Continuation of Journal During the Time Detained in England by the Embargo, Journal entry 70
CHARLES-TOWN.
Saturday, January 5. Left our Lodgings before Day-Light, and reached Charles-Town, after we had passed over a three Mile Ferry, about ten in the Morning. Went to the House of one Mr. L—re, where we dined, and were entertain'd with great Civility. In the Afternoon, several Gentlemen of the Town were so kind as to come and see me, and express'd a great Willingness to hear me preach. Letters and Papers were also brought me from New-York, informing me how mightily the Word of GOD grew and prevailed there. The Accounts in the English Papers of the War being daily carried on there, betwixt CHRIST and Belial, afforded us fresh Matter for Praising that GOD, who, we hoped, would in his Kingdom of Grace bring mighty Things to pass; while the World was buried in Wars and Rumours of Wars.—In the Evening I wrote some Letters to my English and New-York Friends.—Felt such Comfort within myself as the World cannot give, and verified what the Psalmist says, They shall be in perfect Peace, whose Minds are staid on thee. Oh that all were Partakers of it!
Sunday, January 6. Went to publick Service in the Morning; but did not preach, because the Curate had not a Commission to lend me the Pulpit, unless Mr. G—n, then out of Town, had been present: However, most of the Town being very eager to hear me, in the Afternoon I preached in one of the Dissenting Meeting-Houses: But was grieved to find so little Concern in the Congregation after the Sermon was over. The Auditory was large, but very polite: And I question, whether the Court-End of the Town at London, could equal or exceed them in affected Finery and Gaiety of Dress: A Deportment ill becoming Persons who have had such Divine Judgments lately sent abroad amongst them: I reminded them of it in my Sermon; but I thought at first, I seem'd to them as one that mocked: This made me more importunate in secret Prayer; and I hoped GOD would let me see that he intended to Visit the Inhabitants with Mercy, as well as Judgment. For nothing is a greater sign of People's being harden'd, than their continuing unreformed under divine Visitations. Thus it was with Pharoah and the Egyptians. LORD, for thy Mercies sake, let it not be the case of this People. Amen, LORD JESUS, Amen.
Monday, January 7. Finding the Inhabitants were desirous to hear me a second Time, about eleven in the Morning I preached in the French Church; and blessed be GOD, saw a glorious Alteration in the Audience; which was so great that many stood without the Door. And I felt much more Freedom in myself, than I did yesterday. Many were melted into Tears; and one of the Town, the most remarkably gay, was observed to weep. And instead of the People's going out, as they did yesterday, in a light, airy, unthinking Manner, a visible Concern was in most of their Faces, as tho' they could not resist the Power, with which GOD enabled me to speak. Not unto me, O LORD, not unto me, but unto thy Name alone, …e all the Glory. After Sermon, I and my Friends, din'd at a Merchant's in Town: And as I was passing along, a Letter was put into my Hands, wherein were these Words▪ Remember me in your Prayers, for CHRIST'S sake, who died for me a Sinner. I appeal to you for Help in the way to Salvation. Pray fail me not: And I beseech you, to pray for my Soul. And the LORD bless you; and grant you may win many Souls to GOD by your sincere Preaching.—Many also of the Inhabitants, with full Hearts, entreated me to give them one more Sermon: Which I looked upon as a Call from Provid…nce; and therefore, tho' I was equipped for Departure, and just about to take Boat, yet I thought it my Duty to comply with the People's Request, and to put off my Journey 'til the Morrow.—Notice was immediately given, and in about half an Hour a large Congregation was assembled in the Meeting-House, where I preached yesterday, because it was the largest Place. GOD strengthened me to speak, I trust, as I ought to speak. In the Evening, I supped at another Merchant's House: where I had an Opportunity, for near t…ollours, to converse of the Things of GOD, to a large Company. And afterwards retired to my Lodgings, full of Joy, at the Prospect of having a good Work begun in this Place. It grieves me to see People humane, hospitable, willing to oblige, and every way polite; yet ignorant of the one Thing needful. LORD, send forth thy Servants. Let there be a Cry made, Behold, the Bridegroom cometh! and incline all formal Professors, all polite and foolish Virgins, to trim their Lamps, that they may be ready to go forth to meet Thee!