10th Visit

26th February - 17th March 1746

Tuesday, 25. About nine I began at Keighley: Thence, (finding the snow was so deep, I could not go through the vales,) I went the straight way, and came to Newcastle, Wednesday, 26.

Fri. 28. — I took my leave of Katy Parks, calmly waiting till her change should come. A day or two after she had her desire, sweetly giving up her soul to God.

Sat. MARCH 1. — I visited the sick, who increased daily in every quarter of the town. It is supposed that two thousand of the soldiers only, have died since their encampment: The fever or flux sweeping them away by troops, in spite of all the Physicians could do.

Wed. 5. — I preached at Whickham at noon; in the evening at Spen; the next day at Burnupfield; and on Saturday, 8, in the Square at Placey. A vehement storm began in the middle of the sermon, which was driven full upon us by the northeast wind; but the congregation regarded it not.

Sunday, 9, was a day of solemn joy; yet, in the afternoon, I felt a great damp, occasioned by my neglecting to speak plainly to some who were deceiving their own souls. I do not wonder at the last words of St. Augustine and Archbishop Usher, “Lord, forgive me my sins of omission.”

I preached on Monday, at Horsley; on Tuesday, at Biddick; and on Wednesday, 12, at Sunderland, where I endeavoured to bring the little society into some kind of order. In the afternoon, being at Mrs. Fenwick’s, and seeing a child there of ten or twelve years old, I asked, “Does your daughter know Christ, or know she has need of him?” She replied, with much concern, “I fear not: Nothing has ever affected her at all.” Immediately that word came into my mind, “Before they call, I will answer.” I was going to say, “Come let us call upon God to show her she has need of a Saviour;” but, before the words were pronounced, the child turned away her face, and began crying as if she would break her heart. I could get no word from her but, “My sins, my sins!” We then besought God to carry on his own work.

Mon. 17. — I took my leave of Newcastle, and set out with Mr. Downes and Mr. Shepherd. But when we came to Smeton, Mr. Downes was so ill, that he could go no further. When Mr. Shepherd and I left Smeton, my horse was so exceeding lame that I was afraid I must have lain by too. We could not discern what it was that was amiss; and yet he would scarce set his foot to the ground. By riding thus seven miles, I was thoroughly tired, and my head ached more than it had done for some months. (What I here aver is the naked fact: Let every man account for it as he sees good.) I then thought, “Cannot God heal either man or beast, by any means, or without any?” Immediately my weariness and headache ceased, and my horse’s lameness in the same instant. Nor did he halt any more either that day or the next. A very odd accident this also!


11th Visit

2nd March - 20th April 1747

Mon. 2. — I rode to Newcastle. The next day, I met the Stewards, men who have approved themselves in all things. They are of one heart and of one mind. I found all in the house of the same spirit; pouring out their souls to God many times in a day together, and breathing nothing but love and brotherly kindness.

Wed. 4. — (Being Ash-Wednesday.) I spent some hours in reading “The Exhortations of Ephrem Syrus.” Surely never did any man, since David, give us such a picture of a broken and contrite heart. This week I read over with some young men a Compendium of Rhetoric, and a System of Ethics. I see not, why a man of tolerable understanding may not learn in six months’ time more of solid philosophy than is commonly learned at Oxford in four (perhaps seven) years.

Sun. 8. — I preached at Gateshead, and declared the loving-kindness of the Lord. In the evening, observing abundance of strangers at the Room, I changed my voice, and applied those terrible words, “I have overthrown some of you as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and the rest of you were as brands plucked out of the burning; yet have ye not turned unto me, saith the Lord.”

On Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, I examined the classes. I had been often told, it was impossible for me to distinguish the precious from the vile, without the miraculous discernment of spirits. But I now saw, more clearly than ever, that this might be done, and without much difficulty, supposing only two things: First, Courage and steadiness in the examiner. Secondly, Common sense and common honesty in the Leader of each class. I visit, for instance, the class in the Close, of which Robert Peacock is Leader. I ask, “Does this and this person in your class live in drunkenness or any outward sin? Does he go to church, and use the other means of grace? Does he meet you as often as he has opportunity?” Now, if Robert Peacock has common sense, he can answer these questions truly; and if he has common honesty, he will. And if not, some other in the class has both, and can and will answer for him. Where is the difficulty then of finding out if there be any disorderly walker in this class, and, consequently, in any other? The question is not concerning the heart, but the life. And the general tenor of this, I do not say cannot be known, but cannot be hid without a miracle.

