Continuation of Journal During the Time Detained in England by the Embargo, Journal entry 9 – Journal entry 22
Broad-oaks in Essex.
Wednesday, June 20. Set out about five in the Morning, and hasted to Broad-oaks, about 20 Miles from Hertford. About Midway at Bishop-St…rford, as we were passing through, a Person entirely unknown, constrained both me and my Friends to come and refresh ourselves a little at his House.—We accepted of his Offer, and found he was Son to a Gentleman, who had sent to engage me to preach at this Place on Friday Night next.—Having spent an Hour very agreeably with some Christian Friends, he went with us, and brought us on our Way to Broad-oaks, the Way being intricate. About 12 we got thither, and perceived that Providence had sent us most opportunely to a Family, some of whom being born after the Spirit, are, for that Reason, most violently opposed and persecuted by those Foes of their own Houshold, who are only born after the Flesh. A Clergyman has been employed to divert them from their present Madness, as they call it; and has done them the Honour of Preaching against them.—For this Week past, they have been continually beset with Numbers of such, who are Lovers of Pleasure more than Lovers of GOD, and who would tell them, that a decent, genteel and fashionable Religion, is sufficient to carry them to Heaven. They knew nothing of my paying them this Visit, which made them more thankful.—No one can tell what a comfortable Meeting GOD gave us.—Surely it was Heaven begun upon Earth.—We found the Sweets of Opposition, and rejoiced greatly in the Prospect of suffering for CHRIST's Sake. To encrease our Satisfaction Mr. Delamot, a Convert of Mr. Ingham's, came from Cambridge to meet us.—He is scandalously opposed at that University.—The Students make him a Proverb of Reproach, and abuse him in the rudest Manner.—He has been forbid coming in to one College, and two or three that associate with him have been threatned much by their Tutors for keeping him Company. And here I cannot but remark what wonderful Mercies GOD has shewn this Mr. Delamot's Family.—About three or four Years ago, GOD was pleased to touch the Heart of his Brother Charles, who hearing that Mr. Wesley was going to Georgia (tho' his Father would have settled him in a very handsome Way) offered to go Abroad with him as a Servant.—His Parents Consent was asked, but they, and almost all their Relations, opposed it strenuously. However, the young Man being resolute, and convinced that GOD called him, at length they somewhat consented. He went abroad, lived with Mr. Wesley, served under him as a Son in the Gospel, did much good, and endured great Hardships for the Sake of JESUS CHRIST. Behold, how GOD rewarded him for leaving all. Whilst he was absent, GOD was pleased to make Use of the Ministry of Mr. Ingham, and Mr. Charles Wesley, in converting his Mother, two Sisters, and this young Gentlemen before-mentioned at Cambridge, who, I pray GOD, may stand as a Barrier against the Prophaneness, Debauchery, Lukewarmness and Deism of that Seat of Learning, and prove both a Barnabas and Boanerges in the Church of England! But to return,—After having spent some comfortable Hours together, we went to Wimbish Green, where Mr. Charles Wesley had preached some Time ago. I rode thither in a Chaise, and preached from it to about 400 People, with great Freedom and Power. About 9 we returned to Broad-oaks, and spent the most heavenly Night I have known for a long While. Oh! how doubly sweet are Opportunities when we have been debarred of them for some Time! I believe the Saints of old had never so much Comfort, as when they were obliged to shut the Doors for Fear of the Jews, and to hide themselves in Dens and Cave… of the Earth. The LORD prepare us all for such an Hour.
Saffron-Walden.
Thursday, June 21. Was much refreshed by last Night's Rest. Preached at Saffron-walden, eight Miles from Broad-oaks, to about 2000 People: Din'd with my Friends at Mr. F—r's. Preached at five in the Evening to a like Congregation as before, and returned to Broad-oaks, singing and praising GOD. Wherever I go, People fly to the Doctrine of JESUS CHRIST, as the Doves to the Windows. My Sheep, says our LORD, hear my Voice. A Stranger will they not hear.
Thaxted and Bishop-stortford.
