Continuation of Journal from Arrival at Georgia to Return from Pennsylvania, Journal

Continuation of Journal from Arrival at Georgia to Return from Pennsylvania · Journal

A CONTINUATION Of the Reverend Mr. Whitefield's JOURNAL FROM A few Days after his Arrival at GEORGIA, TO His ſecond Return thither from PENNSYLVANIA.

PHILADELPHIA: Printed and Sold by B. FRANKLIN, in Market-Street. 1740.

p. 3A CONTINUATION OF Mr. Whitefield's JOURNAL, &c.

SAVANNAH. Friday, January 11. 1739, 40.

WENT this Morning with ſome Friends, to view a Tract of Land conſiſting of 500 Acres, which Mr. H—m, whom I left School-Maſter of Savannah, was directed, I hope by Providence, to make Choice of for the Orphan-Houſe. It is ſituated on the northern Part of the Colony, about 10 Miles off Savannah, and has various Kinds of Soil in it, a great Part of it very good. Some Acres, thro' the Diligence of my Friend, are cleared. He has alſo ſtocked it with p. 4Cattle and Poultry. He has began th… Fence, built a Hut; all which, will grea… ly forward the Work.—I chooſe to hav… it ſo far off the Town, becauſe the Children will then be more free from bad Examples, and can more conveniently go upon their Lands to work: For it is my Deſign to have all the Children taught to labour ſo as to be qualified to get th… own Living. LORD, do thou teach an… excite them to labour alſo for that Mea… which endureth to Everlaſting Life.

Thurſday, Jan. 24. Went this Morning and took Poſſeſſion of my Lot. I hop… it is caſt in a fair Ground; and GOD in anſwer to our Prayers, will ſhew th… he hath given us a goodly Heritage▪ … called it BETHESDA, i. e. The Houſe Mercy—For I hope many Acts of Men will be ſhewn there; and that many w… thereby be ſtirred up to praiſe the LORD as a GOD whoſe Mercy endureth forever ▪

Tueſday, Jan. 29. Took in Th… German Orphans, the moſt pitiable O… jects, I think, that I ever yet ſaw. Th… Bodies were exceeding naſty, and two their Heads eat raw with Lice. No n… Negroes could poſſibly look more deſpi… bly, or require more Pains to inſtr… them. They have been uſed to exce… ing hard Labour, and tho' ſupplied … p. 5Proviſion from the Truſtees, yet treated in a Manner unbecoming even Heathens. Was all the Money I have collected, to be ſpent in freeing theſe Three Children from Slavery, it would be well laid out. I have alſo in my Houſe near Twenty more, who, in all Probability, if not taken in, would be as Ignorant of GOD and CHRIST, comparatively ſpeaking, as the Indians. Bleſſed be GOD, they begin to live in Order..

This Day I began the Cotton Manufactury; and agreed with a Woman to teach the litle Ones to ſpin and card. I find annual Cotton grows indifferently well in Georgia: And, to encourage the People, I this Day bought 305 lb. and have agreed to take all the Cotton, Hemp and Flax that ſhall be planted the following Year, through the whole Province. I ſee more and more the Excellency of the Charity in which I am engaged. I truſt it will make Savannah lift up her drooping Head. Tho' there are fewer Inhabitants, yet, I think the People are in a better Situation than when I was here laſt. They now live independant on a Publick Store, Proviſions (Flour eſpecially) are much cheaper; Cattle more plentiful; and by the Divine Bleſſing, if any Manufacture can be raiſed amongſt themſelves, p. 6to prevent their exporting ſo much Money, they may yet do well. I bleſs GOD! My Congregations are as large as uſual. The Court-Houſe is generally full, and I keep as near as may be to my old Way of Proceeding. We have the Sacrament every Sunday, and publick Prayer and Expoſition twice every Day in the Week. The LORD bleſs my Coming, and grant the Inhabitants may know the Things which belong to their Peace, before they are eternally hid from their Eyes!

Wednesday, January 30. Went to Day with the Carpenter and Surveyor, and laid out the Ground whereon the Orphan-Houſe is to be built. It is to be ſixty feet long, and forty wide: A Yard and Garden before and behind: The Foundation is to be Brick, and is to be ſunk four Feet within, and raiſed three Feet above the Ground, which is intended for a Cellar and other convenient Places. The Houſe is to be two Story, with a Hip-Roof, the Firſt ten the Second nine Foot high. In all there will be near twenty commodious Rooms. Behind are two ſmall Houſes, the one for an Infirmary, the other for a Charity-School for the poor Children of the Town that are not Orphans; for I intend to take in ſome of them, as my Stock will admit. There is alſo to be a Still-Houſe p. 7built for the Apothecary. — And I truſt, 'ere my return to England, I ſhall ſee my Children and Family quite ſettled in it. I find it will be an expenſive Work: But it is for the LORD CHRIST; He will take care to defray all Charges.— The Money that will be ſpent on this Occaſion, will keep many Families from leaving the Colony; and in all Probability bring many others over.— There are near thirty working at the Plantation already, and I would employ as many more, if they could be got.— Whatſoever is done for GOD ought to be done ſpeedily, as well as with all our Might.

Monday, Feb, 4. Met according to Appointment with all the Magiſtrates, and former Truſtee of the Orphans, who heard the Recorder read over the Grant given me by the Truſtees, and took a Minute of their Approbation of the ſame, LORD grant I may carefully watch over every Soul that is, or ſhall be committed to my Charge!

Monday, Feb. 11. Had much of the Divine Preſence yeſterday, both at Morning and Evening Service. Took in four freſh Orphans; and ſat out with two Friends to Frederica, in order to pay my Reſpects to the General, and to fetch the Orphans that were in the Southern Part of the Colony, LORD preſerve my going p. 8out and coming in, from this Time forth forever more!

PROVIDENCE, 14 Miles from Savannah.

Tueſday, Feb. 12, Lay here laſt Night at a Planter's Houſe, expecting to meet the Scout Boat this Morning; but finding it did not come at the Time appointed, I and my Friends went to Betheſda, and, I hope, ſpent the Day to GOD's Glory, and our own good. At Night we returned to Providence. About eight o'Clock, the Scout Boat came; but it being late, we choſe to defer going till the next Morning: In the mean while GOD was pleaſed to give us refreſhing Sleep, and to fill my Soul (after it had been much caſt down) with unſpeakable Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghoſt. Oh that I was careful always to behave ſo as not to provoke that bleſſed Gueſt to depart from me! But I find that I have yet a Body of Sin and Death. Thanks be to GOD! yet a little while, and I hope to have a compleat Victory thro' our LORD JESUS CHRIST!

DARIEN near Frederica.

Friday, Feb. 14. Lay on the Water two Nights, and reach'd the Scotch Settlement at Darien to Day at Noon. Was kindly received by Mr. Mc'L…od, the Miniſter p. 9and thoſe of his Houſe. Engaged to take four Orphans, which were in his Flock: And about ſeven in the Evening, after ſome edifying Converſation, and friendly Offices of Love, I took Boat for Frederica; where we arrived about two in Morning; and having warmed and re-freſhed ourſelves, retired to Bed, bleſſing GOD for the bodily and ſpiritual Comforts which He from time to time imparted to us. Oh that my Eyes were open to ſee the Length, and Breadth, and Heighth of the loving Kindneſſes of the LORD! I can only adore it: Comprehend it I cannot: It is paſt my finding out.

FREDERICA.

Saturday, Feb. 16. Waited upon, and was courteouſly received by the General, with whom I and my Friends breakfaſted, and dined, and ſpent moſt part of the Day: At Night GOD was pleaſed to viſit me with a Fever; which obliged me to go to Bed ſooner than uſual: My Mind was alſo exerciſed with inward Trials; but in a few Hours both were ſomewhat abated; and the Remainder of the Night I was bleſſed with ſweet Repoſe. Forever adored be the Keeper of Iſrael, who neither ſlumbereth nor ſleepeth!

p. 10'Tis he ſuſtains my feeble Pow'rs

With His almighty Arms:

He watches my unguarded Hours,

Againſt invading Harms.

No ſcorching Sun, nor ſickly Moon,

Have leave from him ſmite:

He ſhields my Head from burning Now;

From blaſting Damps at Night.

He guards my Soul, he keeps my Breath

When thickeſt Dangers come:

Still I'll go on, ſecure from Death,

'Till he commands me Home.

Sunday, Feb. 17. Found my ſelf better in Body, tho' ſomewhat weak. Preached in the Morning, in a Room belonging to the Store-Houſe. GOD was pleaſed to give me much Freedom, and the People ſeem'd very attentive—Dined with the General. Intended to go to St. Simons to the Soldiery; but it being too late to go there and preach, I thought it adviſeable to preach a ſecond Time at Frederica. The General, Soldiers and People attended very orderly. After Sermon, I married a Couple, baptized a Child, and ſpent the Remainder of the Evening with my two Friends. Oh what a happy Thing is it for Brethren to dwell together in Unity!

Monday, Feb., 8. Roſe this Morning by one o'Clock. Took Boat in order to p. 11go to St. Andrew's: But the Rudder breaking, we were obliged to return back, and deſiſt from our intended Journey.—Went to Bed, and ſlept for a few Hours. Spent a good Part of the Day with the General: Received from him a Bill of Exchange for One Hundred and Fifty Pounds, which he has advanced me in order to begin a Church at Savannah.—About ſeven o'Clock sat off for the Darien, whither I promiſed to return to take Mr. Mc' Leod, and the Orphans, with me to Savannah.—The Paſſage to that Place is generally about four Hours; but the Wind being high and contrary, we were obliged to come to a Grapling near an open Reach, and did not get to Darien till the next Day at Noon. Mr. Mc'Leod, and his Friends, received us with Joy; and finding me ill, adviſed me to lie down, by which I was much refreſhed, and was thereby enabled at Night to give GOD Thanks in Family Prayer. Oh who can expreſs the loving Kindneſs of the LORD, or ſhew forth all his Praiſe!

DARIEN.

Wedneſday, Feb. 20. Preached about ten in the Morning to Mr. Mc' Leod's Congregation, who ſeemed rejoiced at what GOD enabled me to deliver at that time.—About two o'Clock took Boat for p. 12Savannah—But after we had …wed about 12 Miles, the Wind grew ſo rough, and the Water beat ſo faſt into our Boat (which was but ſmall, and very heavy …den) that we were obliged to put in at a Place called Doboy-Iſland, where we ſat very comfortably round a large Fire, and praiſed the LORD with joyful Lips, for providing ſuch a Place for our Safety. Oh GOD, thou, and thou only, art our Refuge againſt every Storm! O be thou my Guide, even unto Death!

Doboy-Iſland, and Darien.

Friday, Feb. 22. Continued all Day yeſterday, to my abundant Satisfaction and ſpiritual Advantage, on Doboy-Iſland; and finding the Wind ſtill continue high and contrary, we thought it beſt to return back to Darien, where we arrived this Day at Noon. The People were much pleaſed at our Return: And tho' I wanted to ſee my dear Family at Savannah, yet I felt ſuch a peculiar Satisfaction within myſelf, as gave me Hopes GOD intended ſome good for the Scotch People at Darien. Oh that they may have ſome ſpiritual Gift imparted to their Souls!

Sunday, Feb. 24. Preached once yeſterday, and twice to Day; prayed with a ſick Perſon; ſpent ſome Hours in converſing p. 13with a well-diſpoſed Family.— Was enabled to ſee more of the Vileneſs of my Heart and Nature; felt GOD's Spirit ſtriving with my Spirit; and upon many Accounts, both bodily and ſpiritual, had reaſon to bleſs GOD for bringing me to and detaining me at Darien. I have reaſon to ſay, 'tis good for me that I have been here: Retirement is a ſweet Means to keep up and quicken the Divine Life. LORD grant I may never be afraid to converſe with myſelf and thee!

SAVANNAH.

Thurſday, Feb. 28. Preached on Monday, and ſettled a School, both for grown Perſons and Children, on Tueſday, at the Darien, to the great Satisfaction of the Inhabitants. Set out with my Friends and Four Orphans about Six in the Evening: Had pleaſant Weather, lay Two Nights in the Woods, and reach'd Betheſda about Noon. Was pleaſed with the Improvements that had been made in my Abſence. Was refreſhed with ſome comfortable Chriſtian Letters, that I received from New-York. Took Horſe and came Home to my dear Family at Savannah, who received me with Abundance of Love and Joy. The People alſo of the Pariſh, I found were rejoiced at my Coming. p. 14They flocked to, and ſeem'd ver… attentive at publick Worſhip. GOD alſo was pleaſed to grant me ſome peculia… Vouchſa…ements of his bleſſed Preſence i… my Soul, and I was comforted on ever Side. LORD prepare me for an Hour … Temptation! Amen, LORD JESUS, A… men and Amen.

Thurſday, March 13. Buried this Evening, one of the Women that came ove… with me, who, I truſt, died in the LORD The Orphans ſung before the Corps, fro… our Houſe to the Court-Houſe. There preached; and after that, I gave anothe… Word of Exhortation at the Grave. M… Soul was much affected with the Awfulneſs of the Solemnity. The Word cam… with Power. I pray GOD it may ma… ſuch a deep Impreſſion upon all our Heart, that we may be ſo wiſe as practically to conſider our latter Eend.

CHARLES-TOWN.

