Journal of a Voyage from Gibraltar to Georgia, Journal 3 · Part 23 – Part 26
KEINSHAM.
Dined with one Mr. M—, an eminent Quaker in Bath, who entertained me and my Friends in a moſt Chriſtian Manner. — About three we left Bath, and though it was a wet Day, were agreeably ſurprized by meeting great Numbers of Horſemen, &c. from Briſtol, beſides ſeveral Thouſands from the neighbouring Villages, who came to hear me, according to Appointment.— The Church being refuſed, I preached on a Mount. — Our Maſter being with us, I preached with Power.— We came on our Way rejoycing▪ and reached Briſtol, about Seven at Night, and went immediately and expounded the 7th of St. John to Bald…in-ſtreet Society, where we alſo gave Thanks for the great Things we had ſeen and heard ſince we met together l…ſt.
…, March 22. Received unſpea…ble Pleaſure from a L…tter of this Day'… Poſ…, which brought me word of the flouriſhing of the Goſpel at O…ford. — Had many gracious Souls▪ came to conſult me in ſpiritual Caſes, and could not but rejoyce to ſee how … and irreſiſtibly the Kingdom of JESUS CHRIST is carried on, in ſpite of all Oppoſition. — In the Afternoon I preached again at Baptiſt Mills, where ſomebody was ſo … as to put ſome Turf together for me to ſtand upon. I perceived a great Freedom of Speech, and inſ…ſted much on Original Sin, becauſe there are many in this City, who, I …, have imbibed the Principles of that polite Preacher Mr. F—. But Woe be to them that … that they are born in Sin. Surely, they muſt … f…ling. W…e be to them that d…y the LORD that bought them: For it ſ…ps the very Foundation of the Chriſtian Religion. And as for my own Part, did I not firmly believe that JESUS CHRIST was t…ly and properly GOD, I never would preach the Goſpel again. Whoſoever preaches any otherwiſe, let him he accurſed. Had great Power amongſt us at the Society in the Evening. — The People throng more and more. — A good Sign that all do not come out of Curioſity, but with a Deſire to know and do their Duty.
Friday, March 23. Dined with many Quakers at French-hay, who entertained me and my Friends with much Chriſtian Love; but we could by no means agree about the Diſuſe of the two outward Signs in the Sacrament, nor of their abſolute refuſing to pay Tithes. — But I think their Notions about walking and being led by the Spirit are right and good. I ſhould rejoyce to find all Quakers thus minded. Much Sincerity and Simplicity ſeems to be amongſt them. — But I think, at the ſame Time, they inſiſt ſo much upon the inward Life, they place too much Religion in their not uſing Externals.
After Dinner, I went and preached at the Fiſh-ponds, as uſual, 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 viſited two Societies, where GOD was pleaſed to give us great Tokens of his Preſence; and the Way up to the laſt Room was ſo exceedingly thronged that I was obliged to go up by a Ladder through the Window.
Saturday, March 24. Received glad Tidings of great Joy from my religious Correſpondents▪ —Spent the Morning in anſwering their kind Letters,— and preached in the Afternoon at the Poor-houſe, where both the Number of the People, and my Strength were greatly encreaſed. — After Sermon▪ I collected for the Orphan-houſe, and the poor People ſo loaded my Hat with their Mites, that I wanted ſomebody to hold up my Hands. — The Chearfulneſs with which they gave is inexpreſſible, and the many Prayers they joined with their Alms, I hope, will lay a good Foundation for the Houſe intended to be built. — After this, GOD brought me to ſome more of his own dear Children, and I ſpent the Remainder of the Evening in expounding to a Society, where almoſt all were drowned in Tears, when I mentioned my Departure to them. — The good LORD, ſend ſomebody amongſt them to water what his own Right Hand hath planted. Even ſo, come Lord JESUS, come quickly.
