Methodism and the Early
Biblical Christianity
Based on Wesley's
Diary
Copyright © 2025, Odilon Massolar Chaves
All rights reserved to the author.
It is allowed to read, copy and share for free
Article 184 of the Penal Code and Law 96710 of
February 19, 1998.
Book based on John Wesley's explanatory notes on
the Bible
Books published in the Wesleyan Digital Library:
459
Books published by the author: 567
Booklets: 3
Address: https://www.blogger.com/blog/stats/week/2777667065980939692
Translator: Google
Cover: Image: John Wesley preaching at his father's tomb: in the churchyard at
Epworth, Sunday, June 6, 1742 | Currier & Ives
All glory to God!
Odilon Massolar Chaves is a retired Methodist pastor, with a doctorate
in Theology and History from the Methodist University of São Paulo.
His thesis dealt with the Methodist revival in England in the eighteenth
century and its contribution as a paradigm for our days.
He was editor of the official Methodist newspaper and coordinator of the
Theology Course.
Copyright Statement: These files are in the public domain and are
derived from an electronic edition that is available on the Ethereal Library of
Christian Classics website.
Rio de Janeiro –
Brazil
===============================
Table of Contents
· Introduction
·
Main themes of the
book's chapters
· Methodism: Early Biblical Christianity
·
Caring for the
classes, health and the poor
· Great movement between dry bones
· Pleasant visits
· Facing the enemy
· Death of Charles Wesley
·
About a thousand
children from Sunday Schools
· On Methodism
· Open doors for Wesley
·
Wesley's mission in a
time of declining health
·
Prophecies about
Wesley's last year of life
· God's Power in the Congregation
· The Original Purpose of Methodism
·
Wesley enters his
86th year of life
· Assuming it's the last time
·
The Itinerants and
the Preaching Houses
· Preaching in new times
.
===============================
Introduction
===============================
"Methodism and
Early Biblical Christianity" is a 68-page book based on Wesley's journal.
For Wesley, Methodism
was similar to the Christianity of the time of the apostles. It was always his
purpose with Methodism.
Wesley said:
"Later I gave an account of the rise of Methodism (which is early Bible
Christianity) to the whole congregation, of how the truth will be told in the open,
and love will appear in the sunlight.
Wesley further said,
"There is no other religious society under heaven, which requires nothing
of men for the object of their admission but the desire to save their souls.
Look around you and you may notice that you cannot be admitted to a church, or
society of Presbyterians, Anabaptists, Quakers, or any other, unless you
embrace the same opinions as them and the same modes of worship.
It
was his purpose that Methodism should recover primitive Christianity. "In
a sermon in 1777, "On the Laying of the Foundation of the New Chapel, near
the City-Road, London," Mr. Wesley reiterated his praise of early
Christianity and also emphasized a claim he had been making throughout his
career as a leader of Methodism, namely, the claim that the true identity of
Methodism is a movement to recover early Christianity."[1]
This book recounts
part of the 80s of Wesley's life, when the tide had turned, to quote a phrase
of his.
It was a period when
Wesley began to experience health difficulties and there was prophecy about his
death. It was also when Carlos Wesley passed away.
But it was a new time
with doors opening for Wesley.
A book that
encourages us not to give up.
The Author
===============================
Main themes of the
book's chapters
===============================
Methodism: Early
Biblical Christianity
Later, I gave an
account of the rise of Methodism (which is early biblical Christianity) to the
whole congregation, of how the truth will be told in the open, and love will
appear in the sunlight.
Caring for the
classes, health and the poor
Over the next few
days, I visited the classes. I was careful to obtain an accurate account of the
society. I was surprised to find only one hundred and fifty-nine. I believe
they are twice as many in number. And I hope, with God's help, that in four
months I will not see anyone in need of food or clothing
Great movement
between dry bones
There has been a
great deal of movement lately among the dry bones in this place. The
congregations are increasing a lot and are listening with deep attention; and
several members have been added to society
Pleasant visits
Dr. Coke and I had
dinner at the governor's house. I was happy to have another company. We talked
frankly for more than an hour with a sensitive, well-mannered, and pleasant
man. In the evening, I preached to the largest congregation I have ever seen.
Facing the enemy
A voice rose
vehemently in the midst of the congregation. The terror and confusion were
inexplicable. You could even imagine that it was a storm-stricken city. The
people rushed over each other with such violence, the pews being torn to
pieces, and nine-tenths of the congregation seemed to be stricken with the same
panic. In about five minutes the storm ceased as quickly as it rose and
everyone was calm, so I proceeded without the slightest interruption.
Death of Charles
Wesley
The Methodists here
have, by way of beneficence, utterly silenced the ignorance of foolish men, so
that they are now abundantly more in danger, owing to honour than to dishonour.
On March 29, Reverend Charles Wesley died at the age of 79.
About a thousand
children from Sunday Schools
At eight o'clock and
at one o'clock in the afternoon, the house was completely full. About one
o'clock in the afternoon, I met about nine hundred to a thousand children who
belong to the Sunday Schools. I have never had such a vision before. All were
clean and simple in their appearances. All serious and well-behaved. Many –
boys and girls – are beautiful and I believe that England is not even Europe
On Methodism
Open doors for Wesley
Mr. Clark, vicar,
invited me to preach in the High Church; and I preached (which occurred to me
in the Service of the day) what it is to build our house upon the rock and
applied it as strongly as I could
Wesley's mission in a
time of declining health
I have found,
likewise, some decline in my memory, with respect to names and things lately
past, but not with respect to what I have read or heard in these twenty, forty,
or sixty years; nor do I find a decline in my hearing, taste, or appetite
(though I need the third part of the food I once needed); nor do I feel such a
thing as weakness, not even when traveling or preaching.
Prophecies about
Wesley's last year of life
If, according to some
of these prophecies, this is the last year of my life, I hope it will be the
best! I am not concerned about it, but I gladly receive the warning of the
angel in Milton: "how well thou art; as long as the heavens permit!"
God's Power in the
Congregation
There was much of
God's power in the congregation, morning and evening, as well as on Monday
afternoon, which gave me good hope that God will continue his own work. In view
of the sincere importunity of our friends, on Wednesday, the 26th, I
inaugurated the new preaching house in Rye. It is a noble building, much more
imposing than most of our houses, and finely situated at the head of the city.
The Original Purpose
of Methodism
I then met with the
society and explained to them about the original purpose of Methodism, namely,
not to be a dissenting party, but to encourage all groups, Christians and
atheists, to worship God in spirit and truth; in particular, the Church of
England, to which they belonged from the beginning. With this vision, I have
uniformly continued for fifty years
Wesley enters his
86th year of life
What I must fear, if
I consider the next day, is that my body may oppress my mind, so as to create
both obstinacy by the diminution of my discernment, and grumpy by the increase
of the infirmities of the body, but you can answer me, O Lord my God!
Assuming it's the
last time
I preached again,
morning and evening, in the amphitheater, I suppose, for the last time. My
voice cannot now command the still growing crowd. Supposing it were well over
twenty-five thousand, it would hardly be possible that everyone could hear me.
The Itinerants and
the Preaching Houses
As the number of
preachers increased, the difficulty of fixing the places where each one would
work from time to time increased. I have often wished to transfer this task of
placing the preachers, once a year or so, to themselves. But no one was willing
to accept it. So I carried this burden until my fight was completed.
Preaching in new
times
The dissenting
minister in Towcester offered me the use of his church, and it was crowded; I
believe our Lord was present. From there we went to Northampton, where I spent
two afternoons with great satisfaction, though the great man who was so touched
at Bath last year, was, as I had hoped, ashamed to see me.
===============================
Methodism: Early
Biblical Christianity
Later, I gave an
account of the rise of Methodism (which is early biblical Christianity) to the
whole congregation, of how the truth will be told in the open, and love will
appear in the sunlight.
===============================
07/02 – Sunday.
Later, I gave an account of the rise of Methodism
(which is early biblical Christianity) to the entire congregation
I read the prayers, preached, and administered
the sacrament to six or seven hundred hearers. It was a solemn moment. I
preached just after five o'clock in the afternoon on, "There is joy in
heaven, when a sinner repents." Later, I gave an account of the rise of
Methodism (which is early biblical Christianity) to the whole congregation, of
how the truth will be told in the open, and love will appear in the sunlight.
08/31 – Monday.
The conference met again and concluded on Tuesday
morning
09/25 – Monday.
Now I have actually applied myself to writing the
"Life of Mr. Fletcher"
We took the carriage
in the afternoon, and on Tuesday morning we reached London. Now I have actually
applied myself to writing the "Life of Mr. Fletcher" and have looked
for the best materials I could. To this I dedicated all the time I could save
until November, from five o'clock in the morning to eight o'clock at night.
These are my hours of study: I can't write more time in a day without hurting
my eyes.
