1749: Marriage to Sally Gwynne

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January 3 - April 30, 1749

Tues., January 3d, 1749. My brother wrote as follows to Mrs. Gwynne. I enclosed it in my own, and sent both letters, after offering them up to the divine disposal.¹²

I buried Alexander White, and preached on, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course," &c. We were all partakers of His joy.

Mon., January 9th. I visited sister Smith, sick and in pain; but her pain was swallowed up in love. "Were I to choose," said she, "I should choose death: but let my Lord choose for me. I want nothing but his love."

Fri., January 13th. I read, undisturbed, a letter from Mrs. Gwynne, dissatisfied with my brother's proposal. I visited Mr. Perronet the next day. He has indeed acted the part of a father: another proof whereof is this letter of his to Mrs. Gwynne:—

Shoreham, January 14th, 1749.

"Madam,—As the trouble of this proceeds from the most sincere friendship, I have reason to believe you will easily excuse it.

"Give me leave then, Madam, to say, that if you and worthy Mr. Gwynne are of opinion that the match proposed by the Rev. Mr. Charles Wesley be of God, neither of you will suffer any objections, drown from this world, to break it off. Alas, Madam! what is all this world, and the glories of it? How little does the world appear to that mind, whose affections are set on things above I This state is what I trust you are seriously seeking after. I am sure it is a state worth every Christian's seeking after, and what every Christian must seek after, if ever he hopes to get to heaven.

"I have a daughter now designed for a pious gentleman, whose fortune is not half that of our friend's; and yet I would not exchange him for a Star and Garter. I only mention this that I might not appear to offer an opinion which I would not follow myself.

"However, I have been hitherto speaking as if Mr. Wesley's circumstances really wanted an apology: but this is not the case. The very writings of these two gentlemen are, even at this time, a very valuable estate; and when it shall please God to open the minds of people more, and prejudice is worn off, it will be still much more valuable. I have seen what an able bookseller has valued a great part of their works at, which is £2,500: but I will venture to say, that this is not half their value. They are works which will last and sell while any sense of true religion and learning shall remain among us. However, as they are not of the same nature with an estate in land, they cannot be either sold or pledged without the most manifest loss and inconvenience.

"I shall trouble you, Madam, no farther, than only to add, that from the time I had the pleasure of seeing Miss Gwynne at my house, I have often had her upon my mind. I then perceived so much grace and good sense in that young lady, that, when this affair was first mentioned to me, I could not help rejoicing at what promised so much happiness to the church of God.

"May that God, in whose hands are the hearts of the children of men, direct all of you in such a manner as may tend to the promoting His honour, and the kingdom of His dear Son. I am, with great respect to worthy Mr. Gwynne, yourself, and good family, Madam,

"Your very sincere and affectionate friend and servant,

"VINCENT PERRONET."

Mon., January 23d. I received letters from Garth, consenting to our proposals.

Sat., January 28th. I married William Briggs and Eliz. Perronet; who seem quite made for each other.

Tues., January 31st. I found life and comfort in the small remnant at Deptford.

Tues., February 14th. I was assisted to preach twice a day, the last fortnight; and pitied an unhappy friend for her confident assertion, that the Lord is departed from me. Let the rest of her words and actions be buried in eternal oblivion.

At four this morning I set out for Garth, with my brother and Charles Perronet. At Kensington my horse threw me. My foot hung by the spur. My company were gone before; when a servant flew to my help, and I rose unhurt.

Wed., February 15th. I dined at the Rector of Lincoln's. I waited on our Dean and others; all extremely civil.

Fri., February 17th. Our wanderings through the bogs, &c., ended at eight in the evening. Sally met me, before I entered the house, with news that her brother was come, and very vehement against the match; yet he received us with great courtesy.

Sat., February 18th. Mrs. Gwynne was extremely open and affectionate; has fought my battles against her own relations, particularly her son, who has behaved very violently towards her. Miss Becky told him, he might think it a great honour done him by my proposal. Mrs. Gwynne, my brother, and I, had a conference. He repeated his proposals, and agreed to make them good; being entirely reconciled to the settlement, for which Mr. Gwynne and Mr. Perronet were to be the Trustees.

