13th Visit

6th September - 20th September 1749

Wed. 6. — I reached Newcastle; and after resting a day, and preaching two evenings and two mornings, with such a blessing as we have not often found, on Friday set out to visit the northern societies.

I began with that at Morpeth, where I preached at twelve, on one side of the market-place. It was feared the market would draw the people from the sermon; but it was just the contrary: They quitted their stalls, and there was no buying or selling till the sermon was concluded.

At Alnwick likewise I stood in the market-place in the evening, and exhorted a numerous congregation to be always ready for death, for judgment, for heaven. I felt what I spoke; as I believe did most that were present, both then and in the morning, while I besought them to “present” themselves, “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God.”

Sat. 9. (I rode slowly forward to Berwick. I was myself much out of order; but I would not lose the opportunity of calling, in the evening, all that were “weary and heavy laden,” to Him who hath said, “I will give you rest.”

Sun. 10. — I preached at eight, and at four in the afternoon; and in the hours between, spoke with the members of the society. I met them all at seven, and a glorious meeting it was. I forgot all my pain while we were praising God together; but after they were gone, I yielded to my friends, and determined to give myself a day’s rest. So I spent Monday, the 11th, in writing; only I could not refrain from meeting the society in the evening. The next evening God enabled me to speak searching words to an earnestly attentive congregation.

Wed. 13. — After preaching at five, I visited many, both of the sick and well: Particularly, Robert Sutty, the first instrument in God’s hand of awakening many in this place, who, till then, slept in sin. But O! how changed! He seemed stripped both of his gifts and graces, and forsaken both of God and man. I had a delightful opportunity, in the evening, of describing and comforting the “broken in heart.

Thur. 14. — Immediately after preaching, I took horse, and rode in a rough, stormy day to Alnwick. But before noon, it cleared up; so that I stood once more in the market-place, and called all to “come boldly to the throne of grace.”

Hence I rode to Alemouth, and laboured to awaken a stupid, drowsy people, by preaching, both in the evening and the next morning, in the most convincing manner I could. For the present, they seemed to be deeply affected: God grant it may continue!

Fri. 15. — I offered “the redemption which is in Jesus,” to a more lively congregation at Widdrington.

Sat. 16. — I preached in Morpeth at noon; in Plessy about five; and then rode on to Newcastle.

Sun. 17. — I preached, morning and evening, in the Castle Garth; and, on Wednesday, 20, set out for the western societies.


14th Visit

10th October - 16th October 1649

Mon. 9. — Having promised to visit Newcastle again, I set out early, and came thither the next day. I was now satisfied that God had sent Mr. Whitefield thither in an acceptable time; many of those who had little thought of God before, still retaining the impressions they received from him.

Wed. 11. — I rejoiced to find that God was still carrying on his work. Both in the morning and evening the hearts of many burned within them, while they were assembled in his name; and they felt his word to be “the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.”

Fri. 13. — At the meeting of the Select Society, such a flame broke out as was never there before. We felt such a love to each other as we could not express; such a spirit of supplication, and such a glad acquiescence in all the providences of God, and confidence that He would withhold from us no good thing.

Sun. 15. — The rain constrained me to preach in the house both morning and afternoon; but I could not repine; for God was there, and spoke peace to many hearts.

Mon. 16. — I preached at four, to a large congregation, and rode to Sandhutton that night.


15th Visit

20th April - 6th May 1751

Early in the morning we scaled the snowy mountains, and rode by the once delightful seat of the late Lord Derwentwater; now neglected, desolate, and swiftly running to ruin. In the afternoon we brought Mr. Milner safe to the Orphan-House at Newcastle.

Sun. 21. — The rain obliged me to preach in the House both morning and afternoon. The spirit of the people refreshed me much, as it almost always does. I wish all our societies were like-minded; as loving, simple, and zealous of good works.

Mon. 22. — The rain stopped while I was preaching at the market-place in Morpeth. We rode from thence to Alnwick, where (it being too wet to preach at the Cross) some of our friends procured the Town-Hall. This, being very large, contained the people well; only the number of them made it extremely hot.

