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wood had attempted it; but in vain and so had Mr. Roberts some time after. But a Clergyman came at the head of a large mob, and obliged him to desist. About one, the person in whose house we were, came in trembling, and told us, what threatenings were breathed out. I answered, "Then there is no time to lose," and went out immediately. I suppose the mob expected to hear us sing. But they were disappointed: for I began preaching without delay. By this mean, missing their signal, they came, not in a body, but two or three at a time. And as fast as they came, their minds were changed; so that all were quiet, from the beginning to the end.

It rained all the way we rode to Stockton; but was fair all the time I stood in the main street, and explained to a listening multitude, the Joy that is in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.

Wednesday 29, I preached at Durham to a quiet, stupid congregation, and the next day went on to Newcastle.

On Friday and Saturday we enjoyed a little respite from labour, and were refreshed both in soul and body.

Sunday, May 3, We had the best dressed congregation, that ever I saw in this place. I spoke very plainly. Yet all were patient, and looked as if they understood what was said.

Saturday 9, I rode to Sunderland, where I found one of the liveliest Societies in the North of England. This is the effect of their being so much under the law, as to scruple, one and all, the buying even milk on a Sunday. The house hardly contained the people at five the next morning. At eight, and at twelve I preached in the street; none opposing or interrupting. About four, I began at Newcastle, near the Keelman's Hospital. It was just as I expected. Many who had turned back from the holy commandment once delivered to them, flocked together, and seemed convinced, that God was still ready to return, and leave a bless ing behind him.

Monday 11, After preaching at Morpeth in my way,

though with little present effect, I rode on to Alnwick, and preached at the Cross to a far more numerous and more serious congregation.

Wednesday 13, I rode to Berwick, and after preaching, desired all who had been of the Society to meet me. I spoke to seventeen, who were thoroughly willing to unite again. And (what was remarkable) all of them still retained a sense of the pardoning love of God: although they were convinced, they had suffered great loss, by a famine of the Word.

Thursday 14, At five, the soldiers made a considerable part of the congregation. At noon, they came again in troops. One of them, TW, came last year from the Highlands, and went through Westmoreland, to beat up for recruits. He had been earnestly warned before he left Scotland, on no account to go near the Methodists. But in Kendal, he lighted on two or three, from which time they were not one day asunder. It was not long, before God clearly assured him of his pardoning love. A fortnight after, he was ordered to follow the regiment to Berwick, where he is continually exhorting his comrades, to be good soldiers of Jesus Christ. And many already have listed under his banner.

Friday 15, In the afternoon I preached at Alemouth. How plain an evidence have we here, that even our outward work, even the Societies, are not of man's building. With all our labour and skill, we cannot in nine years' time, form a Society in this place; even though there is none that opposes, poor or rich: nay, though the two richest men in the town, and the only gentlemen there, have done all which was in their power to further it.

Saturday 16, I rode on to the poor colliers at Placey. When we came hither first, John Lane, then nine or ten years old, was one of the first who found peace with God. From that hour he continued to walk day and night in the light of his countenance. I saw him last year, longing to be with Christ. But he was detained here a little longer, that he might witness a good confession in death, as well as in

life. He praised God as long as he had breath, and was buried a day or two before I came.

May 17, Being Whitsuntide, I preached in the morning at Gateshead to a huge congregation, on our Lord's words, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink, About five, I began near the Keelman's Hospital, many thousands standing round, or sitting on the grass. The wind was high just before; but scarcely a breath was felt, all the time we were assembled before God. I praise God for this also. Is it Enthusiasm to see God in every benefit which we receive?

Monday 18, I preached at Newlands, and endeavoured to remove the offences, which had crept in among the simple people. In the evening I preached at Sheep-hill. It rained all the time; but that little disturbed either the congregation or me.