Friday, March 14. Arrived this la… Night at Charleſtown, being called the… to ſee my Brother, who lately came fro… England, and brought me a Packet … Letters from my dear Friends. Bleſſe… be GOD, his Work goes on among them! Waited on the Commiſſary, wit… my Brother and other Companions, bu… p. 15met with a cool Reception. After I had been there a little while, I told him, That I was inform'd, he had ſome Queſtions to propoſe to me, and that I was now come to give him all the Satisfaction I could in anſwering them. Upon this I immediately perceived Paſſion begin to ariſe in his Heart,— Yes Sir, ſays he, I have ſeveral Queſtions to put to you, but, added he, you are got above us, or ſomething to that Purpoſe. Then he charged me with Enthuſiaſm and Pride, for ſpeaking againſt the Generality of the Clergy, and deſired I would make my Charge good. I told him, I thought I had already; but, as yet, I had ſcarce begun with them. He then aſked me, Wherein were the Clergy ſo much to blame? I anſwered, they did not preach up Juſtification by Faith alone: And, upon talking with the Commiſſary, I found he was as ignorant of it as any of the reſt. He then ſneered me, with telling me of my Modeſty, expreſſed in my Letter to the Biſhop of Glouceſter. He charged me with breaking the Canons and my Ordination Vow: And notwithſtanding I told him I was ordained by Letters Dimiſſory from the Biſhop of London; yet in a great Rage he told me, if I preached in any publick Church in that Province, he would ſuſpend p. 16me. I replied, I ſhall regard that as much as I would a Pope's Bull. But, Sir, ſays I, why ſhould you be offended at my ſpeaking againſt the Generality of the Clergy, for I always ſpoke worthily of you?—I might as well be offended, added my Brother, at your ſaying, the Generality of People were notorious Sinners, and might come to accuſe you, for ſpeaking Evil of me, becauſe I was one of the People. I further added, Sir, you did not behave thus, when I was with you laſt. No, ſays he, you did not ſpeak againſt the Clergy; or ſome ſuch Thing. Becauſe, replied I, more Light has been given me ſince that time: But if you will make an Application to yourſelf, be pleaſed, Sir, to let me aſk you one Queſtion. Have you delivered your Soul, by exclaiming againſt the Aſſemblies and Balls here? What, Sir, ſays he, muſt you come to catechiſe me? No, ſays he, I have not exclaim'd againſt them; I think there is no Harm in them. Then, Sir, ſaid I, I ſhall think it my Duty to exclaim againſt you. Then, Sir, replied he, (in a very great Rage) get you out of my Houſe. Upon which I made my Bow, and, with my Friends, took my Leave, pitying the Commiſſary, who I really tho't was more noble than to p. 17give ſuch Treatment. After this, we went to publick Prayer, dined at a Friend's Houſe, drank Tea with the Independent Miniſter, and preached about 4 in the Afternoon, to a large Auditory in his Meeing-Houſe. GOD was pleaſed to favour us with his Preſence, during Sermon; and I ſpent the remainder of the Evening with my dear Brother and Companions, Who I truſt will be all knit in one Communion and Fellowſhip, by Faith in a crucified GOD. Amen, So be it.

Saturday, March 15. Breakfaſted, ſung a Hymn, and had ſome religious Converſation on board my Brother's Ship. Preached in the Baptiſt Meeting-Houſe, and was much pleaſed, when I heard afterwards, that from the ſame Pulpit, a Perſon not long ago, had preached, who denied the Doctrine of Original Sin, the Divinity and Righteouſneſs of our dear LORD, and the Operations of GOD's bleſſed Spirit upon the Heart. I was led out to ſhew the utter Inability of Man to ſave himſelf, and the abſolute Neceſſity of his depending on the rich and ſovereign Grace of GOD in CHRIST JESUS, in order to be reſtored to his primitive Dignity. Some, I obſerv'd, were put under Concern, and moſt ſeem'd willing to know, whether thoſe Things were ſo. In p. 18the Evening I preach'd again, in the Independant Meeting-Houſe, to a more attentive Auditory than ever: And had the Pleaſure afterwards of Finding, that a Gentlewoman, whoſe whole Family has been carried away for ſome time with Deiſtical Principles, began now to be unhinged, and to ſee that there was no Reſt in ſuch a Scheme, for a fallen Creature to rely on. LORD JESUS, for thy Mercy's Sake, reveal thyſelf in her Heart, and make her willing to know the Truth as it is in thee! Amen, and Amen.

Sunday, March 16. Preached at Eight in the Morning at the Scotch Meeting-Houſe, to a large Congregation; viſited a ſick Perſon; went to Church; heard the Commiſſary repreſent me under the Character of the Phariſee ,who came to the Temple, ſaying, GOD, I thank thee that I am not as other Men are. But whether I do what I do out of a Principle of Pride, or Duty, the Searcher of Hearts will diſcover 'ere long, before Men and Angels. Found myſelf very ſick and weak at Dinner; went to Church again, and preach'd about Five, in the Independant Meeting-Houſe Yard, the Houſe itſelf not being near capacious enough to hold the Auditory.

p. 19With reſtleſs and ungovern'd Rage,

Why do the Clergy ſtorm?

Why in ſuch raſh Attempts engage,

As they can ne'er perform?

The great in Council and in Might,

Their various Forces bring,

Againſt the LORD they all unite,

And his anointed King.

Muſt we ſubmit to their Commands,

Preſumptuouſly they ſay?

No, let us break their ſlaviſh Bands,

And caſt their Chains away.

But GOD who ſits enthron'd on high,

And ſees how they combine;

Does their conſpiring Strength defy.

And mocks their vain Deſigns.

Felt much Freedom after Sermon in talking to a large Company at a Merchant's Houſe, and then ſupped with another Friend. Expounded Part of the Chapter; prayed and went to our Lodgings with my dear Companions, praiſing and bleſſing GOD. Haſten that Time, O LORD, when we ſhall join the heavenly Choir that is now about thy Throne!

Monday, March 17. Preach'd in the Morning at the Independant Meeting-Houſe; and was more explicit than ever, in exclaiming againſt Balls and Aſſemblies, p. 20to which the People ſeem'd to hearken with much Attention.

Preached again in the Evening; and, being excited thereto by ſome of the Inhabitants, ſpoke in Behalf of my poor Orphans: GOD was pleaſed to give it his Bleſſing; and I collected upwards of Seventy Pounds Sterling for them, the largeſt Collection I ever yet made on that Occaſion. A further Earneſt to me, that we ſhall yet ſee great Things in America; and that GOD will carry on and finiſh the Work begun in his Name at Georgia.

Tueſday, March 18. Preached twice again to Day, and took an affectionate Leave of, and gave Thanks to my Hearers for their great Liberality. Many wept, and my own Heart yearn'd much towards them: — For I believe a good Work is begun in many Souls. Gene rally every Day, ſeveral came to me, telling me with weeping Eyes, how GOD had been pleas'd to convince them, by the Word preach'd; and how deſirous they were of laying hold on, and having an Intereſt in the compleat and everlaſting Righteouſneſs of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Numbers deſired privately to converſe with me. Many ſent me little Preſents as Tokens of their Love, and …arneſtly entreated that I would come amongſt p. 21them again. Invitations were given me from ſome of the adjacent Villages, and People daily came to Town more and more from their Plantations, to hear the Word. Providentially many of my Sermons and Journals, and my Anſwer to th… Biſhop of London, lately printed, were ſent from Philadelphia, which gave me an Opportunity of doing the more Good. The Congregations grew larger on the Week Days; and many Things concurred to induce us to think, that GOD intended to viſit ſome in Charleſtown with his Salvation. Grant this O Father, for thy dear Son's Sake CHRIST JESUS our LORD! Amen, Amen.

SAVANNAH.

Friday, March 21. Breakfaſted at a Friend's Houſe on Wedneſday Morning; went on board the Sloop, pray'd, ſung an Hymn, and took a moſt affectionate Leave of my dear Brother and other Friends. Got over the Bar about Noon; and reach'd Savannah about Noon this Day, to the great Joy of my Friends and Family, who immediately join'd with me in giving Thanks to GOD, for the ſignal Mercies vouchſafed unto us ſince our laſt parting. Oh how plentiful is thy Goodneſs, p. 22O LORD, which thou haſt laid up for them that fear thee, even before the Sons of Men!

Thurſday, March 27, 1740. Went this Day to Betheſda; and with fall Aſſurance of Faith, laid the firſt Brick of the great Houſe. The Workmen attended, and with me kneeled down and prayed: Afterward we ſung an Hymn ſuitable to the Occaſion; and then I gave a Word of Exhortation to the Labourers, and bid them remember to work heartily, knowing that they work'd for GOD and not for Man. Much Satisfaction ſeem'd to be amongſt them, and bleſſed be GOD's holy Name, his Work proſpers much in our Hands. Near Twenty Acres of Land are clear'd, and almoſt ready for planting. Two Houſes are already raiſed, and one near upon being finiſhed. All the Timber for the Frame of the great Houſe is ſawn, and moſt of it brought to the Place where it is to be built. A good Part of the Foundation is dug, and many Thouſands of Brick ready for Uſe. Near Forty Children are now under my Care, and near an Hundred Mouths are daily ſupplied with Food from our Store. The Expence is great, but our great and good GOD, I am perſuaded, will enable me to defray it. As yet I am kept from the p. 23leaſt Doubting: The more my Family encreaſes, the more Enlargement and Comfort I feel. And tho', what has been hitherto done, comparatively ſpeaking, may be only as a Grain of Muſtard-Seed; yet I believe it will, in GOD's due Time, take Root and fill the Land; and many poor diſtreſſed Souls will come and lodge under the Branches of it. Set thy Almighty Fiat to it, O gracious Father! and for thy own Name Sake, let the unbelieving World know, that thou never will forget thoſe that put their Truſt in thee.

Sunday, March 30. Found myſelf very ſick and weak in Body, but was ſtrengthned, notwithſtanding, to go thro' moſt of the Duties of the Day, and to take an affectionate Leave of my dear Pariſhioners, becauſe it appeared, that Providence called me at this Time to the Northward. An unſpeakable Trouble and Agony of Soul did I feel moſt Part of the Day, and was enabled to wreſtle with my LORD, in Behalf of the People in general and thoſe belonging to the Orphan-Houſe in particular. Bleſſed be GOD, he has already, I truſt, in a great Meaſure heard my Prayer. All Things belonging to the Orphan-Houſe ſucceed far beyond Expectation; and ſome of my little Flock have lately, as far as I can judge, been p. 24effectually call'd of GOD. One Woman that had been a conſtant Attender on the Means of Grace, and thought herſelf a Chriſtian for many Years, came to me, acknowledging, that ſhe had been a Self-Deceiver, and knew Nothing of the Righteouſneſs of, or true Living Faith in JESUS CHRIST. A Tradeſman of the ſame Stamp, having; felt the Power of the ſame Doctrines of Grace, ſent me Seventeen Volumes of Archbiſhop Ti…lotſon's Sermons, of which he had been a great Admirer, to do what I would with them. A Captain of a Ship, who had been a ſtrong Oppoſer of the Truth, both wrote and came to me under great Convictions, confeſſing his Sin, and deſirous to be a Chriſtian indeed. Some alſo there are who have received the Love of GOD in the Truth of it, ſo that I hope, if Ten Saints could preſerve S…dom, the few Righteous Souls left behind, will prevent the utter Deſolation of declining Savannah. Bleſſed JESUS, let our Extremity be thy Opportunity; and for thy Mercy's Sake, take the Colony into thine own Hands; ſo ſhall we ſing and praiſe thy Power.

Wedneſday, April 2. Read Prayers, as uſual, as ſoon as 'twas Light. Expounded the Leſſon, and then went on Board with ſeveral of my Family and my Pariſhioners, p. 25whoſe Hearts GOD has toucht by his Grace. The Weather was very pleaſant, and we ſpent the Day to our mutual Edification and Comfort. In the Evening we wept over, and took Leave of each other: And the Searcher of Hearts only knows, what Yearnings I felt in my own Soul. I have always obſerv'd, that I am under a greater Concern when leaving Savannah, than any other Place in the World; for, it has proved a bleſſed Place for my Soul: And leaving my Companions, and, more particularly, familiar Friends, gives Nature a deeper Wound than any other outward Trial. Deareſt Redeemer, guide and preſerve them in my Abſence, for thy infinite Mercies Sake! Amen, Amen.

PENNSYLVANIA. New-Caſtle.

Sunday, April 13. After a ſhort Paſſage of Ten Days (in which GOD was pleas'd to exerciſe my Body with Sickneſs, and my Soul with great ſpiritual Conflicts) we caſt Anchor about Eight in the Morning at New-Caſtle in the Province of Pennſylvania. Mr. G. at whoſe Houſe I lodged when laſt there, very courteouſly received both me and my Friends. The Miniſter of the Pariſh, who has been an Advocate for me, but was now Sick, readily p. 26accepted my Offer to officiate for him. I read Prayers and preached twice in his Church. In the Morning I was much carried out, and in the Evening the Word came with Power. People were ſurprized, but much rejoiced at the News of my Arrival, which they expreſſed, by flocking, as ſoon as apprized of my Coming, to hear the Afternoon's Sermon. Mr. Charles Tennent, mentioned in my laſt, came with great Part of his Congregation: And People began to invite me ſeveral Ways to come and preach to 'em, but being in haſte to go to Philadelphia, I appointed to preach on the Morrow at Wilmington, which lay in the Way thither. I went with Mr. Tennent and other Friends, after Evening Service. My Soul was much rejoiced, in hearing how mightily the Word of GOD had prevailed ſince I was at Pennſylvania laſt. The LORD was alſo pleaſed to give new Strength to my Body. I wanted Words to expreſs my Gratitude for this and all his other innumerable Mercies from time to time, ſhow'red down upon me.

