Tuesday, August 31, 2010

The man born without arms

Tue 31 Aug 1790: William Kingston, the man born without arms, came to see me of his own accord. Some time since he received a clear sense of the favour of God; but after some months he was persuaded by some of his old companions to join in a favourite diversion, whereby he lost sight of God, and gave up all he had gained: But God now touched his heart again, and he is once more in earnest to save his soul. He is of a middling height and size, has a pleasing look and voice, and an easy, agreeable behaviour. At breakfast he shook off his shoes, which are made on purpose, took the tea-cup between his toes, and the toast with his other foot. He likewise writes a fair hand, and does most things with his feet which we do with our hands. About noon I preached to a lovely congregation at Shepton-Mallet; and in the evening at Pensford. The House was crowded with earnest hearers, and I trust the word did not fall to the ground.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Mrs. Clark

Mon 30 Aug 1790: About noon I preached at Castle-Carey. Since I was here God has taken to himself that amiable woman, Mrs. Clark; who, to a fine person and a good understanding, joined a very uncommon degree of deep religion. This inclined me to apply earnestly Eccles. ix. 10; and all the people seemed to feel it. Afterwards, I called on her deeply-afflicted husband, who spent some hours with us the next day. I hope he will no longer sorrow as one without hope, but will trust to meet her in a better place. In the evening I preached in the new House at Ditcheat. It would not hold the congregation; but many could hear at the windows, which they seemed right willing to do. A flame appears to be kindled here already. God grant it may continue and increase!

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Obliged to shorten the service to 3 hours

Sun 29 Aug 1790: Mr. Baddiley being gone to the north, and Mr. Collins being engaged elsewhere, I had none to assist in the service, and could not read the Prayers myself; so I was obliged to shorten the service, which brought the Prayers, sermon, and Lord's supper, within the compass of three hours. I preached in the afternoon near King’s Square; and the hearts of the people bowed down before the Lord.

Friday, August 27, 2010

One of the hottest days I have known in England

Fri 27 Aug 1779: I preached at Cardiff about noon and at six in the evening. We then went on to Newport and, setting out early in the morning, reached Bristol in the afternoon. Sunday 29, I had a very large number of communicants. It was one of the hottest days I have known in England. The thermometer rose to eighty degrees—as high as it usually rises in Jamaica.
Being desired to visit a dying man on Kingsdown, I had no time but at two o’clock. The sun shone without a cloud, so that I had a warm journey. But I was well repaid; for the poor sinner found peace. At five, I preached to an immense multitude in the Square. And God comforted many drooping souls.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

My strength was then according to my day

Thu 26 Aug 1779: I preached at five, and again at eleven. I think this was the happiest time of all. The poor and the rich seemed to be equally affected. O! how are the times changed at Cowbridge since the people compassed the house where I was, and poured in stones from every quarter; but my strength was then according to my day. And (blessed be God!) so it is still.
In the evening, I preached in the large hall at Mr. Mathews’s in Llandaff. And will the rich also hear the words of eternal life! ‘With God all things are possible.’

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Cowbridge

Wed 25 Aug 1779: I preached at five and about eight in the town hall at Neath. In the afternoon, I preached in the church near Bridgend to a larger congregation than I ever saw there before. And at six in the town hall at Cowbridge, much crowded, and hot enough. The heat made it a little more difficult to speak; but by the mercy of God I was no more tired when I had done than when I rose in the morning.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Kidwelly

Tue 24 Aug 1779: Setting out from Carmarthen immediately after preaching, about eight I preached at Kidwelly, about nine miles from Carmarthen, to a very civil and unaffected congregation. At eleven, though the sun was intensely hot, I stood at the end of the churchyard in Llanelli and took occasion from a passing-bell strongly to enforce those words, ‘It is appointed unto men once to die.’ About six, I preached at Swansea to a large congregation, without feeling any weariness.

