Continuation of Journal During the Time Detained in England by the Embargo, Journal entry 52 – Journal entry 60
New-Castle and Christian-Bridge.
Saturday, December 1. Reached New-Castle▪ seven Miles from Wilmington, by Ten in the Morning; was met on the Way by Mr. Ross, the Minister of the Place, and was kindly entertained by Mr. G—, one of the principal Inhabitants, who sent to invite me and my Friends yesterday. Preached to about 2000 People from a Balcony about 1 a Clock, but did not speak with so much Freedom and Power as usual, by reason GOD was pleased to humble my Soul by inward Visitations and Bodily Indispositions. Lay on the Bed after Sermon, which refreshed me much. Rode to, and preached at Christian-Bridge, near five Miles off, to about the same Number as was at New-Castle.—I believe 200 Horse came on the Road with us.—I had some edifying Discourse with some Children of GOD, as we came on the Way: And a great Power from GOD descended on me and the Congregation, at the latter Part of the Sermon. I always observe inward Trials prepare me for, and are the certain Fore-runners of fresh Mercies. Oh what a gracious Melting of Souls was there! Enough to convince, one would imagine, the greatest Infidels. Oh with what Earnestness did People beseech me to visit other Places! Surely Herbert's Prophecy is now fulfilling.
Religion stands a Tip-toe on our Land,
Ready to pass to the American Strand.
Sunday, December 2. Returned last Night after Sermon to New-Castle, that I might once more see my dear Family, who came thither in the Sloop just after I had left it. Lay at the House of Mr. G—n; and this Morning went on board; prayed, sung Psalms, gave a Word of Exhortation, and rejoiced much to see all Things in such excellent Order. My dear Friend, the Captain, told me how kind the People of Philadelphia had been to my Family after my Departure; one brought them Butter, another Beer, Sweetmeats, &c. and the Collector would not take his Perquisite for Clearing the Sloop.—The two Children the People were particularly fond of, and gave them so many Things, that I was obliged to desire them to hold their Hands. Oh how plentiful are those Mercies which GOD has laid up for them that fear him, even before the Sons of Men! About Ten we came to Christian Bridge again, where we left some of our Friends last Night. Here we took a little Refreshment, and by Twelve reached Whitec…ry-Creek, the place appointed for my Preaching. The Weather was very rainy; but upwards of 8,000 People were assembled together to hear the Word. It surprized …e to see such a Number of Horses; I believe there were several Thousands of them. I preached from a Tent erected for me by Order of Mr. Charles Tennent, whose Meeting-House lay near the place where I preached. I continued in my first Discourse for an Hour and half: Afterwards we went into a Log House near adjoining; and having taken a Morsel of Bread, and warmed ourselves, I preached a second Time from the same Place. My Body, I perceived, was a little weak; but GOD magnified his Strength, and caused his Power to be known in the Congregation; many Souls were melted down. And here I had the Pleasure of meeting with one Mr. Galaspey, mother faithful Minister of JESUS CHRIST, of he Dissenting Interest. He, as well as Mr. Tennent, was very solicitous for my going to his House; but being pre-engaged, I rode three Miles, and was kindly and hospitably entertain'd at one Mr. H—'s, who came with his Family some Years ago from Cardi… in … ▪—One in the House had heard me preach in Kingswood; and every Thing was carried on with so much Freedom and Love, that I rejoiced much that GOD had sent us hither. I staid up as long as I could; but finding my Body weak, from the Posture in which I stood to preach, about 10 a Clock, after Family Prayer, I went to Bed, thoroughly weary, but full of that Peace which the World cannot give, but which I wish the whole World were Partakers of.
MARYLAND. North-East.
Monday, December 3. Parted with some more Friends who accompanied me from New-Castle. Eat our Bread with Gladness and Singleness of Heart. Came to North-East in Marlyand, where I appointed to preach to Day.—Little Notice having been given, there were not above 1500 People; but GOD was with us, and I observed many were deeply affected. Several repeated Invitations were sent me to preach at other Places. Immediately after Sermon, we set forwards, and crossed S…ehannah Ferry, about a Mile bre…d, and were received at a Gentleman's House that lay in the Way. Though we were Eight in Company, yet all Things were carried on with great Freedom and Generosity: And I hope GOD sent us providentially thither; for the Gentleman told us, he had been a little melancholy, and had therefore sent for some Friends to drive it away.—The Bottle and the Bowl, I found, were the Means that were to be made use of; but, blessed be GOD, the Design was, in some good Measure, prevented by our coming in. Another Turn was soon given to their Conversation: I endeavoured to talk of GOD as much as I could.—Most join'd in Family Prayer.—I went to Bed, pitying the miserable Condition of those who live a Life of Luxury and Lust, and are led Captive by the Devil at …his Will: They are afraid to look into themselves; and if their Consciences are at at any Time awaken'd, they must be lulled asleep again by Drinking and evil Company. None but a sincere Christian can with Pleasure practise the Duty of Self-Examination. LORD, grant I may always so live, as to keep a Conscience void of Offence both towards Thee and towards Men; then I shall never be less alone, than when alone; Thou Father of Mercies▪ and GOD of all Consolations, will be every where with me!
