CONTENTS OF VOLUME V. Mr. Wesley's Journey to Ireland, Returns through Yorkshire to London, Death of Martha Wood, of Darlaston, Visits Cornwall, and returns to Bristol, 158 AN EXTRACT OF THE REV. JOHN WESLEY'S JOURNAL, No. XVI. FROM SEPTEMBER 2, 1770, TO SEPTEMBER 12, 1773. SUN UNDAY, September 2, At five in the evening, I preached in the natural amphitheatre at Gwenap. The people covered a circle of nearly four-score yards diameter, and could not be fewer than twenty thousand. Yet, upon enquiry, I found they could all hear distinctly, it being a calm, still evening. Monday 3, Between eight and nine, while I was preaching at Truro, we had only a few light showers, although a few miles off there was impetuous rain, with violent thunder and lightning. About noon I preached at Mevagizzy, in a vacant space near the middle of the town, and strongly applied those words, Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? At six I stood at the head of the street in St. Austle, and enforced, on a large and quiet congregation, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. After visiting Medros, Plymouth, and Collumpton, I came, on Friday 7, to Taunton. Presently after preaching I took horse: the rain obliged us to make haste; but in a while the saddle came over his neck, and then turned under his belly. I had then only to throw myself off, or I must have fallen VOL. V. B under him. I was a little bruised, but soon mounted again, and rode to Lympsham, and the next day to Bristol. Sunday 9, My voice was weak when I preached at Princes-street, in the morning. It was stronger at two in the afternoon, while I was preaching under the sycamoretree in Kingswood: and strongest of all at five in the evening, when we assembled near King's-square in Bristol. Tuesday 11, In the evening I preached at Frome, but not abroad, as I designed, because of the rain. The next evening I preached in the adjoining meadow, to as quiet a congregation as that in the house. Sunday 16, The appointed preacher not coming in time, I preached myself at five: at eight in Princes-street; at two in Kingswood; and near King's-square at five in the evening. It was the day before that I first observed a very uncommon concern in the children at Kingswood-School, while I was explaining and enforcing upon them, the first principles of religion. Tuesday 18, Most of them went to see the body of Francis Evans, one of our neighbours who died two or three days before. About seven, Mr. Hindmarsh met them all in the school, and gave an exhortation suited to the occasion. He then gave out that hymn, "And am I born to die, To lay this body down? And must my trembling spirit fly Into a world unknown?" This increased their concern, so that it was with great difficulty they contained themselves till he began to pray. Then Al-r M-r and Rd N-e cried aloud for mercy; and quickly another and another, till all but two or three were constrained to do the same. And as long as he continued to pray, they continued the same loud and bitter cry. One of the maids, Eliz. Nutt, was as deeply convinced as any of them. After prayer, Mr. H. said, "Those of you, who are resolved to serve God may go and pray together." Fif teen of them did so, and continued wrestling with God, with strong cries and tears, till about nine o'clock. Wednesday 19, At the morning prayer many of them cried out again, though not so violently. From this time their whole spirit and behaviour were changed; they were all serious and loving to each other. The same seriousness and mildness continued on Thursday, and they walked together, talking only of the things of God. On Friday evening their concern greatly increased, and caused them to break out again into strong cries. Saturday 22, they seemed to lose none of their concern, and spent all their spare time in prayer. Sunday 23, Fifteen of them gave me their names, "being resolved," they said, "to serve God." In the afternoon I gave them a strong exhortation, and afterward Mr. Rankin. Their very countenances were entirely changed. They drank in every word. Tuesday 25, During the time of prayer in the evening, they were affected just as they were the Tuesday before. The two other maids were then present, and were both cut to the heart. Wednesday 26, "I rode," says Mr. Rankin, " in the afternoon to Kingswood, and went up stairs in order to retire a little. But when I came up, I heard one of the boys at prayer in an adjoining room. I listened a while and was exceedingly struck with many of his expressions. When he ceased, I went in, and found two others with him; just then three more came in. I went to prayer. The power of the Lord seemed to rest upon them all, and pierced their hearts with deep conviction. The next morning I spent some time with all the children; and then desired those who were resolved to save their souls, to come up stairs with me. I went up, and nine of the children followed me, who said, they were determined to flee from the wrath to come. I exhorted them never to rest till they found peace with God; and then sung and prayed. The power of God came down in so wonderful a manner, that my voice was drowned by their cries. When I concluded, one of them broke out into prayer, in a manner |