Chapter XXVIII: Part 28

“MY DEAR SAMMY,--It gives me pleasure to hear, that you have so
much resolution, that you go to bed at ten, and rise at four
o’clock. Let not the increase of cold affright you from your
purposes. Bear your cross, and it will bear you. I advise you
carefully to read over Kempis, the Life of Gregory Lopez, and
that of Mons. de Renty. They are all among my brother’s books.

“I am, dear Sammy, your affectionate uncle and friend,

“JOHN WESLEY.”[691]

The next beautifully illustrates the benevolence of Wesley, and the faithfulness of his friendship. Mr. Salmon, at the time referred to, was not a member of the Methodist society, but only an occasional hearer; and, yet, the instance of his liberality, which Wesley mentions, was not the only one which does honour to his character. In 1762, Wesley opened a new chapel at Shepton Mallet, with a mudden floor; and, in this state, it was occupied for years, when Mr. Salmon gave the stewards £40 to improve the floor, and to supply back rails to the benches.[692] Richard Rodda, to whom the following was addressed, now filled the office of assistant at Manchester.

“WALLINGFORD, _October 24, 1789_.

“MY DEAR BROTHER,--You are a man whom I can trust: whatever you
do, you will do it with your might. Some years since, we wanted
a preaching place near Coleford, in Somersetshire. A
neighbouring gentleman, Mr. Salmon, gave us ground to build on,
and timber for the house, and desired me to use his house as my
own. He is now by wicked men reduced to want.

“I am informed, a master for a poorhouse is wanted at
Manchester. Pray inquire, and, if it be so, leave no means
untried to procure the place for him. Apply, in my name, to B.
Barlow, D. Yates, T. Phillips, Dr. Easton, Mr. Brocklehurst,
Stonehouse, and all that have a regard for me. Make all the
interest you can. Leave no stone unturned. ‘Join hands with God
to make a good man live.’ I hope you will send me word in
London, that you have exerted yourself, and are not without a
prospect of success.

“I am, dear Richard, your affectionate friend and brother,

“JOHN WESLEY.”[693]

The following letter is now, for the first time, published. The Liverpool Methodists were about to build their Mount Pleasant chapel. An expenditure of £1100 startled Wesley. What would he have said to the expenditure of as many thousands? And yet Liverpool Methodism does the one now with as much nonchalance as it did the other then. The letter was addressed to Mr. Lawrence Frost.

“LONDON, _October 23, 1789_.

“MY DEAR BROTHER,--You are bold people! Two hundred pounds,
purchase money, besides nine hundred pounds! But I do not use
to damp any good design. Go on in the name of God. It is true,
your deed is clumsy enough. I am surprised, that no Methodist
will take my advice. I have more _experience_, in these things,
than any attorney in the land. And have I not the Methodist
interest as much at heart? Oh, why will you alter the beautiful
deed we have already? why will you employ any attorney at all?
Only to seek a knot in a bulrush; only to puzzle the cause.
Well, comfort yourself. You will not long be troubled with

“Your affectionate brother,

“JOHN WESLEY.”

The next, which was written to William Black, in Nova Scotia, is interesting as containing a reference to Wesley’s labours, and his professed adherence to the Church.

“LONDON, _November 21, 1789_.

“MY DEAR BROTHER,--Your letter has given me great satisfaction.
My fears are vanished away. I am persuaded, brother Wray,
Stretton, and you, will go on hand in hand, and that each of
you will take an equal share in the common labour. I do so
myself. I labour now just as I did twenty or forty years ago.
By all means, proceed by common consent, and think not of
_separating_ from the Church of England. I am more and more
confirmed in the judgment which our whole conference passed on
that head, in the year 1758.

“I am your affectionate friend and brother,

“JOHN WESLEY.”[694]

Thirty-two years before, Wesley preached his first and last sermon in Bideford. For long it had been a barren soil, but, in 1788, was made a circuit town; and now simple minded, sanctified Samuel Bardsley was labouring with great success. “I am glad,” says Wesley to this godly man, “to hear so good an account of the work of God at Bideford. It had held out long, and seemed to bid defiance to the gospel.”[695] Bardsley was all alone; and Michael Fenwick, fond of meddling, wrote to him: “Dear Sammy,--Write a pressing letter every post, until Mr. Wesley sends you another preacher. It is cruel to let you be all alone in that great wide circuit; and I will tell Mr. Wesley so. I am glad, that Col. Buck is the reigning mayor with you. Pray, when you see him, give my Christian respects to him, and tell him, I am glad he is raised to be the first magistrate in Bideford.” Fenwick was without an appointment, and was resident at Hexham. Wesley took him at his word, and sent him to Bideford. Poor Michael seems to have been a stormy petrel. No sooner was he come, than there was serious trouble. Hence the following.

“_December 25, 1789._

“MOST ESTEEMED FRIEND,--Yesterday, I waited upon the lord
lieutenant for this county, Lord Fortescue, and we spent an
hour together in a close, pointed conversation, respecting the
hot persecution at Bideford. His lordship told me, he will go
over and inquire into matters, for he thinks our lives are in
danger, seeing that the mayor of Bideford and the other
justices have thrown open the flood gates to the mob, to do
with us as they please. I recommended to his lordship the 23rd
of Matthew, (only changing the word Jerusalem into that of
Bideford,) in which our blessed Lord describes the men. His
lordship is greatly alarmed at our present situation; but, the
next week, he will be with his majesty, and will let him know
of our treatment; and they must take the consequences. My dear
brother, never fear: only believe; and we shall see great
things in due time. I shall conquer, or die in the field.

“I am your affectionate friend,

“MICHAEL FENWICK.”[696]

The above not only furnishes a glimpse of Methodist affairs at Bideford, but casts light on the following letters, which Wesley sent to Bardsley.

