"Compare what we profess with what we practise, and you will possibly be of another judgment.

"We profess, 1, That we will obey all the laws of that church (such we allow the rubricks to be, but not the customs of the Ecclesiastical Courts) so far as we can with a safe conscience.

"2, That we will obey, with the same restriction, the bishops, as executors of those laws. But their bare will, distinct from those laws, we do not profess to obey at all. "Now point out, what is there in our practice, which is an open contradiction to these professions?

"Is field-preaching? Not at all. It is contrary to no law which we profess to obey.

"The allowing lay-preachers? We are not clear that this is contrary to any such law. But if it be, this is one of the exempt cases; one wherein we cannot obey with a safe conscience. Therefore (be it right or wrong on other accounts,) it is however no just exception against our sincerity.

"The rules and directions given to our societies ? Which, you say, is a discipline utterly forbidden by the bishops.

if

"When and where did any bishop forbid this? And any did, by what law? We know not either the man, who ever did forbid, or the law by which he could forbid it.

"The allowing persons (for we require none) to communicate at the chapel? In contradiction (you think ) to all those rubricks which require all to attend always, on their own parish church and pastor, and to receive only at

his table?'

"Which rubricks are those? We cannot find them. And till these are produced, all that is so frequently said of parochial unity, &c. is merely gratis dictum. Consequently, neither is this any just exception against the sincerity of any of our professions.

Dec. 30, 1745.

"J. W."

Wednesday, January 1, 1746, I preached at four in the morning, on I am the Almighty God: walk before me and be thou perfect. We dined with poor John Webb, now thoroughly poisoned by Robert Barclay's Apology, which he was sure would do him no hurt, till all his love to his brethren was swallowed up in dotage about questions and strife of words.

Wednesday 8, I waited on Mr. B, rector of

who had sent to me as soon as he had read the Farther Appeal. He said, Sir, "All this is sad truth. But what can we do to help it?" I went afterwards to another clergyman, who had likewise sent and desired to speak with me. How is this? I thought the publication of this Tract would have enraged the world above measure. And, on the contrary, it seems nothing ever was published, which softened them so much!

Monday 13, I had a visit from Mr. S., an honest, zealous Anabaptist teacher. Finding he would dispute, I let him dispute, and held him to the point till between eleven and twelve o'clock. By that time he was willing to take breath. Perhaps he may be less fond of dispute for the time to come.

Monday 20, I set out for Bristol. On the road I read over Lord King's account of the Primitive Church. In spite of the vehement prejudice of my education, I was ready to believe, that this was a fair and impartial draught. But if so, it would follow, that bishops and presbyters are (essentially) of one order; and that originally every Christian congregation was a church independent on all others!

Tuesday 21, I read Bishop Butler's Discourse on Analogy, a strong and well written Treatise; but I am afraid far too deep for their understanding, to whom it is primarily addressed.

Monday, February 3, and the following days, I visited several of the country societies. Monday 10, I preached at Paulton. On Thursday noon at Shepton-Mallett, and at Oak-bill in the evening. The next morning I walked (it being scarce possible to ride, because of the frost,) to Cole

1

ford. Sunday 16, I took my leave of Bristol and Kingswood, and Monday 17, set out for Newcastle.

I preached near Thornbury about noon, and in the evening at Wall-bridge near Stroud. Tuesday 18, we pushed on through thick and thin, and with much difficulty got to Stanley. Thence, after an hour's stop, we hastened on. The brooks were so swollen with the late rains, that the common roads were impassable. But our guide, knowing the country, carried us round about through the fields, so that we escaped the dangerous waters, and soon after sunset came (wet and dirty enough) to Evesham.

Wednesday 19, We rode to Birmingham, where many of our brethren from several parts, met us in the evening. Thursday 20, we set out as soon as it was light. Before we came to Aldridge Heath the rain changed into snow, which the northerly wind drove full in our faces, and crusted us over from head to foot in less than an hour's time. We enquired of one who lived at the entrance of the Moors, which was our best way to Stafford? "Sir," said he, "it is a thousand pounds to a penny you don't come there today. Why, it is four miles to the far side of this common, and in a clear day I am not sure to go right across it. And now all the roads are covered with snow, and it snows so, that you cannot see before you." However, we went on, and, I believe, did not go ten yards out of the way till we came into Stafford.

