an occasion of discovering such wiles of Satan, as it never entered into my heart to conceive.

Saturday 4, I was pressed to visit a poor murderer in Newgate, who was much afflicted both in body and soul. I objected, "It could not be; for all the turnkeys, as well as the keeper, were such good Christians, they abhorred the name of a Methodist: and absolutely refused to admit me even to one, who earnestly begged it, the morning he was to die." However, I went: and found, by a surprising turn, that all the doors were now open to me. I exhorted the sick malefactor to cry unto God with all his might, for grace to repent and C believe the Gospel. It was not long, before the rest of the felons flocked round; to whom I spoke strong words, concerning the Friend of sinners which they received with as great signs of amazement, as if it had been a voice from heaven. When I came down into the common hall, (I think they called it) one of the prisoners there asking me a question, gave me occasion to speak among them also: more and more still running together, while I declared, God was not willing any of them should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Monday 6, Finding many had been offended, at the sermon I preached on Friday night, especially those who were supposed to be strong in faith, I determined to examine the matter thoroughly. Accordingly I desired M. C, M. F, E. H, and A. G, and a few others, to meet me with Sarah Cl, Jane J-n, and Ann P., to whom they had said most, concerning the point in question. I then heard each of them relate her experience at large: I afterwards examined themseverally, touching the circumstances which I had not understood: on which I then talked with several others also. And thus far I approved of their experience, (because agreeable to the written word) < as to their feeling the working of the Spirit of God, in peace, and joy, and love. But as to what some of them said farther, concerning "feeling the blood of Christ, running upon their arms, or going down their throat, or poured like warm water upon their breast or heart," I plainly told them, "The utmost I could allow, without renouncing both Scripture and reason, was, that some of these circumstances might be from God, (though I could not affirm they were) working in an unusual manner, no way essential either to justification or sanctification: But that all the rest I must believe, to be the mere empty dreams of an heated imagination.'

Wednesday 8, I observed, That the leaven of stillness, was not yet purged out from among us One of our brethren saying, "He was uneasy, because he had wilfully neglected the Lord's-Supper;" another replied, "Then his faith was weak: else his peace could not be shaken by such little things." Yea, but I think such little things as these, will shake the peace of any true believer, viz. A wilful breach of any commandment of God. If it do not shake us, we are asleep in the devil's arms.

Thursday 9, I buried the body of Lucy Godshall, one of the first women bands at Fetter-lane. After pressing toward the mark for more than two years, since she had known the pardoning love of God, she was for some time weary and faint in her mind, till I put her out

of the bands. God blessed this greatly to her soul, so that in a short time she was admitted again. Soon after, being at home, she felt the love of God, in an unusual manner, poured into her heart. She fell down upon her knees, and delivered up her soul and body into the hands of God. In that instant, the use of all her limbs was taken away, and she was in a burning fever. For three days she mightily praised God, and rejoiced in Him all the day long. She then cried out, "Now Satan hath desired to have me, that he may sift me as wheat." Immediately darkness and heaviness fell upon her, which continued till Saturday the fourth instant. On Sunday the light shone again upon her heart. About ten in the evening one said to her, "Jesus is ready to receive your soul:" she said, "Amen! Amen!" Closed her eyes and died.

Sunday 12, I was desired to preach in an open place, commonly called the Great Gardens, lying between Whitechapel and CoverletsFields, where I found a vast multitude gathered together. Taking knowledge that a great part of them were little acquainted with the things of God, I called upon them in the words of our Lord, Repent ye, and believe the Gospel. Many of the beasts of the people laboured much to disturb those who were of a better mind. They endeavoured to drive in a herd of cows among them: but the brutes were wiser than their masters. They then threw whole showers of stones, one of which struck me just between the eyes. But I felt no pain at all, and when I had wiped away the blood, went on testifying with a loud voice, That God hath given to them that believe, -not the spirit of fear, but of power and love, and of a sound mind. And by the spirit which now appeared through the whole congregation, I plainly saw what a blessing it is, when it is given us, even in the lowest degree, to suffer for his name's sake.

Monday 13, I preached about nine at Windsor, and the next evening came to Bristol. I spent the remainder of this, and the following week, in examining those of the society: speaking severally to each, that I might more perfectly know the state of their souls to God-ward.

