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CONTINUATION
Of the REVEREND
Mr. JFH irE FI E LD's
'"}
J JOURNAL,
FROM
His x^RRivAL at LONDON.
TO
His Depap.tuee from thence on his
Way to GEORGI.^.
The Fourth Edition,
L 0 N D 0 N:
Printed for James Hutton, at the Bible and 3l^, without Temple-Bar. 1739.
ii"3
To the Reverend
Mr. George Whitefield* I.
BROTHER in Christ, and well belov'd. Attend, and add thy PrayV to mine ; As Aaron call'd, yet inly mov'd^ To minifter in Things divine.
11.
Faithful, and often own*d of God,
VefTel of Grace, by Jesus us'd ; Stir up the Gift on thee beftow'd.
The Gift by hallow'd Hands transfus'd.
III.
Fully thy heavenly Miffion prove, And make thy own Election fure ;
Rooted in Faith, and Hope, and Love, Adive to work, and firm t'endurc.
IV.
Scorn to c©ntend with Flefli and Blood, And trample on fo mean a Foe ;
By ftronger Fiends in vain withftood, Dauntlcfs to nobler Conquefts go.
V. Go
[iv]
V.
Go where the darkeft Tempell: lowVs, Thy Foes triumphaiit Wrefller foil ;
Thrones,' PrincipaUties, and Powers, Engage, o'ercome, and take the SpDil.
VI.
The Weapons of thy Warfare take.
With Truth and Meeknefs arm'd ride on ;
Mighty, through God, Hell's Kingdom fhake, Satan's Ibong Holds, through God, pull down,
VIL
Humble each vain afpiring Boaft, Intenfcly for God's Glory burn;
Strongly declare the Sinner lod, Self-righteoujnejs o'erturn, o'erturn.
VIII.
Tear the bright Idol from his Shrine, Nor fuffer him on Earth to dwell >
T'ufurp the Place of Blood Divine, But chaie him to his native HelL
IX.
Be all into Subjedion brought,
I'he Pride of Man let F.uth abafe ; And. captivate his every Thought, ,And force him /o be favd by Grace.
Charles Wesley
CONTINUATION
O F
Mr. I^ HIT E FIELD'S
JOURNAL, ^c.
LONDON.
FR ID JT, December S. About Noon I reached London^ was received with much Joy by my Chriftian Friends, ahd joined with them in Plalms and Thankfgiving for my fafe Arrival. My Heart wa- greatly enlarged hereby.
In the E^/ening went to a truly Chrifliaii Society in Fetkr4ane^ and perceived God had greatly watered the Seed fowi: by my Miniftry, when laft at London. Tbe Lord increafe it more and more.
Saturday^ December 9. Waited this Morning on the Archbifhop of Canterbury^ a:id the Bifhop of London^ and met with a favourable Reception.
Sunday:, December 10. When I was on Board the Mary, thofe particular Farts of the Book o^ Jeremiah, whicii relate to the Oppofition h^ met with from the Falfe Prophets, were deeply mipreff^d upon my Soul. / And now 1 begin to fee the Wiidom of God in it. For fiv^i Churches have been already denied me •, and
, Mr. Wh I t e I? I El d'j yournd
I of the Clergy, if pofTible, would oblige me to xt out of tliele Coafts. But I rejoyce in this Oppo- a certain Sign^ that a more effe^ud Boor
be opened^ ftnce there are fo many Adverfaries. -owever, I had an Opportunity of preaching in Morning at St, Helkns, and at IJlington in the moon, to large Congregations indeed, with great lonftration of the Spirit, and with Pov/cr. 'ere feems to be a great pouring out of the Spirit ; many, who were awakened by my Preaching a
ago, are now grown ftrong Men in Chrifi^ by Vliniilrations of my dear Friends and Fellow-La- srs, John and Charles Wejley. Bkjjed he God, I -e in the coming, of the Kingdom cf his dear Son. lie old Dodlrine about Juftificadon by Faith only, md much revived, and many Letters had been concerning it to me, all which, I providentially d of. For now, I come unprejudiced, and can lore eafily fee who is in the right. And who dares
that we are not juftified in the Sight of God, ly by an Ad: of Faith in Jefus Chrift, without any ird to Works paft, prefent, or to come ?
the Evening I went to Fetter-lane Society, where id (what might not improperly be called) a Love- , eating a litde Bread and Water, and fpendino- : two Hours in Singing and Prayers, and I found leart gready united with the Brethren. Surely a ive Spirit is reviving amongji us. May God knit my
to theirs more and more I
'day, December 24. Preached twice, and went In Evening to Crooked-lane Society, where God en- me to withftand feveral Perlbns, who cavilled I the Doi5lrine of the New Birth. But the Pa(^ wherewith they oppofe, is a Demonftration, that :hemfelves have not experienced ic. Lord make mrtakers of it, for thy dear Son's Sake. er I left Crooked-lane, I went and expounded to a any at Mr. B — 's, in Little-Britain ; then I went
to
pencn-; :
^/LONDON. 2
to another Love-FeafI: at Fetter-lane -, and, it being ChrJftmas-Eve^ continued till near Four in the Morning in Prayer, Pfahns, and Thankfgiving, Vvith many truly Chriitian Brethren ; and my Heart was much en- larged and full of Love, — God gave me a great Spirit of Supplication. Adored be his free Grace in Chrift Jefus, Amen and Amen.
Monday^ Dec. 25. About Four went and prayed, and expounded x.o'^inothe.YSodzty'mRedcrofs-Jireet^ confiding of near two or three hundred People, and the Room was exceeding hot. I had been watching unto Prayer all Night, yet God vouchfifed fo to fill me with his BlefTed Spirit, that I fpoke with as great Power as ever I did in my Life. My Body was weak, but I found a fupernatural Strength, and the Truth of that Saying, IVhen I am weak., then lanifirong.
At Six I went to Crutched Fryarh Society, and ex- pounded as well as I could, but perceived myfelf a little opprefTed with Drowfmcfs, How does the corruptible Body iveigh down the Soul! WhenJIoall I be delivered from the Burden of this Flefh ?
Preached thrice, and afTiftedin adminiftring the Sa- crarheht the fame Day without going to fleep^ God will make his Power to be known in me. — This Day 24 Years, was I baptifed. Lord ! to what little Purpoie have I lived ? However, I feaied my Baptifmal Cove- nant with my dear Saviour's moft blefied Body and Blood, and truft in his Strength I Ihall keep and. perform it. Amen., Amen.
Saturday., 'December 30. Preached nine Times this Week, and expounded near 18 Times, with great Power and Enlargement. — BlefTed be God! I am. every Moment employed from Morning 'till Midnight. — There's no End of People's coming and fending to me, and they feem more and more defirous, like New- born Babes, to be fed with the fincere Milk of the AVprd. — \Vha,t a great Work has been wrought in the B; 2 Hearts
'4 Mr. WniTEFiELD'i Jmirnal
Hearts of many within this Twelvemonth! — No.v^, know I, that though Thoujands might come at firft out of Curiofity, yet God has prevented and quickened them by liis free Grace. — Oh that 1 could be humble and thankful !
Glory he to God that he fills me co7itlnualh\ mt only '■j^ith. Peace^ but alfo Joy in the Holy Ghoft. — Before my Arrival, I thought I fhould envy my Brethrens Suc- cefs in the Miniftry -, but Blcfled be God, I rejoyce in it, and am glad to fee Chrifi's Kingdom come, what- foever Inftruments God fhall make Ufe of to bring it about. — Sometimes I perceive myfelf deferted for a litde while, and much opprefied, efpecially before preaching, but Comfort foon after flows in. — The Kingdom of God is within me. Oh I free Grace in. Chrilt!
Sunday^ December 3 1 . Preached twice to large Con- gregations, efpecially in the Afternoon, at Spittlefieids. ■— I had a great Hoarfenefs upon me, and was deferted before I went up into the Pulpit ; but God ftrengthen- ed me to fpeak, fo as to be heard by all.
After 1 lefr Spittlefieids, my Cold being very great, I defpaircd of fpeaking much more that Night. — But God enabled me to expound to two Companies in Southwark, and I v/as never more enlarged in Prayer in my whole Life. — • Thcfe Words, " And the Power " of the Lord was prefcnt to hea) them," were much prelTed upon my Soul, and indeed I believe it v;as. For many were prick'<i to the Heart, and felt them felves to be Sinners. Oh that ell the 'p-Vorld knc-jv and felt that I
Monday, January i. Received the Holy Sacrament, preached twice, and expounded twice, and found this to be the hippieft 'Ncjc-Teaf-s-'Day that I ever yet fiw. Oh! What Mercies has the Lord Ihewn . me fince this Time Twelvemonth! And yet I fhall fee greater Things than thcfe. Oh that my Heart may he prepared
te
^/LONDON. 5
to fie them ! Ob that my old 'Things may pafs a'-j.-ay^ and ^11 'Things heconic neiv !
Had a Lovc-Feait with our Brethren at Fetter-lane, and fpent the whole Night in clofe Prayer, Pfalms, and Thankfgivings. — God fupported me without fleep. Oh that our JDcfpifirs zvere Partakers of our Joys !
Tuefday, January 3. Staid at Home on purpofe to receive thole, who wanted to conlult me. — Ble[~ fed be Gcd^ from leven in the Morning till three in the Afternoon, People came, fome telling me what God had done for their Souls, and others crying out, JVkat fhall ive do to be faved? B:!ing obliged to go out after this, I referred feveral 'till 'Thiirfday. — God en- abled me to give them Anfwers of Peace ! How does God work by my unworthy Hands! His Mercies mck me dovv'n. Oh that I ii- as thankful I
Thurfday^ January 4. Though my Cold continued, and I feared it would prevent my Ipcaking, yet God enabled me to expound with extraordinary Power in a private Society j and then to preach at Wapping Chapel^ \Q> that the Word pierced the Hearers Souls \ and after- wards I expounded and prayed for an Hour and an half with great Power and Demonftration of the Spirit, and my Heart was full of God. Hoiv immediately does Jefus Chriji reivard me for my poor Services t AJfoon as my daily Work is done, be fays. Enter thou into the Joy of thy Lord; He commands, and it is done.
Friday, Januaiy 5. Held a Conference at IJlington^ concerning leveral Things of very great Importance, with feven true Minifters of Jefus Qhrijl, dcfpifed Me- thodijis, whom God, has brought together from the Eafi and the JVeJl, the North and the South. — What we were in doubt about, after Prayer, we determmed by Lot, and every Thing elfe v/as carried on with great Love, Meekrtefs, and Devotion. — We continued
in
6 Sir. Whitefield'j Jounial
in Fading and Prayer 'till tliree o' Clock, and dien parted with a full Conviftion that God was going to do great Things among us. Oh that '■^-e may be any way tiifinimental to his Glory I That he would make us Vsjfels pire and holy., meet for our Maftcfs Ufe !
Expounded twice afterwards in London widi great Pov/er, and then was much enlarged for near an Hour in Prayer, in Fetter-lane Society. — The Spirit of Sup- plication increafes in my Heart daily. — May it encreafe £ver more and more I
Did not find the Pity I ought, upon feeing a Bro- ther full of Self-love. Lord enlarge my narrow Hearty and gi'-je me that Charity which rejoyces not in Iniquity.^ hut in the Truth.-— Perceived fomething a little bordering on Envy towards my Brother //. — I tind more and more that true Humility confills in being fubmifllve to thofe, who are a litde above, or a little below us. — Oh when jhall I come to rcjoyce in others Gifts and Graces e^ much as in my own I I am refdhed to zvrefile with Jefus Chrift, by Faith and Prayer Uill he thus blejfes me.
Saturda^y January 6. Preached fix times this Week, and fliould have preached a feventh time, but one Minifter would not permit me ; w^hich caufed me. to pray for him moft earnedly. Bl:^ed be God I can fayy I lave mine Enemies.
Expounded tv/ice or thrice every Night this Week. The Holy Ghoil; ih powerfully worked upon my Hear- ers, pricking dieir Hearts, and melnng them into fucb Floods of Tears, that a fpiritual Man iaid. He never faw the like before. — God is with me of a truth. Adored be his unmerited Goodnefs, T find his Grace quickening me more and more every Day. My Un- derftandlng is more enlightened, my Aflx^ftions more enfiamed, and my Pleart ilillof Love towards God and Man. — Oh! that the Scoffers of thefe lafi Days were Jipt enly almojiy but altogether fuch as I am, except thefe /;;- dwelling Corruptions [
Sunday^
^/LONDON. 7
Sunday J Jamlm-y 7. Preached twice to day, and ex* pounded with great Power to three Societies, one of which I never vifited before. — God grant I may purfiie the Method of expounding and praying extempore, I find God blejjes it more and more.
Had another Love-Feaft, and fpent the v/hole Night in Prayer and Thankfgiving at Fetter-lane, — There was a great pouring out of the Spirit amongft the Bre- thren •, but I cannot fay I was fo full of Joy as the laft Niglit we fpent together.
Monday^ January 8. Though I fat up all Night, yet God carried me through the Work of the Day with about an Hour's Sleep. — Expounded in the Evening, and conflited a virulent Oppofer of the Do6lrine of the New Birth, and Juftification by Faith only. — But what can be laid to thofe that will not be convinced ? Lord., open thou their He-a.rts and Eyes.
Spent the RemainJ.^r of the Evening with our Bands, which are little Combinations of fix or more Chrillians
riveting together to compare their Experiences.
Build ye up one another^ even as alfo ye do. — Confefs your Faults one to another., and pray for one another y that ye iJiay be healed.
Tuefday., January 10. Stayed at home again to day to talk with thofe that came to confult me, and found that God has awakened feveral, and excited in them a Hunger and Thirft after Righteoufnefs by my Sermon on ihtPoiver ofChrift*s RefurreSlion., and Have ye re- ceived the Holy Ghofi ? Every Day I hear of fomebody or another quickened to a Senfe of the divine Life. — Oh zuhat abundant Reafon have I to be thankful !
This Evening I preached a Sermon at Great St. Hel~ lens., for erefting a Church for the Saltzburghers., and colleded thirty-three Pounds I BleffcdbeGod! The Peo- ple gave mod readily, many wilhing they had more to give i for ix^hich ive afterwards prayed and gave Thanks.
OXFORD.
£ Mr. WhitefieldV 'Jourhal
OXFORD.
Wedncfday, Janum-y 1 1. Slept about three Hours, rofc at five, iet out at ttn, and reached Oxford by five irt the Evening. As I entered the Gity, I called to mind the Mercies I had received fince I lefi: it. They are more than I am able to exprels. Ob thai my Heart may he melted dozvn by a Senfe of them ^ Amen, Z-^r J Jefus ! — '■ Spent the Remainder of the Evening very agreeably with feveral Chriflian Friends. — May God fanclify our Meeting /
Friday^ January 12. Breakfafted with fixteen or feventeen Chriflian Brethren j expounded a/^-^ read Prayers at the Caftle 10 many devout Souls, -ifiier- wards I waited on the Bifl:iop of Gloucejier^ who received ine very kindly. — Waited on the Mailer of Fernbroke ; afterwards on the Arch-deacoir — Went to publick "Worfhip at Pembroke. — Supp'd, prayed, and fung Pialms with a Room full of Brethren at Mr. F — 's j then adjourned to Corpus Chrifii College, where God afTifled me to talk clearly of the New Birth, and Jaili- fication by Faith alone, widi one that oppofed it. — ■■ Lord, open thou our Eyes, that -jje may pro'-je ivhat is that mceptable and perfect Will of God I — Received the Holy Sacrament at St. Marfs, expounded vv^ith great Power at Mr. F — 's, went with the other Candidates for Holy Orders to fublcribe to the Articles, and fecretly prayed that we all might have our Names written in the Book of Life. — DninkTeawitha well-difpofcd Gentleman Commoner, and had clofe Converfation with many others at Corpus Chrifii College. — I enjoyed great Tranquility of Soul, and had much Reafon to blefs God for fending me to the UniverHty. Oht that t '■■ny be prepared for receiving the Ho^y Ghcfi to mcrro-zv by - c Tmpofition of Hands. Amel^' Lord Jcfus, Amen.
Sunday^
at L O N D O N. 9
Zmday^ January 14. This, blelTed be God, has becil a Day of far Things.— Rofe in the Morning, and prayed and fling PHilms lufrily, and with a good Cou- rage ; and afterwards was ordained Priefi: at Chrifi''5 Church. Before, I was a little difiipated, but at Im- pofition of Hands, my Mind was in an humble Frame, and I received Grace in the holy Sacrament. — That I might begin to make proof of my Miniilry, I preach- ed, and adminidred the Sacrament at the Caftle •, and preached in the Afternoon at 5/. Alhans to a crowd- ed Congregation. — The Church was furrounded with Gownf-men of all Degrees, who, contrary to their Cuilom, flood attentive at the Windov/s during my Sermon. — God enabled me to preach v/ith the De- monftration of the Spirit, and v>rith Power, and quite took away my Hoarfenefs, fo that I could lift up my Voice like a Trumpet. — After Sermon, I joined in giving Thanks to our good God for all the Mercies he had conferred upon me •, then I read Prayers at Car- fax., expounded to a large and devout Company both of Men and Women at a- private Houfe, and fpent the Remainder of the Evening v/ith thirteen more, Ivhere-God gave me great Cheerfulnefs of Spirit.
L 0 N D 0 N.
Monday., January 15. Took a moil afte6lionate Leave of my dear Oxon Brethren, fet out at Seven, reached London by Five, fpent the Evening in anfwer- ing fome Letters, efpecially one from Hozvel Harris., an Inilrument, under God, of doing much good in /^^^/^.r. — Read a Pamphlet wrote againit me by a Clergyman, I blefs God, without any Emotion •, prayed moil hear- tily for the Author -, opened the Corruptions of my Heart to my Brethren in B-ands, and felt great Peace confequent thereupon. ^ .
^uefd,^y, January 16. Afcer much . Oppofition,
read Prayers, and preached to a thronged and afFc6led
G Audience
to^ Mr. V/hitefieldV Journal
A.vidience at Si. Helens. — After this, I expounded twice to two Companies, and prayed by Name for tlie Author of the Pamphlet •, left my Auditors in Tears,, and went home full of Love and Joy and Peace which pafTcth all Underftanding. — Oh that He felt 'u;hat 1 del Happy., unfpeakably happy y would he then he !
Wednefday^ January., 17. Din*d with and convinced feveral that were prejudifed againft extempore Prayer. — Waited on the Truilecs, and was moll kindly re-- ceived. — Afterwards much afllRed in expounding twice
at Mr. C 's. — 'The' more I avii oppofed., the more God
enlightens my Underftanding. So it ivas formerly., fo it is now. — Spent the Remainder of the Evening at Fetter- lane Society ; and God enabled me to tell of fome Ex- periences, which I hope comforted their Hearts.
Tmirfday., January 1 8. Perceived myfclf miuch dii- orderecl, fo that I was obliged to lie down to fleep. But afterwards God gready enlarged my Heart, and enabled me to expound to two Societies. I miade a Colleclion for two poor Ffoufe -keepers. — I find Action is the bcfi Way to take all Opprefjion off the Spirits, God will meet and blefs us when doing his Work.
Friday., January jg. Did fome neceflary Bufinefs for Georgia, and fpent tlie Afternoon in vifiting fome dii^ fenring Brethren, who are Chriftians indeed. But, as fuch, I acknowledge all who love our Lord Jcfus In Since^ rity and Truth.
Saturday, January 20. Prcaclied three Times this Week^ and expounded to about fixtecn thronged Com- panies, wherein God gave me great Power and Suc- ceis.— Had many Contributions fcnt me in for the Orphan-houfe.-
Sunday, January 21. Went this Morning and re- ceived the Sacrament ivt tht: Hands of tlic Minif^er
who
at LONDON. ^i\
who wrote againft: me. Blefled be God I do not feel the leaft Reientment againft, but a Love for him. For I beheve he has a Zeal for God,, though, in my Opinion, not according to Knowledge. Oh that I could do him any good!
Preached twice with great Power and Clearnels in my Voice .to two thronged Congregations, efpecially in the Afternoon, when I believe near a thouland People were in the Churchyard, and hundreds more return- ed Home that could not come in. 'Thus God magnifies his Pozvsr^ mcfi when moft oppofed.
Expounded twice afterwards, where the People pref- fed moft vehemendy to hear the Word. — God enabled me to fpeak v/ith the Demonftration of the Spirit, and with Power, and the Remainder of the Evening, hlled me with a humble Senfe of his infinite Mercies. I think I am never more humble than "dohen erMlted. — By the Grace of God I am what I am. Oh that I could he thankful!
Monday^ January 12. Spent all the Day in necelTary Bufinefs for my poor Flock, and in going about doing good. In the Evening I expounded to three feveral Societft^, one of which was the moft polite I ever yet fiw •, but God enabled me to fpeak upon the Doclrine of the New Birth ; and however fome might mock, yet others, I believe, were afFe6led, efpecially three Quakers, who afterwards came and paid me a vilit, and glorified God on my Behalf — Oh hozv tLiukful-, how humble ought I to be ! — God fills me with Lovi Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghofi. — Such is his Free Grace in Chrift Jefus 1
Tuefday., January 23. Staid at Home to Day as ufual, to receive People, and ftill had the Comfort of hearing many coming to me, who have been awakened to a Senfe of the New-Birth. What Reafon have I to blcfs God for fending me to England / Ilo--^ dwes he daily fet his- C.2 Smf
1 2 Mr. Wh it e f I e l D'i Journal
Seal to my Mifiiftry / Praife him all the Hojl of his^ ki- every Tubing that hath Breath praifi the Lord.
Received a Packet of Letters from my d("ar Friend H — ;;2.j by which I find the infinite Wifdom of God more and more, in fending me to England. — The poor People of Savannah love me flill moft affeftionately. But the Colony ieems to be at a lov/ Ebb, — Poor Georgia ! When thou art tmiverfally defpi^ed^ and quite defpaireji of human Help., then will God manifefi his mighty Arm in ihy Salvation.
Read Prayers and preached at St. Helens., with great Power to a crowded and attentive Audience. — Was en- abled to expound to two Companies, and coUefted above Forty Shillings for the Orphan-houfe gi Georgia. I could wifh to have it built with Mites. — Oh how does the Holy Ghcji catife me to joy in. God I How does he bring me ac- quainted more and more with his faithful Servants! Not unto me, 0 Lord; not unto me, but to thy Name.be the. Glory !
Wedneflay., January 24. Preached a Charity Sermon, went to Newington to fee Dr. Watts, and returned in the Evening and expounded with Power to two Companies, T— Wrote f^veral Letters to my Friends at Savannah, and was JTlled with the Holy Ghoft -, and Oh that all that deny the Promifc of the Father, might thu^ receive it themfehes !
"■Thurfday, January 25. Received the Sacrament at Bow, where four of my Oppofers adminiftred ; one of v/hom was the Perfon that wrote the Jelf-anfwering Pamphlet againft me. At firft a Thought darted into, my Mind that they were of a perfecu ting Spirit, but I ibon checked it, and was filled with Love towards them. God grant they may be like 'minded towards me.
At two in the Afternoon read Prayers and preached at Cbrift-Church^Spittlefields, for the Orphan-houic. — The Congrcgadon was not lb large as might be ex- peded, and that of the poorefl Sort, fo that I began to
doubti
^/LONDON, ij
v^oubt. B'jt wlierefore did I fear ? For God enabled me to preach with Power, and twenty-five Pounds were coliefted, to our great Surprife, and to the Glory of our Great and Good God ; for which we kneeled down and gave moft hearty Thanks.
This done, I went and gave a Word or two of Ex- hortation, and prayed to a Company that waited for me. Then I expounded with uncommon Power, to another Society in Leadenhall-Jlreet, and collecled very near five Pounds for the Orphan-houle. Blej]ed be God through Chrift.
About Eight I went to another Society, after Nine to a third, at both^ which I fpoke with the Demonftra- tion of the Spirit, and made Colledtions for the Or- phan-houfe, and was filled v/ith the Holy Ghoil, which very much ftrengdiened my Body, and made my Feet like Hart's Feet. 'The Strength God gives me would fiirprifi me^ did I 7wt know what a G-racious Majier I ferve.
Received a Letter from Edinhtirgh, from a truly pious Gentleman, who tells me his Heart was knit to me moft ftrongly, upon the reading of my Journal. How many are there^ whom I know not, praying for Vie in fecret ! Surely God intends to bring mighty Things to fafs. — Is not his Strength made perjctl in Weak- nefs ?
Friday, January 26. Waited upon an oppofing Clergyman, and had a Conference with him of near two Hours. His grand Objedlion was againft our pri- vate Societies, and ufing extempore Prayer, which he grounded on the Authority of the Canons, and the A61: of Charles II. In Aniwer, I fliewed that that Aft was entirely levelled againft fedidous fchifmatical Meetings, contrary to the Church of England, which confines us to a Form in publick Worfhip only. He replied, that ours was publick Worfliip-, but this I deny. For ours were Societies never inteixicd to be fet up in Oppoficion to the publick Worfliip, by Law eftablifhed ;
|)UC
14 Mr. Wh I t e f I e l d'^ Journal
tjut only in imitation of the primitive Chrillians, who continued daily with one Accord in the Temple, and yet in Fcllowfliip building up one another, and exhort- ing one another from Houfe to Houfe. Went with Mr. Reward to Bexh^ about ten Miles o?i London^ where I preached to a large Congregation, to their great Comfort, and afterwards fpent the Evening moft de- lightfully in religious Converfition, and in finging Plalms and Flymns, and Spiritual Songs with Mr. Dela moi*s Family, v/ho feem almoftwith one Accord ready to receive jefus Chrifi. A happier Houfbold have I feldom found, or one that: more rej'embles that <?/" Martha, Mary, and their Brother Lazarus.
Saturday J January 27. Slept but litrie to Night, as well as the Night before, but was much ftrengthened without it by the Holy Spirit. Rofe about Five, fpmt ubove an Hour moil agreeably iii Prayer, finging and reading the Scriptures with the Church inMr\ Dclamof*, Houfe i fome of whom, after the Example of their Lord, palled the whole Night in tiie fame delightful Employment.
Came to London about Nine in the Morning, and expounded twice in Beech-lane, where I believe near ieven hundred People were prefent ; colleded five Pounds for the Orphan-houfe.
Had extraordinary Comforts this Week, heard much of what God has done abi-oad for m/e in other Places, where I am not known in the riefn, and de- fired greatly to be humble and thankful.