My Soul inſpired with ſacred Love,

GOD's holy Name forever bleſs;

Of all his Favours mindful prove,

And ſtill thy grateful Thanks expreſs,

p. 27'Tis he that all thy Sins forgives,

And after Sickneſs makes thee ſound:

From Danger he thy Life retrieves,

By him with Grace and Mercy crown'd.

The LORD abounds with tender Love,

And unexampled Acts of Grace:

His wakened Wrath doth ſlowly move,

His willing Mercy flows apace.

Let every Creature jointly bleſs

The mighty LORD, and thou my Heart,

With grateful Joy thy Thanks expreſs,

And in this Concert bear thy Part.

Wilmington and Philadelphia.

Monday, April 14. Had ſweet Viſitations from above, and found much of the divine Preſence, and Refreſhings of GOD's holy Spirit, in my Soul. Preached to near 3000 People about Eleven in the Morning, and GOD was pleaſed to be amongſt us, as in the holy Place of Sinai. Many went away refreſh'd and comforted; and ſeveral importunate Viſitations were given me, to preach in ſeveral. Country Places round about. After Sermon, I and my Friends dined at a Quaker's, who ſeem'd to have the Root of the Matter in his Heart, and could cry Shibboleth. Numbers embraced me with the tendereſt Affection, and bleſſed the p. 28LORD of all LORDS for ſending me back to them again. As ſoon as Dinner was over we took Horſe, baited at Ch…ſter (where the Landlord of the Houſe would take Nothing either for the Entertainment of ourſelves or Horſes) and reach'd Philadelphia about Eight in the Evening. GOD was here again pleaſed to vouchſafe me great Enlargements of Heart; and it is impoſſible to expreſs the Joy many felt when they ſaw my Temptations. Oh! how did they comfort my Heart with the Account of what GOD had done for their own and many other People's Souls, by the Doctrine I had delivered when here laſt. The Baptiſt Miniſter in particular, who has been made inſtrumental to water what GOD had planted, recounted to me many noble Inſtances of GOD's ſovereign Grace, ſhewn in the Conviction and Converſion of ſome Miniſters as well as common People. Oh that the LORD may revive his Work in the midſt of the Years! The World is now up in Arms; bleſſed JESUS, do thou now put the Sword upon thy Thigh, and whilſt the Kings of the Earth are ſtriving to extend their Dominions, do thou ſecretly carry on thy Kingdom in Believers Hearts, 'till the Earth be filled with the Knowledge of thee our LORD, as the Waters cover the Sea.

p. 29PHILADELPHIA.

Tueſday, April 15. Paid my Reſpects to the Governor and Proprietor. Went to the Commiſſary's Houſe, who was not at Home, but afterwards ſpeaking to him in the Street, he ſoon told me, that he could lend me his Church no more, becauſe I had not treated the Biſhop of London well in my Anſwer to his late Paſtoral Letter; and alſo had miſquoted and miſrepreſented Archbiſhop Tillotſon, in a Letter publiſhed in the laſt Week's Gazette I told him he had beſt ſhew that in Publick. He replied, the Printers would not publiſh any Thing for them, and that the Preſs was ſhut up againſt them. I anſwered, it was without my Knowledge. Upon this we parted; and in the Afternoon I was much preſſed in Spirit to preach upon the blind Beggar, to whom the Scribes and Phariſees ſaid, Doſt thou teach us? I ſtood upon a Balcony on Society Hill, from whence I preached my Farewel-Sermon laſt Fall: And felt ſomewhat of that Divine Fire and inward Support, which, I am perſuaded, the poor Beggar felt, when bearing his Teſtimony for the bleſſed JESUS, before a Bench of Wolves in Sheep's Cloathing. Towards the Concluſion of my Diſcourſe, I read to p. 30the People ſome Extracts I had taken from Dr. Edwards againſt Archbiſhop Tillotſon's Writings, and then appealed to them, Where was the Preſumption in pretending to teach even him. It cannot be expreſſed how many carnal Hearts were diſturbed by my Teſtimony againſt the Archbiſhop, that great and good Man, as they call him. But before I have done, I do not deſpair of ſeeing People bring his Works, as they once brought the Books of curious Arts, and burnt them before all Men. It's difficult to determine which has done the moſt Miſchief. Have Compaſſion, ſweet JESUS, on thy Flock, and ſuffer them no longer to be given over to ſuch Guides, who had the Form of Religion, but never felt the effectual Power of it in their Hearts!

Wedneſday, April 16. Talked in the Morning with Three or Four who were convicted, and, I believe I can ſay, converted by my Miniſtry. In the Afternoon Two Men came to me, one of which cried out, bleſſed be GOD, for you under him have begotten me again unto a lively Hope. Preached upon Society Hill twice: In the Morning to about Six, in the Evening to about Eight Thouſand People. GOD was much with me in both Exerciſes. In the Afternoon I was p. 31particularly aſſiſted in ſpeaking to thoſe Words, Yea, and all that will live Godly in CHRIST JESUS, muſt ſuffer Perſecution. The Storm, I find, is gathering apace. As the Word of GOD encreaſes, ſo will the Rage and Oppoſition of the Devil. LORD, ſupport us in a ſuffering Hour, and everſhadow us by thy Wings, till the Tyranny of our Adverſaries ſhall be overpaſt. Amen, LORD JESUS, Amen.

Abington and Philadelphia.

Thurſday, April 17. Rode laſt Night about Eight Miles after Sermon. Lay at a Friend's Houſe, and preach'd this Morning to near Three or Four Thouſand People at Abington, a Diſtrict under the Care of one Mr. Treat, a diſſenting Miniſter, to whom GOD has been pleas'd lately to ſhew Mercy. He has been a Preacher of the Doctrines of Grace for ſome Years, but was deeply convinced when I was here laſt, that he had not experienced them in his Heart: And ſoon after I went away, he attempted to preach, but could not: He therefore told his Congregation how miſerably he had deceived both himſelf and them, and deſired them that were gifted, to pray for him. Ever ſince he has continued to ſeek JESU… CHRIST ſorrowing, and is now under p. 32deep Convictions, and a very humbling Senſe of Sin. He prea…hes as uſual, tho' he has not a full Aſſurance of Faith, becauſe it was beſt, he ſaid, to be found in the Way of Duty. I believe God is preparing him for great Services, and I hope he will alſo be a Means of awakening ſome falſe dead-hearted Preachers among the Diſſenters, who hold the Form of ſound Words, but never felt the Power of them in their own Souls. I obſerved a great Preſence of God in our Aſſembly, and the Word, as I was informed afterwards, came with a Soulconvicting and comforting Power to many. When I had done, I took a little Refreſhment, baptized a Child, and haſted to Philadelphia, where I preach'd to upwards of Ten Thouſand People, upon the Woman that was cured of her bloody Iſſue. Hundreds I found were graciouſly melted; and many, I hope, not only thronged round, but alſo toucht the LORD JESUS CHRIST by Faith. Near Ten came to me after Sermon, labouring under deep Convictions; and could tell me the Time when, and Manner how the LORD JESUS made himſelf manifeſt to their Souls. What gives me greater Hopes that this Work is of GOD, is, becauſe theſe Convictions have remained on p. 33many ever ſince I was here laſt. Some have not only Righteouſneſs and Peace, but alſo Joy in the Holy Ghoſt. Bleſſed be GOD, there is a moſt glorious Work begun in this Province: The Word of GOD every Day mightily prevails, and Satan loſes Ground apace. LORD JESUS ſtretch out thy Arm, and let not this Work be ſtopped, till we ſee that new Heaven and new Earth wherein dwelleth Righteouſneſs.

German-Town and Whitemarſh.

Friday, April 18. Was employed for Two Hours this Morning in giving Anſwers to ſeveral that came to me under Convictions, amongſt whom was a Negro or Two, and a young Girl of about Fourteen Years of Age, who was turned out of the Houſe where ſhe boarded, becauſe ſhe would hear me, and would not learn to dance. Set out about Nine a Clock for Whitemarſh, about Twelve Miles from Philadelphia. Had near Forty Horſe in Company, before we reach'd the Place. Preach'd to upwards of Two Thouſand People, and perceived great Numbers much melted down and brought under C…victions, when I made free Offers to … of JESUS and his Benefits, if they would believe on him. Took a little p. 34Refreſhment at a Quaker's: Baptized two Children belonging to the Church of England. Returned back and preached at German-town with much of the divine Preſence, to near Four Thouſand Hearers; and came to Philadelphia about Seven in the Evening, refreſhed both in Body and Soul. Bleſſed be the LORD GOD of Iſrael, who ſeems to be building up his ſpiritual Jeruſalem, and to be gathering together the Outcaſts of Iſrael.

PHILADELPHIA.

Saturday, April 19. Was ſtill much engaged in giving Anſwers to, and praying with divers, that applied to me, under deep Convictions of their damnable Condition by Nature. Preached Morning and Evening to Seven or Eight Thouſand People each Time: And it much rejoiced my Heart to ſee with what Order and Devotion they conſtantly attend. Scoffers ſeem to be at a Stand what to ſay; they mutter in Coffee-Houſes, give a Curſe, drink a Bowl of Punch, and then cry out againſt me, for not preaching up more Morality. Poor Men! Where is the Morality they ſo much boaſt of? If GOD judges them, as he certainly will do, by their Morality, on which they ſo much rely, out of their own Mouths will p. 35he condemn them: Their Morality, falſly ſo called, will prove their Damnation. They ſay, but do not. And how can they, ſince they are Ignorant of a Living Faith in JESUS CHRIST, which alone can enable us to do any Thing acceptable in the Sight of GOD? From ſuch prophane Moraliſts may I turn away! My Soul, come not nigh their Dwellings; mine Honour, be not thou united to them.

Sunday, April …. Preached this Morning at Seven a Clock, with much Clearneſs and Freedom, to about Ten Thouſand People, and collected One Hundred and Ten Pounds Sterling for my poor Orphans. The People threw in their Mites willingly, and thereby reminded me much of what GOD had done for me at Moorfields and Kennington-Common, when laſt in England. Went to Church Morning and Evening, and heard the Commiſſary preach a Sermon upon Juſtification by Works, from James ii. 18. Many People ſeeing me go in, followed me, and Numbers of them told me afterwards, the Commiſſary, tho' undeſignedly, had confirmed them more and more in the Truths which I had delivered. In the Evening I preached from the ſame Words, to about Fifteen Thouſand People, and conſuted the falſe Doctrines and p. 36many fundamental Errors contained in the Commiſſary's Diſcourſe; for he all along took Faith to be only an Aſſent to the Truths of the Goſpel. He ſaid St. Paul and St. James ſpoke of the ſame Kind of Juſtification; that Works mentioned by St. Paul, were only the Works of the ceremonial Law; that the Doctrine of an imputed Righteouſneſs had done much Harm, and hindred the Converſion of the Heathens; that we were to be juſtified by our Works at the laſt Day, and conſequently were to be juſtified in the ſame Manner now. To all theſe Things I endeavour'd to anſwer diſtinctly, and was obliged, in the Concluſion of my Diſcourſe, to tell the People, ſince CHRIST was not preached in the Church, they might go hear him preach'd where they could. After Sermon we collected Eighty Pounds Currency, for my Children at Georgia; and came Home rejoicing in Spirit, to ſee how Satan was continually bruiſing his own Head. Little do my Enemies think what Service they do me; if they did, one would think, out of Spite they would even deſiſt from oppoſing me. Oh what a good Maſter is JESUS CHRIST!

Greenwich & Glouceſter, in Weſt-Jerſey.

Monday, April 21. Had freſh Application p. 37made to me by Perſons under Convictions. Went by Water about Four Miles, and then rode in Company with many others, who came to meet me at Greenwich, in the Weſt-Jerſeys, and about Twelve Miles from Philadelphia. There being a Miſtake made in the News about the Place where I was to preach, I had not above Fifteen Hundred Hearers. At firſt I thought I was ſpeaking to Stocks and Stones; but before I had done, the Power of the LORD came on the Congregation, the Holy Ghoſt overſhadowed them, and a gracious Melting was viſible in moſt that heard. Sermon being ended, I dined with my Friends, was taken very ill in the Way, lay down for about an Hour, rode back to Glouceſter where I took Horſe in the Morning. I preach'd with ſome Power to about Fifteen Hundred People. It being but Four Miles diſtant from Philadelphia, many came in Boats from thence; and the Moon ſhining very bright, we went back to Town very pleaſantly. GOD was pleaſed to communicate freſh Strength to my Soul; we ſung Hymns good Part of the Way, and GOD enabled me to ſecond it by a warm Exhortation. About Eight at Night we reach'd Philadelphia, with no ſmall Satisfaction in my own Soul, that I had this p. 38Day been plowing up ſome Fallow Ground, and opening a Way into a Place where I find there has been a great Famine of the Word of GOD. I muſt confeſs I am in that Reſpect like minded with St. Paul, and deſire to go chiefly where CHRIST has not been named. Oh that the LORD may endue me with his Meekneſs, Holineſs and Zeal; and then, after I preach to others, I ſhall not be a Caſtaway myſelf. Amen, LORD JESUS, Amen.

PHILADELPHIA.