Thursday 23, In the evening, almost as soon as I began to pray in the society, a voice of lamentation and bitter mourning was heard from the whole congregation. But in a while, loud thanksgivings were mixed therewith, which in a short space spread over all: so that nothing was to be heard on every side, but "Praise to God and the Lamb for ever and ever!"

Friday 24, I had notes from nineteen persons, desiring to return God thanks. Some of them follow:

"John Merriman, a blind man, desires to return thanks to Almighty God, for the discovery of his love to him, an old sinner.

"One desires to return God thanks, for giving her a token of his love, in removing all prejudices, and giving her love to all mankind. "Edith W desires to return thanks, for great and unspeakable mercies, which the Lord was pleased to reveal to her heart; even telling me, I am He that blotteth out thy transgressions, and thy

sins I will remember no more. Lord, may be ever in my heart.

And I desire, that the praise of the

"Ann Simmonds desires to return hearty thanks to God, for the great mercies she received last night. For she has a full assurance of her redemption in the blood of Christ.

"Mary K desires to return thanks to God, for giving her a fresh sense of her forgiveness.

66 Mary F desires to return thanks, for that the Lord hath made her triumph over sin, earth, and hell.

"Mary Wn desires to return thanks to Almighty God, for a fresh sense of forgiveness.

"Sir, I desire to return humble thanks to Almighty God, for the comfortable assurance of his pardoning love." E. C

Many others took an opportunity of speaking to me, and declaring what God had done for their souls. But one came to me, Mrs. Sp- who was still torn in pieces with sorrow, and doubts, and fears. Her chief fear, she said, was, "That we were all Papists." I asked her, How she came to fear this, after she had heard us preach for near three years, and been more than a twelvemonth in the society! She said, "Why it is not long since I met with a gentleman, who told me, He was a Roman Catholic. And when I asked him, If Mr. Wesley was a Papist, he would not say, Yes or no: But only Mr. W. is a very good man, and you do well to hear him. Besides, it is but two or three nights since, as I was just setting out to come to the Room, Miss Gr met me and said, 'My dear friend, you shall not go: Indeed you shall not: You do not know what you do. I assure you, Mr. W. is a Papist: And so am I: He converted me. You know how I used to pray to saints and to the Virgin Mary. It was Mr. W. taught me when I was in the bands. And I saw him rock the cradle on Christmas-eve: You know I scorn to tell a lie.' Well, but (said I) how comes it that none of the rest who are in the bands, have found this out as well as you? O, (replied she), they are not let into the secret yet. Perhaps, if you were in the bands, you might not hear a word of it for a year or more. 0! you cannot imagine the depth of the design. The maid at her back then fell a crying and said, 'Indeed, Madam! Miss Gr talks so fine! Do! Madam, mind what she says."" So between one and the other, poor Mrs. Sp was utterly confounded.

had

Perhaps I need observe no more upon this, than that the Popish . priest knew well, how much it would be for the interest of his church, to have me accounted a member of it: And that Miss Gr― lately been raving mad, (in consequence of a fever) that as such, she was tied down in bed: and as soon as she was suffered to go abroad, went to Mr. Whitefield, to inquire of him, Whether she was not a Papist? But he quickly perceived she was only a lunatic, the nature of her disorder soon betraying itself. O that all who advance the same assertion with her, had as good a plea to urge in their excuse! Sunday 26, In the evening I rode to Marshfield. The next evening I reached Whitchurch. Tuesday 28, In the morning I preached at Great Marlow, on the Pharisee and the publican. Many were

surprised, and perhaps, in some measure, convinced, (but how shortlived are most of these convictions!) That it is very possible a man may be a Pharisee now- yea, though he be not a Methodist.

A little before twelve, I came to Windsor. I was soon informed, that a large number of rabble, had combined together, and declared again and again, "There should be no preaching there that day.” In order to make all sure, they had provided gunpowder enough and some other things some days before. But Burnham Fair coming between, they agreed to go thither first, and have a little diversion there. Accordingly they went, and bestowed a few of their crackers, upon their brother mob at Burnham. But these, not being Methodists, did not take it well, turned upon them, and gave them chase. They took shelter in an house; but that would not serve. For those without, soon forced a way in, and seized on as many as they could find, who, upon information made, were sent to gaol. The rest ran away: so that when I came, none hindered or interrupted. In the evening I came to London; I proposed spending a fortnight there, and then returning to Bristol.

