon to bleſs GOD more and more for the Order and Devotion of thoſe that come to hear the Word. — Indeed they behave as though they believed GOD was ſtanding at their Right-Hand.

Thurſday, May 17. Preached, after ſeveral Invitations thither, at Hampſtead-heath, about five Miles from London.— The Audience was of the politer Sort, and I preached very near the Horſe-courſe, which gave me Occaſion to ſpeak home to their Souls concerning our ſpiritual Race — Moſt were attentive, but ſome mocked. Thus the Word of GOD is either a Savour of Life unto Life, or of Death unto Death. GOD's Spirit bloweth when, and where it liſteth.

Friday, May 18. Dined with ſeveral of the Moravian Church, and could not avoid admiring their great Simplicity, and deep Experience in the inward Life.— At ſix, I preached in a very large open Place in Shadwell, being much preſſed by many to go thither.— I believe there were upwards of twenty Thouſand People.— At firſt, through the Greatneſs of the Throng, there was a little Hurry; but afterwards, all was huſh'd and ſilent.— I perceived a d • vine Power come upon me from above. — The Word, I believe, made its Way into their Hearts, and very near twenty Pounds were collected for the Orphan-house.— Bleſſed be GOD, we now begin to ſurround this great City. As the Walls of Jericho once fell down at the Sound of a few Rams Horns; ſo I hope even this Fooliſhneſs of Preaching, under GOD, will be a Means of pulling down the Devil's ſtrong Holds, which are in and about the City of London.

Received ſeveral excellent Letters, amongſt which was one from Mr. Ralph Erſkine, a Field-Preacher of the Scots Church, a noble Soldier of the Lord JESUS CHRIST. Oh that all that were truly zealous knew one another! It muſt greatly ſtrengthen each 〈◊〉 Hands.

Saturday, May 19. Had the Pleaſure of being an Inſt • ument, under GOD, with Mr. Seward, of bringing a young Man out of Bethlehem, who was lately put into that Place for being, as they term it, Methodically Mad. — The Way I came to be acquainted with him, was by his ſending me the following Letter.

To the Rev. Mr • Whitefield, theſe, Dear Sir,

I have read your Sermon upon the New- ••• th, and hope I 〈◊〉 always have a due Senſe of my dear Redeemer's Goodneſs to me, that has ſo infinitely extended his Mercy to me, which Senſe be pleaſed to confirm in me by your Prayers; and may Almighty GOD bleſs and preſerve you, and proſper your miniſterial Function. I wiſh, Sir, I could have ſome explanatory Notes upon the New Teſtament, to enlighten the Darkneſs of my Underſtanding, to make me capable of becoming a good Soldier of JESUS CHRIST; but, above all, ſhould be glad to ſee you. I am,

Dear Sir, Yours affectionately with my whole Heart, Joſeph Periam. Bethlehem Hoſpital, No. 50.

According to his Requeſt I paid him a Viſit, and found him in perfect Health both in Body and Mind. A Day or two after, I and Mr. Seward went and talked with his Siſter, who gave me the three following Sy •• tons of his being mad. Firſt, That he faſted for near a Fortnight. Secondly, That he prayed ſo as to be heard four Story high. Thirdly, That he had ſold his Clo •• hs, and given them to the Poor.— This the young Man himſelf explained to me before; and ingeniouſly confeſſed, that under his firſt Awakenings, he was one Day reading the Story of the young Man whom our LORD commanded to ſell all, and give to the Poor, and thinking it muſt be taken in the literal Senſe, out of Love to JESUS CHRIST he ſold his Cloaths, and gave the Money to the Poor. — This is nothing but what is common to Perſons at their firſt ſetting out in the ſpiritual Life. Satan will, if poſſible, drive them to Extremes. — And if ſuch young Converts were left to GOD, or had ſome experienced Perſon to conſult with, they would ſoon come into the Liberties of the Goſpel, But how ſhould thoſe who have not been tempted like unto their Brethren, be able to ſuccour thoſe that are tempted?

May the 5th I received a ſecond Letter from him.