===============================
Caring for the
classes, health and the poor
Over the next few
days, I visited the classes. I was careful to obtain an accurate account of the
society. I was surprised to find only one hundred and fifty-nine. I believe
they are twice as many in number. And I hope, with God's help, that in four
months I will not see anyone in need of food or clothing
===============================
10/3 – Saturday.
I went to bed at my usual time, at nine-thirty at
night, and, according to my understanding, in perfect health
I went to bed at my usual time, at nine-thirty
at night, and, according to my understanding, in perfect health. But at exactly
midnight I was awakened by an impetuous stream, which did not allow me to rest
for many consecutive minutes. Finding that it increased rather than decreased,
though (which I never experienced before) without its old companionship, the
cramp, I asked to be called for Dr. Whitehead. He came about four o'clock in
the morning, and, by God's blessing, in three hours I felt as good as ever. I
did not find the slightest weakness or discouragement, but I preached morning
and evening without any weariness. In such a way that, humanly, he would say
like the son of Sirach: "Honor the physician, for God has appointed
him."
10/24 – Tuesday.
I found the classes in Deptford and was vehemently
urged to celebrate the Sunday Service
I found the classes in Deptford, and was
earnestly urged to celebrate the Sunday Service in our Room, at the same time
as the church service was to take place. It is easy to see that this would be a
formal separation from the church. We fixed both our morning and evening
services throughout England at hours that did not interfere with that of the
church for the same purpose—that the members of the church who preferred could
attend both. But to fix it at the same time is to force them to separate
themselves from the church as well as from us; And this, I think is not only
inconvenient, but totally illegal to do.
10/30 – Monday.
Over the next few days, I visited the classes. I was
careful to obtain an accurate account of the society
Over the next few
days, I visited the classes. I was careful to obtain an accurate account of the
society. I was surprised to find only one hundred and fifty-nine. I believe
they are twice as many in number. And I hope, with God's help, that in four
months I will not see anyone in need of food or clothing
. 11/3 – Friday.
Will this desert germinate and bloom like a rose?
Using the advantage
of a moonlit night, I went down to the chapel in Rotherhithe. I have never seen
it so full before, nor with such serious and attentive listeners. Is there
anything too hard for God? Will this desert germinate and bloom like a rose?
12/24 – Sunday.
He wanted to preach in Old Jewry, but the church was
cold and so was the congregation.
He wanted to preach in Old Jewry, but the
church was cold and so was the congregation. We had another of another kind the
next day, at Christmas, at four o'clock, and also at five o'clock in the
afternoon, in the new chapel and in West-Street, about noon.
12/31 – Sunday.
Indiscipline is a strange madness
From these words of
Isaiah to Hezekiah, "Set thy house in order," I exhorted all who had
not done this to set their temporal affairs in order without delay.
Indiscipline is a strange madness that still takes hold of many who are, in
other respects, men of discernment and who do it in their daily lives, until
death comes at a time when they are not seeking.
1787
01/01 – Monday.
We started the service at four o'clock in the morning
We started the service at four o'clock in the
morning, to an unusually large congregation. We had another comfortable
opportunity in the new chapel at the usual time, and the third in the evening
in West Street.
01/02 – Tuesday.
but it seemed that I found myself in a den of lions
I left for Deptford,
but it seemed that I found myself in a den of lions. Most of the leading men in
society were eager to separate themselves from the church. I endeavored to
reason with them, but it was in vain; They had neither common sense nor good manners.
Finally, after meeting with the whole society, I said to them: "If you are
resolved, you can hold services at church time, but remember, at that moment
you will no longer see my face!" It touched them deeply and from that hour
on I heard no more about separation from the church!
01/08 – Monday.
For the next four days, I prayed for the poor. I hope
to be able to provide food and clothing for those in society who are in great
need and have no weekly income
For the next four
days, I prayed for the poor. I hope to be able to provide food and clothing for
those in society who are in great need and have no weekly earnings; These
numbered about two hundred, but they were very disappointed. Six or seven of
our brethren gave ten pounds each. If forty had done the same, I could have
accomplished my purpose. However, many good works were done with two hundred
pounds, and many sorrowful hearts rejoiced.
===============================
Great movement
between dry bones
There has been a
great deal of movement lately among the dry bones in this place. The congregations
are increasing a lot and are listening with deep attention; and several members
have been added to society
===============================
04/23 – Monday.
There has been a great deal of movement lately among
the dry bones in this place
There has been a
great deal of movement lately among the dry bones in this place. The
congregations are increasing a lot and are listening with deep attention; and
several members have been added to society. He could gladly have preached in
the square, as he had done before, but the wind and rain would not allow it; so
that as many as they could filled the preaching house. I preached on: "I
am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ"; a subject, it seemed, suited to
the hearers, many of whom have been ashamed, especially with the devilish shame
of being complete Christians.
04/25 – Wednesday.
Once again I visited my old friends in Tullamore
Once again I visited my old friends in
Tullamore. Have all the barons in Europe done so much good to make up for the
evil that one of them did here a year or two ago? He set fire and the flames
fell on the thatched houses so fast that it was not possible to put them out
until most of the city collapsed. I preached in the assembly room to a large
congregation, though only a few are still alive to God. In the morning, for the
sake of the Moorish Mathew, I preached in his drawing-room, to as many people
as I could contain.
04/26 – Thursday.
I preached in Portarlington, not in the noisy Market
Square, but in our own house
At noon, I preached
at Portarlington, not in the noisy Market Square, but in our own house, which
was completely filled with attentive hearers. In the evening I preached in the
Church at Mountmellick, to a congregation still larger than those of Eyre-Court
and those of Aghrim; and all of her behaved well. I had not seen anything like
it since I left Dublin.
04/27 – Friday.
Since they came, God's work has been revived.
I went to Kilkenny, twenty-nine Irish miles
from Mountmellick. Here religion was at a low tide, and scarcely any society
remained; God sent three units of cavalry, several of which were full of faith
and love. Since they came, God's work has been revived. I have never seen the
house so full since it was built, and the power of God seems to rest upon the
congregation, as if he still had people in that place.
07/04 – Wednesday.
A Gentleman's
Seating
I spent an hour at
New Dargle, a gentleman's settlement, which is four or five miles from Dublin.
I've never seen such a beautiful place in the UK. It is equivalent to those
leased in Warwickshire and greatly exceeds those in the conditions.
All paths stretch on
either side of the mountain that controls the entire Dublin Bay. It is an
extensive and varied landscape.
I believe that none exceeds it in beauty
A small river flows
at the back, which produces two cascades, at a small distance from each other.
Although many places exceed it in grandeur, I believe that none exceed it in
beauty. Soon after, I met the Chamber of Parliament. The House of Lords far exceeds
that of Westminster, and the Lord Lieutenant's throne far exceeds the King's
wretched throne (as it is called) in the English House of Lords. The House of
Commons is a really noble hall.
But what surprised me, above all, were the kitchens of
the Chamber and the large apparatus for good food
It is an octagon,
clad in Irish oak that puts all mahogany to shame, and has galleries all around
it, for the convenience of the ladies. The speaker's chair is much larger than
the Lord Lieutenant's throne. But what surprised me, above all, were the kitchens
of the Chamber and the large apparatus for good food. Tables were placed from
one end of the wide corridor to the other; it seems, when Parliament meets,
they are daily supplied with meat, at four or five o'clock in the morning, for
the accommodation of the members. Alas, poor Ireland! Who will teach wisdom to
your own senators? The war ceased. However, more cruel than weapons, lust has
assaulted us.
08/16 – Thursday.
Its gardens and orchards are of a vast extent and
wonderfully pleasurable; I do not know a nobleman in Great Britain who has such
a variety of the most excellent fruits
I had a very earnest
congregation at five o'clock in a large room in Mr. Jersey's house. Its gardens
and orchards are of a vast extent and wonderfully pleasurable; I do not know a
nobleman in Great Britain who has such a variety of the most excellent fruits;
coming from France and other parts of the continent, it has increased every
year. How much fruit it has you can conclude from a single species only. That
summer, he gathered fifty pounds of strawberries daily, for six consecutive
weeks. In the evening I preached at the other end of the city, in our own
preaching house. And in such a way the people were compressed into it (although
not even close to the amount that came), that the room looked like an oven.
However, no one seemed to care about this, because God's Word was sharper than
a two-edged sword.
08/17 – Friday.
I paid a respectful visit to the governor and spent a
pleasant half hour
I paid a respectful visit to the governor and
spent a pleasant half hour. In the afternoon, we went for a walk on the pier,
the widest and most beautiful I have seen. The city is growing rapidly, and new
homes are popping up from all sides. At night I could not enter, but stood near
in the courtyard surrounded by tall, shadowy trees, and preached to a large
congregation: (John 4:24) "God is spirit; and his worshippers must worship
him in spirit and in truth." I believe that many had their hearts cut at
this time, and some did not feel comforted at all.
