posed; and I find it does me much good, for it drives me nearer to my lord and master, Jesus Christ, with whom I long to dwell.

After exposition, near twenty friends came to visit me, and two young men in particular, (once leaders. of the religious society, but since fallen back.) They came, I believe, with a design to puzzle me about the doctrine of regeneration; but alas, they soon showed what strangers they were to it. For one was so full of zeal that he could not keep his seat; and both were entirely ignorant of the indwelling of the Spirit. One thing they took care to show as much as possible. viz. That they had read the fathers, I suppose the English translations, but at the same time denied experience in religion. Poor men! I pitied and told them, how they rested in learning, falsely so called, while they were strangers to the power of godliness in their hearts. At last finding no probability of convincing them, and being called away to supper, I and my friends took our leave in love, with true concern to see what an unhappy spirit our opposers are of. Afterwards we prayed for them, and endeavoured to bless God for making us to triumph, through his dear Son, in every place.

Saturday, February 10. Breakfasted with some friends, and after family prayer, went with my dear brethren, Mr Kinchin and Mr Hutchings, to Dummer, where I spent most of the day in visiting that poor flock from house to house, who rejoiced exceedingly at the sight of me, and had not forgotten their former love. Their simplicity delighted me and my friend Seward much, and God enlarged my heart greatly to praise him, and to pray for my dear absent brethren. Indeed I love them in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

About four in the afternoon we returned to Basingstoke, in order to expound. And near three large rooms were filled. We expected ill treatment ere we returned home, and some did begin to interrupt me; but God enabled me to speak with such irresistible power, that they were quite struck dumb and con

founded. Many said we will never oppose again. Others said, they would follow me whithersoever I should go; and the hearts of God's children, as well as my own, were filled with joy unspeakable. This night I hope salvation is come to this place.

After exposition, many christian friends came to see me in a most affectionate manner, and about nine at night we set out for Dummer. But no one can tell what enlargement of heart God gave me. My soul was full of ineffable comfort and joy in the Holy Ghost. I poured out my heart before the throne of grace as I rode by the way, and felt the Spirit of God working in me mightily, and enabling me to intercede most earnestly for my dear friends. Lord, hear my prayers, and let my cry come unto thee. In a short time we reached Dummer, and after having taken a little refreshment, I went to bed full of love, and rejoicing for the great things God had done for my soul."

Sunday, Feb. 11. Rose full of love and joy, but afterwards on a sudden was deserted, and then taken very ill in body. I struggled just like one in his last agonies, and longed to stretch myself into God. After having vomited several times, I was obliged to go to bed; and it would have melted any one down to see my dear friends, especially my dearest Mr H-s, weeping and praying around me. Oh, how did I long to be dissolved, and be with Jesus Christ! How did I wish for the wings of an eagle, that I might fly away to heaven! But that happy hour is not yet come. There are many promises to be fulfilled in ine, many souls to be called, many sufferings to be endured, before I go hence. Father, thy will be done.

After having fallen asleep for a short time, I arose and went to public worship, and preached and administered the sacrament, but without any life or power.

My sickness still continuing after service, I went to bed again full of peace, but weak in body, oppressed much in my head, and quite shut up till near five at night. At which time, by the advice of my brother Seward, I took courage, and though it rained hard

rode with my dear friends to Basingstoke, where above five hundred were waiting to hear me expound; but my indisposition continuing, brother Kinchin expounded in my stead. After this my spirits revived, my body was strengthened, and God gave me utterance, so that I spoke freely to near twenty people that came to converse with me, and to hear the word of God. How thankful ought I to be to my dear master for sending me hither. A most beneficial and comfortable meeting have I had with my dear christian friends, and many I hope, will have reason to bless God for what they have seen and heard. A vestry, I find, was called to stop my proceedings, and I hear I am to be presented to the diocesan. Several lies have been told in the news about my preaching at St Margaret's last Sunday. Blessed be God that I can rejoice in these lower marks of my discipleship. Wherever I go, God causeth me to triumph, knits the hearts of his people most closely to me, and makes me more than conqueror through his love. The comforts I enjoy within are inexpressible, they have a great effect upon my outward man, and make me of a cheerful countenance; which recommends my master's service much. Oh, free grace in Christ Jesus!