Query 1. If Repentance does not include a Ceſſation from Sin, and turning to Virtue; and though notwithſtanding I want that deep Contrition mentioned by ſome Divines, yet as I live not wilfully in any known Sin, and firmly believe the Goſpel of our Lord JESUS CHRIST, may I not thereby be intitled to the Benefits of CHRIST's Death and Reſurrection, in the Perſeverance of Knowledge, and Practice of my Duty?

Query 2. If I am in Priſon, whether I may not, without Offence to GOD, make uſe of Endeavours to be diſcharged, by which I may be enabled to get into a pious Chriſtian Family, and conſequently be grounded and firmly ſettled in the Love of GOD, it being my Deſire; for I am ſurrounded with nothing but Prophaneneſs and Wickedneſs?

Query 3. If my Objections to being impriſoned are inconſiſtent or wicked, which are, that I am obliged to ſubmit to the Rules of the Houſe, in going to my Cell at ſeven or eight of the Clock at Night, and not let out till ſix or ſeven in the Morning, by which I am debarred the Uſe of Candle, and conſequently Books; ſo that all that Time, except what is ſpent in Prayer and Meditation, is loſt. Which Exerciſes, though good, are, by ſo conſtant Repetition, and for want of Change, deaden'd?

Query 4. If I ſhould, by the Goodneſs of GOD, be diſcharged, whether I may, without Offence to the Goſpel of JESUS CHRIST, follow the Buſineſs of an Attorney at Law, to which I was put as a Clerk; and by a conſcientious Diſcharge of that Duty, be thereby intitled to a heavenly Inheritance; my Fear in this Point ariſing from our Lord's Advice about going to Law, Matthew v.40.

Query 5. If I cannot be diſcharged by proper Application, (which Application pray be pleaſed to let me have) how can I beſt ſpend my Time to the Glory of GOD, myſelf and Brethren's Welfare? And pleaſe to give me Rules for the ſame.

Worthy Sir,

Theſe Queſtions, whether momentary or not, I leave to your Judgment. If you think they deſerve an Anſwer, ſhould be glad to have them ſolved; for as I am ſenſible of the Power of my Adverſary the Devil, ſurely I cannot but act with the utmoſt Circumſpection, which gives me Occaſion to trouble you herewith; and I hope, Sir, the Circumſtance of the Place I am in, may excuſe the Manner in which I have wrote to you, and count it not an Affront; for GOD is Witneſs how I love and eſteem the Miniſters of JESUS CHRIST; for whoſe dear Sake, may the GOD of infinite Love and Goodneſs, ſtabliſh and confirm you in the daily Succeſs of your miniſterial Labours, which are the daily Prayers of

Your moſt unworthy, but faithful humble Servant, Joſeph Periam. Bethlehem, No. 50. May 5. 1739.

P S. I am afraid, Sir, I miſbehaved myſelf when you ſo kindly came to ſee me; but if I did in any Meaſure, your Chriſtian Love and Charity will excuſe it; for not being warned of your coming, the Surprize, though pleaſant, ſo fluttered my Spirits, that I was overburdened with Joy.

O how pleaſed ſhould I be to ſee you!

To this I ſent the following Anſwer.

Dear Sir, May 7. 1739.

The Way to Salvation is by JESUS CHRIST, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.— The Way to CHRIST is by Faith. Whoſoever liveth and believeth in me, ſays our LORD, though he were dead, yet ſhall be live. But this Faith, if it is a ſaving Faith, will work by Love Come then to JESUS CHRIST as a poor Sinner, and he will make you a rich Saint. This, I think, ſerves as an Anſwer to your firſt Query.

It is, no doubt, your Duty, whilſt you are in the Houſe, to ſubmit to the Rules of it; but then you may uſe all lawful Means to get yourſelf out. I have juſt now been with your Siſter, and will ſee what can be done farther, Watch and pray.

As for the Buſineſs of an Attorney, I think it unlawful for a Chriſtian, at leaſt exceeding dangerous. Avoid it therefore, and glorify GOD in ſome other Station. I am,

Dear Sir, Your affectionate Friend and Servant. G. W.