“NORTHAMPTON, _November 25, 1789_.

“DEAR SAMMY,--Yours of the 21st instant was sent to me hither.
You have done exceeding well to take the upper room. If need
be, we will help you out. Let us have no law, if it be possible
to avoid it: that is the last and worst remedy. Try every other
remedy first. It is a good providence, that the mayor of
Bideford is a friendly man. Prayer will avail much in all
cases. Encourage our poor people to be instant in prayer. Take
care of poor Michael; and do not forget,

“Dear Sammy, your affectionate brother,

“JOHN WESLEY.”[697]

“NEWCASTLE UNDER LYNE, _March 29, 1790_.

“DEAR SAMMY,--Take particular care, that neither Michael
Fenwick, nor any other, give any just offence; and especially,
that they offend not God; then He will make your enemies to be
at peace with you.

“If I remember well, I did write to the mayor of Bideford; and
I expect, that makes him more quiet. By meekness, gentleness,
and patience, with faith and prayer, you will prevail at
Torrington also. You have only to go on calmly and steadily,
and God will arise and maintain His own cause. Only let us
labour to have a conscience void of offence toward God, and
toward man.

“I am, dear Sammy, your affectionate friend and brother,

“JOHN WESLEY.”[698]

All must admire this advice. During this year of storm and tempest, the Bideford Methodists increased from eighty-three to one hundred and forty.

We insert one more letter. In the Isle of Man there were 2569 Methodists, within five hundred of the number there are at present. Then there was one circuit; now there are four: then there were three itinerant preachers; now there are ten. George Holder was assistant; and to him Wesley addressed the following.

“NEAR LONDON, _November 29, 1789_.

“DEAR GEORGE,--You did well to remember the case of Dewsbury
house, and to send what you could to Mr. Mather.

“I exceedingly disapprove of publishing anything in the Manx
language. On the contrary, we should do everything in our power
to abolish it from the earth, and persuade every member of our
society to learn and talk English. This would be much hindered
by providing them with hymns in their own language. Therefore,
gently and quietly let the proposal drop.

“I hope you and your fellow labourers are of one heart. Peace
be with your spirits!

“I am, dear George, your affectionate friend and brother,

“JOHN WESLEY.”[699]

Wesley would take no step to gratify the linguistic folly of the Manx Methodists; but he was still actively employed in supplying books to his English readers. His publications, in 1789, were:

1. “The Life of Mr. Silas Told.” 18mo, 113 pages.

2. “A Short Account of the Life and Death of Jane Newland, of Dublin.” 12mo, 12 pages.

3. “An Extract of the Rev. Mr. John Wesley’s Journal, from September 4, 1782, to June 28, 1786.” 12mo, 134 pages.

4. “Minutes of Several Conversations between the Rev. Mr. Wesley and others. From the year 1744, to the year 1789.” 12mo, 51 pages.

5. His chief publication, of course, was his _Arminian Magazine_, 8vo, 679 pages.

As usual, it contains six of his own sermons. Those on Man, Faith, and the Omnipresence of God, are among the ablest he ever wrote. That on the Rich Man and Lazarus is a powerful exposition of the text, which Wesley believed to be, not merely a parable, but a history. The sermon on Riches is boldly faithful, and must have made the rich Methodists of that period wince and tremble; as, indeed, it ought to make such Methodists wince and tremble at the present day. The following, addressed to rich men, are the concluding paragraphs.

“O how pitiable is your condition! And who is able to help you?
You need more plain dealing than any men in the world; and you
meet with less. For how few dare to speak as plain to _you_, as
they would to one of your servants? No man living that either
hopes to gain anything by your favour, or fears to lose
anything by your displeasure. Oh that God would give me
acceptable words, and cause them to sink deep into your hearts!
Many of you have known me long, well-nigh from your infancy!
You have frequently helped me, when I stood in need. May I not
say, you loved me? But now the time of our parting is at hand;
my feet are just stumbling upon the dark mountains. I would
leave one word with you, before I go hence; and you may
remember it when I am no more seen.

“O let your heart be whole with God! Seek your happiness in
Him, and Him alone. Beware, that you cleave not to the dust!
This earth is not your place. See that you use this world as
not abusing it; _use_ the world, and _enjoy_ God. Sit as loose
to all things here below, as if you were a poor beggar. Be a
good steward of the manifold gifts of God; that, when you are
called to give an account of your stewardship, He may say,
‘Well done, good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy
of thy Lord.’”

Nothing can be plainer than that, for several of the last years of his life, Wesley regarded the growing riches of the Methodists as one of their greatest dangers. His magazines, to say nothing of his letters and his journals, are full of this. Hence, his eighteen lengthy extracts on the Surest Way of Thriving, running through the whole of the magazine of 1788, and part of that for 1789. Hence, the solemn warning, contained in his brief article on “The Origin of Image Worship among Christians”; an article meriting the serious thought of those wealthy Methodists, who are adorning (?) their chapels with painted windows and emblematic pulpits. Citations might be multiplied, all tending to show that, rightly or wrongly, Wesley regarded the growth of riches among Christians, not as a good to be desired, but as a necessary evil, and a serious danger.

The only sermon, which remains unnoticed, is that on God’s Vineyard,--a sermon on the doctrine, spiritual helps, discipline, and outward protection of Methodism. He tells us that, notwithstanding the assistance they received from Peter Bohler, he and the other Oxford Methodists “were never clearly convinced, that we are justified by faith alone, till they carefully consulted the homilies of the Church of England, and compared them with the sacred writings, particularly St. Paul’s epistle to the Romans.” He propounds the principle, which Dr. James Hamilton enlarged upon in his conference sermon, already mentioned, that for the Methodists to have become a separate sect, like the Moravians, “would have been a direct contradiction to the whole design of God in raising them up, to spread scriptural religion throughout the land, among people of every denomination, leaving every one to hold his own opinions, and to follow his own mode of worship.” Having shown the great advantages that the Methodists had enjoyed, his early hopes concerning them, and how these hopes had hardly been realised, he concludes with the following address to the rich members of the society.