In the evening we reached Roger Moss's house. I preached, on Rom. iii. 22., and joined a few together as a society. Friday 21, we breakfasted at Bradbury-Green, whence we rode on to Marsden, and the next day, Saturday 22, to Leeds. I preached at five. As we went home a great mob followed, and threw whatever came to hand. I was struck several times, once or twice in the face, but not hurt at all. I walked on to the Recorder's, and told him the case. He promised to prevent the like for the time

to come.

Sunday 23, I preached at eight without any interruption; in Birstal at one, and again at five. Monday 24, I

preached at Skircoat Green, near Halifax, to a whole company of Quakers. The good man of the house, about fourscore years old, had formerly been a speaker among them. But from the fear of man, he desisted, and so quenched the Spirit, that he was in darkness for near forty years; till hearing John Nelson declare the love of God in Christ, light again sprung up in his soul.

In the evening I preached to a quiet congregation at Bradford. Tuesday 25, about nine I began at Keighley. Thence (finding the snow was so deep, I could not go through the vales,) I went the strait way, and came to Newcastle, Wednesday 26.

Friday 28, I took my leave of Katy Parks, calmly waiting till her change should come. A day or two after she had her desire, sweetly giving up her soul to God.

Of the same spirit was the writer of the following letter:

"DEAR SIR,

"FEBRUARY 22, 1745.

"YOU may remember to have seen me at Oxford once. Since then, by walking somewhat differently from the ways of the world, I have incurred the displeasure of the world; and have gone through many trials. My friends and nearest relations have done their utmost to separate me from God and his children. But blessed be our dear Lord, all their attempts have hitherto been in vain. Of late they have seemed resolved on other measures; namely, to separate me from themselves. But notwithstanding all their threats, I hope by the power of God to remain unshaken to the end. I would willingly suffer the loss of all things rather than deny the Lord that bought me. And I am persuaded, that neither life nor death shall ever separate me from his love.

"The sum of all my desires and hopes in this world for many years has been this, to be regularly sent as an ambassador of Christ. I long to spend and be spent for the best of masters. But I doubt my relations have disappointed me of this, for Oxford knows my place no more.

"My uncle sees that nobody can do his business better,

or perhaps so well as myself. But he cannot bear a Methodist in his house. He wants to have me of his own taste. But as I have been washed, I cannot, I dare not, I will not, by the grace of God, turn to my former wallowing in the

mire.

"Dear Sir, you see my case. There is nothing I so much long for, as to be employed in the Lord's vineyard, though utterly unworthy; I should be glad to be advised and directed by you what to do. I will do whatsoever you judge most proper toward the promoting our Saviour's interest. I am happy in his love, and

"Your most obedient servant,

"JOHN BOSWORTH."

But there was no need for his taking thought for the morrow; for, in a few weeks, God took him to himself.

Saturday, March 1, I visited the sick, who increased daily in every quarter of the town. It is supposed that two thousand of the soldiers only have died since their encampment; the fever or flux sweeping them away by troops, in spite of all the physicians could do.

Wednesday 5, I preached at Wickham at noon; in the evening at Spen; the next day at Burnup-field; and on Saturday 8, in the square at Placey. A vehement storm began in the middle of the sermon, which was driven full upon us by the north-east wind. But the congregation regarded it not.

Sunday 9, Was a day of solemn joy. Yet in the afternoon I felt a great damp, occasioned by my neglecting to speak plainly to some who were deceiving their own souls. I do not wonder at the last words of St. Augustine and Archbishop Usher, "Lord, forgive me my sins of omission."

I preached on Monday at Horseley, on Tuesday at Biddick, and on Wednesday 12, at Sunderland, where I endeavoured to bring the little society into some kind of order. In the afternoon, being at Mrs. Fenwick's, and seeing a child there of ten or twelve years old, I asked, "Does your daughter know Christ? or know she has need of Him? She replied with much concern, "I fear not; nothing has ever