Where then is the need of any miraculous discernment in order to purge one of those societies? Nay, where is the use of it? For if I had that discernment, I am to pass sentence only ew allegatis et probatis; 1 not according to what I miraculously discern, but according to what is proved in the face of the sun.

The society, which the first year consisted of above eight hundred members, is now reduced to four hundred. But, according to the old proverb, the half is more than the whole. We shall not be ashamed of any of these, when we speak with our enemies in the gate.

Fri. 13. — I found Mr. P. and I almost discouraged at the doctrine of absolute and connotative nouns. I wonder any one has patience to learn Logic, but those who do it on a principle of conscience; unless he learns it as three in four of the young gentlemen in the Universities do: That is, goes about it and about it, without understanding one word of the matter.

In some of the following days I snatched a few hours to read “The History of the Puritans.” I stand in amaze: First, at the execrable spirit of persecution, which drove those venerable men out of the Church, and with which Queen Elizabeth’s Clergy were as deeply tinctured as ever Queen Mary’s were. Secondly, at the weakness of those holy Confessors, many of whom spent so much of their time and strength in disputing about surplices and hoods, or kneeling at the Lord’s Supper.

Thur. 19. — I considered, “What would I do now, if I was sure I had but two days to live?” All outward things are settled to my wish; the Houses at Bristol, Kingswood, and Newcastle are safe; the deeds whereby they are conveyed to the Trustees took place on the 5th instant; my Will is made; what have I more to do, but to commend my soul to my merciful and faithful Creator?

Some days I spent in every week, in examining the societies round Newcastle. And great cause I found to rejoice over them.

Tues. 24. — I rode to Blanchland, about twenty miles from Newcastle. The rough mountains round about were still white with snow. In the midst of them is a small winding valley, through which the Derwent runs. On the edge of this the little town stands, which is indeed little more than a heap of ruins. There seems to have been a large cathedral church, by the vast walls which still remain. I stood in the church-yard, under one side of the building, upon a large tombstone, round which, while I was at prayers, all the congregation kneeled down on the grass. They were gathered out of the lead-mines from all parts; many from Allandale, six miles off. A row of little children sat under the opposite wall, all quiet and still. The whole congregation drank in every word with such earnestness in their looks, I could not but hope that God will make this wilderness sing for joy. In the evening I came back to Newlands, where also John Brown has gathered a society. O, what may not a man of small natural talents do, if he be full of faith and love!

Sun. 29. — After preaching at South-Biddick, at five, I hastened to Sunderland, where I preached at eight, and again at two, in the main street, to a Kennington-Common congregation. I admire the spirit of this people. From the first day I preached here to this hour, I have not seen a man behave indecently. Those who did not approve, quietly went away.

Mon. 30. — I had leisure to reflect on the strange case of Francis Coxon, who was at first the grand support of the society at Biddick. But after a time he grew weary of well-doing; complaining that it took up too much of his time. He then began to search after curious knowledge, and to converse with those who were like-minded. The world observed it, and courted his company again. Now he was not so precise; his school was filled with children; money flowed in, and he said, “Soul, take thy ease for many years.” He came to Newcastle with John Reah the Saturday after I came; but had no leisure to call upon me. At night they set out homeward. He was walking a little before his companion, about three miles from Newcastle, in a way he knew as well as his own house floor, when John heard him fall, and asked, “What is the matter?” He answered, “God has overtaken me: I am fallen into the quarry, and have broke my leg.” John ran to some houses that were near, and, having procured help, carried him thither. Thence he was removed to another house, and a Surgeon sent for, who came immediately. He soon recovered his spirits, and asked how long it would be, before he could be in his school again. And on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, was full of the world, nor was God in all his thoughts. On Wednesday, the Surgeon told him honestly, he thought he could not live. Then he awoke out of sleep. The snares of death came about him, the pains of hell overtook him. He continued all Thursday and Friday in the lowest pit, in a place of darkness and in the deep; warning all to beware of drawing back unto perdition, and calling upon God with strong cries and tears. On Sunday he found a little dawning of hope; this gradually increased all the day. On Monday, he knew God had healed his backsliding, and sorrow and sighing fled away. He continued all day in fervent prayer, mingled with praise and strong thanksgiving. “This night,” said he, “will be a glorious night to me; my warfare is accomplished; my sin is pardoned.” Then he broke out again into vehement prayer. About eight he left off speaking; and soon after, without any struggle or groan, gave up his soul to God.