“O ye that have riches in possession, once more hear the word
of the Lord! Ye that are rich in this world, that have food to
eat, and raiment to put on, and something over! Are you clear
of the curse? of loving the world? Are you sensible of your
danger? Do you feel, ‘How hardly will they that have riches
enter into the kingdom of heaven’? Do you continue unburnt in
the midst of fire? Are you untouched with the love of the
world? Are you clear from the desire of the flesh, the desire
of the eye, and the pride of life? Do you _put a knife to your
throat_ when you sit down to meat, lest your _table_ should be
a _snare to you_? Is not your belly your god? Is not eating and
drinking, or any other pleasure of sense, the greatest pleasure
you enjoy? Do not you seek happiness in dress, furniture,
pictures, gardens; or anything else that pleases the eye? Do
not you grow soft and delicate? unable to bear cold, heat, the
wind or the rain, as you did when you were poor? Are you not
increasing in goods, laying up treasures on earth; instead of
restoring to God, in the poor, not so much or so much, but all
that you can spare! Surely ‘it is easier for a camel to go
through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the
kingdom of heaven!’”

There are other contributions by Wesley, in the _Magazine_ for 1789, which ought to have attention. There is an exquisitely drawn up article on “The Nature of Inspiration, clearly explained and enforced, as applicable to the Old and New Testament”; and also his piece “On the Manners of the Times”; neither of which has been included in Wesley’s collected works. And there are also his “Thoughts on Separation from the Church,” and his “Thoughts upon a late Phenomenon;” both of them really on the same subject. After showing how revivals of religion have generally ended in the formation of separate sects, and thereby rarely lasted, according to Luther’s _dictum_, “longer than a generation, that is, thirty years,” Wesley remarks:

“The Methodists have been solicited again and again, to
separate from the Established Church, and to form themselves
into a distinct body, independent of all other religious
societies. Thirty years ago, this was seriously considered
among them, at a general conference. All the arguments, urged
on one side and the other, were considered at large; and it was
determined, without one dissenting voice, that they ‘ought not
to separate from the Church.’

“This is a new thing in the world; this is the peculiar glory
of the people called Methodists. In spite of all manner of
temptations, they will not separate from the Church. What many
so earnestly covet, they abhor; they will not be a distinct
body. Now what instance have we of this before, either in
ancient or modern history, of a body of people, in such
circumstances, who will not be a distinct party, but choose to
remain in connection with their own church, that they may be
more effectually the servants of all? This, I say again, is an
utterly new phenomenon! I never saw, heard, or read of anything
like it. The Methodists will not separate from the Church,
although continually reproached for doing it; although it would
free them from abundance of inconveniences, and make their path
much smoother and easier; and although many of their friends
earnestly advise, and their enemies provoke them to it,--the
clergy in particular; most of whom, far from thanking them for
continuing in the Church, use all the means in their power,
fair and unfair, to drive them out of it.”

FOOTNOTES:

[666] The photographic portrait, in the present volume, is
taken from Romney’s painting, by the kind permission
of its possessor, the Rev. G. Stringer Rowe.

[667] Life of Garretson.

[668] _Methodist Magazine_, 1867, p. 623.

[669] _Methodist Magazine_, 1797, p. 313.

[670] Wesley’s Works, vol. xiii., p. 253.

[671] Wesley’s Works, vol. xiii., p. 254.

[672] _Methodist Magazine_, 1831, p. 298.

[673] _Methodist Magazine_, 1845, p. 117.

[674] Atmore’s “Methodist Memorial.”

[675] Moore’s Life of Wesley, vol. ii., p. 379.

[676] _Methodist Magazine_, 1840, p. 543.

[677] It ought to have been eighty-seventh.

[678] “Anecdotes of the Wesleys,” p. 312.

[679] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 404.

[680] _Methodist Magazine_, 1823, p. 134.

[681] A reference to Richard Brothers, the prophecy
expounder of that period.

[682] Cowper’s Works, Bohn’s edit., vol. iii., p. 370.

[683] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 409.

[684] Crowther’s manuscript autobiography.

[685] Thomas Rutherford was sent in this emergency.

[686] _Wesleyan Times_, June 11, 1866.

[687] _Methodist Magazine_, 1797, p. 313.

[688] _Methodist Magazine_, 1845, p. 115.

[689] _Methodist Magazine_, 1845, p. 115.

[690] _Methodist Magazine_, 1828, p. 286.

[691] _Wesley Banner_, 1851, p. 405.

[692] _Methodist Magazine_, 1827, p. 285.

[693] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 478.

[694] Black’s Memoirs, p. 251.

[695] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 472.

[696] Manuscript letter.

[697] _Methodist Magazine_, 1825, p. 675.

[698] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 473.

[699] Ibid. vol. xiii., p. 108.

1790.
Age 87

Wesley’s career is drawing to a close. He himself was on the “Delectable mountains,” basking in the sheen of the celestial city; but all around him, or rather beneath him, was darkness and confusion. The riots of 1789 were about to culminate in the indescribable horrors of the French revolution. Burke wrote against this terrible upheaving; Dr. Price applauded it. English newspapers, all at once, became Gallican and republican; and overflowed with abuse of the old constitution,--abuse of the Church,--abuse of the aristocracy,--abuse of almost everything except the French insurrection, and the men who made it. Thomas Paine and his friends were in the highest feather; and infidel and revolutionary pamphlets were published with prodigal profusion. Even Fox, in parliament, declared that the French army, by refusing to obey the court and to act against the people, had set a glorious example to all the armies of Europe; to which Burke, who had hitherto been Fox’s friend, replied, that the revolutionists were “an irrational, unprincipled, proscribing, confiscating, plundering, ferocious, bloody, tyrannical democracy.” It was amid such excitement, that Wesley spent his last days on earth.

