tion was met but I did not find the decency and order which I expected. The gentleman for whom I came to vote, was not elected: yet I did not repent of my coming; I owe much more than this to that generous, friendly man, who now rests from his labours. I was much surprised, wherever I went, at the civility of the people, gentlemen as well as others. There was no pointing, no calling of names, as once; no, nor even laughter. What can this mean? Am I become a servant of men? Or is the scandal of the cross ceased?

Friday, February 1, We set out for London in another bitter morning, having such a wind (now got to the east, and so in our face again) as I hardly ever remember. But by five in the evening, we were under shelter at the Foundery. It being the night before appointed for a Watch-night, we continued praying and praising God as usual, till about twelve o'clock; and I found no inconvenience, but a little faintness, which a few hours sleep removed.

Saturday 2, Having received a full answer from Mr. P., I was clearly convinced that I ought to marry. For many years I remained single, because I believed I could be more useful in a single, than in a married state. And I praise God, who enabled me so to do. I now as fully believed, that in my present circumstances, I might be more useful in a married state; into which, upon this clear conviction, and by the advice of my friends, I entered a few days after.

Wednesday 6, I met the single men, and shewed them, on how many accounts it was good for those who had received that gift from God, to remain single for the kingdom of heaven's sake, unless where a particular case might be an exception to the general rule.

Sunday 10, After preaching at five, I was hastening to take my leave of the congregation at Snowsfields, purposing to set out in the morning for the north; when on the middle of London-bridge, both my feet slipped on the ice, and I fell with great force, the bone of my ancle lighting on the top of a stone. However, I got on, with some help, to the Chapel, being resolved not to disappoint the people. After preaching, I had my leg bound up by a Surgeon, and made

a shift to walk to the Seven-dials. It was with much diffi culty that I got up into the pulpit; but God then comforted many of our hearts, I went back in a coach to Mr. B.'s, and from thence, in a chair to the Foundery: but I was not able to preach, my sprain growing worse. I removed to Threadneedle-street; where I spent the remainder of the week, partly in prayer, reading, and conversation, partly in writing a Hebrew Grammar, and Lessons for Children.

Sunday 17, I was carried to the Foundery, and preached kneeling (as I could not stand) on part of the twenty-third Psalm; my heart being enlarged, and my mouth opened to declare the wonders of God's love.

Monday 18, was the second day I had appointed for my journey. But I was disappointed again, not being yet able to set my foot to the ground. However, I preached (kneeling) on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.

Sunday 24, I preached morning and evening at Spitalfields, where many who had been wandering from God for several years, seemed at length to have fresh desires of returning to him. How is it that we are so ready to despair of one another? For want of the love that hopeth all things.

Monday, March 4, Being tolerably able to ride, though not to walk, I set out for Bristol. I came thither on Wednesday, thoroughly tired, though in other respects, better than when I set out. Thursday 7, I learned, that poor Mr. Hall is now a settled Deist. Now let those triumph who separated chief friends. Surely his blood is on their heads.

Saturday 9, Many of our Preachers came from various parts. My spirit was much bowed down among them, fearing some of them were perverted from the simplicity of the Gospel. But I was revived at the sight of John H., John N., and those who came with them in the evening; knowing they held the truth as it is in Jesus, and did not hold it in unrighteousness.

Monday 11, Our Conference began; and the more we conversed, the more brotherly-love increased. The same spirit we found on Tuesday and Wednesday. I expected to have

heard many objections to our first doctrines. But none appeared to have any; we seemed to be all of one mind, as well as one heart. Friday 15, I mentioned whatever I thought was amiss, or wanting in any of our brethren. It was received in a right spirit; with much love, and serious, earnest attention. And I trust not one went from the Conference discontented, but rather blessing God for the consolation.

Tuesday 19, Having finished the business for which I came to Bristol, I set out again for London, being desired by many, to spend a few days there, before I entered upon my northern journey. I came to London on Thursday, and having settled all affairs, left it again on Wednesday 27. I cannot understand, how a Methodist Preacher can answer it to God, to preach one sermon, or travel one day less, in a married, than in a single state. In this respect, surely it remaineth, that they who have wives, be as though they had

none.