08/18 – Saturday.
Dr. Coke and I had dinner at the governor's house
Dr. Coke and I had
dinner at the governor's house. I was happy to have another company. We talked
frankly for more than an hour with a sensitive, well-mannered, and pleasant
man. In the evening, I preached to the largest congregation I have ever seen.
At ten
o'clock I went to the French Church, where there was a large well-behaved
congregation
Joseph Bradford
preached at six o'clock in the morning, at Montplaisir Les Terres, to a large
congregation. I preached at eight-thirty in the morning, and the house was able
to contain the congregation. At ten o'clock I went to the French Church, where
there was a large well-behaved congregation. At five in the afternoon, we had
the biggest of all!
08/20 – Monday.
We embarked, between three and four o'clock in the
morning, in a very small and inconvenient sloop, and no fast sailor
We embarked, between
three and four o'clock in the morning, in a very small and inconvenient sloop,
and no fast sailor; so that we had been sailing for seven hours what is called
seven leagues. About eleven o'clock we landed at St. Helier and went straight
to Mr. Brackenbury's house. It is situated very pleasantly near the edge of the
town, has a large and convenient garden, with a lovely row of fertile hills
rising a short distance from it. I preached in the evening to an overly serious
congregation on Matthew 3 (the last part): almost all were present, at five
o'clock, whom I exhorted to continue in perfection.
===============================
Pleasant visits
Dr. Coke and I had
dinner at the governor's house. I was happy to have another company. We talked
frankly for more than an hour with a sensitive, well-mannered, and pleasant
man. In the evening, I preached to the largest congregation I have ever seen.
===============================
08/21 – Tuesday.
From there we had a full view of it, the most pleasant
I have seen; far superior to the Isle of Wight, or the Isle of Man.
We took a walk to the
house of one of our friends in the city. Nearby, is what they call a school. It
is a free school, designated for the training of children for university, very
pleasantly situated in a quiet retreat, surrounded by tall woods. Not far from
it sits, on top of a high hill (I suppose a Roman hill), an ancient chapel,
believed to be the first Christian church built on the island. From there we
had a full view of it, the most pleasant I have seen; far superior to the Isle
of Wight, or the Isle of Man. The little hills, almost covered with huge trees,
are inexpressibly beautiful; it seems that they can be compared to those of the
Island of Guernsey. In the evening I was obliged to preach in the vicinity on
"For he saith, I heard thee in the time of opportunity, and succored thee
in the day of salvation." And I think a blessing seldom fails to follow up
on this subject.
08/22 – Wednesday.
Probably many of these joined because I have lived so
many years. And perhaps even that may be the reason for their eternal life.
In the evening, the room could not contain the
people, and I was forced to stay in the courtyard, where I preached on
"The righteousness of God through faith in Christ Jesus, to all (and on
all) who believe; because there is no distinction. For all have sinned and fall
short of the glory of God"; and I spoke quite frankly; even the gentry
listened with deep attention. How little does God bring for His own glory!
Probably many of these joined because I have lived so many years. And perhaps
even that may be the reason for their eternal life.
08/27 – Monday.
It was extremely crowded, but God's power was
manifested
Captain Cabot, the man in charge of the
Guernsey sloop, visited us early in the morning and told us that if we chose to
follow that route, he could leave between five and six o'clock. But, with the
wind completely opposite, we thought it best to wait a little longer. In the
evening, assigned to preach at seven o'clock in the evening, I was obliged to
preach inside the house. It was extremely crowded, but the power of God was
manifested, as I declared, "But we preach Christ crucified. Stumbling
block to the Jews, foolishness to the Gentiles. For I determined to know
nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified," we soon forget
the heat and are happy to dwell a little longer than we intended. I thought,
when I left Southampton, to go back there today, but God's thoughts are not
like my thoughts. Here we are, stuck in Jersey; for how long we can't say. But
it is all right, since you, Lord, have done it!
09/04 – Tuesday.
In this we have fully seen the hand of God
The storm continued
so that we could not move. I took a walk to-day, through what is called the New
Ground, where the gentry are accustomed to walk at night. Both the upper part,
which is a flat surface and a lawn for playing cricket, and the lower part,
with rows of trees, are wonderfully beautiful. At night, I freed my soul
completely, showing what is built on top of the rock. But we have not yet been
able to sail, with the wind being contrary and very strong. It was the same on
Wednesday. In the afternoon, we drank tea at a friend's house, who mentioned
that the captain, who had just arrived from France, had proposed sailing in the
morning to Penzance, because the wind could do, although it would not work for
Southampton. In this we have fully seen the hand of God; So, we agreed with him
immediately. On the morning of the 6th, we embarked with a favorable and
moderate wind, but as soon as we entered, the wind ran out in the middle of the
way; then we cried to God for help, and he blew in favor again, and did not
cease until he led us to Penzance Bay.
12/10 – Monday.
I was looking forward to seeing the famous wax work at
the Museum in Spring-Gardens
12/22 – Saturday.
I consented to the importunity of a painter, and sat
down for an hour and a half for my portrait
===============================
Facing the enemy
A voice rose
vehemently in the midst of the congregation. The terror and confusion were
inexplicable. You could even imagine that it was a storm-stricken city. The
people rushed over each other with such violence, the pews being torn to
pieces, and nine-tenths of the congregation seemed to be stricken with the same
panic. In about five minutes the storm ceased as quickly as it rose and everyone
was calm, so I proceeded without the slightest interruption.
===============================
1788
02/25 – Tuesday.
"By grace we are saved through faith." At
the next meeting, God's presence filled the place in a wonderful way
I had a solemn
farewell to the congregation on West-Street, applying once more what I had
reinforced fifty years before: "By grace we are saved through faith."
At the next meeting, God's presence filled the place in a wonderful way. The
next afternoon we had a very large congregation in the new chapel, to which I
declared the whole counsel of God. It seems that I have now finished my work in
London. If you see them again, well and good, if not, I pray God to raise up
others who will be more faithful and more successful in their work!
03/1 – Saturday (Leap Year).
I consider the difference in which I find myself, by
the increase of the years
I consider the
difference in which I find myself, by the increase in the years: 1. less
activity; I walk more slowly, especially on the climbs; 2. My memory is not so
fast; 3. I can't read so perfectly by candlelight. But I give glory to God,
that all my other powers of body and mind remain exactly as they were.
03/03 – Monday.
I finished my sermon "On Conscience"
I went to Bristol, and in two or three quiet
days finished my sermon "On Conscience." On Tuesday I expressed my
intention to preach on Thursday afternoon on (now a general topic) of Slavery.
As a result, on Thursday, the house was full, from one end to the other, with
all kinds of social classes, rich and poor.
A voice rose vehemently in the midst of the
congregation. The terror and confusion were inexplicable"
I preached on the
prophecy: "God will enlarge Japheth. And he shall dwell in the tents of
Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant." About the middle of the discourse,
while there was still attention on all sides, it was still night, a voice rose vehemently
in the midst of the congregation. The terror and confusion were inexplicable.
You could even imagine that it was a storm-stricken city. The people rushed
over each other with such violence, the pews being torn to pieces, and
nine-tenths of the congregation seemed to be stricken with the same panic. In
about five minutes the storm ceased as quickly as it rose and everyone was
calm, so I proceeded without the slightest interruption.
It was the strangest incident of the kind I can
remember, and, I believe, no one can relate it without supposing some
supernatural interference.
It was the strangest
incident of the kind I can remember, and, I believe, no one can relate it
without supposing some supernatural interference. Satan fled in order that his
kingdom might be delivered. We set aside Friday as a day of fasting and prayer,
that God may remember those poor banished men; and (which seems impossible to
man, considering the fortune and power of his oppressors) provide a way for
them to escape and break their fetters in two.
03/15 – Saturday.
"Who shall be punished eternally from the
presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power"
In the afternoon, having no other time, I
preached once more in the Temple. I had not thought of settling the controversy
that has lately troubled this city, until I read those words in the Second
Lesson, which threw me upon it: "Who shall be punished eternally from the
presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power" 2 Thessalonians
1:9. And then I thought it my duty to speak clearly and emphatically on this
subject.
===============================
Death of Charles
Wesley
The Methodists here
have, by way of beneficence, utterly silenced the ignorance of foolish men, so
that they are now abundantly more in danger, owing to honour than to dishonour.
On March 29, Reverend Charles Wesley died at the age of 79.
===============================
03/18 – Tuesday.
Here it seems that the "scandal of the
cross" (such is the will of God) has ceased
I preached at
Painswick at ten o'clock in the morning. Here we also want a room. At 6 p.m., I
started in Gloucester. Here it seems that the "scandal of the cross"
(such is the will of God) has ceased. People of all classes, rich and poor,
have come together and seem to devour the Word. I preached in a building by a
rock, and I spoke plainly. Many, I believe, felt their hearts pierced, because
it was the day of the Lord's power.