Tuesday 19, I preached at Wickham, before Mrs. Armstrong's door. I was a little surprised at the account she gave, of God's late dealings with her. When her ancient husband, with whom she had lived from her youth, was on account of a debt contracted by his son, hurried away, and thrown into Durham jail, which soon put an end to his life: when she was likely to lose all she had, and to be turned out of doors at fourscore years of age, still the oracles of God, which she had loved from a child, were her delight and her counsellors. But one day when she put on her spectacles to read, she could not see a word. She was startled at first; but soon said, It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good. She laid her spectacles down, casting her eye on the corner of the Bible, thought she could discern some letters. Taking up the book, she read as well as her daughter could. And from that hour she could not only read without spectacles, but sew or thread the finest needle, with the same ease, as when she was thirty years of age.

Wednesday 20, I preached at Biddick, to a multitude of colliers, though it rained hard all the time. They seemed all, even some who had long drawn back, to be

melted down as wax before the fire. So strong and general an influence on a congregation, I do not remember to have seen for some years,

Sunday 24, The congregation at the Keelman's Hospital, was far too large for my voice to command. I doubt not more than two-thirds could hear; but all were still, till I commended them to the grace of God.

Monday 25, We rode to Durham, and thence through very rough roads, and as rough weather, to Barnard-castle. I was exceedingly faint when we came in ; however, the time being come, I went into the street, and would have preached : but the mob was so numerous and so loud, that it was not possible for many to hear. Nevertheless I spoke on, and those who were near, listened with huge attention. To prevent this, some of the rabble fetched the engine, and threw a good deal of water on the congregation. But not a drop fell on me. After about three quarters of an hour,

I returned into the house.

Tuesday 26, At five, the preaching-house would not contain one-half of the congregation. Many stood at the door and windows, far more than could hear. When I come again, perhaps they will hear while they may.

We rode hence to Weredale. I had been out of order all night, and found myself now much weaker. However, I trusted in the Strong for strength, and began preaching to a numerous congregation. And I did not want strength, till I had finished my discourse : nor did the people want a blessing.

In the evening we came to Allandale, and found the poor Society well nigh shattered in pieces. Slackness and offence had eaten them up. When I came into the room, I was just like one of them, having neither life nor strength, and being scarcely able either to speak or to stand. But immediately we had a token for good. In a moment I was well. My voice and strength were entirely restored, and I cried aloud, How shall I give thee up, Ephraim ? The mountains again flowed down at his presence, and the rocks were once more broken in pieces.

Wednesday 27, I preached at Clifton, near Penrith, to a civil people, who looked just as if I had been talking Greek. The next day we went on to Larton, a little village, lying in a green, fruitful valley, surrounded by high mountains, the sides of which are covered with grass and woods, and the bottom watered by two small rivers. Here I found myself much out of order again. However, at six, I preached to a very large and serious congregation. The Ministers of Larton, and of the next parish, were among them, that they might hear and judge for themselves.

Friday 29, I preached at noon to a very different congregation, in the Castle-yard at Cockermouth. However, they behaved with decency; none interrupting, or making any noise.

About five we reached Whitehaven. After a little rest, I went to the Room; but it was rather to be seen than heard. However, I spoke as I could for about half an hour, and then immediately went to bed: but I could not sleep, having a violent flux, with a fever, and continual pain in my stomach. But at twelve, I fell into a doze, and from that time, began to recover.

On Sunday, in the afternoon, I ventured to Church, and in the evening, preached as I was able.

Monday, June 1, I examined the Society, and praised God on their behalf.

Tuesday 2, I rode to Seaton, a town of colliers, ten measured miles from Whitehaven. The poor people had covered at the top, and

prepared a kind of pulpit for me, on both sides, and had placed a cushion to kneel upon, of the greenest turf in the country. But my voice was still so low, that I fear not half of those who were present could hear.

Wednesday 3, I was able to preach again in the morning. One of our friends, who was master of a ship, purposing to set sail on Thursday 4, for Dublin, I knew not but it would be well to go over with him, supposing the wind should turn fair. It did turn fair that very morning; but being suddenly called on board, he sailed without us.