I spent this time, partly in speaking severally to all the members of the society; partly in making a full inquiry into those devices of Satan, whereof I had scarce ever heard or read before. And I believe they are now thoroughly discovered and brought to nought. O may they never more deceive the hearts of the simple.

Monday, October 11, I had designed to leave London. But Mr. Richards being taken ill, I put off my journey. He was much better on Tuesday; so I set out next morning, and before seven in the evenreached the half-way-house, four miles short of Hungerford.

ing

I now found it was well I did not set out on Monday, in order to be at Bristol on Tuesday night, as usual. For all the travellers that went way on Tuesday were robbed. But on Thursday, the road was . clear, so that I came safe to Kingswood in the afternoon, and in the evening preached at Bristol.

My chief business now was, To examine thoroughly the society in Kingswood. This found me full employment for several days. On Wednesday 27, having finished my work, I set out very early, and (though my horse fell lame) on Thursday evening came to London.

Friday 29, I largely explained, Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty: namely, liberty to obey the whole will of God; to be and do whatsoever He hath commanded: in a word, to love God with all our heart, and to serve Him with all our strength.

Sunday 31, Several of the leaders desired to have an hour's conversation with me. I found they were greatly perplexed about "Want of management, ill husbandry, encouraging idleness, improper distribution of money, being imposed upon by fair pretences," and "men who talked well, but had no grace in their hearts.”—I asked; "Who those men were?" But that they could not tell. "Who encouraged idleness? when and how?" "What money had been improperly distributed? By whom and to whom ?” “In what instances I had been imposed on (as I presumed they meant me) and what were the particulars of that ill husbandry and mismanagement of

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which they complained?" They stared at one another, as men in amaze. I began to be amazed too, not being able to imagine what was the matter, till one dropped a word, by which all came out. They had been talking with Mr. Hall, who had started so many objections against all I said or did, that they were in the utmost consternation, till the fire thus broke out; which then at once vanished

away.

Wednesday, November 3, Two of those who are called prophets, desired to speak with me. They told me, "They were sent from God, with a message to me, which was, That very shortly, I should be born'd again." One of them added, "They would stay in the house till it was done, unless I turned them out," I answered gravely, "I will not turn you out," and shewed them down into the societyroom. It was tolerably cold, and they had neither meat nor drink. However, there they sat from morning to evening. They then went away quietly, and I have heard nothing from them since.

Sunday 7, I concluded the Epistle to the Hebrews, that strong barrier against the too prevailing imagination, That the privileges of Christian believers are to be measusured by those of the Jews. Not so: That Christians are under a better covenant, established upon better promises; That although the law made nothing perfect, made none perfect either in holiness or happiness, yet the bringing in of ← a better hope did, by which we now draw nigh unto God: this is the great truth continually inculcated herein, and running through this whole epistle. Monday 8, I set out' at four, reached Northampton that night, and the next evening, Donnington-Park. Wednesday 10, I rode on to Rufworth-Inn, and on Saturday 13, reached Newcastle.

My brother had been here for some weeks before, and was but just returned to London. At eight I met the wild, staring, loving society. But not them alone, as I had designed. For we could not persuade the strangers to leave us. So that we only spent about an hour in prayer.

Sunday 14, I began preaching at five o'clock, (a thing never heard of before in these parts) on I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. And the victorious sweetness of the grace of God was present with his word. At ten we went to All-Saints, where was such a number of communicants, as I have scarce seen but at Bristol or London. At four I preached in the square of the Keelmen's hospital, on By grace ye are saved, through faith. It rained ←→ and hailed hard, both before and after; but there were only some scattered drops while I preached, which frighted away a few careless hearers. I met the society at six, and exhorted all, who had set their ← hand to the plough, not to look back.

Monday 15, I began at five expounding The Acts of the Apostles. In the afternoon, (and every afternoon this week) I spoke severally with the members of the society. On Tuesday evening, I began the Epistle to the Romans. After sermon the society met. I reproved some among them who walked disorderly; and earnestly besought them all to beware lest, by reason of their sins, the way of truth should be evil spoken of.

VOL. I.

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