He began the year in London, and wrote in his journal:

“1790, January 1.--I am now an old man, decayed from head to
foot: my eyes are dim; my right hand shakes much; my mouth is
hot and dry every morning; I have a lingering fever almost
every day; my motion is weak and slow. However, blessed be God,
I do not slack my labour; I can preach and write still.”

Henry Moore observes:

“Being in the house with him when he wrote thus, I was greatly
surprised. I knew it must be as he said; but I could not
imagine his weakness was so great. He still rose at his usual
hour, four o’clock, and went through the many duties of the
day, not indeed with the same apparent vigour, but without
complaint, and with a degree of resolution that was
astonishing.”[700]

On Saturday, January 2, he preached at Snowsfields. The next day, Sunday, he held the covenant service in the City Road chapel, at which nearly two thousand persons were present. A few days were then devoted to writing letters, two of which we give. The first has not before been published. It was addressed to Daniel Jackson, then appointed to the Stockport circuit.

“LONDON, _January 2, 1790_.

“MY DEAR BROTHER,--It is no wonder many of the societies should
be in a poor condition, considering what poor care has lately
been taken of them. They will soon find the difference.

“The books that are damaged you may give away as you judge
proper.

“None ought to have made a collection for any place before the
house at Dewsbury was built. However, do what you can, and you
do enough.

“I am, with love to sister Jackson,
“Your affectionate friend and brother,

“J. WESLEY.”

The next was written to John Mason, the assistant in the St. Austell circuit.

“NEAR LONDON, _January 13, 1790_.

“MY DEAR BROTHER,--As long as I live, the people shall have no
share in choosing either stewards or leaders among the
Methodists. We have not, and never had, any such custom. We are
no republicans, and never intend to be. It would be better for
those, that are so minded, to go quietly away. I have been
uniform, both in doctrine and discipline, for above these fifty
years; and it is a little too late for me to turn into a new
path, now I am old and grey headed. Neither good old brother
Porna (God bless him!) expects it from me, nor brother Wood,
nor brother Flamank.

“If you and I shall be called hence this year, we may bless God
that we have not lived in vain. Come, let us have a few more
strokes at Satan’s kingdom, and then we shall depart in peace!

“I am, your affectionate friend and brother,

“JOHN WESLEY.”[701]

On Sunday, January 17, Wesley buried Mrs. Dornford, a good woman; and preached her funeral sermon. In the afternoon, he preached to a large congregation, in the church of Great St. Helen’s.

On Monday, January 25, he went to Dorking, “and laboured to awaken a harmless, honest, drowsy people, who, for many years, seemed to stand stock still, neither increasing nor decreasing.”

On January 29, Wesley writes: “We held our general quarterly meeting, whereby it appeared, that the society received and expended about £3000 a year; but our expense still exceeds our income.”

The next eight days were employed in meeting the London classes, containing about 2500 members.

During the month of February, we find him preaching a funeral sermon for Robert Windsor; and sermons to children--beautiful sights--at West Street, and at City Road. He retired to his friend Mr. Wolff’s, at Balham, “to finish his sermons, and to put all his little things in order.” He “submitted to importunity, and once more sat for his picture.” He “dined at Mr. Baker’s, one of the sheriffs of London; a plain man, who still lived in an inn yard!”

On Sunday, February 28, which, for five months, was his last day in London, he preached to enormous congregations, at City Road, West Street, and Brentford; and then started off on his long journey to the north. Before we follow him, two short letters may be welcome; the first to Adam Clarke at Bristol, the second to Miss Bisson in the Channel islands.

“LONDON, _February 11, 1790_.

“DEAR ADAM,--On Monday, March 1, I hope to set out hence; and
to preach that evening, and on Tuesday, at half-past six
o’clock, at Bath. On Thursday, if he desires it, I will dine at
Mr. Durbin’s; and, on Monday following, begin as usual to meet
the classes. I am not at all sorry that James Gore is removed
from this evil world. You and I shall follow him in due time;
as soon as our work is done. Many of our friends have been
lately gathered into the garner, as ripe shocks of wheat. Peace
be with both your spirits! I am, dear Adam, etc.,

“JOHN WESLEY.”[702]

“LONDON, _February 13, 1790_.

“MY DEAR SISTER,--I love to see your name at the bottom of a
letter, especially when it brings me the good news, that your
spirit is still rejoicing in God your Saviour. My sight is so
far decayed, that I cannot well read a small print by
candlelight; but I can write almost as well as ever I could;
and it does me no harm, but rather good, to preach once or
twice a day. A few days since, I had a letter from one of our
sisters in Scotland, whose experience agrees much with yours;
only she goes farther; she speaks of being ‘taken up into
heaven, surrounded with the blessed Trinity, and let into God
the Father.’ I commend you to His care; and am, etc.,

“JOHN WESLEY.”