Sunday, March 25. GOD will work, and who ſhall hinder? I am ſhut out of the Priſon, and my Siſter's Room was not large enough to contain a fourth part of the People who came to me on a Sunday Morning. But GOD put it into the Hearts of ſome Gentlemen to lend me a large Bowling-Green, where I preached to about five Thouſand People, and made a Collection for my poor Orphans, till my Hands were quite weary. — Bleſſed be GOD, that the Bowling-Green is turned into a Preaching-place. This, I hope, is a Token that Aſſembly-rooms and Play-houſes will ſoon be put to the ſame Uſe. O may the Word of GOD be mighty to the pulling down of theſe ſtrong Holds of the Devil! All that love our Lord JESUS, I am ſure, will ſay, 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 thoſe who ſtood fartheſt off could hear me very plainly. Oh may GOD ſpeak to them by his Spirit, at the ſame Time that he enables me to lift up my Voice like a Trumpet!
About eight I went to the Society in Nicholas-ſtreet, I with great Difficulty, at laſt got up into the Room, which was extreamly hot. GOD enabled me to ſpeak with much Freedom and Power; and at the Cloſe of my Exhortation, I recommended a Charity-ſchool, which was opened by this Society to-day. I collected at the Door myſelf, and few paſſed by without throwing in their Mites. — Yet a little while, and I hope Briſtol will be as famous for Charity ſchools as London. We muſt not deſpiſe the Day of ſmall Things. Bleſſed be GOD, for the Strength of this Day. The Lord make me humbly thankful.
Monday, March 26. Still GOD has pleaſed to give me freſh Tokens of his Love. Letters are ſent me, and People come to me continually, telling me what GOD had done for their Souls by my unworthy Miniſtry.
At four in the Afternoon, I preached again at the Bowling-Green, to, I believe, ſeven or eight Thouſand People. The Sun ſhone bright, and the Windows and Balconies of the adjoining Houſes were filled with H…arers. I was uncommonly enlarged in Prayer, and ſo carried out beyond myſelf in preaching, eſpecially when I came to talk of the Love and free Grace of JESUS CHRIST, that I heartily wiſhed it was in my Power that Moment to place all my Enemies at the Right Hand of GOD. The Concern the People were in is inexpreſſible. — An hearty Groan goes through them all when any Thing affecting is ſpoken; and I am ſure, that Thouſands come not out of Curioſity, but a ſincere Deſire of being fed with the Milk of the Word — Afterwards, I again collected for the Orphan-houſe, and it was near an Hour and a half before the People could go out. Many were very faint becauſe of the Throng, which was ſo exceeding great, that they trod one upon another.
At eight I haſted to Weavers Hall, in Temple-ſtreet, which was procured me becauſe the Society Rooms were too little. I was almoſt faint before I could get in through the Croud; but GOD enabled me to ſpeak with uncommon Freedom, and was with us of a Truth. — I believe there might be a thouſand Hearers.— Well may the Devil and his Servants rage horribly. Their Kingdom is in Danger.
After I had done, I went to a Chriſtian Houſe, where many waited for me; and, … my Return home, my Maſter paid me my Wages: For my Soul was filled with an Intenſeneſs of Love, and I knew what it is not only to have Righteouſneſs and Peace, but Joy in the Holy Ghoſt. This is my continual Food.
Tueſday, March 27. At four this Afternoon, being invited ſeveral Times, I preached in a Yard belonging to the Glaſs-Houſes, where many dwell, who (as I was informed) neither feared GOD, nor regarded Man. The Congregation conſiſted of many Thouſands, and GOD enabled me to lay before them his Threatnings and Promiſes; ſo that none might either deſpair or preſume. O that I may be t…ught of GOD rightly to divide the Word of Truth!
Whilſt I was preaching, I heard many People behind me, hollowing and making a Noiſe, and ſuppoſed they were ſet on by ſomebody on purpoſe to diſturb me.— I bleſs GOD I was not in the leaſt moved, but rather increaſed the more in Strength; but when I had done, and enquired the Cauſe of that Noiſe, I was informed, tha… Gentleman (being drunk) had taken the Liberty to call me Dog, and ſay, That I ought to be whipped at the Cart's Tail, and offered Money to any that would pelt me. Inſtead of that, the Boys and People near him began to caſt Stones & Dirt at him. —I knew nothing of it till afterwards, when I expreſſed my Diſlike of their Behaviour, but could not help obſerving, what ſorry Wages the Devil gives his Servants.
