Thursday, December 31, 2009

"I am now an old man"

Fri Jan 1 1790: I am now an old man, decayed from head to foot. My eyes are dim; my right hand shakes much; my mouth is hot and dry every morning; I have a lingering fever almost every day; my motion is weak and slow. However, blessed be God, I do not slack my labour: I can preach and write still.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Watch Night

Thur 31 Dec 1778: We concluded the old year with a solemn watch-night and began the new with praise and thanksgiving. We had a violent storm at night—the roaring of the wind was like loud thunder. It kept me awake half an hour. I then slept in peace.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

A Sick John Wesley

Wed 30 and Thur 31 Dec 1741: By the unusual overflowing of peace and love to all which I felt, I was inclined to believe some trial was at hand. At three in the afternoon my fever came. But finding it was not violent, I would not break my word, and therefore went at four and committed to the earth the remains of one who had died in the Lord a few days before; neither could I refrain from exhorting the almost innumerable multitude of people, who were gathered together round her grave, to cry to God that they might die the death of the righteous, and their last end be like hers. I then designed to lie down, but Sir John G coming and sending to speak with me, I went to him, and from him into the pulpit, knowing God could renew my strength. I preached, according to her request who was now with God, on those words with which her soul had been so refreshed a little before she went hence, after a long night of doubts and fears: ‘Thy sun shall no more go down, neither shall thy moon withdraw itself. For the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.’
At the society which followed many cried after God with a loud and bitter cry. About ten I left them and committed myself into his hands, to do with me what seemed him good.

Another Christmas Day Journal Entry

Fri (Christmas Day) 1761: We began, as usual, at four. A few days since, one who lived in known sin, finding heavy conviction, broke away, and ran out, she knew not whither. She met one who offered her a shilling a week to come and take care of her child. She went gladly. The woman's husband, hearing her stir between three and four, began cursing and swearing bitterly. His wife said, "I wish thou wouldst go with her, and see if any thing will do thee good." He did so. In the first hymn God broke his heart; and he was in tears all the rest of the service. How soon did God recompense this poor woman for taking the stranger in!

Monday, December 28, 2009

Throw Mr Wesley's Hymns Overboard

Mon 28 1789: I retired to Peckham; and at leisure hours read part of a very pretty trifle, the Life of Mrs. Bellamy. Surely never did any, since John Dryden, study more to make vice pleasing, and damnation shine, than this lively and elegant writer. She has a fine imagination; a strong understanding; an easy style, improved by much reading; a fine, benevolent temper; and every qualification that could consist with a total ignorance of God. But God was not in all her thoughts. Abundance of anecdotes she inserts, which may be true or false. One of them, concerning Mr. Garrick, is curious. She says, "When he was taking ship for England, a lady presented him with a parcel, which she desired him not to open till he was at sea. When he did he found Wesley’s Hymns, which he immediately threw overboard." I cannot believe it. I think Mr. G had more sense. He knew my brother well; and he knew him to be not only far superior in learning, but in poetry, to Mr. Thomson, and all his theatrical writers put together: None of them can equal him, either in strong, nervous sense, or purity and elegance of language. The musical compositions of his sons are not more excellent than the poetical ones of their father.
In the evening I preached to a crowded congregation, some of whom seemed a good deal affected

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Church Discipline

Sun 27 Dec 1741: After diligent inquiry made, I removed all those from the congregation of the faithful whose behaviour or spirit was not agreeable to the gospel of Christ; openly declaring the objections I had to each, that others might fear and cry to God for them.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Family Forgiveness

Sat 26 Dec 1747: I called on one with whose mother I had prayed a little before her death. I knew not till now how she came to desire me, of all persons, to pray with her. It seems her daughter, who was of a lion-like spirit, came to me some time before and told me she had just been a-quarrelling with her aunt on my account, and was so angry that she struck her. I told her, ‘Then go and ask her pardon.’ She went home, ran to her aunt, and asked her pardon. While they were hanging upon each other, both in tears, her mother came in, being afraid they were fighting. She cried out, ‘Sister, what is Sally doing to you?’ She replied, ‘She had been just asking me pardon.’ ‘I never knew her to do such a thing since she was born,’ said her mother. ‘Sally, who taught you that?’ ‘My minister,’ said Sally. All were struck, and their enmity was at an end.

