1st Visit

28th May - 31st May 1742

Thur. 27. — We left Birstal, and on Friday, 28, came to Newcastle-upon-Tyne. I read, with great expectation, yesterday and today, Xenophon’s “Memorable things of Socrates.” I was utterly amazed at his want of judgment. How many of these things would Plato never have mentioned! But it may be well that we see the shades too of the brightest picture in all heathen antiquity.

We came to Newcastle about six; and, after a short refreshment, walked into the town. I was surprised: So much drunkenness, cursing, and swearing, (even from the mouths of little children,) do I never remember to have seen and heard before, in so small a compass of time. Surely this place is ripe for Him who “came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

Sat. 29. — I was informed that one Mr. Hall had been there about a year before, and had preached several times; but I could not learn that there was the least fruit of his labour; nor could I find any that desired to hear him again, nor any that appeared to care for such matter.

Sun. 30. — At seven I walked down to Sandgate, the poorest and most contemptible part of the town; and, standing at the end of the street with John Taylor, began to sing the hundredth Psalm. Three or four people came out to see what was the matter; who soon increased to four or five hundred. I suppose there might be twelve or fifteen hundred, before I had done preaching; to whom I applied those solemn words, “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: The chastisement of our peace was upon him; and by his stripes we are healed.”

Observing the people, when I had done, to stand gaping and staring upon me, with the most profound astonishment, I told them, “If you desire to know who I am, my name is John Wesley. At five in the evening, with God’s help, I design to preach here again.” At five, the hill on which I designed to preach was covered, from the top to the bottom. I never saw so large a number of people together, either in Moorfields, or at Kennington-Common. I knew it was not possible for the one half to hear, although my voice was then strong and clear; and I stood so as to have them all in view, as they were ranged on the side of the hill. The word of God which I set before them was, “I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely.” After preaching, the poor people were ready to tread me under foot, out of pure love and kindness. It was some time before I could possibly get out of the press. I then went back another way than I came; but several were got to our inn before me; by whom I was vehemently importuned to stay with them, at least, a few days; or, however, one day more. But I could not consent; having given my word to be at Birstal, with God’s leave, on Tuesday night.

Some of these told me, they were members of a religious society, which had subsisted for many years, and had always gone on in a prudent, regular manner, and been well spoken of by all men. They likewise informed me what a fine library they had; and that the Steward read a sermon every Sunday. And yet how many of the publicans and harlots will go into the kingdom of heaven before these!

Mon. 31. — About three I left Newcastle.


2nd Visit

13th November - 31st December 1742

10. I rode on to Rusworth-Inn, and, on Saturday, 13, reached Newcastle. My brother had been here for some weeks before, and was but just returned to London. At eight I met the wild, staring, loving society; but not them alone, as I had designed. For we could not persuade the strangers to leave us. So that we only spent about an hour in prayer.

Sun. 14. — I began preaching about five o’clock, (a thing never heard of before in these parts,) on, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” And the victorious sweetness of the grace of God was present with his word. At ten we went to All-Saints, where were such a number of communicants as I have scarce seen but at Bristol or London. At four I preached in the Square of the Keelman’s Hospital, on, “By grace are ye saved through faith.” It rained and hailed hard, both before and after; but there were only some scattered drops while I preached, which frighted away a few careless hearers. I met the society at six, and exhorted all who had “set their hand to the plough,” not to “look back.”

Mon. 15. — I began at five expounding the Acts of the Apostles. In the afternoon (and every afternoon this week) I spoke severally with the members of the society. On Tuesday evening I began the Epistle to the Romans. After sermon the society met. I reproved some among them who walked disorderly; and earnestly besought them all to beware, lest, by reason of their sins, the way of truth should be evil spoken of. Thur. 18. — I could not but observe the different manner wherein God is pleased to work in different places. The grace of God flows here with a wider stream than it did at first either at Bristol or Kingswood. But it does not sink so deep as it did there. Few are thoroughly convinced of sin, and scarce any can witness, that the Lamb of God has taken away their sins.