Monday, August 23, 2010

This comes of omitting field-preaching

Mon 23 Aug 1762: I set out, and on Tuesday reached Bristol. After spending two days there, on Friday, 27, I set out for the west; and having preached at Shepton and Middlesey in the way, came on Saturday to Exeter. When I began the service there, the congregation (beside ourselves) were two women, and one man. Before I had done, the Room was about half full. This comes of omitting field-preaching.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

32 000 People

Sun 22 Aug 1773: I preached in St. Agnes Church-town, at eight; about one at Redruth; and at five, in the amphitheatre at Gwennap. The people both filled it, and covered the ground round about, to a considerable distance. So that, supposing the space to be four-score yards square, and to contain five persons in a square yard, there must be above two-and-thirty thousand people; the largest assembly I ever preached to. Yet I found, upon inquiry, all could hear, even to the skirts of the congregation! Perhaps the first time that a man of seventy had been heard by thirty thousand persons at once!

Saturday, August 21, 2010

All misunderstandings were now removed

Sat 21 Aug 1762: My brother and I had a long conversation with Mr. Maxfield, and freely told him whatever we disliked. In some things we found he had been blamed without cause; others he promised to alter; so we were thoroughly satisfied with the conversation, believing all misunderstandings were now removed.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Intercession for our King and country

Fri 20 Aug 1779: Many of us met at noon and spent a solemn hour in intercession for our King and country. In the evening the house was thoroughly filled with people of all denominations. I believe they all felt that God was there, and that he was no respecter of persons.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Trecwn

Thu 19 Aug 1779: We went over to Trecwn, one of the loveliest places in Great Britain. The house stands in a deep valley, surrounded with tall woods, and them with lofty mountains. But as Admiral Vaughan was never married, this ancient family will soon come to an end. At two, I preached in Newcastle Church, and in the evening at Haverfordwest.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Striving together for the hope of the gospel

Wed 18 Aug 1779: I preached about ten in Newport Church, and then we went on to Haverfordwest. Here we had a very different congregation, both as to number and spirit. And we found the society striving together for the hope of the gospel

Largest congregation I have yet seen in Cornwall

Wed 18 Aug 1773: I preached in the Town-Hall in Penzance. It was soon filled from end to end; and it was filled with the power of God. One would have thought every soul must have bowed down before Him. In the evening I preached at St. Just; Friday, 20, in Penzance and Marazion; and in the evening in the market-place at St. Ives, to the largest congregation I have yet seen in Cornwall.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

More heat than light

Tue 17 Aug 1762: We rode to Northampton, the next day to Sundon, and on Thursday, 19, to London. Friday, 20. As I expected, the sower of tares had not been idle during my five months' absence; but I believe great part of his work was undone in one hour, when we met at West-Street. I pointed out to those who had more heat than light, the snares which they had well nigh fallen into. And hitherto they were of an humble teachable spirit. So for the present the snare was broken.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Methodist Preacher could not ride through it without hazard of his life

Mon 16 Aug 1773: In the evening I preached at St. Austle; Tuesday, 17, in the Coinage-Hall at Truro; at six, in the main street at Helstone. How changed is this town, since a Methodist Preacher could not ride through it without hazard of his life!

Sunday, August 15, 2010

I could not sleep

Sun 15 Aug 1773: As I could not sleep (an uncommon thing with me) till near two in the morning, my companion was afraid I should not be able to go through the labour of the day; but I knew I did not go a warfare at my own cost. At seven I preached in Mr. Kinsman’s preaching-house, on, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate;" and I think many received the truth in the love thereof. Between one and two I preached in the Tabernacle at Plymouth; and in the evening declared in the Square, to a multitude of people, the nature of that love, without which all we say, know, believe, do, and suffer, profits nothing.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Frederica

At Thunderbolt we took boat, and on Friday, August 13 1736, came to Frederica, where I delivered to Mr. Oglethorpe the letters I had brought from Carolina. The next day he set out for Fort St. George. From that time I had less and less prospect of doing good at Frederica, many there being extremely zealous and indefatigably diligent to prevent it and few of the rest daring to show themselves of another mind, for fear of their displeasure.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Ralph Mather

Thu 12 Aug 1773: I set out for Cornwall; and the next day he came to Collumpton. For five or six days, I think, the weather has been as hot as it is in Georgia. After preaching, I went on to Exeter with Ralph Mather, then an humble, scriptural Christian.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Bowling-green House