Received the Sacrament at Crooked-lane, but was a little diilipated j hcm^ever, I found I received Chrift, and fed on him in my Heart, by Faith with Thankfgiving. Afterwards went and preached at Ironmongers Alms- houies at St. Cathsrine^s, in the Afternoon •, after.vards expounded to two large Companies in the JMsnories, with fuch Demonftration of the Spirit as I never Ipoke with before. — I offered Jrfus Chrift freely to Sinners, ^n(X many, J belieye, were truly pricked to the I Teart.
Now,
at LONDON. t:)
Now,- my Friends, your Prayers are heard, God has" given me a double Portion of his Spirit indeed. — Ob free Grace in Chrift Jefus. — ^Vitb ivhat Love^ Peaee^^ and Joy does God fill this Soul of mine ! — Lord I am not worthy, but thy Mercies in Chriil Jefus are infinite.
Monday, Jan. 29. Expounded twice, and fat up 'til! near Or\Q in the Morning, with m.y honoured Bro- ther and Fellow-labourer, John JVefiey,- in Conference with two Clergymen of the Church of England, and fome other flrong Oppofers of the Doftrine of the New Birth. — God enabled me with great Simplicity to declare what he had done for my Soul, which made them look upon me as a Madman. We fpeak ivhat isje do know, and tefiify that zve have feen, and they re- ceive not our IVitnefs. Now therefore I am fully con- vinced there is a fundamental Difference between us and them. 'They believe only an out-ward Chrift, we farther believe that he mufi be inwardly formed in our Hearts alfo. But' the natural Man receiveth not the Things of the Spirit of God, for they are Foolifhnefs unto him-, neither can he know them^ becaufe they are fpiritually difcerned.
Tuefday, Jan. 30, Preached at Buke's-Place and St. Helens, to crouded- Audiences, and afterwards ex- pounded twice on Dowgate-hilly where the People pref- fed mightily to come in. The Minifter of the Parifli threatens the Mafter of the Houfe widi a ProJecution, though it will be hard for him to prove fuch Societies any ways contrary to the Laws either of God or Man.
GRAVESEND:
Wednefday, January 31. Slept about two Hours, rofe at Three in the Morning, and went with fome Chrillian Friends in a Boat to Gravefend, v/here I have been long expefted.— God inclined the Minillers Hearts to let me have the Ule of both the Pulpits, and
I preaclied
1 6 Mr. Wh itefieldV yountat
I preached and read Prayers at Three in the After- noon at the Church without the Town •, and did the fame at the Church in the Town, and the PeopJe, as eifewhere, hung upon me to hear the Word of God. — God is "With me wherever I go.
"Thur/day^ February i . Read Prayers and expounded on the third of St. John •, expounded at a private Houfe in the Afternoon, and read Prayers and expounded a third Time on the Converfion of St. Paul in the Evening. — I had great Freedom of Speech, was filled with exceeding great Joy, at the Confideration of what great Things God yet continues to do for my Soul ; and yet I fhall fee greater Things than thefe.
I fpent the Remainder of the Evening in fmging Hymns, and religious Converfation ; took Boat about Eleven, fpoke AVarmly to the Pafiengers, and came to' Lo7idon vdpycm^ ?ihout Five in the Morning. I'he Lord prefervo my going out, and niy coming in, from thii Time forth for evermore,
LONDON.
Friday, February i. Slept about two Hours, rofe and went and preached at Ifiington^ and colledled twenty-two Pounds for my Orphan-houfe.
Had a great Number of Communicants, and was told my preaching was attended Vvith uncommon Power. TJiis is the firft Time I have preached with- out Notes, (for when I preached at Deptford and Gravef- end, I only repeated a written Sermon) but I Hnd my- fclf now, as it were, conflrained to do it.
Expounded in the Evening, and collefted three Pounds for the Orphan-houfe, ai Mr. Ahbofs -, preach- ed extempore with great Freedom at IVapping-Chapel ; then expounded to another Society, and returned Home without Fatigue or Wearinefs. i;-Iozv does God deal with me ! He gives me a Heaven upon Earth, and makes my
^/LONDON. 17
Mean leaped lor Joy almoft continually. — Oh that J Kcvh) no'iv oppofe //, were partakers of this Joy !
Saturday^ Fehruary 2^, Staid at Home this Day on purpole to little my private Affiiirs ; and, blefled be God, did it gready to my Satisfaclion. — Was very much compofed in Spirit, began a new Society at the Houfe of 'Mr. M — n-, and was much affifted in ex-' pounding twice at Beech-lane to two Companies, making in all near a thouland People. — Vifited a fick Brother, came home full of Peace, and Love, and Joy in the Holy Ghoft.
Near nine Times has God enabled me to preach this Week, and to expound 12 or 14 Times; near forty Pounds, I believe, have been collefted for the Orphan- houfe. — / find I gain greater Light and Knowledge^ by preaching extempore. — So that I fear 1 fhould quench the Spirit-.^ did I not go on to fpeak as he gives me Utterance,
Sunday., February 4. Had a comfortable Night's Reft ; was warmed much by talking to an almoft Chriftian, that came to afic me certain Queftions. — Preached in the Morning at St. George's in the Eafi, colleded eigh- teen Pounds for the Orphan-houfe, and had, I believe, 600 Communicants, which highly offended the officia- ting Curate. Poor Man^ I pitied^, and prayed for him fin- cereh\
Preached again at Chrift-Church., Splttlefields^ gave Thanks, and lung Pfalms at a private Houfe : Went thence to St.^Margarei*s, JVeftminJier ; but fomething breaking belonging to the Coach, could not get thither 'till the middle of Prayers.-^ Went through the People to the Minifter^s Pew, but finding it locked, I return-' ed to the Veftry till the Sexton could be found. Be- ing there informed that another Minifter intended to preacH, I defired fevcral Times that I might go Home ; My Friends would by no means con fen t, D telling
1 8 Mr. Wh I t e f I e l d V jGurnal
telling me I was appointed by the Trullees to preachy and that if I did not, the People would go out of tBf.. Church; at my Requed:, fome went to the Truftees, Churchwardens, and Minifter \ and whilft I was waiting for an Anfwer, and the laft Pflilm finging, a Man came with a Wan in his Fland, whom I took for the proper Church-Omcer, and told me I was to preach *, I, not doubting but the MiniPcer was latisHed,* followed him to the Pulpit : And God enabled me to preach v/ith greater Power than I had done all the Day before.
After this, prayed with, and gave' a Word or two of Exhortation to a Company that waited for me, then took a httle bodily Refrefhment, and then went to a Love-Feaft in Fetter-lane^ where I fpent the whole Night in watching unto Prayer, and difcufling leveral important Points with many truly Chriftian Friends. About Four in the Morning we went all together and broke Bread at a poor fick Sifter's Room, and fo we parted, I hope, in a Spirit not unlike that of the primitive Chriftians.
'This has been a Sabbath indeed! Hozv has God owned vie before near Twelve ihoufand People this Day. — Ho''d} has he ftrengthened my Body! How has he filled and fatis- fied ',ny Soul. No-iv know /, that I did receive the Holy Ghojt at Impojition of Hands.— For ^ I feel it as much as Elilha did.^ when Elijah dropped his Mantle. Nay, others fee it alfo ; and my Oppofers., would they but fpeak., cannot hut cojifefs that Gcd is with me of a Truth, Wherefore then do they fight againfl Gcd?
Monday., February 5. Went about gathering for my poor Flock, had a little Time to write my Journal, was fomewhat weak part of the Day, but grew ftrong by expounding to four Companies at Night. / al- ways get Stre^ngth by working. What great Things has G^d done for my Soid! Oh that I could praife him with my whole Heart !
Tuefday,
at L O N D O N. V 19
,^^uefday, February 6. Was refrefhed much this Morn- ing, and found that the Sleep of a labouring Man was fweet. — Waited on the Bifiiop of Gtoucefier with Bro- ther JoJm Wejlcy^ and received Iris LordHiip's liberal Benefaction for Georgia.
Went to St. Helen's., where Satan withftood me greatly. For on a fudden I was deferted, and my Strength went from me. — But I thought it was the De- vil's doing, and therefore was refolved to refift him liedfaft in the Faith. Accordingly, though I was ex- ceeding Tick in reading, the Prayers, and almoll unable to fpeak when I entred the Pulpit, yet God gave me Courage to begin, and before I had done 1 waxed warm and ftrong in Spirit, and offered Jefus Chrifi ■ freely to all that would lay hold on him by Faith. Many, I believe, were touched to the Quick. : For they ieemed to itt\ what v/as fpoken, and faid hearty and loud Amsns to my Sentences. The Church" was great- ly thronged, and after I had done. Prayers were put up on all Sides for my fafe Journey and return. — Surely thefe are not curious Hearers ! If they are., why do they follow more and, more for fetch a Continuance ? No., many Converfions have been wrought in thejr Hearts. God has fet his Seal to my Minijiry, and I trufi th^y will he my Joy and Crown of rejoycing in the Day of the Lord Jefus. — Ob the Riches of God^s free Grace in Chrift to the Chief of Sinners ! Oh that I fully felt the Senfe of thefe Words I
After this the People waited in great Companies to fee and follow me •, but I got from them by going out at a back Door. Perhaps hereafter I may be let out in the fame Majiner to efcape the Fury of mine Enemies, As my good God fleafes.
In coming along I perceived myfelf more and more flrengthened, .and v/as much comforted in reading a Letter fent me by an excellent Saint, who loves me in the Bov/els of Jefus Chrifi. About Nine at Night I expounded with great Enlargement at Dowgate-hill to a mdft crowded Audience. Tongue cannot exprefs what Pov/er God gave me, or how the Hearts of the D 2 poof
2 0 Mr. Wh I t e f I e l d*^ ^Journal
poor People were afFecled. They fighed and mourn6^ and wept forely, when I mentioned my Departure from them, though but for a Seafon. I exhorted them particularly not to forfake the alTcnibJing them- felves together, notwithftanding the People of the Houfe had been threatned with a' Prolecution. — But fo far as our Oppofers are permitted to go, iliall they go, but no farther. I never was more oppofed, never met with fo great Succefs, never was filled with fuch a Portion of God's holy Spirit. — My D«;ar Chri- ftian Friends v/aited, at my coming Home, to falute me. ' — God filled me with Love and Joy, and I waxed ftronger and ftrongcr in Spirit, to their and my own unfpeakable Comfort in Chrift Jefus our Lord. All Love, all Glory be to the Ever Blejfed 'Trinity, now and for evermore. Amen.
Wednefday, February. 7. Spent the Morning In pro- viding Things for my Journey, and taking leave of my dear Chriftian Friends, whom I love as my own Soul. — Had feveral Prefents made me by fach as God had v/orked upon by my Miniftry -, and after having prayed and fung Pfalms in feveral Chriftian Floufes, about Two I iet out for Windfor , defiring to be thankful for thofe marvellous great Kindnefies God had fhev/n me In this City. I perceived my Heart fo nearly knit to my dear Friends, that was it the Divine Will, I fnould gladly continue here. But I muft go into every Place and City where I have been already, for therefore am I lent. Lord, fend thy Angel before mc to prepare wy Way. But wherefore fr:ould I doubt ^ fince fo many thoifands are continua'ly praying for me f The good Lord pour 'down upon them the choiceji of his BleJJings!
W 1 .N D S 0 R.
Got hither about Six in the Evening, and was joy- fully received by feveral Chriftian Friends, who were
waitins
at WINDSOR. ii
Waiting for me. — About Seven I was taken very ill in- deed, but God ftrengthened me to go out, and I ex- pounded with great Freedqm and Power in the Sehoolr houfe to a great Number of People, who were apprifed of my coming, and, I beheve, felt what I fpoke -, for fome wept, and many expfeffed their Thankfulnefs for my Expofition. Not unto jne^ O Lord, not imto me^ but unto thy Name he all the Glory.
Being much refrefhed by talking for God, I fpenc the Remainder of the Evening in writing to fome dear •Chriftian Friends, and in finging, praying, and con- verflng with others, as likewiie with the People of the Inn where vv^e lodged.
I'hurfday, Fch. 8. Breakfafted, prayed, and fung a Hymn at the Houic of IVlr. D — -'s, who kindiy invited both me and my Friends. — Some other Perfons fent formetotheirHouies, and, I believe, much good might be done here. But I muft not ilay by the Way. Lord, lo I come : Ojtly I befeech thee open an effectual Door for preaching thy Gofpel, whitbcrfoever thou fbalt ferj me^ Even fo Lord Jd-ds. Amen.
I find much Service might be done to Religion on Journeys, if we have but Courage to iTiew ' ourielves Chriftians in all Places : Others fing Songs in publick Houfes, Why fliould not we fmg Pfahns ? And when we give the Servants Money, why may we not with that give them a little Book, and fome good Advice ? I know by Experience it is very beneficial.— Go^;^ grant ibis may be al'ucays my Praclke!
B A S I N G S t: 0 K E.
Left JVmdfor about Ten in the Morning, dined ac Bagjhot, and reached BafingHoke at Five in the Even- ing.— Not meeting with our . Friends, v/ho were to come from Dmmmr, I wrote to fome Chriftian Brethren I had left behind me, and afterwards v/as agreeably fur- prifed by feveral v/ho came uninvited to fee me. — After
a littl?
2 1 Mr. V/ H I T E F I E L d'^ Jcumal
a little Converfation, I perceived they were defirous to hear the Word of God, and being in a large Dining^ room in the publick Houfe, I gave Notice I would ex- pound to as many as would come. In a Ihort Time I had above a hundred very attentive Hearers, to whom I expounded for above an Hour, for which they were very thankful. Bldjed be God for this Opportunity. I hope^ Ifoall learn more and more every Day, that 710
Place is arnifs for preaching the Gofpel. God forbid
that the Word of God fbould be hound, becaufe fome €iit of a mifgtiided Zeal deny the life of their Churches. For though they bid me no more fpeak to the People in this Way, yet I cannot but fpeak the 'Things that I have feen and felt in my own Sold. The more I am bid to hold my Peace, the more earneflly will I lift lip my Voice like a Trumpet, and tell the People 'uohai' mtift be done in them before they can be finally faved hy Jefus Chrift.
Friday, Feb. 9. After Breakfaft and Prayer with the JFamily where we lodged, I fet out for Bummer (a Pa- rifh once for a little while under my Care) and m€t with near a dozen Chriftian Brethren, with wham we took exceeding fweet Council, prayed, and fung Pfalms, and eat our Bread with Gladnefs and Singlenefs of Heart. I wifh all knev/ how chearful we, that are beginning to be Cliriftians, livel And if the Beginning be fo fvv eet. What muft the End of Believing be > Ob the Goodnefs of God in thus bringing me back to the Places where I have been already! Lord melt doivn my frozen Heart ivith a Senfe of thy unmerited Love. Amen^ Amen. - , .
After having wrote feveral Letters, I refjrned v/ith xny Friends to Baftngfiokc, where I had appointed to expound. Accordingly, in the Evening I went to a large Room prepared for that Purpofe, and expounded for an Hour — The Place was very much thronged, many were very.noify, and others did us the Honour of throwing up Stones at tlie Windows. But I fpoke
fo
at BASINGSTOKE. 2%
fo much the louder j being convinced fome Good muft come out from a 'Place where Oppofition is. / fmidd doitbt "johether I zvas a true Minifter i7/Chrifi, zvas I not oppofed. And I find it does me much Good. For it drives me' 7iearer to my Lord and Mafter, Jefcs Chrill, 'With zvhom I long to dwell.
After Expofition, near twenty Friends came to vifiC me, and two young Men in particular, (once Leaders of the religious Society, but hnce fallen back). , They tame, I believe, with a Defign to puzzle me about the Doflrine of Regeneration : Bat alas, they fbon Ihewed what Strangers they v/ere to it. — For one was fo full of Zeal that he could not keep his Seat ; and both v/ere entirely ignorant of the Indvvelhng of the Spirit. One Thing they took Care to fhev/ as much as poffible. viz. That they had read the Fathers (I fuppofe the EngUJI^ Tranflations) but at the- fame Time denied Experience in Pveligion. Poor Men ! I pitied and told them, how they refted in Learning, falfly fo called, while they vrere Strangers to the Power of Godlinefs in their Hearts. At lad' finding no Probability of convincino- them-, and being called away to Supper, I and my Friends took our Leave in Love, with true Concern to fee what an unhappy Spirit our Oppofers are of. Af- terwards we prayed for them, and endeavoured to blefs God for making us to triumph, through his dear Son, in every Place.
Saturday^ Feb. 10. Breakfafted with fome Friends ; and after Family Prayer, v/ent with my dear Brethren, Mr. Kinchin and Mr. Hutchings, to Dummer, v/here I fpent mo'l of the Day in vifiting that poor Flock from Houfe to Houfe, who rejoyced exceedingly at the Sight of me, .and had not forgotten ,their former Love. — > Their Simplicity delighted me and my Friend Seward much, and God enlarged my Heart greatly to praife him, and to pray for my dear abfent Brethren. — In- deed I love them in the Bowels of J ejus Chrift.
About
1 4 Mr. WhitefieldV journal
About Four in the Afternoon we returned to Ba- jingfioke^ in order to expound. And near three large Rooms were filled. — -We expeded ill Treatment ere v/e returned home, and. fome did begin to interrupt me i but God enabled me to Tpeak with fiich irrefiftible Power, that they were quite ftruck dumb and con- founded.— Many faid we will never oppofe again. Others faid, they would follow me whitherlbever I lliould go ; and the Plearts' of God*s Children, as well as my own, were filled widi Joy unfpeakable. — This Night I hope Salvation is ccine to this Place.
After Expohtion, many Chriftian Friends came to. fee me in a moll arfe61:ionate Manner, and about Nine at Night we iti out for Bimrmer. But no one can tell what Enlargement of Heart God gave me. — My Soul was full of ineffiible Comfort and Joy in the Holy Ghoft. — I poured cut my Heart before the Throne of Grace as I rode by the Way, and felt the Spirit of God working in me mightily, and enabling me to intercede moft earneflly for my dear Friends. Lord hear my Prayers, and let my Cry come unto thee. — • In a fhort Time we reached Dummer, and after having taken a little RefreHiment, I v.-ent to Bed full of Love, and rejoycing for the great Things God had done for my Soul.
Sunday, Feb. 1 1 . Rofe full of Love and Joy, but afterwards onafudden wasdeferted, and then taken very ill in Body. — ^^I flruggled juft like one in his laft Ago- nies, and longed to ftretch myfelf into God. — After Laving vomited feveral Timer., L was obliged to go to Bed ; and it would have melted any one down to fee my dear Friends (efpecially my deareft ?4r. // — s) weephig and praying around me. — Oh hinv did I long to he dijjohed, and he with Jefus Chrift ! Hoid d.id I i^fi for the TVings of an Eagk, that I jnight fiy azvay to llearoen ! But that happy Hour is not yet come. There are many Promifs to he fulflledin ?nc, many Souls to he called^
manj
^/BASINGSTOKE. 2j-
wany Sufferings to he endured^ before I go hence. — Father^ thy Will be done.
After having fallen a-fleep for a fhort Time, I arofe and went to publick Worlhip, and preached and ad- minifcered the Sacrament, bat without any Life or Power.
My Sicknefs ftill continuing after Service, I went to Bed again full of Peace, but weak in Body, oppreiTed. much in my Hsad, and quite fhut up till near Five at Night : At which Time, by the Advice of my Bro- ther Seward^ I took Courage, and though it rained hard, rode with my dear Friends to Bofingfioke^ where above five hundred were v/aiting to hear me expound \ but my Indifpofition continuing. Brother Kinchin ex- pounded in my Stead. — After this my Spirits revived, my Body was ftrengthened, and God gave me Utter- rance, fo that I fpoke freely to near twerity People that came to converfe with me, and to hear the Word of God. — How thankful ought I to be to my dear Ma- fter for fending me hither. — A mofl beneficial and comfortable Meeting have I had with my dear Chri- ftian Friends, and many, I hope, will have Reafon to blefs God for what they have {ztn and heard.' — A Ve- Itry, I find, was called to flop my Proceedings, and I hear I am to be prefentcd to the Diocefm. — Several Lies have been told in the News about my Preaching nt St. Margarets Mz Sunday. — BkffedbeGodthatlcan. rejeyce in thefe lower marks of my Difcipkfmp. — Wherever I go., Gcd caufeth me to triumph^ knits the Hearts of his People m.ofi clofely to me., and makes me more than Conqueror through his Love. — 'The Comforts I enjoy within are inex- preffible, they have a great Effe^ upon my oiitward Man, and makes me of a chearful Countenance •, which recom- mends my Mafiefs Service much.-^Oh Free Grace in Chrifl Jefus !
^ ^ALIS^^
2 6 Mr. Whitefield'5 J our ml
SALISBURT.
MorJa\\ February 12. Perceived myfelf perfedly recovered, and was much refrefhed by the coming of many dear Friends, with whom after I had brcakfailed and prayed, I took a moft affeftionate Leave i called at Dummer, fung a Hymn, prayed, and gave a Word of Exhortation to certain Difciples that were there, and reached Salijhiry with my Companion in Travel Mr. Seward about fix in the Evening. — Here I wrote feveral Letters to my London and Boftngfioke Friends, and fent for Mr. ChvM^ in order to have a Conference with him concerning his late Book, but he happened not to be at home. — Oh that tliat unliappy Man was turned from his erroneous Principles ! For I fear, like Simon Magus, he has bewitched many about Salijbury with his talle Doclrines. — Lord, fuffer not thy People to believe a Lye, though they have held the "Truth in Unrigh- teoufnefs. Raife up, I befeech thee, fome true Pqftors aynongft them, who may acquaint them with the Nature andNeceJfity of the New Birth, and point out to thefn the blejfed Spirit, whereby they m.xy have' that Repentance wrought in their Souls, which the felf-righteous Mr. Chubb falfely ajjerts 'may be wrought in them by a moral Per fuafion.
STAPLEASHJV 1 N, WIL TS.
Tuefday, February 13. Thought when I rofe to abide at Salijbury a few Days, but finding it quite inconfiftent with my other B.ifmefs, I left that Place (after publick Worfhip, and paying a Vifit to an old Difciple, my Brother JVcJlcy'3 Mother) and reached Slapleajhwin a- bout Six at Niglit. — After having refreflied ourfelves, wc intended to fet forward towards Bath\ but finding the People, at whole Houfe we put up, v^^cre worthy, wc altered our Refolution. And our Hoftefs having called in many of her Neighbours, I prayed, con- jfyerfed -id fung Pfaims with them for a coniiderable
Time,
r?/ B A T H and B R I S T O I. ''?/
Time, wrote fome Letters, and went to Bed, not doubting but the Lord would caufe me to dwell in Safety. — Who knows but fome good may have been done here this Night ? Bui xz'hat have I to do with that ? I am only to follow my Lord^ who^ whcrefoe-ver he came^ talked of the one Thing needful,
BATH and BRISTOL.
JVednefday^ February 14. After Family-Prayer, and giving a Word of Exhortation, I let out for Batb^ and was gi'eatly comforted there with fome Chriftian Brethren. — I then waited on Doftor C — ■_>', defiring I might have the Ufe of the Abbey Church to preach for the Orphan-houle, the Truflees having obtained Leave of the Biiliop before I went to Georgia. But he was plealed to give me an abfolute Refufal to preach either on that, or any other Occafion, without Or pofi- tive Order from the King or Bifhop. I aflced him his Reafons, He faid, he was not obliged to give me any. Upon which, I took my leave, and retired with my Friends, and prayed for him moft fervently. — The. Time will come., fays our Lord, whcntheyfaall thriifi you out of their Synagogues.
After Dinner, other Circumftances concurring, we thought God called us to Briftol. And v/ith Cheerfal- nefs of Heart, we reached that Place about Seven in the Evening. — Bat who can exprefs the Joy with which I was received ? To add to my Comfort, many Let- ters came to my Hands from London Friends, which rejoyced me exceedingly. And what was the chiefeft Pieafure, fomebody or other thought me confidera- ble enough to write a Letter in the Weekly Mifcellany againft me, and with feveral Untruths, about my preaching at St. Margarets Wefiminfier. — Thon fhalt an- fwer for me., my Lord and wy God. Tet a Utile while and wefkall appear at the Judgment feat of Chrijl. Then Jroall my Innocence be made clear as the Lights and myjujl Dealings as the Noon-day.
E 2 B R I^
\P Mr. Wiiitefield'j Jourual
BRISTOL.
ay^ February 15. Sat up till pafl one In the Morniiig anfwering my dear Friends Letters, having no Time otherwile. — Received a Letter from a dear Chriftian Brotiier, wherein were thefe Words, " I was
" told that Mr. B n faid to Mr. C h^ I be-
" lieve the Devil in Hell is in you all. Whiteiield has " fet the Toivn on Fire, and nccV he is gone to kindle a " Flame in the Country. Shocking Language for one " who calls himlelf a Miniiler of the Gofpel ! But, " my dear Friend, I truft this will not move you, " unlcfs it is to pity him, and pray the more earneftly " that he may experience the Power of thofe Truths " he is now oppofing, and have the fame Fire kindled *' in his Breau, againft -v/hich he is now fo much en- " raged. For I truil I am perfuaded, it is not a Fire *' of the Dcvii's kindling, but an holy Fire that has " proceeded from the Holy and BlelTed Spirit. Oh " that fuch a Fire may not only be kindled, but blo^y " up into a Flame all Enghnd, and all the World " over!"