Wesley spent a fortnight at Bath, Bristol, and Kingswood; preached daily; visited the sick; and met the Bristol classes. On one of the Sundays, at least, he preached thrice; having on the night previous occupied the pulpit of his friend, the Rev. Joseph Easterbrook, in Temple church. He writes: “Mr. Easterbrook has lately been very ill; but God has again lifted up his head to be a father to the poor a little longer.”[703]

This indefatigable clergyman was the son of the Bristol bellman; was educated at Kingswood school; became assistant master at Trevecca college; obtained ordination; was presented to Temple church by the Bristol corporation; and succeeded James Roquet as chaplain of Newgate prison.[704] Fletcher, in writing to the Countess of Huntingdon concerning him, says, when he first entered Trevecca, he began to live upon water and potatoes; and yet, besides attending to his scholastic duties, he preached every evening in the week, and occasionally as many as four times on Sundays. Atmore states that, in Bristol, it was Easterbrook’s invariable rule to send those, who were awakened under his ministry, to meet in class among the Methodists. His work was now nearly ended. When Wesley came again to Bristol, in September, he wrote: “Mr. Easterbrook is ill of a disorder which no physician understands, and which it seems God alone can cure. He is a pattern to all Bristol, and indeed to all in England; having, besides his other incessant labours, which were never intermitted, preached in every house in his parish!” Within four months after this, Easterbrook was dead, and Henry Moore preached for him a funeral sermon, which was printed. He died on the 21st of January, 1791, in the fortieth year of his age, some of his last words being “God does all things well. I have no fear of death or of judgment.”[705]

While at Bristol, Wesley addressed the following characteristic letter, not before published, to Jasper Winscomb, one of his preachers in the Isle of Wight. What would Wesley have said concerning the circuit divisions of the present day?

“BRISTOL, _March 13, 1790_.

“DEAR JASPER,--The story of Thomas Whitwood is very remarkable,
and the story is well told, and God has done much honour to him
by the happy effects which have been consequent on his death. I
am in no haste at all concerning building, without having paid
some more of our debts. I am likewise in no haste to multiply
preachers, or to divide circuits. Most of our circuits are too
small rather than too large. I wish we had no circuit with
fewer than three preachers on it, or less than four hundred
miles’ riding in four weeks. Certainly, no circuit shall be
divided before conference. If we do not take care we shall all
degenerate into milksops. ‘Soldiers of Christ, arise!’

“I am, dear Jasper, etc.,

“JOHN WESLEY.”

On leaving London, the following circular, bearing Wesley’s signature, was issued, indicating to his friends the places he meant to visit, in his journey to the north. It furnishes a bird’s eye view of the Herculean labours of an old man nearly eighty-seven years of age, and also helps to fill up a gap in Wesley’s journal. It must be remembered, that the means of transit in 1790 were not what they are at present; and that, at every place mentioned, Wesley preached at least once, and often several times more than that. It will also be seen, that from three to four days were employed in some of the principal societies, where he arranged to spend his Sundays.

“LONDON, _March 1, 1790_.

“As many persons desire to know where I am from this time till
the conference, I here set down my route, which, if God permit,
I shall keep till that time.

_March._

Monday, 15, Stroud; 16, Gloucester; 17, Worcester; 18,
Stourport; 19, Birmingham.

Monday, 22, Wednesbury; 23, Dudley and Wolverhampton;
24, Madeley; 25, Salop; 26, Madeley; 27, Newcastle under
Lyne; 28, Lane End and Burslem.

Monday, 29, Congleton; 30, Macclesfield.

_April._

Thursday, 1, Stockport; 2, Manchester.

Monday, 5, Nantwich and Liverpool; 7, Warrington and
Chester; 9, Wigan; 10, Bolton.

Monday, 12, Blackburn; 13, Colne; 17, Keighley; 18,
Haworth and Halifax.

Tuesday, 20, Huddersfield; 21, Dewsbury; 24, Wakefield;
25, Birstal and Leeds.

Tuesday, 27, Bradford; 29, Otley.

_May._

Saturday, 1, Parkgate; 2, York; 4, Pocklington; 6,Newcastle.

Monday, 10, Alnwick; 12, Dunbar; 13, Edinburgh.

Tuesday, 18, Dundee; 19, Arbroath; 20, Aberdeen.

“N.B. I have not yet finally settled the rest of my plan. I
probably shall, if I come to York. Many persons are continually
teasing me to visit more places. Now let them judge whether
I have not work enough.

“JOHN WESLEY.”

To this circular, two postscripts were added, by some other hand, namely:

“Those persons, who have occasion to write to Mr. Wesley, are
requested to direct their letters according to this plan, and
not to London.”

“Our friends here earnestly desire that Mr. Wesley may be
remembered in prayer, especially at the next quarterly fast,
that his strength may be continued, and, if it please God,
increased also.”

Such was Wesley’s plan of travel and of labour for the next ten weeks; but even this was a mere outline; and it will be found, as we follow him, that he preached at many places besides the above mentioned.

At Stroud, on March 15, hundreds were unable to get into the chapel. On the day following, he preached to two other crowds, at Painswick, and at Gloucester, March 17, the chapel at Tewkesbury was not large enough to hold the noonday congregation; and at Worcester, in the evening, he “found much comfort among a well established people.”

Twenty years before this, Stourport did not exist; now there were a couple of streets, at least, and also a prosperous trade. In 1780, John Cowell came with his family from Wolverhampton; and, soon after, Thomas Hanby preached the first Methodist sermon, in an upper room, at Mr. Morris’s.[706] A chapel was soon erected, towards which Mr. Cowell was a large contributor. The chapel was to be occupied by both Calvinist and Arminian preachers. The Arminians were speedily ejected; and, rather than appeal to law, Mr. Cowell, at his own expense, built another and a larger chapel, which Wesley opened in 1788. He now visited them again; had a crowded congregation; was pleased with their attention; but writes: “The moment I ceased speaking, fourscore or one hundred begun talking all at once. I do not remember to have been present at such a scene before. This must be amended; otherwise, if I should live, I will see Stourport no more.”