Sun., February 19th. I returned to Garth from the sacrament at Macsmynis. Mr. H. Gwynne was very obliging. I drove his father to church, where we heard a good sermon. I had a conference with my brother and Sally. She promised to let me continue my vegetable diet and travelling.

Mon., February 20th. Mr. H. Gwynne was now as affable as the rest; said he had nothing to object, and behaved as if his heart was entirely turned towards us.

Tues., February 21st. My brother and Charles Perronet left us. I stayed a week longer, preaching twice a day.

Sun., February 26th. Mrs. Gwynne assured me, she should not change; talked freely of our marriage, and would have got me to promise not to go again to Ireland. But Sally would not let me, saying, she should be glad herself to visit the many gracious souls in that country.

Mon., February 27th. I commended them once more to God, and took horse with Harry. It rained all day, yet we reached Usk by night; and the next morning break-at Bristol.

Fri., March 3d. I met George Whitefield, and made him quite happy by acquainting him with my design.

Mon., March 6th. I mentioned it to the select band, desiring their prayers, not their advice.

Fri, March 10th. I prayed by happy Sally Huntington. The approach of death has put all her troubles to flight.

Miss Burdock, to whom I told my affair, expressed the strongest approbation. We had a very solemn watchnight.

Thur., March 16th. I rode with Charles Perronet, in a day and an half, to London. I expounded, in bodily weakness, Hab. iii.: "Though the fig-tree shall not blossom," &c. The power of the Lord was present, and great love we felt towards each other.

Sat., March 18th. Returning from Shoreham, I narrowly escaped being crushed to death by a dray on London bridge.

Sun, March 19th. An extraordinary blessing attended the word preached both at the chapel and every other place. In the sacrament I was constrained to pray again and again, with strong cryings and tears. So it was every day of this great and holy week.

Easter-day, March 26th. The convincing and comforting Spirit reached our hearts, both in the word and sacrament.

In the evening I took my leave of the Society, who express a general satisfaction in my intentions. Surely, both Jesus and his disciples are bidden.

Wed., March 29th. Having, by the help of Mr. Lloyd and his Lawyers, settled everything to Mrs. Gwynne's wish, I set out at three, with Charles Perronet, for Bristol, in my way to Wales. I lodged the first night at Oxford.

Thur., March 30th. I took horse again at seven, and God prospered our journey to Cirencester. I expounded Rom. viii. 32, and met the Society, to our mutual comfort.

Fri., March 31st. My text in the morning was, "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek the things which are above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God." He strongly drew our hearts after him, as the tears of many testified.

I stopped to pray By an aged woman, who lay a-dying, and knew not God. She then received faith to be healed. By two we came to Felix Farley's, and soon after to Kingswood, where we found our beloved sisters Murray and Davey, who joined us in prayer and joyful thanksgiving.

Sat., April 1st. Just as we were setting out for Wales, my brother appeared full of scruples, and refused to go to Garth at all. I kept my temper, and promised, "if he not be satisfied there, to desist." I saw all was still in God's hands, and committed myself to Him.

Sun., April 2d. The Lord opened my mouth to apply those weighty words, "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek the things which are above."

I had wrote our friends notice, that I should be at Cardiff to-morrow, and on Tuesday or Wednesday at Garth. But I found my brother had appointed to preach in several till Friday; which I did not take kindly.

Mon., April 3d. He seemed quite averse to signing his own agreement: yet at five we set out with an heavy heart. Our brother Thomas met us on the Welsh side. Before five I came, weary, faint, oppressed to Cardiff, and lay down, being unable to stand.

Tues., April 4th. I met Mr. Hodges at Fonmon. He asked me, "My brother, what are you seeking in this thing? Happiness? Then you will be sadly disappointed. If an help and comfort only, look up to God, and he will surely give it you." I heard my brother at the Castle, and again in the morning.

Wed., April 5th. I lodged with him at Lantrissent.

Thur., April 6th. I was his hearer at five, and nine, and twelve, in Aberther church. By seven we got to Brecknook. An hour after, Mr. James came. I waited with him on Mr. Williams, the Surrogate, for a licence. He was extremely civil; refusing his fees from a brother Clergyman.