Tue 10 and Wed 11 Aug 1784: I took a walk to what is called the Bowling-green House, not a mile from the town. I have hardly seen such a place before. A gravel walk leads through the most beautiful meadows surrounded on all sides by fruitful hills, to a gently rising ground, on the top of which is a smooth green, on which the gentry of the town frequently spend the evening in dancing. From hence spread various walks bordered with flowers, one of which leads down to the river, on the back of which runs another walk, whose artless shades are not penetrated by the sun. These are full as beautiful in their kind, as even the hanging-woods at Brecon. Wednesday 11, it was with some difficulty that I broke from this affectionate people and went on through a most lovely country to Brecon.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Falling down Stairs on Friday 13

Mon to Fri 9-13 Aug 1779: I set out for Wales, with my brother and his family. In the evening, I preached at Oxford; the next at Witney. Wednesday, we went on to Gloucester, where I preached with much satisfaction, to a crowded audience. Thursday 12, we went on to Monmouth, where the late storm is blown over. I preached at six in the evening; but did not observe one inattentive person then, any more than at five in the morning.
Friday 13, as I was going down a steep pair of stairs, my foot slipped, and I fell down several steps. Falling on the edge of one of them, it broke the case of an almanac which was in my pocket all to pieces. The edge of another stair met my right buckle and snapped the steel chape of it in two. But I was not hurt. So doth our good Master give his angels charge over us! In the evening, I preached at Brecon and, leaving my brother there, on Saturday 14, went forward to Carmarthen

Monday, August 9, 2010

Our Conference began

Mon 9 Aug 1762: I preached at Elland and Birstal in my way to Leeds, where our Conference began on Tuesday morning; and we had great reason to praise God for his gracious presence from the beginning to the end.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

These menders of the Bible

Sun 8 Aug 1773: At night I set out in the machine, and on Monday reached Bristol. In the way I looked over Mr. —’s Dissertations. I was surprised to find him a thorough convert of Mr. Stonehouse's, both as to the preexistence of souls, and the non-eternity of hell. But he is far more merciful than Mr. Stonehouse. He allows it to last (not five millions, but) only thirty thousand years!
It would be excusable, if these menders of the Bible would offer their hypotheses modestly. But one cannot excuse them when they not only obtrude their novel scheme with the utmost confidence, but even ridicule that scriptural one which always was, and is now, held by men of the greatest learning and piety in the world. Hereby they promote the cause of infidelity more effectually than either Hume or Voltaire.

Mr. Page’s yard

Sat 7 Aug 1762: I made one more trial at Northwich, preaching in Mr. Page’s yard. Abundance of people flocked together; nor did any one oppose, or make the least disturbance. And when I afterward rode quite through the town, I had not one uncivil word.
In the evening I spoke with those at Manchester who believed God had cleansed their hearts. They were sixty-three in number; to about sixty of whom I could not find there was any reasonable objection.

Friday, August 6, 2010

More and more instances of Christian Perfection

Fri 6 Aug 1762: I was informed of the flame which had broken out at Bolton. One writing to Mr. Furz, described a little of it in the following words:—"Glory be to God, he is doing wonders among us! Since you left us there have been seven (if not more) justified, and six sanctified, at one meeting. Two of these were, I think, justified and sanctified in less than three days. O what a meeting was our last class-meeting! In three minutes, or less, God, quite unexpectedly, convinced an old opposer of the truth, and wounded many. I never felt the abiding presence of God so exceeding powerful before."
I preached at Macclesfield in the evening to a people ready prepared for the Lord. An impetuous shower began just as we came into the town; but it did us no hurt. Inquiring how the revival here began, I received the following account:—In March last, after a long season of dryness and barrenness, one Monday night John Oldham preached. When he had done, and was going away, a man fell down and cried aloud for mercy. In a short time, so did several others. He came back, and wrestled with God in prayer for them. About twelve he retired, leaving some of the brethren, who resolved to wrestle on till they had an answer of peace. They continued in prayer till six in the morning; and nine prisoners were set at liberty.
They met again the next night; and six or seven more were filled with peace and joy in believing: So were one or two more every night till the Monday following, when there was another general shower of grace; and many believed that the blood of Christ had cleansed them from all sin.
I spoke to these (forty in all) one by one. Some of them said they received that blessing ten days, some seven, some four, some three days, after they found peace with God; and two of them the next day. What marvel, since one day is with God as a thousand years?
The case of Ann Hooly was peculiar. She had often declared, "The Methodists’ God shall not be my God. I will sooner go to hell than I will go to heaven in their way." She was standing in the street with two young women, when John Oldham, passing by, spoke to one and the other, and went on. She burst into tears, and said, "What! am I so great a sinner, that he won't speak to me?" About twelve he was sent for in haste. He found her in deep distress; but continued in prayer till all her trouble was gone, and her spirit rejoiced in God her Saviour. Yet three nights after she was in much distress again, crying, "I have a wicked heart, and I cannot rest till God takes it away." He did so in a few hours. Ever since she has been a pattern to all the young people in the town. She was thirteen years old. In about a year, her spirit returned to God.