Fri. 19. — I found the first witness of this good confession. Margaret H — (O how fallen since then!) told me, that the night before, her sight (an odd circumstance) and her strength were taken away at once. At the same time the love of God so overflowed her soul, that she could not speak or move.

James R — also gave me an account today, that in going home the day before, he lost his sight in a moment, and was forced to catch hold of some rails for fear of falling. He continues under strong conviction, longing for the salvation of God.

Sun. 21. — After preaching in the Room at five, I began preaching about eight at the Hospital: It rained all the time; but that did not disturb me or the congregation, while I explained, “Thou shalt call his name Jesus; for He shall save his people from their sins.”

Tues. 23. — There seemed in the evening to be a deeper work in many souls than I had observed before. Many trembled exceedingly; six or seven (both men and women) dropped down as dead; some cried unto God out of the deep; others would have cried, but their voice was lost: And some have found that the Lord is “gracious and merciful, forgiving iniquity, and transgression, and sin.”

Thur. 25. — In the evening God was pleased to wound many more who were quiet and at ease. And I could not but observe, that here the very best people, so called, were as deeply convinced as open sinners. Several of these were now constrained to roar aloud for the disquietness of their hearts; and these generally not young, (as in most other places,) but either middle-aged, or well stricken in years.

I never saw a work of God, in any other place, so evenly and gradually carried on. It continually rises step by step. Not so much seems to be done at any one time, as hath frequently been at Bristol or London; but something at every time. It is the same with particular souls. I saw none in that triumph of faith, which has been so common in other places. But the believers go on calm and steady. Let God do as seemeth Him good.

Fri. 26. — Between twelve and one, I preached in a convenient ground at Whickham, two or three miles from Newcastle. I spoke strong, rough words; but I did not perceive that any regarded what was spoken. The people indeed were exceeding quiet, and the cold kept them from falling asleep; till (before two) I left them, very well satisfied with the Preacher, and with themselves.

Sun. 28. — I preached, both at five in the Room, and at eight in the Hospital, on, “Him hath God elated to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance and remission of sins.” We then walked over to Tanfield-Leigh; about seven miles from Newcastle. Here a large company of people were gathered together from all the country round about: To whom I expounded the former part of the fifth chapter to the Romans. But so dead, senseless, unaffected a congregation, have I scarce seen, except at Whickham. Whether the Gospel or Law, or English or Greek, seemed all one to them! Yet the seed sown even here was not quite lost; for on Thursday morning, between four and five, John Brown, then of Tanfield-Leigh, was waked out of sleep by the voice that raiseth the dead; and ever since he has been full of love, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

At four I preached in the Hospital-Square, to the largest congregation I had seen since we left London, on, “Jesus Christ,” our “wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.”

Wed. DECEMBER 1. — We had several places offered, on which to build a Room for the society; but none was such as we wanted. And perhaps there was a providence in our not finding any as yet; for, by this means, I was kept at Newcastle, whether I would or no.

Sat. 4. — I was both surprised and grieved at a genuine instance of enthusiasm. J—— B——, of Tanfield-Leigh, who had received a sense of the love of God a few days before, came riding through the town, hallooing and shouting, and driving all the people before him; telling them, God had told him he should be a king, and should tread all his enemies under his feet. I sent him home immediately to his work, and advised him to cry day and night to God, that he might be lowly in heart; lest Satan should again get an advantage over him.

Today a gentleman called and offered me a piece of ground. On Monday an article was drawn, wherein he agreed to put me into possession on Thursday, upon payment of thirty pounds.

Tues. 7. — I was so ill in the morning, that I was obliged to send Mr. Williams to the Room. He afterwards went to Mr. Stephenson, a merchant in the town, who had a passage through the ground we intended to buy. I was willing to purchase it. Mr. Stephenson told him, “Sir, I do not want money; but if Mr. Wesley wants ground, he may have a piece of my garden, adjoining to the place you mention. I am at a word. For forty pounds he shall have sixteen yards in breadth, and thirty in length.”