Tueſday, April 22. Hearing a Sloop was going to Georgia, I ſhut up myſelf for ſome time in the Morning, in order to write ſome Letters to my dear Friends at Savannah. Preach'd both Morning and Evening to rather larger Congregations than I have yet ſeen in a Week-day. There were not leſs than Ten Thouſand People. A ſweet Power was amongſt them, and when I came to take my Farewel, being about to depart for New-York on the Morrow, a great Number was quite diſſolved into Tears, and wept ſorely. Many of the Negroes were alſo much affected, and, I truſt, ſome will now experimentally know the LORD JESUS, and feel the Power of his Reſurrection. This p. 39Day I bought Five Thouſand Acres of Land on the Forks of Delaware. Ordered a large Houſe to be built thereon for the Inſtruction of thoſe poor Creatures. The Land, I hear, is exceeding rich. It's a Mannor, and pays only a White Roſe yearly for chief Rent. I took up ſo much, becauſe I intend ſettling ſome Engliſh Friends there, when I come next from England. I have called it NAZARETH. And, I truſt, in a few Years the LORD will let us ſee much good come out of it. Amen, LORD JESUS, Amen.

Went in the Evening to viſit a young Woman under deep Convictions. She was ſtruck down by the Power of GOD's Word on Sunday, and has continued ever ſince ſick in Body, and under great Agony of Soul. I talk'd and pray'd with her, and with near Twenty more in the Room. My Soul was exceedingly carried out, and the Power of the Holy Ghoſt deſcended in a wonderful Manner, upon moſt that were there. I alſo gave them a ſtrong Exhortation. They wept ſorely and pray'd earneſtly; and I have not ſeen Circumſtances more like thoſe of the Apoſtles, when the Holy Ghoſt ſhook the Room where they were lifting up their Voices with one Accord to the moſt high GOD. By this we know, O LORD, that thou art p. 40the ſame Yeſterday, To-day and forever! — Grant that the Holy Ghoſt may in like Manner fall on all them that ſhall hear the Word from, or pray with me at any other Time. Amen and Amen.

NESHAMINY.

Wedneſday, April 23. Was more than ordinarily employed the firſt Part of the Morning in writing Letters, and preparing for my Journey. Set out about 8 in the Morning with many Friends. Baited at a Friend's Houſe in the Midway▪ Reach'd Neſhaminy about Three in the Afternoon, and preach'd to upwards of Five Thouſand People in old Mr. Tennent's Meeting - Houſe Yard. When I came there, my Body, thro' Heat and Labour, was ſo weak and faint that my Knees ſmote one againſt another. My Viſage changed, and I was ready to drop down as ſoon as I had finiſhed my Prayer: But GOD was pleaſed ſo to revive me by Communications from himſelf, that I ſpoke with great Demonſtration of the Spirit, and with Power. A very great Commotion was in the Hearts of the Hearers. Great Numbers were much melted; and one in particular, after Sermon, came to me with ſtrong Cryings p. 41and Tears, ſaying, you have brought me under deep Convictions; What ſhall I do to be ſaved? I gave him the Apoſtle's Anſwer, Believe on the LORD JESUS, and thou ſhalt be ſaved. Upwards of Fifty, I hear, have lately been convicted about this Place. The LORD grant his Arrows may ſtick faſt in them, till they have got a cloſing Intereſt in JESUS CHRIST: For many, I find, receive the Word with Joy for a Seaſon; but, having no true Root in themſelves, ſoon fall away. — Better for ſuch, that they had never been convicted at all. LORD, if it be thy Will, have Mercy on ſuch Apoſtates, and let them be renewed again unto Repentance. Amen and Amen.

Montgomery and Shiphack.

Thurſday, April 24. Was hoſpitably entertained with my Friends laſt Night, at Montgomery, about eight Miles from Neſhaminy, whither I came to make this Day's Journey the eaſier.— Wrote ſome more Letters to my Flock and Family at Savannah. Preached at Shiphack, ſix Miles from Montgomery; where the Dutch People live.— It was ſeemingly a very Wilderneſs Part of the Country; but there were not leſs, I believe, than 2000 Hearers. GOD was with …e much in the latter End of p. 42the Sermon: And when I had done, Peter Bochler, a Deacon of the Moravian Church, a dear Lover of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, preached to his Country-Men in Dutch.— Travelling and Preaching in the Sun, again weakened me much, and made me very ſick; But by the divine Aſſiſtance, I took horſe, rode twelve Miles, and preached in the Evening to about 3000 People, at a Dutchman's Plantation; who ſeemed to have drank deeply of GOD's Holy Spirit. Here GOD much ſtrengthened and quickened me. The German Brethren were exceeding loving to me, and I ſpent the Evening with many of them, in a moſt agreeable Manner. The Order, Seriouſneſs and Devotion of of theſe People in Common Life, is moſt worthy of Imitation. I never ſaw ſo much Simplicity as in them: Surely GOD was with us this Night. They prayed and ſung; in their own Language; and then GOD enlarged my Heart to pray in ours. I know not when I have prayed with much greater Power. Many Tears trickled down my Face; and afterwards I was in a great Agony in the Field. Do thou, O bleſſed JESUS, who waſt in an Agony in the Garden, hearken unto the Petitions thou didſt in that Hour enable me to ſend up!

p. 43AMWEL, in Eaſt-Jerſey.

Friday, April 25. Roſe before Day. Sung and pray'd with my own Friends and the German Brethren. Set out before Sun-riſing, and reached Amwel, Thirtyfive Miles from Skippack, (where I had appointed to preach) by Six at Night. Some Thouſands of People were gathered together, expecting I would have been there by Noon: But Mr. Gilbert Tennent and Mr. Rowland, mentioned in my laſt Journal, coming there to meet me, the former had given the People Two Sermons. In my Way thither, the LORD was pleaſed to bring me low, by inward Trials and very great Weakneſs of Body, occaſioned by the Heat of the Sun, Want of Sleep, and the Length of the Journey: —But before I had preached Six Minutes, bodily and ſpiritual Strength was given me; and the LORD was pleaſed to ſet his Seal to what he enabled me to deliver. After Sermon, a Friend took me in his Chair. An old Chriſtian invited me and my Company to his Houſe, Five Miles Diſtant from the Place where I preached. We were comfortably refreſhed under his Roof: And tho' my Body was weak, yet my Soul was ſtrong in the LORD, and in the Power of his Might. p. 44Oh that I may wax ſtronger and ſtronger every Day! Amen and Amen.

BRUNSWICK.

Saturday, April 26. Was much comforted and refreſhed, both in Body and Soul, laſt Night after I went to Reſt. Sung Pſalms, and prayed, and ſet out for NewBrunſwick about Eight in the Morning. Reached thither by Four in the Afternoon, and preached to about Two Thouſand Hearers in the Evening. Many were affected. Here alſo my true Chriſtian Friend and Hoſt, Mr. Noble from New-York, gave me the Meeting, and brought me a Packet of Letters from Savannah, which, in a moſt eſpecial Manner, affected me. Bleſſed be GOD, I hope my Friends belonging to the Orphan-Houſe, will be Friends of GOD.

Sunday, April 27. Was told laſt Night by Mr. Gilbert Tennent, of Two that were ſavingly brought Home by my Miniſtry, when I was here laſt. Got a little Time to write to my Engliſh Friends, giving them a ſhort Account of what GOD was doing here. Preached Morning and Evening to near Seven or Eight Thouſand People. And GOD's Power was ſo much amongſt us in the Afternoon Sermon, that had I proceeded, the Cries and Groans of the Congregation I believe, would have drowned my Voice. One Woman was ſtruck down, and a general Cry went thro' the Aſſembly. The Power of GOD deſcended into my Heart, and I believe the Word was ſharper than a two-edged Sword. We collected both Times upwards of Twenty Pounds Sterl. for my Orphans: And at Night a Woman came to me under ſtrong Convictions; ſhe told me ſhe had been often ſomewhat moved, but now ſhe hoped that GOD had ſtruck her Home; ſhe cried out, I can ſee Nothing but Hell before me. —Oh that all were in as good a Way to Heaven!

Woodbridge and Elizabeth-Town.

Monday, April 28. Underwent great Conflicts in my Soul laſt Night, and this Morning roſe early to write ſome Letters to my dear Engliſh Friends, who are continually upon my Heart. Took a ſorrowful Leave of Capt. Gladman and my dear Brother and Fellow-Traveller Mr. Seward, whom I have diſpatched to England to bring me over a Fellow-Labourer, to tranſact ſeveral other Affairs of the laſt Importance. Capt. Gladman is the Perſon mentioned in my laſt Journal, who was caſt away at the Gulph of Florida, p. 46and whom GOD made me an Inſtrument in converting, in my laſt Paſſage to England. Hitherto he has had the Command of our Sloop; but being obliged to ſend him on Buſineſs to England, I have committed the Care of it to his Mate, whom GOD was pleaſed to bring Home to himſelf, when I was laſt at Philadelphia. This Mate, not long ſince, was an abandoned Prodigal and Ring-Leader in Vice: —But GOD ſtruck him to the Heart laſt Fall at Philadelphia. Capt. Gladman had pray'd, that GOD would ſend him a Mate. This young Man was ſtrongly drawn to come and offer himſelf. The Captain hired him, and now I believe he is a Child of GOD. Numbers at Philadelphia cannot but ſee the New-Creature in him: And, yet the Doctrine of Free Juſtification by Faith in CHRIST JESUS does Harm to the Chriſtian World! Surely ſuch Talkers plainly …, that they never know what it was to believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST with their whole Heart!

Set out about Eight in the Morning, and reach'd Woodbridge by Ten, where … preached to about Two Thouſand People. Here again I perceived my bodily Strength was ſmall, but GOD enabled me to ſpeak Home to many Hearts, for many were p. 47affected: Bleſſed be GOD! After Sermon I and my Friends dined at the Diſſenting Miniſter's Houſe, who invited me to preach; and then we haſted to Elizabeth-Town, where the People had been waiting for me ſome Hours. I preached in the Meeting-Houſe, as when I was there laſt: It was full, and was ſuppoſed to contain Two Thouſand People; near Ten Diſſenting Miniſters were preſent; and Two Church Miniſters, but they did not tarry very long. GOD gave me much Freedom of Speech. I dealt very plainly with the Preſbyterian Clergy, many of whom, I believe, preach the Doctrines of Grace to others, without being converted themſelves. No Doubt, ſome were offended; but I care not for any Set or Party of Men. As I love all that love the LORD JESUS, of what Communion ſoever; ſo I'll reprove all, whether Diſſe…ters or not Diſſenters, who take his Word into their Mouths, but never felt him dwelling in their Hearts. Such cloſe-hearted Hypocrites are the Bane of the Chriſtian Church. LORD JESUS convert or confound them for thy Mercies Sake. Amen and Amen.

After Sermon I took leave of Mr. Gilbert Tennent and Mr. Croſs, another Miniſter mentioned in my laſt Journal, who accompanied p. 48me thus far, and told me their Souls were much refreſhed by this Day's Work. LORD, not unto me, but unto thy Name be all the Glory!

After I parted from them, I intended to ride Six Miles; but being over-ruled by the Advice of Friends, I ſtopped and lay at an Inn all Night near the Water Side, where People take Boat to go to New-York. Our Converſation tended to the Uſe of Edifying; and GOD was pleaſed to give me an Appetite to my bodily Food, which I have not had before for ſome time. Surely this frail Body cannot hold me long. When, O LORD, wilt thou ſet my impriſoned Soul at Liberty? When ſhall I be diſſolved and be with thee, O CHRIST! LORD give me Patience to wait till that bleſſed Change come.

NEW-YORK.

Tueſday, April 29. Took Boat about Nine in the Morning; was bleſſed with a fair Gale of Wind, which brought us to New-York before Noon. Here my dear Friends kindly received me; and here alſo I met with Mr. William Tennent, who refreſhed my Heart, by telling me what the LORD was doing for Numbers of Souls in the High-Lands, where he had lately been. JESUS CHRIST, is getting p. 49himſelf the Victory indeed. About Five in the Evening, I preached, in the Common to Five or Six Thouſand People; but… obſerved no Scoffers, as when I was here laſt. The People were ſtill and quiet after I began, and tho' I did not perceive much Power in the Congregation, yet GOD enabled me to ſpeak with all Boldneſs. Oh that I may never be aſhamed of CHRIST or of his Goſpel, for it has been the Power of GOD to my Salvation! Grace Grace!

Wedneſday, April 30. Preached this Morning from a Scaffold erected for that Purpoſe, to a ſomewhat leſs Congregation than the Night before, but with a much greater Power; for towards the Concluſion of my Diſcourſe, GOD's Spirit came upon the Preacher and the People in ſuch a Manner, that they were melted down exceedingly. Afterwards I began to collect Money from private Hands, for my Orphans, and met with Succeſs. Bleſſed be GOD, who has the Hearts of all Men in his Hands! — Dined at Mr. P's, but was obliged to retire as ſoon as Dinner was over; for my Body was weak, and my Soul was in an unſpeakable Agony for near an Hour. At length I dropped aſleep, but roſe about Five in the Evening, and preached to upwards of Six or Seven p. 50Thouſand People on our LORD's Temptations. Oh that I may follow the Captain of my Salvation, and be willing in all Things to be tempted like unto my Brethren, that I may be able experimentally to ſucc…r ſuch as apply to me when tempted! Amen, LORD JESUS, Amen.

Flat-Buſh on Long-Iſland.

Thurſday, May 1. Went in a Ferry-Boat this Morning over to Flat-Buſh on Long-Iſland; on the Eaſt Part of which, GOD has lately begun a glorious Work by the Miniſtry of two young Diſſenting Miniſters, who have walked in the Light of GOD's Countenance for a long while together. Proſper thou, O LORD, more and more, the Work of their Hands upon them! Oh proſper thou their handy Work!