SALISBURY.

Monday, February 12. Perceived myself perfectly recovered, and was much refreshed by the coming of many dear friends, with whom after I had breakfasted and prayed, I took a most affectionate leave; called at Dummer, sung a hymn, prayed, and gave a word of exhortation to certain disciples that were there, and reached Salisbury with my companion in travel, Mr Seward, about six in the evening. Here I wrote several letters to my London and Basingstoke friends, and sent for Mr Chubb, in order to have a conference with him concerning his late book, but he happened not to be at home. Oh, that that unhappy man was turned from his erroneous principles! For I fear, like Simo Magus, he has bewitched many about Salisbury with his false doctrines. Lord, suffer not thy people to

believe a lie, though they have held the truth in unrighteousness. Raise up, I beseech thee, some true pastors amongst them, who may acquaint them with the nature and necessity of the new birth, and point out to them the blessed Spirit, whereby they may have that repentance wrought in their souls, which the selfrighteous Mr Chubb falsely asserts may be wrought in them by a moral persuasion.

STAPLEASHWIN, WILTS.

Tuesday, February 13. Thought when I rose to abide at Salisbury a few days, but finding it quite inconsistent with my other business, I left that place, after public worship, and paying a visit to an old disciple, my brother Wesley's mother, and reached Stapleashwin about six at night. After having refreshed ourselves, we intended to set forward towards Bath; but finding the people, at whose house we put up, were worthy, we altered our resolution. And our hostess having called in many of her neighbours, I prayed, conversed, and sung psalms with them for a considerable time, wrote some letters, and went to bed, not doubting but the Lord would cause me to dwell in safety. Who knows but some good may have been done here this night? But what have I to do with that? I am only to follow my Lord, who, wheresoever he came, talked of the one thing needful.

BATH AND BRISTOL.

Wednesday, February 14. After family prayer, and giving a word of exhortation, I set out for Bath, and was greatly comforted there with some christian brethren. I then waited on doctor C-y, desiring I might have the use of the abbey church to preach for the orphan-house, the trustees having obtained leave of the bishop before I went to Georgia. But he was pleased to give me an absolute refusal to preach either on that, or any other occasion, without a positive order from the king or bishop. I asked him his reasons. He said, "he was not obliged to give me any." Upon which, I took my leave, and retired with my friends, and prayed for him most fervently. The time will come

says our Lord, when they shall thrust you out of their synagogues.

After dinner, other circumstances concurring, we thought God called us to Bristol. And with cheerfulness of heart, we reached that place about seven in the evening. But who can express the joy with which I was received? To add to my comfort, many letters came to my hands from London friends, which rejoiced me exceedingly. And what was the chiefest pleasure, somebody or other thought me considerable enough to write a letter in the "Weekly Miscellany" against me, and with several untruths, about my preaching at St Margaret's Westminster. Thou shalt answer for me, my Lord and my God. Yet a little while and we shall appear at the judgment seat of Christ. Then shall my innocence be made clear as the light, and my just dealings as the noon-day. BRISTOL.

Thursday, February 15. Sat up till past one in the morning answering my dear friends' letters, having no time otherwise. Received a letter from a dear christian brother, wherein were these words, "I was tol that Mr B-n said to Mr C-h, I believe the devil in nell is in you all. Whitefield has set the town on fire and now he is gone to kindle a flame in the country Shocking language for one who calls himself a minister of the gospel! But, my dear friend, I trust this will not move you, unless it is to pity him, and pray the more earnestly that he may experience the power of those truths he is now opposing, and have the same fire kindled in his breast, against which he is now so much enraged. For I trust I am persuaded, it is not a fire of the devil's kindling, but a holy fire that has proceeded from the holy and blessed Spirit. Oh, that such a fire may not only be kindled, but blow up into a flame all England, and all the world over!"

After having breakfasted and prayed with some religious friends, I went with Mr Seward to public worship; from thence to the reverend Mr G-s, minister of St Mary, Ratcliff, who, as I was in

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