March 19, at eleven a.m., Wesley preached at Quinton; and, at night, to a densely packed congregation at Birmingham. Next day, Saturday, the same scene was repeated; and, on Sunday, when he opened a new meeting-house, and preached twice, hundreds of people were unable to get in. Joseph Benson, at this time stationed in Birmingham, met Wesley at Stourport, and writes: “I found him much stronger and better than I expected. Still his sight is so defective, that he is much at a loss in giving out hymns, in reading his text, and in referring to any portion of Scripture. In conversation, he seemed much as usual, lively and entertaining.”[707]

On Monday, March 22, at Wednesbury, as many as could _squeezed_ into the chapel, and the rest were fain to be listeners outside. The next day, he opened a new meeting-house, “one of the neatest in England,” at Dudley; and, at night, preached at Wolverhampton. Three days were spent at Madeley and Salop; one sermon was written; and four were preached. Week day though it was, Madeley church was crowded; and so also was the meeting place at Salop; but concerning the Salopians, Wesley writes: “I was much ashamed for them. The moment I had done speaking, I suppose fifty of them were talking all at once; and no wonder they had neither sense nor good manners, for they were gentlefolks!”

The halt at Madeley gave him the opportunity, not only to write his sermon on the wedding garment, but to write letters to his friends. To Adam Clarke he expresses the opinion, that “animal magnetism is diabolical from the beginning to the end;” he also advises him to consult Dr. Whitehead about his health, and requests him to follow all the doctor’s directions, “except the leaving off preaching”; naively adding, “I think, if I had taken this advice many years since, I should not have been a living man.”[708]

Charles Atmore had recently commenced a Sunday-school, in the Orphan House, at Newcastle, consisting of seventy teachers and more than a thousand children.[709] And Michael Longridge, one of Wesley’s best local preachers, in the north of England, had published a 12mo pamphlet of 13 pages, entitled, “Sunday-schools Recommended as a Religious Institution: with a Plan for their Extension at a small Expense.” All this had Wesley’s cordial approval; and, hence, the following letter to Atmore, which, besides a reference to the Sunday-schools, also contains an addition to Wesley’s _preaching plan_.

“MADELEY, _March 24, 1790_.

“DEAR CHARLES,--I am glad you have set up Sunday-schools in
Newcastle. It is one of the noblest institutions which has been
seen in Europe for some centuries, and will increase more and
more, provided the teachers and inspectors do their duties.
Nothing can prevent the increase of this blessed work, but the
neglect of the instruments. Therefore, be sure to watch over
these with all care, that they may not grow weary in well
doing.

“I shall be at Darlington, if God permit, on Tuesday and
Wednesday, May 4th and 5th; on Thursday, at Durham to preach at
twelve o’clock at noon; and at Newcastle between four and five
in the afternoon. Grace be with you and yours!

“I am, dear Charles, etc.,

“JOHN WESLEY.”[710]

To return. According to announcement, Wesley, on Saturday, March 27, preached at Newcastle under Lyne; and, on the day following, twice, to large crowds, in the open air, at Lane End, and at Burslem. At nine o’clock on Monday morning, he opened Tunstall new chapel, “the most elegant he had seen since he left Bath”; and, at night, preached at Congleton, the clergyman of the parish, “the mayor, and all the heads of the town,” forming a part of his congregation. He quietly remarks: “That I might not overshoot them, I preached on, ‘So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.’”

Two days were spent at Macclesfield, and two crowded audiences were addressed. Here, also, one of his horses died. On April 1, he had a large congregation at Stockport. The next day, Good Friday, he preached at Oldham and Manchester; and, at the latter place, again on Saturday.

On Easter Sunday, at Manchester, he preached twice, and held a sacramental service at which there were about sixteen hundred communicants!

Next day, he preached thrice, at Altrincham, Northwich, and Chester; and, in each place, had crowded congregations. At Warrington, “the chapel was well filled with serious hearers”; and, at Liverpool, multitudes were not able to get in. At Wigan, the chapel “was more than filled”; and “in the lovely house at Bolton” he preached to, what he calls, “one of the loveliest congregations in England.” This was on April 10; and, from this date to May 24, there is a chasm in Wesley’s journal, which we shall endeavour to fill up; first of all, however, giving an unpublished letter, addressed to Thomas Taylor, who, with William Simpson, was stationed at Hull.

“MANCHESTER, _April 4, 1790_.

“DEAR TOMMY,--I did not approve of Dr. Coke’s making
collections either in yours or any other circuit. I told him
so, and am not well pleased with his doing it. It was very ill
done. It is exceeding probable, that sea bathing will be of use
to brother Simpson, especially if he be temperate in all
things.

“I do not know what you mean concerning talking ‘about the
Church.’ I advise all our brethren, that have been brought up
in the Church, to continue there; and there I leave the matter.
The Methodists are to spread life among all denominations;
which they will do, till they form a separate sect.

“I am, dear Tommy, etc.,

“JOHN WESLEY.”

According to Wesley’s plan, the week, intervening between April 10 and 17, was to be spent in visiting Blackburn, Colne, Keighley, Haworth, and Halifax. But, besides these places, he also preached at Preston, from Revelation xxii. 17; and was the guest of Mrs. Emmett of Walton,[711] where he wrote the following letter to the celebrated Ann Cutler, commonly called “praying Nanny.”

“WALTON, _April 15, 1790_.

“MY DEAR SISTER,--There is something in the dealings of God
with your soul, which is out of the common way. But I have
known several whom He has been pleased to lead in exactly the
same way, and particularly in manifesting to them distinctly
the three Persons of the ever blessed Trinity. You may tell all
your experience to me any time; but will need to be cautious in
speaking to others, for they would not understand what you say.
Go on in the name of God, and in the power of His might. Pray
for the whole spirit of humility; and I wish that you would
write and speak without reserve to, dear Nanny,

“Yours affectionately,

“JOHN WESLEY.”[712]

Wesley spent April 21 at Halifax;[713] and, in connection with his visit here, preached at Bradshaw, where, on his tottering up the pulpit stairs, the whole congregation burst into a flood of tears. More than once, his memory failed him, and Joseph Bradford and William Thompson had to act the part of remembrancers. The visit was memorable in more respects than one. While the congregation was waiting for the venerable preacher, and a crowd was assembled at the door, a woman of the name of Wilson mockingly exclaimed, “They are waiting for their God”; no sooner was the sentence uttered than she fell senseless to the ground, and, the day following, she expired.[714]

The next few days, according to Wesley’s plan, were employed at Huddersfield, Dewsbury, Wakefield, Birstal, Leeds, Bradford, and Otley. On the 3rd of May, he came to York. Thomas Taylor, in his unpublished diary, remarks: “May 3--I went to York, and was amazed to meet such a number of travelling preachers, fifteen or sixteen of them. Mr. Wesley preached a useful sermon; and, after preaching, we had a meeting respecting one of our number who was accused of drunkenness.”