A Miraculous Cure of Breast Cancer

Sat 26 Dec 1761: I made a particular inquiry into the case of Mary Special, a young woman then in Tottenham-Court-Road. She said, "Four years since I found much pain in my breasts, and afterwards hard lumps. Four months ago my left breast broke, and kept running continually. Growing worse and worse, after some time I was recommended to St. George’s Hospital. I was let blood many times, and took hemlock thrice a day: But I was no better; the pain and the lumps were the same, and both my breasts were quite hard, and black as soot; when, yesterday night, I went to Mr. Owen’s, where there was a meeting for prayer. Mr. Bell saw me, and asked, 'Have you faith to be healed?’ I said, 'Yes.’ He prayed for me, and in a moment all my pain was gone. But the next day I felt a little pain again; I clapped my hands on my breasts, and cried out, 'Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me whole.’ It was gone; and from that hour I have had no pain, no soreness, no lumps, or swelling; but both my breasts were perfectly well, and have been so ever since."
Now here are plain facts: 1. She was ill: 2. She is well: 3. She became so in a moment. Which of these can with any modesty be denied?

Friday, December 25, 2009

A Busy Christmas Day

Fri (Christmas Day) 1778: Our service began at four, as usual, in the New Chapel. I expected Mr. Richardson to read prayers at West Street Chapel, but he did not come; so I read prayers myself, and preached and administered the sacrament to several hundred people. In the afternoon, I preached at the New Chapel, thoroughly filled in every corner; and in the evening, at St. Sepulchre’s, one of the largest parish churches in London. It was warm enough, being sufficiently filled; yet I felt no weakness or weariness, but was stronger after I had preached my fourth sermon than I was after the first.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Back in London for Christmas

Thur 24 Dec 1741: I found it was good for me to be here [London]; particularly while I was preaching in the evening. The society afterwards met; but we scarce knew how to part, our hearts were so enlarged toward each other.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

What a Good Suggestion

[A Christmas Journal Entry] Fri (Christmas Day) 1747: We met at four and solemnly rejoiced in God our Saviour. I found much revival in my own soul this day, and so did many others also. Both this and the following days I strongly urged the wholly giving up ourselves to God and renewing in every point our covenant that the Lord should be our God.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

