be revenged; and going immediately to a justice, made oath that he (the constable) had picked his pocket, who was accordingly bound over to the next sessions. At these, not only the same man, but two of his companions swore the same thing. But there being eighteen or twenty witnesses on the other side, the jury easily saw through the whole proceeding, and without going out at all, or any demur, brought in the prisoner, Not guilty.

Friday 5, Our Lord brought home many of his banished ones. In the evening we cried mightily unto him, that brotherly love might continue and increase. And it was according to our faith.

Saturday 6, I met the Bands in Kingswood, and warned them with all authority to beware of being wise above that is written, and to desire to know nothing but Christ crucified.

Monday 8, We set out early in the morning, and the next evening came to London.

Wednesday 10, I visited one that was in violent pain, and consumed away with pining sickness; but in every thing giving thanks, and greatly rejoicing in hope of the glory of God. From her, we went to another dangerously ill of the small-pox, but desiring neither life nor ease, but only the holy will of God. If these are unbelievers (as some of the still brethren have lately told them) I am content to be an unbeliever all my days.

Thursday 11, I visited a poor woman, who, lying ill between her two sick children, without either physic or food convenient for her, was mightily praising God her Saviour; and testifying, as often as she could speak, her desire to be dissolved and to be with Christ.

Sunday 14, As I returned home in the evening, I had no sooner stepped out of the coach, than the mob, who were gathered in great numbers about my door, quite closed me in. I rejoiced, and blessed God, knowing this was the time I had long been looking for; and immediately spake to those that were next me of righteousness and judgment to

come. At first, not many heard, the noise round about us being exceeding great. But the silence spread farther and farther, till I had a quiet, attentive congregation. And when I left them, they all shewed much love, and dismissed me with a blessing.

Tuesday 16, Many more, who came in among us as lions, in a short space became as lambs; the tears trickling apace down their cheeks, who at first most loudly contradicted and blasphemed. I wonder the devil has not wisdom enough to discern that he is destroying his own kingdom. I believe he has never yet, any one time, caused this open opposition to the truth of God, without losing one or more of his servants, who were found of God, while they sought him not.

1

Wednesday 17, A poor woman gave me an account of what, I think, ought never to be forgotten:-It was four years, she said, since her son Peter Shaw, then nineteen or twenty years old, by hearing a sermon of Mr. Why's, fell into great uneasiness. She thought he was ill, and would have sent for a physician; but he said, "No, no; send for Mr. Wh-.' He was sent for, and came, and after asking a few questions, told her, "The boy is mad. Get a coach, and carry him to Dr. M. Use my name. I have sent several such to him." Accordingly, she got a coach, and went with him immediately to Dr. M's house. When the Doctor came in, the young man rose and said, "Sir, Mr. Wh has sent me to you." The Doctor asked, "Is Mr. Wh your minister?" and bid him put out his tongue. Then, without asking any questions, he told his mother, "Choose your apothecary, and I will prescribe." According to his prescriptions, they the next day blooded him largely, confined him to a dark room, and put a strong blister on each of his arms, with another over all his head. But still he was as mad as before, praying or singing, or giving thanks continually: Of which, having laboured to cure him for six weeks in vain, though he was now so weak he could not stand alone, his mother

dismissed the doctor and apothecary, and let him be beside himself in peace.

Thursday 18, The Prince of the air made another attempt in defence of his tottering kingdom. A great number of men, having got into the middle of the place, began to speak big, swelling words, so that my voice could hardly be heard, while I was reading the 11th chapter of the Acts. But immediately after, the hammer of the Word brake the rocks in pieces: all quietly heard the glad tidings of salvation, and some, I trust, not in vain.

Monday 22, Wanting a little time for retirement, which it was almost impossible for me to have in London, I went to Mr. Piers's, at Bexley, where, in the mornings and evenings, I expounded the Sermon on the Mount; and had leisure during the rest of the day for business of other kinds. On Saturday 27, I returned.