03/19 – Wednesday.
God's work is
still going strong here. More and more are continually convicted and converted
to God
About noon I preached
at Tewkesbury, where, too, notwithstanding the market, the house was well
filled and the people keenly attentive. God's work is still going strong here.
More and more are continually convicted and converted to God. But the preaching
house is very small, so that many who came could not enter. We went to
Worcester in the afternoon, where also the house is too small for the
congregation.
On March 29, Reverend Charles Wesley died at the age
of 79
===============================
About a thousand children from Sunday Schools
At eight o'clock and
at one o'clock in the afternoon, the house was completely full. About one
o'clock in the afternoon, I met about nine hundred to a thousand children who
belong to the Sunday Schools. I have never had such a vision before. All were
clean and simple in their appearances. All serious and well-behaved. Many –
boys and girls – are beautiful, and I believe that neither England nor Europe
can afford that.
===============================
04/01 – Tuesday.
I went on to Burslem, where God's work is still
greatly prospering
I went on to Burslem,
where God's work is still greatly prospering. Sinners—men, women, and
children—are convicted and converted to God every day, and there are very few
who have turned back, since they are very united in affection and watch over
one another in love. In the afternoon, before the preaching hour came, the
preaching house was more than full. Making sure that I could not contain half
the people, I ordered a table to be set in the garden, where they remained very
patiently, although the wind was very strong and cold. Later, I spent a
comfortable hour with society that completely filled the house.
04/19 – Saturday.
Frankly, there is no such group of singers in any of
the Methodist Churches in the three Kingdoms
I went to Bolton,
where I preached in the evening in one of the most elegant houses in the
Kingdom, and to one of the most lively congregations. Frankly, there is no such
group of singers in any of the Methodist Churches in the three Kingdoms.
selected from our Sunday Schools, and rightly taught
And there can't be, because we have about a
hundred of these sopranos – girls and girls – selected from our Sunday Schools,
and rightly taught; as it does not happen in any other chapel, cathedral or
music hall in these four seas. Moreover, the spirit with which they all sing,
and the beauty of many of them, are so suited to the melody that I challenge
anyone to surpass them except the singing angels in our Father's house.
04/20 – Sunday.
I met about
nine hundred to a thousand children who belong to Sunday Schools
At eight o'clock and at one o'clock in the
afternoon, the house was completely full. About one o'clock in the afternoon, I
met about nine hundred to a thousand children who belong to the Sunday Schools.
I have never had such a vision before. All were clean and simple in their
appearances. All serious and well-behaved. Many – boys and girls – are
beautiful, and I believe that neither England nor Europe can afford that. When
they sang together, and none of them out of tune, the melody was more beautiful
than any theater; and, what is better, many of them truly fear God, and some
rejoice in their salvation. They are an example for the whole city.
Their common amusement is to visit the poor and sick
(sometimes in groups of six, eight, or ten), to exhort them, to comfort, and to
pray with them
Their common
amusement is to visit the poor and sick (sometimes in groups of six, eight, or
ten), to exhort them, to comfort them, and to pray with them. Often, ten or
more gather to sing and pray for themselves; sometimes thirty or forty; and
they are perfectly engaged, alternately singing, praying, and crying, so that
they do not know how to separate.
Let God arise and maintain his own cause, even
"from the mouths of babes and new-borns!"
On hearing this, why
can't your children do the same? Isn't God here as much as he is in Bolton? Let
God arise and maintain his own cause, even "from the mouths of babes and
new-borns!"
===============================
On Methodism
There is no other
religious society under heaven that requires nothing of men for the purpose of
their admission but the desire to save their souls. Look around you and you may
notice that you cannot be admitted to a church, or society of Presbyterians, Anabaptists,
Quakers, or any other, unless you embrace the same opinions as them and the
same modes of worship. Only the Methodists do not insist that you embrace this
or that opinion, but think and let you think. Nor do they impose any particular
mode of worship, but you continue to worship in your former way, whatever that
may be.
===============================
04/22 – Tuesday.
They were able enough to cripple any horses and tear
any chariot to pieces
By means of equally
good roads we proceed to Padiham. I preached, at eleven o'clock, to a quiet
congregation, though not so lively as at Bolton. From there we proceed in the
afternoon along still more wonderful roads to Haslingden. They were able to
cripple any horses and tear any chariot to pieces. Note well: I will not
attempt to cross these roads again, until they are actually repaired!
05/14 – Wednesday.
At five o'clock in the morning I was harassed to
preach in the preaching house, but I have never seen it before.
05/18 – Sunday.
I have enclosed a short account of Methodism
I preached at eleven
o'clock on the parable of the sower; at 2:30 p.m., on Psalm 23 "The Lord
is my shepherd, I shall not want"; and in the evening on: "Now
therefore there remain faith, hope, and love, these three, but the greatest of
these is love."
Look
around you and you may notice that you cannot be admitted to a church, or
society of Presbyterians, Anabaptists, Quakers, or any other, unless you
embrace the same opinions as them and the same modes of worship.
I have enclosed a
short account of Methodism, insisting especially on the circumstances. There is
no other religious society under heaven that requires nothing of men for the
purpose of their admission but the desire to save their souls. Look around you and
you may notice that you cannot be admitted to a church, or society of
Presbyterians, Anabaptists, Quakers, or any other, unless you embrace the same
opinions as them and the same modes of worship. Only the Methodists do not
insist that you embrace this or that opinion, but think and let you think. Nor
do they impose any particular mode of worship, but you continue to worship in
your former way, whatever that may be. Now, I do not know of any other
religious society, either ancient or modern, in which such freedom of
conscience is permitted, or has been permitted, since the age of the apostles.
Here is our glorification, and a glorification peculiar to us. Which society
shares this with us?
===============================
Open doors for Wesley
Mr. Clark, vicar,
invited me to preach in the High Church; and I preached (which occurred to me
in the Service of the day) what it is to build our house upon the rock and
applied it as strongly as I could
===============================
05/22 – Thursday
And will God manifest his power in the midst of these
dry bones as well?
The house in Dalkeith
being too small, even at eight o'clock in the morning, to contain the
congregation, I preached in the garden on "Seek the Lord while he may be
found, call upon him while he is near." And because of the zealous
attention of the people, I could not help hoping that some of them would
receive the truth in love. In the afternoon I preached in the tolerably crowded
house in Dunbar on "Is a man of any profit to God? But the prudent will be
profitable to himself. Or has the Almighty delighted that thou shouldest be
righteous, or some profit that thou shouldest make thy ways perfect?" I
believe intimately that the speech was convincing, but much more so, at five
o'clock, on Friday, the 23rd. And will God manifest his power in the midst of
these dry bones as well?
I was glad that Mr. Atcheson, a Presbyterian minister,
offered me the use of his chapel, a very comfortable place
About noon we arrived
at Berwick-upon-Tweed, but they were all hurrying into the town at the time of
the fair, so that they could not preach properly in the market-place; I was
glad that Mr. Atcheson, a Presbyterian minister, offered me the use of his chapel,
a very convenient place. Several of his listeners answered; to whom I spoke
openly in the afternoon about 1 Corinthians 12:3 "Therefore I want to make
you understand that no one who speaks by the Spirit of God says, 'Jesus is
accursed,' and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy
Spirit"; and in the morning, on Isaiah 59:1-3 "Behold, the hand of
the Lord is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor grieved his ear, that he
might not hear. But your iniquities separate you from your God; and your sins
hide his face from you, that he will not hear you. For your hands are defiled
with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips speak falsehood, your
tongue pronounces perverseness."
06/02 – Monday.
The glory of the Lord seemed to fill the house, and
the people trembled before him
About noon I preached
in Cockermouth. I've never had such a time there before. The glory of the Lord
seemed to fill the house, and the people trembled before him. We had another
opportunity in Sunderland in the afternoon. Surely God will be glorified in this
place!
06/06 – Friday.
As I left my office, I misstepped, leaned forward, and
hit one of the edges of the stairs, a quarter of an inch above my right eye,
right on my eyelid
As I left my room, I
misstepped, leaned forward, and hit one of the edges of the stairs, a quarter
of an inch above my right eye, right on my eyelid. I placed a small white paper
over it, which immediately stopped the bleeding, and preached without any inconvenience.
Many have been convicted of sin, many justified, some
perfected in love, and many added to society.
God's work has been
growing here lately. Many have been convicted of sin, many justified; some
perfected in love, and many added to society.
06/07 – Saturday.
and, as the main beam that supported it gave way, the
ground began to sink! Some shouted, "The room is collapsing!"
Our brothers thought that the preaching house
would not contain people at five in the morning, but before I could start
talking, it was overcrowded; and, as the main beam that supported it gave way,
the ground began to sink! Some shouted: "The room is collapsing!"; a
man jumped out of the window; the rest slowly and quietly left without the
slightest rush or confusion; so that nothing could do harm except a poor dog
that was under the window. So I preached in the open field to two or three
times as many people as the room would have held, and everyone was attentive.