The Fall of Mr Hall

Being not convinced that I had yet delivered my own soul with regard to that unhappy man, on Tuesday 22 Dec, I wrote once more to Mr. Hall as follows:
London, Dec. 22, 1747
Dear Brother,
1. When you was at Oxford with me, fourteen or fifteen years ago, you was holy and unblameable in all manner of conversation. I greatly rejoiced in the grace of God which was given unto you, which was often a blessing to my own soul. Yet even then you had frequently starts of thought which were not of God, though they at first appeared so to be. But you was humble and teachable, you was easily convinced, and those imaginations vanished away.
2. More than twelve years ago you told me, God had revealed it you that you should marry my youngest sister. I was much surprised, being well assured that you was ‘able to receive’ our Lord’s ‘saying’ (so you had continually testified) and to be an ‘eunuch for the kingdom of heaven’s sake’. But you vehemently affirmed the thing was of God: you was certain it was his will. God had made it plain to you that you must marry, and that she was the very person. You asked and gained her consent, and fixed the circumstances relating thereto.
3. Hence I date your fall. Here were several faults in one. You leaned altogether to your own understanding, not consulting either me, who was then the guide of your soul, or the parents of your intended wife, till you had settled the whole affair. And while you followed the voice of nature, you said it was the voice of God.
4. In a few days you had a counter-revelation, that you was not to marry her but her sister. This last error was far worse than the first. But you was now quite above conviction. So, in spite of her poor astonished parent, of her brothers, of all your vows and promises, you shortly after jilted the younger and married the elder sister. The other, who had honoured you as an angel from heaven and still loved you much too well (for you had stole her heart from the God of her youth), refused to be comforted. She fell into a lingering illness, which terminated in her death. And doth not her blood still cry unto God from the earth? Surely it is upon your head.
5. Till this time you was a pattern of lowliness, meekness, seriousness, and continual advertence to the presence of God. And above all, of self-denial in every kind and of suffering all things with joyfulness. But there was now a worm at the root of the gourd. Yet it did not presently wither away, but for two years or more after your marriage, you behaved nearly the same as before.
Then anger and surliness began to appear, particularly toward your wife. But it was not long before you was sensible of this, and you seemed to have conquered it.
6. You went up to London ten years ago. After this you began to speak on any head, not with your usual diffidence and self-abasement, but with a kind of confidence in your own judgment and an air of self-sufficiency. A natural consequence was the treating with more sharpness and contempt those who opposed either your judgment or practice.
7. You came to live at London. You then for a season appeared to gain ground again. You acted in concert with my brother and me, heard our advice and sometimes followed it. But this continued only till you contracted a fresh acquaintance with some of the brethren of Fetter Lane. Thenceforward you was quite shut up to us; we had no manner of influence over you; you was more and more prejudiced against us and would receive nothing which we said.
8. About six years ago you removed to Salisbury and began a society there. For a year or two you went with them to the church and Sacrament, and simply preached faith working by love. God was with you, and they increased both in number and in the knowledge and love of God.
About four years since you broke off all friendship with us: you would not so much as make use of our hymns, either in public or private, but laid them quite aside and took the German hymnbook in their stead.
You would not willingly suffer any of your people to read anything which we wrote. You angrily caught one of my sermons out of your servant’s hand, saying you would have no such books read in your house. In much the same manner you spoke to Mrs. Whitemarsh, when you found her reading one of the Appeals. So that, as far as in you lay, you fixed a great gulf between us and you (which remains to this day, notwithstanding a few steps lately made towards a reunion).
About the same time you left off going to church, as well as to the Sacrament. Your followers very soon trod in your steps, and, not content with neglecting the ordinances of God, they began, after your example, to despise them and all that continued to use them, speaking with equal contempt of the public service, of private prayer, of baptism, and of the Lord’s Supper.
From this time also you began to espouse and teach many uncommon opinions: as, ‘that there is no resurrection of the body; that there is no general judgment to come; and that there is no hell, no worm that never dieth, no fire that never shall be quenched’.
9. Your seriousness and advertence to the presence of God now declined daily. You could talk on anything or nothing, just as others did. You could break a jest, or laugh at it heartily. And as for fasting, abstinence, and self-denial, you, with the Moravians, ‘trampled it under foot’.
You began also, very frequently, to kiss the women of the society.
In the following paragraphs I recited to him the things he had done with regard to more than one, or two, or three women, concluding thus:

And now you know not that you have done anything amiss! You can eat and drink and be merry! You are every day engaged with variety of company and frequent the coffee-houses! Alas, my brother, what is this? How are you above measure hardened by the deceitfulness of sin! Do you remember the story of Santon Barsisa? I pray God your last end may not be like his! O how have you grieved the Spirit of God! Return to him with weeping, fasting, and mourning. You are in the very belly of hell, only the pit hath not yet shut its mouth upon you. Arise, thou sleeper, and call upon thy God! Perhaps he may yet be found. Because he still bears with me, I cannot despair for you. But you have not a moment to lose. May God this instant strike you to the heart, that you may feel his wrath abiding on you and have no rest in your bones by reason of your sin, till all your iniquities are done away!

Monday, December 21, 2009

"Farther Thoughts on Christian Perfection."

Mon 21 Dec 1761: I retired again to Lewisham, and wrote "Farther Thoughts on Christian Perfection." Had the cautions given herein been observed, how much scandal had been prevented! And why were they not? Because my own familiar friend was even now forming a party against me.

The allowance which God makes for invincible ignorance

Mon 21 Dec 1747: I went to Newington. Here, in the intervals of writing, I read the deaths of some of the Order de la Trappe. I am amazed at the allowance which God makes for invincible ignorance. Notwithstanding the mixture of superstition which appears in every one of these, yet what a strong vein of piety runs through all! What deep experience of the inward work of God: of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Honest Silas Told

Sun 20 Dec 1778: I buried what was mortal of honest Silas Told. For many years he attended the malefactors in Newgate, without fee or reward; and I suppose no man for this hundred years has been so successful in that melancholy office. God had given him peculiar talents for it, and he had amazing success therein. The greatest part of those whom he attended died in peace, and many of them in the triumph of faith.