On Wednesday I rode with John Haime to Tetsworth. On Thursday went on to Evesham. One from thence met us on Broadway-hill. I was soon informed that Mr. Keech was buried the night before. His widow and daughter were sorrowing; but not as without hope: neither did they refrain from the preaching one day. So let my surviving friends sorrow for me! I was to have preached in the Town-hall: but a company of players had taken possession of it first. Our own room could not contain the congregation: but to as many as could crowd into it, I applied, What is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Friday 29, I rested at Evesham. Saturday 30, I rode to Birmingham, and found God in the midst of the congregation. Sunday 31, I earnestly warned the Society against idle disputes and vain janglings; and afterwards, preached on If ye be led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law. The hearts of many were melted within them; so that neither they nor I could refrain from tears: but they were tears of joy, from a lively sense of the liberty wherewith Christ had made us free. At one I was obliged to preach abroad, the room not being able to contain half the congregation. O how

is the scene changed here! The last time I preached at Birmingham, the stones flew on every side. If any disturbance were made now, the disturber would be in more danger than the preacher. At five in the evening I preached at Wednesbury, to a still larger congregation. But no mocker or trifler appeared among them. How many of the last shall be first!

Monday, April 1, I rode to Dudley. The dismal screaming wherewith we were welcomed into the town, gave us reason to expect the same kind of reception as I had when I was there before. I began preaching immediately in a yard not far from the main street. Some at first seemed inclined to interrupt, but when they had heard a little, they grew more attentive, and stayed very quietly to the end, though it rained a great part of the time.

I had desired John Haime to preach at Wednesbury. But when I came, he had but just begun the hymn. So I had an opportunity which I did not expect, of speaking again to that willing people. What a work would have been in all these parts, if it had not been for doubtful disputations! If the Predestinarians had not thrown back those who began to run well, partly into the world, partly to the Baptists, and partly into endless disputes concerning the secret counsels of God! While we carried our lives in our hands, none of these came near; the waves ran too high for them. But when all was calm, they poured in on every side, and bereaved us of our children. Out of these, they formed one Society here, one at Dudley, and another at Birmingham. Many indeed, though torn from us, would not stay with them; but broke out into the wildest enthusiasm. But still they were all called Methodists; and so all their drunkenness and blasphemies (not imputed to a believer!) were imputed to us!

Tuesday 2, I preached at Darlaston, late a den of lions: but most of the fiercest of them, God has called away by a train of amazing strokes; and those that remain, are now as lambs. I preached in the evening at Wednesbury, where, notwithstanding the rain, every man, woman, and child

stayed to the end. I gave them all an earnest caution, not to lean on broken reeds, on opinions of any kind : and even the Predestinarians received it in love, and told me, it was highly seasonable.

Wednesday 3, I made an end of visiting the Classes, miserably shattered by the sowers of strange doctrines. At one I preached at Tipton-green, where the Baptists also have been making havock of the flock; which constrained me, in speaking on those words, Arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, to spend near ten minutes in controversy, which is more than I had done in public for many months, perhaps years, before.

Thursday 4, We took horse about four. The snow fell without intermission, which the north wind drove full in our faces. After resting a while at Bilbrook, Newport, and Whitchurch, and riding some miles out of our way, we overtook some people going to the preaching at Alpraham, who guided us straight to the house. William Hitchens had not begun: so I took his place, and felt no weakness or weariness, while I declared, Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever.

April 5, being Good-friday, I preached at eight, and then walked to Banbury Church. I preached again at one, and in the evening at Poole, near Nantwich, to another deeply serious congregation. The next evening we reached Manchester.

Easter-day, April 7, After preaching, I went to the New Church, and found an uncommon blessing, at a time when I least of all expected it; namely, while the Organist was playing a voluntary! We had a happy hour in the evening, many hearts being melted down in one flame of holy love. Wednesday 10, I rode to Shackerley. Being now in the very midst of Mr. Taylor's disciples, I enlarged much more than I am accustomed to do, on the doctrine of Original Sin and determined, if God should give me a few years' life, publicly to answer his New Gospel.

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By the huge noise which was in the street, as we entered Bolton, I conjectured Satan would try his strength once