On the 5th of May, Wesley was met at Darlington by his son in law, Mr. William Smith, and by Charles Atmore, from Newcastle. Atmore writes: “We heard him preach in the evening, from ‘He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.’ He appears very feeble; and no wonder, he being nearly eighty-seven years of age. His sight has failed so much, that he cannot see to give out the hymn; yet his voice is strong, and his spirits remarkably lively. Surely this great and good man is the prodigy of the present age.”

Old as he was, Wesley set out next morning, at half-past three o’clock, for Newcastle, where he preached, in the evening, from Isaiah lvii. 1, 2. The following night (Friday) he preached again his remarkable sermon to the children of the Sunday-school, taking as his text Psalm xxxiv. 11; the sermon being literally composed and delivered in words of not more than two syllables.[715] On Saturday, May 8, we find him at North Shields, preaching, says Atmore, “an excellent sermon, from ‘What things were gain to me, these I counted loss for Christ.’” Next day, Sunday, May 9, he addressed a crowd of several thousands, on Byker Hill, from Matthew vii. 24; and, in the evening, at the Orphan House, took his old favourite text, “By grace are ye saved, through faith.” “The house,” writes Atmore, “was much crowded, and many hundreds returned, not being able to obtain an entrance.” Atmore continues:

“He was highly honoured in his ministry; particularly to one
who had been in a state of great despair for many years. As
soon as he arrived at the Orphan House, Mr. Wesley inquired
after this individual, and I accompanied him in visiting him.
As soon as he entered the room, where the poor man was, he went
up to him, and said, ‘Brother Reed, I have a word from God unto
thee; Jesus Christ maketh thee whole.’ He then knelt down to
pray; and such a season I have seldom experienced. Hope
instantly sprang up, and despair gave place; and, although Reed
had not been out of his habitation, nor even from his wretched
bed, for several years, he went that evening to hear Mr. Wesley
preach; and God graciously confirmed the testimony of His
servant in restoring him to ‘the light of His
countenance.’”[716]

On Monday, May 10, Wesley proceeded on his journey to Scotland. Of his labours during the next fortnight, we have no record; but, on May 25, we find him preaching to a crowded audience at Aberdeen; then at Brechin, Glasgow, and Dumfries. The last mentioned town was now a part of the Glasgow circuit, and had, as its resident preacher, Mr. Yewdall, who writes: “In the latter end of May, Mr. Wesley visited us. He came from Glasgow that day, (about seventy miles,) but his strength was almost exhausted, and, when he attempted to preach, very few could hear him. His sight was likewise much decayed, so that he could neither read the hymn or text. The wheels of life were ready to stand still; but his conversation was agreeably edifying, being mixed with the wisdom and gravity of a parent, and the artless simplicity of a child.”[717]

From Dumfries, Wesley proceeded, on June 2, to Carlisle, where the chapel would not near contain his congregation. Thence he went to Hexham, where he “found a loving people, much alive to God, and consequently increasing daily.”

On Friday, June 4, he once again, and, for the last time, reached Newcastle. He writes:

“In this and Kingswood house, were I to do my own will, I
should choose to spend the short remainder of my days. But it
cannot be; this is not my rest. This and the next evening, we
had a numerous congregation; and the people seemed much alive.
Sunday, June 6, I was invited to preach in Lemsley church, on
the side of Gateshead Fell; but, some hours after, the minister
changed his mind. So I preached in our own preaching house,
which contained the greater part of the congregation; among
whom were Sir Henry Liddell and his lady, with a great number
of his servants. The chapel was hot as a stove; but neither
high nor low seemed to regard it: for God was there! The Orphan
House was equally crowded in the evening; but the rain would
not suffer me to preach abroad. Monday, June 7, I transcribed
the stations of the preachers. Tuesday, June 8, I wrote a form
for settling the preaching houses, without any superfluous
words, which shall be used for the time to come, verbatim, for
all the houses to which I contribute anything. I will no more
encourage that villainous tautology of lawyers, which is the
scandal of our nation. In the evening, I preached to the
children of our Sunday-school; six or seven hundred of whom
were present. Observe, none of our masters or mistresses teach
for pay; they seek a reward that man cannot give.”

Two days after this, Wesley left Newcastle, where he had spent so many happy hours, for ever. Before we follow him, three more of his letters may be acceptable; the first to Henry Moore, the second to the wife of Adam Clarke, the third to Miss Bisson.

“DUMFRIES, _June 1, 1790_.

“MY DEAR HENRY,--So I am upon the borders of England once
again. My sight is much as it was, but I doubt I shall not
recover my strength, till I use that noble medicine, preaching
in the morning. But where can we put poor Adam Clarke? He must
not preach himself to death. What circuit is he equal to? Where
can he have rest as well as labour? The best place I can think
of, at present, is Leeds.

“The dying words of the Prince of Orange are much upon my mind
this morning: ‘Lord have mercy upon the people!’ I never saw so
much likelihood of doing good in Scotland as there is now, if
all our preachers here would be Methodists indeed! Tell dear
Nancy to love me as well as she can.