Wed. 8. — Mr. Stephenson and I signed an article, and I took possession of the ground. But I could not fairly go back from my agreement with Mr. Riddle: So I entered on his ground at the same time. The whole is about forty yards in length; in the middle of which we determined to build the house, leaving room for a small court-yard before, and a little garden behind, the building.

Sun. 12. — I expounded, at five, the former part of the Parable of the Sower. At eight I preached in the Square, on, “I am the good Shepherd: The good Shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep.” The effect of what had been spoken in the morning now evidently appeared; for one could not observe any in the congregation to stir hand or foot. When the sermon was done, they divided to the right and left, none offering to go till I was past: And then they walked quietly and silently away, lest Satan should catch the seed out of their hearts.

Mon, 13. — I removed into lodging adjoining to the ground, where we were preparing to build; but the violent frost obliged us to delay the work. I never felt so intense cold before. In a room where a constant fire was kept, though my desk was fixed within a yard of the chimney, I could not write for a quarter of an hour together, without my hands being quite benumbed.

Wed. 15. — I preached at Horsley-upon-Tyne, eight (computed) miles from Newcastle. It was about two in the afternoon. The house not containing the people, we stood in the open air, in spite of the frost. I preached again in the evening, and in the morning. We then chose to walk home, having each of us catched a violent cold by riding the day before. Mine gradually wore off; but Mr. Meyrick’s increased, so that, on Friday, he took his bed. I advised him to bleed; but he imagined he should be well without it, in a few days.

Sun. 19. — I cried to all who felt themselves lost, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved:” And in the afternoon, “Ho! every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters.” At that hour, one who was bitterly mourning after Christ (Mary Emerson) was filled with joy unspeakable.

Mon. 20. — We laid the first stone of the House. Many were gathered, from all parts, to see it; but none scoffed or interrupted, while we praised God, and prayed that He would prosper the work of our hands upon us. Three or four times in the evening, I was forced to break off preaching, that we might pray and give thanks to God.

When I came home, they told me the Physician said, he did not expect Mr. Meyrick would live till the morning. I went to him, but his pulse was gone. He had been speechless and senseless for some time. A few of us immediately joined in prayer: (I relate the naked fact:) Before we had done, his sense and his speech returned. Now, he that will account for this by natural causes, has my free leave: But I choose to say, This is the power of God.

Thur. 23. — It being computed that such a House as was proposed could not be finished under seven hundred pounds, many were positive it would never be finished at all; others, that I should not live to see it covered. I was of another mind; nothing doubting but, as it was begun for God’s sake, He would provide what was needful for the finishing it.

Sat. 25. — The Physician told me he could do no more; Mr. Meyrick could not live over the night. I went up, and found them all crying about him; his legs being cold, and (as it seemed) dead already. We all kneeled down, and called upon God with strong cries and tears. He opened his eyes, and called for me; and, from that hour, he continued to recover his strength, till he was restored to perfect health. — I wait to hear who will either disprove this fact, or philosophically account for it.

Sun. 26. — From those words, “Sing we merrily unto God, our strength; make a cheerful noise unto the God of Jacob;” I took occasion to show the usual way of keeping these days holy, in honour of the birth of our Lord; namely, by an extraordinary degree of gluttony and drunkenness; by heathen, and worse than heathen, diversions; (with their constant attendants, passion and strife, cursing, swearing, and blasphemy;) and by dancing and card-playing, equally conducive to the glory of God. I then described the right way of keeping a day holy to the Lord: By extraordinary prayer, public and private; by thanksgiving; by hearing, reading, and meditating on his word; and by talking of all his wondrous works.

Mon. 27. — I rode to Horsley. The house being too small, I was obliged again to preach in the open air; but so furious a storm have I seldom known. The wind drove upon us like torrent; coming by turns from east, west, north, and south; the straw and thatch flew round our heads; so that one would have imagined it could not be long before the house must follow; but scarce any one stirred, much less went away, till I dismissed them with the peace of God.