Tues. 23. — We rode on to Berwick-upon-Tweed. At six in the evening a young man was buried, cut off in the strength of his years, who was to have inherited a considerable fortune. Almost the whole town attended the funeral. I went directly from the church-yard to the grave, and had full as many attendants as the corpse; among whom were abundance of fine, gay things, and many soldiers.

        [Excursion into Scotland, 24th-25th April]

Fri. 26. — I rode back to Berwick. The congregation was large, though the air was piercingly cold: As it was the next evening, while I preached at Alnwick Cross; where, on Sunday, 28, I preached at eight and at one. Afterwards I rode to Alemouth, where I had found the largest congregation I have seen in all Northumberland. I preached at Widdrington in the evening; at Plessy, Monday, 29, about noon; and at Newcastle in the evening.

Sat. MAY 4. — I rode to Sheep-Hill, in a rough, tempestuous day; and, after preaching and settling the society, to Sunderland. I found many here much alive to God, and was greatly comforted among them.

Sun. 5. — I met the society at five, preached at eight, and then rode to Painsher. Just as the congregation came out of the church, I began. We had some heavy showers; but none went away. I reached Newcastle before five; but the storm would not suffer me to preach abroad. As many as possibly could, crowded in; but many were obliged to stand without, while I enforced, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Mon. 6. — I met a few people at Durham, in my way, and then rode on to Stockton. Some angry people set up a dismal scream, as we entered the town; but they could go no farther. By means of a plain, rough Exhorter, who lived in the town, the society was more than doubled since I was here before; and most of them were rejoicing greatly: Only poor R—— M—— still went on heavily, being unequally yoked with one who was a bitter enemy to all spiritual religion. I preached in the main street, near the market-place. When I had done, R—— M——’s wife followed me into the house. I desired we might go to prayer. God broke her heart in pieces; and she determined to go on hand in hand with her husband.


16th Visit

28th April - 27th May 1752

Tues. 28. — About noon we reached Stokesley, where I found none had ever yet preached abroad. Samuel Larwood had attempted it, but in vain: And so had Mr. Roberts, some time after; but a Clergyman came at the head of a large mob, and obliged him to desist. About one, the person in whose house we were came in trembling, and told us what threatenings were breathed out. I answered, “Then there is no time to lose;” and went out immediately. I suppose the mob expected to hear us sing; but they were disappointed; for I began preaching without delay. By this means, missing their signal, they came, not in a body, but two or three at a time; and as fast as they came their minds were changed; so that all were quiet, from the beginning to the end.

It rained all the way we rode to Stockton; but was fair all the time I stood in the main street, and explained to a listening multitude, the joy that is in heaven “over one sinner that repenteth.”

Tues. 29. — I preached at Durham to a quiet, stupid Congregation; and the next day went on to Newcastle.

On Friday and Saturday we enjoyed a little respite from labour, and were refreshed both in soul and body.

Sun. MAY 3. — We had the best dressed congregation that ever I saw in this place. I spoke very plain; yet all were patient, and looked as if they understood what was said.

Sat. 9. — I rode to Sunderland, where I found one of the liveliest societies in the north of England. This is the effect of their being so much “under the law,” as to scruple, one and all, the buying even milk on a Sunday. The House hardly contained the people at five the next morning. At eight and at twelve I preached in the street, none opposing or interrupting. About four I began at Newcastle, near the Keelmen’s Hospital. It was just as I expected. Many who had turned back from the holy commandment once delivered to them, flocked together, and seemed convinced that God was still ready to return, and leave a blessing behind him.

Mon. 11. — After preaching at Morpeth in my way, though with little present effect, I rode on to Alnwick, and preached at the Cross, to a far more numerous and more serious congregation.

Wed. 13. — I rode to Berwick; and, after preaching, desired all who had been of the society to meet me. I spoke to seventeen, who were thoroughly willing to unite again; and (what was remarkable) all of them still retained a sense of the pardoning love of God; although they were convinced they had suffered great loss by a famine of the word.

Thur. 14. — At five the soldiers made a considerable part of the congregation. At noon they came again in troops. One of them, T—— W——, came last year from the Highlands, and went through Westmoreland to beat up for recruits. He had been earnestly warned, before he left Scotland, on no account to go near the Methodists. But in Kendal he lighted on two or three; from which time they were not one day asunder. It was not long before God clearly assured him of his pardoning love. A fortnight after, he was ordered to follow the regiment to Berwick; where he is continually exhorting his comrades to be “good soldiers of Jesus Christ” And many already have listed under his banner.