In the Evening I expounded again in Weavers Hall, to a moſt crouded and attentive Aſſembly. — People follow more and more. — There is a divine Attraction in the Word of GOD — Still draw us, O LORD, and we ſhall ſtill come after thee.
Wedneſday, March 28. Had the Pleaſure of hearing, that above an Hundred People ſet apart a Day for Prayer, in Behalf of me and my dear Brother Howel Harris, &c. While our Friends thus continue to hold up their Hands, our ſpiritual Amaleck will never prevail againſt us.
Preached in the Afternoon at Publow, a Village about five Miles from Briſtol, to ſevera… thouſands of People. —The Church was offered; but being not ſufficient to contain a third Part of the Audience, by the Advice of Friends I preached in the Fields; which put me in mind of our Lord's ſaying, Go out into the Highways and Hedges and compel them to come in.
Was bleſſed with two excellent Letters. Found out ſome more of God's ſecret ones. — Received ſome temporal Mercies, expounded to a Society in Baldwin-Street, and went to a Friend's Houſe, where we eat … Bread with Gladneſs and Singleneſs of Heart. Oh the Comforts of a ſpiritual Life!
Thurſday, March 29. Bleſſed be God, I hope a good Work is begun to Day.— Having had ſeveral Notices that the Colliers of Kingſwood were willing to ſubſcribe, I went to Dinner with them near a Place called Two Mile Hill, and collected about twenty Pounds in Money, and got above Forty Pounds in Subſcriptions towards building them a Charity-School. — It was ſurprizing to ſee with what Cheerfulneſs they parted with their Money on this Occaſion.— Was I to continue here, I would endeavour to ſettle Schools all over the Wood, as alſo in other Places, as Mr. Griffith Jones has done in Wales.— But I have but juſt Time to ſet it on Foot.— I hope God will bleſs the Miniſtry of my honoured …riend Mr. John Weſley, and enable him to …ing it to good Effect. — It is a Pity ſo many little ones as there are in Kingſwood, ſhould periſh for Lack of Knowledge.—Stir…up thy Power, O Lord, and come amongſt them, for the Sake of JESUS CHRIST.
After Dinner I preached a farewel Sermon, and recommended the Charity-School to their Conſideration; and they all ſeemed willing to aſſiſt either by their Money or their Labour, and to offer ſuch Things as they had, I doubt not but the Lord will proſper this Work of my Hands upon me.
Aſſoon as I came to Town, I took my leave of a Society in Caſtle-ſtreet; — but Tongue …nnot expreſs the Sorrow they were in at the mention of my Departure. — After this, I did the ſame at a Society in Nicholas-ſtreet; and, I believe, for near an Hour, they wept aloud and ſorely all over the Room, as though they were mourning for the Death of their Firſt-born. — Oh how cloſe are their Hearts knit to me! Bleſſed be God, there is one coming after me, who, I hope, will cheriſh the Spark of divine Love now kindled in their Hearts, till it grows into a Flame. Amen, LORD JESUS.
Friday, March 30. Preached this Afternoon near Colepit Heath, ſeven Miles from Briſtol, a Place to which I was earneſtly invited, and where great Numbers of Colliers live. — I believe there were above two thouſand People aſſembled on this Occaſion. — The Weather was exceeding fair, the Hearers behaved very well, and the Place where I preached being near the Maypole, I took Occaſion to warn them of miſpending their Time in …evelling and dancing. Oh that all ſuch… …ntertainments were put a ſ…op to! I ſee no other Way to effect it, but by going boldly, and calling People from ſuch lying Vanities in the Name of JESUS CHRIST. — That Reformation which is brought about by a coercive Power, will be only outward and ſuperficial; but that which is done by the Force of God's Word, will be i…ward and laſting. Lord make me meet by thy Grace for ſuch a Work, and then ſend me. Lo! I come to do thy Will.