Tues. 28. — I preached in an open place at Swalwell, two or three miles from Newcastle. The wind was high, and extremely sharp; but I saw none go away till I went. Yet I observed none that seemed to be much convinced; only stunned, as if cut in the head.

Wed. 29. — After preaching (as usual) in the Square, I took horse for Tanfield. More than once I was only not blown off my horse. However, at three I reached the Leigh, and explained to a multitude of people the salvation which is through faith. Afterwards I met the society in a large upper room, which rocked to and fro with the violence of the storm. But all was calm within; and we rejoiced together in hope of a kingdom which cannot be moved.

Thur. 30. — I carefully examined those who had lately cried out in the congregation. Some of these, I found could give no account at all, how or wherefore they had done so; only that of a sudden they dropped down, they knew not how; and what they afterwards said or did, they knew not. Others could just remember, they were in fear; but could not tell what they were in fear of. Several said, they were afraid of the devil; and this was all they knew. But a few gave a more intelligible account of the piercing sense they then had of their sins, both inward and outward, which were set in array against them round about; of the dread they were in of the wrath of God, and the punishment they had deserved, into which they seemed to be just falling without any way to escape. One of them told me, “I was as if I was just falling down from the highest place I had ever seen. I thought the Devil was pushing me off, and that God had forsaken me.” Another said, “I felt the very fire of hell already kindled in my breast; and all my body was in as much pain as if I had been in a burning fiery furnace.” What wisdom is that which rebuketh these, that they “should hold their peace?” Nay, let such an one cry after Jesus of Nazareth, till he saith, “Thy faith hath made thee whole.”

At eleven I preached my farewell sermon in the Hospital-Square. I never saw such a congregation there before; nor did I ever speak so searchingly. I could not conclude till one; and then both men, women, and children, hung upon me, so that I knew not which way to disengage myself. After some time, I got to the gate, and took horse; but even then “a muckle woman” (as one called her, in great anger) kept her hold, and ran by the horse’s side, through thick and thin, down to Sandgate. Jonathan Reeves rode with me. We reached Darlington that night, and Boroughbridge the next day.


3rd Visit

18th February - 7th April 1743

Fri. 18. — I rode forward for Newcastle. We inquired at Poplington, a little town three miles beyond York, and hearing there was no other town near, thought it best to call there. A Bible lying in the window, my fellow-traveller asked the woman of the house, if she read that book. She said, “Sir, I can’t read; the worse is my luck. But that great girl is a rare scholar; and yet she cares not if she ever looks in a book; — she minds nought but play.” I began soon after to speak to our landlord, while the old woman drew closer and closer to me. The girl spun on; but all on a sudden she stopped her wheel, burst out into tears, and, with all that were in the house, so devoured our words, that we scarce knew how to go away. In the evening we came to Borough bridge, and Saturday, 19, to Newcastle.

Sun. 20. — I went on in expounding the Acts of the Apostles, and St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. In the following week I diligently inquired, who they were that did not walk according to the Gospel. In consequence of which I was obliged to put away above fifty persons. There remained above eight hundred in the society.

Sat. 26. — I visited those that were sick. One of these had kept her room for many months, so that she had never heard the voice or seen the face of any Preacher of this way: But God had taught her in the school of affliction. She gave a plain and distinct account of the manner wherein she received a sense of her acceptance with God, more than a year before; and of a fuller manifestation of his love, of which she never after doubted for a moment.

Mon. 28. — I preached again at Horsley, and spoke severally with those of the society. The world now begins to take alarm, and to cast out their name as evil. After a very good woman (so called) had used abundance of arguments to hinder her neighbour from going near these people, she told her at length, “Why, none but the wickedest people upon earth go there:” “Nay, then,” replied she, “I will go immediately; for I am sure none upon earth is wickeder than me.” Such be the event of all worldly wisdom!

Tues. MARCH 1. — I preached at two in Pelton, five miles south of Newcastle. A multitude of people were gathered together from all the neighbouring towns, and (which I rejoiced at much more) from all the neighbouring pits. In riding home, I observed a little village called Chowden, which they told me consisted of colliers only. I resolved to preach there as soon as possible; for these are sinners, and need repentance.

