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whom one or two warrants were then lying, sent him to gaol without delay.

Tues. 5.-We set out a little before day, and reached Lynn in the afternoon. In the evening, the new house would hardly contain one half of the congregation: and those who could not get in were tolerably patient, considering they could hear but a few words. Wed. 6.-About one, I heard a shrill voice in the street, calling and desiring me to come to Mr. Going directly, I found him ill in body, and in a violent agony of mind. He fully believed he was at the point of death; nor could any arguments convince him of the contrary. We cried to Him who has all power in heaven and earth, and who keeps the keys of life and death. He soon started up in bed, and said with a loud voice, “I shall not die, but live.” In the day I visited many of those that remained with us, and those that had left us since they had learned a new doctrine. I did not dispute, but endeavoured to soften their spirits, which had been sharpened to a high degree. In the evening the chapel was quite too small: and yet even those who could not get in were silent: a circumstance which I have seldom observed in any other part of England.

Thur. 7.-Mr.

was so thoroughly disordered, that it was heavy work to get him forward. At every stage, "he could not possibly go any further; he must die there." Nevertheless we reached Bury in the afternoon. I preached at seven to the largest congregation I ever saw there. We used to have about a dozen at five in the morning. But on Friday, 8, I suppose we had between forty and fifty. We set out between six and seven, hoping to reach Burntwood in the evening. But as we came thither some hours sooner than we expected, I judged it most advisable to push on: and, the moon shining bright, we easily reached London soon after six o'clock. Sat. 9.-In answer to a very angry letter, lately published in "the Gazetteer," I published the following

"TO THE REV. MR. CALEB EVANS.

"REV. SIR,-You affirm, 1. That I once 'doubted whether the measures aken with respect to America could be defended either on the foot of law, equity, or prudence.' I did doubt of these five years, nay indeed five months, ago.

"You affirm, 2. That I'declared,' (last year,) 'the Americans were an oppressed, injured people.' I do not remember that I did; but very possibly I might.

"You affirm, 3. That I then 'strongly recommended an argument for the exclusive right of the colonies to tax themselves.' I believe I did; but I am now of another mind.

"You affirm, 4. 'You say in the preface, I never saw that book.' I did say so. The plain case was, I had so entirely forgotten it, that even when I saw it again, I recollected nothing of it, till I had read several pages. If I had, I might have observed that you borrowed more from Mr. P. than I did from Dr. Johnson. Though I know not whether I should have observed it, as it does not affect the merits of the cause.

“You affirm, 5. 'You say, But I really believe he was told so;' and add, 'supposing what I asserted was false, it is not easy to conceive what reason you could have for believing I was told so.' My reason was, I believed you feared God, and therefore would not tell a wilful untruth; so I made the best excuse for you which I thought the nature of the

thing would admit of. Had you not some reasons to believe this of me; and therefore to say, (at least,) 'I hope he forgot it?'

"But at this time I was perfectly unknown to you.' No, at this time I knew you wrote that tract; but had I not, charity would have induced me to hope this, even of an entire stranger. You now have my 'feeble reply; and if you please to advance any new argument, (personal refler tions I let go,) you may perhaps receive a further reply from "Your humble servant,

"London, December 9.

"I did not see your letter till this morning."

"JOHN WESLEY

Mon. 11.-I began a little journey into Kent. In the evening 1 preached at Chatham, the next evening at Canterbury. I know not that ever I saw such a congregation there before. Tuesday, 12.-I preached at Dover. As many as could, squeezed into the house, and the rest went quietly away. Thur. 14.-I returned to Canterbury, and had a long conversation with that extraordinary man, Charles Perronet. What a mystery of Providence! Why is such a saint as this buried alive by continual sickness? In the evening we had a larger congregation than before. I never saw the house thoroughly filled till now: and I am sure the people had now a call from God, whether they will hear or whether they will forbear.

Fri. 15.-In the evening I preached at Chatham, and on Saturday returned to London. In the evening I preached a kind of funeral sermon at Snowsfields, for that upright woman, Jane Binknell. For many years she was a pattern of all holiness; and, for the latter part of her life, of patience. Yet as she laboured under an incurable and painful disorder, which allowed her little rest, day or night, the corruptible body pressed down the soul, and frequently occasioned much heaviness. But, before she went, the clouds dispersed, and she died in sweet peace; but not in such triumphant joy as did Ann Davis, two or three weeks before. She died of the same disorder; but had withal, for some years, racking pains in her head day and night, which in a while rendered her stone-blind. Add to this, that she had a kind husband; who was continually reproaching her for living so long, and cursing her for not dying out of the way. Yet in all this she did not "charge God foolishly;" but meekly waited till her change should come. To-day I read Dr. Beattie's poems; certainly one of the best poets of the age. He wants only the ease and simplicity of Mr. Pope. I know one, and only one, that has it.

Mon. 18.-I took another little journey, and in the evening preached at Bedford. Tuesday, 19.-I dragged on, througn miserable roads, to St. Neot's, and preached in a large room to a numerous congregation. Understanding that almost all the Methodists, by the advice of Mr. had left the Church, I earnestly exhorted them to return to it. In the evening I preached at Godmanchester. Wed. 20.—I preached at Luton; the next evening, at Hertford; and on Friday morning, returned to London. This day we observed as a day of fasting and prayer, and were much persuaded God will yet be entreated. Thur. 12. -I revised a volume of Latin poems, wrote by a gentleman of Denmark. I was surprised. Most of the verses are not unworthy of the

Augustan age. Among the rest, there is a translation of two of Mr. Pope's epistles, line for line. And yet, in language, not only as pure as Virgil's, but as elegant too.

