Saturday 22, I yielded to the importunity of a painter, and sat an hour and a half, in all, for my picture. I think it is the best that ever was taken. But what is the picture of a man above fourscore!

Monday 24, We had another meeting of the committee; who, after a calm and loving consultation, judged it best, 1, That the men and women should sit separate still; and, 2, That none should claim any pew as his own, either in the New Chapel, or West-street.

[N. B. A part of Mr. Wesley's Journal which should come in here, is lost or mislaid.]

February 25, 1788, I took a solemn leave of the congregation at West-street, by applying, once more, what I had inforced fifty years before, By grace ye are saved through faith. At the following meeting, the presence of God, in a very marvellous manner, filled the place. The next evening we had a very numerous congregation at the New Chapel, to which I declared the whole counsel of God. I seemed now to have finished my work in London. If I see it again, well: if not, I pray God to raise up others that will be more faithful and more successful in his work!

Thursday 28, I set out in the mail-coach, and the next morning came to Bath: here I found a pleasing prospect, the congregations being larger than ever. The society is at length at unity in itself, and consequently increases both in grace and number.

Saturday, March 1, (Leap-year) I considered, what difference do I find by an increase of years? I find, 1, Less activity I walk slower, particularly up hill: 2, My memory is not so quick: 3, I cannot read so well by candlelight but, I bless God, that all my other powers of body and mind remain just as they were.

Sunday 2, I preached at eleven, at half an hour past two, and at half an hour past five. The first congregation was large, and so was the second; but the third was far the largest, filling every corner of the house. And the power of God seemed to increase with the number of the people; insomuch, that in the evening, while I was applying, To

me to live, is Christ, to die, is gain, the glory of the Lord seemed to overshadow the congregation in an uncommon manner. And I trust the impression then made upon rich and poor will not soon wear off.

Monday 3, I went on to Bristol; and having two or three quiet days, finished my sermon upon Conscience. On Tuesday I gave notice of my design to preach on Thursday evening, upon (what is now the general topic,) Slavery. In consequence of this, on Thursday, the house, from end to end, was filled with high and low, rich and poor. I preached on that ancient prophecy, God shall enlarge Japhet: and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant. About the middle of the discourse, while there was on every side attention still as night, a vehement noise arose, none could tell why, and shot like lightning through the whole congregation: the terror and confusion were inexpressible: you might have imagined it was a city taken by storm. The people rushed upon each other with the utmost violence: the benches were broken in pieces; and nine-tenths of the congregation appeared to be struck with the same panic. In about six minutes the storm ceased, almost as suddenly as it rose: and all being calm, I went on without the least interruption. It was the strangest incident of the kind I ever remember; and believe none can account for it without supposing some preter-natural influence. Satan fought, lest his kingdom should be delivered up.

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We set Friday apart as a day of fasting and prayer, that God would remember those poor outcasts of men, and, what seems impossible with men, considering the wealth and power of their oppressors, make a way for them to escape, and break their chains in sunder.

Friday 7, I went over to Kingswood-school, and found every thing there in excellent order. Sunday 9, I preached at the room, morning and afternoon, (Mr. Collins reading prayers), and about two at the school, though the house would very ill contain the congregation.

Monday 10, and the three following days, I visited the

classes, which contained (after many added and many lost or removed) a little more than nine hundred members. I wonder that with such preachers there is so little increase. Dublin has outrun Bristol, already so will Manchester, Sheffield, and even Birmingham soon, unless they stir themselves up before the Lord.

Wednesday 12, I preached in the evening at a new place in Little George-street, the poorest part of the city. And great was our rejoicing in the Lord among this willing people.

Saturday 15, In the evening, having no other time, I preached once more in Temple church. I had no thought of meddling with the controversy which has lately pestered this city, till I read those words in the second lesson, which threw me full upon it, Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. I then thought it my duty to speak clearly and strongly upon that head.