Fri., April 7th. I rose at four, and got an hour for prayer and the Scripture; That word in particular came with power to my heart, "Thus saith the Lord, If my covenant be not with day and night, and if I have not appointed the ordinances of earth and heaven; then I will cast away the seed of Jacob, and David my servant, —for I will cause their captivity to return, and will have mercy upon them." I came to Garth by nine; found them at breakfast; almost equally welcome to all. We talked over matters with Mrs. Gwynne; and all my brother's fears were scattered. We read over the settlement. Mrs. Gwynne proposed a bond, till it could be signed. My brother signed the bond; Miss Becky and Miss Musgrave witnessed it.

We crowded as much prayer as we could into the day.

Sat., April 8th. "Sweet day! so cool, so calm, so bright, The bridal of the earth and sky."

Not a cloud was to be seen from morning till night. I rose at four; spent three hours and an half in prayer, or singing, with my brother, with Sally, with Beck. And led MY SALLY to church. Her father, sisters, Lady Rudd, Grace Bowen, Betty Williams, and, I think, Billy Tucker, and Mr. James, were all the persons present. At the church-door I thought of the prophecy of a jealous friend, "that if we were even at the church-door to be married, she was sure, by revelation, that we could get no." We both smiled at the remembrance. We got farther. Mr. Gwynne gave her to me (under God): my brother joined our hands. It was a most solemn season of love! Never had I more of the divine presence at the sacrament. My brother gave out the following hymn: —

"Come, thou everlasting Lord,
By our trembling hearts adored;
Come, thou heaven-descended Guest,
Bidden to the marriage-feast!

"Sweetly in the midst appear,
With thy chosen followers here;
Grant us the peculiar grace,
Show to all thy glorious face.

"Now the veil of sin withdraw,
Fill our souls with sacred awe,—
Awe that dares not speak or move,
Reverence of humble love.

"Love that doth its Lord descry,
Ever intimately nigh,
Hears whom it exults to see,
Feels the present Deity.

"Let on us thy Spirit rest,
Dwell in each devoted breast;
Thou with thy disciples sit,
Thou thy works of grace repeat.

"Now the ancient wonder show,
Manifest thy power below;
All our thoughts exalt, refine,
Turn the water into wine.

"Stop the hurrying spirit's haste,
Change the soul's ignoble taste;
Nature into grace improve,
Earthly into heavenly love.

"Raise our hearts to things on high,
To our Bridegroom in the sky;
Heaven our hope and highest aim,
Mystic marriage of the Lamb.

"O might each obtain is share
Of the pure enjoyments there;
Now, in rapturous surprise,
Drink the wine of Paradise;

"Own, amidst the rich repast,
Thou hast given the best at last;
Wine that cheers the host above,
The best wine of perfect love!"

He then prayed over us in strong faith. We walked back to the house, and joined again in prayer. Prayer and thanksgiving was our whole employment. We were cheerful without mirth, serious without sadness. A stranger, that intermeddleth not with our joy, said, "It looked more like a funeral than a wedding." My brother seemed the happiest person among us.

Sun., April 9th. We all partook of the Lord's supper; and our souls were satisfied with his comforts. I spent good part of the day in writing letters: heard my brother at night.

Mon., April 10th. At four my brother took his leave of us. I passed the day in prayer, chiefly with my dearest friend. In the afternoon Mr. Gwynne, of Glanbran, came visit them. He took no notice of me, or I of him. I explained at night the happiness of religion from Prey. iii., and invited them to partake of it.

Tues., April 11th. I rode with Mr. Philips to Builth. The Lord applied hls most precious promise, "I will pour out the Spirit of grace and supplications." I discoursed at Garth, with delightful enlargement, on "the one thing needful."

Sun., April 16th. I preached constantly the last week at Garth; only once at Lansaintfraid. I carried my beloved Sally to Maesmynis. We had sweet fellowship in theand in prayer. I rode on to Lansaintfraid, and preached a third time at Garth, with a close application on watching unto prayer.

Mon., April l7th, The Lord was never more with me, than he was at Builth, while I spake from those words, "These are they that came out of great tribulation." All the hearers were in tears: but it was a blessed mourning.

Thur., April 20th. I took my leave of Garth in those words of our Lord, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."