At our coming to Flat-Buſh the Dutch Miniſters received me with all Civility, and gave me the Uſe of their Church. There were alſo Seven or Eight Diſſenting Miniſters preſent. I fearce was ever enabled to ſpeak of the Doctrines of Grace with greater Freedom and Clearneſs. I continued diſcourſing on the Knowledge we ought to have of JESUS CHRIST, near an Hour and an half. GOD's Spirit went thro' the Congregation. Many People and ſome Miniſters wept. My p. 51own Soul was much carried out, and at laſt I applied myſelf to the Miniſters themſelves. Oh that we all were a Flame of Fire!

NEW-YORK.

About Two in the Afternoon, having a fair Wind, we returned to New-York, where I received another comfortable Packet of Letters from Charles-Town and Savannah, amongſt which were Two or Three from my little Orphans, which gave me no ſmall Pleaſure. Here GOD was again pleaſed to humble me both in Body and Soul, and cauſed me to mourn like a Sparrow ſitting alone upon the Houſe-Top. I preached in the Evening to as large a Congregation as ever: But my Spirits being exhauſted, and GOD being pleaſed to ſuſpend his w…nted Aſſiſtance, I preached, as I thought, but heavily. But I have been apt to build on my Frames, and think I do no good, or do not pleaſe GOD, only becauſe I have not pleaſed myſelf. Whereas I have often found, that my ſeemingly leſs powerful Diſcourſes have been much owned by GOD, And I find it abſolutely neceſſary, that Goſpel Miniſters ſhould meet with ſuch Thorns in the Fleſh, that both Miniſters and Hearers p. 52may know themſelves to be but Men LORD, ſhew that thou doſt love me, … humbling and keeping me humble as long as live. The Means I leave to thee. I am thy Clay, thou art the Potter, mould me as it ſeemeth good to thy ſovereign good Wil… and Pleaſure. Amen and Amen.

Friday, May 2. The Weather being we…, and my Body much out of order, by reaſon of a Cold, I did not preach in the Morning; but redeemed ſome Time to write my Journal, which I could not do before for this Week paſt. However in the Evening GOD enabled me to preach in the Meeting-Houſe; and many, I obſerved, were much affected. Oh that the LORD may not only affect, but effectually convert them, for his infinite Mercies ſake!

Saturday, May 3. Preached twice in the Field, and once in the Meeting-Houſe; and was agreeably refreſh'd in the Evening with the Company of one Mr. Davenport, whom GOD has lately highly honoured, by making uſe of his Miniſtry for the Converſion of many at the Eaſt End of Long-Iſland. His Soul ſeem'd to be much wrapped up in GOD, and he told me, that GOD had brought home ſeveral Children about Eleven or Twelve Years old, as well as many other grown Perſons. He has been favoured with p. 53large Communications from the bleſſed JESUS, and is looked upon as an Enthuſiaſt and Madman, by many of his Rev. Phariſaical Brethren. As far as I can find, there is as great an Enmity againſt the Work of GOD, in the Hearts of moſt that preach the Doctrines of Grace, as there is in our Clergy, who for the generality, entirely diſown them. As Jannes and Jambres withſtood Moſes, ſo do theſe alſo reſiſt the Truth: Men of corrupt Minds, Reprobate concerning the Faith. But I truſt they will not proceed much further: For their Folly ſhall be manifeſt unto all Men, as theirs alſo was.— Haſten that bleſſed Time, my LORD and my GOD!

Sunday, May 4. Preached by Seven in the Morning in the Meeting-Houſe. Went to the Engliſh Church twice, and heard two legal Sermons, tho' not quite ſo bad as thoſe I heard when here laſt. Preached in the Evening to about Eight Thouſand in the Field, and had a comfortable Evidence, that the LORD was amongſt us. I had much of the divine Preſence in my Soul, tho' I have not felt ſuch continual Enlargement of Heart, as when I was here before: I believe it is becauſe my Adverſaries have been much more ſilent, and have not ſo openly oppoſed p. 54the Truths of GOD; tho' their ſecret Enmity is as great, nay, I believe, greater than ever. To ſpeak againſt their favourite Writings of Archbiſhop Till…tſ…n and the Author of The Whole Duty of Man, grieves them to the Heart; and yet Fear of the People, reſtrains their Fury for the preſent. By and by the Number of our LORD's Diſciples will be gathered in, and then they muſt be permited to bruize our Heel. LORD prepare me, LORD ſtrengthen me againſt a ſuffering Time! — Thou Son of GOD, take me by thy Hand, and then, I care not if I am thrown into a fiery Furnace, or caſt into a D…n of devouring Lions.

Give me thy Strength, O GOD of Power,

Then let or Men or Fi…ds …ſſail;

Strong in thy Strength I'll ſtand a Tower,

I…pregnable to Earth or Hell.

After Evening Sermon, Numbers came to me, giving GOD Thanks for what they had heard. They were deſirous of my Return amongſt them again, and brought ſeveral large Contributions for my poor Orphans. Bleſſed be GOD, by publick Collections and private Donations I have got upwards of Three Hundred Pounds ſince I came hither; and I doubt not but my dear LORD, will always p. 55provide for them. Oh what a bleſſed Thing is it to live upon GOD! I believe Elijah never lived more comfortably, than when fed by the Ravens. LORD encreaſe my Faith, and accept of my poor Thanks for what thou haſt done for me and thy People, during my ſhort ſtay here. Amen, LORD JESUS, Amen.

Staten-Iſland, Freehold and Amboy.

Monday, May 5. Prayed with and parted in an affectionate Manner from my dear Friends at New-York laſt Night. About Ten a Clock took Boat with my worthy Hoſt, Mr. Noble, and ſome others, and came by Midnight to Staten-Iſland, where we were kindly received by one of our LORD's true Diſciples. Not long after our coming on Shore, the Wind blew, and the Weather grew very tempeſtuous, and ſo continued all the Morning; but GOD ſtrength'ned my weak Body. About Eleven I ſet out, preached at a Place appointed on the Iſland about Seven Miles diſtant; and afterwards haſtened to Amboy, about Twelve Miles further, where I preached about Six in the Evening. I ſent to the Miniſter of the Place, for the Uſe of his Pulpit, but he was very Angry, and ſaid, he wondered at my Aſſurance in aſking ſuch a Favour. It p. 56being ſuch rainy Weather, only a few People came, and I did not feel much Power in Preaching to them. After Sermon my Friends adviſed me to ſtay at Amboy all Night; but my dear Brother and Fellow-Labourer, Mr. William Tennent, coming to fetch me, I paſſed over a Ferry with him and his Brother Gilbert, who alſo came to Amboy to meet me, With them I ſet out for Freehold, Twenty Miles from Amboy, the Place where GOD has more immediately called Mr. William Tennent, Oh how ſweetly did the Time glide on, and our Hearts burn within us, whilſt we opened the Scriptures, and communicated our Experiences to each other! Our LORD was with us, as with the two Diſciples going to Emaus. — About Midnight we reach'd Freehold, and about Two in the Morning retired to reſt, my Body being weak, but my Soul much comforted. I think I ſleep with double Satisfaction, when lying in a good Man's Houſe; for the Angels of the LORD encamp about the Dwellings of the righteous. Oh that we may, like them, be unwearied in adminiſtring to, and watching over thoſe, who are to be Heirs of everlaſting Salvation!

p. 57Freehold and Burlington.

Tueſday, May 6. Preached at Freehold in the Morning, to about Three Thouſand; and the Power of GOD was much manifeſted, and many I believe brought under Convictions. Took a little Refreſhment. and went in Company with ſeveral of GOD's Children to Allenſtown, about 16 Miles from Freehold: Preach'd with Power to about Three Thouſand more, and afterwards reach'd Burlington, about Twenty Miles further, by Midnight. As I came along, a Man, who has been diſſwaded from coming to hear me, came to me under ſtrong Convictions, and deſired to follow me whitherſoever I went. I ſcarce know a Day wherein I have not had many apply to me for the ſame Purpoſe, and under the ſame Circumſtances. It's natural for Perſons to be deſirous of being with thoſe, who have, under GOD, brought them from Darkneſs to Light. Thus the Man, out of whom the Devil had been caſt, deſired to go with the bleſſed JESUS; but our LORD's Anſwer I find beſt to be given: Go Home to thy Houſe, and tell what great Things the LORD hath done for thee. Deareſt Redeemer, teach me in this and all other Reſpects, to follow thy unerring-Example! Amen and Amen.

p. 58Briſtol and Philadelphia.

Wedneſday, May 7. Had a little refreſhing Sleep. Croſs'd a Ferry over into Pennſylvania. Preached to about Four Thouſand at Briſtol; and made all poſſible haſte to Philadelphia, Twenty Miles from Briſtol. Here I was received with great Joy and Satisfaction, by my kind Hoſt, Mr. B—t, and many other Friends. After diſpatching ſome private Affairs, I went and heard Mr. Jones, the Baptiſt Miniſter, who preached the Truth as it is in JESUS. He is the only Miniſter that I know of in Philadelphia, who ſpeaks feelingly and with Authority. The poor People are much refreſh'd by him, and I truſt the LORD will bleſs him more and more. Pity, O deareſt JESUS, thy poor People, and ſuffer them no longer to be ſcattered abroad, as Sheep having no Shepherds.

PHILADELPHIA.

Thurſday, May 8. Had what my Body much wanted, a thorough Night's Repoſe. Was much refreſhed in Spirit, and was called up very early in the Morning, as I am always, to ſpeak to poor Souls under Convictions. The firſt I think was an Indian Trader, whom GOD was pleaſed p. 59to bring home by my Preaching, when here laſt. The Account he gave of GOD's dealing with him, was very ſatisfactory. He is juſt come from the Indian Natives, where he has been praying with and exhorting all he met with, that were willing to hear. Some of the Indians he had Hopes of, but his Brother Traders endeavoured to prejudice them againſt him: However, by my Advice, he propoſes viſiting them again next Fall; and I humbly hope the LORD will open a Door amongſt the poor Heathen. The Converſion of one of their Traders, I take to be one great Step towards it. LORD carry on the Work begun; fulfil thy ancient Promiſes, and let thy Son have the Heathen for his Inheritance, and the utmoſt Parts of the Earth for his Poſſeſſion. Come, LORD JESUS, come quickly.

Converſed alſo with a poor Negro Woman, who has been viſited in a very remarkable Manner. GOD was pleaſed to convert her by my Preaching the laſt Fall; But being under Dejections on Sunday-Morning, ſhe prayed that Salvation might come to her Heart, and that the LORD would be pleaſed to manifeſt himſelf to her Soul that Day. While ſhe was at Meeting, hearing one Mr. M—n, a Baptiſt Preacher, whom the LORD has p. 60been pleaſed lately to ſend forth, the Word came with ſuch Power upon her Heart, that at laſt ſhe was obliged to cry out; and a great Concern alſo fell upon many in the Congregation, ſo that they betook themſelves to ſecret Prayer. The Miniſter ſtopped, and ſeveral perſuaded her to hold her Peace; but the Glory of the LORD ſhone ſo brightly round about her, that ſhe could not help bleſſing and praiſing GOD, and telling how GOD was revealing himſelf to her Soul. After ſome time, ſhe was taken out of the Meeting-Houſe, but ſhe fell upon her Knees praiſing and bleſſing GOD. She continued in an Agony for ſome conſiderable Time, and afterwards came in and heard the remaining Part of the Sermon. Many, ſince this, have called her mad, and ſaid ſhe was full of new Wine: But, the Account ſhe gave me of herſelf, was rational and ſolid; and I believe, in that Hour the LORD JESUS took greater Poſſeſſion of her Soul. Such Caſes are not very common; but when an extraordinary Work is carrying on, GOD generally manifeſts himſelf to ſome Souls in this extraordinary Manner. And I doubt not, but when the poor Negroes are to be called, GOD will highly ſavour them, to wipe off their Reproach, and to ſhew that p. 61he is no Reſpecter of Perſons: — But, that whoſoever believeth in him ſhall be ſaved.

Preached in the Morning, about 11, to 6 or 7000 People. Had great Freedom of Spirit, and clear'd myſelf from ſome Aſperſions that had been caſt upon my Doctrine, as though it tended to Antinomianiſm: But I abhor the Tho'ts of it; and, whoſoever entertains the Doctrines of Free Grace in an honeſt Heart, will find, that they will in their own Nature cauſe him to be fruitful in every good Word and Work. Many expreſſed how the Power of GOD was amongſt them; and I believe GOD has much People in Philadelphia City. The Congregations are very large and ſerious, and I have ſcarce preach'd this Time among them, but I have ſeen a ſtirring among the dry Bones. At Five in the Evening I preached again, rather to a larger Audience; and after Sermon rode Ten Miles to a Friend's Houſe, that I might be in Readineſs to preach, according to Appointment, the next Morning. How differently am I treated by my Maſter. He taught the People by Day, — and abode all Night in the Mount of Olives. He had not where to lay his Head; but go where I will, I find People with great Gladneſs receiving me into their Houſes. LORD, p. 62I lack for Nothing: Oh prepare me ſo ſuffering Time, and make me willing, n… to follow a naked CHRIST! Amen, men.

PennypackandPhiladelphia.

Friday May 9. Preached at Pennyp… about Three Miles diſtant from the H… where I lay, to about Two Thouſ… People. Eat a little Dinner: Came … Philadelphia about Two in the Af… noon. Agreed with Perſons to build… Negro-Schools on the Land which I h… lately purchaſed; and preached in … Evening with great Freedom and Pow… and afterwards began a Society of yo… Men. LORD make them good Soldier JESUS CHRIST! Amen, LORD … SUS, Amen.