A Day or two after I received a third Letter, which is as follows.

Worthy Sir,

I received your Letter, which was a full Anſwer to my Queries, and give you my hearty Thanks for the Trouble you have taken upon you (the only Gratitude I can at preſent pay) but he, whom I have perfectly at Heart, will ſupply the Deficiency to you, and will not ſuffer a meritorious Act to go unrewarded. O how do I daily experience the Love of CHRIST towards me, who am ſo vile, baſe and unworthy! I pray GOD I may always be thankful, and both ready to do and ſuffer his moſt gracious Will, which I truſt, through your Prayers and GOD's Grace, I ſhall at all Times ſubmit to.

My Father was with me laſt Night, when I ſhewed him your Letter. I told him, I utterly renounced the Buſineſs of an Attorney. He then asked what Profeſſion I choſe, which I ſubmitted to him, on Condition it might prove agreeable to the Will of GOD. He was pleaſed to ſay, he thought me not mad, but very well in my Senſes, and would take me out, on Condition Doctor Monro and the Committee were of his Opinion. Then he varied again, and thought it convenient for me to ſtay the Summer, and ſo to take Phyſick twice a Week, fearing a Relapſe. I told him, as a Father, he ſhould be wholly obeyed; but when at parting he • entioned my leaving Religion (or Words to that Purpoſe, at which I was ſomewhat ſtirred in Spirit) I told him, nothing ſhould prevail upon me to leave JESUS CHRIST; upon which he left me. This is the Subſtance of what paſſed between us, which▪ I hope, is not amiſs to let you know of, as you have been ſo kind as to plead for my Liberty.

Upon the whole of the Matter, Sir, GOD gives me perfect Reſignation, and I truſt when he ſhall ſee fit, will diſcharge me; and as I find his Love daily more and more ſhed abroad in my Heart, all Things will work together for my good. Pray, Sir, be thankful for me, and if Opportunity will let you, I ſhould be ſincerely glad to ſee you before you ſet out for America. And may Almighty GOD, in his infinite Goodneſs, proſper, guide and protect you, through this tranſitory Life, and hereafter receive you triumphantly into the heavenly Jeruſalem, there to converſe with, and ſee the ever bleſſed JESUS, that dear Lamb of GOD; to which that you may attain, are the hearty and fervent Wiſhes of

Your loving and ſincere Friend, Joſeph Periam▪ Wedneſday, May, 9. 1739,

I am aſhamed to trouble you thus, but my Heart is full of you.

Upon reading this, I was ſenſibly touched with a Fellow-feeling of his Miſery; and, at my Requeſt, Mr. Seward, and two more Friends, waited upon the Committee. But alas! they eſteemed my Friends as much mad as the young Man, and frankly told them, both I and my Followers, in their Opinion, were really beſides themſelves. My Friend Seward urged the Example of the young Perſons, who called the Prophet that was ſent to anoint Jehu King, a mad Fellow; — of our LORD, whom his own Relations, and the Scribes and Phariſees, took to be mad, and beſides himſelf; — and Feſtus's Opinion of St. Paul. — He further urged, that when young People were under their firſt Awakenings, they were uſually tempted by the Devil to run into ſome Extremes. But all ſuch Language confirmed the Gentlemen more and more, that Mr. Seward was mad alſo. And to prove that the young Man was certainly mad, they called one of the Attendants, who ſaid, when Mr. Periam firſt came into the Place, he ſtripped himſelf to his Shirt, and prayed. — The Reaſon of this, as Mr. Periam ſaid afterwards, was, that he might i •• ure himſelf to Hardſhip at once: For being brought from Bethnall Green, where he was taken great Care of, into a cold Place without Windows, and a damp Cellar under him, he thought it beſt to ſeaſon himſelf at firſt, that he might learn to endure Hardneſs as a good Soldier of JESUS CHRIST. In the midſt of the Conference, ſome Way or other, they mentioned his going to Georgia, and ſaid, if I would take him with me, they would engage that his Father ſhould give Leave to have him releaſed. — A Day or two after, Mr. Seward waited upon his Father, who gave his Son an excellent Character, and conſented to his going abroad. — After this, he waited upon the Doctor, who pronounced him well.— And to Day he waited again upon the Committee, who behaved very civilly, and gave the young Man a Diſcharge.