The case of Ann Hooly was peculiar

The case of Ann Hooly was peculiar. She had often declared, "The Methodists’ God shall not be my God. I will sooner go to hell than I will go to heaven in their way." She was standing in the street with two young women, when John Oldham, passing by, spoke to one and the other, and went on. She burst into tears, and said, "What! am I so great a sinner, that he won't speak to me?" About twelve he was sent for in haste. He found her in deep distress; but continued in prayer till all her trouble was gone, and her spirit rejoiced in God her Saviour. Yet three nights after she was in much distress again, crying, "I have a wicked heart, and I cannot rest till God takes it away." He did so in a few hours. Ever since she has been a pattern to all the young people in the town. She was thirteen years old. In about a year, her spirit returned to God.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Good John Appleton

Thu 5 Aug 1784: We set out early but, being obliged to go round about, could not reach Shrewsbury till half past seven. I began preaching immediately, in memory of good John Appleton, lately called away, on ‘Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might, for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave whither thou goest.’

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

51 Instances of Christian Perfection

Wed 4 Aug 1762: I rode to Liverpool, where also was such a work of God as had never been known there before. We had a surprising congregation in the evening, and, as it seemed, all athirst for God. This, I found, had begun here likewise in the latter end of March; and from that time it had continually increased, till a little before I came: Nine were justified in one hour. The next morning I spoke severally with those who believed they were sanctified. They were fifty-one in all: Twenty-one men, twenty-one widows, or married women, and nine young women or children. In one of these the change was wrought three weeks after she was justified; in three, seven days after it; in one, five days; and in Sus. Lutwich, aged fourteen, two days only. I asked Hannah Blakeley, aged eleven, "What do you want now?" She said, with amazing energy, the tears running down her cheeks, "Nothing in this world, nothing but more of my Jesus." How often "out of the mouth of babes and sucklings" dost thou "perfect praise!"

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Our Conference concluded

Tue 3 Aug 1784: Our Conference concluded, in much love, to the great disappointment of all. This evening, I went as far as Halifax and, the next day, to Manchester.

Our Conference began

Tue Aug 3 1773: Our Conference began. I preached mornings as well as evenings; and it was all one. I found myself just as strong as if I had preached but once a day.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

John buries his Mom

Sun Aug 1 1742: Almost an innumerable company of people being gathered together, about five in the afternoon I committed to the earth the body of my mother, to sleep with her fathers. The portion of Scripture from which I afterwards spoke was, ‘I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it; from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away, and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God, and the books were opened. . . . And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.’ It was one of the most solemn assemblies I ever saw, or expect to see on this side eternity.
We set up a plain stone at the head of her grave, inscribed with the following words:
Here lies the body of Mrs. Susannah Wesley, the youngest and last surviving daughter of Dr. Samuel Annesley.
In sure and steadfast hope to rise
And claim her mansion in the skies,
A Christian here her flesh laid down,
The cross exchanging for a crown.
True daughter of affliction she,
Inured to pain and misery,
Mourned a long night of griefs and fears,
A legal night of seventy years.
The Father then revealed his Son,
Him in the broken bread made known.
|She knew and felt her sins forgiven,
And found the earnest of her heaven.
Meet for the fellowship above,
She heard the call, ‘Arise, my love.’
I come, her dying looks replied,
And lamb-like, as her Lord, she died.
I cannot but farther observe that even she (as well as her father and grandfather, her husband, and her three sons) had been, in her measure and degree, a preacher of righteousness.