cularly concerning it. He did so, and in consequence of that enquiry, wrote me the following account :

"R-J-, lived about twelve miles from Newcastle. His son, some time since, married without his consent. At this he was so enraged, that he wished his Right arm might burn off, if ever he gave or left him sixpence.' However, in March last, being taken ill, he made his will, and left him all his estate. The same evening he died. On Thursday 10, his widow laying her hand on his back, found it warm. In the evening, those who were with him, went into the next room, to take a little refreshment. As they were eating they observed a disagreeable smell, but could find nothing in the room to cause it. Returning into the room where the corpse lay, they found it full of smoke. Removing the sheet which covered the corpse, they saw (to their no small amazement) the body so burnt, that the entrails were bare, and might be seen through the ribs. His right arm was nearly burnt off, his head so burnt, that the brains appeared; and a smoke came out of the crown of his head, like the steam of boiling water. When they cast water upon his body, it hissed, just as if cast upon red-hot iron, Yet the sheet which was upon him was not singed; but that under him, with the pillowbeer and pillow, and the plank on which he lay, were all burned, and looked as black as charcoal.

"They hastened to put what was left of him into the coffin, leaving some to watch by it: but after it was nailed up, a noise of burning and crackling was heard therein. None was permitted to look into it, till it was carried to Abchester Church-yard. It was buried near the steeple. As soon as it was brought to the grave, the steeple was observed to shake. The people hastened away; and it was well they did for presently, part of the steeple fell. So that had they stayed two minutes longer, they must have been crushed in pieces. All those circumstances were related to me and my wife, by those who were eye and earwitnesses."

I preached in a ground adjoining to the house. Toward

the conclusion of my sermon, the person with whom I lodged was much offended at one, who sunk down and cried aloud for mercy. Herself dropped down next and cried as loud as she: So did several others quickly after. When prayer was made for them, one was presently filled with peace and joy in believing. In the morning I left the rest refusing to be comforted, till Christ should be revealed in their hearts.

Wednesday 20, I preached at Ferry in my way, and in Epworth market-place about seven. The rain began just as I began speaking but God heard the prayer and it was stayed.

Saturday 23, I preached at Westwood-side, where the breach of fifteen years is now healed: all the wanderers being returned to the fold, with him who led them astray.

Sunday 24, As we rode over Haxey-car towards Misterton, one was relating a surprising thing that happened lately. A woman of Stockwith told her sister who lived with her, "I do not think to go to market to day, for I dreamed, that I was drowned in riding across one of the drains on Haxey-car." But she was soon laughed out of it, and went. She rode over the Car with many other marketfolks, and in crossing one of the drains, where the water was scarcely a yard deep, slipped off her horse. Several looked on, but none once thought of pulling her out, till she was past recovery.

At one I preached to the largest congregation I have seen since I left Newcastle. All behaved with deep seriousness but one man, whom I afterwards learned to be a Baptistpreacher. Just as I was taking horse he came again, and laboured hard to begin a dispute. But having neither time nor strength to spare, I gave him the ground and rode away. The congregation at Epworth was full as large, if not larger, than that at Misterton. Among them was a poor greyheaded sinner, a mocker at all religion: but his mocking is past. He was in tears most of the time, and is now seeking after God.

Monday 25, I left Epworth with great satisfaction, and

about one preached at Clayworth. I think none was unmoved, but Michael Fenwick, who fell fast asleep under an adjoining hay-stack. From thence we rode to Rotherham. When I came in, I had no strength and no voice left. However, in an hour I was able to preach to the largest congregation that, I suppose, was ever seen there. Wednesday 27, I preached about noon at Barley-hall, and in the evening at Sheffield. After spending a short time with the Society, I lay down as soon as possible: but I could not sleep before twelve o'clock; and not long together after. Yet I felt no faintness in the morning, but rose lively and well, and had my voice more clear and strong in preaching, than it had been for several days.