Sunday 16, I was invited by the Mayor, Mr. Edger, to preach in his chapel, and afterwards to dine with him at the mansion-house. Most of the aldermen were at church, and a multitude of high and low: to whom I explained and applied that awful passage of scripture, the history of Dives and Lazarus.. d bas

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- Monday 17, I began my northern journey in a mild, lovely morning. In the evening I preached to so crowded an audience at Stroud as I have not seen there for some years. Tuesday 18, I preached in Painswick at ten. Here also we wanted room for the audience, and all were still as night. At six in the evening I began at Gloucester. Here it seems, the scandal of the cross (such is the will of God!) is ceased. High and low, rich and poor, flock together, and seem to devour the word. I preached on Building upon a rock, and spoke with all plainness. Many, I believe, were cut to the heart, for it was a day of the Lord's power. Joodse od: la es toda bug

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Wednesday 19, About_noon I preached at Tewksbury, where, also, notwithstanding the market, the house was over

filled and the people were deeply attentive. The work of God goes on steadily here. More and more are continually convinced and converted to God. But the preaching-house is far too small, so that many who came could not get in. We went to Worcester in the afternoon, where also the house is far too small for the congregation. The Methodists here have, by well doing, utterly put to silence the ignorance of foolish men; so that they are now abundantly more in danger, by honour than by dishonour.'

Friday 21, I went to Stourport. Twenty years ago there was but one house here; now there are two or three streets and as the trade swiftly increases it will probably grow into a considerable town. A few years since Mr. Cowell largely contributed to the building of a preaching-house here, in which both Calvinists and Arminians might preach: but when it was finished, the Arminian preachers were totally excluded. Rather than go to law, Mr. Cowell built another house, both larger and more convenient. I preached there at noon to a large congregation, but to a much larger in the evening. Several clergymen were present, and were as attentive as any of the people. Probably there will be a deep work of God at this place. Saturday 22, I breakfasted at Mr. Lister's in Kidder minster, with a few very serious and pious friends. In the evening we had a Sunday congregation at Birmingham. Here there is a glorious increase of the work of God. The society is risen to above eight hundred, so that it is at present inferior to none in England, except those in London and Bristol. Sunday 23, we were greatly straitened for room, many being obliged to go away: but I believe all that could squeeze in found it good to be there: for both in the morning and afternoon the power of God was present to heal and so indeed it was on the two following days; particularly on Tuesday evening, while I explained, Seest thou how faith wrought together with his works? And by works was his faith made perfect!

Wednesday 26, I went on to Wednesbury, the mothersociety of Staffordshire: but few of the old standers are left;

I think, but three out of three hundred and fifteen; however, a new generation is sprung up, though hardly equal to the former.

Thursday 27, About noon I preached at Dudley, and with much liberty of spirit; but with far more at Wolverhampton in the evening, the new house being sufficiently crowded. What a den of lions was this town for many years! but now it seems the last will be first. Friday 28, we came to our dear friends at Madeley. Mrs. Fletcher's health is surprisingly mended: and one might take her nephew for a believer of seven years standing; he seems so well established in the faith of the gospel. The congregation was surprisingly large in the evening and great was their solemn joy, while I applied, When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory!

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Saturday 29, Having no other time, I went over to Salop, and spent an afternoon very agreeably. The room was so crowded in the evening as I never saw it before; perhaps the more, by reason of two poor wretches, who were executed in the afternoon. It was given me to speak strong words, such as made the stout-hearted tremble. Surely there is now, if there never was before, a day of visitation to this town also.

Sunday 30, I returned to Madeley; but we were distressed by the large concourse of people. It was too cold to stand abroad; and the church could in no wise contain the congregation but we could not help it: so as many as could, got in, the rest stood without or went away. The epistle led me to preach on the Three that bear record in heaven, which proved seasonable for Mrs. Fletcher. In the afternoon I preached on This is the record: that God hath given unto us eternal life; and this life is in his Son.

Monday 31, About one I preached at Stafford to a large and serious congregation; and about six in the evening at Lane-end. Our chapel not being able to contain one-third of the congregation, they stood at the front of Mr. Myat's house, where they could all hear perfectly; and though the

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