JOPPA.
Tuesday, December 4. Set out about eight in the Morning, and took Leave of two more dear Friends, who parted from us with weeping Eyes. Baited at Joppa, a little Town about fifteen Miles off the Place where we lay; and gave a Word of Exhortation to about 40 People in the Church. Oh that the Holy Ghost may fall on them that heard the Word, in as real, tho' not in so extraordinary a Manner, as it did on Cornelius, and his Houshold! But Maryland, as far as I can hear, seems to be a Place as yet unwater'd with the true Gospel of CHRIST; and … likelihood of doing much good in it, unless one could abide in it for some time. They have … …hy Town worth mentioning, because, almost every Planter has a Landing Place, from which he exports his Tobacco from his own House, which generally lies very near the River: By this means, the People are much dispersed, and consequently cannot be gather'd together, without much previous Notice, which, notwithstanding, is difficult to be given, because there are many large Ferris between Place and Place, and no News-Papers, as I hear of, amongst them. However, I trust, the Time will come, when GOD will visit these dark Corners of the Earth. I long to see the New Heavens and New Earth, wherein dwell…th Righteousness.
Newtown and Annapolis.
Wednesday, December 5. Lay last Night at Newtown, fifteen Miles from Joppa. Eat of what was set before us. Joined in Family Prayer; and, a… often a… I found Opportunity, put in a Word …or GOD.—In the Morning we sung and prayed. … …, we Baited at a House lying about … Miles off; and by four in the Afternoon reached Annapolis, a little Town, but the Metropolis of Maryland. The House we lodged at was very commodious, considering it was in Maryland; but the People of it seem'd surprized, when we talked …o them of …OD and of CHRIST; notwithstanding▪ both they, and the other Strangers, attended very orderly at Family Prayers; and I endeavour'd to recommend them, as far as I was enabled, to the Mercy of our gracious and good GOD▪ Oh that I may prevail in their Behalf! It grieves me to my Soul to see poor Sinners hanging as it were by a single Hair, and dancing (insensible of their Danger) over the Flames of Hell. Oh that GOD may make me instrumental of plucking them as Fire-Brands out of the Fire! For here is the Misery of fallen Man; he is miserable, poor, and blind, and naked, and yet knows it not. LORD JESUS, send forth, we beseech thee, thy Light, and lighten our Darkness, for thy Mercies sake!
ANNAPOLIS.
Thursday, December 6. Had a providential Opportunity of writing some Letters last Night and this Morning to England. Waited on Governor Ogle, and was received with Civility. Went to pay my Respects to Mr. Sterling, the Minister of the Parish, who happened not to be within; but whilst we were at Dinner, he came, and with the greatest Civility offered me his Pulpit, his House, or any Thing he could supply me with. About sour he came and introduced me and my Friends to a Gentleman's House, where we had some useful Conversation: Our Discourse ran chiefly on the New-Birth, and the Folly and Sinfulness of those Amusements, whereby the polite Part of the World are so fatally diverted from the Pursuit after the One Thing needful. Some in Company, I believe, thought me too strict, and were very strenuous in defence of what they call innocent Diversions; but when I told them every Thing was sinful, which was not done with a single Eye to GOD's Glory; and that such Entertainments not only discover'd a Levity of Mind, but were contrary to the whole Tenour of the Gospel; by this they seemed somewhat convinced, at least it set them upon Doubting: And I pray GOD they may doubt more; for Cards, Dancing, and such like, draw the Soul from GOD, and lull it asleep, as much as Drunkenness and Debauchery. And had a Minister the Authority of an Apostle, he could not imploy it better, than in exclaiming against the Entertainments of the polite Part of the World. For Ladies are as much wedded to Quadrille and Ombre, as Gentlemen are to their Bottle, and their Hounds: Self-pleasing, self-seeking, is the ruling Principle in both; and therefore, such Things are to be spoken against, not only as so many trifling Amusements, but as Things that shew that the whole Heart is alienated from the Life of GOD. For if I may speak by my own, as well as others Experience, as soon as ever the Soul is born of GOD, it cannot away with any such Thing: Nothing but what leads towards GOD, can then delight it. And therefore, when in Company, I love to lay the Ax to the Root of the Tree; shew the Necessity of a thorough Change of Heart, and then all Things fall to the Ground at once. My … Charles Wesley, excellently describes the Misery of a Lady of Pleasure.
I TIMOTHY chap. V. ver. 6. She that liveth in Pleasure, is Dead while she liveth.
How hapless is th' applauded Virgin's lot,
Her GOD forgetting; by her GOD forgot!
Stranger to Truth, unknowing to obey:
In Error nurs'd, and disciplin'd to stray:
Swol'n with Self-will, & principled with Pride:
Sense all …e, Good, and Passion all her Guide:
Pleasure its Tide, and Flattery lends its Breath,
And smoothly waft her to eternal Death.