Fri. 15. — In the afternoon I preached at Alemouth. How plain an evidence have we here, that even our outward work, even the societies, are not of man’s building! With all our labour and skill, we cannot, in nine years’ time, form a society in this place; even though there is none that opposes, poor or rich; Nay, though the two richest men in the town, and the only gentlemen there, have done all which was in their power to further it.

Sat. 16. — I rode on to the poor colliers at Placey. When we came hither first, John Lane, then nine or ten years old, was one of the first who found peace with God. From that hour he continued to walk day and night in the light of his countenance. I saw him last year, longing to be with Christ. But he was detained here a little longer, that he might witness “a good confession” in death, as well as in life. He praised God as long as he had breath, and was buried a day or two before I came.

MAY 17. — (Being Whit-Sunday.) I preached in the morning at Gateshead, to an huge congregation, on our Lord’s words, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.” About five I began near the Keelmen’s Hospital; many thousands standing round, or sitting on the grass. The wind was high just before; but scarce a breath was felt, all the time we were assembled before God. I praised God for this also. Is it enthusiasm to see God in every benefit which we receive?

Mon. 18. — I preached at Newlands, and endeavoured to remove the offences which had crept in among the simple people. In the evening I preached at Sheep-Hill. It rained all the time; but that little disturbed either the congregation or me.

Tues. 19. — I preached at Whickham, before Mrs. Armstrong’s door. I was a little surprised at the account she gave of God’s late dealings with her. When her ancient husband, with whom she had lived from her youth, was, on account of a debt contracted by his son, hurried away, and thrown likely to lose all she had, and to be turned out of doors at fourscore years of age; still the Oracles of God, which she had loved from a child, were her delight and her counsellors. But one day, when she put on her spectacles to read, she could not see a word. She was startled at first; but soon said, “It is the Lord; let him do what seemeth him good.” She laid her spectacles down, and casting her eye on the corner of the Bible, thought she could discern some letters. Taking up the book, she read as well as her daughter could; and from that hour, she could not only read without spectacles; but sew, or thread the finest needle, with the same ease as when she was thirty years of age.

Wed. 20. — I preached at Biddick to a multitude of colliers, though it rained hard all the time. They seemed all, even some who had long drawn back, to be melted down as wax before the fire. So strong and general an influence on a congregation I do not remember to have seen for some years.

Sun. 24. — The congregation at the Keelmen’s Hospital was far too large for my voice to command. I doubt not more than two-thirds could hear; but all were still, till I commended them to the grace of God.

Mon. 25. — We rode to Durham, and thence, through very rough roads, and as rough weather, to Barnard-Castle. I was exceeding faint when we came in: However, the time being come, I went into the street, and would have preached but the mob was so numerous and so loud, that it was not possible for many to hear. Nevertheless, I spoke on, and those who were near listened with huge attention. To prevent this, some of the rabble fetched the engine, and threw a good deal of water on the congregation; but not a drop fell on me. After about three quarters of an hour, I returned into the house.

Tues. 26. — At five the preaching-house would not contain one half of the congregation. Many stood at the door and windows; far more than could hear. When I come again, perhaps they will hear while they may. We rode hence to Weardale. I had been out of order all night, and found myself now much weaker. However, I trusted in the Strong for strength, and began preaching to a numerous congregation: And I did not want strength, till I had finished my discourse; nor did the people want a blessing.

In the evening we came to Allandale, and found the poor society well-nigh shattered in pieces. Slackness and offence had eaten them up. When I came into the Room, I was just like one of them; having neither life nor strength, and being scarce able either to speak or to stand. But immediately we had a token for good. In a moment I was well. My voice and strength were entirely restored; and I cried aloud, “How shall I give thee up, Ephraim?” The mountains a drain flowed down at His presence, and the rocks were once more broken in pieces.


17th Visit

24th April - 7th May 1753

On Tuesday, 24, came to Berwick in good time; where I preached on the Bowling Green at six. The wind was extremely sharp, and we had several showers while I was speaking: But I believe scarce five persons went away.