After having breakfafted and prayed v/ith fome religious Friends, I went with Mr. Seward to publick Worfhip ; from thence to the Reverend Mr. G — s, Minifter of St. Mary, Ratcliff, who, as I was inform- ed, had promifed to lend me his Church to preach in for the Orphan-houfe. But he, in effeft, gave me a Rcfufal, telling me, that he could not lend his Church izilhout a fpecial Order from the Chancellor. — Upon this, I immediately v/aited upon the Chancellor, to whom I had lent the Night before — But he told me frankly, that " he v/ould not give any pofitive Leave, neither would " he prohibit any one that fliculd lend me a Church : " but he would advife me to withdraw to fome other " Place till lie had heard from the Bifhop, and not " preach on that or any other Occafion.'* I aflced him his Reafons. He anfweredj " Why will you'
" prefs
fiif BRISTOL. 29
" prefs fo hard upon me? The Thing has given a " general Difiike." — I rephed, " Not the Defign of " the Orphan-houfe, — Even thofe that difagree with " me in other Particulars, approve of that. — And as " for the Gofpel, when was it preached without Dif- *' like?" Soon after this, I took my leave, and wait- ed upon the Reverend the Dean, Vv^lio received me with great Civility. When I had fhev/n him my Georgia Accounts, arid anfvvered him a Qu'"^^^*^^^ ^^ ^^^ about the Colony, I afked him, " Whether there could be " any juft Objeclion againft my preaching in Churches " for the Orphan-houfe? " — After a Paufe for a con- fiderable Time, he anfwered, " He could not tell." But fomebody knocking at the Door, he replied, "Mr. *' IVhitefidd^ I will give you an Anfwer fome other " Time; now I expect Company," Will you be " pleafed to fix any. Sir ? faid I. I will fend to you, *' lays the Dean." O Chrijiian Sbr.plicity, ivhiiher art thou fled! Why do not the Clergy f peak the Truths that it is not againft the Orphan-houfe^ hut agalnfl; me and 7ny DoSfrine^ thai their Enmity is leiielled. Had another came in his own Name, him they zvould have received. — But do thou, O Lord, behold their Enmity, and grant unto me, and all thy defpifed Servants, that with all Bold- nefs lue may fpsak thy Word.
About three in the Afternoon, God having given me great Favour in the Jaylor's Eyes, I preached a Sermon on the Fenitent 'Thief to the poor Priibners in Nezvgate, and collected fifteen Shillings for them. — Many feemed much affefted, and I hope the Power of the Lord was prefent to av/aken them.
At feven I expounded for an Hour with very great Povver to a young Society, which God has caufcd to be euablifhed fince I was in Briftol laft : And many, I heard afterwards, were pricked to the Heart, which was manifefi enough by the Tears that were fhed by almoil all that heard me. — Blefjed he God the good Seed fown by my Miriifiry, though hut as a Grain of Muftard- Seed, is now, being watered by the Dew of Heaven, he^
ginning
30 Mr. WhitefieldV younml
ginning to grow into a great Tree. Lord this is thy doings and it is ^rtarvelloits in our Eyes.
The Leffons were very remarkable, and the People made an i\.pplication for me. — The firll was the Oppo- fition made againft Aaror^s, Priefthood, and God's de- termining who was in the right, by caufing his Rod to blolTom when the other Rods produced nodiing. So let it happen, O Lord, to me thy nnivorthv Servant. -. — The fecond was the Eleventh Chapter of St. Paul's, 2d Epiftle to the Corinthians, where the Apoille re- counted his Sufrerings for Chrijl, againlt the Infmua- tions of the falfe Apoitles. BleJJed be God in rnofi of the Things there recorded, I have, in fome fmall Degree, had Felloivpip "with the Apoflle, and before I die, I doubt not hut I JJmU fympathize -with him in iuoji other Articles. — While Iv/as reading it, I could not forbear blufliing much. The People were intent upon me, their Eyes befpoke the Language of their Hearts : Each feemed to £iy, Thou art the Man. Suffering is the beji Preferment.
Friday, Feb. i6. Begun this Morning to fettle a dai- ly Expofition, and reading Prayers to the Prifoners in Newgate. I opened it by enlarging on the Converfion of the Jailor, and I truft the fame good Work will be experienced in this Prifon before I leave it.
Dined v/ith a religious Family, fpent a confiderable Time in finging Hymns, and Prayer, vifited and prayed with two choice Servants of our Blefied Lord, and expounded from Five 'till near Nine, to two thronged Societies, one of which <:hicfly confifted of young Men whom God feems to have called to fhine as Lights in die World, in a crooked and perverfe Gencracion. — Oh how thankful ought I to be, for feeing ihefe Fruits of my poor Labours !
Saturd/iy, Feb. 17. Read Prayers and expounded the Parable of the Prodigal Son at Nc-ivgate to a great Number of People •, and afterwards was much rcfrefhcd by the coming of a dear London Friend, and the Re- ceipt
at BRISTOL. 31
ceipt of feveral Letters ; for the Writers of whichi I with many others immediately kneeled down and gave Thanks, One Thing affedled me much in their Let- ters, viz. Their Nev/s of a great Oppofer's being given over by the Phyficians. — Alas poor Man I We all prayed mcft heartily for him^ knowing how /Jjorlly he mziji give an Account of what he had mojl unjujily faid and wrote againfi nie and many true Servants of Jefus Chrift. Fa- ther lay not this Sin to his Charge.
About One in the Afternoon I went with my Bro- ther Seward^, and another Friend, to Kingfwocd, and was moft delightfully entertained by an old Difciple of the Lord. — My Bowels have long fince yearned to- ward the poor Colliers, who, as far as I can find, are very numerous, and yet are as Sheep, having no Shep- herd.— After Dinner therefore, I went upon a Mount and fpake to as many People as came unto me. They were upwards of two hundred. — Bleffcd he God thai I have now broke the Ice \ I believe I never was more accep- table to my Mafler than when I was ftanding to teach thofe Hearers in the open Fields. — Some may cenfure me. — But if I thus pleafed Men, I fhould not be the Servant of Chrifl:.
About five, we returned full of Joy ; and I wrote to the Bifhop of Brifiol (as I had done before to the Bifhop of Bath and Wells) for Leave to preach in his Lordfhip's Churches, for the Benefit of the Orphan- houfe. May God incline him to fend me an Anfwer of Peace !
At feven, I went to expound to a Society of young Men for near two Hours, anci dien came home with my Friends, bleffing and praifing God.
Sunday, February 18. Arofe this Morning about fix, being called up by near fifty young Ferfons, whom ,1 appointed to meet me at my Sifter's Houfe, and with wliom I fpent above an Hour in Prayer, Pfalm-fmging, and a warm Exhortation. — Soon after this, I read PrayerSp and preached at Newgate to a large and very
attentive
3 2 Mr. Wh I t e f I e l d V Jownal
attentive Congregation. At ten, I preached at St. WcrburgPs with great Freedom, and to a large Au- dience.— BIcfTcd be God, I thought yefterday I fliould not have the Ufe of any Pulpit ; but God, who has the Hearts of all Men in his Hands, difpofed the Re- verend Mr. Pcwofe to lend me his, v;ho thanked me for my Sermon ; and the Reverend Mr. Gihbs fent to me, and o'lered me the Ufe both of St. T'homas and St, Mary Ratcliff. — The latter of thefe I accepted of, and preached to liich a Congregation as my Eyes ne- ver yet faw, with great Liberty and Demonftration of the Spirit. — Many went away for want of room •, and Mr. Gibhs and his Lady were exceeding civil both to me and Mr. Sewc.rd.- — l!he Lord rezvard them for this their Love.
After Sermon, and taking a little Refrefhrnent, I hafted to a Society in Baldwin-Jireet, where many hun- dreds were affembled to hear me, fo that the Stairs aid Court below, befides the Room itfelf, v/ere crowd- ed.— Here I continued expounding for near two Hours. And then expounded for as long a Time at another Society in Nicholas-fircct^ equally thronged, but with much greater Power. Surely, that fame Jefus that came to his Difcipks, the Doors being put^ when they ajjemblcd together, was with us of a truth : For great Numbers were quite melted down, and God fo caufed me to renew my Strength, that I was better when I remrned home, than when I began to exhort my young Fellow-fold iers at fix in the Morning. / could not do this, except Jefus Chrift didjirengthen me. By his free Grace alone, I am what 1 am. Not unto me, but unto thy Narae, O Lord, alone be dl the Glory.
Monday, F^b. 19. Read Prayers and expounded as uiual at Newgate, and preached in the Afterooon to a great Multitude at the Parifli-Church of St. Philip and Jacob, and colleiled Eighteen Pounds for the Orphan- houfc. — Thoufands went away, becaufe there was no room for them within ; and God enabled me to read
Pravcrs
^/BRISTOL. 33
Prayers and preach v/ith great Boldnefs. — Ses yenot^ ye Oppofers, how y on prevail nothing ? IVI-iy do you not be- lieve, that it would not be thus, iinlefs God was zvith me ? Lord, open thou their Eyes, that they may fee that this is thy doing.
About Six in the Evening I went to a new Society gready thronged, and was enabled, notwithftanding I liad exerted myfelf fo much at Si. Fhilip's to expound with great Freedom of Spirit for above an Hour. — Thence I went and expounded for near the Space of two Hours to another Society in Baldwin-Street, and much Power from above was amongft us. This done, I returned home full of Joy, which was kept up by converfing, fmging, and praying with many Chriftian Brethren, — We parted, rejoycing that God caufed us to go on from conquering, and to conquer. -Amongft the Letters I received from rehgious Cor-
refpondents, one writes to me thus, — " Mr. , wiio
" v/rote that Letter in the Mifcellany, died Yefterday.'* — He is now gone to give an Account of the many hard Speeches contained therein. — And is convijiced that Ortho- doxy in Notions is not the whole of Religion. — In another Part of his Letter he writes thus, " We had fuch a " remarkable and fenfible Prefence of God with us at " Beech-lane this Evening, as my Eyes and Ears were " never fuch Witnefles of before. In the midft of " Mr. John IFefley's Expofition, a Woman prefent f' had fuch Convictions of her loft Etlate by Nature, " and fuch a Senfe of Sin, that fhe could not forbear " crying out aloud ; upon which Mr. Wefley, breaking " ofF, went to her, who earneftly defircd him to pray *' for her, which he did in the Prefence of 2 or 300 " People, hardly one of v/hom, I think, could for- *' bear Tears ; upon which fhe had Comfort." Blefjcd be God, the 'more we are defpifed, the more he fhews that vje are 'Teachers fent by him. For ?io one could do thefe Things, except God was zvith him.
F Tuefdaj
J4 Mr. WhitefieldV 'Joiimal
^uejda)\ Feb. 20. This Day my Mafter honoured me more than ever he did yet. — About Ten in tlie Morning, in Comphance with a Summons received from the Apparator Yefterday, I waited upon the
Reverend Mr. R /, the Chancellor of Brijlol^ who
jiow plainly told m.e, he intended to flop my Proceed- ings.— '^ I have lent for the Regifter here, Sir, fays " he, to take down your Anfwer." Upon which he asked me by what Authority I preached in the Diocefe o^ Briftol^ without a Licence. I anfwered, I thought that Cuftom was grown obfolete. And why, pray Sir, replied I, did not you afk the IriJJj Clergyman this Queftion, who preached for you laft 'Thw-fday? He faid that was nothing to me. — He then read over Part of the Ordination-Office, and thole Canons that for- bid any Minilter preaching in a private Houfe, i^c. — And then he asked me what I laid to them .? I anfwer- ed, that I apprehended thofe Canons did not belong to profeiTed Miniflers of the Church of England. — But he faid they did. — There is alfo a Canon, faid I, Sir, forbidding all Clergymen to frequent Taverns and play at Cards ; why is not that put in Execution ? Why does not fomebody complain of them, fays he, and then it would. — When I afked him why I was thus taken par- ticular Notice of, (referring to my printed Difcourfes for my Principles;) He faid, I preached falfe Do6lrine. Upon which I anfwered him not a Word, but told him, notwithftanding thole Canons, I could not but Ipeak the Things that I knew, and was refoh'ed to proceed as ufual. — " Oblervc his Anfwer then, faid he, *' Mr. Regifter" — And turning to me, added, " I " am refolved. Sir, if you preach or expound any *' where in this Diocefe, till you have a Licence, I ** will firll fufpend, and then excommunicate you" — I then took my Leave — He waited upon me very civilly to the Door, and told me, " What he did was in " the Name of the Clergy and Laity of the City " of Brijiol;" — And Iq we parted.
Being
^^ B R I S T O L. 35
Being taken ill, jiifb before I went to the Chancellor, In my Return Home, I found I had not fo much Joy as Peace. But however, I did not receive the leaft Motion of Refentment to arife in my Heart. And to fliew how little I regarded luch Threatnings, after I had joyned in Prayer for the,- Chancellor, I immediately went and expounded at Newgate as uilial ; where God gave me great Joy, and wonderoufly prick- ed many to the Heart, as though he would fay, This is the JVay^ walk in it. — After this we dined with {zr- veral Chriitian Friends with the kind Keeper of the Prifon, and rejoyced exceedingly at the Thoughts, that we fliould one Day or other fing together in fuch a Place as Paul and Silas did. — God prepare us for that Hour. For I believe it will come. I jhall be exalted^ I muji be humbled.
At four there was a general Expedlation of my preaching at St, Nicholas ; thoufands went to hear me. — But the Lecturer fent Word, that Orders were
given by Mr. B r, that I fhould not preach in
his Church ; which rejoyced me greatly. Lord why dofi thou thus honour me ?
Kt five, I went and expounded on the firft of St. James., to a Chriflian AfTembly indeed, who were much affefted — And afterwards I halted to Nicholas- Jlreet., where was a great Crowd waiting for me upon the Stairs, Yard, and Entry of the Houfe, as well as in the Room itfelf — I expounded the ninth of St. John., exhorted all to imitate the poor Beggar, and not to fear the Face of Men. — God was pleafed to fill me with unfpeakable Joy and Pov/er. — All were v^onderouily touched, and vv'hen after my Expofition I prayed particularly for the Chancellor, the whole Company was drowned in Tears, and faid mod earneft Amens to all the Petitions I put up for him. — It is remarkable, we have not had fuch a continued Pre- fcnce of God amongft us, as we have had fince I was thre;;itnei to be excommunicated. But thus it was for- F 2 merly^
3 6 Mr. Whitefield'^ Journal
merly, fo it ivill he now. When ive are cajl out^ Chrijb ivill mere clearly reveal himfelf to us.
V/ednep.ay^ February ii. Had feveral come tome this Morning, to enquire about the State of their Souls, amo.igil whom was a little Girl of thirteen Years of Age, who told me in great Simplicity, " She was pricked through and through with the " Po^ver of the Word," And indeed a good Work, I believe, has been wrought in her Heart. Out of the Mouths of Babes and Sucklings hajl thou perfecled Praife.
Preached at Newgate with uncommon Freedom and Powc;r, and obfcrved the Audience to be quite melted down. After this I made a Colleftion for the poor Prifoners, and at my Return Home was much comforted by another gracious Soul, whom God brought unto me, and who was willing to fol- low^ me not only to Georgia^ but alfo to Prilbn and to Death.
At three in the Afternoon, according to my Ap- pointment, I went to Kingfivood amongit the Colliers. God highly hivoured us in fending a hne Day, and near two diouland People were ailembled on that Oc- cafion. I preached on John ch. iii. ver. 3. and enlarged for near an Hour, I hope, to the Comfort and Edilication of thofe that heard me. God grant the Seed fown may not fall on ftony or tborny^ but on good Ground.
About 'iiyi in the Evening, I expounded to a Socie- ty widiout Lawford^s Gate., and afterwards to another in Balch'infireet ; Loth were exceedingly crowded and attentive. At firft I could not fpeak fo ftrongly, be- caufe I had exerted myfelf fo much upon the Mount ; but afterwards God gave me a frefh Sapply of Grace, and T was enabled to go through my Work clieerful- Iv. Lo ! I am -with \ou always^ even unto the End of the iVorld.
BArn,
at BATH a7id BRISTOL. 37
BATH.
^hurfday^ Feb. 22. Obferving Providence called me, this Morning I went, with fome Chriftian Friends, to Bath •, where I was much comforted by meeting with feveral that love our Lord Jefus in Sincerity. — More elpecially, I was edified by the pious Converfation of the reverend Mr. Griffdh Jones^ whom I have defired to fee of a long Seafon. His Words came with Power, and the Account he gave me of the many Obftrudions he had met v/ith in his Miniftry, convinced me that I was but a young Soldier, juft entring the Field. Good God, prepare me manfully to fight zvhatfoeiier Battles thou haft appointed for me. I can do all things through thee ftrengthening me,
BRISTOL.
Friday, Feb. 23, Returned hither about ten this Morning. About eleven, went, as ufual, and preached a written Sermon at Nezvgate, and coileded two Pounds five Shillings for the Prifoners. Many^ I believe, zvere much affected. To God he all the Glory.
After Dinner, I was taken very ill, fo that I was obliged to lie upon the Bed ; but, looking upon it on- ly as a Thorn in the Flefh, at three I went, according to Appointment, and preached to near four or five thoufand People, from a Mount in Kingfwood, witk great Power. The Sun llione very bright, and the People (landing in fuch an av/ful Manner round the Mount, in the profoundcft Silence, filled me with an holy Admiration. Bkijed be God for fuch a plentiful Harveft. — Lord, do thou find forth m.ore Labourers into thy Harveft.
This done, God ftrengthened me to expound to a Society without Lauford's Gate, and afterwards to ano- ther in the City, and afterwards to a third. And I
ipok<?
3 8 Mr, Wkitefield'j 'Journal
fpoke v/ith more Freedom the lail Tiiiie than at the firil. When I am weak^ then am I firo}ig.
Saturday^ Feb. 24. About ten in the Morning I wait- ed on the Chancellor, and fiiewed a Letter I had- re- ceived from the Lord Blihop of BriJioL My Mafter gave me great Boldnefs of Speech, and I afked the Chance'lor why he did not write to the Bifhop accord- ing to his Promife ? And, I think, he anfwered, he was to blame. I then infifted on his proving I had preached falfe Dodrine, and reminded him of his threatning to excommunicate me in the Name of the Clergy and Laity of the City of Briftol, But he "would have me think that he had faid no fuch Thing ; and confeffud, at this Time, that he had neither heard me preach, nor read any of my Writings. I afked him his Reafons for prohibiting my collecting for the Orphan-houfe. He anf\\'ered. It would hinder the Peoples Bencfadions to the Brijiol Clergy. I replied. It would by no Means hinder their Contributions, and that the Clergy ought firll to fubfcribe themlelves for Example's Sake. — After much Converfation on this Subjed, I, vv'ith all Meeknefs, told him, I was refol- ved to go on preaching, and that if Colledtions were not made here for the poor Georgians^ I would lay it entirely upon him ; adding withal, I would not be one that fhould hinder fach a Defign for the Univerfe.
After I left the Chancellor, I went and preaclied at Newgate-, and at three in the Afternoon, went to a Pocr-houfe without La-wfovd's Gate ; but the Room and Yard being full, I Hood upon the Steps going up to the rioufe, and preached to them from thence. Many that were pafTing along the Road on Horfeback, flood ftlli to hear me -, and, I hope, many were bet- tered by what was fpoken.
This Evening I declined going to. any Society, that I might have a little Time to write Letters •, amongft which, I vrrote the fcUowing one to the Billiop of
" My
^i= B R I s T o l; 39
« My Lord, Bri/iol, Feb. 14, 173I..
*' I humbly thank your Lordlhip for the Favour of ^'^ your Lordfhip's Letter. It gave abundant Satis- " faftion to me, and many others, who have not " failed to pray in a particular Manner for your Lord- " fhip's Temporal and Eternal Welfare. — To day I " fhewed your Lordihip's Letter to the Chancellor, " who (notwithftanding he promifed not to prohibit " my preaching for the Orphan-houfe, if your Lord- " fhip was only neuter in the Affair) has influenced " moft of the Clergy to deny me their Pulpits, either " on that or any other Occafion. Laft Week he was " pleafed to charge me with falfe Dodlrine. To day *' he has forgot that he faid fo. — He alfo threatned to *' excommunicate me for preaching in your Lordihip's ** Diocefe. I offered to take a Licence, but was de- " nied. — If your Lordfhip fhould afk. What Evil I ** have done ? I anfwer. None, fave that I vifit the " Religious Societies, preach to the Prifoners in New- " gate, and to the poor Colliers in Kragfuucod, who, " they tell me, are litde better than Heathens. — I am *' charged with being a Diffenter ; though many are " brought to the Church by my preaching, not one " taken from it. — Indeed the Chancellor is pleafed to ** tell me my Condu6l is contrary to the Canons -, but I " told him thofe Canons which he produced were not " intended againft fuch Meetings as mine are, where " his Majefty is conftantly prayed for, and every one " is free to fee what is done. I am forry to give your " Lordlhip this Trouble-, but I thought proper to " mention thefe Particulars, that I might know of '' your Lordfhip wherein my Condud is exceptionable. *' I heardly thank your Lordfliip for your intended " Benefadion. — I think the Defign is truly good, and " will meet with Siiccefs, becaufc fo much oppofed. " God knows my Heart, I defire only to promote his " Glory. If I am fpoken evil of for his Sake, I re- *^ Joyce in it. My Mafter was long fince fpoken evil
« of
ij.0 Mr. Whi-tefieldV Journal
*' of before me. — But I intrude on your Lordihips Pa* *' tience. — I am, with all poffible Thanks, My Lord, ,
Tour Lordjhips dutiful Son and Servant,
G. W.
Sunday, Feb. 25. What Mercies has my good God fhewn me this Day ! When I arofe in the Morning, I thought I fhould be able to do nothing ; but the di- vine Strength was greatly magnified in my Weaknefs. — About fix in the Morning I prayed, fung with, and exhorted my young Morning Vifiters, as I did laft Lord's Day. — At Eight I read Prayers, and preached to a very thr(^nged Congregation at Newgatt, and from thence I rode to BuJJleton, a Village about two Miles from Brijlol, where was fuch a vaft Congre- gation, that after I had read Prayers in the Church, I thought proper to go and preach in the Churchyard, that none might be fent empty away. — The People were exceedingly attentive, and God gave me great Utterance ; and v^hat was bed of all, by the Leave of the Minifler, who invited me thither, we had a Sacra- ment ; and, I hope, it was a Communion of Saints indeed. AllThmgs, I find, happen to the Furtherance cf the Gofpel; Why thenjbould I fear what Man can do unto tne ?
At four I hailed to Kingfjoood. — At a moderate Compufadon, there were above ten dioufand People to hear me. The Trees and Hedges were full. All was hufh when I began ; the Sun flione bright, and God enabled me to preach for an Hoar v.ith great Power, and fo loud, that all (I was told) could hear. me.
BlelTed be God Mr. B n fpoke right. The Fire is
kindled in the Country -, and, I knoiv, all the Devils in Hell fioall net he able to quench it.
Finding myfelfftrengthened from above, I went and expounded at Baldzvin-fircet Society, when above five Pounds were collcfted for the Orphan-houfe. — After- wards I went to another j and about nijie at Night came
home.
^/BRISTOL. 41
home, fejoycing at the great Things God had done, fgr my Soul. Tms Bay I have been exalted^ I muft ex- peiJ now to he humbled. Any Thing is welcome to me that God fends.
Monday^ Feb. 26. This Morning I wrote the follow- ing Letter to the CimncdUor.
" Reverend Sir i " The inclofed is a Letter I fent on Saturday to the " Bilhop of Br ijlol', be pleafed to perufe it, and fee if " any Thing contrary to Truth is there related by. Reverend Sir,
Tour very humble Servant, Briftol, Feb. 28. 173I. G. W.
Preached at Newgate^ — wa3 refrefhed by the Gonver- iiition of fome whom God had wrought upon by my MiniflTy ; — anfwered my religious Friends Letters, and expounded twice in the Evening to two large Societies. Blejfed be God I find myfelf much refrejhed in Spirit, and a neiv Supply of Strength given me. Thus (hall it be done to the Man whor.i God delight eth to honour. Oh free Grace in Chrifi Jefus !
Tuefday, Feb, 27. Expounded at Kezvgate with mors Power than ever -, — had Saccefs in my Colleftions for tiie Orphan-houfe, and expounded twice, as ufual, and was greatly ftrengthened with Might in the Inner Man. This is to prepare me for for.ie frejh Oppofition. I wonder I meet ivith fo little. But God vjill lay upon me no more than I am able to bear. For ever adored be his unmerited Love, through Chrifi.
Wednefday, Feb. 28. Preached at Newgate, ^nd ex- pounded to the Societies, as ufual ', and intended to go and preach upon the Mount in Kingfwood % but was dif^ »^vaded from it, by a Report that the Waters were out. However, many, as X was told afterwards, cams front G fi.
42 Mr. WniTEFiELD'i Journal
far to hear me •, fo that it repented me that I went not. JVhen People are willing to hear^ it is a Pity that any Mi-- nifter foould he Jlow to preach.
I'burfday, March i. Amongft my other Letters by this Day's Pofr,. I received the fcliovving one from the reverend Mr. John JVe/ley.
My Bear Brother, Feb. 20.
" Our Lord's Hand is not ihortned amongft us. " Ycflerday I preached at St. Rather ines, and at IJling- " ton., where the Church v/as almoft as hot as fome of " the Society Rooms ufcd to be. I think I never was " fo much ftrengthencd before. The Fields, after " Service, were Vv'hite with People praifmg God. " About three hundred were prefent at Mr S—s v " thence I Vv'ent to Mr, B — j, then to Fetterlane^ and " at nine to Mr. B — s -, where alfo we only wanted " Room. — To Day I expound in the Minories at " four, at Mrs. IV — s at fix, and to a large Company " of poor Sinners in Gravel-lane {Bijhopgale) at eight. " The Society at Mr. Crcuch''s, does not meet till eight y " fo that I expound before I go to him near St. " Jarnes's Square •, where one young Woman has been " lately iilled with the Holy Ghoft, and overflows with " Joy and Love. On Wednefday at fix, we have a no- " ble Company of Women, not adorned widi Gold or *' coftly App:u-el, but with a meek and quiet Spirit, *' and good Works.— At the Savoy., on ^hurfday " Evening, we have ufually two or three hundred, " moil of them, at leaft, throughly awakened. Mr. " A — 'j Parlor is more than failed on Friday., as is " Mr. P — 'j Room twice over -, where, I think, I "■' have commonly had more Power given me than at " any other Place. A V/eekor two ago a Note was " given me there, as near as I can remember in thele " Words, T'our Prayers are deftred for a fick Child that " is^ lunaticky and fore vexed Day and Night., that our " Lard ijucidd heal him, as he did thofe in the Days of his
« Fkflj;
at BRISTOL. 4-
*' Flefl:) '■) and that he would give his FareiUs Faith and '* Faiiencc lilt his 'Time is come.'"