People and their Pastor

Sun 20 Dec 1741: I preached once more at Bristol, on ‘Little children, keep yourselves from idols’; immediately after which I forced myself away from those to whom my heart was now more united than ever. And I believe their hearts were even as my heart. O what poor words are those, ‘You abate the reverence and respect which the people owe to their pastors.’ Love is all in all, and all who are alive to God must pay this to every true pastor. Wherever a flock is duly fed with the pure milk of the word, they will be ready (were it possible) to pluck out their eyes and give them to those that are over them in the Lord.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

God achieves His plan, even through weak Instuments

Sat 19 Dec 1761: I visited many near Oxford-Market and Grosvenor-Square, and found God was still enlarging his work. More and more were convinced, converted to God, and built up, day by day; and that, notwithstanding the weakness of the instruments by whom God was pleased to work.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Kingswood

Fri 18 Dec 1741: Being disappointed of my horse, I set out on foot in the evening for Kingswood. I catched no cold, nor received any hurt, though it was very wet, and cold, and dark. Mr. Jones of Fonmon met me there, and we poured out our souls before God together. I found no weariness, till a little before one, God gave me refreshing sleep.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Joyous Funeral

Thur 17 Dec 1741: We had a night of solemn joy, occasioned by the funeral of one of our brethren, who died with a hope full of immortality.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Permission to Preach granted, then taken away

Wed 16 Dec 1767: Accordingly, I took horse between five and six, and came to Sheerness between five and six in the evening. At half an hour after six, I began reading prayers (the governor of the fort having given me the use of the chapel) and afterwards preached, though not without difficulty, to a large and serious congregation. The next evening, it was considerably increased, so that the chapel was as hot as an oven. In coming out, the air, being exceeding sharp, quite took away my voice, so that I knew not how I should be able the next day to read prayers or preach to so large a congregation. But in the afternoon, the good governor cut the knot, sending word I ‘must preach in the chapel no more’. A room being offered which held full as many people as I was able to preach to, we had a comfortable hour, and many seemed resolved to ‘seek the Lord while he may be found’.
Examining the society, consisting of four or five and thirty members, I had the comfort to find many of them knew in whom they had believed. And all of them seemed really desirous to adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour.
Such a town as many of these live in is scarce to be found again in England. In the dock adjoining to the fort there are six old men-of-war. These are divided into small tenements, forty, fifty, or sixty in a ship, with little chimneys and windows, and each of these contains a family. In one of them where we called, a man and his wife and six little children lived. And yet all the ship was sweet and tolerably clean, sweeter than most sailing-ships I have been in.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Remission of sins

Tue 15 Dec 1741 It being a hard frost I walked over to Bath and had a conversation of several hours with one who had lived above seventy, and ‘studied’ divinity above thirty years. Yet remission of sins was quite a new doctrine to him. But I trust God will write it on his heart.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Laughing, then Crying

Mon 14 Dec 1747: We had a glorious hour with a few that know the Lord. We then rode to Bearfield, where I preached at noon with a deep sense of his presence. Some who were laughing when I began hid their faces soon, being ashamed to be seen in tears. We rode on in the afternoon, and came the next evening, thoroughly weary and wet, to Reading.

Where all approve, few profit.

Mon 14 Dec 1772: I read Prayers and preached to a crowded congregation at Gravesend. The stream here spreads wide, but it is not deep. Many are drawn, but none converted, or even awakened. Such is the general method of God’s providence: Where all approve, few profit.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Wesley needs a Dentist

Sun 13 Dec 1767: Today, I found a little soreness on the edge of my tongue, which the next day spread to my gums, then to my lips, which inflamed, swelled, and, the skin bursting, bled considerably. Afterward the roof of my mouth was extremely sore, so that I could chew nothing. To this was added a continual spitting. I knew a little rest would cure all. But this was not to be had, for I had appointed to be at Sheerness

He was rich, but he was poor.