Friday, June 22. Read Part of Jenks's Submission to the Righteousness of CHRIST, a most excellent Book. Preached at Nine in the Morning at Thaxted, about two Miles from Broad-oaks, to upwards of 1000 People, but with such Sweetness and Power, as I have not felt since I came into Essex. All around me were melted into Tears.—My own Heart was so filled with Love, that I think I could then have laid down my Life for their Sakes. After Sermon, Mr. S—g, kindly entertained me, and my Fellow-Travellers, and many others that came to hear me.—We spent our Time most Christianly together, and afterwards went to Bishop-stortford, about 12 Miles from Thaxted; where I promised, GOD willing, to preach as to-Night. About five we got thither, and at six, GOD enabled me to preach with Power to near 4000 People. Many devout Souls were present, and several Invitations were given me in the Name of CHRIST, to other Parts of Essex, which I promised to do, supposing the Embargo on the Shipping continued. Blessed be GOD, this itinerant Preaching brings me acquainted with Numbers of his Children, which otherwise I might never have seen or heard of in this Life. The united fervent Prayers of so many righteous Souls, undoubtedly will avail much in my Behalf! Lord, was ever Love like thine!
Blackheath.
Saturday, June 23. Set out betimes from Bishop-stortford, and reached Blackheath about three in the Afternoon. Preached at seven in the Evening to about 1000 People. The Smallness of the Congregation was occasioned by a Report that I was dead.—Wherever I came I found the People much surprized and rejoiced to see me alive. GOD knows I long to be dissolved and to be with CHRIST, but as I have scarce begun my Testimony, I believe I shall not yet die, but live, and declare the Works of the LORD. Hereafter I hope he will enable me to say, I have fought a good Fight, I have finished … Course, I have kept the Faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness, which the LORD, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that Day, and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Bexley.
Sunday, June 24. Read Prayers, assisted in Administring … Sacrament at Bexley Church. Many came from far, and expected to hear me, but the Diocesan had been pleased to insist on the Vicar's denying me the Pulpit. Whether for just Cause GOD shall judge at the last Day. If we have done any Thing worthy the Censures of the Church, why do not the Right Reverend the Bishops call us to a publick Account? If not, why do they not confess and own us? It is well we can appeal to the great Bishop of Souls. They say, it is not regular our going out into the Highways and Hedges, and compelling poor Sinners to come in. We ought not so to beseech them to be reconciled to GOD. They desire to know by what Authority we preach; and ask, what Sign shewest thou that thou dost these Things? But, alas! what further Sign would they require? We went not into the Fields till we were excluded the Churches: And has not GOD set his Seal to our Ministry in an extraordinary Manner? Have not many that were spiritually Blind received their Sight? Many that have been Lame strengthened to run the Way of GOD's Commandments? Have not the Deaf heard? The Lepers been cleansed? The Dead raised? And the Poor had the Gospel preached unto them? That these notable Miracles have been wrought, not in our own Names, or by our own Power, but in the Name and by the Power of JESUS of Nazareth, cannot be denied. And yet they require a Sign? But verily there shall no other Sign be given to this evil and adulterous Generation!
Preached in the Afternoon to about 300 People in Justice Delamot's Yard, and in the Evening on Blackheath, to upwards of 20000, on these Words, And they cast him out. I recommended to the People the Example of the blind Beggar, reminded them of preparing for the gathering Storm, and exhorted them in the Name of CHRIST JESUS to follow the Example of this meek Lamb of GOD, supposing my Enemies should think that they did GOD good Service to kill me. I dread nothing more than the false Zeal of my Friends in a suffering Hour. GOD grant we may learn when we are reviled, not to revile again; when we suffer, may we threaten not, but commit our Souls into the Hands of him that judgeth righteously. LORD, endue us with the Spirit of thy first Martyr, St. Stephen, that we may pray most earnestly even for our …very Mu…der…s!
LONDON.
Monday and Tuesday, June 25. Came hither privately last Night. Went to a Love-Feast in Fetter-lane, and intended setting out the next Morning, being greatly importuned thereto, for Gloucester in the Stage-Coach, but there were no vacant Places. Spent the Day in writing Letters, and settling some Affairs. Preached in the Evening to about as many as usual at Kennington Common, with great and visible Success. Spent a delightful Hour with many Christian Friends. Took Coach about 11 at Night, and reached Cirencester by 10 the next Evening. Justly may I say, I am a Stranger and Pilgrim upon Earth: For I have here no continuing City. May I always be preparing myself f… that which is to come, a City not made with Hands, eternal in the Heavens▪ wh… Builder and Maker is GOD!