How white are these fields for harvesting!
06/22 – Sunday.
Mr. Clark, vicar, invited me to preach in the High
Church
Mr. Clark, vicar, invited me to preach in the
High Church; and I preached (which occurred to me in the Service of the day)
what it is to build our house upon the rock, and I applied it as strongly as I
could. I dined at Vicarage with Mr. Clark; a friendly and sensible man and, I
believe, truly God-fearing. And the same, by the peculiar providence of God,
are all three formal ministers at Hull. He said he had never seen the church so
crowded before. Yet I was still fuller in the afternoon, when, at Mr. Clark's
request, I preached on James's beautiful account of the wisdom that comes from
above. At six o'clock in the afternoon, I preached in our own house, to as many
as could enter (but many people went away), on "But far be it from me to
boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world is
crucified to me, and I to the world"
===============================
Wesley's mission in a
time of declining health
I have found,
likewise, some decline in my memory, with respect to names and things lately
past, but not with respect to what I have read or heard in these twenty, forty,
or sixty years; nor do I find a decline in my hearing, taste, or appetite
(though I need the third part of the food I once needed); nor do I feel such a
thing as weakness, not even when traveling or preaching.
===============================
06/27 – Friday
From there I went, once more (perhaps for the last
time), to Epworth
At nine o'clock in
the morning, I preached in the church at Swinfleet, which was filled from one
end to the other. About eleven o'clock I preached at Crowle, to a large
congregation, and I hope there will be a good harvest here also, as the almost
perpetual strife is at an end. From there I went, once more (perhaps for the
last time), to Epworth; where, by the prudence and diligence of T. Tattershall,
the people have forgotten their quarrels and live together in unity.
06/28 – Saturday.
Today I entered my eighty-fifth year; and I praise God
for the thousand spiritual blessings and for the bodily blessings as well
Today I entered my eighty-fifth year; and I
praise God for the thousand spiritual blessings and for the bodily blessings as
well. How little have I yet suffered for the "advance of numerous
years!"
I don't run or walk as fast as I used to; my eyes are
a little drooping; My left eye is more opaque and is hardly suitable for
reading.
It's true that I'm
not as agile as I once was. I don't run or walk as fast as I used to; my eyes
are a little drooping; My left eye is more opaque and is hardly suitable for
reading. I have some daily pains in the eyeball of my right eye, in my right
temple (caused by a blow I received a few months ago), and in my right shoulder
and arm, which I attribute partly to spraining, and partly to rheumatism.
I have also found some decline in my memory, with
respect to names and things recently past, but not with respect to what I have
read or heard in these twenty, forty, or sixty years
I have found,
likewise, some decline in my memory, with respect to names and things lately
past, but not with respect to what I have read or heard in these twenty, forty,
or sixty years; nor do I find a decline in my hearing, taste, or appetite
(though I need the third part of the food I once needed); nor do I feel such a
thing as weakness, not even when traveling or preaching. I am conscious of no
decline in writing my sermons, which I have done so readily, willingly, and, I
believe, as correctly as ever.
First, doubtless, to the power of God, fitting me to
the work to which I have been called, however long yet I shall please him
And to what cause can
I impute all this? Why am I the way I am? First, doubtless, to the power of
God, fitting me to the work to which I have been called, however long yet to
please him. Then, subordinate to this, to the prayers of his children. Can we not
attribute minor motives to lesser motives? 1. To my constant exercise and
change of air? 2. To have never lost a night's sleep, sick or healthy, by land
or sea, since I was born? 3. To the fact that when I feel worn out, at any
time, day or night, sleep comes at my command? 4. To my rising constantly at
four o'clock for almost sixty years? 5. To my constant preaching, at five
o'clock, in these almost fifty years? 6. Because I have had so little pain in
my life, and so little sadness or anxiety to worry about?
Even now, though I have daily pains in my eye, or
temple, or arm, yet it is never violent, and seldom lingers for many minutes at
a time
Even now, though I
have daily pains in my eye, or temple, or arm, yet it is never violent, and
seldom lingers for many minutes at a time. Whether it was sent to me as a
warning that I shall soon come out of this tabernacle or not, I do not know,
but for one reason or another, I have only to say, "I will live the days
that remain to me praising him who died that the world might be redeemed; few
or many my days, I owe to him; and to him I will dedicate them."
Teach us to number our days, so that we may attain a
wise heart"
I preached in the
morning on "Teach us to number our days, that we may obtain a wise
heart"; in the evening, on "Take heed therefore lest it befall you
that which is spoken in the prophets: Behold, O despisers, marvel and fade
away, for I am doing a work in your days, that you will not believe if anyone
tells you." And I endeavored to improve the intervening hours, for better
benefit.
06/29 – Sunday.
at my old post, in the market square at Epworth, to a
large congregation.
At eight o'clock in
the morning I preached at Misterton, as usual; about one o'clock in the
afternoon, to a large congregation at Newby, near Haxey; and about four o'clock
at my old post, in the market square at Epworth, to a large congregation.
06/30 – Monday.
I got off and took a look, inside and outside of it.
About eight o'clock I
preached at Scotter and thought it good to be there. At eleven o'clock I
preached at Scowby, two miles from Brigg, to a large and earnest congregation.
In the afternoon, proceeding directly to that curious building, Mr. Pelham's
Mausoleum, I alighted and took a look, inside and outside. The same, I suppose,
is not found in England. It is exactly round, fifty-two feet in diameter and
sixty-five feet in height. The lowest part contains, I believe, about a hundred
places for the bodies of the Pelham family. (It must be a comfort to the dead,
that their bodies may rot above the earth!). Above will be the chapel. It is
estimated that the entire construction will cost sixty thousand pounds.
07/04 – Friday.
I believe that this is exactly what the people wanted,
although I did not know it.
I set out early in the morning from Raithby,
and at eight o'clock preached at Horncastle. My object was to have preached
earnestly, for what purpose I chose that text: "The harvest is past, the
summer is ended, and we are not saved"; but I changed, and knew not how,
to an altogether different path, being able to preach almost nothing but
consolation. I believe that this is exactly what the people wanted, although I
did not know it.
07/06 – Sunday.
This is the case at Epworth and at all churches where
the minister neither loves nor preaches the Gospel. Methodists will not
participate in their ministrations
I came to Epworth
before the church service began, and was glad to observe the earnestness with
which Mr. Gibson read the prayers, and preached a simple and useful sermon. But
I was sad to see twenty communicants, half of whom came because of me. I was also
informed that hardly fifty people usually attend Sunday services. What can be
done to remedy this damaging wound? He would gladly prevent the members here
from leaving the church. But I can't do that. As Mr. G—not a devout man, but
rather an enemy of devotion, and often preaches against the truth, I cannot
with all my influence persuade those who hold and love it, to hear him, or
attend to the sacrament administered by him. If I cannot conduct this question
while I live, who then can do it when I die? This is the case at Epworth and at
all churches where the minister neither loves nor preaches the Gospel.
Methodists will not participate in their ministrations. What, then, should be
done? At four o'clock in the afternoon, I preached in the market-place on
"for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in
Christ Jesus our Lord," and I strongly exhorted the multitude to choose
the better part.
08/04 – Monday.
One of the most important points to be considered at
this conference was separation from the church
At five o'clock in
the afternoon we had a good congregation; and, I believe, many have felt the
power of the Word, or rather of God speaking through it. One of the most
important points to be considered at this conference was separation from the
church. The sum of the long conversation was: 1. that, in the course of these
fifty years, premeditatedly or voluntarily, we have not altered a single
article of it referring to doctrine or discipline; 2. that we were not yet
aware that we had altered any point of the doctrine;
We have altered, in the course of the years, by
necessity, not by slowly and carefully choosing, some points of the discipline,
such as: preaching in the fields, spontaneous prayers, preparing preachers,
shaping and regulating societies, and holding annual conferences
3. that we alter, in
the course of the years, by necessity, not by choosing, slowly and carefully,
some points of discipline, such as: preaching in the fields, spontaneous
prayers, preparing preachers, shaping and regulating societies, and holding
annual conferences. But we did not do these things until we were convinced that
we could not long neglect them, but by risking our own souls.
08/06 – Wednesday.
Our conference ended just as it began, in great peace!
Our conference ended
just as it began, in great peace! We kept that day as a day of fasting, meeting
at five, nine, and one o'clock in the afternoon to pray; and concluding the day
with a solemn night of vigil. For the next three days, I retired to review my
papers and finish all the work I had to do in London.