Sun. 6. — I read over in the society, the Rules which all our members are to observe; and desired everyone seriously to consider, whether he was willing to conform thereto or no. That this would shake many of them I knew well; and therefore, on Monday, 7, I began visiting the classes again, lest “that which is lame should be turned out of the way.”

Tues. 8. — In the afternoon I preached on a smooth part of the Fell (or Common) near Chowden. I found we were got into the very Kingswood of the north. Twenty or thirty wild children ran round us, as soon as we came, staring as in amaze. They could not properly be said to be either clothed or naked. One of the largest (a girl, about fifteen) had a piece of a ragged, dirty blanket, some way hung about her, and a kind of cap on her head, of the same cloth and colour. My heart was exceedingly enlarged towards them; and they looked as if they would have swallowed me up; especially while I was applying these words, “Be it known unto you, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you forgiveness of sins.”

Sat. 12. — I concluded my second course of visiting, in which I inquired particularly into two things:
1. The case of those who had almost every night the last week cried out aloud, during the preaching.

2. The number of those who were separated from us, and the reason and occasion of it.

As to the former I found,
1. That all of them (I think, not one excepted) were persons in perfect health; and had not been subject to fits of any kind, till they were thus affected.

2. That this had come upon every one of them in a moment, without any previous notice, while they were either hearing the word of God, or thinking on what they had heard.

3. That in that moment they dropped down, lost all their strength, and were seized with violent pain. This they expressed in different manners. Some said, they felt just as if a sword was running through them; others, that they thought a great weight lay upon them, as if it would squeeze them into the earth. Some said, they were quite choked, so that they could not breathe; that their hearts swelled ready to burst: Others, that it was as if their heart, as if their inside, as if their whole body, was tearing all to pieces. These symptoms I can no more impute to any natural cause, than to the Spirit of God. I can make no doubt, but it was Satan tearing them, as they were coming to Christ. And hence proceeded those grievous cries, whereby he might design both to discredit the work of God, and to affright fearful people from hearing that word, whereby their souls might be saved.

I found, 4. That their minds had been as variously affected as their bodies. Of this some could give scarce any account at all; which also I impute to that wise spirit, purposely stunning and confounding as many as he could, that they might not be able to bewray his devices. Others gave a very clear and particular account, from the beginning to the end. The word of God pierced their souls, and convinced them of inward as well as outward sin. They saw and felt the wrath of God abiding on them, and were afraid of his judgments. And here the accuser came with great power, telling them, there was no hope, they were lost for ever. The pains of body then seized them in a moment, and extorted those loud and bitter cries.

As to the latter, I observed, the number of those who had left the society, since December 30, was seventy-six: —
Fourteen of these (chiefly Dissenters) said they left it, because otherwise their Ministers would not give them the sacrament.
Nine more, because their husbands or wives were not willing they should stay in it.
Twelve, because their parents were not willing.
Five, because their master and mistress would not let them come.
Seven, because their acquaintance persuaded them to leave it.
Five, because people said such bad things of the society.
Nine, because they would not be laughed at.
Three, because they would not lose the poor’s allowance.
Three more, because they could not spare time to come.
Two, because it was too far off.
One, because she was afraid of falling into fits.
One, because people were so rude in the street.
Two, because Thomas Naisbit was in the society.
One, because he would not turn his back on his baptism.
One, because we were mere Church of England men. And,
One, because it was time enough to serve God yet.
The number of those who were expelled the society was sixty-four: —
Two for cursing and swearing.
Two for habitual Sabbath-breaking.
Seventeen for drunkenness.
Two for retailing spirituous liquors.
Three for quarrelling and brawling.
One for beating his wife.
Three for habitual, wilful lying.
Four for railing and evil-speaking.
One for idleness and laziness. And,
Nine-and-twenty for lightness and carelessness.