One

Sunday 28, I began expounding the same scripture at London. In the afternoon I described, to a numerous congregation at Kennington, the life of God in the soul. person who stood on the mount made a little noise at first; but a gentleman, whom I knew not, walked up to him, and without saying one word, mildly took him by the hand and led him down. From that time he was quiet till he went away.

When I came home, I found an innumerable mob round the door, who opened all their throats the moment they saw me. I desired my friends to go into the house, and then walking into the midst of the people, proclaimed the name. of the Lord, gracious and merciful, and repenting him of the evil. They stood staring one at another. I told them they could not flee from the face of this great God; and therefore besought them, that we might all join together in crying to him for mercy. To this they readily agreed: I then commended them to his grace, and went undisturbed to the little company within.

Tuesday 30, As I was expounding the 12th of the Acts, a young man, with some others, rushed in, cursing and swearing vehemently, and so disturbed all near him, that

after a time they put him out. I observed it, and called to let him come in, that our Lord might bid his chains fall off. As soon as the sermon was over, he came and declared before us all, that he was a smuggler, then going on that work, as his disguise and the great bag he had with him. shewed. But he said, he must never do this more; for he was now resolved to have the Lord for his God.

Sunday, Oct. 5, I explained the difference between being called a Christian, and being so. And God over-ruled the madness of the people; so that after I had spoken a few words they were quiet and attentive to the end.

Monday 6, While I was preaching at Islington, and rebuking sharply those that had made shipwreck of the faith, a woman dropped down, struck as was supposed with death, having the use of all her limbs quite taken from her. But she knew the next day she should not die, but live, and declare the loving-kindness of the Lord.

Tuesday 14, I met with a person who was to be pitied indeed. He was once a zealous Papist, but being convinced he was wrong, cast off Popery and Christianity together. He told me at once, (6 Sir, I scorn to deceive you, or any man living. Do not tell me of your Bible; I value it not; I do not believe a word of it.' I asked, "Do you believe there is a God? And what do you believe concerning him?" He replied, "I know there is a God, and I believe him to be the Soul of all, the Anima Mundi: If he be not rather, as I sometimes think is more probable, the Тo Пav, the whole compages of body and spirit, every where diffused. But farther than this, I know not. All is dark; my thought is lost. Whence I come, I know not; nor what, or why I am; nor whither I am going. But this I know : I am unhappy; I am weary of life; I wish it were at an end." I told him I would pray to the God in whom I believed, to shew him more light before he went hence; and to convince him how much advantage every way a believer in Christ has over an infidel.

Sunday 19, I found one who was a fresh instance of that strange truth, the servants of God suffer nothing: his body

was well nigh torn asunder with pain. But God made all his bed in his sickness. So that he was continually giving thanks to God, and making his boast of his praise.

At five, I besought all that were present to be followers of God, as dear children, and to walk in love as Christ also loved us, and gave himself for us. Many who were gathered together for that purpose, endeavoured by shouting to drown my voice; but I turned upon them immediately, and offered them deliverance from their hard master. The Word sunk deep into them, and they opened not their mouths. Satan, thy kingdom hath suffered loss. Thou fool! how long wilt thou contend with him that is mightier than thou?

Monday 20, I began declaring that Gospel of Christ, which is the power of God unto salvation, in the midst of the publicans and sinners, at Short's Gardens, Drury-lane.

Wednesday 22, I spent an hour with Mr. S. O what Javoλoyia, persuasiveness of speech is here! Surely all the deceivableness of unrighteousness. Who can escape, except God be with him?

Thursday 23, I was informed of an awful providence :A poor wretch, who was here last week, cursing and blaspheming, and labouring with all his might to hinder the Word of God, had afterwards boasted to many, that he would come again on Sunday, and no man should stop his mouth then. But on Friday God laid his hand upon him, and on Sunday he was buried.

Yet on Sunday the 26th, while I was enforcing that great question, with an eye to the spiritual resurrection, Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead? The many-headed beast began to roar again. I again proclaimed deliverance to the captives. And their deep attention shewed that the word sent to them did not return empty.

Monday 27, The surprising news of poor Mr. Sd's death was confirmed. Surely God will maintain his own cause. Righteous art thou, O Lord!

.