He is now with me, and I hope will be an Inſtrument of doing good.— The Hardſhips he has indured at Bethlehem, will, I hope, prepare him for what he muſt undergo abroad. — And being now not ignorant of Satan's Devices, he will be better qualified to prevent his getting an Advantage over others. Before I leave my Account of him, I cannot help telling what Uſage he met with at his firſt coming into Bethlehem.— Being ſenſible within himſelf, that he wanted no bodily Phyſick, he was unwilling at firſt to take it; upon which, four or five took hold of him, curſed him moſt heartily, put a Key into his Mouth, threw him upon the Bed, and ſaid (though I had then never ſeen or heard of him) you are one of Whitefield's Gang, and ſo drenched him. — I hear alſo, that there was an Order given, that neither I, or any of my Friends, ſhould be permitted to come unto him. Good GOD! how ſhortly will that Day come when theſe unhappy Men ſhall be heard to cry out, We Fools counted their Lives Madneſs, and their Ends to be without Honour! How are they numbred among the Children of GOD! How is their Lot among the Saints!

Dined at Clapham with Mr. B—n, a Quaker. Preached in the Evening at Kennington Common to about 15000 People, who were very attentive and affected. Afterwards I ſpent two Hours in at Fetter-lane Society, where we had a moſt uſeful Conference concerning the Neceſſity every Chriſtian lay under to have ſome particular Calling, whereby he may be a uſeful Member of the Society to which he belongs. — We all agreed to this unanimouſly; as for my own Part, I think, if a Man will not labour, neither ought he to eat. To be ſo intent on purſuing the one Thing needful, as to neglect providing for thoſe of our own Houſholds, in my Opinion, is to be Righteous overmuch.

Sunday, May 20. Went with our Brethren of Fetter-lane Society to St. Pauls, and received the holy Sacrament, as a Teſtimony that we adhered to the Church of England.

Preached at Moorfields and Kennington Common, and at both Places collected very near fifty Pounds for the Orphan-houſe. A viſible Alteration is made in the People's Behaviour:— For though there were near fifteen Thouſand in the Morning, and double the Number in the Afternoon, yet they were as quiet during my Sermon▪ as though there had not been above fifty Perſon • preſent. — I did not meet with a Moment's Interruption. I could ſay of the Aſſembly, a • Jacob did on another Occaſion, Surely GOD 〈◊〉 this Place.

HERTFORD.

Monday, May 21. Was fully engaged all th • Morning in ſettling my Georgi • Affairs. Left London about Three, — called and prayed at a Houſe or two in the Way, and reached Hertford between eight and nine at Night.— I never ſaw a Town ſo much alarmed. — The Streets were every where crouded; and by the Behaviour of ſome, I thought we ſhould have had many Scoffers. — But, bleſſed be GOD, I never preached to a more quiet Congregation. — The Hearers were in Number about Four or Five Thouſand, and the Place I preached in was a Common near the Town. Afterwards a certain Gentlewom • n, Lydia like, conſtrained both me and my Friends▪ if we judged her worthy, to come and abide in her Houſe that Night, which we did to our great Comfort. The LORD reward her a Thouſand-fold.

HERTFORD and OULNEY in Buckingham ••• re.