Wed. APRIL 1. — I rode to Winlinton-Mills, a place famous above many, and called the rebels to lay down their arms, and be reconciled to God through his Son. I saw neither old nor young that behaved amiss; for the dread of the Lord was upon them.

Sun. 5. — We set out early, and about eight went out into the market-place at Hexham. A multitude of people soon ran together, the greater part mad as colts untamed. Many had promised to do mighty things. But the bridle was in their teeth. I cried aloud, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts.” They felt the sharpness of the two-edged sword, and sunk into seriousness on every side: In so much that I heard not one unkind or uncivil word, till we left them standing, and staring one at another. At one I preached at Horsley; and about five in the evening at Newcastle.

Mon. 6. — Having been informed, there were many large collieries three or four miles north or northwest from Durham, I rode to a village called Renton, in the midst of them, and proclaimed, “The Lord God, gracious and merciful.” Abundance of people gave earnest heed to every word which was spoken; kneeled down when I prayed, sung (after their manner) when I sung, and crowded into the house where I went in; crying out, one and all, “A, they were only too long a-coming! Why did they not come sooner?”

Tues. 7. — Finding the people about Dent’s Hole were grow dead and cold, I preached there at twelve o’clock; if haply it might please God yet again to breathe on the dry bones, that they might live.

Wed. 8. — I found the congregation at Blanchland abundantly increased. I preached in the evening at Spen, and the next day, at noon, to a serious congregation at Winlinton-Mills: A gentleman who had talked of making a disturbance, finding not one man to second him.

Fri. 10. — Having settled all the societies in the country, I began examining that of Newcastle again. It was my particular concern, to remove, if possible, every hindrance of brotherly love. And one odd one I found creeping in upon us, which had already occasioned much evil: Namely, a fancy that we must not justify ourselves. (Some of the spawn of Mystic Divinity.) Just contrary to the scriptural injunction, “Be ready to give a reason of the hope that is in you.” For want of doing, this in time, some offences were now grown incurable. I found it needful, therefore, to tear up this by the roots; to explain this duty from the foundation; and to require all who desired to remain with us to justify themselves, whenever they were blamed unjustly; and not to swallow up both peace and love in their voluntary humility.

Sat. 11. — I preached at Biddick at noon; at Pictery, (two miles west of Biddick,) by Mr. M.’s invitation, in the afternoon; and in the evening at Newcastle.

Sun. 12. — I preached at Gateshead in the morning; at Swalwell about two; and at the Room in the evening. I scarce ever heard so fine a defence of a weak cause, as was Mr. S.’s sermon in the morning; wherein he laboured much to prove the unlawfulness of laymen’s preaching; but with such tenderness and good nature, that I almost wish the sermon were printed, for a pattern to all polemical writers.

April 19. — (Being Easter-day.) I preached in Gateshead for the last time; afterwards at Swalwell, and at Newcastle in the evening. I could gladly have spent six weeks more in these parts; but my time being now expired, I preached my farewell sermon at five.

On Monday, 20, a great part of the congregation (which filled the room) were some of the finest people I had ever seen there. Surely God is working a new thing in the earth. Even to the rich is the Gospel preached! And there are, of these also, who have ears to hear, and hearts to receive the truth as it is in Jesus. About nine I preached to a large congregation at Renton, and before six reached Osmotherley.


12th Visit

9th July - 16th August 1748

Sat. 9. — Setting out between two and three, we reached Newcastle about three in the afternoon.

Sunday, 10. I began exhorting all that loved their own souls, solemnly to renew their covenant with God; the nature of which I explained at large on the mornings of the ensuing week.

I had designed preaching between eight and nine in Sandgate; but the rain drove us into the Room. In the afternoon I preached on the First Lesson, David’s conquest of Goliath; but the house would in no wise contain the people, so that many were forced to go away.

On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, I examined the classes, and found not only an increase of number, but likewise more of the life and power of religion among them than ever I had found before. The same thing I observed in all the country societies, among which I spent one or more nights every week.

Sun. 17. — We had a glorious hour in the morning. At half hour past eight I preached in the Castle Garth, and again at four in the afternoon to a vast multitude of people.