About ſeven I returned to Briſtol, and took Leave of the Society without Lawford's Gate; but there were ſo many People, that I was obl…ged to ſtand and expound at the Window, that thoſe in the Yard (which was full) might hear alſo.— Their Hearts were ready to burſt with Grief; but I hope my dear Maſter will come and comfort them.
Saturday, March 31. Went this Morning, and viſited the poor Man who was miſuſed at the Glaſs Houſes. He ſeemed much concerned for what he had done, and confeſſed he knew not what he did: Upon which, I took Occaſion to diſſuade him from the Sin of Drunkenneſs, and parted from him very friendly.
At eleven, I went and gave the Priſoners a farewel Exhortation, and left Orders concerning the Diſtribution of the Money that had been collected for them.—At four I preached, as uſual, at the Poor-houſe, where was a greater Congregation than ever, and very near nine Pounds gathered for the Orphan-houſe.—Bleſſed be God, the longer I ſtay, the more my Hearers increaſe.
… my return home, I was much refreſhed with the Sight of my honoured Friend Mr. John Weſ…y, whom God's Providence has ſent to Briſ…ol.—Lord now let…eſt thou thy Servant depart in Peace.
Saturday, April 1. Preached at the Bowling-Green, Hannam, and Roſe-Green; at all which Places, the Congregations were much enlarged, eſpecially at the latter. There were Twenty-four Coaches, and an exceeding great Number of other People, both on Foot and Horſeback. The Wind was not ſo well ſet to carry the Voice as uſual; but however, I was ſtrengthened to cry aloud, and take my laſt Farewel.—As I was returning home, it comforted me exceedingly, to hear almoſt every one bleſſing me, and wiſhing me a good Voyage in the Name of the Lord.—And indeed my Heart is ſo knit to Briſtol People, that I could not with ſo much Submiſſion leave … did I not know dear Mr. Weſley was left … to teach them the Way of God more perfectly. Pr…ſper, O Lord, the Works of his Hands upon …im.
At ſeven, I went and took my Leave of Baldwin-ſtreet Society; but the Yard, and …ntry le…ding to it, was ſo exceeding…y crowded, that I was obliged to climb up by a Ladder, and go over the T…ing of another Houſe near adjoining, before I could get to the Door.
…onday, April 2. Spent a good Part of the Morning in talking with thoſe who came to take their Leave, and Tongue c…nnot expreſs what a ſorrowful parting we had. … of Tears flowed plentifully; and my Heart was ſo melted down, that I prayed for them with ſtrong Cryings, and many Tears. — The Scene was very affecting, and, I think, muſt have made an Impreſſion upon the moſt hardned Heart.
About one, I was obliged to force myſelf away. — Crowds were waiting at the Door to give me a laſt F…rewel, and near twenty Friends accompanied me on Horſeback. Bleſſed be God for the marvellous great Kindneſs he hath ſhewn me in this City. Many Sinners I believe, hath been effectually converted. It is unknown what Numbers have come to me under Convictions, and all the Children of God have been exceedingly comforted. — Various Preſents were ſent me as Tokens of their Love. — Several thouſands of little Books have been diſperſed among the People; about two hundred Pounds collected for the Orphan-houſe, and many poor Families relieved by the Bounty of my Friend Mr. Seward. — And what gives me the greater Comfort, is the Conſideration, that my dear and honoured Friend Mr. Weſly is left behind to confirm thoſe that are awakened; ſo that when I return from Georgia, I hope to ſee many bold Soldiers of JESUS CHRIST. Grant this, O Lord, for the ſame thy dear Son's Sake.
KINGSWOOD.
Having taken my Leave, and paſſed through the People of Briſtol, who poured out many Bleſſings upon me, I came about two to Kingſwood, where the Colliers, unknown to me, had prepared an hoſpitable Entertainment, and were very forward for me to lay the firſt Stone of their School. At length I complied, and a Man giving me a Piece of Ground, in caſe Mr. C— ſhould refuſe 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 againſt our Deſign. The Colliers ſaid a hearty Amen; and after I had given them a Word of Exhortation ſuitable to the Occaſion, I took my Leave, promiſing that I would come amongſt them again, if ever GOD ſhould bring me back to England. They ſeemed much pleaſed at this; and indeed they ſeem to have ſuch an uncommon Affection for me, that I hope a Reformation will be carried on amongſt them. And as for my own Part, I had rather preach the Goſpel to the unprejudiced ignorant Colliers, than to the bigotted, ſelf-righteous formal Chriſtians. The Colliers will enter into the Kingdom of GOD before them.