" On Saturday Se'enight, a middle aged, well " dreffed Woman at Beech-lane (v/htre I expound " Lili.ially to iive or fix hundred before I go to Mr. " iS — 's Society) v/as feized, as it appeared to feveral " about iier, v/ith little Jefs than the Agonies of Djath. *' We prayed that God, who had brought her to the *' Birth, would give her Strength to bring forth, . and ' " 'That he would work fpeedily, that all might fee it^ and " fear^ and put their "Trufi in the Lm'd. Five Days ilie " travailed and groaned, being in Bondage. On " Thursday Evening our Lord got himielf the Vi-flo- " ry •, and, from that Moment, fhe has been full of ^' Love and Joy, which flie openly declared at the " fame on Saturday lail: ; fo that Thankfgivings alfo " were given to God by many on her Account- It " is to be obfcrved. Her Friends Iiave accounted her *' mad for thefe three Years; and accordingly bled, " bliftered her, and Vv-hat nor. Come and let us -praife ^' the Lord., and magnify his Name together.'^
The following Paragrap'i was likewiie in a Letter I received from my dear Brotlier Kinchin cf Oxon.
" God hasgrcady bleffed us at Oxford of la: ,. '\Ve
" have Rcafon to think, that four, within this Fort
'* ivif:-;iir, hive been born of God. The People crowd
" to riie' Societies on 6';;;/i:2y Nights, ieveral Gownl^
" men aihong the reft. " God has much afufted me.
" Laft Night we had a thronged Society, and abo.-;t
" forty Gownf-men."
Blefled he God, I hope the Kingdom of j'efus Chril!: will noiJD come with 'Power, and that a Remnant of de- fpifed Methodifis zvill Jlill be left at Ox\iord, which pall 'take Root downwards^ and bear Fruit upivards.
G 2 The
44 ^^>^' White field'5 'Journal
The Weather being fa.ir, after I had preached, and colle6^ed Thirty feven Shillings at Newgate^ I went on the Mount at Kingf-jwod-, where, about iifteen hundred Colliers and Country People were gathered together, and were very attentive to hear me. Bleflcd be God I preached with Power, and have Reafon to belie->/e, by what I have heard, that my Words have not altogether fallen to the Ground. Some of tiie Colliers, I hnd, have been much affefted. Bl^jjed ^e God.
B A r H.
Friday, March 2. Went to Bath this Morning to iee
the reverend Mr. T n, who came irom Cormsjall
to fee me. In the Afternoon, I read Prayers at the Hofpital -, the Leflbns were exceeding applicable, and gave us Comfort, I fpeht the Evening in taking iweet Council with fome pious honourable Women, Mr. Griffith Jones, and odier good Soldiers of Jefus Chrift. — Bkffed he God, there, are yet fome left who are true FoUavers of the Lamb.
BRISTOL.
Saturday, March 3. Returned before ten to Brifiol, was greatly refrcfhed by a Packet of Letters from London. Expourxled with great Povv-er at- Newgate, and preached in the Aftei lioon on the Steps before the Poor-houle without Lau:ford's Gate, and perceived my Audience much increafed fince lail Saturday. Bkjjed be Cod, many went affe^edaway.
Simday, March 4. Rofe much refrcflied in Spirit, and gave my early Attendants a warm Exhortation as uiual. Went to Afc^<3!/^,and preached with great Power to an exceedingly thronged Congregation. Then haft- ed to Hammn Mount, three Miles frojn t;he City, where the Colliers live altogether. God highly favoured us in the Weather. Above fou;^ dioufand were ready to
hear
^?/ B R I S T O L. 45
liear me •, and God enabled me to preach with the De- monftratioii of the Spirit. The Ground not being high enough, I ftood upon a Table, and the Sight of the People covered the green Fields, and their deep Attention pleafed me much. I hope that fame Lord^ 'u;ho fed fo many thoufands with bodily Breads will feed all their Souls with that Bread which cometh down from Heaven : For r/iany came from far.
At four in the Afternoon, I went to the Mount ,on Rofe -green, and preached to above fourteen thoufand Souls ; and fo good was my God, that all could hear. I think it was worth while to come many Miles to fee liich a Sight. — I fpoke, blefled be God, with great Freedom -, but thought all the while, as I do condnu- ally when I afcend the Mount, That hereafter I fhall fuffer as well as fpeak for my Mailer's Sake. Lord flrengthen me agrdnjl that Hour. Lord^ I believe (0 help my Unbelief \) that :by Grace will be more than fifjicient for me.
In the Evening I expounded at Baldwin-flreet Socie- ty, but could not get up tci the Room v/ithout the ut- mod Difficulty, the Entry and Court were fo much thronged. Blefjed be God,, the Number of Hearers much increafes ; and as my Day is., fo is my Strength. To Night I reairned home much more refrefhed in my Spirits than in the Morning when I went out. / wds full of Joy., and longed to be difjohed, and to be with Jefus Chrift ; but I have a BaptJfm firjl to be baptized with. Father., thy Will be done, 'this has been a Sab- bath indeed to my Soid !
Monday^ March 5. Had the Pleafure of having ma- ny, whom God has touched by niy Miniftry, come to me, enquiring about the New B:?'th. At eleven, I preached with uncommon Freedom and Power at Newgate, and collefted Thirty nine ShiUings for the poor Prifoners •, and being invited by many Colliers, at three in the Afternoon I went to a Place called theF^/I??- ^onds, on anpther Side of Kingfwood, where about two
thoufajid
4b Mr. Whitefield'^ 'Journal
thouilmd v/ere gathered together. The Sight pleafed me much ; and having no better Place to ftand upon, the Wall was my Pulpit, and, I think, I never Ipoke with greater Power. My preaching in the Fields may difpleafe fome timorous bigot ted Men -, but I am throughly perfivaded it pleafes God\ and why Jhould I fear any Thing elfe?
At my Return home, I was much refreflicd v/ith the Sight of tv/o pious Friends. Alter fome Conver- fation, they went with me to a Society, where I prayed and expounded for above an Hour, and then fpent the Remainder of the Evening with them and many other Chrifbian Brethren, in warming one ano- thers Hearts by mutual Exhortation, and finging of Pfalms. Oh that Senfualifts knew the Pleafure of a religious Converfation ! I am fure they would no longer eat Hujlis with Swine, but return home to feed on the fatted Calf
NEW PASSAGE.
Tuefday, March 9. Having left my dear Brother Hutchins, whom I fent to for that Purpofe to fjpply my Place during my Abfence •, after many kind Salu- tations, Pfalms, and Prayers on both Sides, Mr. 5.'- ward, myfelf, and another Brother, took Leave of our Briflcl Friends, and got to the New-Pafjage in a fhort Time. Here we flaid and refrellied ourfelves, and endeavoured to go off in the Boat about Noon ; but the Wind not permiting us, we took this Op- portunity of v/riting to many of our Chriftian Friends, and exhorting them to lay hold on Jefas Chrijl by
At the Inn where we put up there was an unhappy Clergyman, who (fo far had his Corruptions domini- on over him) would not go over in the PafTage-Boat becaufe I went in it. Jlas! thought I, this very Temper would make Hcavc'i itfelf unpleafuw '' that Man., if he faw me there. I was liliewife told,- that in the publick
Kitchin,
ez^ CARDIFF. 47
kitchin, he charged me with being a Diffenter ; when a httle after, as I paded by, I lliw him fhaking his El- bows over a Gaming-table. / heartily wijh thofe who charge me caiifekjly with Schifm, and being righteous over- much^ would confider that the Canon of our Church forbids our Clergy to frequent 'Taverns, to play at Cards or Dice, or any other unlawful Games. 'Their indulging themfelves in th.fe Things, is afiumbling Block to thoufands.
Afcer- Supper, in the Evening, I called the Family of the Inn together, and was pleafed to fee near twen- ty come to hear the Word. God enabled me to fpeak and pray with Power, and having difperfed fome Extracts from our Church Homilies amongft them, I and my Friends went early to Bed, being apprized that we were to be called up betimes. Blefjed be God, for any Opportunity of doing good.
CARDIFF.
JVednefday, March 8. Arofe before twelve at Night, iung Pialms, and prayed ; and the Wind being fair, we had a fpeedy PaiTage over to the JVelch Shore, Our Bufmefs being in haile, God having, of his good Providence, fent one to guide us, v/e rode all Night, Hopped at Newport to refrefh ourfelves, where we met with tv/o Friends, and reached Cardiff about eleven in the Morning.
The Town, I foon found, was apprehenfive of my com.ing •, and therefore, whilft I was giving a Word of Exhortation to fome poor People at the Inn, who hanged upon me to hear the Word, Mr. Seward went to afk for the Pulpit ; but being denied, we pitched on tlie Town-Hall, which Mr. Seward got by his Intercft -, and at four in the Afternoon, I preached from the Judge's Seat to about four hundred Hearers. Mod v/ere very attentive •, but fome mocked : However, I offered Jefus Chrifl freely even to them, and fhould have rejoyced if they would have accepted of him -, but
their
4^ Mr. Wh I t e f I e l d 'i Jcurnat
their foolifh Hearts were hardned. Lord^ make theifi Mb- nmnents of thy free Grace.
After I came from the Seat, I was much refreOied v/ith the Sight of my dear Brother Howel Hajris; whom, though I knew not in Perfon, I have long fince loved in the Bowels of Jefus Chrijl, and have often felt my Soul drawn out in Prayer in his Bjhalf
" A burning and fhining Light has he been in " thofe Parts •, — a Barrier agaiftft Prophanenefs and " Immorality, and an indefatigable Promoter of the " true Golpel of Jefus Chrift. About three or four " Years God has inclined him to go about doing good. . " He is now above Twenty five Years of Age. Twice " he has applied (being every Way qualified) for holy " Orders ; but v/as refufed, under a falfe Pretence, " that he was not of Age, though he was then Twen- " ty two Years and fix Months. About a Month ago " he offered himfelf again, but was put off. Upon this, " he was, and is Hill refolved to go on in his " Work i and indefatigable Zeal has he Ihewn in his " Mailer's Service. For thefe three Years (as he " told me from his own Mouth) he has difcourfed al- " moft twice every Day for three or four Hours to- " gether-, not authoritatively, as a Minifter-, but as a " private Perfon, exhorting his Chriftian Brethren. *' He has been, I think, in (even Counties, and has " made it his Bufinefs to go to Wakes, ^c. to turn " People from fuch lying Vanities. Many Ak-houfe *' People, Fidlers, Harpers, &c. (Demetrius like) fad- " ly cry out again ft him for fpoiling their Bufinefs. *' He has been made the Sabjed of Numbers of Ser- *' mons, has been thrcatned with publick Profecu- " tions, and liad Conftables fent to apprehend him. *' B.it God has blcffed him with inflexible Coungei — " Inilantaneous Strength has been communicated to " him from above ; and he ftill continues to go on *' from conquering to conquer. H;i is of a mo'l Ca- " tholick Spirit, loves all that loves our Lord Jfus " Chrift^' and therefore, he is ftiled by Bigots, a Df-
fenter.
^f C A R D I F F. 49
** fenler. He is contemned by alJ that are Lovers of " Pleafure more than Lovers of God; but God has " greatly blelfcd his pious Endeavours^ Many call, " and ov/n him as their fpiritual Father, and, I be- " lieve, would lay down their Lives for his Sake. He " difcourfes generally in a Field ; but at other Times " in a Houfe, from a Wall, a Table, or any Thing '' elfe. He has eftabliihed near thirty Societies in " South-Waks^ and flill his Sphere of Aftion is enlarg- " ed dfiily. He is full of Faith, and the Holy Ghoftr
When I firft faw him, my Heart was knit clofely to him. I wanted to catch fome of his Fire, and gave him the right Hand of Fellowfhip with my whole Heart. After I had ialuted him, and given a warm Exhortation to a great Number of People, v/ho fol- lowed me to the Inn, we fpent the Remainder of the Evening in taking fweet Council together, and telling one another what God had done for our Souis. My Heart v/as Hill drawn out towards him more and more. A divine and ftrong Sympathy feemed to be between us, and I was refolved to promote his Inrereft with all my Might. Accordingly v/e took an Account of the feveral Societies, and agreed on fuch Meaiiires as feemed moft condufive to promote the com.m.on In- tereft of our Lord. ^ BleJJed be God, there feems to he a noble Spirit gone out into Wales •, and I believe, e'er long^ there zvill be more vifible Fruits of it. What inclines me §lrongly to thi?ik fo is, that the Partition-ivall of Bigotry and Party Zeal is broken down^ and MiriiJlers and T'each- ers of different Communions, joyn iznth one Heart and one Mind to carry on the Kingdom of Jefus CkrisJ- — The Lord make all the Christian World thus minded. For till this is done, I fear, we muH defpair of any great Ps^efor- ination in the Church of Cod. — After much comfortable and encouraging Difcourfe with each other, we kneeled down and prayed, and great Enlargement of Heart God was pleafed to give me \x\ that Duty.
This done, we eat a litde Supper, and then, after
ilnging a Hymn, v/e went to Bed, praifingandbleiTing
H God,
50 Mr. Wh I t e f I e l D'i journal
God, for bringing us Face to Face. I doubt not btic Satan envied our Happinefs. Bat, I hope, by the Help of God we ihall make his Kingdom fhake. God loves to do great 'Things by weak Insiruments^ that the Poiver may be of God^ and not of Man.
Thurfday., March 9. Was much rsfrefhed by lad Night's Reft, a:.d fpent the Beginning of the Morning in Prayer and private Difcourle with the Members of the Rehgious Society. — About ten, according to Ap- pointment, I went to the Town-hall, and preached for about an Hour and a Half to a large iYilembly of People. My dear Brother Howel Harris iat dole by me. I did not obferve any Scoffers within ; but with- out, fome were plealed to honour me fo flir, as to trail a dead Fox, and hunt it about the Hall. — But, bluffed be God, my Voice prevailed. God gave me great Strength, and I could have heartily wilhed ail {\\d\ Scof- fers had been prifent, that I might have offered them Salvation through J^y/^j Chrifi. This being done, I went, Vv'ith many of my Hearers, amongft whom were two worthy diffenting Minifters, and my Brother Uoivel Harris^ to publick Woi-fliip ; and in the fecond L.elTon were thefe remarkable Words, " And the High Priefrs, *' and the Scribes, and the Chief of the People fought " to dcftroy him \ but they could not find what they might " do to him : For all the People were attentive to hear " him.
In the Afternoon, about four of the Clock, I preached again to the People without i-^ny Scoffing or Difturbance. And at fix in the Evening, I talketl for above an Hour and a Half, and prayed with the religi- ous Society, whofe Room was quite dironged. Indeed God was with us of a Truth. I think I never fpoke v/itii greater Freedom and Power, and never faw a Congregation more melted down. The Love of Jefus Cbrlft touched them to the quick ; moft of them were diliblved into Tears, and iecmed to have their Hearts perfeilly knit towards me. Afterwards, they came to me
weeping.
«/ N E W P O R T ^;;^ B R I S T O L. ^i
■wjeeping, bidding me farewej, and wifliing I was to continue with them longer. — Indeed their Love and tin- dijfembled Simplicity affected me much. My Bo'wels yearned towards them \ I wrejikd with God in Prayer for them^ r^nd Mejfed his holy Name for fending me into Wales. I hope thefe are thefirfi Fruits of a greater Harveji, if ever it fhould fkcfe God to bring me back from Georgia. Father^ thy Will be done.
NEWPORT m WALES.
Friday., March 9. Left Cardiff about fix in the Morning, and reached Newport about ttn^ where ma- ny came from Pontypool, and other Parts, on purpofe to hear me. The Minifter being afked, and readily granting us the Pulpit, I preached with great Power to about a thoufand People •, and then, with my Brother Howel Harris., Seward, &c. we went rejoycing, and blefling God for opening an efFeftual Door by the Way. I think Wales is excellently well prepared for the Gofpel of Chriji. They have many burning and fhining Lights both among the difTenting and Church Minifters, amongft whom Mr. Griffith Jones fhines in particular. No leis than fifty Charity Schools have been ereftcd by his Means, without any fettled vifible Fund, and frefh ones are fztting up every Day. People make notliing of coming twenty Miles to hear a Sermon, and great Numbers there are who have not only been Hearers, but Doers alfo of the Word •, {o that there is a moft comfortable Profped: of the fpreading of the Gofpel in Wales. I really believe there are feme now living, which Jhall 720t tafte of Death till they fee the Kingdom of God come with Pawer.
BRISTOL.
Saturday, March 10. Got fafe to 5r//?(7/ with my dear Fellow Travellers about eleven at Night. Preach- ed in the Morning at Newgate, and in the Afternoon H 2 on
P2 Mr.WniTEFiELD'sJonrna!
on the Poor-houfe Steps. The Hearers were much affc^ed^
and melted into Tears.
Sunday^ March ii. Had a whole Room full of Peo- ple come to hear me at fix in the Morning, with whom I prayed and fang Pililms for near an Hour. Then I read Prayers, and preached at Newgate. Afterwards went to Hannam Mount., where was near a third Part as many again as laft Sunday ; and at four in the After- noon, preached, as ufual, on the Mount at 7?^/!'-G;r^;?. The Congregation was not quite fo large as before, on account of the Coldnefs of the Weather •, but God was pleafed to withhold the Rain and Hail whilft I was fpeaking, and we collected ten Pounds for the Or- phan-houfe. BJej/ed he God my Strength increafes. Sa- tan has been very quiet this Week pajl^ and God haspour^ cd much Canfort into my Soul ; fo that I muft prepare for frejij Trials. O my dear Redeemer, grant that I may put on the whole Armour of God^ that I may withfland all the fiery Darts of the D^i'il.
BAT H.
Monday, March 12. Went, in Company with feven more dear Friends, to Bath, and had the Comfort of meeting with fome true Followers of Jefus Chrifi, whom I knew not before. ► Received News of the wonderful Progrefs of the Gofpel in Yorkfhire, under the Minidry of my dear Brother Ingham. — Had the r*leafurc of hearing that the Mayor and the Sheriff of Briftol had abfokuely forbid the Keeper of Newgate letting me preach there any longer, becaufe I infilled upon the Neceffity of our New- Birth. — T^ie Keeper was much concerned, and told them, I preached a- greeable to Scripture ; but they were offended at him. "■ They anfwered and faid unto him. Thou art altogether " hofii in Sin, arid dcjl thou teach ■us?^'' John ix. 34.
Fi''ding many in Bath v/ere dcfirous to hear mc, hav- ing given a fiiort Notice, about five in the F^vening I
preached
at BATH. ^3
preached out on the Town-Common, to a much larger Audience than could reafonably be expe<5ted. — It fnowed good Part of the Time ; but the People flaid very contentedly. Indeed fome Hiid (as I heard afterwards) that I fpoke Blafphemy ; but the People of God were much rejoyced ; and fome, I hope, effeftu- ally wrought upon. Praifed be God for (ypenlng fiich an effe^fual Door here. Many Adverfaries muji . be expecled in fo polite a Place as Bath. But God is with me^ and I fear neither Men or Devils.
After Sermon, I returned to our Inn, and fpent the Remainder of the Evening in fweet Converiation with a great Number of experienced Chriftians. My Heart was much enlarged in Prayer ; and I can fay, the Love of God v/as fhed abroad abundantly therein. For ever adored he the Riches of his free Mercy.
Tuefday., March 1 3 . Preached again at die Fifk-ponds v/ith great Power, and oblcrved all to behave exceed- ing orderly.
Had extraordinary Power given me at the Society in Nicholas-freet, and exhorted them with all poffible Earneftnefs, not to let Bigotry, or Party Zeal, be fo much as mentioned among them. P'or I defpair of fee- ing Chriffs Kingdom come, till we are all thus minded.
Wednefday., March 14. iBeing forbid preaching in the Prifon, and, withal, being refolved not to give place to my Adverfaries, no not for an Hour, I preached at Baptijls Mills., a Place very near the City, to three or four thouland People, from thefe Words, " TVlMt think you of Chrifl?'' Bleffed he God, all Things happen for the Furtherance of the Gofpcl. I now preach to ten Times more People than I fJjould, if I had been ■ confined to the Churches. Surely the Devil is blind, and fo are his Emiffaries, or ctherwife they wotdd not thus con- found themfehes. F.vcry Day I am invited to frejjj P-laces. I -ivill, by the Divine A[fff,ance, go to as many as I can ;
ths.
54 ^^'f'- "^Vh I t e f I e l d'^ Journal
ihs rcjl I muft leave unvrfjed^ till ii, JJjall pleafe God to
bring me hack from Georgia.
Thurfday^ March 15. It fnowing all Day, I could not go to Sifon to preach, as 1 propofed, but fpcnt the Diy in religious DlfcoMrfe, writing Letters, and ex- panding •, in which God was pleafed to give me un- fpe^kable Comfort. Received a ftrong Invitation to come to Cardiff once more, and to preach at L^indaff^ but Bufinefs will not permit. Blejfed be God^ that Peo- ple are ready to hear his IVcrd. Surely the Lord ilHI fulfd the D^fires of them that fear him.
Friday^ Jvlarch 16. Being much intreated by the Peo- ple, and Horfes being lent for me, I went and preach- ed at Elberton^ a Village about nine Miles off Brijlol. The Clergyman denied me the Pulpit •, fo I preached on a little Afcent on which the May-pole was fixed. The Weather being cold, and the adjacent Villages having but little Notice, I had not above two hundred Hearers. Bat after Dinner, I hailed to iToornbury, where I was invited alfo, and preached with uncommon Power to a great Part of my Morning Congregation, :Tnd many hundreds befidcs. Mr. Willis^ the Incunv bent, lent me the Church, and ufed me with great Civi- lity, as did two other Clergymen who were there pre- fent. The People were vfry defirous to have me (lay \ but I had promifed to lie at IVintenhurn^ at a Quaker's Houfc, where three more of their Pr lends met us, and with whom we had agreeable Converfidon. But I cannot fiy their Arguments for omitdng the out- ward Signs of Baptifm, and the Lord's Supper, and for having no outward Call to the Miniftry, were at all convincing : However, they wifhed me good Luck in the Name of tlie Lord, and vv^e parted from each other very lovingly. God grant I rr.cy be alzvays of a Catboli^k Spirit.
<:?/ B R I S T O L. 15
BRISTOL.
Saturday^ March 17. Returned to 5r^(7/ about eight in the Morning, and had the Plealure of hearing that Mr. Mayor, Qc. had engaged a Clergyman to preach to the poor Prifoners at Newgate, rather than to agree to a Petition they had prefented to have me. " So77je " preach Qhn'ikont of Contention^ fuppofing to add Affli^ion '* to my Bondsy and others of good Will : However, Chrift " is preached, and I therein rejoyce,yea, and will rejoyce.'^
Had the Honour of feeing another Letter, intended againft me, put in Print •, and God rewarded me for it, by giving me fjch extraordinary Power at the Poor-houfc this Afternoon, that great Numbers were quite melted, and diflblved into Tears. The Enemies of God's Church iind^fignedly do God*s Work. I never am fo much affifled, as when Perfons endeavour to blacken me •■, and I find the Number cf my Hearers fo encreafe by Oppofition, as well as my own inward Peace, and Love^ and Joy, that I only fear a Calm. But the Enmity that is in the Heart of every natural Man again ff God, tmll not fuffer them to be quiet long. I only fay, I would fend my Adverfaries to School to Gamaliel. " If this Work be " not of God, fays he, it will come to nought ; but if it " be, ye cannot overthrow it j lefi haply ye be found to " fight againft God:' •
Sunday, March 18. Had the Pleafure of feeing my Morning Audience fo much increafed, that above an
hundred were obliged to ftand without in the Street.
Was taken ill for about two Plours ; but, notwithftand-- ing, was enabled to go and preach at Hannum to ma- ny more than were there lait Sundqy, And in the Af- ternoon, I really believe no lefs than twenty thoufand were prefcnt at Rofe-Green. Blefjed arc the Eyes which fee the Things which we fee. Surely God is with us of a Truth. To behold fuch Crowds ftand about us in fuch an av/ful Silence, and to hear the Eccho of their fino--
ing
5 6 Mr. Wh I t e f I e l d 'j Jcurnd
ing run from ope End of them to the other, is very folcnyi and furprizing. — My Difcourfe continued for n^^ir an Hour and a Half ; and at both Places, above fourteen Pounds were collected for the Orphan-houfc ; and it plcafed me to fee with what Cheerfulnefs the Col- liers and poor People threw in their Mites. — Cowt/ary to my Expedlation, having a Cold upon me, God ena- bled me afterwards to expound for above an Hour to a crowded Society, with great Freedom and Plainnefs of Speech. And I came home full of Peace and Joy in the Holy Gholt. tVbat a Myftery is the divme Life I Oh that all "joere Partakers of it !
BATH.
Monday^ March 19. After having refrefhed myfelf and Friends by reading a Packet of Letters from hon- don, and difpatched fome other Bufmefs, according to Appointment, I fct out for Bath, and got thither a- bout three in the Afternoon. Dinner being ended, through great Weaknefs of Body, and Sicknefs in my Stomach, I was obliged to ly down upon the Bid ; but the Flour being coine for my preaching, I went, weak and languid as I was, depending on the Divine Strength, and, I think, fcarce ever preached with greater Power. There were about 4 or 5000 of High and Low, Rich and Poor, to hear. As I went along, I obfervcd many Scoffers i and when I got upon the Table to preach, many laughed •, but before I had fi- niflied my Prayer, all was huflit and filent •, and e'er I had concluded my Difcourfe, God, by his Word, feem- cd to imprefs a great Awe upon their Minds •, for all were deeply attentive, and feemed much afiedfed with what had been fpoken. Me7i may feoff for a little ivhile ; hut there is foniething in this Foolifonefs of preaching which will make the moji Jluhhorn Heart to lend or break. " Is not my Word like Fire, faith the " Lord, and like a Hammer that brcaketh the Rock in *' pieces ?'*
^uefday^
e?^ B A T H. 57
Tuefday, March 20. Had the Pleafure of Hearing of the Succefs of my Difcourfeyefterdayupon many Souls; efpeciaily upon two litde Children, who were obferved to come home crying, and to retire to Prayers. — - Spent the Morning in writing Letters, and vifiting feme few righteous Souls that hve in this Sodom. — God has a Remnant every where. — At Eleven o* Clock I read Prayers at the Hofpital, and was gready comforted by the fecond LelTon, which was the 7th of St. John. After Dinner I was taken ill again -, but notwithftand- ing, God ftrengthned me to preach to about as great a Congregation as yefterday, and, I believe, with great Succefs i for fome wept, and all leemed much affeSed, and were very filerit. — The Remainder of the Evenino- I fpent with many gracious Souls, who came to my Lx)dgings, with whom I took fv/eet Council, and went to bed full of Comfort and unfpeakable |oy. Bleffed be God., I can fay^ The Ijfe which I now live ii% the Flejh^ I live by the Faith of the Sun of God, who loved me^ and gave himfclf for me^
Wednefday, March 21. Breakfafted this Morning
with one Mr. M r, who kindly invited me and
my Friends. — Perceived a great Freedom in my Spirit, and afterwards went to a private Houfe, where many were aifembled to hear the Word. — But God only can tell how their Hearts were melted down. — Oh! how did the poor Souls weep over me! How did they pray that I would come amongft tliem again! Surely, I might have faid with St. Paul on anorher Occafion, PFhat mean you to weep., and to break my Heart ? — But I could do no more than pray that God Tvould fend them fome faithful Labourer. Having difperfed among them fome of my Sermons on the Mm-ks of the NevJ Birlh^ I at length took my leave, and retired to my Lodgings. — Every Tiinc I looJz upn the Bath, I think on the Pool of Bjdiefda.. O blefjed Jefu, look down with Compaffon on it ; and as thou hajl cured many impotent Perfons by the fe healing Water s.^ heal., I befeech thae^ the I Difeafes
5^ Mr. WhitefieldV y^z^nz^/
Difeafes of their fm-ftck Souls hy the Power of thy alU quickening Jlrengthemng Grace. — Ez'en Jo^ Loj-d Jefusl Amen. j
K E I N S HA M.