Sun. 13. — I went in the morning in order to speak severally with the members of the society at Tanfield. From the terrible instances I met with here, (and indeed in all parts of England,) I am more and more convinced, that the devil himself desires nothing more than this, that the people of any place should be half-awakened, and then left to themselves to fall asleep again. Therefore I determine, by the grace of God, not to strike one stroke in any place where I cannot follow the blow.

Mon. 14. — I preached again near Chowden; and this I continued to do weekly, as well as at all the other places round Newcastle, (except Swalwell,) where I had preached once.

Thur. 17. — As I was preaching at Pelton, one of the old colliers, not much accustomed to things of this kind, in the middle of the sermon, began shouting amain, for mere satisfaction and joy of heart. But their usual token of approbation (which somewhat surprised me at first) was clapping me on the back.

Fri. 18. — As I was meeting the Leaders, a company of young men, having prepared themselves by strong drink, broke open the door, and came rushing in with the utmost fury. I began praying for them immediately; not one opened his mouth, or lifted up a finger against us: And after half an hour, we all went away together, in great quietness and love.

Tues. 22. — I went to South-Biddick, a village of colliers, seven miles southeast of Newcastle. The spot where I stood was just at the bottom of a semicircular hill, on the rising sides of which many hundreds stood; but far more on the plain beneath. I cried to them, in the words of the Prophet, “O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!” Deep attention sat on every face; so that here also I believed it would be well to preach weekly.

Wed. 23. — I met a gentleman in the streets, cursing and swearing in so dreadful a manner, that I could not but stop him. He soon grew calmer; told me, he must treat me with a glass of wine; and that he would come and hear me, only he was afraid I should say something against fighting of cocks.

Fri. 25. — At the pressing instance of a cursing, swearing, drunken Papist, who would needs bring me into a state of salvation, I spent some hours in reading an artful book, entitled, “The Grounds of the Old Religion.” In the first thirty pages the author heaps up Scriptures concerning the privileges of the Church. But all this is beating the air, till he proves the Romanists to be the Church, that is, that a part is the whole. In the second chapter he brings many arguments to show, that the Scripture is not the sole rule of faith; at least, not if interpreted by private judgment, because private judgment has no place in matters of religion! Why, at this moment you are appealing to my private judgment; and you cannot possibly avoid it. The foundation of your, as well as my, religion, must necessarily rest here. First you (as well as I) must judge for yourself, whether you are implicitly to follow the Church or no; and also, which is the true Church; else it is not possible to move one step forward.

This evening I preached in the shell of the new House, on the Rich Man and Lazarus. A great multitude were gathered together there, most of whom stayed with us, and watched unto the Lord.

Sat. 26. — I preached at Burtley, a village four miles south of Newcastle, surrounded by colliers on every side. The greater part of the congregation earnestly attended to those solemn words, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; because he hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor.”

Mon. 28. — I was astonished to find it was real fact (what I would not believe before) that three of the Dissenting Ministers (Mr. A——rs, Mr. A——ns, and Mr. B——) had agreed together, to exclude all those from the holy communion, who would not refrain from hearing us.

Mr. A——ns publicly affirmed, we were all Papists, and our doctrine was mere Popery. And Mr. B—— in the conclusion of a course of sermons, which he preached professedly against us, went a step farther still: For after he had confessed, “Many texts in the Bible are for them,” he added, “But you ought not to mind these texts; for the Papists have put them in.”

Wed. 30. — While I was reasoning (from the twenty-fourth chapter of the Acts) on “righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come,” God constrained many of the stout-hearted sinners to tremble. O that they may not put him off to “a more convenient season!”