Cirencester and Gloucester.
Wednesday, June 27. Waited on the Minister of the Parish, and asked him for the Use of his Pulpit, but he refused it, because I had not my Letters of Orders. Went to publick Worship at 11, and preached to about 3000 People in a Field near the Town about 12. Was afterwards visited by several gracious Souls of the Baptist's Congregation, who brought me five Guineas for the Orphan-house. Set out about 4 in the Afternoon, and reached Gloucester about 7 in the Evening, to the inexpressible Joy of many. The late Report of my being dead has only serv'd to make my present Visits more welcome. Thus all Things work together for Good to those that love GOD. Soon after I came into Town, I visited the Society, and expounded for the Space of an Hour, to more People than the Room (tho' it was large) could contain. Blessed be GOD, all heard the Word most gladly.—I now see the Seed sown when I was here last, was not all sown on stony thorny Ground: No, some has been received into honest and good Hearts. This is the LORD's doing; to him …e all the Glory through JESUS CHRIST.
Gloucester.
Thursday, June 28. Preached in the Morning to about 1000 People in my Brother's Field. Went to publick Prayers at the Cathedral. Waited upon the Bishop, who received me very civilly. Visited some sick Persons in the Afternoon who sent for me. Preached at Night to upwards of 3000. GOD was pleased to give me uncommon Freedom and Liberty in speaking.—Much Power from above was amongst us. Great Numbers were melted into Tears, and most, I believe, went convicted away. Thanks be to GOD, who thus giveth us the Victory thro' our LORD JESUS CHRIST.
Gloucester and Painswick.
Friday, June 29. Preached in my Brother's Field in the Morning to a large and very affected Congregation, went to the Cathedral Service, visited some religious Friends, and preached (at the earnest Invitation of many who had heard me before) to above 3000 Souls in Painswick-Street. All was hush'd and silent. The Divine Presence was amongst us. Many Children of GOD were fed with the sincere Milk of the Word. All rejoiced to see me alive again, and thanked GOD abundantly in my Behalf. It well becometh the Righteous to be thankful.
Stroud and Gloucester.
Saturday, June 30. Spent the Evening with some Christian Friends, lay at Painswick, and preached about 10 in the Morning to near 2000 People, in the Bowling-Green belonging to the George-Inn in Stroud, 3 Miles from thence. GOD was with us. After Sermon, I went in Company with many Friends to Gloucester, where I preached at 7 in the Evening to a larger and more affected Congregation than ever, Blessed be GOD, the Word has free Course. Oh! that it may …un and be glorified through all the Earth.
Gloucester, Randwick & Hampton common.
Sunday, July 1. Preached at 7 in the Morning to a much increased Audience in my Brother's Field. Breakfasted at Gloucester, and preached at 11 in the Morning, read Prayers in the Afternoon, and preached again in the Afternoon at Randwick Church, about 7 Miles from Gloucester. The Church was quite full, about 2000 were in the Churchyard, who, by taking down the Window that lay behind the Pulpit, had the Conveniency of Hearing. Many wept sorely.
After Evening Service I hasten'd to Hampton-Common, and to my great Surprize, sound no less than 20000 on Horseback and Foot ready to hear me. New Strength was imparted to me from abo…e. I spoke with greater Freedom than I had done all the Day before. About … at Night I reached Gloucester much … than when I left it in the Morning. Surely JESUS CHRIST i… a gracious Master. They that wait upon him shall renew their Strength.
Monday, July 2. Preached this Morning in my Brother's Field, to a larger Audience than ever. Found my Spirits much exhausted by Yesterday's Labours, but notwithstanding a …we… …ower was amongst us. After Dinner I went to T…ekesbury, where I found much Opposition had been made by the Bailiff against my coming. Upon my Entrance into the Town, I found the People much alarmed, and as soon as I was got into the Inn, four Constables came to attend me: But a Lawyer being there who was my Friend, he demanded the Constable's Warrant, who being not able to produce one, he sent them about their Business. At eight o'Clock I went into a Field lent me by one Mr. H—ds, which lay without the Liberties of the Town. My Audience consisted of 2 or 3000 People. I spoke with Freedom, and most, as I afterwards heard, went satisfied and affected away. The Remainder of the Evening I spent most agreeably with many Christian Friends who accompanied me on my Journey. I perceived a fresh supply of Spirits to be given me from above, and rejoiced that GOD leads me on from conquering to conquer.