Dined with one Mr. M , an eminent Quaker
in Bath^ who entertained me and my Friends in a moft Chriftian Manner. — About three we left Bath, and though it was a wet Day, were agreeably furprized by meeting great Numbers of Horfemen, ^c. from Brijiol^ befidcs leveral thoufands from the neighbour- ing Villages, who came to hear me, according to Ap- pomtment. — The Church being refufed, I preached on a Mount. — Our Mafler being with us, I preached with Power. — We came on our Way rejoycing, and reach- ed Briji ol :\bout Seven at Night, and wer^t immediate- ly and expounded the 7th. ci' St. John to Bald^ivin-Jireet Society, where we alio gave I'hanks for the great Things we had fecn and heard fmce we met together laft.
Thurfdayy March 22. Received unfpeakable Plea- fure from a Letter of this Day's Pod, which brought me word of the flourifning of the Gofpel at Oxford.-^ Had many gracious Souls came to me to confult me in fpiritual Cafes, and could not but rejoyce to fee how fecretly and irrefiftably the Kingdom of Jcfus Chrijl is carried on, in ipite of all Oppofition. — In the After- noon I preached again at Baptijl Milb^ where fome- body was fo kind as to put fome Turf together for me to {land upon. I perceived a great Freedom of Speech, and infilled much on original Sin, becaufe there are many in this City who, I fear, have imbibed the Prin- ciples of that polite Preacher Mr. F . But JVoe
be to them that deny that they are horn in Sin. Surely, they mujt be pajl feeling. Woe he to them that deny the Lord thatf bought them : For it faps the very Foundation of the Chriftian Religion. And as for my own Part., did I not firmly believe that Jefus Chriji v:as truly and pro- perly
^/ K E I N S H A M. 59
perly God, I never would preach the Go/pel again. Who- foever preaches any otherwife^ let him be accurfed. — • Had great Power amongft us at the Society in the Evening. — The People throng more and more. — A good Sign that all do not come out of Cmiojily^ but with a Defire to know and do their Duty.
Friday^ March 23. Dined with many Quakers at French-hay., who entertained me and my Friends with much Chriftian Love-, but we could by no means agree about' the Difufe of the two outward Signs in the Sacrament, nor of their abfolute refufing to pay Tithes. — But I think their Nocions about walking and being led by the Spirit are right and good. I f^ould rejoyce to find all ^lakers thus mi?7ded. Much Sincerity and Simplicity feems to be amongft them. — But I think^ at the fame 'Time, they infift fo much upon the inward Life^ they place too much Religion in their not ufing Externals.
After Dinner, I went and preached at the Fifh-pond^ as ulual, where were many Coaches, and about as great a Number of People as before. God gave me great Freedom and Power. I was longer than common both in my Prayers and Sermon. — Many, I believe, were affected. — After I came home, I vifitcd two Societies, where God was pleafed to give us great Tokens of his Prefence ; and the Way up to the laft Room was (o exceedingly thronged that 1 was obliged to go up by a Ladder through the Window.
Saturday, March i^. Received glad Tidings of great Joy from my religious Correfpondenrs. — Spent the Morning in anfwering their kind Letters, — and preach- ed in the Afternoon at the Poor-houfe, where both the Number of the People, and my Strength were greatly encreafed. — After Sermon, I colleded for the Orphan- houfe, and the poor People fo loaded my Hat with their Mites, that I wanted fomebody to hold up my Hands. — The Cheerfulnefs with which they gave is in- expretlible ; and the many Prayers they joined with . I 2 tlieir
6 o Mr. Wii I T E F I E L D 'i "Journal
their Alms, I hops, will lay a good Fo'jndation for the Houle intended to be built. — After this, God brought me to feme more of his own dear Children, and I fpent the Remainder of the Evening in expounding to a Society, where almoft all were drowned in Tears, when I mentioned my Departure to them. — The good. Lord., fend fomehody amongjl them to water what his own Right Hand hath -planted. Even fc^ come Lord JefuSy come quickly.
Su;i:i?v, March 25. God will work, and who Jhall hinder } I am fhut out of the Prifon, and my Siiter's Room was not large enough to contain a fourth part of the People who come to me on a Sunday Morning. But God put it into the Hearts of Ibme Gentlemen to lend me a large Bowling-Green, where I preached to about five thoufand People, and made a Colleftion for my poor Orphans, till my Hands were quite weary. — BleJJed be God., that the Bowliug-rGreen is turned into a Preaching- place. This., I hope., is a Token that Ajjeynhly-rooms and Play-hoiifes will foon be put to the fame Ufe. O may the Word cf Gcd be mighty to the pulling down of thefe flrong Holds of the Devil! All that love our Lord Jefus, I am fure., will fay., Amen.
Preached at Hannam to a larger Congregation than ever, and preached again in the Afternoon to upwards (as was computed) of 23000 People. I was afterwards told, that thofe who ftood far theft off could hear me very plainly. Oh may God fpeak to them by his Spirit, at the fame Time that he enables me to lift up my Voice like a Trumpet I
About eight I went to the Society in Nicholas-ftreet^ I with great Difficulty, at lall: got up in to the Room, which was extreamly hot. God enabled me to fpeak ' with much Freedom and Power i and at the Clofe of my Exhortation, I recommended a Charity-fchool, which was opened by this Society to-day. I colleded at the Door myfeif, and few paiTed by without throw- ing in their Mites. — 2^et a little while, and I hope Briftol
will
^/ KEINSHAM. 6i
will he as fivmous far Charity-fckooh as London. JVe miifi not dejpife the Bay of fniall 'Things. Blejfed he God for the Strength of this Bay. The Lord make me humhiy thankful.
Monday^ March 16. Still God has pleafed to give me freili Tokens of his Love. Letters are fent mc, and People come to me continually, telling me what God hath done for their Souls by my unworthy Mi- niftry.
At four in the Afternoon, I preached again at the Bowling-Green, to, I believe, feven or eight thoufand People. The Sun flione bright, and the Windov/s and Balconies of the adjoining Houfes were filled with Hearers. I was uncommonly enlarged in Prayer, and fo carried out beyond myfelf in preacliing, efpecially when I came to talk of the Lore and free Grace of fefus Chrifl, that I heartily wiflied it Vv^as in my Power that Moment to place all my Enemies at the Right Hand of God. The Concern the People were in is inexprefllble. — An hearty Groan goes through them all when any Thing affecting is fpoken *, and I am fure, that thoufinds come not out of Curiofity, but a fm- cere Defire of being fed with the Milk of the Word. — Afterwards, I again collected for the Orphan-houfe, and it was near an Hour and a Half before the People could go out. Many were very faint becaufe of the Throng, v/hich was fo exceeding great, that they trode one upon another.
At eight I hailed to Weavers Hall, in Temple-fir eet^ which was procured me ; becaufe the Society Rooms were too little. I was abnofl taint before I could get in through the Crowd ; but God enabled me to fpeak with uncom.mon Freedom, and was with us of a Truth, — I believe there. might be a thoufand Hearers. — IVell may the Bevil and his Servants rage horribly . Their Kingdom is in Banger.
After I had done, I went to a Chriftian Houfe, where many waited for me^ and, at my Return home,
mv
6 2 Mr. W?i I T E F I E L D ' J. Joimial
my Mailer paid me my Wages : For my Soul was liljed with an Intenfeneis of Love, and I knew what it is not only to have Righteouliiefs and Peace, but Joy in the Hoi/ Ghofl. This is my contijtual Food.
TiLcfday, March 27. At four this Afternoon, being invited leveral Times, I prerxhed in a Yard belonging to the Glafs Koufes, where many dwell ; who (as I was informed) ndther feared God, nor regarded Man. The Congregation confiftcd of many thoufands, and God enabled me to lay before them his Thrcatnings and Promifcs j fo that none might either defpair or preliime. Oh that I may be taught of God rightly to di- vide the Word of Truth !
Whihl I was preaching, I heard many People be- hind me, hollowing, and making a. Noife, and fup- pofed they were fet on by fome Body on purpofe to ditturb me. — I blels God I was not in the lead moved, but rather increafed the more in Strength ; but when I had done, and enquired die Caufe ol that Noife, I v,ras informed, that a Gentleman (being drunk) had taken the Liberty to call me Dog^ and fay, " That " I ought to be whipped at the Cart's Tail, and offcr- " ai Money to any that would pelt me." Inftead of that, the Boys and People near began to caft Stones and Dirt at him. — I knew nothing of it till afterwards, wlien I expreded my DiQike of their Behaviour, but could not help oblerving, "ivhat forty Wages the Devil gii'cs his S.rvants.
In the Evening I expounded again in Weavers Hull,
to a mod crowded and attentive AlTembly. — People
foliovv^ more and more. — There is a divine Attraction
in the Word of God. — Still draw us, O Lord, and we
frjall fill come after thee.
Wednefday, March 28. Had the Plcafurc of liearing, that above an hundred People it;t apart a Day for Prayer in Behalf of me and my dear Brother Hoivel Uarxis, &c. While cur Friends thus continue to hold up
their
^^ KEINSHAM. ^^
their Hands ^ our [pirimal Amalek will never prevail (igaiv.fi us.
Preached in the Afternoon at Puhlow^ a Village a- bout five Miles from Briftol^ to feveral thoufands of People. — The Church was offered y but being not fuf- ficient to contain a third Part ot the Audience, by the Advice of Friends I preached in the Fields, which put me in mind of our Lord's fiyiiig, Go out into the High- ijuays and Hedges, and compel them to come in.
Was bleiTed with two excellent Letters, Found out fome more of God's fecret ones, — Received foir.e tem- poral Mercies, expounded to the Society in Baldwin- fireet, and went to a Friend's Houfe, where we eat our Bread with Gladnefs and Singlenefs of Heart. Oh the Comforts of a fipritiial Life !
I'hurfday, March 2g. Blefied be God, I hope a good Work is begun to Day. — Having had feveral Notices that the Colliers of Kingfwood were willing to fubfcribe, I went to Dinner with them near a Place called Two Mile Hill^ and colleded above twenty Pounds in Mo- ney, and got above forty Pounds in Subfcriptions to- ward building them a Charicy-School. — It was furpri- fing to fee with what Cheerfulnefs they parted with their Money on this Occafion. — Was I to continue here, I would endeavour to fettle Schools all over the Wood, as alfo in other Places, as Mr. Griffith Jones has done in Wales, — But I have but juft Time to fet it it on Foot. — / hope God will blefs the Miniftry of my ho- noured Friend Mr. John Welley, and enable him to bring. It to good Effe£f. — // is a a Pity fo many little ones as there are in Kingfwood, fJmdd periffj for Lack of Know- ledge.— Stir up thy Pozoer., O Lord, and come amongft them, for the Sake of Jelus Chrift. ' After Dinner I preached a flirewel Sermon, and re- commended the Charity-School to their Confideration ; and they all fcemed willing to afTift either by their Money or their Labour, and to olFef fuch Things as
they
64 Mr. Whitefield'j Joiirnat
they had. 'I doubt not hut the Lord ivill pro/per this Work of my Hands upon me,
Affoon as I came to Town, I took my Leave of a Society in Caflk-Jlreet -, — ^but Tongue cannot exprefs the Sorrow they were in at the Mention of my De- parture,— After this, I did the fame at a Society in Nicholas-^Jlreet ; and, I believe, for near an Hour, they wept aloud and forely all over the Room^ as though they wxre mourning for the Death of their Firft-born. ■ — Oh how dofe are their Hearts knit to me I BieJJed be God, there is one coming after me, who, I hope^ will che- rifh the Spark of divine Love now kindled in their Hearts^ till it grows into a Flame. Amen, Lord Jcfus.
Friday, March 30. Preached this Afternoon near Co/epit Heath, icvtn Miles from Brijiol, a Place to which I was earneilly invited, and where great Num- bers of Colliers live. — ^I believe there were above two thoafand People afiembled on this Occ;jLfion. — The Weather was exceeding fair, the Hearers beliaved ve- ry well, and the Place where I preached being near the Maypole, I took Occafion to warn them of mifpend- ing their Time in revelling and dancing. Oh that all fuch Enter taifime'nts were put a flop to ! I fee no other IVay to effeEl it, hut by going boldly, and calling People from fuch lying Vanities in the Name of Jefus Chrift. — That Reformation which is brought about by a coercive Power, will be only outward and fuperficial \ but that wMch is done by the Force of God's JVord, will be inward and lafiing. Lord make me meet by thy Grace for fuch a Work, and then fend me. Lo ! I come to do thy Will.
About feven I returned to BriJlol, and took Leave of the Society without La-wford's Gate ; but there were fo many People, that I was obliged to ftand and ex- pound at the Window, that thofe in the Yard (which was full) might hear alfo. — Their Hearts were ready to biirft wi:b Griefs but I hope my dear Mafler will corns and comfort them.
Saturday^
at KE IN SHAM. 6^
Saturday^ March 3 1 . Went this Morning, and vi- fited the poor Man who was mifufed at the Glafs Houfes. He feemed much concerned for what he had done, and confeffed he knew not what he did : Upon which, I took Occafion to dilTuade him from the Sin of Drunkennefs, and parted from him very friendly.
At eleven, I went and gave the Prifoners a farewel Exhortation, and left Orders concerning the Dhiribu- tion of the Money that had been collected for them. — At four I preached, as ufual, at the Poor-houfe,. where was a greater Congregation than ever, and veiy near nine Pounds gathered for the Orphan-houfe. — ■ Blejfcd be God, the longer IJiay, the more my Hearers in- creafe.
At my return home, I was much refrefhed with the Sight of my honoured Friend Mr. John Wejley, whom God's Providence has fent to Brijiol. — Lord now letteft thou thy Servant depart in Peace,
Saturday, Y^r/7 1 . Preached at the Bowling-Green^Han- nam, and Rofe-Green ; at all which Places, the Congrega- tions were much enlarged, efpecially at the latter. There were Twenty four Coaches, and an exceeding great Number of other People, both on Foot and Horfeback. The Wind was not fo well fet to carry the Voice as u- fual j but however, I was ftrengthened to cry aloud, and take my laft Farewel. — As I was returning home, it comforted me exceedingly, to hear almoft every one bleffing me, and wifhing me a good Voyage in the Name of the Lord. — And indeed my Heart is fo knit to BriJlol People, that I could not with fo much Sub- miffion leave them, did I not know dear Mr. IVeJley was left behind to teach them the Way of God more perfectly. Profper, O Lord, the Works of his Hands upon him.
It fcven, I went and took my Leave of Baldwin-
Jlreet Society •, but the Yard, and Entry leading to it,
was fo exceedingly crowded, that I v/as obliged to
climb up by a Ladder, and go over the Tiling of
K another
66 Mr. White field' J j''^wr;2^/
another Houfe near adjoining, before I could get to the
Door.
Monday^ April 2. Spent a good Part of the Morn- ing in talking with thofe who came to take their Leave ; and Tongue cannot exprcls what a forrowful parting we had. — Floods of Tears flowed plentifully •, and my Heart was fo melted down, that I prayed for them with ftrong Cryings, and many Tears. — "The Scene was very affeEling^ and^ I thinks muft have made an Impref- fion upon the moji hardncd Heart.
About one, I was obliged to force myfelf away. — Crowds were waiting at the Door to give me a lail Farewel, and near twenty Friends accompanied me oa Horfeback. BkJJed be God for the marvellous great Kindnefs he hath Jhewn me in this City. Many Sinners, I believe, have been effeftually converted. It is unknown what Numbers have come to me under Convidions, and all the Children of God have been exceedingly comforted. — Various Prefents were fent me as Tokens of their Love. — Several thouumds of little Books have been difperfed among the People ; about two hundred Pounds collefted for the Orphan-houfe, and many poor Families relieved by the Bounty of my Friend Mr. 'Reward. — And what gives me the greata- Comfort, is the Confideration, that my dear and honoured Friend Mr. Wejley is left behind to confirm thofe that are a- wakcned > fo that when I return from Georgia., I hope ' to lee many bold Soldiers of Jefus Chrift. Grant this^ O Lryrd^ for the fame thy dear Son's Sake.
K I N G S JV 0 O D,
Having taken my Leave, and paHTed through the People of Briftol., who poured out many Blefilngs up- on me, I came about two to Kingfwood, where tlie Col- liers, unknown to me, had prepared an hofpitable En- tertainment, and were very forward for me to lay the iirfc Scone of their School. At length I complied,
and
^/ THORN BURY. '^^
and a Man giving me a Piece of Ground, in cafe Mr.
C fhould rcfufe to grant them any •, I laid a Stone,
and then kneeled down on it, and prayed God that the Gates of Hell might not prevail againft our Dc- fign. The Colliers faid a hearty Amen s and after I had given them a Word of Exhortation fui table to the Occafion, I took my Leave, promifing that I would come amongfc them again, if ever God Hiould bring me back to England. They leemed much pleafed at this ; and indeed they feem to have fuch an uncom- mon Affection for me, that I hope a Reformation will be carried on amongft them. And as for my own Part, I had I'athd- preach the Gofpel to the unprejudi- ced ignorant Colliers, than to the bigotted, felf-righte- ous formal Chrifcians. The Colliers will enter into the Kingdom of God before them,
THORNBURT.
About five, I and my Friends got fife to Thornhury \ where I had appointed to preach as on this Day, when. I was there lafc. — The Minifter, I find, was offended at my Do6frine, and therefore would not lend me the Pulpit again. — However, there being above a thou- land People waiting to hear the Word, I ftood upon a Table, and taught in the Street. All was folemi> and awful around us; every one behaved with Gravity ^ and God gave me Freedom of Speech. — The Re- mainder of the Evening was fpent delightfully in fing- ing Pfalms and Hymns with my dear Companions ; and had not the parting with my Brifiol Friends caft a litde Damp upon my Heart, no one could have laid down his Head to Ileep with greater Pleaiure than I did. I find I never undertake a new Thing for my Mailer, but he gives me new Manifellations of Joy and Comfort. J'P1:)0 would but work for Jefus Chrijf ?
K2 otn
<63 Mr. V/h I t e f I e l d'5 'Journal
OLD-PASSAGE. CHEAP STOJV.
Tuefday, April 3. Came to the Old-Pap.ge by nine in the Morning, and, according to Appointment, preached from Ibme Steps to many People who came to hear me.— Then I exhorted, and lung with as ma- ny as the Room would contain above in tiie Inn •, and having providentially loll our PaiTage, about three in the Afternoon I preached a fecond Time from the Steps, at which many were much affefted. The Re- mainder of the Day I fpent in writing and praying with my Friends, and having taken a lalt Farewel, we paffed over to Beechly about feven, and got fo far as Cheapdow^ where the People, I find, expefted to hear me ; but it being late, I could only fmg, and pray, and preach to about forty that came to the Inn, and gave a Promife, if poffible, that I would come and preach in their Church before I left IVales. — Evny Day do I fee the Benefit more and more of this piihlick U^ay of citing.
HUSK and PONTTPOOL.
TFednefday, April 4. Came hither before ten, and was much refrefhed with the Sight of my dear Bro- ther Howel Harris, and feveral Cllriftian Friends, who came from Cardiff and other Places, to give me the Meeting. — The Pulpit being denied, I prc;iched upon a Table under a large Tree to fome hundreds, and God was with us of a Truth, After Dinner, with near forty on Horfeback, I fet out for Pontypooly five IVelch Miles from Hujk, and in the Way was informed,
by a Man that heard it, that Mr. C //— ry did me
the Honour, at the laft Monmouth Afllzes, to make a publick Motion to Judge P ^ to flop me and Bro- ther Hozvel Harris , from going about teaching the people. Poor Man ! he put me in mind of Tertullus z« ^he-A^Sy — But the Hour is not yet come j / have fcarce
begun.
at ABERGAVENNY W COMIHOY. 69
hegun my Tejlimony : For my fin'ifhing it^ my Enemies may have Power over me from above. Lord^ prepare rue for that Hour. — About five we got to P-onfytoo\ and feve- ral thoufands were ready to hear me. — The Curate being very ibllcitous for it, I preached firft (he having read Prayers) in the Church ; but there being great Numbers that could not come in, I went af:erward and preached to all the People in the Field. — My own Heart was much enlarged, and the divine Pre- fence was much amongft us •, and indeed, I always find I have mod Power when I fpeak in the open Air. A Proof this to me., that God is pleafed with this Way of preaching. — After Sermon, v/e weni, and joyned in Prayer at the Gentlewoman's Houfe that owned the Field, and then we returned to the Houfe of Mr. G — s of Pontypool; where, after taking a little Supper, and expounding the third Chapter of Genefis to tv/o Rooms full of People, I prayed, and betook myfelf to Reft, and was full of fuch unutterabl'e Love, as no one can conceive but thofe who /^f/ it. — God be praifed for my coming hither. — Here are many gracious Souls., and their Hearts are knit to me in Chrijiian Love, Lord., what ain I ?
AB ERG AVEN NT 2.ndi COMIHOT.
Thurfday., April 5. Spent fome Time very comfort- ably with my dear Friends at Pontypool., in finging, praying, and religious Conferences ; and then, in Com- pany with about thirty on Horfeback, I came to Aber- gavenny, ten Miles from Pontypool., by eleven in the Morning. — All the Way as we journeyed, God ftrengthened me mightily in the inner Man, and I could think of nothing fo much as Joflma going from City to City, and fubduing the devoted Nations. — Here I expedled much Oppofition, having been in- formed, that many intended to difturb me.
But God imprefied a divine Awe upon all ; fo that though there were many Oppofcrs prcH-nt when I
Dreache4i
^o Mr. Wh I T E F 1 E L B 'j Journal
preached, yet not any dared to utter a Word. — God caufed me to fpeak with extraordinary Autliority, and I did not fpare the poiite SccfK^rs in the lead. Oh that they mey come to the Knozvkdge of the 'Truth ^ and be [a- ird! The Place I preached from, was the Backfide of a Garden, belonging to one Mr. IV — s, who invited me to Ajcrgavennyy and ere<51:ed a Place very comm.o- dious for my Handing upon ; fo that the People, (in Number about tv/o thoufand) could all hear very well. /Afterwards we retired, and fling a Hymn j and fome Ladies having the Curiofity to come and hear us, I took that Opportunity of dilTuading them againft Balls and AiTemblies, and all other polite Entertainments. I hope God intended them good : For afterwards, I heard they were the chief Miftrefies of the Afik^mbly in Abergavenny. Oh the polite World f How are they ted aivay by lying Vanities !
After Dinner, I went, according to Appointment, with about forty on Horfeback, to Comihoy, five Miles from Al'e-rgavenny., and found the Minifter of the Church to be a hearty Friend, and tvvo or three others like minded with him. This rejoyced me exceeding- ly ; and to fee how loving the poor People were to me, much increaf^d my Joy. — The Church not being quite large enough to hold half the Congregation, I preach-^ ed from the Crofs in the Churchyard. — The Word came with Power. — Did not God call me elfewhere, I could fpend fome Months m JVales very profitably : The longer I am in it, the more I like it. To me they feem a People fweetly difpofed to receive the Gof- pel. — They are fimple and artlefs. They have left Bi- gotiy morethiin the generality of our Englijhnen ; and, through the Exhortations of lloivcl Han-is^ and the Miniilry of others, they are hungring and thiriting after the Righteouliiefs of J ejus Chrifi. — When I had done, I hafted back with niy Friends t.3 Abergaz-emiy^ where we were kindly entertained ; and, after having written a Letter or two, and expounded to three
Rooms
at CAR LEON /7;z^ T R E LE K 71
Rooms full cf People, I went to Bed, rejoycing tint my Eyes every Day law the Salvation of God.
CARLEON and TRELEIC
Friday, April 6. Set out about eight in the Morn- ing from Abergavenny, with near a dozen Friends on Horfcback \ and foon after, near fifty or fixty more joined us ; moil of v/hom, I hope, had been effedu- ally called by the Grace of God. About Noon we reached Carleon, fifteen Miles from Abergavenny, a Town famous for having thirty Britiflo Kings buried in it, and producing three noble Chriftian Martyrs. I chofe particularly to go hither, becaufc v/hen my Bro- ther Hoivel Harris was there laft, fome of the bafer Sort beat a Drum, and huzza'd around him, on pur- pole to dillurb him. — But God fuftered them not to move a Tongue now, though I preached from the ve- ry fame Place, and prayed for him by Name, as I have in every Place where I have preached in Wdes. God forbid IJJjoidd be ajkamed either of my Mafter or bis Servants. — Many thoufands v/ere there from alt Parts to hdar me, and God gave me fuch extraordinaiy Afnftancc, that I was carried out beyond myfclf •, and, I believe the Scoffers felt me to fome Purpofe, Oh that the Love of Ch'ifi may melt them down I
After Dinner, we parted with fome of our Friends, who were obliged to return home, becaufe they came from far. And it o-ave me o;reat Pleafure to fee how afiedionately the poor People came, with Tears in their Eyes, blefiing God for my Miniftry,' fhaking me by the Hand, and praying for my fpeedy Return amongft them. — Surely Godlmcfs has the Promife of the Lfe that now is, as well as that which is to come. The Numbers of my Enemies are inconfiderable •, but my Friends cannot be numbred. And what gives me more SatisfiiCtion, is, that they are Friends of God's making, not of the World*s3 v/ho follov/ not only for Intcreltj but luch as
iove
72 Mr. Whitefield'j ^Journal
love me for the Sake of Jc[iis Chrijl ; and wlio, I be- lieve, would go with me to Prifon, or to Death.