Sun 13 Dec 1767: I was desired to preach a funeral sermon for William Osgood. He came to London near thirty years ago and, from nothing, increased more and more, till he was worth several thousand pounds. He was a good man and died in peace. Nevertheless, I believe his money was a great clog to him and kept him in a poor, low state all his days, making no such advance as he might have done, either in holiness or happiness.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Please Forgive Me

Sat 12 Dec 1741: I returned to Bristol. In the evening one desired to speak with me. I perceived him to be in the utmost confusion, so that for a while he could not speak. At length he said, ‘I am he that interrupted you at the New Room on Monday. I have had no rest since, day or night, nor could have till I had spoken to you. I hope you will forgive me, and that it will be a warning to me all the days of my life.’

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Boarders

Friday 11 Dec 1778: I preached at Lambeth, in the chapel newly prepared by Mr. Edwards, whose wife has seventy-five boarders. Miss Owen at Publow takes only twenty, thinking she cannot do her duty to any more.

Why don't Christians witness

Fri 11 Dec 1741: I went to Bath. I had often reasoned with myself concerning this place, ‘Hath God left himself without witness’? Did he never raise up such as might be shining lights, even in the midst of this sinful generation? Doubtless he has; but they are either gone ‘to the desert’ or hid under the bushel of prudence. Some of the most serious persons I have known at Bath are either solitary Christians, scarce known to each other, unless by name; or prudent Christians, as careful not to give offence as if that were the unpardonable sin, and as zealous to ‘keep their religion to themselves’ as they should be to ‘let it shine before men’.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Sir John Dalrymple’s "Memoirs of the Revolution."

Thur 10 Dec: I preached at Margate about one, and at Canterbury in the evening. On Friday, passing through Sittingbourne, I found a congregation ready; so I gave them a short discourse, and went on to Chatham.
In this journey I read over Sir John Dalrymple’s "Memoirs of the Revolution." He appears to be a man of strong understanding; and the book is wrote with great accuracy of language, (allowing for a few Scotticisms,) and intermixed with very sensible reflections. But I observe, 1. He believes just as much of the Bible as David Hume did. Hence he perpetually ascribes to enthusiasm whatever good men did from a strong conviction of duty. 2. He cordially believes that idle tale which King James published, concerning Father Huddleston's giving King Charles extreme unction. My eldest brother asked Lady Oglethorpe concerning this. "Sir," said she, "I never left the room from the moment the King was taken ill till the breath went out of his body; and I aver, that neither Father Huddleston nor any Priest came into the room till his death." 3. He much labours to excuse that monster of cruelty, Graham, of Claverhouse, afterwards, as a reward for his execrable villanies, created Lord Dundee. Such wanton barbarities were scarce ever heard of, as he practised toward men, women, and children. Sir John himself says enough, in telling us his behaviour to his own troops. "He had but one punishment for all faults, death: And for a very moderate fault he would ride up to a young gentleman, and, without any trial or ceremony, shoot him through the head." 4. He is not rightly informed concerning the manner of his death. I learned in Scotland, that the current tradition is this:—At the battle of Gallycrankie, being armed in steel from head to foot, he was brandishing his sword over his head, and swearing a broad oath, that before the sun went down, he would not leave an Englishman alive. Just then a musket-ball struck him under the arm, at the joints of his armour. Is it enthusiasm to say, Thus the hand of God rewarded him according to his works?

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

The Purpose of Discipline

Wed 9 Dec 1741: God humbled us in the evening by the loss of more than thirty of our little company, who I was obliged to exclude as no longer adorning the gospel of Christ. I believed it best openly to declare both their names and the reasons why they were excluded. We then all cried to God that this might be for their edification and not for destruction.

Vulgarly, though very improperly, called students

Tues 8 Dec 1772: I went to Canterbury and on to Dover. The raw, pert young men that lately came hither, (vulgarly, though very improperly, called students,) though they have left no stone unturned, have not been able to tear away one single member from our society. I preached here two evenings and two mornings, to a large and much affected congregation.

Monday, December 7, 2009

"Mr Wesley has hanged himself"

Mon 7 Dec 1741: I preached on ‘Trust ye in the Lord Jehovah, for in the Lord is everlasting strength.’ I was showing what cause we had to trust in the Captain of our salvation when one in the midst of the room cried out, ‘Who was your captain the other day, when you hanged yourself? I know the man who saw you when you was cut down.’ This wise story, it seems, had been diligently spread abroad and cordially believed by many in Bristol. I desired they would make room for the man to come nearer. But the moment he saw the way open he ran away with all possible speed, not so much as once looking behind him.