Fri., April 21st. I took horse with Sally, Betsy, and my father. We slept at Abergavenny.

Sat., April 22d. I cheerfully left my partner for the Master's work, and rode on with Harry to Bristol. We made so much haste, that I left all my strength behind me. I was glad to go to bed, as soon as I came in.

Sun., April 23d. Dr. Middleton sweated, blooded, vomited me. Yet on Monday I attempted to preach; but my body failed.

Wed., April 26th. I received strength to urge my hearers to come boldly to the throne of grace. The word was quick and powerful. I had a second blessing among the bands.

Thur., April 27th. I had prayer for a blessing upon the word this day, and God.heard and answered, while I expounded John xvii. There was scarce a soul present that was not broken down.

Fri., April 28th. Some letters from Garth brought life with them. I prayed and wept over the beloved writers. In the evening I proceeded in my exposition of John xvii. And still our Lord owned the words for his.

Sat., April 29th. "They that seek me early shall find me." This word was made good to the morning audience.

Sun., April 30th. We had a solemn, joyous sacrament in Kingswood. At Conham I thundered, "O ye dry bones, hear ye the word of the Lord"

May 1 - August 31, 1749

Mon., May 1st. Never, since I preached the Gospel, have I been more owned and assisted of God, than now. He is always with me in the work of the ministry; therefore live by the Gospel.

Thur., May 4th. I preached at Cirencester and Oxford, in my way to London; which I reached on Saturday afternoon.

Sun., May 7th. At the chapel my subject was, "The end of all things is at hand;" at the Foundery, "Thou shalt show me the path of life." The word was really a means of grace to our souls. I met the Society in very great love; which was only increased by my change of condition. I am married to more than one, or one thousand, of them.

Mon., May 8th. I found a blessing in examining the classes. I left out a careless girl; and her mother came abusing me with horrid oaths and curses. Satan, I perceived, did not like our work.

I heard, in the evening, that old Mr. Adams had brought two Constables for me. The poor men were hugely civil and hugely frightened; said, they would not see me, but I might send bail. J. Healey had threatened him in the morning, if he forced his way into the house again, to put him in the bathing-tub. I had shut the door upon him. Justice Fielding had very wisely granted him a warrant against me.

I chose to have a hearing of it directly, and went with Mr. Perronet, Hoy, Windsor, Briggs, and John, to the next Justice, Mr. Withers. He received us with great civility; said, "I am sorry, gentlemen, this has happened; but assure you, you shall have no farther trouble, only your bail." On mentioning Adams, "What !" cried he, "that old man who makes disturbance in the streets? I saw him yesterday raising a riot, and he commanded me to attend him in the name of the Lord. I wonder my brother Fielding would grant a warrant to such a madman. He did not consider the consequence." After ten Mr. Adams came. The Justice examined the warrant particularly, and showed it was no assault; asked, "Did they threaten your life?" "No; but Healey threatened to duck me," said the old man; abused the Justice, told him I had bribed him, and would have been sent to Newgate for so saying, had we not interposed.

The Justice assured us he would take care of him, if ever he molested us more; made the Clerk give back his fees; marked the warrant, "Litigious, malicious, vexatious, false ;" discharged the bail, and promised us all the assistance in his power on all occasions.

Fri., May 12th. I waited on him again, hearing Adams had got me presented at Hick's-hall. The Justice said I need give myself no trouble about it: he should be there himself. The next day the bill was thrown out.

Whitsunday, May 14th. I preached the promise of Christ and the Father, with the demonstration of that Spirit; and received it partly with the sacrament. Our brotherpartook with us, and declared "he was in heaven !"

Tues., May 18th. A woman, in baptism, received both the outward visible sign, and the inward spiritual grace.

Fri., May 19th. I joined in the Lord's supper with our happy dying sister Kempthorn.

Mon., May 22d. I left London at two in the afternoon, and came to Bath on Tuesday evening.

Thur., May 25th. My exhortation was blessed to the Society at Bristol. On mention of the persecution in Cork, a spirit of sympathy ran through all our hearts.

Sat., May 27th. I hired a small house, near my worthy friend Vigor's, such an one as suited a stranger and pilgrim upon earth.

Sun., May 28th. We had a glorious time at Kingswood, never better.