Tueſday, May 22. Preached about ſeven in the Morning from the ſame Place, and to near as large a Congregation as I did laſt Night.— GOD gave me uncommon Power, and all, I hope, went away convinced that my Doctrine was of GOD. Breakfaſted with Mr. S—ds, a Diſſenting Miniſter, who kindly invited and received me and my Friends. Dined at Hitchen. Promiſed, at the Requeſt of many, to preach to them, GOD willing, on Friday Morning, and reached Oulney about Ten at Night, where I long ſince promiſed to come. Here alſo GOD had prepared a Table for us; and here I was not a little comforted with meeting with the Rev. Mr. Rogers of Bedford, who, like me, has lately been thruſt out of the Synagogues, for ſpeaking of Juſtification by Faith, and the New Birth, and has commenced a Field-Preacher. Once he was ſhut in Priſon for a ſhort Time, but Thouſands flock to hear him, and GOD bleſſes him more and more. I believe we are the firſt profeſſed Miniſters of the Church of England, that were ſo 〈◊〉 , and without Cauſe, excluded every Pulpit. Whether 〈…〉 Brethren can juſtify ſuch a Conduct, the Laſt Day will determine.

Wedneſday, May 23. Being denied the Pulpit, I preached this Morning in a Field near the Town, to about two Thouſand People, with much Freedom and Power. They were very attentive, and I could have continued my Diſcourſe much longer; but the Bells ringing for Prayers, I adjourned my Hearers to publick Worſhip, where many of them went, and GOD was pleaſed to ſpeak to us much in the ſecond Leſſon.— How powerfully does the Word of GOD come to our Hearts, when we experience it 〈◊〉 Otherwiſe, it is a dead Letter.

NORTHAMPTON.

Reached Northampton about Five in th • Evening, and was moſt courteouſly received by Dr. Dodridge, Maſter of the Academy there.

At ſeven, according to Appointment, I preached to about three Thouſand Hearers on a Common near the Town, from the Starting-poſt.—Great Power, I believe was amongſt us, and I preached with wonderful Pleaſure; becauſe I thought I had then actual Poſſeſſion of one of the Devil's ſtrong Holds. Oh that we may all run ſo as to obtain the Crown of Life, which GOD the righteous Judge, will give, at the laſt Day, to all that love our LORD JESUS in Sincerity.

Thurſday, May 24. Preached again at the ſame Place at about Eight in the Morning, but to a much larger Audience. Breakfaſted with ſome pious Friends. Was greatly comforted by ſeveral choice Children of GOD, who came to me from different Parts, and left Northampton about eleven, rejoycing with my Friends at the mighty Things GOD had already done, and was yet about to do for us. Many righteous Souls live in and about Northampton; and nothing confirms me more in my Opinion, that GOD intends to work a great Work upon the Earth, than to find how his Children of all Denominations every where wreſtle in Prayer for me.

OULNEY.

Being much ſollicited thereto, after Sermon yeſterday, I haſtned, in Company with near a dozen Friends, to Oulney, eight long Miles from Northampton, and got thither about Ten of the Clock. Great Numbers were aſſembled together; but on account of its being a rainy Day it was judged inconvenient to preach in the Fields. I therefore ſtood upon 〈◊〉 Eminence in the Street, and preached from thence with ſuch Power as I have not for ſome Time experienced. Though it 〈◊〉 all the Time, yet the People ſtood very attentive and patient. All, I really believe, felt, as well as heard the Word, and one was ſo p • icked to the Heart, and convinced of Sin, that I ſcarce ever ſaw the like Inſtance. The Word of GOD is quick and powerful, and ſharper than a two-edged Sword.

Haſted away as faſt as poſſible from Oulney to Bedford, where I had promiſed, GOD willing, to preach to Night. About ſeven we got thither, and found the Town fully alarmed. — About eight, I preached from the Stairs of a Wind-Mill (the Pulpit of my dear Brother and Fellow Labourer Mr. Rogers) to about three Thouſand People; and GOD was pleaſed to give me ſuch extraordinary Aſſiſtance, that I believe few, if any, were able to reſiſt the Power wherewith GOD enabled me to ſpeak. My Heart was full of GOD, and I ſpake as one having Authority. GOD cauſed me to renew my Strength, and gave me ſuch inward Support, that my Journey did not affect me. As my Day is, ſo ſhalt my Strength be.