Spirit and Behaviour Confirm the Doctrine

Mon Dec 7 1789: I went to Chatham, and preached, as usual, to far more than the House could contain: And it is no wonder, considering that the spirit and behaviour of the people confirm the doctrine they hear.

A blessing in the remnant

Mon 7 Dec 1767: I went on to Yarmouth and found ‘confusion worse confounded’. Not only Benjamin Worship’s society was come to nothing, but ours seemed to be swiftly following. They had almost all left the church again, being full of prejudice against the clergy and against one another. However, as two or three retained their humble, simple love, I doubted not but there would be a blessing in the remnant. My first business was to reconcile them to each other, and this was effectually done by hearing the contending parties, first separately and afterwards face to face. It remained to reconcile them to the church, and this was done partly by arguments, partly by persuasion.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Merchant West

Sun 6 Dec 1778: I buried the remains of Merchant West, snatched away in the midst of his years. From a child he had the fear of God and was serious and unblameable in his behaviour. When he was a journeyman he was reverenced by all that wrought in the shop with him; he was a pattern of diligence in all things, spiritual and temporal. During a long and severe illness his patience was unshaken, till he joyfully resigned his spirit to God.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

His Opinion is his Religion

Sat 5 Dec 1767: Believing it was my duty to search to the bottom some reports which I had heard concerning Mr. B——, I went to his old friend, Mr. G——, an Israelite indeed but worn almost to a skeleton. After I had explained to him the motives of my inquiry, he spoke without reserve. And if his account be true, that hot, sour man does well to hold fast his opinion—for it is all the religion he has.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Mr Perronet

Fri 4 Dec 1778: Going on to Shoreham, I found Mr. Perronet once more brought back from the gates of death; undoubtedly for the sake of his little flock—who avail themselves of his being spared too, and continually increase not only in number but in the knowledge and love of God.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

On 'Saints'

Thurs Dec 3 1761: I came to Shoreham. There I read the celebrated "Life of St. Katherine, of Genoa." Mr. Lesley calls one a devil of a saint: I am sure this was a fool of a saint; that is, if it was not the folly of her historian, who has aggrandized her into a mere idiot. Indeed we seldom find a saint of God’s making sainted by the Bishop of Rome. I preached at five to a small, serious company; and the next day returned to London

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

A Dangerous Book

Wed 2 Dec 1789: I had leisure to consider thoroughly the account of the Pelew Islands. It is ingenious; but I esteem it a dangerous book, which I cannot believe, if I believe the Bible; for the direct tendency of it is to show, that the Bible is quite needless; since if men may be as virtuous without revelation as with it, then it is quite superfluous; then the fable of Jesus Christ, and that of Mahomet, are equally valuable. I do not say that Mr. Keate, much less Captain Wilson, designed to inculcate this consequence; but it necessarily follows, if you believe the premises. I cannot believe there is such a Heathen on earth as Abba Thulle; much less such a heathen nation as are here painted.
But what do you think of Prince Lee Boo? I think he was a good-natured, sensible young man, who came to England with Captain Wilson, and had learned his lesson well; but was just as much a Prince, as Tomo Chachi was a King.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

A hurricane as I have scarce known in England

Tues December 1 1747: About noon we reached Stockbridge. The rain then changed into snow. Seeing no prospect of fair weather, after resting a while we set out in the midst of the storm. It blew such a hurricane as I have scarce known in England, and that full in our teeth, so that our horses reeled to and fro, and had much ado to keep their feet. The snow likewise drove so vehemently in our faces in riding over the open downs, where for several miles there was neither house nor tree nor shrub to shelter, that it was hard labour to get forward. But in about an hour the sky cleared up, and we rode on comfortably to Salisbury.
From the concurring account of many witnesses, who spoke no more than they personally knew, I now learned as much as is hitherto brought to light concerning the fall of poor Mr. H.
Twelve years ago he was, without all question, filled with faith and the love of God. He was a pattern of humility, meekness, seriousness, and above all of self-denial, so that in all England, I knew not his fellow.
It were easy to point out the several steps whereby he fell from his steadfastness, even till he fell into a course of adultery, yea, and avowed it in the face of the sun!