At three in the Afternoon we fet out for Trskk, ttn Wdch Miles from Carlcon -, but the Miles being very long, we could not reach tliither till it v/as almoft dark ; fo that moll of the People who had been wait- ing for me, were returned home : However, the Church being denied, I ftood upon the Horfe-block be- fore the Inn, and preached from thence for about three Quarters of an Hour to thofe that were left behind ; but I could not fpeak with fuch Power as uli.ial : For, though the Spirit was willing, the Flefh was weak through the Fatigue of the paft Day. hord^ whsnjhall I be delivered from the Burden of this Flefo ?
C H EA P S T 0 JV.
Saturday, April 7. Found myfelf but weak in Body when I rofe in the Morning, and it being a very rainy Day, I refolved to ftay at Cheapjhzv (which we reached by eleven of the Clock.) " Great Numbers that came from the Countries round about, were ready to hear ; but the Minifter being unwilling to lend the Pulpit on ;i Week Day, I only exhorted tlie People in the Din- ing-room vv^here I lodged. I believe God v/as with us. Oh how fwifdy has this Week paifcd off! To me it has been but as one Day. tlow do I pity thofe polite ones, v/ho complain that Time hangs heavy upon their Hands ! Let them but love Chrift^ and fpend their whole Time in his Service, and they will hnd no dull melancholy Hours. Want of the Love of God I take to be the chief Caufe of Indolence and Vapours. Oh that our Gentry would up and be doing for Jefus Chrift ! They would not complain then for the Want of Spirits.
Sim Jay, April 8. Arofe much refreflied, and highly pleafed with the lail Afternoon's Retirement •, ' read trayers, and preached twice at Chcapftow Church to
very
ttt COLFORD and GLOUCESTER. ']%
"^ery attentive Congregations, many of whom came from far. After Sermon > I gave a Word of Exhor-- ration, and prayed with feveral that came to the Inn^ and God v/as pleafed to give it his Bleffing. — About five, I fet OLitj with my Friends, to Colford, eight Miles from Cheapfiov)^ and went and vifued the religious Society, which has met with much Oppofition. Good God! wherever I go ^ People are ready to perifh for Lack of Kmwledge, and are as ignorant of ] tins Chrlix, as the Papifts. My Heart within me is broken becaife of ihs Prophets. Jer. 23*
At Night, I was pleafed with the Company of feveral Friends, who came from Pontypool to fee me once more. — We fpent the Evening very agreeably in finging Pfalms, Prayer, and Converfation, and, I hope, edified one another in Lov^e.
COLFORD and GLOUCESTER.
Monday, April 9. Preached this Morning in the Market-houfe to about one hundred People, and after- wards talked with Effedt to fome Scoffers at the Inn. After this, I fet out for, and reached Gloucefter about N6on ; where I was refrefhed by a great Packet of Letters, giving mc an Account of the Succefs of the Gofpel in different Parts. God grant I may fee it come as powerfully amongfi 7ny own Countrymen.
GLOUCESTER.
Tuefday, April 10. Vifited the religious Society lafl Night, preached at four in tlve Afternoon to a great Congregation at St. Michael's Church, viiued a Soci- ety near the IFcft-gate-Street at feven, and another at eight ; the lafl of which was very much crowded, Ob what unfpeakable Pleafure. does it give me^ to fee tny czvn To'ujnfmm receive the fFord with Joy I
t, mdnefday^
'74 ^^' Wh I t e f I e l d*5 journal
PFednefday^ April 1 1 . Was treated this Day as I ex- pected, and as I told my Friends I fhould hi ufed, when I firil en!;red the City. — The Minifter of St. Michaels was pleafed to lend me his Church Yefterday and to Day, but feme weakhy Dcmcirius^s being of- tended at the Greatnefs of the Congregations, and al- ledging that it kept People from their Bufinefs, he was influenced by fome of them to derty the life of his Pulpit any more on a Week Day. Alas I what an Enmity there is in the natural Man a^ainji the Succefs of the Gofpel ! How fond are they of Pharaoh'j Obje^fion, " 2''e are idle, ye are idle •, therefore ye fay. Let us go " "ivorffjip the Lord''
About four 1 fet out for Painfwick, a Town four Miles diftant from Gloucefeer, where the Pulpit being denied, I preached to a very large Congregation from the Stairs belonging to the School-houle, in one of the Streets. Many were folicitous for me to come and preach at other neighbouring Places alio. — At my Return loGlou- ccfter, my Heart was much refreflied by the Reception of near thirty Letters from Briftol \ all, I hope, from Pcrlbns whole Plearts God hath been pleafed to touch, and powerfully convince of Selt-rigKreoufnefs. — Lord, not unto me, hut unto thy Name be all the Glory.
^hnrflay, April 12. Spent the Morning in anfwer- ing fome of my dear Corrcfpondents, and preached in the Evening to near three thouland Hearers in a Field belonging to my Brother. Cry out who will againft this my Forward nefs, I cannot fee my dear Country- men and Fellow Chriitians every v/here ready to perilh throildi lo-norance and Unbelief, and not endeavour 10 convince them of both.
Thole who forbid me to Ipeak to thefe poor baptiz- ed Heathers that they may be fived, upon them I call to give a Reafon for rheir fo doing •, a Rcafon v.hich may (atisfy not Man only, but God. And accord- ingly, I here cite them to anfvver it to our conmion Mailer. What their real Reafon is, whether Envy, or
" Mailer,
at COLFORD and GLOUCESTER. 7^ *« Mafler, in fo doing thou reproached us;" Drought €i{t^ fhalJ, one Day, be manifefted to Mjn and An- gels.
I am, and profefs myfelf a Member of the Church of England. I have received no Prohibition from any of the Bifhops ; and having had no Fault found by them with my Life or Dodlrine, have the fmne general Licence to preach, which the Re£lors are willing to think fufficient for their Curates ; nor can any of them produce one Infcance of their having refufed the Af- liftance of a Stranger Clergyman, becaufe he had not a written Licence. — And have their Lordfhips, the Bi- fliops, infiiled that no Perfon fhall ever preach occafio- nally without fuch fpecial Licence ? Is not our produc- ing our Letters of Orders always judged fufficient ? Have not fome of us been alloived to preach in Georgia^ and other Places, by no other than our general Commif- fion ? I^akc then Authority to^ &c. nay, and theretore ordained that we might preach m Georgia F — HisLord- fhip of London allowed of my preaching there, even when I had only received Deacon's Orders ; and I have never been charged by his Lordfhip with teaching, or living otherwife than as a true Minifter, and true Son of the Church of England. I keep clofe to her Arti- cles and Honiilies', which, if my Oppofers did, we fliould not have fo many Difienters from her. But it is mofu notorious, that for the moralizing Iniquity of the Priefts the Land mourns. Wt\\2.vt preached ?ind. lived many fincere Perfons out of our Communion. — I have now converfcd with feveral of the beft of all Deno- minations •, many of them folemnly proteft that they went from the Church, becaufe they could not find Food for their Souls ; they flayed among us till they were (larved out.
I know this Declaration will expofe me to the IllwilJ, not of all my Brethren, but of all my indolent, earths ly-minded, Pleafarc-taking Brethren. B'.it was I not to fpealc, the very Stones would cry outagainft them. Speak therefc^-e I muft^ and will, and v/ili not fpare ; L 2 Qpl\
76 Mr. Whitefield'^ Journal
God look to the Event. JVhatevcr becomes of the Pa^ fiors 'who feed themfehes^ and not the Flock^ I have born Tfiy 'Tiflimony^ I have delizwcd my o-uon Soul. *
After Sermon, I vilited two crowded Societies; many received the Word with Gladnefs •, and to day I \t\\: iuch an intenfe Love, that I could have almoft wiflied myfc^lf accurfed for my Brethren according to the Flefli. Oh that they experimentally knew the Things that belong to their Peace before they are everhiflingly hid from their Eyes !
Friday^ April 19. Wiis much delighted with fome more Letters I received from fome young Soldiers of Jefus Chrifl. — Redeemed what Time I could to an- Iwer fome of them ; preached at Noon to a much larger Congregation than yefterday in the Field •, rook a little Refreihment, and went, upon Invitation, to Chnffcrd., eight Miles from Glouceflcr\ where I preached with great Power to above 3000 Souls, all which be- haved with great Decency, and like new-born Babes, feemcd defirous to be fed v/ith the fincere Milk ot the Word. // rejoyces me much to find that my Countrymot alfo receive the Gofpel. Oh that it may take deep root in their Hearts I
Saturday., April 14. Lay at Stroud., about three Miles from Chr'ffcrd; preached in the Fields belonging -to the Inn, at Nine in the Morning, to about 600 Peo- ple i went to Stonc-hovfe to pay my dear Flock a Vifit there ^ and being intreated mdft earneftly, as I palTed through the Town yefterday, at three I preached again at P ainf-joick., to double the Number I preached to be- fore. And God was with us of a Truth. Airoon ;is I had done, I hafted to Gloucefter, according to Ap- pointment, and preached in the Boolhali to, I believe, near 5000 People. Extraordinary Power God was pleafed to give me. I was unconimonly enlarged in Prayer ; anti though I had pred!ched twice, and rode loiiie Miles, yet I think \ never ipoke with greater
Demon-
^/GLOUCESTER. 7^
Demonftration of the Spirit. God will work, and who pall hinder ?
After this, I received another Packet of Letters from Brijlol People, and was comforted by the com- ing of fome more Friends, with whom I took fweet Counfel, and praifed God luftily, and with a good Courage. How are his Mercies Jhowered down upon met What Enlargements of FJeart have I experienced this Night ! Ob that I had a thoiifand 'Tongiies wherewith to praife my God I About three Days ago I was much Jmmbled^ new am I exalted. 2^et a little while and tjhall he hum^ bled again. Thus God a^s according as hefeeth beii for our Souls.
Sunday, April 15. Preached by eight in the Morn- ing to a larger Congr<?gation than ever in my Brother's Field ; went to tlie Cathedral Service at Ten ; and af- ter Dinner went to Stonehoufe, being invited thither by the Minister, as well as People.-^It rained all the Way going thither-, but notwithftanding that, I believe 3000 Souls were ready to hear me, and behaved with gi\.a: Decency and Devotion whilft I was ipeaking to them. The Church not being large enough to con- tain a third part of the Auditory, I preached from a very commodious Place on the Outfide ; and though it rained the whole Time, yet I did not obferve one Perfon leave the Place before I had done. — Afterwards many of the Children of God came to me, rejoycing that Free Grace in Chrifl had been preached unto them, telling me, it was Food to their Souls, and what they had experienced for fome Years. — The other People alio behaved moft affcftionately, and would have con- ftrained me to abide v.-ith diem all Night ; but being engaged to return back to Gloucefler, I halted thither througii the Rain, and expounded in the Boothall to about 5C00 People. They behaved excellently well, and hung upon me to hear the Word. — All was huOit and folemn. — And my delivering the Word from a Place juft before where the Judges fit rendered it very
aW'fuI
^^^8 Mr. WhitefieldV "Journal
awful. — Oh that I conic, plead the Caufe of my Lord and King^ even J ejus Chr iffy with greater Power!
Monday, April 1 6. Preached with an extraordinary Prefence of God amongft us at my Brothcr*s Field a- bout ten in the Morning.^Received a moft comforta- ble Packet of Letters, giving me an Account of the Succefs of the Gofpel; — vifited the ?rifon, took a little Eefrcihment, preached to near a thoufand at Oxnell, isNZXv Miles from Gloucefier, being invited thither by by the Ileverend Mr. Pamcefopt, a worthy Minifler of Jefus Ch-riji ; then returned, and preached my Fare- wel Difcourfe to more People dian ever in the Boothall^ and afterwurds found my Strength renewed, and my Soul filled with divine Love and Joy in the Holy Ghoft. Oh what a Myjlery is the hidden Life of a Chrifiian !
Had many merciful Deliverances in going to, and returning from Newent. Praife the Lord, O my Souly and all that is within me praife bis holy Name.
Received Letters from Abergavenny , acquainting me how many had been convinced fince I was there. — - Heard of one that had received the Holy Ghoft im- mediately upon my preaching Chrijl. Received a Let- ter from one under ilrong Conviftions •, and, indeed, there is fcarce a Day pafles over my Hjad, but God Ihews mc that he works effeclually upon the Hearts of many by my Miniftry. A Proof this, I am fure, that the Word preached is not my own, hut God^s. May he always own it in this Manner. Ev-en fo Lord Jefus.
'J'ucfday, April ly . Spent this Morning in vifiting a private Society, and converfing with many religious Friends, who came from far to take their Leave.—- About eleven, by the Biil-iop's Permiffion, I baptized, at the .Church of St. Mary de Crypt, Mr. Thomas
W d, a profeffed Qjaker, about fixty Years of
Age, who was convinced of the Neceflity of being lx)rn again oHVatcr, as well as the spirit. Many of
dt GLOUCESTER. ^q
Chrifi^s faithful Servants attended on the Prviyers a- round him •, and, I believe, the Holy Ghoft was with us of a Truth. — After the Solemnity was over, I gave a Word of Exhortation from the Font ; and it being the Place where I myfelf not long iince had been bap- tized, it gave me an Opportunity of refleding on my own frequent Breaches of my baptifmal Vow, and proving the Neceffity of the New Birth from the OiHce of our Church. God, I believe , gave it his Blejfmg, After this, we returned, and gave private Thanks ; and having dined, prayed with, and taken Leave of my weeping Friends, and difperfed a great many of my Sermons amonglt the Poor, I took Horfe. But Ob ivhat Love did the People exprejs for me ! How many came to me weeping, and telling me what God had done for their Souls by my Minijlry ! Oh how did they pray for my return among ji them ! Lord, I dared not expe^ fucb Succefs among my own Countrymen. When I came to the City, I found the Devil had painted me in mofl horrible Colours : For it was currently reported, that I was really mad; that I had faid, I was the Holy GhoSl, and that I had walked bareheaded through Brijiol Streets finging Pfalms. — But God was pleafei to Ihew them that the Devil was a Liar, and that the Words diat I fpoke were not thofe of a Madman, but the Words of Sobernefs and Truth. — It often pleafes me to think how God makes Way for me into the Hearts of his People ; nay, even of his Enemies, wherever I go. — My firft aflcing Leave for the Pulpit, and preaching in the Fields, notwithftanding they are denied, puts me in mind of the Children of Ifrael lirll intreating Leave of Og, Sihon, &c. To go quietly through their Land; but fighting their Way tM^gh, when Leave was denied. Like the?n, by the Strength of my Divine Leader, I fijull, at laft, be more than Conqueror over all the Canaanites, and carnal Teachers among the Ilrael of God.
QHELTEN-
^o Mr. White FIELD V Journal
CHELTENHAM, 7 MUes from Ghuc^er.
' Being earneftly invited by feveral of the Inlvabitants, I came hither, attended with about a dozen Friends, by five of the Clock ; and the Ufe of the Pulpit being refufed me, I preached on the Bowling-green belonging to the Ploi{gh-Lm. — When I came in, the Town, I perceived, was alarmed, by the Peo^>le (landing at their Doors. At the firil, I found mylelf quite Ihut up. — My Heart and Head were dead as a Stone ; but when I came to the Inn, my Soul began to be enlarged. I felt a Freedom in my Spirit, and was enabled to preach with extraordinary Power to near two thouland People. Many were convided. One was drowned in Tears, becaufe flie had laid I was era* zy; and fome were fo filled with the Holy Ghoft, diat they were almoft unable to fupport themfelves under it. 'This, I know, is FooUJhnefs to the natural and LeU ter-learned Men ; hut I write this for the Comfort of God^s Children. They know what thefe Things mean.
JVidnefday, April 8. Preached this Morning with Power to a much larger Congregation than we had laft Night. Several Servants of God faid, they never law the like before. — Whilil I was preaching, I £iw the People melted into Tears, and, by their Looks, fhewed that the Divine Prefence was amongft them^. — We Jhall fee greater Things than ihefe : For almoft every Day Perfons of all Denominations come unto me, tel- ling how they interceed in my Behalf And it fhall now be my particular Bufinels, wherever I go, to- bring all the Children of God, notwichftanding their Differences, to rejoyce together. Hozfo dare we not converfe with thofe that have received the Holy Ghoft as toell as zve ?
EVE-
at EVESHAM. 8l
UVESHAM in Worcefterjhire^ twelve Miles from Cheltenham,
Continued at Cheltenham^ for the Sake of a little Retirement, and fome private Bufinefs, till after Din- ner, and got fafe to Evejham (where Mr. Seward^s Re- lations live) about feven at Night. — I found there had been much Talk about my coming, God wifely ordering it to engage and excite the Peoples Attention. — Several Perfons came to fee me, anlongft whom was Mr. Ben- jamin Se-zvard^ whom God has been pleafed to call by his free Grace very lately. — -Both his Circumftances before^ and in Converlion, much refemble thofe of St. Paul. For he was bred up at the Feet of Gamaliel, being at Cambridge for fome Years. As touching the Law, fo far as outward Morality went, he was blamelefs j con- cerning Zeal, oppofing the Church. My Proceedings he could not like, and he had once a Mind, he faid^ to write againft Mr. Lawh Enthufiaftick Notions in his Chrijiian Perfe^ion. — But lately it has pleafed God to reveal his dear Son in him, and to call him down to the Earth, as he did Saul, by eight Days Sicknefs -, in which Time, he fcarce ever, eat, or drank, or flept, and underwent great inward Agonies and Tortures. — After this, the Scales fell more and more from the Eyes of his Mind. — God fent a poor travelling "Woman, that came to fell Straw Toys, to inftruft him in the Nature of our fecond Birth, and now he is refolved to pre- pare for Holy Orders, and to preach Chrijl and thofe Truths ftraightway in tvoxy Synagogue, which once he endeavoured to deftroy. — He is a Gentleman of a very large Fortune, which he has now devoted to God. And I write this, to fhew how far a Man may go, and yet know nothing of Jefiis Cir^'?.— Behold, here was one who conftantly attended on the Means of Grace, exa6l in his Morals^ humane and courteous in his Converfation, who gave much in Alms^ was fre- quent in private Duties 3 and yet, till about fix Weeks M ago,
^2 Mr.WHiTEFiELD'i Jounial
ago, as deftitute of any faving experimental Know- ledge of Jefas Chriji, as thofe on whom his Names was never called, and 'who flill fit in Darknefs, and the Shadow of Death. BleJJed he God, that although not many rich, not many mighty, not many noble are cal- led, yet fome are. — Who ijoould hut he accounted a Fool for ChriftV Sake ? Hozv often has my Companion and ho- noured Friend, Mr. Williaoi Seward, been deemed a Madman even hy this very Brother, for going to Geor- gia ? But lo I God now has made him an Lflrument of converting his Brother. This more and more convinces me, that zve muft he defpifed, e^er ive can he Vefjels fit for God's Ufe. As for my own Part, I find, by happy Experience, the more I am contemned, the more God delights to honour me, in bringing home Souls to Chrifi. — And I write this for the Encouragement of my fellow Labourers, who have all Manner of Evil fpoken againft them filfly for Chriji's Sake. Let them not he afraid, hut rcjoyce, a^id he exceeding glad : For the Spirit of God, and of Glory, fhall rejt upon their Souls,
^jurfday, April 19. Went to Badfey, about two Miles from Evejloam, where Mr. Seward's eldeft Bro- ther lives. — We were moft kindly received, and, I hope, a true Chriftian Church will be in their Houfe. •—About four in the Evening, the Churches, both at Evefham, Bengeworth, and Badfey, being denied, I preached from the Crofs, in the Middle of Evefloam- ftreet, to a great Congregation, and went to Badfey, and preached in Mr. Seward's Brother's Yard to a great Number of People, many of which came from Eve-- fimn to hear me again. — God grant it may firlke home to their Hearts.
Friday, April 20. Preaciicd about nine in the Morn- ing at the Crols, went to publick Worfhip, and re- ceived tlie Sacrament. — Preached at Badfey at five in the Evcninij, and returned and expounded in the
Town-
^^ OXON. 8^
Town-Hall -, which, though very large, was quite thronged, — The Recorder himfelf procured die Keys for us, and great Numbers of People were truly af- fedted. The Handing in the Judge's Place, and fpcak^ ing from thence, gave me awful Thoughts of God ; and the Confideration that I was fpeaking in the Name of our great High Prieft and Judge, animated me ve- ry much. Oh that I had a thonfand "Tongues^ they Jhoul^ all be employed in his Service,
0 X 0 N.
Saturday, April 21. Preached In the Morning 2,t Badfey to a weeping Audience, joyned in Prayer, and fet out for Oxon, which I reached about ten at Night. J had been much prelied in Spirit to haften hither, and now I found the Reafon for it. For alas! the Enemy had got great Advantage over three of our Chriflian Brethren, and driven them to deny Chrijt*s, vifible Church upon Earth. They had io far influenced and deluded Mr. Kinchin,- a fincere and humble Miniilerof Jejiis Chrift, that I found, through their Perfwafion, he had actually quitted his Fellowfhip, and intended to refign his Living. — This, I muft needs confefs, gave me a great Shock : — For I knev/ v/hat dreadful Confequences would attend a needleis Separation from the eftablifhcd Church. — As fDr my own Part, I caii fee no Reaibn for my leaving the Church, however I am treated by the corrupt Members and Minillers gf - it : — For I judge of the State of a Church, not from the Pra6i:ice of its Members, but its primitive and pub- lick Conftitutions. — And fo long as \ think the Arti- cles of. the Church of England are agreeable to Scrip- ture, I am relblved to preach them up without either Bigotry or Party Zeak — For I love all that love the Lord Jefus.
M ^ ^unday^
84 ^f' Wh I t e f I e l d'^ Journal
Sunday^ April 2 2 . B^ing much concerned about Mr. ^ — 's Condud, this Morning I wrote him the follow- ing Letter.
Dcarejl Mr. K — Oxon^ April 22. 1739.
" Jufl now. have I received the blefled Sacrament, *' and have been praying for you. Let me exhort you, " by the Mercies of God in Chrifi Jeftis^^ not to refign <=' your Parfonage till you have confulted your Friends " at London. — ^It is undoubtedly true, that all is not " right when we are afraid to be open to our dear ^' Brethren. Satan has defired to fift you as Wheat: " He is dealing with you as he did with me fome *' Years ago, when he kept me in my Clofet near fix *' Weeks, becaufe I could not do any Thing with a " fingle Intention j fo he would have you not preach " till you have received the Holy Ghoft in the full " AfTu ranee of it, and that is the Way never to have " it at all : For God will be found in the Ufe of " Means, and our Lord fent out his Dilciples to preach " before they had received the Holy Ghoft in that moft " plentiful Manner at the Day o^Pentecofi. Befides, con- *' fider, my dear Brother, v/hat Confufion your fepa- ** rating from the Church will occafion. The Prifon " Doors arc already fliut, one Society ftopped, and *' moft afraid almoft to converle with us. — I can alTure '*' you, that my being a Minifter of the Church of " England., and preaching its Articles, is a Means, un- " der God, of drawing fo many after me. — As for " objecling about the Habits, &c. good God ! I thought " we long fince knew,that the Kingdom of God did not *' coniift in any Externals, but in Righteoufnefs, and " Peace, and Joy in the Holy Ghoft. Oh ! my dear " Brother,! travel in Pain for you. — Never was I more *' fhocked at any Thing than at your Proceedings, " I doubt not but you will pray to God that you may " be kept from Delufion at the reading gt this : For I *' am not ignorant of Satan's Devices, and I know he " never more fuccefsfully tempts us, than when he " turns himfelf into an Angel of Light. Oh ! my
" deareit
at O X O ^, B^
*' dearePt Mr. K-. do nothing raflily. — Conllik your
•^ Friends, and do not break the Heart of
2'our moji affc^ionate^
though unworthy Brother in Chriji,
G. W.
Vifited two Societies, at the firil of which many Gownfmen did me the Honour of coming to hear. — Before I began, I dcfired them to behave like Gentle^ men and Chritlians. — I alfo prayed particularly for them, and applied myfelf in Meeknefs and Lx)ve to them at the End of my Difcourfe. I blefs God, an Awe was impreffed upon their Minds, and they behav- ed quietly, — but afterwards they follov/ed me to my Inn, and came uninvited up into my Room. — How- ever, I took that Opportunity of giving them a fecond Exhortation. — I found great Freedom and Sweetnels in my Spirit ; and though fome, no doubt mocked, yet I believe fome will remember what was faid. — ■ Oh how is the faithful City become an Harlot ! Oh that my Head ivas Water ^ and my Eyes Fountains of I'earSy that I might "joeep Day and Night for the Members of this Univerftty ! Lord fend forth thy Light, and thy Truth, and make them Scribes ready injiru£fed to thy hea- venly Kingdom.
BlelTed be God for fending me hither. — I find now
it was his divine Will: — For our dear Brother K .
falling into fuch an Error, has given fuch a Shock, that unlefs I had come, in all Probability the Brethren would have been fcattered abroad like Sheep having no Shep- herd.— But God, I hope, ivilLalzvays have a Remnant here left, which may take Root downward, and bear Fruit upward. — Let all that love the Lord Jefus fay.^ Amen.