Friday, May 25. Preached at Seven in the Morning with great Power, and rather a larger Congregation than before.—Took an affectionate Leave of many gracious Souls, and reached Hitchin, ten Miles from Bedford, about one of the Clock at Noon.— The Town, I perceived, was much alarmed, and many devout Souls came from far to hear me.— About two, I got upon a Table in the Market-place, near the Church; but ſome were pleaſed to ring the Bells in order to diſturb us. Upon this, not having begun, we removed into a moſt commodious Place in the Fields; but being a little fatigued with my Ride, and the Sun beating moſt intenſely upon my Head, I was obliged, in a ſho •• Time, to break off, being exceeding ſick and weak. — A kind Gentlewoman offered me her Houſe, where I went, and lay down for about two Hours, and then came and preached near the ſame Place, and GOD was with us.— It was ſurprizing to ſee how the Hearts of the People were knit to me.— I could have continued longer with them; but being under an Engagement to go to St. Albans, I haſtned thither, but could not preach on account of my coming in ſo late. Great Numbers had been there expecting me; and it grieved me to think how little I could do for CHRIST. For he is a gracious Maſter, and had I a Thouſand Lives, they ſhould be ſpent in his Service.

St. ALBANS and LONDON.

Saturday, May 26. Had a comfortable Night's Reſt, which much refreſhed me. Preached at ſeven in the Morning to about Fifteen hundred People in a Field near the Town with great Power, and got ſafe to London by two in the Afternoon.— Bleſſed be GOD, this has been a Week of fat Things. — Many further Inroads have been made into Satan's Kingdom.— Many Sinners convicted, and many Saints much comforted and eſtabliſhed in their moſt holy Faith. I find there are ſome Thouſand ſecret ones yet living amongſt us, that have not bowed the Knee to Baal, and this publick Way of acting brings them out. It much comforts me, whereever I go, to ſee ſo many of GOD's Children, of all Communions, come and wiſh me good Luck in the Name of the LORD. I perceive People would be every where willing to hear, if the Miniſters were ready to teach the Truth as it is in JESUS. LORD, do thou ſpirit up more of my dear Friends and Fellow Labourers to go out into the Highways and Hedges, to compel poor Sinners to come in. Amen.

Received an excellent Letter from the Rev. Mr. Ebenezer Erſkine of Scotland, Brother to Mr. Ralph Erſkine, acquainting me of his preaching laſt Week to Fourteen Thouſand People. Bleſſed be GOD, there are more Field-Preachers in the World beſides myſelf. The LORD furniſh us all with ſpiritual Food wherewith to feed ſo great Multitudes.

Preached in the Evening at Kennington Common to about Fifteen Thouſand People, and we had an extraordinary Preſence of GOD amongſt us. Oh! that all who object againſt this Way of Preaching, would come and ſee, — all ſincere Perſons muſt go convicted away.

Sunday, May 27. Preached this Morning at Moorfields to about Twenty Thouſand, and GOD manifeſted himſelf ſtill more and more. My Diſcourſe was near two Hours long. My Heart was full of Love; and People were ſo melted down on every Side, that the greateſt Scoffer muſt have owned that this was the Finger of GOD. Went twice to public Worſhip, received the bleſſed Sacrament, and preached, as uſual, in the Evening at Kennington Common, to about the ſame Number of People as I did laſt Lord's Day. Perceived I was a little hoarſe; but GOD ſtrengthned me to ſpeak ſo as not only to be heard, but felt by moſt that ſtood near me. Glory be to GOD on high.

Monday, May 28. Preached, after earneſt and frequent Invitation, at Hackney, in a Field belonging to one Mr. Rudge, to about Ten Thouſand People. — I inſiſted much upon the Reaſonableneſs of the Doctrine of the New Birth, and the Neceſſity of our receiving the Holy Ghoſt in its ſanctifying Gifts and Graces, as well now as formerly. GOD was pleaſed to impreſs it moſt deeply upon the Hearers. Great Numbers were drowned in Tears; and I could not help expoſing the Impiety of thoſe Letter-learned Teachers, who ſay, We are not now to receive the Holy Ghoſt, and count the Doctrine of the New Birth, ENTHUSIASM. Out of your own Mouths will I condemn you, you wicked and blind Guides. Did you not, at the Time of Ordination, tell the Biſhop, that you were inwardly moved by the Holy Ghoſt, to take upon you the Adminiſtration of the Church? Surely, at that Time, you acted the Crime of Ananias and Sapphir • 〈…〉 You lyed not unto Man, but unto GOD.