Mon. 18. — I began my journey northward, having appointed to preach in Morpeth at noon. As soon as I had sung a few verses at the Cross, a young man appeared at the head of his troop, and told me very plainly and roughly, “You shall not preach there.” I went on; upon which he gave the signal to his companions, who prepared to force me into better manners; but they quickly fell out among themselves. Meantime I began my sermon, and went on without any considerable interruption; the congregation softening more and more, till, toward the close, the far greater part appeared exceeding serious and attentive.

In the afternoon we rode to Widdrington, which belonged to the Lord Widdrington, till the Rebellion in 1716. The people flocked in from all parts, so that the congregation here was larger than at Morpeth. It was a delightful evening, and a delightful place, under the shade of tall trees; and every man hung upon the word; none stirred his head or hand, or looked to the right or left, while I declared, in strong terms, “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Tues. 19. — We rode to Alemouth, a small seaport town, famous for all kinds of wickedness. The people here are sinners convict; they have nothing to pay, but plead guilty before God. Therefore, I preached to them without delay Jesus Christ, for “wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.”

After dinner we rode to Alnwick, one of the largest inland towns in the county of Northumberland. At seven I preached at the Cross to as large a congregation as at Newcastle on Sunday evening. This place seemed much to resemble Athlone; all were moved a little, but none very much. The waters spread wide, but not deep. But let the Lord work as it seemeth him good.

Wed. 20. — We took horse between eight and nine, and a little before two came to Berwick. I sent to the Commander of the Garrison to desire the use of a green place near his house, which he readily granted. I preached at seven to (it was judged) two thousand people. I found the generality of them just such as I expected; serious and decent, but not easy to be convinced of any thing. For who can tell them what they did not know before?

Thur. 21. — After preaching we walked round the walls, which they were repairing and rebuilding. I could not but observe today, how different the face of things was, from what it appeared yesterday; especially after I had preached at noon. Yesterday we were hallooed all along the streets; today none opened his mouth as we went along; the very children were all silent. The grown people pulled off their hats on every side; so that we might even have fancied ourselves at Newcastle. O well is it, that honour is balanced with dishonour, and good report with evil report!

At seven I preached to a far larger congregation than before. And now the word of God was as a fire and an hammer. I began again and again, after I thought I had done; and the latter words were still stronger than the former; so that I was not surprised at the number which attended in the morning, when we had another joyful, solemn hour. Here was the loud call to the people of Berwick, if haply they would know the day of their visitation.

Fri. 22. — I preached about noon at Tuggle, a village about three miles from Barnborough; and then went on to Alnwick, where, at seven, was such a congregation as one would not have thought the whole town could afford; and I was enabled to deal faithfully with them, in explaining, “Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.” I was constrained to speak twice as long as usual; but none offered to go away: And I believe the most general call of God to the people of Alnwick was at this hour.

Sat. 23. — I preached at noon at Long Horsley. The Minister here was of a truly moderate spirit. He said, “I have done all I can for this people; and I can do them no good. Now let others try. If they can do any, I will thank them with all my heart.”

Sun. 24. — I preached at five in the Newcastle House; at half hour past eight in the Castle Garth, and at four in the afternoon. I was weary and faint when I began to speak; but my strength was quickly renewed. Thence we went to the society. I had designed to read the Rules; but I could not get forward. As we began, so we went on till eight o’clock, singing, and rejoicing, and praising God.

Wed. 27. — I rode to Blanchland, intending to preach there. But, at the desire of Mr. W., the Steward of the lead mines, I went about a mile further, to a house where he was paying the miners; it being one of their general paydays. I preached to a large congregation of serious people, and rode on to Hindly Hill, in Allandale.

Thur. 28. — We rode over the moors to Nint’s Head, a village southwest from Allandale, where I preached at eight. We then went on to Alesden, a small market town in Cumberland. At noon I preached at the Cross, to a quiet, staring people, who seemed to be little concerned, one way or the other. In the evening I preached at Hindly Hill again, and we praised God with joyful lips.

Fri. 29. — At noon I went to the Cross in Allandale town, where Mr. Topping, with a company of the better sort, waited for us. I soon found it was but a vain attempt to dispute or reason with him. He skipped so from one point to another, that it was not possible to keep up with him: So after a few minutes I removed about an hundred yards, and preached in peace to a very large congregation; it being the general payday, which is but once in six months.

Sat. 30. — At noon I preached at Newlands: About three near Tanfield Cross, and at Newcastle in the evening.

