Obrazy na stronie
PDF
ePub

wards, I again collected for the orphan-house, and it was near an hour and a half before the people could go out. Many were very faint because of the throng, which was so exceeding great that they trod one upon another.

At eight I hasted to Weavers'-hall in Temple-street, which was procured me, because the society rooms were too little. I was almost faint before I could get in through the crowd; but God enabled me to speak with uncommon freedom, and was with us of a truth. I believe there might be a thousand hearers. Well may the devil and his servants rage horribly. Their kingdom is in danger.

After I had done, I went to a christian house, where many waited for me; and, at my return home, my master paid me my wages; for my soul was filled with an intenseness of love, and I knew what it is, not only to have righteousness and peace, but joy in the Holy Ghost. This is my continual food.

Tuesday, March 27. At four this afternoon, being invited several times, I preached in a yard belonging to the glass-houses, where many dwell; who (as I was informed) neither feared God, nor regarded man. The congregation consisted of many thousands, and God enabled me to lay before them his threatenings and promises; so that none might either despair or presume. Oh that I may be taught of God rightly to divide the word of truth!

Whilst I was preaching, I heard many people behind me hollowing, and making a noise, and supposed they were set on by somebody on purpose to disturb me. I bless God I was not in the least moved, but rather increased the more in strength; but when I had done, and inquired the cause of that noise, I was informed, that a gentleman (being drunk) had taken the liberty to call me dog, and say, "that I ought to be whipped at the cart's tail, and offered money to any that would pelt me." Instead of that, the boys and people near began to cast stones and dirt at him. I knew nothing of it till afterwards, when I expressed

my dislike of their behaviour, but could not help observing, what sorry wages the devil gives his ser

vants

In the evening I expounded again in Weavers'-hall, . to a most crowded and attentive assembly. People follow more and more. There is a divine attraction in the word of God. Still draw us, O Lord, and we shall still come after thee.

Wednesday, March 28. Had the pleasure of hearing, that above a hundred people set apart a day for prayer in behalf of me and my dear brother Howel Harris, &c.. While our friends thus continue to hold up their hands, our spiritual Amalek will never prevail. against us.

Preached in the afternoon at Publow, a village about. five miles from Bristol, to several thousands of people.. The church was offered; but being not sufficient to contain a third part of the audience, by the advice of friends I preached in the fields, which put me in mind of our Lord's saying, "Go out into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in."

Was blessed with two excellent letters. Found out some more of God's secret ones, received some temporal mercies, expounded to the society in Baldwinstreet, and went to a friend's house, where we eat our bread with gladness and singleness of heart. Oh the comforts of a spiritual life! Thursday, March 29. Blessed be God, hope a good work is begun to-day. Having had several notices that the colliers of Kingswood were willing to subscribe, I went to dinner with them near a place called Two Mile Hill, and collected above twenty pounds in money, and got above forty pounds in subscriptions toward building them a charity-school. It was surprising to see with what cheerfulness they parted with their money on this occasion. Were I to continue here, I would endeavour to settle schools all over the wood, as also in other places, as Mr Griffith Jones has done in Wales. But I have but just time to set it on foot. I hope God will bless the ministry of my

honoured friend Mr John Wesley, and enable him to bring it to good effect. It is a pity so many little ones as there are in Kingswood, should perish for lack of knowledge. Stir up thy power, O Lord, and come amongst them, for the sake of Jesus Christ.

After dinner I preached a farewell sermon, and recommended the charity-school to their consideration; and they all seemed willing to assist either by their money or their labour, and to offer such things as they had. I doubt not but the Lord will prosper this work of my hands upon me.

As soon as I came to town, I took my leave of a society in Castle-street; but tongue cannot express the sorrow they were in at the mention of my departure. After this, I did the same at a society in Nicholas-street; and, I believe, for near an hour, they wept aloud and sorely all over the room, as though they were mourning for the death of their first-born. Oh how close are their hearts knit to me! Blessed be God, there is one coming after me, who, I hope, will cherish the spark of divine love now kindled in their hearts, till it grows into a flame. Amen, Lord Jesus.