Tueſday, May 29. Went to publick Service at Weſtminſter Abbey. Afterwards diſpatched Buſineſs for my Orphans, and preached at Kennington to a moſt devout Auditory with much Sweetneſs and Power. The Subject I treated of, was our LORD's Miracle of the Loaves and Fiſhes; and I hope he who fed ſo many Thouſands with bodily Bread, did feed my Hearers Souls with the Bread of Life which cometh down from Heaven.

Wedneſday, May 30. Waited upon the Biſhop of Briſtol (who treated me with the utmoſt Civility) and received his Lordſhip's Benefaction for Georgia. At the Requeſt of many, I preached in the Evening at Newington Common, to about fifteen Thouſand People. A moſt commodious Place was erected for me to preach from. The Word came with Power; and ſeeing a great Multitude, I thought proper to collect for the Orphan-houſe. Sixteen Pounds nine Shillings and four Pence were gathered on that Occaſion. Bleſſed be the Lord for thus proſpering the Work of my Hands upon me.

Thurſday, May 31. Was taken very ill this Afternoon; but GOD was pleaſed to ſtrengthen me to go to Kennington, where I preached to my uſual Congregation; and three of my Brethren in the Miniſtry were pleaſed to accompany me, which filled the People with exceeding great Joy. Thou LORD of the Harveſt, ſend forth, we beſeech Thee, more Labourers into thy Harveſt.

Friday, June 1. Dined at Oldford, — gave a ſhort Exhortation to a few People in a Field, and preached in the Evening at a Place called Mayfair, near Hyde-Park Corner. — The Congregation, I believe, conſiſted of near Eighty Thouſand People.— It was, by far, the largeſt I ever preached to yet.— In the Time of my Prayer there was a little Noiſe? but they kept a deep Silence during my whole Diſcourſe. An high and very commodious Scaffold was erected for me to ſtand upon; and though I was weak in myſelf, yet GOD ſtrengthned me to ſpeak ſo loud that moſt could hear, and ſo powerfully, that moſt, I believe, could feel. All Love, all Glory be to God, through CHRIST.

So weak, ſo frail an Inſtrument, If thou, my GOD, vouchſafe to uſe; 'Tis Praiſe enough to be imployed, Reward enough, if thou excuſe. If thou excuſe, then work thy Will By ſo unfit an Inſtrument; It will at once thy Goodneſs ſhew, And prove thy Pow'r Omnipotent.

Saturday, June 2. Sent another Quaker to be baptized by Mr. Stonehouſe. Collected by private Contributions, near Fifty Pounds for the Orphans, and preached in the Evening to about Ten Thouſand at Hackney, where twenty Pounds twelve Shillings and four Pence were gathered on the ſame Occaſion. Before I went out to preach, I was very ſick and weak; but ſuch Power was given me from above, that I continued preaching for an Hour and an Half, and was ſo aſſiſted, that the People were diſſolved into Tears, and wept moſt bitterly. It rained ſome conſiderable Time, but almoſt all were unmoved; and I was ſo enlarged, by talking of the Love and Free Grace of JESUS CHRIST, that I could have continued my Diſcourſe till Midnight. This Promiſe, They that wait on the Lord ſhall renew their Strength, is fulfilled in me daily. Oh 〈◊〉 Grace in CHRIST JESUS our LORD.