Tweksbury and Evesham.
Tuesday, July 3. Waited this Morning upon Mr. J—s, one of the Town-Bailiffs, and asked him▪ Meekness, For what Reason he sent the Constables after me? He said, It was the Determination not of himself, but of all the Council. He then said, The People were noisy, and reflected upon the Bailiffs. I answered, that was owing to their sending the Constables with their Staves to apprehend me, when I should come into Town. Upon this he began to be a little angry, and told me, A certain Judge said, he would take me up as a Vagrant, was I to preach near him. I answered, he was very welcome to do as he pleased. But I apprehended no Magistrate had Power to stop my Preaching, even in the Streets, if I thought proper. No, Sir, says he, if you preach here Tomorrow, you shall have the Constables to attend you.—After this I took my Leave, telling him, I thought it my Duty as a Minister to inform him, that Magistrates were intended to be a Terror to evil Doers, and not to those who do well. And I desired, he would be as careful to appoint Constables to attend at the next Horse Race, Balls and Assemblies, &c.
About nine in the Morning we left Tweksbury, and reached Evesham about Noon.—The poor People were much alarmed, hearing I had been abused at Tweksbury. And the Magistrates of Evesham had threatned to apprehend me if I preached within their Liberties. Upon this, Mr. Benjamin Seward thought it adviseable to preach near his House, which I did from a Wall to near 1000 Hearers, and, I believe, to good Effect.—At my Return to the Inn, I could not but observe to my Friends how gradually the Opposition increased. At present, it seems to be like the Cloud which Elijah's Servant saw; no bigger than a Man's Hand; but, by and by, it will gather apace, and break upon the Church of GOD. But the GOD whom we serve is able to deliver us.
About 8 at Night I preached again from the same Place; but had the Satisfaction of seeing my Morning Congregation trebly increased: After this I went to a Friend's House to eat Bread; and came to my Inn, wishing that all felt the Love of GOD shed abroad in their Hearts, as I did then.
Evesham, Pershore, Tweksbury and Gloucester.
Wednesday, July 4. Preached by 7 in the Morning at Evesham and perceived the People's Hearts most nearly knit to me—Breakfasted at an Hospitable Quaker's House, and went in Company with about 30 to Pershore, where I was kindly invited by Mr. Parks, the present Incumbent.—He gave me the Meeting as I was going to the Church—I read Prayers, and preached with Power. Several Clergymen were present, and after Sermon Mr▪ Parks sent me his Thanks, and gave me another Invitation to Pershore. The Inhabitants were much affected, and I was receiv'd gladly into some of their Houses, and requested to come to Others. About five in the Evening I took an affectionate Leave of Evesham. Friends, and in Company with about 120 on Horseback went to Tweksbury, and never saw a Town so much alarmed. The Streets were crowded with People from all Parts. I rode immediately thro' the Town, preached to about 6000 Hearers in a Field lent us by Mr. P—, but saw no Constables that came either to molest or attend on me. My hour is not yet come—By and by it will be given me, not only to believe on, but to suffer for CHRIST's Name sake. LORD grant▪ I may not deny him in any wise.
Immediately after Sermon I took Horse, and reached Gloucester near Midnight. The Weather was very pleasant. GOD was pleased to refresh me with fresh Communications from himself, and we went on our Way rejoicing in the LORD, who still causes us to triumph in every Place. Oh! forever adored be his free Grace in CHRIST!
Gloucester and Chefford.
Thursday, July 5, Preached about 10 in the Morning, as usual, to a numerous and exceedingly affected Audience. My own Heart was full of Love to my dear Countrymen, and they sincerely sympathised with me. Many Friends after this came to take Leave of me, and told me what GOD had done for their Souls.—Having wrote my Journal, and dispatched my private Business, after joining in Prayer, and singing with many, I left Gloucester. About 5 in the Evening I reached Chefford Common, at 7 preached till it was near dark to upwards of of 10000 People. A glorious Encrease since I was there last. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who delighteth in the Prosperity of his Servant.