08/10 – Sunday.
but her husband is a notorious drunkard, so I couldn't
keep them in the house any longer
I was engaged in a very unpleasant job: the
dismissal of an old maid. She has been my housekeeper, on West Street, for many
years, and one of the best maids I have had, but her husband is a notorious
drunkard, so that I could not keep them in the house any longer. She received
her resignation in a fine spirit, praying to God to bless us all! In the
morning I preached on West Street to a large congregation, and in the new
chapel in the evening to a still larger congregation. It seems that people, in
general, did not expect that I could remain long among them after my brother's
departure; and consequently willingly listen as long as they can. In the
evening I set out in my postal carriage, and early in the morning I arrived at
Portsmouth.
09/06 – Saturday.
I am ashamed that a Methodist preacher, in reasonable
health, should have any difficulty with this!
I walked to Mr.
Henderson's house in Hannam, and from there went to Bristol. But my friends,
more delicate than wise, could hardly bear this. It seemed so sorry to walk
five or six miles! I am ashamed that a Methodist preacher, in reasonable
health, should have any difficulty with this!
09/20 – Saturday.
I met with the curators of the new Room
I met with the trustees of the new Hall who
were desirous of adding a codicil to the Loan Insurance, for the purpose of
determining for the conference (after me) the sole right to appoint the
preachers in it.
11/28 – Friday.
They warned, without my knowledge, that I would preach
there in the morning
In a little preaching house built in St.
Peter's Church (two miles from Margate), they were told, without my knowledge,
that I would preach there in the morning. It was totally inconvenient,
according to many reports, the wind was cold to cut and the ground covered with
snow. But I would not disappoint the congregation, so I would preach at nine
o'clock and hasten to Canterbury, where the house was, as usual, very full, and
God gave us his blessing.
12/10 – Wednesday.
In the following days I corrected my brother's
posthumous poems
In the following days I corrected my brother's
posthumous poems; being little psalms (a few excluded) [hymns] on the four
Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. They make up five volumes, containing
from eighteen hundred to nineteen hundred pages.
12/15 – Monday.
In the evening, I preached at Miss Helena's school.
Teulon at Highgate
In the evening, I preached at Miss Helena's
school. Teulon at Highgate. I think this was the coldest night I can remember.
The house where we were staying is located on the edge of the hill, and the
east wind comes full through the windows. So I remained awake from eleven
o'clock to one in the morning, and then I was obliged to dress; with the cramp
getting more and more violent.
I have been reflecting on the delicate stages through
which age plagues us
In the morning,
however, not only the cramp went away, but so did the limping that usually
follows it. I have been reflecting on the delicate stages through which age
plagues us. To give just one example. Four years ago, my eyes were as good as
they were when I was twenty-five. Then I began to observe that I could not see
things as clearly with my left eye as with my right eye; All the objects looked
a little brownish with that eye. Then I began to have some difficulty in
reading a small printed matter under the candlelight. A year later, I found
that the same thing happened in daylight.
In the winter of 1786 – I could not read our
four-shilling hymnal well, except with a large candle; The following year, I
couldn't read small print or poorly handwritten
In the winter of 1786
– I could not read our four-shilling hymnal well, except with a large candle;
The following year, I couldn't read small print or poorly handwritten. Last
winter, a sprinkle appeared in my left eye, and his vision was greatly blurred.
The right eye seemed unchanged, I just have a shorter view than I was. So are
"those who when they look out of the windows see everything dark";
one of the marks of old age. But I thank God, "the grasshopper is not a
burden".
I am still able to travel and my memory is the same as
it was, and in this way, I believe, my discernment
===============================
Prophecies about
Wesley's last year of life
If, according to some
of these prophecies, this is the last year of my life, I hope it will be the
best! I am not concerned about it, but I gladly receive the warning of the
angel in Milton: "how well thou art; as long as the heavens permit!"
===============================
12/31 – Wednesday.
A large company concluded the old year with a very
solemn night of vigil
They usually believe
in themselves, but are led by a vain imagination
They usually believe
in themselves, but are led by a vain imagination. And they seldom do not feel
deceived because of the failure of their predictions, but still believe that
they will be fulfilled at some time or another.
1789
01/01 – Thursday
If, according to some of these prophecies, this is the
last year of my life
01/04 – Sunday.
to renew the covenant with God
Though the extreme
severity of the weather has driven away many of the more delicate persons, yet
we have had a large congregation in the evening, to renew the covenant with
God; and we have always found that when we recognize that he is our God, he
recognizes us as his people.
01/05 – Monday.
At Mrs. T.'s sincere wish, I posed once more for my
portrait.
At Mrs. T.'s sincere
wish, I posed once more for my portrait. Mr. Romney is a real artist. He
printed exact similarity at once, and did more in one hour than Mr. Joshua did
in ten.
01/09 – Friday.
I didn't leave money to anyone in my will, because I
don't have any
01/15 – Thursday.
I continued my Diary, I will probably continue to
write it for as long as I can live
I left for Camberwell
and continued my Diary, I shall probably continue to write it as long as I can
live. On Thursday I preached once more at Peckham, and did not hinder those who
had ears from hearing the whole counsel of God.
01/16 – Friday.
I have observed the most admirable picture of
atheistic religion that I have ever seen in Captain Wilson's account of Thule,
king of Pelew.
I have observed the
most admirable picture of atheistic religion that I have ever seen in Captain
Wilson's account of Thule, king of Pelew. But how utterly unnecessary is the
knowledge or grace of God (consequently, what a useless book the Bible is), if a
man is all perfected, so that he has no more knowledge of God than a horse, and
no more of his grace than a bird!
01/20 – Tuesday.
I would gladly put my accounts in order before I die.
I withdrew in order
to finish my annual reports. If possible, I should be a better economist,
because instead of having anything in advance, I am now considerably in debt,
but I don't like it. I would gladly put my accounts in order before I die.
===============================
God's Power in the
Congregation
There was much of
God's power in the congregation, morning and evening, as well as on Monday
afternoon, which gave me good hope that God will continue his own work. In view
of the sincere importunity of our friends, on Wednesday, the 26th, I
inaugurated the new preaching house in Rye. It is a noble building, much more
imposing than most of our houses, and finely situated at the head of the city.
===============================
01/25 – Sunday.
There was much of God's power in the congregation,
morning and evening, as well as on Monday afternoon, which gave me good hope
that God will continue his own work.
There was much of
God's power in the congregation, morning and evening, as well as on Monday
afternoon, which gave me good hope that God will continue his own work. In view
of the sincere importunity of our friends, on Wednesday, the 26th, I
inaugurated the new preaching house in Rye. It is a noble building, much more
imposing than most of our houses, and finely situated at the head of the city.
It was fully packed. Such a congregation I have never seen in Rye, and their
behaviour has been as remarkable as the number that, with the addition of a
peaceable and loving spirit in which they are, there is reason to expect such a
work here, as never before.
01/29 – Thursday.
The new preaching house was very full
I proceeded to
Winchelsea, once a large and prosperous city, but since it was burned by the
Danes, a small and insignificant region, though finely situated on the top of a
chain of hills. The new preaching house was filled with decent, earnest
listeners who seemed to receive the truth in love.
02/06 – Friday.
On the day of the quarterly meeting of the local
preachers, between twenty and thirty of them met
02/13 – Friday.
Chelsea
College, and all its parts. It is intended to house five hundred elderly
soldiers,
We took a look at that noble building, Chelsea
College, and all its parts. It is destined to house five hundred elderly
soldiers, who will be garrisoned with all the things necessary for life and
holiness.
02/25 – Wednesday.
It was the day when I commanded all our brethren in
Great Britain and Ireland, to observe with fasting and prayer for the recovery
of His Majesty's health.
It was the day when I commanded all our
brethren in Great Britain and Ireland, to observe with fasting and prayer for
the recovery of His Majesty's health. But we were pleased to hear that before
we asked (except in private) and he replied; in such a way that the time
intended to humble ourselves was transformed into a time of thanksgiving, and
at five o'clock, at nine and one in the afternoon we were more engaged in
praise.
03/01 – Sunday.
Some time ago it was prophesied that I would not
survive this month, because the time has come to know whether I will be sent to
God or not
It was a solemn day.
The new church was sufficiently crowded, morning and afternoon, and few who
expected a blessed farewell were disappointed. At seven o'clock in the evening
I took a postal carriage, and with three of our brethren we spent a comfortable
night; partly in deep sleep, and partly praising God. Some time ago it was
prophesied that I would not survive this month, because the time has come to
know if I will be sent to God or not. In any case, my concern is to always be
ready.
===============================
The Original Purpose
of Methodism
I then met with the
society and explained to them about the original purpose of Methodism, namely,
not to be a dissenting party, but to encourage all groups, Christians and
atheists, to worship God in spirit and truth; in particular, the Church of
England, to which they belonged from the beginning. With this vision, I have
uniformly continued for fifty years
===============================
03/23 – Monday.
The congregation in Dudley filled the new house very
well
The congregation in
Dudley filled the new house very well, where I preached as I did in London
fifty years ago. From thence we hastened to Madeley, where I found Mrs.
