Their enemies were full of hope: the hearts of many of their friends trembled with fear. But the cause was God's; and He disappointed the hopes of their enemies, and was better to his servants than all their fears.

Before the Conference, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Mather, Mr. Pawson, Mr. Hopper, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Rodda, Mr. Bradburn, and some others of the senior preachers met at Manchester, consulted together, and endeavoured to prepare matters for the Conference, which commenced on the 26th of July. Mr. Thompson was chosen President, and Dr. Coke Secretary. It was agreed unanimously, that all the preachers in Full Connexion should enjoy every privilege that the legal conference enjoys, agreeably to Mr. Wesley's request; and that as the most "substantial proof of their veneration for the memory of their most esteemed Father and Friend," they would endeavour, "with great humility and diffidence, to follow and imitate him in doctrine, discipline and life." Some warm debates arose on various points, but the preachers generally came to a good understanding at last. To supply the lack of Mr. Wesley's general superintendence, the plan recommended by Mr. Thompson was adopted,to divide the kingdom into Districts, each comprehending a number of contiguous circuits; and to give to each Superintendent power to summon all the preachers of the District on any critical case which, according to the best of his judgment, required such an interference.*

The two following extracts from Mr. Entwisle's journal were written at Manchester during the sittings of the Conference, and refer to some of its proceedings.

"Tues. Aug. 2, 1791.-Since I came here, I have been more than ever convinced that the Methodist Preachers are indeed a body of sensible and pious men. Some of our brethren in Ireland were expelled for bad conduct; and one in England, who had travelled many years. I felt great distress on account of the fall of these brethren, was thankful that God had preserved me, and yet felt a fear lest I should fall after the same example of unbelief.' 'Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.'

"Wed. Aug. 3.-This day I was admitted into Full Connexion, with eleven of my brethren. We were ex

* See Minutes of Conference, 8vo. Vol. I. pp. 240, 241.

amined before the Conference by Mr. Thompson, the President, respecting our experience, &c. in the most solemn manner; after which he gave us some excellent advice. I was much affected to see some of the oldest preachers looking at us and weeping; and felt strong desires to devote myself more fully than ever to the service of God and his church. Our examination in private being over, we were admitted in the presence of the public congregation. It was a still more solemn occasion than the other. Mr. Hopper, whose former usefulness, age, wisdom, and experience render him truly venerable, opened the meeting by prayer: he prayed till he could pray no longer for weeping. Preachers and people seemed to have similar feelings; and the whole congregation, I doubt not, felt the divine power in a very remarkable manner. For my own part I felt what I never did before. I had a deep sense of the greatness and importance of the work of the ministry; saw my own ignorance and weakness in such a way as laid me in the dust; and had such views of the all-sufficiency of God as enabled me to say, 'Here am I, send me.' I seemed to receive a new commission; and I do believe I experienced something of what Paul speaks of, 1 Tim. iv. 14, Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.' May I stir up the gift of God that is in me; aud may I so 'take heed unto myself and to my doctrine, and continue therein, that I may both save myself and them that hear me.'

'Give me thy strength, O God of power,
Then let winds blow or thunders roar,
Thy faithful witness will I be,
'Tis fixt; I can do all through Thee.'”

CHAPTER IV.

FROM HIS ADMISSION INTO FULL CONNEXION TO HIS MARRIAGE. 1791-1792.

AT the Conference of 1791, Mr. Entwisle was re-appointed to the Halifax Circuit; and as Mr. Thompson was removed to Wakefield, it was a matter of joy and thankfulness that Mr. Pawson, for whom he entertained a high degree of respect and affection, was to be his superintendent. The appointment was indeed mutually acceptable. On his return to Halifax, he resumed his journal.

I

"Sat. Aug. 13.-Since my return from Conference I have been much afflicted with a pain at my stomach, attended with lowness of spirits and violent temptation. Yesterday I read over a covenant with God which I entered into, signed, and sealed some months ago. renewed the same engagements by signing it afresh. Blessed be God, I know he is my covenant God, and I will be wholly his for ever. This has been a day of much composure and communion with God. Much assisted in my studies.