Saturday May 10. Though GOD ſhewn me great Things already in Place, yet to Day I have ſeen grea… I preached twice with Power, and larger Congregations than ever; and the Evening went to ſettle a Society young Women, who I hope will p… wiſe Virgins. As ſoon as I enter'd Room, and heard them Singing, my … was uncommonly delighted; when Hymn was over, I deſired to pray be I began to converſe; but, contrary to p. 63Expectation, my Soul was ſo carried out, that I had not Time to talk at all. A wonderful Power was in the Room, and with one Accord they began to cry out, and weep moſt bitterly, for the Space of half an Hour. They ſeem'd to be under the ſtrongeſt Convictions, and did indeed ſeek JESUS ſorrowing. Their Cries might be heard a great Way off. When I had done, I thought proper to leave them at their Devotion. They continued in Prayer (as I was informed by one of them afterwards) for above an Hour, confeſſing their moſt ſecret Faults; and at length the Agonies of ſome were ſo ſtrong, that Five of them fell into Convulſion Fits. The preſent Captain of our Sloop going near the Water-ſide, was called into a Company almoſt in the ſame Circumſtances: And at Midnight I was deſired to come to one, who was thrown into ſtrong Convulſions; but felt ſomewhat of Peace and Joy, after I had prayed with her ſeveral Times. — Her Caſe put me in Mind of the young Man whom the Devil tore when he was coming to JESUS CHRIST. Theſe bodily Convulſions, I believe, come from the Devil, who, now the Work of GOD is going on, wants to bring an evil Report upon it. But, O LORD, for thy Mercies Sake, p. 64rebuke him; and, though he may be permitted to bruiſe thy Peoples Heels, fulfil thy Promiſe, and let the Seed of the Woman bruiſe his accurſed Head! Amen, Amen.

Sunday, May 11. Preached in the Morning to about Fifteen Thouſand People, and obſerved a great Melting to follow the Word. Went twice to Church, and heard myſelf laſh'd by the Commiſſary, who preach'd from theſe Words, I bear them Record, they have a Zeal of GOD, but not according to Knowledge. I could have wiſhed he had conſidered the next Words, For they being ignorant of GOD's Righteouſneſs, and going about to eſtabliſh their own Righteouſneſs, have not ſubmitted themſelves unto the Righteouſneſs of GOD. Had he conſidered theſe, I might juſty have ſaid, Speaketh Mr. Commiſſary of this falſe Zeal, in reference to himſelf, or of ſome other Man? In the Afternoon, the Tenth of the Romans, out of which his Text was taken, was appointed for the Leſſon; and had he not been more perverſe than Balaam, it muſt have reſtrained the Bitterneſs of this falſe Prophet. But he exclaimed loudly againſt me in the Pulpit; and, as I ſoon found, obliged many of his Hearers to do what they before were much inclin'd to, I mean, reſolve to leave him p. 65entirely. I bear him Record, that Experience will ſoon convince him, that whatever mine be, his own Zeal is by no means according to Knowledge. After he had done, I preached my Farewel-Sermon, to I believe very near Twenty Thouſand Hearers. As the Commiſſary's Sermon was chiefly full of perſonal Reflections, I did not render Railing for Railing: However, I thought it my Duty, in an eſpecial Manner, to recommend Meſſrs. Tennents and their Aſſociates, being moſt worthy Preachers of our dear LORD JESUS. One Paſſage out of the ſecond Leſſon in the Morning much affected me, And the LORD had Compaſſion on the Multitude, becauſe they were ſcatter'd abroad, as Sheep having no Shepherd. I then reminded them of our LORD's Command, Pray ye therefore the LORD of the Harveſt, that he may thruſt out Labourers into his Harveſt; for tho' the Harveſt is ſo great, yet the Labourers are very few. The poor People were much concern'd at my bidding them farewel: And after I had taken my Leave, Oh how many came to my Lodgings ſorrowing, moſt of all, that they were likely to ſee my Face no more for a long Seaſon. I believe near Fifty Negroes came to give me Thanks, under p. 66GOD, for what has been done to their Souls. Oh how heartily did thoſe poor Creatures throw in their Mites for my poor Orphans. Some of them have been effectually wrought upon, and in an uncommon Manner. Many of them have now begun to learn to read; and one that was free, ſaid, ſhe would give me her two Children, whenever I ſettled my School. I believe Maſters and Miſtreſſes will ſhortly ſee, that Chriſtianity will not make their Negroes worſe Slaves. I intended, had Time permitted, to have ſettled a Society for Negro Men and Negro Women; but that muſt be deferred till it ſhall pleaſe GOD to bring me to Philadelphia again. I have been much drawn out in Prayer for them, and have ſeen them exceedingly wrought upon, under the Word preach'd. I cannot well expreſs, how many others, of all Sorts, came to give me a laſt Farewel: And, indeed, I never yet ſaw a more general Awakening in any Place. Religion is all the Talk; and, I think, I can ſay, the LORD JESUS hath gotten himſelf the Victory in many Hearts. I have ſcarce had time to eat Bread, from Morning till Evening. Some one or other was generally applying to me under deep Soul-Concern, and others continually preſſing p. 67upon me, to baptize their little Infants. I did comply with as many as I could; but I was obliged ſometimes to ſay, The LORD ſent me not to baptize, but to preach the Goſpel. Many of the Quakers have been moſt powerfully convinced of the Righteouſneſs of JESUS CHRIST, and openly profeſs the Truth as it is in JESUS; for which, I believe, they will be ſhortly thruſt out of their Synagogues. Some of their head Men are zealous againſt me, and are much afraid their Foundation will be ſadly ſhaken. Great Numbers of the Inhabitants would have immediately built me a very large Church, if I would have conſented; but I am perſwaded, the LORD would have the Goſpel preached in the Fields, and building a Church, would, I believe, inſenſibly lead the People into Bigotry, and make 'em place the Church again, as they have done for a long Time, in the Church Walls: — For theſe Reaſons I declined it, tho' notwithſtanding, I believe they will build ſome Place or another. What I moſtly fear is, now there is ſuch a general Awakening, People will not know where to go for proper Food (for they will no longer take up with Huſks, as they have done) and then fall into different Sets and Parties. LORD JESUS look upon them, let not Satan divide p. 68them again, but raiſe them up Paſtors after thy own Heart, for thy infinite Mercies Sake! Amen, Amen.

With Preaching, Praying and Adviſing, I was truly weary by Eight at Night: However, I went and baptized Two Children: took my Leave of both the Societies; and I had not prayed long in the Women's Society, but two of them fell again into violent Fits, ſo that I was oblig'd to leave them. At my Return Home, I ſupped with a Chriſtian Friend, and went to Bed aſtoniſh'd at, and deſirous to be humbly thankful for the great Things the LORD has done for me at Philadelphia. Bleſſed be the LORD GOD of Iſrael, for he hath wonderfully viſited this People, and raiſed up for them Means of Salvation, from whence it was leaſt expected! Oh Grace, Grace!

Darby, Cheſter and Wilmington.

Monday, May 12. Roſe very early, to anſwer thoſe who came for private Advice. Viſited Three Perſons, one of which was under ſuch violent Convictions, that ſhe had not eat above an Ounce of Bread for near a Fortnight; another had a Proſpect of Hell ſet before her laſt Night, in the moſt terrifying Colours; but before the Morning, received Comfort. When p. 69I came to my Lodgings, my Friends were waiting to accompany me on Horſeback, and great Numbers of the common People were crowding at the Door. About Nine I left Philadelphia; and when I came to the Ferry, was told, People had been croſſing over, as faſt as Two Boats could carry them, ever ſince Three in the Morning: After we had waited ſome Time, I and my Friends got over, and preach'd at Darby, Seven Miles from Philadelphia, to about Four Thouſand Hearers. Sweetly did the LORD aſſiſt me in ſpeaking to them, and I believe many of the Hearers Hearts▪ were ready to break, for they wept much. After Sermon, and eating a little Food, I took Leave of many, then preach'd at Cheſter, about 9 Miles off, to about Two Thouſand; and collected there and at Darby upwards of Forty Pounds for the Orphans. Here alſo I parted with more Friends; but ſeveral went with me, after Sermon, to Wilmington, Fifteen Miles from Cheſter. We got in about Eleven at Night. My Body was ſomewhat weak, but GOD ſtrengthned me to pray, ſing Pſalms with, and exhort a Room full of People, for about an Hour; and then I lay at a Quaker's Houſe, who, I believe, was a Chriſtian indeed, and, as I obſerved before, p. 70could ſay Shibboleth. Oh that all of the like Denomination were like minded!

Wilmington and Whiteclaycreek.

Tueſday, May 13. Preached at Wilmington in the Morning, to about Five Thouſand; and at Whiteclaycreek, Ten Miles diſtant, in the Evening, to about Three Thouſand. A great Preſence of GOD was in both Places, eſpecially at Whiteclaycreek, a Place under the Care of Mr. Charles Tennent. The Word, I believe, was both like a Fire and a Hammer, for many were exceedingly melted, and one cried out moſt bitterly under Agonies of Soul. At both Places we collected about Twenty-four Pounds for the Orphan-Houſe; and the People were very ſollicitous for me to bring our Sloop up their Creek the next Time I came, that they might put in Proviſions. Never did I ſee a more plentiful Country than Pennſylvania. I have ſeen but very few poor Objects ſince my Arrival; every one almoſt enjoys Peace and Plenty; the Rich do not ſwallow up the Poor, as in other Provinces, but there ſeems to be a proper Ballance. After Sermon I rode towards Nottingham, in Company with Mr. Tennent, Mr. Craighead and Mr. Blair, all worthy Miniſters of the dear LORD JESUS; p. 71the laſt eſpecially, has been remarkably owned of GOD, and for that has been deſpiſed by his Phariſaical letter-learned Brethren. Many others belonging to Philadelphia, accompanied us, and we rode through the Woods moſt ſweetly, ſinging and praiſing GOD. We were all rejoiced to ſee our dear LORD's Kingdom come with ſuch viſible Power, and endeavour'd to ſtrengthen one another againſt a ſuffering Time ſhould come.— May the great Shepherd make us willing, when called to it, to lay down our Lives for his Sheep. Amen, Amen.

NOTTINGHAM.

Wedneſday, May 14. Got to a Quaker's Houſe, which lay in our Way to Nottingham, about Midnight, and met with an hoſpitable Reception. Received freſh Power from above in the Morning, and preached both Morning and Evening at Nottingham, but with ſuch Demonſtration of the Spirit, and ſuch a wonderful Moving amongſt the Hearers, as few ever ſaw before. I was invited thither in the ſtrongeſt Terms, by ſome of the Inhabitants, who had a good Work begun amongſt them▪ ſome time ago, by the Miniſtry of Mr. Blair, Mr. Tennents and Mr. Croſs, the laſt of which had been p. 72denied the Uſe of the Pulpit by one of his own Brethren, and was obliged to preach in the Woods, where the LORD manifeſted forth his Glory, and cauſed many to cry out, What ſhall we do to be ſaved? It ſurprized me to ſee ſuch a great Multitude gathered together at ſo ſhort a Warning, and in ſuch a Deſart-Place. I believe they were near Twelve Thouſand Hearers. I had not ſpoke long but I perceived Numbers melting. As I proceeded, the Power encreaſed, till at laſt, both in the Morning and Afternoon, Thouſands cried out, ſo that they almoſt drowned my Voice. Never before did I ſee a more glorious Sight. Oh what ſtrong Crying and Tears were ſhed and poured forth after the dear LORD JESUS! Some fainted, and when they had gotten a little Strength, they would hear and faint again. Others cried out as tho' ſomebody was murdering them: And after I had done in the Morning, a Woman, under the deepeſt Convictions, threw herſelf upon the Ground, and hung round my Feet, ſo that I thought ſhe would have pulled me down. Never was my Soul filled with greater Power. Oh what Thoughts and Words did GOD put into my Heart! And after I had finiſhed my laſt Diſcourſe, I was ſo ſtruck with GOD's Love, that p. 73ſome thought, I believe, that I was about to give up the Ghoſt. Oh how ſweetly did I lie at the Feet of my JESUS! With what Power did a Senſe of his ſovereign free everlaſting Love flow in upon my Soul! It almoſt took away my Life: However, at length I revived, and having taken a little Meat, was ſtrengthned to go with my Brothers Blair, Tennent, and ſome other Friends, to Brother Blair's Houſe, about Twenty Miles from Nottingham. In the Way we refreſh'd our Souls, by ſinging Pſalms and Hymns; and got to our Journey's End about Midnight, where, after we had taken a little Food and recommended ourſelves to GOD by Prayer, we went to reſt, and ſlept, I believe, in the Arms of our dear LORD JESUS. Oh LORD, was ever Love like thine!

FORKS-MANOR.