Mon. afternoon, May 29th. At Mrs. Dicken's in Bath, I met Miss Stonehouse, the sister of my old friend. Shall I ever meet my poor dear George again? I preached to a very fine audience, whom I did not spare.

Fri., June 2d. I took horse at two, and got to Hereford by one. At half-hour past three my beloved Sally, with Mrs. Gwynne and her sister Peggy, found me at the Falcon. We sang, rejoiced, and gave thanks till Mr. and Mrs. Hervey came. After dinner we drank tea at their house, and went to see the cathedral. I wanted work; but there was no door opened.

Sat., June 3d. I carried my companion to Ludlow, to which the family lately removed. My mother and sisters Becky, Betsy, Baldwyn, received me as I expected. Brother Duke and the Captain could not be civiler.

Sun., June 4th. The pulpit was refused me; but not the sacrament. In the afternoon the boys began gathering, and throwing eggs and stones. Mr. Gwynne sent for Bailiff, who himself fetched the refractory Constable, and seized the ringleader of the mob. This quelled the increasing riot.

I preached with tolerable quiet on, "Repent, and believe the Gospel."

Mon., June 5th. With more enlargement, and to a better behaved congregation, from, "Behold the Lamb of God, who taketh," &c. I stood at the door; got one stone at last.

Tues., June 6th. I drove my wife to visit Captain Baldwyn, and very gently overturned without hurting her in the least. My hearers at night were very tumultuous; yet could do no mischief.

Thur., June 8th. I preached at the market-place in Leominster, "Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by?" All appeared quite eager to hear. I exhorted about forty serious people in an house at Ludlow to work out their salvation; and the blessing of the Lord was with us.

Fri., June 10th. I rode with Sally to Leominster, and expounded Isai. lv. in the market-place. The Minister was there again: all serious, some visibly affected. Dr. Young entertained us till we got to Coleford, late at night. It was fair-time. With difficulty we got a private lodgings.

Sat., June 10th. We came by noon to our dear M. Vigor's. The Lord welcomed us there, and at night among the Leaders, with the blessing of peace.

Sun., June llth. I preached first in the streets, and then at Kingswood. My partner and all present rejoiced in the Consolation of Israel.

Tues., June 13th. I felt every word I spoke this morning. What comes from the heart usually goes to the heart.

Wed., June 14th. I threw away some advice on an obstinate Preacher; (J. Wh. ;) for I could make no impression on him, or in any degree bow his stiff neck.

Thur., June 15th. I spake in conference with a woman admitted lately among the witnesses of pardoning love. At night I preached "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to day, and for ever." Most of the congregation were in tears; many cried after Him; some even fainted under the sense of his love.

Mon., June 10th. I found much life in the select band. J. Jones was carried out in fervent prayer for my partner and me. I carried her to Captain James, where Miss Burdock helped to increase our joy in the Lord.

Fri., June 23d. I expounded Moses's wish at the watchnight; and the Lord came down into many faithful hearts.

Sat., June 24th. We waited on Dr. Middleton, who received us very cordially. All look upon my Sally with my eyes.

Wed., June 28th. I read the Society an account of the persecution at Cork. All were inflamed with love, grief, pity. We parted in the spirit of prayer.

Thur., June 29th. I carried my companion by Bath, to Seen. Many listened to the word of grace.

Fri., June 30th. We lodged six miles short of Marlborough.

Sat., July lst. She was quite spent with heat and fatigue, when J. Healy and T. Hardwick met us at Salthill, with two chaises. Between eight and nine we got to our lodgings in Moorfields. Who should wait at M. Boult's to receive us, but Mrs.——-?. as if she came to atone for her past misbehaviour, like cursing Shimei meeting David.

Sun., July 2d. The chapel was excessively crowded, while our Lord applied his own saying, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock," &e. Many heard, and testified they heard, His voice. Satan came with the sons of God, in the shape of an old perjured enthusiast. I ordered him (Mr. Adams) to be taken quietly out of the church he appeared to disturb the work of God. Colonel G——- was weak enough to be offended, and went out too; but the Lord did not depart.

He was with us again in his word, "O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself;" and at our feast of love.