"Tues. Aug. 30.-Since I wrote last, my mind has, in general, been staid upon God. Since dear Mr. Pawson came to Halifax, especially, I have enjoyed much of God's presence. I esteem it a peculiar favour that my lot is once more cast with him. May I improve my great advantages.

"Sat. Sept. 3.-Riding to Luddesden this evening, I was led into a long chain of meditations, in which my mind was greatly expanded. I first had such discoveries of the holiness, justice, majesty, and goodness of God, as I cannot express. From hence I inferred, it could not be the will of such a holy Being, that sin should have any place in my heart. The language of my whole

soul was, 'Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven;' and I perceived at the same time, that a sufficiency of grace was offered me to make me altogether like my Lord. Oh! what floods of light and love and peace burst into my soul ! Yet I felt no ecstatic joy, but

'The speechless awe that dares not move,
And all the silent heaven of love!

When I reached the top of the hill, the sun was setting,
and the scattered clouds were gilded by his rays in the
most magnificent manner. There was an infinite va-
riety in their forms and colours, some a deep blood-red,
others orange, and some a light gold colour.
The scene
exceeded all description. I stood: I admired: I gazed
and wondered at the beauty of the heavens, the work of
God's fingers; and felt inexpressible joy in the persua-
sion that this God is MY GOD, and will be my guide
even unto death.'

"Sun. Sept. 11.-A day of much bodily weakness, much temptation, yet much communion with God. Preached twice at Bradshaw to large congregations with great liberty. It seems the Holy Spirit is at work with many hearts; and Satan is at work also, endeavouring to make divisions among brethren. If he can effect this, the work of God will be much obstructed. O Lord, arise! let not the enemy triumph. Much pained on on account of these things most of the night. Rode to Halifax in much weakness of body; thought I could scarcely go through the evening's work, but the Lord assisted me, and I had unusual freedom both in preaching and in meeting the society. Laid me down exceedingly fatigued, and in some anxiety respecting Bradshaw.

Tues. 13.-Weak and afflicted in body the greatest part of the day, but I enjoyed much peace of mind. Preached twice, and met two country societies. The Lord was pleased kindly to help me. O how much am I indebted to divine grace daily.

66

Wed. 14.-Much profited to-day, partly in walking into the fields at even-tide to meditate, and partly in reading the Rev. Mr. Robinson's 'Scripture Characters.' I think the church and the world are much indebted to him for his labour. The style is so plain and elegant, the sentiments so instructive, ingenious, and pious, that

every one who has a savour of divine things must be edified. He seems purposely to avoid every thing disputable among real Christians.

Frid. 30.-A day of rest,-chiefly spent in the duties of the closet,-reading, meditation, and prayer. I spent one hour in company at tea-time, very profitably to myself, and I hope to the rest of the company. Preached at Southowram at night; and after a social hour with dear Mr. Pawson and family, went to rest with great composure of mind, and slept as in the arms of God. Oh! what a peaceful state of mind did I enjoy while asleep. Blessed be God.

6

Oct. 1.-Arose this morning in a sweet, heavenly frame of mind, calm and unruffled as a summer's eve,' and was preserved all the day in a spirit of devotion."

We now approach an interesting event in my father's personal history. Much serious consideration and fervent prayer had resulted in a full conviction that a Christian minister's usefulness is greatly promoted by marriage, at a proper time, and to a suitable person. Having been received into full connexion at the last Conference, and being now in his twenty-fifth year, he thought the time had come when he might properly entertain the thought of marriage; and he became deeply concerned to find a suitable person. Long before this he had taken Prov. iii. 6, as the rule of his life; and while he felt it to be a privilege to acknowledge God in all his ways, he deemed it more especially so to be guided by his unerring wisdom in a matter of such unspeakable moment as the formation of a connexion for life. He therefore asked counsel of the Lord in frequent and fervent prayer, and resolved to take no step without sufficient reason to believe he was acting agreeably to the divine will.

Without violating any of those rules which filial respect and affection naturally suggest in relation to so delicate a portion of a beloved parent's personal history, by going too minutely into detail,-some extracts from his journal may be given which will serve to shew the simplicity of his intention, the purity of his motives, his conscientious and ardent desire to ascertain and to do the will of God, and the caution and truly Christian spirit with which he proceeded throughout that corres