Tues. January 2, 1776.-Being pressed to pay a visit to our brethren at Bristol, some of whom had been a little unsettled by the patriots, so called, I set out early; but the roads were so heavy, that I could not get thither till night. I came just time enough, not to see, but to bury, poor Mr. Hall, my brother-in-law, who died on Wednesday morning; I trust, in peace; for God had given him deep repentance. Such another monument of divine mercy, considering how low he had fallen, and from what height of holiness, I have not seen, no, not in seventy years! I had designed to visit him in the morning; but he did not stay for my coming. It is enough, if, after all his wanderings, we meet again in Abraham's bosom.

AN EXTRACT

OF THE

REV. MR. JOHN WESLEY'S JOURNAL.

FROM JANUARY 1, 1776, TO AUGUST 8, 1779.

JOURNAL.-No. XVIII.

JANUARY 1, 1776.—About eighteen hundred of us met together in London, in order to renew our covenant with God; and it was, as usual, a very solemn opportunity. Tues. 2.-I set out for Bristol. Between London and Bristol, I read over that elegant trifle, “The Correspondence between Theodosius and Constantia." I observed only one sentiment which I could not receive, that "youth is the only possible time for friendship; because every one has at first a natural store of sincerity and benevolence; but as in process of time men find every one to be false and self-interested, they conform to them more and more, till, in riper years, they have neither truth nor benevolence left." Perhaps it may be so with all that know not God; but they that do, escape "the corruption that is in the world ;" and increase both in sincerity and in benevolence, as they grow in the knowledge of Christ. Sat. 6.-I returned to London; and I returned just in time; for on Sunday, 7, the severe frost set in, accompanied with so deep a snow, as made even the high road impassable. For some days before the frost broke up, it was observed, by means of the thermometer, that the cold was several degrees more intense than that in the year 1741. But God then removed the cup from us, by a gentle, gradual thaw.

Sun. 14.-As I was going to West-street chapel, one of the chaisesprings suddenly snapped asunder; but the horses instantly stopping, I stepped out without the least inconvenience. At all my vacant hours in this and the following week, I endeavoured to finish the "Concise History of England." I am sensible it must give offence, as in many parts I am quite singular; particularly with regard to those greatly injured characters, Richard III, and Mary Queen of Scots. But I must speak as I think; although still waiting for, and willing to receive, better information. Sun. 28.-I was desired to preach a charity sermon in Allhallows church, Lombard-street. In the year 1735, about forty years ago, I preached in this church, at the earnest request of the churchwardens, to a numerous congregation, who came, like me, with an intent to hear Dr. Heylyn. This was the first time that, having no notes about me, I preached extempore.

Wed. February 14.-I preached at Shoreham. How is the last become first! No society in the county grows so fast as this, either in

grace or number. The chief instrument of this glorious work is Miss Perronet, a burning and a shining light. Fri. 23.-I looked over Mr. Bolt's "Considerations on the Affairs of India." Was there ever so melancholy a picture? How are the mighty fallen! The Great Mogul, emperor of Hindostan, one of the mightiest potentates on earth, is become a poor, little, impotent slave to a company of merchants! His large, flourishing empire is broken in pieces, and covered with fraud, oppression, and misery! And we may call the myriads that have been murdered happy, in comparison of those that still groan under the iron yoke! Wilt not thou visit for these things, O Lord? Shall the fool still say in his heart, There is no God?

Sun. 25.-I buried the remains of William Evans, one of the first members of our society. He was an Israelite indeed, open (if it could be) to a fault; always speaking the truth from his heart. Wed. 28.I looked over a volume of Lord Lyttelton's works. He is really a fine writer, both in verse and prose, though he believed the Bible; yea, and feared God! In my scraps of time I likewise read over Miss Talbot's Essays, equal to any thing of the kind I ever saw. She was a woman of admirable sense and piety, and a far better poet than the celebrated Mrs. Rowe. But here too

Heaven its choicest gold by torture tried!

After suffering much, she died of a cancer in her breast.

Fri. March 1.-As we cannot depend on having the Foundery long, we met to consult about building a new chapel. Our petition to the city for a piece of ground lies before their committee; but when we shall get any further, I know not: so I determined to begin my circuit as usual; but promised to return whenever I should receive notice that our petition was granted. On Sunday evening I set out, and on Tuesday reached Bristol. In the way I read over Mr. Boehm's sermons, chaplain to Prince George of Denmark, husband to Queen Anne. He was a person of very strong sense, and, in general, sound in his judgment. I remember hearing a very remarkable circumstance concerning him, from Mr. Fraser, then chaplain to St. George's hospital. "One day," said he, "I asked Mr. Boehm, with whom I was intimately acquainted, 'Sir, when you are surrounded by various persons, listening to one, and dictating to another, does not that vast hurry of business hinder your communion with God?' He replied, I bless God, I have just then as full communion with him, as if I was kneeling alone at the altar.'"

Wed. 6.-I went down to Taunton, and at three in the afternoon opened the new preaching house. The people showed great eagerness to hear. Will they at length know the day of their visitation? Thur.7. -I returned to Bristol; which I left on Monday, 11; and having visited Stroud, Painswick, and Tewkesbury, on Wednesday, 20, came to Worcester. Thursday, 21.—I was much refreshed among this loving people; especially by the select society, the far greater part of whom could still witness that God had saved them from inward as well as outward sin.

Sat. 23.-About noon I preached in the Town Hall at Evesham, to a congregation of a very different kind. Few of them, I doubt, came

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