Thursday 28, I received a strange account from Edward Bennet's eldest daughter. "On Tuesday, the 19th of this month, I told my husband in the morning, I desire you will not go into the water to-day; at least, not into the deep water, on the far side of the town. For I dreamed I saw you there out of your depth, and only your head came up just above the water.' He promised me, he would not, and went to work. Soon after four in the afternoon, being at John Hanson's, his partner's house, I was on a sudden extremely sick, so that for some minutes I seemed just ready to expire. Then I was well in a moment. Just at that time, John Hanson, who was an excellent swimmer, persuaded my husband to go into the water on the far side of the town. He objected, the water was deep, and he could not swim; and being much importuned to go in, stood some time after he was undressed, and then kneeling down prayed with an earnest and loud voice. When he arose from his knees, John, who was swimming, called him again, and treading the water, said, "See, it is only breast high.' He stepped in, and sunk. A man who was near, cutting fern, and had observed him for some time, ran to the bank, and saw his head come up just above the water. The second or third time he rose, he clasped his hands, and cried aloud, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' Immediately he sunk and rose no more." One might naturally enquire, what became of John Hanson? As soon as he saw his partner sink, he

swam from him to the other side, put on his clothes, and went straight home.

About noon I preached at Woodseats; in the evening at Sheffield. I do indeed live by preaching! How quiet is this country now, since the chief persecutors are no more seen! How many of them have been snatched away, in an hour, when they looked not for it! Some time since, a woman of Thorpe often swore she would wash her hands in the heart's blood of the next preacher that came: but before the next preacher came, she was carried to her long home. A little before John Johnson settled at Wentworth, a stout, healthy man who lived there, told his neighbours, "After May-day, we shall have nothing but praying and preaching but I will make noise enough to stop it:" but before May-day he was silent in his grave. A servant of Lord Rwas as bitter as he, and told many lies, purposely to make mischief: but before this was done, his mouth was stopped. He was drowned in one of the fish-ponds.

Friday 29, I preached at Nottingham. We want nothing here but a larger house. Saturday 30, I preached in the evening at Leicester, to a large congregation.

Sunday 31, I rode over to Markfield. The Church contained us tolerably well in the morning: but in the afternoon, though many stayed without, it was much crowded and sultry hot. I was quite faint and weary while I read prayers; but in preaching my strength was restored. At six I preached once more at Leicester, and delivered my own soul.

Monday, August 1, I had much conversation, with Mr. (whom, against a thousand appearances, I will believe to be a honest, though irresolute man) "While I was very uneasy (said he) in the year 1741, my brother brought me to Mr. Spangenberg, and then to others of the German Brethren, to whom I was more and more attached, till in the year 1743, I went over to Marienborn. There I saw many things which I could not approve; and was more and more uneasy till I returned to England. I was afterwards much employed by the Brethren. I was ordained Deacon: but still I had a sore and burdened conscience, and gained no

ground in my spiritual warfare: rather, having laid aside prayer, and searching the Scripture, I was more and more dead to God. But in 1750, I awoke again, and was under great agonies of mind: and from this time I wrote to the Count again and again, and to most of the labourers; but to no purpose. Andrew Frey's account is true. The spirit of levity and frolicsomeness, which he justly describes, broke in about 1746, and is not purged out yet. In May last I wrote and delivered a declaration to the Brethren met in Conference, at Linsey-House, That I did not dare to remain in their connexion any longer. The same declaration I made to them here, a few days ago. What farther I am to do, I know not: but, I trust God will direct me."

Tuesday 2, On his expressing a desire to be present at our Conference, I invited him to it: and on Wednesday 3, in the evening, he came to the Foundery. Our Conference began the next morning, and continued till the Thursday following. From the first hour to the last, there was no jarring string, but all was harmony and love.

Monday 8, I took a walk in the Charter-house. I wondered, that all the squares and buildings, and especially the school-boys, looked so little: but this is easily accounted for. I was little myself when I was at school, and measured all about me by myself. Accordingly the upper boys, being then bigger than myself, seemed to be very big and tall : quite contrary to what they appear now, when I am taller and bigger than they. I question if this be not the real ground of the common imagination, that our forefathers, and in general men in past ages, were much larger than now: an imagination current in the world eighteen hundred years ago. So Virgil supposes his warrior to throw a stone, that could scarcely be wielded by twelve men:

Qualia nunc hominum producit corpora tellus.

So Homer, long before: OO BOOT

Whereas in reality men have been, at least, ever since the Deluge, very nearly the same as we find them now, both for stature and understanding.

Monday 22, I set out in the Machine, and the next even