Sun. 31. — At eight I preached in the street, at Sunderland, and at one in the afternoon. I rode thence straight to the Castle Garth, and found abundance of people gathered together. Many were in tears all round, while those comfortable words were opened and applied, “He healeth them that are broken in heart, and giveth medicine to heal their sickness.”

Mon. AUGUST 1. — One of my old companions returned, — my headache; which I never had while I abstained from animal food. But I regarded it not, supposing it would go off in a day or two of itself.

Tues. 2. — I preached about noon at Biddick, and at Pelton in the evening. I intended to have given an exhortation to the society; but as soon as we met the spirit of supplication fell upon us, so that I could hardly do any thing but pray and give thanks, till it was time for us to part.

Wed. 3. — I found it absolutely necessary to publish the following advertisement: —

“WHEREAS one Thomas Moor, alias Smith, has lately appeared in Cumberland and other parts of England, preaching (as he calls it) in a Clergyman’s habit, and then collecting money of his hearers: This is to certify whom it may concern, that the said Moor is no Clergyman, but a cheat and impostor; and that no Preacher in connection with me, either directly or indirectly asks money of any one.

“JOHN WESLEY.”

Thur. 4. — I preached in the evening at Spen: Friday, 5, about noon, at Horsley. As I rode home I found my headache increase much. But as many people were come from all parts, (it being the monthly watch-night,) I could not be content to send them empty away. I almost forgot my pain while I was speaking; but was obliged to go to bed as soon as I had done.

Sat. 6. — The pain was much worse than before. I then applied cloths dipped in cold water: Immediately my head was easy, but I was exceeding sick. When I laid down, the pain returned, and the sickness ceased: When I sat up, the pain ceased, and the sickness returned. In the evening I took ten grains of ipecacuanha: It wrought for about ten minutes. The moment it had done I was in perfect health, and felt no more either of pain or sickness.

Sun. 7. — I preached as usual at five, and at half hour after eight. In the afternoon all the street was full of people, come from all parts to see the Judges. But a good part of them followed me into the Castle Garth and found something else to do. This put a zealous man that came by quite out of patience, so that I had hardly named my text, when he began to scold and scream, and curse and swear, to the utmost extent of his throat. But there was not one of the whole multitude, rich or poor, that regarded him at all.

Mon. 8. — I set out once more for the north. At noon I preached at the Cross, in Morpeth; in the evening at Alnwick; where many now began to fear God, and tremble at his word.

Tues. 9. — I preached about noon at Tuggle; and between six and seven in the evening at Berwick. More of the Gentry were there than ever before; and I think but three went away.

Wednesday, 10. The congregation was nearly doubled, and the word seemed to sink into their hearts. It was with great difficulty that I afterwards met the society; so many crowded after me, (though without the least incivility,) and knew not how to go away.

Thur. 11. — Abundance of them were with us in the morning. We took horse as soon as we could after preaching, and before twelve reached Alemouth, where all the publicans and sinners drew near to hear: Nay, and all the Gentry; the chief of whom invited us to dinner, where we spent two hours in agreeable and useful conversation. In the evening I preached to the earnest congregation at Widdrington. There is always a blessing among this people.

Fri. 12. — In riding to Newcastle, I finished the tenth Iliad of Homer. What an amazing genius had this man! To write with such strength of thought, and beauty of expression, when he had none to go before him! And what a vein of piety runs through his whole work, in spite of his Pagan prejudices! Yet one cannot but observe such improprieties intermixed, as are shocking to the last degree.

What excuse can any man of common sense make for

His scolding heroes and his wounded gods?

Nay, does he not introduce even his “Father of gods and men,” one while shaking heaven with his nod, and soon after using his sister and wife, the empress of heaven, with such language as a carman might be ashamed of? And what can be said for a King, full of days and wisdom, telling Achilles how often he had given him wine, when he was a child and sat in his lap, till he had vomited it up on his clothes? Are these some of those “divine boldnesses which naturally provoke short sightedness and ignorance to show themselves?”

Tues. 16. — We left Newcastle. In riding to Leeds, I read Dr. Hodge’s “Account of the Plague in London.” I was surprised,

1. That he did not learn, even from the symptoms related by himself, that the part first seized by the infection was the stomach; and,
2. That he so obstinately persevered in the hot regimen; though he continually saw the ill success of it, — a majority of the patients dying under his hands.