A Goddess here she seems; her Vot'ries meet,
Croud at her Shrine, and tremble at her Feet;
She hears their Vows; believes their Life & Death
Hangs on the Wrath and Mercy of her Breath:
Supream in fancy'd State, she reigns her Hour,
And glories in her Plenitude of Power:
Herself, the only Object worth her Care,
Since all the kneeling World was made for her.
For her, Creation all its Stores displays,
The Silk Worm's Labour, and the Diamond's blaze;
Air, Earth and Sea conspire to tempt her Taste;
And ransack'd Nature furnishes the Feast.
Life's gaudiest Pride attracts her willing Eyes,
And Balls, and Theatres, and Courts arise:
Italian Songsters pant her Ear to please;
Bid the first Cries of infant Reason cease,
Save her from Thought, & lull her Soul to Peace.
Deep sunk in Sense, th' imprison'd Soul remains,
Nor knows its Fall from GOD, nor feels its Chains;
Unconscious still, sleeps on in Error's Night,
Nor strives to rise, nor struggles into Light:
Heav'n-born in vain, degen'rate cleaves to Earth:
(No Pangs experienc'd of the second Birth.)
She only fall'n, yet unawaken'd found,
While all the enthrall'd Creation groans around.
Friday, December 7. Observed two Persons came in with the Family to Prayer last Night; and a visible Alteration was made in the Behaviour of the People of the House. Preach'd in the Morning and Evening to small, but polite Auditories. The Governor put by his Court to come to Morning Sermon; and at Noon, upon an Invitation sent last Night to me and my Friends, we din'd with him; he treated us very humanly: And in the Evening two of the Head Inhabitants favour'd me with a Visit. The Minister seem'd somewhat affected, and under Convictions: But I fear a false Politeness, and the Pomp and Vanities of the World, eat out the Vitals of Religion in this Place. I bless GOD, I did not spare to tell my Hearers of it in my Discourses; and the Minister told me they took it kindly. At Night four Persons came to join in Family Prayer; to whom I gave a warm Exhortation, for GOD was pleased to enlarge and shed abroad his Love in my Heart. Oh that GOD may open the Heart of some Lydia! Here are few Inhabitants, but GOD, I hope, will sh…w that he hath some chosen Ones out of this People.
Upper-Marlborough.
Saturday, December 8. Had more come last Night to Family Prayers. Left Annapolis this Morning. Baited at Upper-Marlborough, about 15 Miles distant; and intended to go further▪ but being desired by some Gentlemen, to stay and preach on the Morrow, I was prevailed upon, and spent the Remainder of the Day in sweet Conversation with my Friends; in Writing Letters to some under Convictions at Philadelphia, and at Supper with a Gentleman who kindly entertained both me and my dear Fellow-Travellers.—Our Talk ran upon the Fall o… Man; but I fear Deism has spread much in these Parts. I cannot say, I have yet met with above one who seems truly to have the Fear of GOD before his Eyes. Satan does here particularly reign in the Children of Disobedience. Dearest Redeemer, once more lead Captivity captive, and send thy Holy Spirit amongst the Men of these Parts! And as thou didst drive the Devils out of the Country of the Gadareens, drive them out of this also, for thy Mercies sake! Amen, Amen.
Upper-Marlborough and Port-Tobacco.
Sunday, December 9. Preached at Upper-Marlborough, to a small, polite and seemingly very curious Audience. Din'd with the Gentleman with whom we supped. Parted with a dear Friend who came from Philadelphia. Took Horse, there being no Sermon in the Afternoon, and went a Sabbath-Day's Journey, as far as Piscataway, where we were kindly entertained, and filled with Joy. Wrote some Letters to our English Friends. Conversed to the Use of Ed…ying, and felt an uncommon Freedom and Sweetness in each others Spirits.—Well … LORD say, the Kingdom of GOD is wit▪ for they who are truly born again of carry Heaven in their Hearts.
Piscataway, Tobacco and Potom…
Monday, December 10. Was sweetly … with the Rest GOD gave us. Wrote▪ a Letter to England. Baited at Port Tobac… reached Potomack by three in the After Potomack is a River which parts the t… vinces, Maryland and Virginia: It is six broad. We attempted to go over it; … we had rowed about a Mile, the Wind … violent, and Night was coming on so fast we were obliged to go back and lie▪ Person's House who kept the Ferry, wher… brought out such Things as they had. GOD was pleased to humble my Soul by … Trials.—I retir'd as soon as possible, and be my Wretchedness before Him that is of Eyes than to behold Iniquity. Afterward Heart was more at Ease: And GOD she… the Benefit of Returning back; for the was very boisterous, and the Night snowy that without a Miracle, which in such a we had no Right to expect, both we and Horses must have been lost. LORD, gran… may always keep between the two Extrea… Distrusting or Tempting Thee!