“I am, my dear Henry, etc.,

“J. WESLEY.”[718]

“DUMFRIES, _June 1, 1790_.

“MY DEAR SISTER,--The great question is, What can be done for
Adam Clarke? Now, will you save his life? Look round; consider
if there be any circuit where he can have much rest, and little
work; or shall he and you spend September in my rooms at
Kingswood, on condition that he shall preach but twice a week,
and ride to the Hotwells every day? I think he must do this, or
die; and I do not want him (neither do you) to run away from us
in haste. You need not be told, that this will be attended with
some expense; if it be, we can make it easy. I am apt to think
this will be the best way. In the meantime, let him do as much
as he can, and no more.

“It is probable, I shall stay with you a little longer, as my
strength does not much decline. I travelled yesterday nearly
eighty miles, and preached in the evening without any pain. The
Lord does what pleases Him. Peace be with all your spirits!

“I am, etc.,

“JOHN WESLEY.”[719]

“NEWCASTLE, _June 6, 1790_.

“MY DEAR SISTER,--To hear from you is always a pleasure to me;
though it is a pleasure mixed with concern when I hear of your
weakness or sickness; only I know the Lord loveth whom He
chasteneth. But of what kind is your illness? Perhaps I might
be enabled to tell you how to remove it; and if you can recover
your health, you ought; for health is a great blessing.

“In August last, my strength failed almost at once; and my
sight, in a great measure, went from me. But all is well; I can
still write almost as easily as ever; and I can read in a clear
light; and, I think, if I could not read or write at all, I
could still say something for God. When you have more strength,
tell me more of the work of God, whether in yourself or those
round about you. And ought you not to let me know if you are in
any temporal distress? For everything that concerns you,
concerns, my dear Jenny, yours most affectionately,

“JOHN WESLEY.”[720]

On leaving Newcastle, on the 10th of June, Wesley proceeded, over rough roads and high hills, a distance of at least thirty miles, to Weardale, where he preached both at noon and night. On the 11th, he preached twice in the open air, at Stanhope and at Durham, the crowds being so immense that the chapels were utterly unable to contain them. The 12th and 13th he spent at Sunderland, where he preached thrice: once in the Methodist chapel; a second time in Monkwearmouth church, for the benefit of the Sunday-school; and a third, to many thousands of people, out of doors.

During the ensuing week, we find him preaching at Hartlepool, Stockton, Yarm, Potto, Hutton Rudby, Stokesley, and Whitby. At the last mentioned town, he spent Sunday, June 20, preached twice, attended church, and wrote in his journal: “It was very providential, that part of the adjoining mountain fell down, and demolished our old meeting-house, with many houses besides; by which means we have one of the most beautiful chapels in Great Britain, finely situated on the steep side of the mountain. In all England, I have not seen a more affectionate people than those at Whitby.”

This was high praise of these Yorkshire fishermen; but it was not unmerited. Warm hearts often beat under rough exteriors. Besides, the Methodist society at Whitby was now well-nigh a model. Most of the two hundred and fifty members met in _band_. Their itinerant preachers preached to them three mornings every week; and, on the other mornings, they were either supplied with local preachers, or held prayer-meetings. At noon, every Friday, they had their intercession meeting; and, after the toils of the week were ended, they met together every Saturday night, to ask God to fit their minds and hearts for the services of Sunday.[721]

On June 21, Wesley preached at Pickering and Malton; and, on the following days, at Scarborough, Bridlington, Beverley, and Hull. At Hull, he spent Sunday, June 27, and also his birthday. He writes:

“Friday, June 25--About noon I preached at Beverley, to a
serious, well behaved congregation; and, in the evening, to one
equally serious, and far more numerous, at Hull. Saturday, 26,
was a day of satisfaction. I preached at seven in the morning,
and at six in the evening, to as many as our house would
contain; the ground being too wet for the congregation to stand
abroad.”

This is a simple entry, and gives no idea of the commotion created by Wesley’s visit. Thomas Taylor, who was now the assistant in the Hull circuit, writes in his diary: “I and many friends from Hull met Mr. Wesley at Beverley. We dined at an inn. He preached, and we hastened to Hull. Many people attending this evening.” Taylor is as laconic as Wesley; but, from another source, we learn, that the “many friends from Hull” were a regular cavalcade of forty persons, some in chaises, and the rest on horses. All these dined with Wesley at his inn at Beverley; spirits were lively, and conversation brisk; but, in the midst of it, and while all present were utterly oblivious of the flight of time, Wesley pulled out his watch, started on his feet, bid his friends good day, stepped into his carriage, and was gone before they had time to remonstrate, or to wish him to wait for the cavalcade to attend him. Horses were saddled, and carriages got ready with as much celerity as possible; but the old man was on his way, and it was with the utmost difficulty that “the horsemen and the chariots” overtook the illustrious visitor in sufficient time to do him honour in the sight of their fellow citizens.[722]

On his birthday, he wrote:

“Monday, June 28.--This day, I enter into my eighty-eighth
year. For above eighty-six years, I found none of the
infirmities of old age; my eyes did not wax dim, neither was my
natural strength abated; but, last August, I found almost a
sudden change. My eyes were so dim, that no glasses would help
me. My strength likewise now quite forsook me; and probably
will not return in this world. But I feel no pain from head to
foot; only it seems nature is exhausted; and, humanly speaking,
will sink more and more, till ‘the weary springs of life stand
still at last.’”

Thus did the venerable man calmly contemplate the inevitable closing of his remarkable career. No weary child of innocence ever went to its welcome couch with greater serenity than Wesley went down the steps leading to his sepulchre.

Here we pause again, to insert another selection of his letters. The first was addressed to William Black, in Nova Scotia.

“SUNDERLAND, _June 14, 1790_.