Wed., July 5th. God, by his word this morning, ministered strong consolation to those in the wilderness.

Thur., July 6th. I disowned J. Healy before the Society, for beating the poor old madman.

Sat., July 8th. Mr. Pertoner having come to see my partner, to-day we returned with him to Shoreham. There I left her with such as knew her value, and hastened back to meet the penitents.

Sun., July 9th. I closed the busy, blessed day with Dr. Young and faithful John Downes.

Mon., July 10th. I dined with the Preachers, and was troubled at J. Wh.'s obstinacy. He is gone to the north, expressly contrary to my advice. Whither will his wilfulness lead him at last?

Thur., July 13th. I fetched my feeble companion from Shoreham.

Fri., July 14th. Returning from the watchnight, I found her extremely ill.

Wed., July 19th. I gave the sacrament to our old sister Batchelor, rejoicing in pain and sickness. I found brother Pike still happier, because nearer the haven where he would be.

Thur., July 20th. At Ned Perronet's I met Mrs. Vazeille, a woman of a sorrowful spirit.

Sun., July 23d. I preached a funeral sermon over sister Bouquet and brother Pike, departed in the Lord; and added a seasonable word at their graves.

Mon., July 24th. I was riding over Hounslow-heath with my wife behind me, when an highwayman crossed the road, passed us, and robbed all the coaches and passengers behind us. By Wednesday evening God blessed our coming in to Bristol.

Sat. afternoon, July 29th. Mr. B——n, with a troop of his friends, came to visit us at our lodgings in Stokescroft. Poor N. S.,¹³ at the sight of so many predestinarians, fell into a transport of passion and grief. I tried to pacify her with counsel and prayer. At night we were honoured with a crowd of the great vulgar; between forty and fifty of them in their coaches.

Sun., July 30th. Our worthy brother Grimshaw assisted at Kingswood, and partook of our feast.

I preached, in a field near Lawrence-hill, the word of power and truth and reconciliation.

At the Society we seemed filled with the spirit of love and of prayer.

Thur., August 3d. Our conference this week with Mr. Whitefield and Mr. Harris came to nought; I think, through their flying off.

Fri., August 4th. I kept a watchnight; but dismissed the people at ten, as an alarm was gone forth of the colliers rising.

Sat., August 5th. I gave the sacrament to a dying sister, unjustified till very lately; now ready for the Bridegroom: then to Sarah Pertin, desiring neither life nor death, but that God might be magnified.

Sun., August 6th. With my partner, and all our Kingswood children, I was exceedingly comforted at the Lord's table, my mouth being opened in strong exhortation and prayer.

Mon., August 7th. At six I took horse with Sally for Ludlow; and T. Butts, and Captain James, my brother, and Grace Murray overtook us before we reached the Passage. Near nine we took up with a sorry lodging two miles short of Hereford.

Tues., August 8th. I dined with our hospitable friends in Ludlow. Wed., August 9th. Several of the gentry listened to my brother at night.

Thur., August 10th. My brother having signed the settlement, set out at four with Grace Murray and James Jones. T. Butts and I took horse at six. It rained all day. I preached at Evesham with much life; the next evening met my brother and G. M., who came through Birmingham to Oxford; and on

Sat., August 12th, I attended him to London.

Tues., August 15th. We had the satisfaction of two hours' conference at Mr. Watkins's, with that loving, mild, judicious Christian, Dr. Doddridge.

Tues., August 22d. I preached at Evesham with great effect.

Wed. afternoon, August 28d. I rejoiced to find Sally and the rest well at Ludlow. I continued with them a week, preaching the Gospel with little fruit.

Wed., August 30th. At nine I set out with Sally, Becky, Betsy, and Peggy. I preached in Leominster, from Isai. lxi., with a blessing, even the blessing of the Gospel. We lay at Hereford; whence Becky returned home.

Thur., August 31st. We lodged at Thornbury.

September 1 - December 25, 1749

Fri., September 1st. By eleven we saluted our friend Vigor. I saw my house, and consecrated it by prayer and thanksgiving. I spent an hour at the preaching-room in intercession. I began the hour of retirement with joint prayer. Alone, I was in some measure sensible of the divine presence. I opened the book on those words, "While they spake, Jesus stood in the midst of them, and said, Peace be unto you." At six our first guests, Mrs. Vigor and her sisters, passed an useful hour with us. I preached on the first words I met, Rom. xii. 1: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice," &c. The power and blessing of God was with us. Half-hour past nine I slept comfortably in my own house, yet not my own.