Tuefday, April 2 j^. Perceived myfelf much flrength- ened Yefterday and this Morning, and told my Friends how thefe Words were imprcifed upon me. And more, ti^n meet the gathering Storm. — About nine of the Clock, after I had exhorted the Brethren, and pretty
86 Mr. White FIE LD'i journal
well eftablifhed them in the Faith, the Vice-Chancellor came in Perfon to the Houfe where we were aflembled, having threatned to do fo fome Time ago, if they con- tinued to build up one another in that Manner. — He lent for me down Stairs, being informed that I was in the Houfe. — When I fir It law him, I perceived he was in a Pafllon, which he foon exprelTed in fuch Languiige as this ; " Have you. Sir, fays he, a Narne in any " Book here ? Yes, Sir, faid I [ but I intend to take " it out foon. — Yes, and you had belt take yourfeJf " out too, replied he, or otherwife I will lay you by " the Heels. What do you mean, continued he, by " going about, and alienating the Peoples Affeftions *' from their proper Paftors ? Your Works are full of *' Vanity and Nonfenfe, you pretend to Infpiration. " If you ever come again in this Manner am.ong thefe *' People, I will lay you firft by the Heels, and thefe *' fhail follow." Upon this, he turned his Back, and went away. — I defired the Brethren to joyn in Pray- er for him. — Took my Leave, being jufl going to fet out as the Vice-Chancellor came in. I foon found by the Comforts God gave me, hov/ glorious it v/as to fuffer any Thing for the Sake of Jefus Chrift. — How- ever, I muft not forget mentioning, that I exhorted all die Brethren not to forfake the affembling them- felves together, though no Paftor fliould be permitted to come amongft them ; For fo long as they continued ftedfaft in the Communion of the ellablifhed Church, I told them no Power on Earth could juftify hin- dring them from continuing in Fellowlhip, as the pri- mitive Chriftians did, in order to build up each other in the Knowledge and Fear of God. — Oh what Ad~ vantage has Satan gained over us, by our Brother K — 'j putting off his Gown ! Hoivever-, though he is permitted Jo hruifi our Heel, yet we (liall, in the End, bruife his Head.— "The Gates of Hell Jloall never prevail againjl the Church of Jefus Chrift, either vifihle o-r invifible. «^
About eight at Night, I, and my Friends, roacffed UxbridgCy where we were greatly rcfrefned by the com-
^/LONDON. S7
}ng of feveral Brethren, and the Recelt of Ibme Let* ters from Savannah. Bieffed be God all is well j and I Ihall now think the Time long till I embark for Georgia. Lord, let that People be precious in thy Sight.
L 0 N D^O N.
Wednefday, April 25.' Reached London with my deaf Friends about ten in the Morning ; was received moft tenderly by my dear Brethren. Received a Letter from Gibraltar, giving an Account of the Succefs of my Labours in that Garilbn. — Expounded to a Society of holy Women, and afterwards fpent about two Hours in clofe Conference at Fetter-lane Society. Thanks be to God, we talked with great Sweetnefs and Chriftian Love, and unanimoufiy declared againft the Principles of our three Brethren, who lately made liich Confu- fion in Oxford. There muft be Herefies amongfiyou, that they which are approved may be made manifefi.
Thurfday, April 16. Afllued in adminiflring the bieffed Sacrament at IJlington •, vv^here the Vicar, in Conformity to the Rubrick, takes Care to obferve tlie Oclaves of Eajler. — After this, I expounded to a large Room full of People, and with fuch Power and De- monftration of the Spirit, as I never fiw before. Sure- ly the Hearers Hearts were quite melted down by the preaching of the free Grace ot God in Chrijl Jefus to poor Sinners. Floods of loving Tears flowed from their Eyes. — In the Evening I expounded to a Society at St. Mary Hill, and then retired to Bed, wifhing that all felt the Comforts God was then pleafed to commu- nicate to my Soul. Indeed I can fay, that the Lo-rdis gracious.
f&day, April 27. Went this Morning to I/lington tx> pra^h, according to the Appointment of my dear Brother in Chrijl, the Reverend Mr» .J/^wf/^wz/^j— but
in
8 8 Mr. Wh I t e f I £ l t> V "journal
m the midn: of the Prayers, the Church- Warden came< demanding me to produce my Licence, or otherwife he forbad my preaching in that Pulpit. I beHeve I might have infilled upon my Right to preach, being iri Prieft's Orders, and having the Prefentation of the Living at Savannah^ which is in the Bifhop of London'^ Diocefe, a ftronger Licence than that implicite one, by which hundreds of the inferior Clergy are by his Lordfliip permitted to preach : However, for Peace Sake, I declined preaching in the Church ; but attef the Communion Service was over, I preached in the Churchyard j being afiured my Mafter now called me out here, as well as in Brifiol. — The fecond Lefibn was jd5is the xxiv. which contained the plaufible Speech Tertullus made againft Paul^ a Ringleader of the Seft of the Nnzarenes^ wliich God applied clolely to my Heart. And he was pleafed lb to aflift me in preach- ing, and fo wonderfully to affeft the Hearers, that I believe we could have went finging of Hymns to Pri^ fon. Let not the Jdverjaries fay^ I have thnifi my f elf cut of their Synagogues : No -, they have thrujl me out. And fince the Self-righteous Men of this Generation count themfelves im'xorthy^ I go out into the Highways and Hedges, and compel Harlots, Publicans, and Sinners to come in, that my Maftefs Hoiife may be fdled. They zvho are fincere, ivillfoUoiv after me to hear the Word of God. Expounded at Night to a very large Society in JVap^ ping with great Power, and perceived that the London People v/ere much improved fince I left them ; indeed their Hearts feem to be quite broken, and I believe they would pluck out their Eyes if it were podible to ferve me. Lord, fanmfy my caning to them, and grant that they may receive a fecond Benefit.
Saturday, April ^%. Preached this Morning again in Iflingtcn Churchyard, and, blefied be God, the Con- gregation was near as large agaiii as Yeilerday,r"^-id thQ Word was attended with extraordinary Pcjifer. The fecond LcfTon was very applicable, being A^s xxv.-
I can
^/LONDON. 89
1 can fiiy with St. Pmd, Neither cigamft the 'temple^ nor v.gainjl Creliir have I done any Things and yet I am put out of their Synagogues^ and reviled as an evil Doer ; but the Scriptures fnuft he fidfilled^ " If they have per f edited. *' me^ they ivill alfo perfecute you."
About fix I expounded to a throngedSociety of Wo- men at Fetter-lane^ and at eight on St. Mary Hill. The Portion of Scripture that Providence directed me to, was the nineteenth oiGenefis., which was very applicable to what happened : For fome wicked Men, Men of 5f-» lial^ came, and preffed^and broke down the Door ; but God was pleafed to give me fuch Power at the laft, that they were forced into an awful Silence, and, I believe, they really felt the Weight of God's Word. 'The Fiercenefs of Men floall turn to thy Praife^ and the Fiercenefs of them floalt thou reflrain.
Sunday., April 29. Preached in the Morning at Moor^ fields to an exceeding great Multitude. — ^At ten, went to Chrift-Church, and heard Do6lor Trapp preach moft virulently againft me and my Friends, upon thefe Words, Be not righteous overmuch, whypouldejl thou de^ Jiroy thyfelf? God gave me great Serenity of Mind ; but alas! the. Preacher was not lb calm asl wifhed him. His Sermon was founded upon v/rong Suppofitions, (the necelTary Confequence of his hearing with othe<e Mens Ears) not to fay there were manydiredl Untruths in it. — And he argued fo ftrenudufly againft all in'ward Feelings., that he plainly proved, that with all his Learning, he knew nothing yet as he ought to know. I pray God rebuke his Spirit., and grant that that Sermon may never rife up in Judgment againji him.
Being weakened by my Morning*s preachings in the Afternoon I refreflied myfelf by a little Sleep, and ac five went and preached at Kennington Common^ about two Miles from London^ where no lefs than thirty thou- laad ^ People were fuppofed to be prefent ', the Wind beiBg for me, it carried the Voice to the extremeftParc of the Audience.
N All
90 Mr. Whitefield'5 Joitmd
All flood attentive, and joined in the Plalm and Lord's Prayer moft regularly, — and I fcarce ever preached more quietly in any Church.— The Word came v^^ith Power. — The People were much affeded, and expreffed their Love to me many Ways. — All a- greed it was never feen on this wile before. — Ob iz-hat need have all God's People to rejoycc and give Thanks ! I hope a good Inroad has been made into the Devil's Kingdom this Day. Lord, not iintQ mc^ hut to thy Name le all the Glory.
Monday y April 30. Declined preaching to Day, that I might have Leifure to write to fome of my Corref- pondents, and make Preparations for my poor Orphans " at Georgia. — Received Letters tjiis Evening from thence, telling me of the Ahairs of that Colony. — At prelent they have but a melancholy Afped: ; -but our Extremity is God's Opportunity. — Lord, thou calledjl me ; lo I I come to do thy Will. — Heard alio that Mr. X n had got over his Scruples, and of the wonder- ful Succefs of my honoured Friend Mr. John IVcf.ey's Miniftry in Brijhl, and of much Oppofition at Oxon. Certainly God is about to bring mighty Things to pafs,
Tuefday, May i. Preached after publick S:.Tvice in JJlington Churchyard to a greater Congregation than ever. And in the Evening went to expound on Dozcgate Hill,
the Hoijfc of Mr. C h •, but when I came to the
Door, no lefs than two or three thouiand People were gathered round it; fo that to avoid a Noife, I was obliged to ftrvnd up in tlie Fore-ilreet V/indow, and preach to them in the Street. — And I think they be- haved well •, and they would have behaved much bet- ter, had they not been difturbed. Now know I more and more, .that the Lord calls me into the Fields : For no Ploufe or Street is able to contain half the People that come to hear the Word. — This is a Time for. do- ing i yet a little "jvhik, and a fuffcring Tir.ic zvill '^.e,
I can-
^/LONDON. 91
/ cannot follow him 7ioiv ; hut I Jhall follow h'un af^ ttrwards.
Wednefcky^ May 2. Preached this Evening again to above ten thou fa nd at Kennington Coimnon, and fpent the Remainder of the Evening in Conference widi our Brethren in Fetter-lam Society. — I hope we do build up one another in our moft holy Faidi. — Our Brethren that have fallen into Errors, have left us voluntarily. — ■ And now the old Leaven is purged oiit^ we waJk in ths Comforts of the Holy Ghoft^ and are edified.
1'hurfday.^ May 3, Was fully employed all Day in making Preparations for my Voyage, and preached at fix in the Evening (a Time I. choofe that People may -not be drawn away from their Bufinefs) at Kennington^ and great Power was amongft us. — The Audience was more numerous and filent than Yefterday, the Even- ing calm, and many went afrefted away. — Glo-iy he to God, I hegin to find an Alteration in the Peoples Be- haviour already. God grant it may increafe more and more.
Saturday, May 5. Preached Yeflerday and to Day, as uiiial, at Kennington Common, to about twenty thou- land Hearers, who were very much affefted. — The Remainder of my Time I fpent in preparing Things for Georgia. — I am not ufually fo much engaged in Se- culars ; but I as readily do this as preach, when it is the Will of God. — It is a great Miffake thatfome run into, to llippofe Religion confills only in iliying our Prayers ; but I think a Man is no further holy, than he is relatively holy. And he only will aciorn the Gofpel of our Lord Jefus Chrifi in all Things, who is carehjl to perform all the civil Oifices of Ijfe, whe- ther Servant, Mafter, or Miftrefs, with a fingle Eye to God's Glory, and from a Principle of a lively Faith in Jjfus Chrifi our Saviour. — This is the Morality which I preach, ar^d which ffoall fland as hng as the Rock on N 2 which
Q2 Mr, Wh I t e f I e l D'i Journal
which ii is founded \ ivhile all Morality fet up in Oppojt--
tion to this^ fiall ftnk, with its ProfeJJors^ into Hell.
Sunday, May 6. Preached this Morning in Moor- fields to about twenty thoufand People, who were ve- ry quiet and attentive, and much affecled. — Went to publick Worfhip Morning and Evening-, — and at fix preached at Kenningtcn. — Bat fuch a Sight never were my Eyes bleffed with before. — I beheve there were no Lis than fifty thoufand People, near fourfcore Coaches, bjfides great Numbers of Horfes -, and what is moft remarkable, there was fuch an awful Silence amongft them, and the Word of God came with fuch Power, that all, I believe, were pleafingly furprized. God gave me great Enlargement of Heart. I continued my Dilcourfe for an Hour and a Half •, and when I returned home, I was filled with fuch Love, Peace, and Joy, that I cannot exprefs it. — I believe this was partly owing to fome Oppofition I met with Yefterday. // is hard for Men to kick againft the Pricks. — 'The more they oppofe, the more JJoall Jefus Chrifl be exalted. — Our Adverfaries feem to be come to an Extremity, while for want of Arguments to convince, they are obliged to call out to the civil Magiftrate to compel me to be filent ; but I believe it will be difficult to prove our AfTemblies in the Fields to be either diforderly or il- legal. But they that are horn after the Fleflo., muji per- fecute thofe that are horn after the Spirit. — Father, foj-- givc them, for they knozv not what they do.
Monday, May 7, Had full Employment again to Day in preparing for my Voyage ; did not preach, only expounded in a private Houfe, where ten Pounds were collec5ted for the Orphans. Though I kept it as fecret as poTible, yet Numbers of People crowdq^ round the Door ; fo that I find myfelf more and more under a NecefTity of going out into the Fields.
Received feveraJ Letters of die Fruits of my Mi-
niftry
^/LONDON. 93
niltry in feveral Places, and had divers come to me a- wakened, under God, by my preaching in the Fields.
'Tuefday^ May 8. Preached in the Evening, as ufual, on Kennington Common. — Some confiderable Time be- fore I fet out from Town, it rained very hard, fo that once I thought of not going ; — but feveral pious Friends joined in hearty Prayer that God would be pleafed to withhold the Rain, which was done imme- diately.— To my great Surprize, when I came to the Common^ I faw above Twenty thoufand People. — All the whik, except for a few Moments, the Sun Ihone out upon us ; and, I truft, the San of Righteoufnefs arofe on fome v/ith healing in his Wings. — For the People vvcre melted down very much at the preaching of the Word, and put up hearty Prayers for my tem- poral and eternal Welfare. Oh that they may enter into the Ears of the Lord of Sabaoth !
TVednefday, May 9. Waited at Noon upon the ho- nourable Truftees for Georgia. — They received me with the utmoll Civility, agreed to every Thing I afl<:ed, and gave me a Grant of Five hundred Acres of Land, to me and my SucceiTors for ever, for the Ufe of the
Orphan- houfe. — My Friend H alfo writes me
Word to Day from Georgia., that the General and Of- ficers are very kind to him upon my Account; fo that, blefied be God, there is a comfortable Profpeft of all Things going on as I could wifn.
About four in the Afternoon I was taken ill and dderred, which I always look upon as a certain Pre- parative for fome approaching Mercy. — And fo this was -, for after God had enabled me to preach to about Twenty thoufand for above an Hour at Kennington^ he inclined the Hearers Hearts to contribute moll cheer- fully and liberally tov/ards the Orphan-houfe. — I was one of the Collectors, — and it would have delighted any one to have (<ztn with what Eagernsfs and Cheer- fuinels the People came up both Sides the EminenG<y
on
94 ^^. WfiitefieldV 'Journal
on which I flood, and afrenvards m the Coach Doors to throw in their Mites. — Surely God muft have touched their Hearts : — For when we came home, we found we Had coikiTced above Forty {tv^w Pounds, amongft which were fixteen Pounds in Halfpence -, for which we endeavoured to give hearty Tiianks. — God was pleafed to pour into my Soul a great Spirit of Sup- plication, and a Senfe of his free diftinguifhing Mer- cies {o filled me with Love, Humility, and Joy, and holy Confuiion, that I could at laft only pour out my Heart before him in an awful Silence, — It v/as fo full, that I could not well fpeak. — Oh the Happiriefs of a Communion iinth God !
Ihurfday May lo. Preached at Kennington \ but it rained moil Part of the Day. There were not above Ten thoufand People, and thirty Coaches. — However, God Wiis pleafed lo vifibly to interpofe in cauiing the Weather to clear up, and the Sun to fhine out juil as I began, that I could not avoid taking Notice of it to the People in my Difcourfe. Our minute Philofophers, nay, and our Chriflians, tallly fo called, laugh at the Notion of a pirticular Providence. Bat to iuppofe a general, without holding a particular Providence, is as abfurd, as to imagine there can be a Chain without being compofed of Links. — Search the Scriptures, and v/e fhall find, That not a Sparrow can fall to the Grcimd without our hzavcnly Father^ and that the very Hairs of our Head arc numhred.
Frida^\ May ii. Preached at A'c:;;;?/>/^/!?;/ to a larg- er Audience than the laft Night, and colleded Twen- ty fix Pounds fifteen Shillings and Sixpence for the Or- phan-houle. — The Readinefs wherewith the People g;ivc is inexprefilble. — Indeed I can lay they of- fered, willingly. — They could not have taken more Pains, or exprefled more Earneilnefs, had they^all been to have received an Alms from me. . A Sign ijjis^ that the Ward cf God has taken hold of their ■ Hearts,
^/LONDON. 95
Hearts. I foiiiid great Sweetnefs of Soul in myfelf 5 and being upon the Publican and Pharifee^ I was very earneil in endeavouring to convince the Seh*-righteous Pharifees ol" this Geheration, and offering Jefus Chrifi freely to all, who, with the humble Publican, feelingly and experimentally could cry out, God he merciful to me a Sinner.
Saturday, May 12. Agreed to Day for myfelf, and eleven more, to go on Board the Elizabeth, Captain Alle-a, to Penfyhania , where I defign, God willing, to preach the Gofpel in my Way to Georgia, and buy Provifions for my Orphan-houfe. Lord, find thy Angei before me to prepare my Way.
Had many come to me this Morning, acquainting me what God had done for their Souls by my preach- ing in the Fidds. — And in the Evening preached to about Twenty thoufand People at Kennington as ufual, the Weather continuing rem.arkably fair wliilft I was delivering my Mailer's Mefilige. — Though I was full of Matter, yet I found a Re.-raint upon my Spirits, which prevented my fpeaking v/ith my wonted Free- dom : However, I offered Jefus Chrifi to all that could apply him to their Hearts by Faith, Oh that all would embrace him ! The Lord make them willinz in the Day of hi^ Power.
-i>
Sunday, May 13. Preached this Morning to a pro- digious Number of People in Moorfidds, and cojlefted for the Orphans Fifty two Pounds Nineteen Shillings and Sixpence, above twenty Pounds of which was in Halfpence. — Indeed they almoft wearied me in receiv- ing their Mites-, — and they were more than one Man could carry home.— 2l?«j will God make his Power to he kno-wn. — Went to publick Worfhip twice, and preached in the Evening to near Sixty thoufand Peo- ple.— Many went away becaufe they could not hear ; but God enabled me to fpeak, fo that the bell Part of them could underftand me well j and it is veiy re- markable
^& Mr. WhitefieldV 'Journal
markable what a dfeep Silence is preferved whilil I am fpeaking. — After Sermon, I made another Co]le6lion of Twenty nine Pounds feventeen Shillings and Eight- pence, and came home deeply humbled with a Senfe of what God has done for my Soul. — I doubt not but many felf-righteous Bigots, when they fee me fpread- ing out my Hands to offer Jefns Chrift freely to all, are ready to cry out, " How glorious did the Reve- *' rend Mr. TVhitcfield look to Day, when, negleding *' the Dignity of a Clergyman, he fbood venting his " Enthufiaftick Ravings in a Gown and Caflbck upon ' " a Common, and colleding Mites from the poor " People ? " But if this is to be vile. Lord grant that I may be more vile. — I know this Foolifhnefs of preaching is made inllrumental to the Converfion and Edification of Numbers. T'e Pharifees mock on^ I re-- joyce^ yea, and will rejoyce.
Monday, May 14. Spent mod of this Day in vifit- ing fome Friends, and fettling my Georgia Affairs. Spent the Evening very agreeably with feveral Qua- kers at the Houfe of Mr. Hy ;;?. — How much Com'-
fort do thofe lofe v:ho converfe with none but fucb as are of their own Communion !
Tuefday, May 15. Preached this Evening at Kenning* ten, and God was pleafed to fend us a lircle Rain. — • But it rejoyced me greatly : — For the People, notwith- ftanding, flood very attentive j and alToon as the Rain came, I received uncommon Strength from above. The good Lord water us all with the Dew cf his hea'venly Blejfng.
IVedncfday, May 16. Sent a Qi^aker, whom Godvv^as pleafed to convince, to be biipcized by my dear Bro- ther Mr. Stonehoufe. ^ Waited upon the honourable Truflees, who ftill treated me with the utmotf Civili- ty.— Dined with fome more ferious Quakers, and preached at Kmnington, and have Reafon to blcfs God
more
^7/ LONDON. 97
more and more for the Ordv':r and Devotion of thofe that come to hear the Word. — Indeed they behave as though they helieved God was Jtanding at their Right-hand.
"H^iirfday, May 17. Preached, after feveral Invitations thither^ at Hampjlead-heath^ about five Miles from London. — The Audience was of the poHter Sort, and I preached very near the Horfe-courfe, which gave me Occafion to fpeak home to their Souls concerning our fpiritual Race. — Mofl were attentive, but fome mock- ed.—Thus the Word of God is either a Savour of Life unto Life, or of Death untQ Death. God's Spirit bhivetb when, and where it lijlelh.
Friday., May 18. Dined with feveral of the Moravi- an Church, and could not avoid admiring their great Simplicity, and deep Experience in the inward Life. — At fix, I preached in a very large open Place in Shad- well., being much preffed by many to go thither. — I believe there were upwards of Twenty thoufand Peo- ple.— At firft, through the Greatnefs of the Throng, there was a little Hurry ; but afterwards, all was hufh'd and filent. — I perceived a divine Power come upon me from above. — The AVord, I believe, made its Way into their Hearts, and very near twenty Pounds were collefted for the Orphan-houfe. — Bleffed be God, we. now begin to furround this great City, — As the TValls of Jericho once fell down at the Sound of a few Rams Horns •, fo I hope even this Foolijhnefs of preaching, under God., will be a Means of pulling down the Devlin's ftrong Holds., which are in and about the City of London.
Received feveral excellent Letters, amongft which, was one from Mr. Ralph Erfkine, a Field-preacher of the Scots Church, a noble Soldier of the Lord Jefus Chrifi. Oh that all that were truly xealous knew one ano- ther I It muft greatly ftrengthen each other's Hands,
Saturday^ May 19. Had the Plealure of being an
Inftrument, under God, uvith Mr. Sezvard, of bring-
O ins:
.98 Mr. WtiiTEFiELLV Journal
ing a young Man out of Bethlehem^ who was lately pur into that PJace for being, as they term it, Methodically Mad. — The Way I came to be acquaintea with him, was by his fending me the following Letter.
To the Reverend Mr. Whitefield thefe^ « DearS^ir, " I have read your Sermon upon the Nezv-Birth, *' and hope I fhall always have a due Senfe of my dear " Redeemer's Goodnefs to me, that has fo infinitely ** extended his Mercy to me, which Senfe be pleafed " to confirm in me by your Prayers ; and may Al- " mighty God blefs and preferve you, and prolper " your miniilerial Fundion. I wifh. Sir, I could " have fome explanatory Notes upon the New Tefta- *' ment, to enlighten the Darknefs of my Underftand- " ing, to make me capable of becoming a good Sol- *' dier of Jefus Chrift ; but, above all, fliould be glad " to lee you. I am. Dear Sir,
l^ours affe^ionately with my whole Heart, Bethlehem Hofptal, No. 50. Jofeph Periam.
According to his Requefl I paid him a Vifit, and found him in perfed Health both in Body and Mind. A Day or two after, I and Mr. Seward went and talked with his Sifter, who gave me the three following Symptoms of his being mad. hirft. That he flifled for near a Fortnight. Secondly, That he prayed fo as to be heard four Story high. Thirdly,, That he had fold his Cloaths, and given tliem to the Poor. — This the young Man himfelf^explained to me before ; and ingenuouily confelTcd, that under his firil Awakenings, he was one Day reading the Scory ot the young Man whom our Lord commanded to fell all, and to give to the Poor, and thinking it muft be taken in the literal Senfe, out of Love to Jefiis Chriji he Ibid his Cloaths, and gave the Money to the Poor. — " This is nothing but what *' is common to Perfons at tlieir firft fctting out in the
" fpiritual
at LONDON. 99
« fpiritual Life. Satan wil], if poffible, drive them " to Extremes."-And if fuch young Coiwerts were lett to God, or had fome experienced Perfon to confult with,, they would foon come into the Liberties of the Goi- pel. — But how Jfjoidd thofe who have not been tempted like unto their Brethren, be able to fuccQur thofe that are tempted ?
May the ^th I received afecond Letter from him.
" ^ery i . If Repentance does not include a Cefra- " tion from Sin, and turning to Virtue, and though " notwithftanding I want that deep Contrition men- " tioned by fome Divines, yet as I live not wilfully '* in any known Sin, and firmly believe the Gofpel " of our Lord Jefus Chrifl, may I not thereby be " intirled to the Benefits of Chrijl^s, Death and Refur- " redion, in the Perfeverance of Knowledge, and " Praftice of my Duty .^
" ^ery 2. If I am in Prifon, whether I may not, " without Offence to God, make ufe of Endeavours " to be difcharged, by which I may be enabled to get '^ into a pious Chriftian Family, and confequently be " grounded and firmly fettled in the Love of God, il; *' being my Defire -, for I am furrounded with no^ *'• thing but Prophanenefs and Wicked nefs ?
" ^iery 3. If my Objediions to being imprifbned " are inconfiftent or wicked, which are, that I am '* obliged to fubmit to the Rules of the Houfe, in go- " ing to my Cell at k^^n or eight of the Clock at " Night, and not let out till fix or feven in the Morn- " ing, by which I am debarred the Ufe of Candle, " and confequendy Books ; fo that all that Time, ex- " cept what is fpent in Prayer and Meditation, is loft. " Which Exercifes, though good, are, by fo conftant *' Repetition, and for want of Change, deaden'd?
" ^'^ry 4. If I fhould, by the Goodnefs of God,
" be difcharged, whether i may, without Offence to
" the Gofpel of Jefus Chrifi, follow the Bufinefs of an
Q 2 Attorney.
1 o 0 Mr. Whitefield'j Journal
*' Attorney at Law, to which I was put as a Clerk \ *' and by a confcientious Difcharge of that Duty •, be ** thereby intitled to a heavenly Inheritance, my Fear *' in this Point arifing from our Lord's Advice about " going to Law, Matthew v. 40.
" Siuery 5. If I cannot be difcharged by proper " Application, (which Application pray be pleafed to *■' let me have) how can I bed fpend my Time to the " Glory of God, myfelf and Brethren's Welfare? And " pleafe to give me Rules for the fame.