APRIL 1. — (Being Good-Friday.) I had a great desire to visit a little village called Placey, about ten measured miles north of Newcastle. It is inhabited by colliers only, and such as had been always in the first rank for savage ignorance and wickedness of every kind. Their grand assembly used to be on the Lord’s day; on which men, women, and children met together, to dance, fight, curse and swear, and play at chuck, ball, span-farthing, or whatever came next to hand. I felt great compassion for these poor creatures, from the time I heard of them first; and the more, because all men seemed to despair of them. Between seven and eight I set out with John Heally, my guide. The north wind being unusually high, drove the sleet in our face, which froze as it fell, and cased us over presently. When we came to Placey, we could very hardly stand. As soon as we were a little recovered, I went into the Square, and declared Him who “was wounded for our transgressions,” and “bruised for our iniquities.” The poor sinners were quickly gathered together, and gave earnest heed to the things which were spoken. And so they did in the afternoon again, in spite of the wind and snow, when I besought them to receive Him for their King; to “repent and believe the Gospel.”

On Easter Monday and Tuesday I preached there again, the congregation continually increasing. And as most of these had never in their lives pretended to any religion of any kind, they were the more ready to cry to God as mere sinners, for the free redemption which is in Jesus.

Thur. 7. — Having settled all things according to my desire, I cheerfully took leave of my friends at Newcastle, and rode that day to Sandhutton. At our inn I found a good-natured man sitting and drinking in the chimney-corner; with whom I began a discourse, suspecting nothing less than that he was the Minister of the parish. Before we parted I spoke exceeding plain; and he received it in love, begging he might see me when I came that way again. But before I came, he was gone into eternity.


4th Visit

29th June - 18th July 1743

Mon. 27. — I preached at Awkborough, on the Trent side, to a stupidly-attentive congregation. We then crossed over, and rode to Sykehouse; on Tuesday to Smeton, and on Wednesday to Newcastle.

Thur. 30. — I immediately inquired into the state of those whom I left here striving for the mastery; and some of them, I found, were grown faint in their minds: Others had turned back “as a dog to the vomit;” but about six hundred still continued striving together for the hope of the Gospel.

Monday, JULY 4, and the following days, I had time to finish the “Instructions for Children.”

Sun. 10. — I preached at eight on Chowden-Fell, on, “Why will ye die, O house of Israel?” Ever since I came to Newcastle the first time, my spirit had been moved within me, at the crowds of poor wretches, who were every Sunday, in the afternoon, sauntering to and fro on the Sandhill. I resolved, if possible, to find them a better employ; and as soon as the Service at All-Saints was over, walked straight from the church to the Sandhill, and gave out a verse of a psalm. In a few minutes I had company enough; thousands upon thousands crowding together. But the prince of this world fought with all his might, lest his kingdom should be overthrown. Indeed, the very mob of Newcastle, in the height of their rudeness, have commonly some humanity left. I scarce observed that they threw any thing at all; neither did I receive the least personal hurt: But they continued thrusting one another to and fro, and making such a noise, that my voice could not be heard: So that after spending near an hour in singing and prayer, I thought it best to adjourn to our own house,

Mon. 11. — I had almost such another congregation, in the High-Street, at Sunderland: But the tumult subsided in a short time; so that I explained, without any interruption, the one true religion, “righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”

Thur. 14. — I preached at the Lower-Spen, seven or eight (northern) miles from Newcastle. John Brown had been obliged to remove hither from Tanfield-Leigh, I believe by the peculiar providence of God. By his rough and strong, though artless, words, many of his neighbours had been much convinced, and began to search the Scriptures as they never had done before; so that they did not seem at all surprised when I declared, “He that believeth hath everlasting life.”

Sun. 17. — I preached (as I had done the Wednesday before) to my favourite congregation at Placey, on, “Him hath God exalted with his own right hand, to be a Prince and a Saviour.” I then joined a little company of them together, who desire “repentance and remission of sins.”

Mon. 18. — I set out from Newcastle with John Downes, of Horsley. We were four hours riding to Ferry-Hill, about twenty measured miles. After resting there an hour, we rode softly on; and at two o’clock came to Darlington. I thought my horse was not well; he thought the same of his; though they were both young, and very well the day before. We ordered the hostler to fetch a farrier, which he did without delay; but before the men could determine what was the matter, both the horses lay down and died.

I hired a horse to Sandhutton, and rode on, desiring John Downes to follow me. Thence I rode to Boroughbridge, on Tuesday morning, and then walked on to Leeds.