Sat., September 2d. We had family prayer at eight. I began the New Testament. I passed the hour of retirement in my garden, and was melted into tears by the divine goodness.

Sun., September 3d. Sally accompanied me to our feast in Kingswood. Poor Betsy was kept away by illness.

Mon., September 4th. I rose with my partner at four. Both under the word and among the select band, we were constrained to cry after Jesus with mighty prayers and tears. We sang this hymn in my family: —

"God of faithful Abraham, hear
His feeble son and thine,
In thy glorious power appear,
And bless my just design:
Lo ! I come to serve thy will,
All thy blessed will to prove;
Fired with patriarchal zeal,
And pure primeval love.

"Me and mine I fain would give
A sacrifice to Thee,
By the ancient model live,
The true simplicity;
Walk as in my Maker's sight,
Free from worldly guile and care,
Praise my innocent delight,
And all my business prayer.

"Whom to me thy goodness lends
Till life's last gasp is o'er,
Servants, relatives, and friends,
I promise to restore;
All shall on thy side appear,
All shall in thy service join,
Principled with godly fear,
And worshippers divine.

"Them, as much as lies in me,
I will through grace persuade,
Seize, and turn their souls to Thee
For whom their souls were made;
Bring them to the' atoning blood,
(Blood that speaks a world forgiven,)
Make them serious, wise, and good,
And train them up for heaven."

In the evening was that word fulfilled, "Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise east out," by the reception of a poor sinner to the favour of God in Christ Jesus.

Thur., September 7th. As often as I minister the word, our Lord ministers his grace through it. He Messed me also in private, as well as family, prayer, and conference with my Christian friends; in a word, whatsoever I do prospers.

Sun., September 10th. There was a multitude of guests at our Lord's supper; and none of them, I would hope, sent empty away.

Fri, September 15th. My throat grew worse and worse, so that I could not preach in the evening.

Sunday, October 22d, 1749. I rode with Mr. Waller and my family to Kingswood. After the sacrament, we found the usual spirit of prayer.

Wed., October 25th. Among my hearers to-day at Bath, were a son of Lord Chief Justice Lee, my old schoolfellow, Sir Danvers Osborn, and Lord Halifax. They behaved decently, and were particularly taken with the singing. In the evening God sent forth his awakening power, and his fear fell on all that heard the word.

Thur., October 26th. I visited my house in peace. Wed., November 8th. I set out for London, with my brother and Ned Perronet. We were in perils of robbers, who were abroad, and had robbed many the night before. We commended ourselves to God, and rode over the heath, singing.

Fri., November 10th. We kept a joyful watchnight at the Foundery.

Sun., November 12th. I heard that our sister Somerset was gone to glory. God, who giveth power to them that faint was with my mouth, and strengthened me to preach the word with success.

Fri., November 17th. I examined the classes; and returned in great bodily pain to Bristol.

Fri., December 1st. I hardly reached my own house, quite exhausted as I was with pain of body and vexation of spirit.

I had little power for several days, and less inclination to preach. My greatest comfort was the conversation of a few faithful friends, such as M. Vigor, S. Perrin, M. Davis, and Suky Burdock.

Mon., December 18th. My birthday. Forty years long have I now grieved and tempted God, proved him, and seen his works. I was more and more sensible of it all day, till I quite sunk under the burden.

Sun., December 24th. I preached with a little strength; exhorted the Society with more.

Christmas-day. The room was full as it could contain. We rejoiced from four to six, "that to us a Son is born, to us a Child is given."

I received the sacrament at the college. In the evening, all were melted down at our solemn love-feast.

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Footnotes:

¹² A blank space is here left in the original manuscript, but the letter is not inserted. From subsequent statements it appears that it contained Mr. John Wesley's proposal to Mrs. Gwynne, that he would secure to his brother Charles the sum of one hundred pounds per annum, from the profits of their books.

¹³ Nancy Stafford, the sister of Mrs. Vigor.

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