" ^Forthy Sir, " Thefe Queftions, whether momentary or not, I " leave to your Judgment. It you think they defcrve *' an Anfwer, fhould be glad to have them folved ; *' for as I am fenfible of the Power of my Adverlary *' the Devil, furely I cannot but a6l v/ith the utmolt " Circumlpedlion, which gives me Occafion to trouble *' you herewith -, and I hope. Sir, the Circumftance ** of the Place I am in, may excuie the Manner in *,' which I have wrote to you, and count it not an Af- " front i for God is Witnefs how I love and efteem ** the Minifters of Jefus Chrift \ for whole dear Sake, " may the God of infinite Love and Goodnefs, fta- " blifli and confirm you in the daily Succefs of your " minifterial Labours, which are the daily Prayers of Tour moft unworthy,
but faithful humble Servant, Bethlehem, 'Ho. 50. May 5. 1739. Jofeph Periam.
PS. "I am afraid. Sir, I mifbehaved myfelf *' when you fo kindly came to fee me •, but if I did in *' any Meafure, your Chriftian Love and Charity will " excufe it ; for not being warned of your coming, " the Surprize, though pleafant, fo fluttered my Spi^ *' rits, that I was overburdened with Joy.
** O how pleafed fhould I be to fee you ! "
- 311
rt/ L O N D O N. IQI
To this I [ent the following Anfwer.
t' Bear Sir, May 7. 1739.
" The Way to Salvation is by Jefas Chriji, who is " the Way, the Truth, and the Life. — The Way to ♦' Chrijl is by Faith. JVhoJoe-ver liveth and believeth *' in me, fays our Lord, though he were dead, yet " fldall he live. But this Faith, if it is a faving Faith, " will work by Love. — Come then to J ejus Chriji as a " poor Sinner, and he will make you a rich Saint. " This, I think, ferves as an Anfwer to your firll " Query.
" it is, no doubt, your Duty, whilfl you are in " the Houfe, to fubmit to the Rules of it ; but then *' you may ufe all lawful Means to get yourfelf out. *' I have juft now been with your Sifter, and will fee *' what can be done farther. — Watch and pray.
" As for the Bufinefs of an Attorney, I think it *• unlawful for a Chriftian, at leaft exceeding dange- *' rous. Avoid it therefore, and glorify God in fome *' other Station. lam, Dear Sir,
Tour affe5lionate Friend and Servant,
G. W.
A Day or two after I received a third Letter, which is
MS follows,
« Worthy Sir, " I received your Letter, which was a full Anfwei" " to my Queries, and give you my hearty Thanks for " the Trouble you have taken upon you (the only " Gratitude I can at prefent pay,) but he, whom I have " perfectly at Heart, will fupply the Deficiency to, " you, and will not lufFer a meritorious Ad to go un- " rewarded. O how do I daily experience the Love *' of ChriJl: towards me, who am fo vile, bafe, and *' unworthy ! I pray God I may always be thankful,, «' and boih ready to do and fuffer his moft gracious
''Will,
102 Mr. Whitefielb i Journal
" Will, which I tmfl:, through your Prayers and God\s " Grace, I fhall at all Times fubmit to.
" My Father was with me laft Night, when I " fhewed him your Letter. I told him, I utterly " renounced the Bjiinefs of an Attorney, He then *' afked what ProfeiHon I chofe, which I fubmittedto *' him, on Condidon it might prove agreeable to the *' Will of God. He was pleafed to lay, he thought *' me not mad, but very well in my Senfes, and would " take me out, on Condition Do6tor Monro and the " Committee were of his Opinion. Then he varied " again, and thought it convenient for me to flay the " Summer, and lo to take Phyfick twice a Week, " fearing a Rclapfe. I told him, as a Father, he " fhould be wholly obeyed ; but when at parting he *' m.entioned my leaving Religion (or Words to that *' Purpole, at which I was fomewhat flirred in my *' Spirit) I tf^d him, nothing fhould prevail upon me *' to leave "Jefu^ Chrijl ; upon v/hich he left me. This *' is the Subltance of what pafied between us, which, " I hope, is not amifs to let you know of, as you *' have been fo kind as to plead for my Liberty.
" Upon the v/hole of the Matter, Sir, God gives " me perfect Refignation, and I truft when he (hall " fee fir, will difcharge me ; and as I find his Love " daily more and m.ore fhed abroad in my Heart, all " Things will work together for my good. Pray, " Sir, be thankful for me, and if Opportunity will " let you, I fliouJd be fmccrely glad to Ice you before *' you fetout for Amnca. And may Almighty God, " in his infinite Goodncfs, profpcr, guide, and pro- •' tcft you through this tranlitory Life, and hereafter *' receive you triumphantly into the heavenly Jerufa- *' Zf/w, there to convcrfe- vvith, and lee the ever bleffed " Jefus^ that dear Lamb of God ; to which that you *^ may attain, are the hearty and fervent Wiflies ot
Tottr Icving and fincere Friend^ W'ednefday, Mayo,. 1739. Jofcph Pcriam,
" I am afhamed to trouble you thus, but my Heart " is full of you.** Upn
at LONDON. 103
Upon reading this, I was fenfibly touched with a Fellow-feeling of his Mifery ; and, at my Requell, Mr. Se-n-ard^ and two more Friends, waited upon the Committee. But alas ! they efteemed my Friends as much mad as the young Man, and frankly told them, both I and my Followers, in their Opinion, were real- ly befides themfelves. My Friend Sezvnrd urged the Examiple of the young Perfons^ who called the Prophet that was fent to anoint Jehu King, a mad Fellow ; — of our Lord, whom his own Relations, and the Scribes and Pharifees^ took to be mad, and behdes himfelf — and Fejlus's Opinion of St. Paul. — He further urged, that when young People were under their firft A- wakenings, they were ufually tempted by the Devil to run into fome Extremes. — But all fuch Language con- firmed the Gentlemen more and more, that Mr. Seward was mad alfo. And to prove that the young Man was certainly mad, they called one of the Attendants, v/ho laid, when Mr. Periam fir ft came into the Place, he ftrip- ped himfelf to his Shirt, and prayed. — The Reafon of this, as Mr. Periam faid afterwards, was, that he might innure himfelf to Hardlhip at once : For being brought from Bethnall Green., where he was taken great Care of, into a cold Place, without Windows, and a damp Cellar under him, he thought it beft to feafon himfelf at firft, that he might learn to endure Hardnefs as * good Soldier of Jefus Chrijl. In the midft of the. Conference, fome Way or other, they mentioned liis going to Georgia., and laid, if I would take him with me, they would engage that his Father Ihould give Leave to have him reieafed. — A Day or two after, Mr. Seivard v/aited upon his Father, who gave his Son an excellent Charadlcr, and conlented to his going a- broad. — After this, he waited upon the Do£l:or, who pronounced liim well. — And to Day he v/aited again upon the Committee, who behaved very civilly, and gave tlie young Man- a Difcharge.
He is now with me, and I hope will be an Inflru- ment of doing good.— The Hardfhips he has endured at Bcthlckem, will, I hope, prep;^.rc Km for what he
mult
104 Mr. Whiter I ELD'i 'Journal muft undergo abroad. — And being now not ignoran? of Satan^s, Devices, he will be better qualified to pre- vent his getting an Advantage over others. — Before I leave my Account of him, I cannot help telling whit Ufagehe met with at his firll coming into Bethlehem.—^ Being fenfible within himfelf, that he wanted no bodi- ly Phyfick, he was unwilling at fii^ft to take it ; upon which, four or five took hold of him, curfed him moft heartily, put a Key into his Mouth, threw him upon the Bed, and laid (though I had then never feen or heard of him) you are one of JVhitefieW^ Gang, and fo drenched him. — I hear alfo, that there was an Order given, that neither I, or any of my Friends, fhould be permitted to come unto him. — Good God! how Jhortly will that Day come when thcfe unhappy Men Jhall be heard to cry out^ " We Fools counted their Lives Madnefs, and their Ends *' to he without Honour ! How are they numhred among " the Children of God! How is their Lot among the " Saints!
Dined at Clapham with Mr. B n a Quaker.
Preached in the Evening at Kennington Common to about 1 5000 People, who were very attentive and affected.— Afterwards I fpent two Hours at Fetter-lane Society, where we had a moft ufeful Conference concerning the Neceffity every Chriftian lay under to have fome par- ticular Calling, whereby he may be a ufeful Member of the Society to which he belongs. — We all agreed to this unanimoufly -, and as for my own Part, I think, if a Man will not labour, neither ought he to eat. — l^o he fo intent on ptirfning the one Thing needful^ as to neglect providing for thofe of our own Houfjoldsy in my Opinion^ is to he righteous overmuch.
Sunday^ May 20, Went with our Brethren of Fet- ter-lane Society to St. Pauls, and received the holy Sacrament, as a TeRlTiiony that we adhered to the Church of England.
Preached at Moorfields and Kcnnivgton Common, and at both Places collected very near fifty Pounds for the
Orphan-
at HERTFORD and OULNEY. 105
Orphan-houfe. A vifible Alteration is made in the Peoples Bel^.aviour : — For though there were near Fif- teen thoufand in the Morning, and double the Num- ber in the Afternoon, yet they were as quiet during my Sermon, as though there had not been above fifty Per- fons prefent. — I did not meet with a Moment*s Inter- ruption. I could fay of the Aifembly, as J^c^^didon another Occafion, Surely God is in this Place,
HERTFORD.
Monday, May 21. Was fully engaged all the Morn- ing in fettling my Georgia Affairs. — Left London about three, — called and prayed at a Houfe or two in the Way, and reached Hertford between eight and nine at Night. — I never fiw a Town fo much alarmed. — The Streets were every Way crowded °, and, by the Beha- viour of fome, I thought we fhould have had many Scoffers. — But, bleffed be God, I never preached to a more quiet Congregation. — The Hearers were in Num- ber about Four or Five thoufand, and the Place I preached in v/as a Common near the Town. — After- wards, a certain Gentlewoman, lydia like, conflrain- ed both me and my Friends, if we judged her wor- thy, to come and abide in her Houfe that Night, v/hich we did to our great Comfort, '^he Lord reward her a Thoufand-fold.
o
HERTFORD and OULNETm Buckinghamjhire.
Tuefday, May 22. Preached about feven in the Morning from the fame Place, and to near as large a Congregation as I did laft Night. — God gave me un- common Power, and all, I hope, went away convinc- ed that my Doflrine was of -God. — Breakfafted with Mr. S i's, a diffenting Minifter, who kindly invit- ed and received me and my Friends. — Dined at Hit- chen. — Promifed, at the Requeft of many, to preach P t«
1 o6 Mr. Wh I t e f I e l d V ^Journal
to them, God willing, on ir/'^^,)' Morning, and reach ed Oulney about ten at Night, where I long fince pro- mifed to come. — Here alfo God had prepared a Table for us •, and here I was not a litde comforted with meeting with the Reverend Mr. Rogers of Bedford^ who, like me, has lately been thrufc out of the Sy- nagogues, for fpeaking of Jujiification by Faith and the 'Ntrji) Birtk^ and has commenced a Field-preacher. Once he was Ihut in Priibn for a fliort Time, but thou- fands flock to hear him, and God blefles him more and more. / helieve we are the firft profeJ]ed Minifters cf the Church of England that ivere fo foon, and ivith- cut Caufe^ excluded every Pulpit. Whether our Reverend Brethren canjujiify fuch a Gondii^ ^ the lajl Day willde- Urmine.
Wednefday^ May 23. Being denied the Pulpit, 1 preached this Morning in a Field near the Town, to about Two thoufiind People, with much Freedom and Power. They were very attentive, and I could have continued my Difcourfe much longer -, but the Bells ringing for Prayers, I adjourned my Hearers to pub- lick Worfhip, where many of them went, and God was pleafed to fpeak to us much in the fecond Ij^'Ron. — How -powerfully does the Word of God cofne to our Hearts^ when we experience it ^ Otherwif\ it is a dead
Letter.
9
NORTHAMPTON.
Reached Northampton about five in the Evening, and was moft courteoudy received by Doclor Dodridgif, Maftcr of the Academy there.
At fevcn, according to Appointment, I preached to about Three thoufand Hearers on a Common near the Town, from the Starting-poil:. — Great Power, I believe, was amongft us, and I preached with won- derful Pleafure ; becaufe I thought I had then adiiaJ
Pofiel-
at OULNEY ajid BEDFORD. 107
Poflefllon of one of the Devil's ftrong Holds. Ob that we may all run fo as to obtain the Crozvn of Life, which God, the righteous Judge, will give, at the lafi Day^ to all that Icrje our Lord J ejus in Sincerity.
thitrfday. May 24. Preached again in the lame Place at about eight in the Morning, but to a much larger Audience. Breakfafted with Ibme pious l^riends. Was greatly comforted by feveral choice Children of God, °who came to me from different Parts, and left Northampton about eleven, rejoycing with my Friends at the mighty Things God had already done, and was yet about to do for us. Many righteous Souls live in and about Northampton, and nothing confirms me more in my Opinion, that God intends to work a great Work upon the Earth, than to find how his Children of all Denominations every where wreftle in Prayer for me.
OTJ-LNET..
Being much follicited thereto, after Sermon yefler^ day, I hallned, in Company with near a dozen Friends, to Oulney, eight long Miles from Northampton, and got thither about ten of the Clock.— Great Num- bers were affembled together •, but on account of its being a rainy Day, it was judged inconvenient to preach in the Fields.— I therefore itood upon an Emi- nence in the Street, and preached from thence with fuch Power as I have not for fome Time experienced. Though it rained all the Time, yet the People ilood very attentive and patient. All, I really believe, felt, as well as heard the Word, and one was fo pricked to the Heart, and convinced of Sin, that I fcarce ever faw the like Inftance.— 72?^ JVord of God is quick and power- ful, and fijarper than a two-edged Sword.
P 2 B EV'
'jo8 Mr\ "White F IE LD'i Journal
BEDFORD.
Hafled away as fall as poffible from Oukey to 3ed- fcrd^ where I had promifed, God wilHng, to preach to Night. About feven we got thither, and found the Town fully alarmed. — About eight, I preached from the Stairs of a Windmill (the Pulpit of my dear Brother and Fellow Labourer Mr. Rogers) to about Three thoufand People ; and God was pleafed to give me fuch extraordinary Afliftance, that I believe few, if any, were able to refift the Power wherewith God enabled me to fpeak. My Heart was full of -God, and I fpake as one having Authority. — God caufed me to renew my Strength, and gave me fuch inward Sup- port, that my Journey did no: affedl me. — As my Bay is, fo Jfoall my Strength be. •
Friday, May 25. Preached at feven in the Morning with great Power, and rather a larger Congregation than before. — Took an affeclionate Leave of many gracious Souls, and reached Hitchin, ten Miles from Bedford, about one of the Clock at Noon. — The Town, I perceived, was much alarmed, and many devout Souls came from far to hear me. — About two, I got upon a Table in the Market-place, near the Church •, but fome were pleafed to ring the Bells in order to difturb us. Upon this, not having begun, we removed into a moil commodious Place in the Fields ; but being a little fatigued with my Ride, and the San beating moil intenfely upon my Head, I was obliged, in a fhort Time, to break oif", being ex- ceeding fick and weak. — A kind Gentlewoman offer* ed me her Houfe, where I went, and lay down for about two Hours, and then came and preached near the liune Place, and God was with us. — It was fur- prizing to fee how the Hearts of the People were knit to me. — I could have continued longer with them j
but
at St. ALBANS and LONDON. 109
but being under an Engagement to go to St. Albans^ I haftned thither, but could not preach on account of my coming in fo late. Great Numbers had been there expe6ling me •, and it grieved me to think how little I could do for Chriji. For he is a gracious Majler^ and had I a thoufand Lives, they Jhoiddbe fpent in his Service.
St. ALBANS and LONDON.
Saturday, May 26. Had a comfortable Night's ReH", which much refrefhed me. — Preached at feven in the Morning to about Fifteen hundred People in a Field near the Town with great Power, and got fafe to London by two in the Afternoon. — Bleffed be God, this has been a Week of fat Things. — Many further Inroads have been made into Satan'' ^ Kingdom. — Ma- ny Sinners convided, and many Saints much com- forted and efcabliflied in their m.oft holy Faith. I iind there are fome thoufand fecret ones yet living amongft us, that have not bowed the Knee to Baal^ and this publick Way of afting brings them out. — It much comforts me, wherever I go, to fee fo many of God's Children, of all Communions, come and wifh me good Luck in the Name of the Lord. — I per- ceive People would be every where willing to hear, if the Minifters were ready to teach the Truth as it is in Jefiis. — Lord, do thou fpirit up more of my dear Friends and Fellow Labourers to go out into the Highways and Hedges, to compel poor Sinners to come in. Amen.
Received an excellent Letter from the Reverend Mr. Ebenezer Erjkine of Scotland, Brother to Mr. Ralph Erjkine, acquainting me of his preaching laft Week to Fourteen thoufand People. — Blejfed be God, there are more Field-preachers in the World befides myfelf. The Lord fiirnijh us all with fpiritual Food wherewith to feed fo great Multitudes.
Preached in the Evening at Kennington Common to about Fifteen thoufand People, and we had an extraor- dinary
iio Mr. WhitefieldV 'journal
d J nary Prefence of God amongft us. Oh I that dl isho object a^aif'Ji this Way of preachings would come <md fce^ — aUJincere Persons mufi go convicted away.
Sunday., May rL-j. Preached this Morning' at .l^^i^r- jiilds to about Twenty thoufand, and God manifeftcd himfelf Hill more and more. — My Difcourfe was near two Hours long. My Heart was full of Love •, and People were fo melted down on every Side, that the greateft Scoffer muft have owned that this was the Finger of God. — Went twice to publick Worfhip, received the bleJGTed Sacrament, and preached, as ufual, in the Evening at Kemington Common., to about the lame Number of People as I did lait Lord's Day. Perceived I was a little hoarle \ but God ftrengthened me to Ipeak Ko as not only to be heard, but felt by moll that flood near me. Glory he to God on high.
Mnnday., May 28. Preached, after earneft and fre- quent Invitation, at Hackney., in a Field belonging to one Mr, Riidge^ to about Ten thoufand People. — I in- lifted much upon the Reafonablenefs of the Do6trine of the New Birth., and the Neceflity of our receiving the Holy Ghoft in its ian6tifying Gitts and Graces, as v/ell now as formerly. God was pleafed to imprcfs it mofl: deeply upon the Hearers. Great Numbers were drowned in Tears ; and I could not help expofmg the Impiety of thofe Letter- learned Teachers, who iay. We are not now to receive the Holy Gholl, and count the Dodirine of the New Birth., Enthujiajm. Out ef your own Mouths will I condemn you, you wicked and blind Guides. Did you not, at the Time of Ordination^ tell the B'fJjQps that you were inwardly moved by the Holy Ghofiy to take upon you the Adtninifl ration of the Church ? Surely., at that Time, you acted the Crime of Ananias and Sapphira ever again. Tou lyed not unto ^an^ hut unto God.
Tuefda^^
^/LONDON; in
^uefday^ May 9.^. Went to publick Service at ^^ minjler Abbey. Afterwards difpatched Bufinefs for my Orphans, and preached at Ke?mington to a moll devout Auditory with much Sweetnefs and Power. The Sub- ie(5l I treated of, was our Lord's Miracle of the Loaves and Fiflies ; and I hope he who fed fo many thoufands with bodily Bread, did feed my Hearers Souls with the Bread of Life which cometh down from Heaven.
JVednefday^ May 30, Waited upon the Bifhop of Brifiol (who treated me with the utmoft Civility) and received his Lordfhip's Benefiftion for Georgia. At the Requeft of many, I preached in the Evening at Newington Common to about Fifteen thouland People. A moit commodious Place was eredled for me to preach from. The Word came with Power -, and fee- ing a great Multitude, I thought proper to coiled: for the Orphan-houfe. Sixteen Pounds nine Shillings and four Pence were gathered on that Occafion. Blejjed be the Lord for thus p-ofpering the Work of my Hands upon me.
Thurfday^ May 3 1 . Was taken very ill this After- noon ; but God was pleafed to flrengthen me to go to Kcnnington., where I preached to my ufual Congre- gation ; and three of my Brethren in the Miniiby were pleafed to accompany me, which filled the Peo- ple with exceeding great Joy. '^hou Lord of the Har- "jcjl, fend forth., we befcech thee^ more Labourers into thy Harvefi.
Friday., June i. Dined at Oldford., — gave a (hort Exhortation to a few People in a Field, and preached in the Evening at a Place called Jylayfair., near Hyde- Park-Ccrncr. — The Congregation, I believe, confifled of near Eighty thoufand People. — It was, by far, the largeft I ever preached to yet. — In the Time of my
Prtiyers
112 ilfr. White field' J y^z/rW
Prayer there was a little Noife ; but they kept a deep Silence during my whole Difcourfe. — An high and ve- ry commodious Scaffold . was eredled for me to ftand upon ; and though I was weak in myfelf, yet God flrengthened me to fpeak fo loud that moil could hear; and fo powerfully, that moft, I believe, could feel. All Love, all Glory be to God through Chriji.
So weak, fo frail an Injlrunient, If thou, my God, vouchfafe to life \
'Tis Praife enough to be employed. Reward enough, if thou excufe.
Jf thou excufe, then work thy Will By fo unfit an Inftrument ;
It will at once thy Goodnefs fhew. And prove thy Pow'r Omnipotent, -
Saturday, June 2. Sent another Quaker to be baptized by Mr. Stonehoufe. Colleded by private Contributions, near fifty Pounds for the Orphans, and preached in the Evening to about Ten thoufand at Hackney, where twenty Pounds twelve Shillings and four Pence were gathered on the fame Occafion. Before I went out to preach, I was very fick and weak -, but fuch Power was given me from above, that I continued preaching for an Hour and an Half, and was {0 aflifted, that the People v/ere diflblved into Tears, and v/ept moll bit- terly. It rained fome confiderable Time, but almoft all were unmoved ; and J was fo enlarged, by talking of the Love and Free Grace of Jefus Chrijl, that I could have continued my Difcourfe till Midnight. This P^'omjfe, They that wait on the Lord ftjall renew, their Strength is fulfilled in me daily. Oh free Grace in Chriji Jefus our Lord !
Sunday,
a/ L O iSr D O N. I rj
Sunday, June 3. Preached at MoorfieUs to a larger Congregation than ever, and collefted Twenty nine Pounds Idventecn Shillings and nine Pence for the Or- phan-houfe •, went twice to pubHck Worfhip, received the Sacrament; and preached in the Evening at Kennington Common, to the mod numerous Audience I ever "^jtt faw in that Piace^ and collected Thirty four Founds five Shillings. When I mentioned, my Departure from them, they were melted into Tears. — Thou- fands of Ejaculations and fervent Prayers were poured out to God on my Behalf, which gave me abundant Reafon to be thankful to my dear Mailer. — Oh iJohcU marvellous grcnt Kindnefs has God JJjeivn me in this great City ! Indeed I have feen the Kingdom of God come with Power, and cannot hut fay;, Bleffed 'are the Eyes which fee the Things that we fee, and hear the Things which we hear \ for many righteous Soids have dcfired to fee the Things which we fee, and to hear the Things which we . hear, and have not heard them. I now go, I tru(fj un- der the Conducl of God's holy Spirit^ to Fenfhania and Virginia, and from thence to Georgia, knowing not what will bcfal me, fave that the Holy Ghoft wit- neflech in every Place, that Labours, AfBiftions, and Trials of all Kinds abide me. O my dear Friends pray that none of thefe Things may move me, and that I may not count even my Life dear unto mylelf, fo that I may finifh my Courfe v/ith Joy, and the Miniftry which I have received of the Lord Jefus. Into his Hands I commend my zvhole Spirit, Soul and Body j his Will he do7ie in me^ hy me, and upon me, for Time, and _ for Eternity. Let?ne do or fuffer jufi as feemeth good in his Sight. Only do thou, O Lord, give me that JViflom which dwelleth with Prudence, that I may never fuffer for my own Mifcondu^, but only for Righteoufnefs Sake.— Re- ward, O Lord, my dear Friends for all their f-Forks of Faith, and Labours of Love. — Forgive my Enemies ; and grant we may all effcEiually be called hy thy free Grace ^ and after Death be iranftated to fit on thy Right-hand.—^ Q^ Vrepfir4
114 Mr. WniTETi eld's Jcurml Prepare me for the fiery 'Trial wherewith I mujl he tried^ and make me faithful to the Trujl committed to my Charge. May I carefully watch the Flock over which the Holy- Qhofi hath made me overfeer, and may /, in all Things^ behave as a good Steward of the manifold Gifts cf God. — - May the fafi Mercies make me humble and truly thankfidy and 7nay I he prepared for thefe greater 'Things which I am yet to fee. — May the Souls of all to whom I have preached he preciaus in thy Sight, and may we all meet td he one another'' S' Joy, and Crown of rejoycing in the Day cf the Lo'rd Jefus \ though ahfent in Rody, may we he pre- fent in Spirit^ and always have Heafon to triumph hecaufe of the Truth. May we go on from conquering to coiu qtier., and fee Satan, like Lighming^ fall front Heaven. May God pour into our Hearts a Spirit of Prayer and Supplication^ and way our Prayers afcend up as an accep-^ table Sacrifice through Jefus Chrift. To zvhom, with thee, O Father, and thee, 0 Holy Ghcfi, three Pejfons, and one God, be all Glory, Might, Majefiy, and Dominion^ now, and for evermore. Amen.
Captain cf my Salvation, hear !
Stir up thy Strength, and bow the Skies j Be Thou the God cf Battles near j
Id all thy Majcjly arife I
The Bay, the dreadful Day*s at hand I
In Battle cover thou my Head: Pafl is thy Word: I htre demand^
And confident expert thine Aid.
Nczv arm me for the threatning Fight, Now let thy Power defend fro-m high.
Triumphant in ihy Spirit^ s Might, So fJoall J every Foe defy.
I ajk thy Help •, hy_ Thee fent forth
Thy gkrious Cofpel to proclaim. Be thou, my Mcnth, and fijake the Earth,
And iprcad by Me thy awful Name.
Steel
iit LONDON;
$Uel me i» Sdame, Reproach, Bifgrace^ Arm me with all thy Armour now^
Set like a Flint my fteady Face^ Harden to Adamant my Brow,
Bold may I wax, exceeding hold My high Commiffion to perform,
Nsr jbrink thy harjhejl Truths t' unfold. But more than meet the gathering Storm]
Adverfe to Earth* s rebellious Throngs Still may I turn my fearlefs Face,
Stand as an Iron Pillar ftrong. And Jiedfaft as a Wall of Brafs,
Give me thy Might, Thou GOD of Power i
Then let or Men or Fiends affail ! Strong in thy Strength, P II ft and a Tower Impregnable to Earth or Helk
'5
FINIS.
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