Thurſday, May 15. Preach'd at Forks-Manor, Three Miles from Mr. Blair's Houſe, where I was earneſtly invited to come, by dear Mr. Blair. And here alſo the LORD was pleaſed to cauſe much of his Glory to paſs before us. The Congregation was about as large as that Yeſterday at Nottingham. As great, if not a greater Commotion was in the Hearts of p. 74the People. Look where I would, moſt were drowned in Tears. The Word was ſharper than a two-edged Sword: And their bitter Yellings and Groans put me much in Mind of the Shriekings and Howlings of the Damned in Hell. Oh what different Viſages were then to be ſeen! — Some had their Mouths half open; others pale as Death; others wringing their Hands; others lying on the Ground; others ſinking into the Arms of their Friends; and moſt lifting up their Eyes towards Heaven, and crying out to GOD. I could think of Nothing when I looked upon them ſo much as the Great Day. They ſeem'd like Perſons awak'ned by the laſt Trump, and coming out of their Graves to Judgment. One would imagine none but a Devil incarnate could have withſtood the Power, or avoid crying out. Surely GOD is in this Place. — And yet one Mr. Al—ſon, a Diſſenting Miniſter, a virulent Oppoſer of Mr. Tennent and his Brethren, after Sermon was over, whilſt Thouſands were under the deepeſt Diſtreſs of Soul, came, deſiring to have a publick Diſputation. I told him I was going to New-Caſtle, and that the Place we now were in, was by no Means proper to diſpute in. But he thinking that was only to evade the Trial, I deſired p. 75him to begin, and I would endeavour to anſwer ſuch Queſtions as he ſhould propoſe. He then charged me with ſaying, That ſuch who had only a Faith of Adherence were in a damnable. Condition. I anſwered, Such a Thing never enter'd my Tho'ts; I only ſaid, A Faith of Adherence was not to be reſted in, but that all ſhould aſk for and labour after a full Aſſurance of Faith. He then brought a Paſſage out of Iſaiah, Chap. l. ver. 10. to prove, That a Perſon might be in CHRIST, and yet not know it. I told him, if he was a ſpiritual Perſon, he would have known there was a Time, when GOD withdraws his ſenſible Preſence from a Believer's Soul; and yet, that Soul might be kept from Doubting of his Intereſt in CHRIST. He was then about to quote ſome other Paſſage of Scripture; but by this Time the People were exaſperated at his ill Treatment of me, and one cried out in his Haſte, That he would take Mr. Al—ſon out of the Place: For this, I rebuked him ſharply, ſaying, That was not the Spirit of CHRIST; and, at the ſame time, blamed Mr. A—n, for coming at ſuch an improper Time to diſpute, when he ſaw the Power of GOD ſo viſibly amongſt us. I alſo told him, that I believed he was an Enemy to GOD; but if he had any Objections to p. 76make, I would anſwer them as I rode to New-Caſtle, or in a Letter, if he would ſend his Objections to me. Upon this he ſeem'd ſenſible of his Fault, and ſaid, he thought 'twas beſt to withdraw. With great Difficulty I got upon a Horſe, for the poor convicted Souls hung upon me; and after I had given them a ſhort Exhortation, to anſwer thoſe that oppoſed themſelves with Meekneſs and Fear, I rode to a Friend's Houſe, who had invited me to Dinner, where we all rejoiced, to find what a Fool the Devil and his Servants prove… themſelves to be: For Mr. A—n did his Cauſe ſo much Hurt by this Action, and diſcovered his Enmity againſt the Work of GOD ſo evidently, that even his Friends began to ſuſpect him. Bleſſed be GOD, I truſt all of his Stamp, will ſhew themſelves as clearly, ere it be long: —For I hate to have Communion with ungodly, unconverted Miniſters. I care not, if they all, with one Accord, were ſet in Oppoſition againſt me. And I pray GOD, thoſe that he does not intend to convert, that he would be pleaſed to confound: For, by being ſuffered to worry our LORD's Sheep, they will but increaſe their Torment in a future State. I would, ſays the great St. Paul, they were even …ut off that trouble p. 77you. After this Conteſt, the LORD gave me freſh Manifeſtations of his Love. I dined comfortably with my Friends; rode, at the Rate of Eight Miles an Hour, to New-Caſtle, about Twenty-four Miles from Forks-Manor. Preach'd to about Four Thouſand, and wrote ſome Letters; diſpatched ſome other Affairs; gave a Word of Advice, and prayed with ſeveral who came many Miles under violent Convictions; and then went and ſupped on board our Sloop with my Friends. — Here GOD was again pleaſed to fill me with a Senſe of his Love; my Soul was ready to burſt; Tears trickled plentifully down my Cheeks; and I was much carried out, in Behalf of thoſe poor Souls whom I had left behind hungering and thirſting after the Righteouſneſs of JESUS CHRIST, LORD, for thy Mercies Sake, let them be filled!

After Supper, and ſinging an Hymn and Prayers, many, who have accompanied me ever ſince I left Philadelphia, as alſo Mr. Tennent, Blair and Craighead, took their final Leave: Their Hearts were melted with Love towards me, but being much weakned by Expence of Spirits, I could only ſigh out my Heart's Deſire for them, commend them to GOD, and then, as ſoon as poſſible, betook myſelf p. 78to Reſt, aſhamed that I could be no more affected with a Senſe of the Bleſſings I had received on Shore. LORD, whatever thou denieſt me, deny me not a thankful humble Heart. Amen, LORD JESUS, Amen.

On Board the Savannah Sloop.

Friday, May 16. Roſe by Break of Day. Parted with 2 more dear Friends, and put my Things and little Family in Order, as ſoon as I could. Was pleaſingly ſurprized, to ſee what a Variety of Proviſions and Sea-Store, had been ſent on board by Philadelphia People; and found, that in Goods and Money, I had got near Five Hundred Pounds Sterling. — Bleſſed be the LORD GOD of Iſrael, who alone bringeth mighty Things to paſs. I am now going to make an Addition to my Family of half a Dozen Perſons, a Bricklayer, a Taylor, Two Maid-Servants, and two little Girls, whoſe Father kept a Dancing-School, and Aſſembly- …nd Concert-Room, in Philadelphia. Their Mother, I believe, had a Work of Grace upon her Heart, was well bred, and concern'd much, for ſome Time, at the Buſineſs in which her Huſband was engaged. When laſt at Philadelphia, I did what I could for her; but now GOD open'd p. 79Mr. Seward's Heart to relieve the Parents; I took theſe two Children; and, bleſſed be GOD, an End will be entirely put to the Aſſembly, &c. at leaſt in that Houſe. Many of the young Ladies have been much affected by the Word preached: And I believe thoſe Entertainments will never be ſo much countenanced again. It is a Shame they ſhould be permitted in any Chriſtian Country. They corrupt People's Minds; unfit them for Buſineſs as well as Religion; and grieve the Holy Spirit exceedingly. Curſed are thoſe falſe Prophets, who frequent ſuch Entertainments themſelves, or any Way encourage others. The LORD will call them to Account for it, at the laſt Day. Oh that I could lament my paſt Miſconduct in this Reſpect, with Tears of Blood!

Saturday, May 17. Both Yeſterday and To-day perceived the bleſſed Spirit moving on the Faces of ſome Souls in the Veſſel. Felt much of the Preſence of GOD in my Heart; and had ſeveral Captains of Ships (the Wind being contrary) come to hear me pray and exhort. The LORD being with me, I obſerved the Tears trickling down their ſtern Faces, plentifully. Three ſeem'd under very ſtrong Convictions; and one eſpecially, not long ſince moſt remarkably wicked, I am in great p. 80Hopes will be effectually brought home. Grant it, O LORD, for thy dear Son's Sake. Amen and Amen.

On board the Sloop and at Reedy-Iſland.

Sunday, May 18. The Weather not permitting us to ſail, at the People's and Sailors Requeſt, I went on Shore, and preached twice at Reedy-Iſland, near which our Sloop and ſeveral other Ships came to an Anchor. Having but a few Hours Notice, not above Two Hundred came together, but there was a ſweet Power of the LORD amongſt us; and it pleaſed me to ſee the Ships Companies haſte in their Boats to hear the Sermon▪ Many People wept bitterly; and in the Evening I return'd to my Sloop, with much of GOD's Preſence; and was enabled to finiſh my Journal to this Day, not having Time to write a Word of it, before I came on board, for a Fortnight. Bleſſed be GOD, our dear LORD JESUS fulfils his Promiſe, and his bleſſed Spirit brings all Things to my Remembrance. Thanks be to GOD for this unſpeakable Gift.

Monday, May 12. Was much refreſhed to Day, by Reading the Indian-Trader's Journal, mention'd a little before; and could not but think GOD would open p. 81a Door, for preaching the Goſpel among the Alleganian-Indians. Being much preſſed thereto, in Spirit, I wrote them a Letter, wherein I laid down the Principles of our Holy Religion, told them the Promiſes of the Goſpel, and caution'd them about ſuch Things, which I thought might be an Hindrance to their Embracing Chriſtianity. The Head of them is well inclined, and the white People thereabout have heard of me, and have gotten my Sermons: Who knows but GOD may now now begin to give his Son the Heathen for his Inheritance, and the uttermoſt Parts of the Earth for his …? This Trader, I really believe, is called of GOD; and GOD never ſends any of his Servants on a needleſs Errand. Hereafter, Goſpel Miniſters may be ſent alſo: — But the Goſpel muſt be firſt preached to our baptized Heathens. When a ſufficient Number of them are called, and the Self-Righteous reject the Kingdom of GOD againſt themſelves, then, …, we turn to the Gentiles. I long to ſee that Time, when the Earth ſhall be … with the Knowledge of the LORD, as the Waters covers the Sea. Even ſo; Come LORD JESUS, come quickly.

Wedneſday, May 21. Preached for theſe Three Days laſt paſt, once every Day, on p. 82Shore at Reedy-Iſland. and perceived the Congregations encreaſed much every time. Felt much of the divine Aſſiſtance, both on Shore and on Board; and was enabled to exhort and pray, with great Power, to the Captains and Sailors that came to our Sloop. One Captain and a Pilot were wonderfully affected. I find they all had made an Agreement, to come conſtantly, ſo long as the Wind continued againſt us; But after Evening Sermon, the Weather clearing up, and the Wind being ſome what fair, we weigh'd Anchor, and wen… ſome few Miles towards the Bay. Bleſſe… be GOD for retarding us at Reedy-Iſland Tho' I long to ſee my dear Flock an… Family at Georgia, yet I rejoice in … Delay, becauſe I hope ſome Servants GOD have been refreſhed, and othe… brought into a fair Way of coming JESUS CHRIST. Draw them, O LOR… with the Cords of thy Love, and then … cannot fail of following after thee. … Love of CHRIST is a conſtraining Love. Oh ſhed it abroad into the Hearts of all … unbelieving Sinners. Amen and Amen

LEWES-TOWN.

Friday, May 23. Came this Morn to Old-Kill. Road. Dropt Anchor, Wind being contrary. Went on Shor… p. 83Lewes-Town, and read Prayers and preached in the Church, to a ſmall and as unaffected a Congregation as any I have ſpoke to ſince my Arrival in America. The Miniſter hearing our Sloop was coming, ſtayed to give me the Meeting: But I quickly found he was one of thoſe, who ſubſcribed to the Articles of the Church of England in his own Senſe. He inveigh'd bitterly againſt the Doctrines of Grace in private, but was ſeemingly ſtruck Dumb, after he heard me in Publick; for he did not open his Lips about the Doctrines afterwards. Oh how will divine Truths make their own Way, when attended by a divine Power! — They will either convict or confound Gainſayers. — As for my own Part, I am in Love with the Doctrines more and more, every Day. I find few others, beſides carnal, earthly, ſenſual, deviliſh Men, oppoſe them. And I think the Church of England is by no means beholden to Biſhop Burnet, for his Expoſition on her Articles. He has open'd a Door for a moſt deteſtable Equivocation; and, was it poſſible for the Compilers of our Articles to riſe again from the Dead, I am perſuaded they would inſiſt on their being taken in the Grammatical Senſe. — They cannot, in my Opinion, admit of a two-fold Interpretation. But how is p. 84our once faithful Church become an Harlot? Her own Sons have been her Betrayers; and, I fear, if GOD does not ſpeedily prevent, will prove her Murderers. Father, for thy Mercies Sake, purify her Sons, the Clergy; and grant, that all, who ſerve at her Altars, may be cloathed with the Righteouſneſs of thy dear Son; and preach and live according to the Truth as it is in JESUS!

Saturday, May 24. Wrote ſome Letters to England the Way of Liſbon. Read Prayers and preach'd Twice in the Church, to a much larger and abundantly more affected Auditory than Yeſterday. Many People ſtood without the Church Doors; and I was enabled to ſpeak, eſpecially in the Morning, with ſuch abundant Freedom and Power, that I cannot believe any one Hearer could avoid being affected in ſome Degree or another. I was carried out for a long Time, and ſaw the Word ſtrike the Hearers like ſo many pointed Arrows. It came with ſuch Demonſtration of the Spirit, that carnal Reaſoning could not reſiſt it; Bleſſed be GOD! In the Evening I retired, and looked towards Georgia; but this Text was much preſſed upon my mind, We eſſayed to go into Bythynia, but the Spirit ſuffered us not. — LORD, I ſubmit, p. 85thy Will be done; I deſire not to move, till that which now letteth be taken out of the Way. Oh, when ſhall I learn to have no other Will but thine!