THORNBURY.
About five, I and my Friends got ſafe to Thornbury; where I had appointed to preach as on this Day, when I was there laſt. — The Miniſter, I find, was offended at my Doctrine, and therefore would not lend me the Pulpit again.—However, there being above a thouſand People waiting to hear the Word, I ſtood upon a Table, and taught in the Street. All was ſolemn and awful around us; every one behaved with Gravity; and GOD gave me Freedom of Speech. — The Remainder of the Evening was ſpent delightfully in ſinging Pſalms and Hymns with my dear Companions; and had not the parting with my Briſtol Friends caſt a little Damp upon my Heart, no one could have laid down his Head to ſleep with greater Pleaſure than I did. I find I never undertake a new Thing for my Maſter, but he gives me new Manifeſtations of Joy and Comfort. Who would but work for JESUS CHRIST?
OLD-PASSAGE, CHEAPSTOW.
Tueſday, April 3. Came to the Old-Paſſage by nine in the Morning, and, according to Appointment, preached from ſome Steps to many People who came to hear me. —Then I exhorted, and ſung with as many as the Room would contain above in the Inn; and having providentially l…ſt our Paſſage, about three in the Afternoon I preached a ſecond Time from the Steps, at which many were much aff…cted. The Remainder of the Day I ſpent in writing and praying with my Friends, and having taken a laſt Farewel, we p…ſſed over to Be…chly abo…t ſeven, and get ſo far as Cheapſ…ow, where the People, I …, expected to hear me; but it being late, I could only ſing, and pray, and preach to about forty that came to the Inn, and gave a Promiſe, if poſſible▪ that I would come and preach in their Church before I left Wales. Every Day do I ſee the Benefit more and more …f this publick Way …f …ting.
Wedneſday, April 4. Came hither before ten, and was much refreſhed with the Sight of my dear Brother Howel Harris, and ſeveral Chriſtian Friends, who came from Cardiff, and other Places, to give me the Meeting. —The Pulpit being denied, I preached upon a Table under a large Tree to ſome hundreds, and GOD was with us of a Truth. After Dinner, with near forty on Horſeback, I ſet out for Po…pool, five Welch Miles from Huſk, and in the Way was informed, by a Man that heard it, that Mr. C— H-ry did me the Honour, at the l…ſt Mo…mouth Aſſizes, to make a public Motion to Judge P—d, to ſtop me and Brother Howel Harris, from going about …eaching the People. Poor Man! he put me in mind of Tertullus in the Acts. — But the Hour is not ye… …ome; I have ſcarce begun my Teſtimony: For my finiſhing it, my Enemies may have Power over me from above. LORD, prepare me for that Hour. — About five we got to Pontypool, and ſeveral Thouſands were ready to hear me. — The Curate being very ſolicitous for it, I preached firſt (he having read Prayer.) in the Church; but their being great Numbers that could not come in, I went afterwards and preached to all the People in the Field. — My own Heart was much enlarged, and the divine Preſence was much amon…ſt us; and indeed, I always find I have moſt … when I ſpeak in the open Air. A Proof … to me, that GOD is pleaſed with this Way o… Preaching▪ — After Sermon, we went, and joyned in Prayer at the Gentlewoman's Houſe that owned the Field, and then we returned to the Houſe of Mr. G—s of Pontyp…ol; where, after taking a little Supper, and expounding the third Chapter of Geneſis to two Rooms full of People, I prayed, and betook myſelf to Reſt, and was full of ſuch unutterable Love, as no one can conceive but thoſe who feel it. — GOD be praiſed for my coming hither. — Here are many gracious Souls, and their Hearts are knit to me in Chriſtian Love. LORD, what am I?