Sunday, June 3. Preached at Moorfields to a larger Congregation than ever, and collected Twenty Nine Pounds Seventeen Shillings and Nine Pence for the Orphan-Houſe; went twice to publick Worſhip, received the Sacrament, and preached in the Evening at Kennington Common, to the moſt numerous Audience I ever yet ſaw in that Place, and collected Thirty Four Pounds five Shillings. When I mentioned my Departure from them, they were melted into Tears. — Thouſands of Ejaculations and fervent Prayers were poured out to GOD on my Behalf, which gave me abundant Reaſon to be thankful to my dear Maſter. Oh what marvellous great Kindneſs has GOD ſhewn me in this great City! Indeed I have ſeen the Kingdom of GOD come with Power, and cannot but ſay, Bleſſed are the Eyes which ſee the Things that we ſee, and hear the Things which we hear; for many righteous Souls have deſired to ſee the Things which we ſee, and to hear the Things which we hear, and have not heard them. I now go, I truſt, under the Conduct of GOD's Holy Spirit, to Pennſylvania and Virginia, and from thence to Georgia, knowing not what will befal me, ſave that the Holy Ghoſt witneſſeth in every Place, that Labours, Afflictions, and Trials of all Kinds abide me. O my dear Friends, pray that none of theſe Things may move me, and that I may not count even my Life dear unto myſelf, ſo that I may finiſh my Courſe with Joy, and the Miniſ • ry which I have received of the LORD JESUS. Into his Hands I commend my whole Spirit, Soul and Body; his Will be done in me, by me, and upon me, for Time, and for Eternity. Let me do or ſuffer juſt as ſeemeth good in his Sight. Only do thou, O LORD, give me that Wiſdom which dwelleth with Prudence, that I may never ſuffer for my own Miſconduct, but only for Righteouſneſs Sake.— Reward, O LORD, my dear Friends for all their Works of Faith, and Labours of Love.— Forgive my Enemies; and grant we may all effectually be called by thy Free Grace, and after Death be tranſlated to sit on thy Right Hand.— Prepare me for the fiery Tryal wherewith I muſt be tried, and make me faithful to the Truſt committed to my Charge. May I carefully watch the Flock over which the Holy Ghoſt hath made me Overſeer, and may I, in all Things, behave 〈◊〉 a good Steward of the manifold Gifts of GOD. — May the paſt Mercies make me humble and truly thankful, and may I be prepared for theſe greater Things which I am yet to ſee.— May the Soul of all to whom I have preached be precious in thy Sight, and may we all meet to be one another's Joy, and Crown of rejoycing in the Day of the LORD JESUS; though abſent in Body, may we be preſent in Spirit, and always have Reaſon to tri •• ph becauſe of the Truth. May we go on from conquering to conquer, and ſee Satan, like Lightning, fall from Heaven. May GOD pour into our Hearts a Spirit of Prayer and Supplication, and may our Prayers aſcend up as an acceptable Sacrifice, through JESUS CHRIST. To whom with Thee, O FATHER, and Thee, O HOLY GHOST, three Perſons, and one GOD, be all Glory, Might, Majeſty, and Dominion, now, and for evermore. Amen.

Captain of my Salvation, hear! Stir up thy Strength, and bow the Skies; Be Thou the GOD of Battles near; In all thy Majeſty ariſe! The Day, the dreadful Day's at Hand! In Battle cover thou my Head: Paſt is thy Word: I here demand, And confident expect thine Aid. Now arm me for the threatning Fight, Now let thy Power deſcend from high, Triumphant in thy Spirit's Might, So ſhall I every Foe defy. I aſk thy Help; by Thee ſent forth Thy glorious Goſpel to proclaim, Be Thou my Mouth, and ſhake the Earth, And ſpread by me thy awful Name. Steel me to Shame, Reproach, Diſgrace, Arm me with all thy Armour now, Set like a Flint my ſteady Face, Harden to Adamant my Brow. Bold may I wax, exceeding bold, My high Commiſſion to perform, No • ſhrink thy harſheſt Truths t' unfold, But more than meet the gathering Storm. Adverſe to Earth's rebellious • hrong Still may I turn my fearleſs Face, Stand as an Iron Pillar ſtrong, And ſtedfaſt as a Wall of Braſs. Give me thy Might, thou GOD of Pow'r; Then let or Men or Fiends aſſail! Strong in thy S • rength, I'll ſtand a Tower Impregnable to Earth or Hell.

The End of the Firſt Volume.