Sunday, May 25. Preached Twice from a Balcony, to about Two Thouſand People, the Church being not capable of Holding them. In the Morning I had not much Freedom, but in the Evening▪ diſcourſing on Abraham's Faith, a great many, and ſome even of the moſt polite, wept much: But alas! When I come to turn from the Creature to the Creator, and to talk of GOD's Love, in ſacrificing his only begotten Son JESUS CHRIST, their Tears dried up. — I told them of it, and could not but from thence infer the dreadful Depravity of human Nature. We can weep at the Sufferings of a Martyr, a Man like ourſelves; but when are we affected at the Relation of the Sufferings of the Son of GOD? Monſ. Paſchal, I have been inform'd, always wept, whenever he read of our dear LORD's Paſſion. And tho' Weeping be not always a Sign of Grace; yet, I think, it is an Evidence of the Hardneſs of our Hearts, and a Want of a due Senſe of Sin, when we can weep at any other melancholly Relation, and yet be unmoved at the Account of the Sufferings of a dying p. 86GOD. The divine Herbert, modernized by my dear Brother, Mr. Charles Weſly, furniſhed me with a ſweet Prayer on this Occaſion.

Sin is ſtill preſſing o'er my Heart,

A Hardneſs void of Love:

Let ſuppling Grace, to croſs her Heart,

Drop gently from above.

After Evening Service, thinking it time to viſit my little Family (in all 17 Souls) I went on board, and GOD was with us of a Truth. I prayed with and exhorted them. My Eyes guſhed out with Water, my Soul was full of a Senſe of the divine Love, and my little Flock wept bitterly too. I was much carried out for them and my dear Savannah Friends; and had ſome Thoughts, that the LORD would now ſend me to them; whether that be his good Pleaſure, I deſire to be reſigned, and thankful for this Delay. It has been made very beneficial to many Souls, eſpecially to ſome of our own Sloop, and one more, once a profligate Sinner, who I truſt will make an eminent couragious Saint. — I think I have now preached Sixty-Eight Times ſince my Arrival at New-Caſtle, and have been near Forty Days on Shore. The p. 87LORD has been much both with me and his People: And whether he is pleaſed to detain me longer here, or permit me to return to my dear Charge, I hope his Name will be glorified, and the Salvation of Souls promoted.

Whilſt in theſe Regions here below,

No other Good will I purſue;

I'll bid this World of Noiſe and Shew,

With all its flattering Snares, Adieu.

That Path, with humble Speed, I'll ſeek,

Wherein, dear LORD, thy Footſteps (ſhine:

Nor will I hear, nor will I ſpeak

Of any other Love than thine.

Tyby-Iſland, 15 Miles from Savannah.

Wedneſday, June 4. Caſt Anchor about Midnight at Tyby-Iſland, Fifteen Miles from Savannah, after a ſhort Paſſage of Nine Days, a Thing very extraordinary at this Time of the Year: But our GOD is a GOD hearing Prayer. LORD, give me evermore to exerciſe Faith on thy Promiſes; and then all things, whatſoever I aſk in thy dear Son's Name, I know I ſhall receive.

SAVANNAH.

Thurſday, June 5, Took Boat at Tyby, about One in Morning, and arrived at p. 88Savannah about Eight. But, Oh what a ſweet Meeting I had with my dear Friends. What GOD has prepared for me I know not; but ſurely I cannot well expect the like till I embrace the Saints in Glory. When I parted, my Heart was ready to break with Sorrow, but now it almoſt burſts with Joy. All Things concurred to make our Meeting exceeding happy. None of my Letters had come to hand, ſo that my Family did not expe…t me of a long Seaſon. They had alſo been informed, that I was caſt away, ſo that they received me as one riſing from the Dead. Oh how did each in his Turn hang upon my Neck, kiſs and weep over me with Tears of Joy! And my own Heart was ſo full of a Senſe of GOD's Love, when I embraced one Friend in particular, that I thought I ſhould have even expired in the Place. All that Joſe… ▪ …t when he wept over his Brother Benjamin, or David when making a Covenant with Jonathan, did I feel, and I could almoſt ſay infinitely more. In ſhort, my Soul was quite big with Peace, with Love and Joy; and I took the firſt Opportunity of kneeling down with my dear Family, and venting my Heart before them. Several of my Pariſhioners came with great Joy to ſee me; and after we p. 89had wept, and prayed, and gave Thanks▪ for a conſiderable Time, I took a little Refreſhment for my Body, but felt my Soul ſo full of a Senſe of the divine Love, that I wanted Words to expreſs myſelf. Oh deareſt JESU, why am I thus highly favoured! Oh free, diſtinguiſhing, ſovereign, everlaſting Love! And yet theſe are only Erneſts and Prelibations of future Bliſs. Haſten, deareſt LORD, haſten that happy Time, when I ſhall arrive at Abraham's Harbour, and praiſe thee to all Eternity for what thou haſt done for our Souls. Even ſo, come LORD JESUS! Make no long Tarrying, O my GOD!

Tueſday, June 10. Bleſſed be the LORD of all Grace, who ſtill continues to do for me marvelous Things. This Day I hope Salvation is come to many in my Houſe. Long have I interceeded for poor Savannah People; intenſe Wreſtling have I had with GOD, time after time, both in publick and private, in their Behalf; and Friday-Night GOD moſt remarkably anſwered my Requeſt. Ever ſince my Arrival, my Soul has been quite carried out with a Senſe of GOD's Love, in bringing me back ſo opportunely; and all this Day, one or two of my Friends perceived a divine Power coming gradually amongſt us. In the Afternoon one of the Men p. 90that I brought over, was enabled to wreſtle with GOD exceedingly, both for himſelf and others. About Four GOD gave me to pray intenſly and particularly, with ſtrong Crying and Tears, for my Friends who were in the Room with me. Many came into the Paſſage near us, and wept much before the LORD, labouring much in their Souls. After this I went up and prayed, for near half an Hour, with ſome of the Women of the Houſe, and three Girls, who ſeemed to be weary with the Weight of their Sins. But when we were at publick Prayer, the HOLY GHOST ſeem'd to come into the Congregation, like a mighty ruſhing Wind, carrying all before it. I was ſo carried out in my Expoſition, that the Sweat poured moſt plentifully from my Face, till my Animal-Spirits were almoſt exhauſted. I had not begun long, before ſeveral began to cry ſorely, and the Number ſtill encreaſed, till young Men and Maidens, old Men and Children, were all diſſolved into Tears, and mourning after JESUS. I believe there was ſcarce half a Dozen in the whole Congregation, but what were deeply affected. I think I never ſaw the like before; it amazed me, and I think it muſt have affected the Heart of any one, not quite dead to GOD, to p. 91behold the little Lambs crying moſt bitterly: And what was more extraordinary, after Church ſeveral of my Pariſhioners, all the Family, and my little Children, came crying along the Street; and many could not avoid Praying very loud. Being come Home, I laid myſelf on the Bed, weak in Body and aſtoniſh'd at the Power of GOD; but finding ſo many come up in ſuch a Condition, I roſe from the Bed, and betook myſelf unto Prayer again; but had not I lifted up my Voice like a Trumpet, the Groans and Cries of the Children and People would have prevented my being heard. This continued for near an Hour, till at laſt, finding their Concern rather increaſe than abate, I deſired all to retire. — But Oh! how was I delighted afterwards, to hear ſome or other praying moſt intenſively to GOD in every Corner of the Houſe; and it ſurprized me to hear what a Spirit of Supplication was put into the Hearts of ſome of the Boys and Girls. It happened alſo to thunder and lighten, which added much to the Solemnity of the Night, and reminded us more of the Coming of the Son of Man. After my Pariſhioners were gone, and my Family retir'd for about an Hour; when I thought their Spirits were compoſed, I called all together, and ſung p. 92an Hymn to our dear LORD JESU whoſe Hand alone had brought ſu… mighty Things to paſs. My exerting … myſelf ſo much threw my Body into ſtrong Fever; but GOD's Comforts … refreſhed my Soul, that I ſlept but litt… the whole Night. The next Day th… Concern ſtill continued, eſpecially among… the Girls, Four of whom, I have grea… Reaſon to believe, are coming home trul… to JESUS CHRIST, with as many Boys The next Day after this Awakening, ſo near two Hours they cried out as violent a… they did the Night before. One has bee… ſo filled with Love, Peace and Joy, tha… ſhe has continued almoſt whole Nights … Prayer. Her Heart burns with Deſire for the Salvation of her dear Relations and Fellow-Creatures. She ſurprizingly is enabled to pray to GOD for them; and ha… wrote ſuch Truths, as, I am perſuaded none could write, without an inward Feeling of the Spirit of GOD in their Hearts. The Boys alſo go on well. I walk out with them, or the Girls, under Conviction, once every Day; and am delighted to find what a rational Account they give me of the Work of GOD; and how they are let to ſee the Corruptions of their Nature. They are obſerved frequently to retire; and ſome of them have prayed p. 93extempore ſweetly before me; and at other Times they have been overheard wreſtling with GOD in the ſtrongeſt Manner, and praying to JESUS CHRIST to deliver them from the Bottomleſs Pit. Several alſo of my Pariſhioners are under great Concern, but I mention my Orphans in particular, that their Benefactors may rejoice, in ſeeing what GOD is doing for their Souls. Bleſſed be His holy Name, our Affairs are now carried on with Decency and Order; and I really believe, Savannah will yet become the Joy of the Earth. E'er long, I truſt, the LORD will take it into his own Hands, and then the Curſe, which, I believe, has hitherto been lying on it, will be taken off. I am now beginning to build a Church; and when Matters are brought to a ſufficient Extremity, then, I believe, will be the LORD's Opportunity to ſave and deliver us. He ſeems to be purging the Province apace. The Sword will ſweep away the Refuſe of Lies; and, I truſt, a Place will yet be prepar'd in this deſpiſed Place, for our dear LORD's own People. Bleſſed be GOD, my Children are induſtrious: We have now in the Houſe near 100 Yards of Cloth, ſpun and weaved; I have alſo, ſeveral Tradeſmen belonging to my Houſe; much Cattle on our Plantation: And, I hope, 'ere long p. 94we ſhall live amongſt ourſelves. I have ſeveral Maſters for the Children, who watch over them both in and after School-Hours: Generally, once a Day, they walk with their reſpective Charges, tell them of the Glory of GOD in the Creation; and praiſe him by ſinging a Hymn.— But I ſhall defer giving a more particular Account, till I ſend my next Journal. As it is uncertain when I ſhall return to my native Country, I thought it my Duty to ſend this in the mean while, that my dear Friends may give Thanks in my Behalf, and by their Prayers ſtrengthen my Hands; For an effectual Door is Opening in America for Preaching the Goſpel. We hear of Wars, and Rumours of Wars, but let not the Servants of JESUS CHRIST be troubled: — For the LORD generally uſhers in his Kingdom with dreadful Pomp, and deſtroys thoſe with the Sword of the Enemy, who would not be wounded with the Sword of the Spirit. May the LORD be glorified in all his Diſpenſations; and may that happy Time now haſten on, wherein the Leopard ſhall lie down with the Kid, and the Lion eat Straw like the Ox, and the People learn War no more! — The Concern I have for Savannah, and the Orphan-Houſe in particular, …es much upon my Heart, Day and Night. But I p. 95commit myſelf to GOD in a Hymn, compoſed by the Great LUTHER, and tranſlated by my Friend Mr. WESLY,

I.

Commit thou all thy Griefs,

And Ways into his Hands;

To his ſure Truth and tender Care,

Who Earth and Heav'n commands.

II.

Who' points the Clouds their Courſe,

Whom Winds and Stars obey:

He ſhall direct thy wand'ring Feet,

He ſhall prepare thy Way.

III.

Thou on the LORD rely,

So ſafe ſhall thou go on;

Fix on his Work thy ſtedfaſt Eye,

So ſhall thy Work be done.

IV.

No Profit canſt thou gain,

By ſelf-conſuming Care;

To him commend thy Cauſe, his Ea…

Attends the ſofteſt Prayer.

V.

Thy everlaſting Truth,

Father, thy ceaſeleſs Love,

Sees all thy Children's Wants, and kn…

What beſt for each will prove.

VI.

And whatſoe'er thou will'ſt,

Thou do'ſt, O King of Kings!

What thy unerring Wiſdom choſe,

Thy Pow'r to Being brings.

VII.

Thou ev'ry where haſt Way,

And all Things ſerve thy might;

Thy ev'ry Act pure Bleſſing is,

Thy Path unſully'd Light.

VIII.

When thou ariſeſt, LORD,

What ſhall thy Work withſtand;

p. 96When all thy Children want, th…u …:

Who, who ſhall ſ…y thy Hand… ▪

IX.

Give to the Winds thy Fears,

Hope, and be und…ſmay'd;

GOD … thy Sighs and … thy ….

GOD ſhall lift up thy Head.

X.

Thr…' Waves, and Clouds, and Sto…s,

He gently clears thy Way:

Wa…t thou his Time, ſ… ſhall this Night

Soon end in j…y…us Day.

XI.

Still heavy is thy Heart,

Still ſink thy Spirits down;

Caſt off the Weight, let Fear depart,

And ev'ry Tear be gone.

XII.

What tho' thou rul…ſt not:

Yet Heav'n, and Earth, and H…ll,

P…claim, GOD ſitteth on the Throne,

And ruleth all Things well.

XIII.

Leave to his ſov'reign Sway,

To chooſe and to command:

So ſhalt thou, wond'ring, own his Way,

How wiſe, how ſtrong his Hand.

XIV.

Far, far above thy Thought,

His Courſel ſhall appear;

When fully …e the Wor… …th wrought,

That caus'd thy needleſs Fe….

XV.

Thou ſeeſt our Weakneſs, LORD,

Our Hearts are known …;

O lift thou up the ſinking …,

Confirm the … Kn….

XVI.

Let us in Life, in …,

Thy … Truth …:

And ….

Thy Love and … ▪

FINIS.

End of the text · George Whitefield, Continuation of Journal from Arrival at Georgia to Return from Pennsylvania (1740)