Fletcher much better than she had been for many years; and young Mr. Fletcher,
very much alive to God and rapidly growing in the spirit of his uncle. I
preached in the afternoon, after Mr. Horne had read the prayers, to a deeply
serious congregation, and again at nine o'clock in the evening.
04/12 – (Easter
Sunday. Dublin).
I then met with the society and explained to them the
original purpose of Methodism
We really had a solemn assembly; many hundreds
of communicants, morning and evening; many more listeners than our room could
hold, though considerably larger now. I then met with the society and explained
to them about the original purpose of Methodism, namely, not to be a dissenting
party, but to encourage all groups, Christians and atheists, to worship God in
spirit and truth; in particular, the Church of England, to which they belonged
from the beginning. With this view I have uniformly continued for fifty years,
never altering the doctrine of the church; nor his discipline by choice, but by
necessity; so that, in the course of the years, the necessity has been placed
upon me (as I have everywhere proved) to: 1. preach in the open air; 2. Pray
spontaneously; 3. form companies; 4. Accept the assistance of chosen preachers;
and, in a few cases, to use such motives to prevent or remove the evils we feel
or fear.
04/14 – Tuesday.
then I gave them a clear account of the object of
Methodism, namely, not to separate themselves from the church, but to unite
with all the children of God
We had a good opportunity at seven o'clock,
which we closed with a serious and purposeful conversation, and then we went to
the Tyrrell Passage. Although the wind was piercing, the crowd forced me to
preach in the vicinity at night; soon afterwards I gave them a clear account of
the object of Methodism, namely, not to separate themselves from the church,
but to unite with all the children of God who are scattered in the vicinity.
===============================
Wesley enters his
86th year of life
What I must fear, if
I consider the next day, is that my body may oppress my mind, so as to create
both obstinacy by the diminution of my discernment, and grumpy by the increase
of the infirmities of the body, but you can answer me, O Lord my God!
===============================
04/15 – Wednesday.
Around ten o'clock I preached to a small congregation
at the Palace of Justice in Molingar
About ten o'clock I
preached to a small congregation at the Palace of Justice in Molingar. We had a
congregation quite different in numbers and spirit at the Courthouse, Longford,
in the evening; and who seemed to partake of these words with pleasure,
"He that doeth the will of God, the same is my brother, and sister, and
mother."
04/17 – Friday.
I was amazed to realize how little it takes for the
fire to ignite.
I went to the house
of my old friends in Athlone, but, to my surprise, I found them in disarray. I
would hate to hear the conflicting parties face to face and I was amazed to see
how little it takes for the fire to ignite. Some of the leaders had, for no
apparent reason, offended the assistant. He called Mr. R., and warned against
absorbing the same prejudice, telling him that: "If he did the same, he
would have to guard against the consequence" (with reference to the harm
that would be between people). Misunderstanding this word, he was furious;
others took his side; and society was in an uproar. I spoke to him until he was
exhausted, but it was in vain; Someone could likewise have spoken to the north
wind. So I left it in God's hands, and only strove to extinguish the flame
among the people.
04/21 – Tuesday.
How the scenario is changed here! One of the most
melancholy places in Ireland has become one of the most vivid!
About ten o'clock I
preached in Eyre-Court Church; so full, as I suppose, never has been before;
and many of the hearers seemed to feel the word. From there, I went to Birr.
How the scenario is changed here! One of the most melancholy places in Ireland
has become one of the most vivid! But I could not preach in the surroundings at
night because of the rain. So we did what we could in the room and in the
courtyard, and had the most solemn opportunity.
04/22 – Wednesday.
About noon I preached in the beautiful new Palace of
Justice
04/23 – Thursday.
Thanksgiving for Her Majesty's recovery of health
A day of thanksgiving
for the recovery of Her Majesty's health, I preached at the Courthouse,
Portarlington, as soon as the church service was over. The congregation was
exceedingly well dressed, and still more careless and rude. At six o'clock in
the afternoon I preached in the church at Mountmellick, which was completely
crowded with hearers of an entirely different kind. They were attentive, and in
the morning they filled the temple.
05/01 – Friday.
As we went up the street, we had a very large
entourage, calling attention and shouting with all their strength
We went to Capoquin.
The rain prevented me from preaching in the surrounding area, and I accepted
the large room that was offered me to preach in the barracks. As we went up the
street, we had a very large entourage, calling attention and shouting with all
their might. But the watchman kept the tuba out, and we had a quiet
congregation inside. A Papist gentleman invited me to lodge at his house, and I
spent a comfortable afternoon.
05/17 – Sunday.
I didn't feel very well for a few days, and I thought
I'd go straight back to London
06/08 – Monday.
It is the most complete place of worship I have ever
seen.
We went to Belfast.
At first I thought of preaching in Linen-Hall, but the time was uncertain, and
I went to the leaders of a large meeting-house and asked for the use of it,
which they granted in the most helpful manner. It is the most complete place of
worship I have ever seen. It is oval-shaped; as I judged by my eye, about a
hundred feet long, and seventy or eighty wide. It is very imposing, with two
rows of wide windows so that it is as clear as the new chapel in London. And
the pillar columns, with all the other parts, are so finely proportioned that
they become most beautiful.
The house was so crowded, inside and out
The house was so
crowded, inside and out (and, indeed, with some of the most respectable people
in town) that it was with the utmost difficulty that I entered, but then I made
sure that I did not enter without the Lord. Great was my freedom of speech in the
midst of them; great was our glory in the Lord. So I mentioned, contrary to my
own desire, my intention to preach there again in the morning; but, soon after,
the sacristan sent me a message that it would not be possible; Once the mob
damaged the house, some of them broke and carried away the silver that was on
the Bible in the pulpit. So I asked one of our preachers to preach in our
little house, and we left Belfast early in the morning.
05/11 – Thursday.
The iron part of the axle of the wheel broke, so that
we walked with two of our brothers, which was easier than riding even on their
horse
I preached at
Rathfriland, about noon, and before two o'clock in the afternoon I set out for
Tanderagee. But in about half an hour the iron part of the axle of the wheel
broke, so that we walked, with two of our brothers, which was easier than
riding, even on their horse. But before we reached Brickland, my strength was
so exhausted, that I was glad to stop a little at the inn, and be sent to
Bannbridge, about two miles distant, by a mail carriage.
I had gone about a mile when Mrs. Lesley met me with
her carriage
I arrived just after
six o'clock in the afternoon, and left immediately. I had gone about a mile
when Mrs. Lesley met me with her carriage (which departed as soon as she heard
that mine had broken down), and took me with her to Tanderagee. The crowd was waiting
(twice as many as were on the pitch in Downspatrick); when, finding no need of
strength, I earnestly proclaimed, "God was in Christ, reconciling the
world to himself." Such a congregation I had never seen since in the
kingdom; nor such a pleasant place, shaded with tall, leafy trees, near which
flows a clear river. And all the people listened with quiet and deep attention
[when I invited] to "drink of the water of life freely."
06/28 – Sunday.
Today I entered my eighty-sixth year. I am now in old
age
At the conclusion of
my morning service, we had a remarkable blessing; and the same in the evening,
moving the whole congregation, like a man's heart. Today I entered my
eighty-sixth year. I am now in old age:
What should I fear if I take into account the next day
1. My eyes are
sagging, and I cannot read a small printed matter except in bright light; 2. my
strength is diminished, and I walk more slowly than I did a few years before;
3. My memory for names of people or places is impaired, I stopped remembering
them for a while. What I must fear, if I consider the next day, is that my body
may oppress my mind, so as to create both obstinacy by the diminution of my
discernment, and grumpy by the increase of the infirmities of the body, but you
can answer me, O Lord my God!
===============================
Assuming it's the
last time
I preached again,
morning and evening, in the amphitheater, I suppose, for the last time. My
voice cannot now command the still growing crowd. Supposing it were well over twenty-five
thousand, it would hardly be possible that everyone could hear me.
===============================
07/10 – Friday.
I observed it as a day of fasting and prayer,
especially for the growth of God's work
I observed it as a day of fasting and prayer,
especially for the growth of God's work. This was concluded with a very solemn
night of vigil, in which the hearts of many were greatly comforted.
07/16 – Thursday.
When I said goodbye to the family, everyone started
crying
When I said goodbye
to the family, everyone started crying. It's been a long time since I've seen
anything like it. About noon I preached to a large and very conscientious
congregation in Northwich. A flame has recently been lit here, such as has
never been seen before. In the afternoon, I preached in Manchester.
07/18 – Saturday.
with the assistance of Dr. Coke, I administered the
sacrament to one hundred and eleven or one hundred and twelve communicants
I consulted Dr.
Easton, because I was thirsty, and the fever increased greatly. His medicine
soon took effect, and I was so well on the morning of Sunday, the 19th, that I
preached, and, with the assistance of Dr. Coke, administered the sacrament to
one hundred and eleven or one hundred and twelve communicants. I preached again
in the afternoon, but it was too much for me, and my fever returned.