Wed. 25. — We came to Alnwick on the day whereon those who have gone through their apprenticeship are made free of the corporation. Sixteen or seventeen, we were informed, were to receive their freedom this day: And, in order thereto, (such is the unparalleled wisdom of the present corporation, as well as of their forefathers,) to walk through a great bog, (purposely preserved for the occasion; otherwise it might have been drained long ago,) which takes up some of them to the neck, and many of them to the breast.

Thur. 26. — I spoke severally to those of the society, and found they had been harassed above measure, by a few violent Predestinarians, who had at length separated themselves from us. It was well they saved me the trouble; for I can have no connection with those who will be contentious. These I reject, not for their opinion, but for their sin; for their unchristian temper, and unchristian practice; for being haters of reproof, haters of peace, haters of their brethren, and, consequently, of God.

Sat. 28. — I returned to Newcastle.

Sunday, 29. I preached at Sunderland at eight and at twelve. As we were riding back, the wind was exceeding high: But as we entered Newcastle, a shower began, which laid the wind, and then gave place to clear sunshine. I was extremely weary when we came in, having preached four times on Saturday. But my strength soon returned, so that the whole congregation, near the Keelmen’s Hospital, could distinctly hear the entire sermon. And great was the Lord in the midst of us.

Thur. MAY 3. — I preached at Gateshead-Fell, to many more than the House would contain. The Society here was increased when I met them last, from nine or ten to sixty members. They are now double the number; and, I trust, will ere long overtake their brethren in Kingswood.

Fri. 4. — We had the first General Quarterly meeting of all the stewards round Newcastle, in order thoroughly to understand both the spiritual and temporal state of every society.

Mon. 7. — After preaching in Durham at noon, I rode on to Stockton, and took my usual stand in the High-Street, about six in the evening.


18th Visit

13th May - 2nd June 1755

Tues. 13. — I rode on to Newcastle. I did not find things here in the order I expected. Many were on the point of leaving the Church, which some had done already; and, as they supposed, on my authority! O how much discord is caused by one jarring string! How much trouble by one man who does not walk by the same rule, and agree in the same judgment with his brethren!

MAY 18. — (Being Whit-Sunday.) I preached about eight at Gateshead-Fell, and returned before the Service at St. Andrew’s began. At the sacrament many found an uncommon blessing, and felt God has not yet left the Church.

In the following week I spake to the members of the society severally, and found far fewer than I expected prejudiced against the Church: I think not above forty in all. And I trust the plague is now stayed.

Wed. 21. — I preached at Nafferton, near Horsley, about thirteen miles from Newcastle. We rode chiefly on the new western road, which lies on the old Roman wall. Some part of this is still to be seen, as are the remains of most of the towers, which were built a mile distant from each other, quite from sea to sea. But where are the men of renown who built them, and who once made all the land tremble? Crumbled into dust! Gone hence, to be no more seen, till the earth shall give up her dead!

Thur. 22. — Mr. Wardrobe, Minister of Bathgate, in Scotland, preached at the Orphan-House in the evening, to the no small amazement and displeasure of some of his zealous countrymen.

Sat. 24. — I preached at Sheephill. The cold drove us into the House; which being much crowded, was as hot as an oven. Riding afterwards in the keen north wind, it seized upon my breast immediately. However, I made a shift to preach at Chester; and then went on to Sunderland.

Sun. 25. — I preached at eight, though not without pain, not having recovered my voice. We had an useful sermon at church. As soon as the sacrament was over, I preached in the High-Street, (it being Trinity-Sunday,) upon, “There are three that bear record in heaven;” and my voice was so restored, that I could command the whole congregation, though it was exceeding large.

Mon. 26. — I rode to Morpeth, and preached in the market-place, to a small, but quiet congregation. In the evening I preached in the New Room at Alnwick; but I could scarce be heard, my voice being very weak. In the morning it was stronger: So I preached with more ease at five; and then returned to Newcastle.

Thur 29. — I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Gillies, from Glasgow. He preached for me in the evening, to the still greater astonishment of the warm men; who “could never have thought it of him!” Shall we not have more and more cause to say, —

Names, and sects, and parties fall;
Thou, O Christ, art all in all?