The

Friday, March 30. Preached this afternoon near Colepit Heath, seven miles from Bristol, a place to which I was earnestly invited, and where great numbers of colliers live. I believe there were above two thousand people assembled on this occasion. weather was exceeding fair, the hearers behaved very well, and the place where I preached being near the Maypole, I took occasion to warn them of mispending their time in revelling and dancing. Oh that all such entertainments were put a stop to! I see no other way to effect it, but by going boldly, and calling people from such lying vanities in the name of Jesus Christ. That reformation which is brought about by a coercive power, will be only outward and superficial; but that which is done by the force of God's word, will be inward and lasting. Lord, make me meet by thy grace for such a work, and then send me. Lo! I come to do thy will.

About seven I returned to Bristol, and took leave of the society without Lawford's gate; but there were so many people, that I was obliged to stand and expound at the window, that those in the yard (which was full) might hear also. Their hearts were ready to burst with grief; but I hope my dear Master will come and comfort them.

Saturday, March 31. Went this morning, and visited the poor man who was misused at the glass-houses. He seemed much concerned for what he had done, and corfessed he knew not what he did: upon which I took occasion to dissuade him from the sin of drunkenness, and parted from him very friendly.

At eleven I went and gave the prisoners a farewell exhortation, and left orders concerning the distribution of the money that had been collected for them. At four I preached, as usual, at the poor-house, where was a greater congregation than ever, and very near nine pounds gathered for the orphan-house. Blessed be God, the longer I stay the more my hearers increase.

At my return home I was much refreshed with the sight of my honoured friend Mr John Wesley, whom God's providence has sent to Bristol. Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace.

Sunday, April 1. Preached at the Bowling-green, Hannam, and Rose-green; at all which places the congregations were much enlarged, especially at the latter. There were twenty-four coaches, and an exceeding great number of other people, both on foot and horseback. The wind was not so well set to carry the voice as usual; but, however, I was strengthened to cry aloud, and take my last farewell. As I was returning home, it comforted me exceedingly to hear almost every one blessing me, and wishing me a good voyage in the name of the Lord. And indeed my heart is so knit to Bristol people, that I could not with so much submission leave them, did I not know dear Mr Wesley was left behind to teach them the way of God more perfectly. Prosper, O Lord, the works of his hands upon him.

At seven I went and took my leave of Baldwinstreet society; but the yard, and entry leading to it, was so exceedingly crowded, that I was obliged to climb up by a ladder, and go over the tiling of another house near adjoining, before I could get to the door.

Monday, April 2. Spent a good part of the morning in talking with those who came to take their leave; and tongue cannot express what a sorrowful parting we had. Floods of tears flowed plentifully; and my heart was so melted down, that I prayed for them with strong cryings, and many tears. The scene was very affecting, and, I think, must have made an impression upon the most hardened heart.

About one I was obliged to force myself away. Crowds were waiting at the door to give me a last farewell, and near twenty friends accompanied me on horseback. Blessed be God, for the marvellous great kindness he hath shown me in this city. Many sinners, I believe, have been effectually converted.

It is unknown what numbers have come to me under convictions, and all the children of God have been exceedingly comforted. Various presents were sent me as tokens of their love. Several thousands of little books have been dispersed among the people; about two hundred pounds collected for the orphan-house, and many poor families relieved by the bounty of my friend Mr Seward. And what gives me the greater comfort is the consideration that my dear and honoured friend Mr Wesley is left behind to confirm those that are awakened; so that when I return from Georgia, I hope to see many bold soldiers of Jesus Christ. Grant this, O Lord, for thy dear son's sake.

KINGSWOOD.

Having taken my leave, and passed through the people of Bristol, who poured out many blessings upon ine, I came about two to Kingswood, where the colliers, unknown to me, had prepared a hospitable entertainment, and were very forward for me to lay the first stone of their school. At length I complied, and a man giving me a piece of ground, in case Mr C

« PoprzedniaDalej »