08/1 – Saturday.
. Nothing was left but to build another preaching
house,
We consider the case
of the House of Dewsbury, which the self-styled trustees stole from us. The
point of discussion was this: that they might have the right to reject any
preachers they disapproved. But this, we understand, would destroy itinerant
preaching. So they chose J. A. for speaker, who adopted W. E. – for his
assistant parish priest. Nothing remained but to build another preaching house,
for which we subscribed two hundred and six pounds.
08/08 – Saturday.
I chose a new person to prepare the "Arminian
Magazine"; reluctantly, anyway
I have established
all my temporal works and, in particular, I have chosen a new person to prepare
the "Arminian Magazine"; grudgingly, in any case, I was obliged to
leave out Mr. O. for these two reasons only: (1) the errata was unbearable; I have
endured them for all these twelve years, but I cannot do it any longer. (2)
Many pieces have been inserted without my knowledge, both in prose and verse. I
must try, if these things can be corrected, for the short time that remains of
my life.
08/23 – Sunday.
I preached again, morning and evening, in the
amphitheatre, I suppose, for the last time
I preached again,
morning and evening, in the amphitheater, I suppose, for the last time. My
voice cannot now command the still growing crowd. Supposing it were well over
twenty-five thousand, it would hardly be possible that everyone could hear me.
===============================
The Itinerants and
the Preaching Houses
As the number of
preachers increased, the difficulty of fixing the places where each one would
work from time to time increased. I have often wished to transfer this task of
placing the preachers, once a year or so, to themselves. But no one was willing
to accept it. So I carried this burden until my fight was completed.
===============================
08/26 – Wednesday.
God was in Christ, reconciling the world to
himself"
I returned to Redruth and applied to the large
congregation, "God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself."
I then met with the society and explained the
rise and nature of Methodism, and further asserted that I have never read or
heard, either from ancient or modern history, any other church that builds on
so broad a foundation as the Methodists; which require of their members no
conformity, either in opinions or modes of worship, but merely this one thing,
to fear God and to act uprightly.
Bristol, 11 September
1789
To the Methodist
People
About fifty years ago, one or another young man
offered to serve me as a son in the gospel
1. When, about fifty
years ago, one or other young man offered to serve me as a son in the gospel, I
presented to them the following condition, that they would labor where I
appointed, or else we would remain in our own ways. Thus began the itinerant
preaching among us.
But we were not the
first itinerants in England. Twelve preachers were appointed by Queen Elizabeth
to travel continuously, with the aim of spreading the true religion throughout
the kingdom; and the trade and wages still continue, although their work is
little attended.
I have often wished to transfer this task of placing
the preachers, once a year or so, to themselves
Mr. Miller, the late
vicar of Chipping, Lancashire, was one of them. 2. As the number of preachers
increased, the difficulty of fixing the places where each would work from time
to time increased. I have often wished to transfer this task of placing the preachers,
once a year or so, to themselves. But no one was willing to accept it. So I
carried this burden until my fight was completed.
When the preaching houses were built, they were
immediately in the hands of the trustees
3. When the preaching
houses were built, they were immediately in the hands of the trustees, who were
to ascertain that those who preached in them were those whom I had sent, and no
one else; This, we understand, was the only means by which roaming would be
regularly established. But lately after a new preaching house had been built at
Dewsbury in Yorkshire, through subscriptions and contributions from the people
(only the trustees not contributing a quarter of what it cost), they took
possession of the house, and, though they had promised otherwise, positively
refused to establish it in the Methodist plan, requiring that they should have
the power to refuse any preacher who did not agree.
I have no power to establish the preachers of Dewsbury; because the
trustees can object to whoever they want
And this being so, I
have no power to establish the preachers of Dewsbury; because the trustees can
object to whomever they want. And they themselves, and not I, must finally
judge these objections. 4. Observe, that there is no dispute here regarding the
right of houses. I have no right to any preaching house in England.
What I demand is the right to establish preachers
What I claim is the
right to establish preachers. This these trustees have stolen from me in the
present instance. Therefore, only one of these two paths can be taken: to file
a lawsuit because of this house, or to build another. We prefer the latter, because
it is the friendliest path. I pray, therefore, my brethren, for God's sake; for
love of me, your old and almost wearied servant; for the sake of primitive
Methodism, that if itinerancy is interrupted nothing will soon come. For the
sake of justice, mercy, and truth, which are all so grievously violated by the
detention of this house; Who will you place on your shoulders for the necessary
work?
So did Dr. Coke. The preachers did all they could.
Do not limit yourself
to your own interests. We have never had such a reason before. Do not, then,
allow unkind, unjust, and deceitful men to have reason to rejoice in their bad
work. This is a common cause. Do your best. I subscribed fifty pounds. So did
Dr. Coke. The preachers did all they could. Let those who have much give
abundantly! Perhaps this is the last labor of love that I can have the
opportunity to recommend to you. Let this, then, be placed as a further reason
for your true gratitude to your dearest brethren, your old and affectionate
brother, J. Wesley
===============================
Preaching in new
times
The dissenting
minister in Towcester offered me the use of his church, and it was crowded; I
believe our Lord was present. From there we went to Northampton, where I spent
two afternoons with great satisfaction, though the great man who was so touched
at Bath last year, was, as I had hoped, ashamed to see me.
===============================
10/7 – Wednesday.
I am now as well, by the good providence of God, as it
is possible for me to be
10/26 – Monday.
It was a day of God's power, and I believe most
resolute hearts trembled at his word.
I left early, dined
at Wallingford, exactly fifty miles from the new chapel, and preached in the
afternoon to a people far greater than the preaching house could contain. It
was a day of God's power, and I believe most resolute hearts trembled at his
word.
10/29 – Thursday.
"There is only one God"
I returned to Oxford, and, as notice had been
given, though without my knowledge, of my preaching at noon, I did so on
"There is only God," to a very serious congregation; but in the
afternoon such a crowd of people pressed in, so that they prevented others from
listening. I don't know when we had so much noise in the congregation; and in
their eagerness to hear they frustrated their own purpose.
11/16 – Monday.
After an interruption of many weeks
After an interruption
of many weeks, in spite of the dryness in my mouth, I resolved to try to preach
in the morning, and I did so not with much difficulty; and now I hope to keep a
little longer.
11/25 – Wednesday.
The dissenting minister in Towcester offered me the
use of his church, and it was crowded
The dissenting minister in Towcester offered
me the use of his church, and it was crowded; I believe our Lord was present.
From there we went to Northampton, where I spent two afternoons with great
satisfaction, though the great man who was so touched at Bath last year, was,
as I had hoped, ashamed to see me.
1/12 – Tuesday.
At noon, I preached in the new preaching house in
Mitcham
At noon I preached in
the new preaching house at Mitcham, and surveyed the small, earnest society;
almost all of them rejoicing in God's love. So I retired to a loving family in
Beldham.
12/13 – Sunday.
Much concerned for the poor apostates, I endeavored to
apply the final words of the parable of the Prodigal son
Much concerned for
the poor apostates, I endeavored to apply the closing words of the parable of
the Prodigal son: "This brother of yours was dead, and is alive again. He
was lost, and he was found"; and by night of Hosea "Because Ephraim multiplied
the altars to sin; he had altars to sin."
12/16 – Wednesday.
The Spirit of God has been with us
Almost hoarse, I
could neither sing nor speak, but I determined at last to show myself where I
had appointed to preach. I went to Sandwich, about noon, and found that the
congregation was waiting for me, I trusted God and began to speak: The more I
spoke, the more my voice was strengthened, and in a few minutes I think
everyone could hear; and many, I believe, took notice that what they heard was
not the word of man, but of God. I preached again at Margate in the afternoon,
until my voice was almost as clear as it was before it began. The Spirit of God
was with us.
12/21 – Monday.
I went to Sevenoaks, where God's work had been halted
for many years.
12/25 – Friday
(Christmas).
We began worship in the new chapel at 4 p.m., as usual
We began worship in
the new chapel at 4 p.m., as usual; where I preached again, in the afternoon,
after having officiated in West-Street, at the usual time.
12/27 – Sunday.
The tables have turned so much that I now have more
invitations to preach in churches than I can accept.
I preached at St.
Luke's Church, our parish, in the afternoon, to a large congregation on:
"The Spirit and the bride say, Come! Let him who hears say, Come! Let him
who is thirsty come, and let whoever wants to receive the water of life freely!"
The tables have turned so much that I now have more invitations to preach in
churches than I can accept.
12/31 – Thursday.
I preached in the new chapel, but to avoid cramping I
went to bed at ten o'clock at night
I preached in the new
chapel, but to avoid cramping I went to bed at ten o'clock in the evening. I
was well served. I don't know when I suffered so much from this in one night. [2]
===============================
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