ours. Some were crying out in their wounds, 'I am going to my Beloved ;' others, Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly! and many that were not wounded, crying to their Lord, to take them to himself. There was such boldness in the battle among this little, despised flock, that it made the officers, as well as common soldiers, amazed and they acknowledge it to this day. As to my own part, I stood the fire of the enemy for above seven hours: then my horse was shot under me, and I was exposed both to the enemy and our own horse. But that did not discourage me at all; for I knew the God of Jacob was with me. I had a long way to go, the balls flying on every side; and thousands lay bleeding, groaning, dying, and dead, on each hand. Surely I was as in the fiery furnace; but it never singed one hair of my head. The hotter it grew the more strength was given me. I was full of joy and love, as much as I could well bear. Going on, I met one of our brethren, with a little dish in his hand, seeking for water. He smiled, and said he had got a sore wound in his leg. I asked, 'Have you gotten Christ in your heart?' He answered, 'I have, and I have had him all the day. Blessed be God that I ever saw your face.'-Lord, what am I, that I should be counted worthy to set my hand to the Gospel plough? Lord, humble me, and lay me in the dust!

"J. H."

Sun. 7.-I took my leave of poor J. C., just embarking for Germany. I admire the justice of God! He who would never long be advised by any who treated him as a reasonable creature, is at length fallen among those who will make him as passive a tool as ever moved upon wire.

Wed. 18.-Being the day of the national fast, we met at four in the morning. I preached on Joel ii, 12, &c. At nine our service in West-street began. At five I preached at the Foundery again, on, "The Lord sitteth above the water floods." Abundance of people were at West-street chapel, and at the Foundery, both morning and evening; as also (we understood) at every place of public worship, throughout London and Westminster. And such a solemnity and seriousness every where appeared as had not been lately scen in England.

We had within a short time given away some thousands of little tracts among the common people. And it pleased God hereby to provoke others to jealousy. Insomuch that the lord mayor had ordered a large quantity of papers, dissuading from cursing and swearing, to be printed, and distributed to the trainbands. And this day, "An Earnest Exhortation to Serious Repentance" was given at every church door, in or near London, to every person who came out; and one left at the house of every householder who was absent from church. I doubt not but God gave a blessing therewith. And perhaps then the sentence of desolation was recalled. It was on this very day that the duke's army was so remarkably preserved in the midst of the ambuscades at Clifton Moor. The rebels fired many volleys upon the king's troops, from the hedges and walls, behind which they lay. And yet, from first to last, only ten or twelve men fell, the shot flying over their heads.

Wed. 25.-I talked with a young man, who seemed to be under strong convictions: but, I fear, only seemed. I am surprised that, in so many years, this is the first hypocrite of the kind I have met with; the first who appeared to have deliberately put on the mask of religion, purely to serve a secular end. Fri. 27.—Having received a long letter from Mr. Hall, earnestly pressing my brother and me to renounce the

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Church of England, (for not complying with which advice he soon renounced us,) I wrote to him as follows:

"DEAR BROTHER,-Now you act the part of a friend. It has been long our desire, that you would speak freely. And we will do the same. What we know not yet, may God reveal to us! You think, first, That we undertake to defend some things which are not defensible by the wordof God. You instance in three; on each of which we will explain our selves as clearly as we can.

"1. That the validity of our ministry depends on a succession supposed to be from the Apostles, and a commission derived from the Pope of Rome, and his successors or dependents.

"We believe it would not be right for us to administer either baptism or the Lord's Supper, unless we had a commission so to do from those bishops whom we apprehend to be in a succession from the Apostles. And yet we allow these bishops are the successors of those who were dependent on the bishop of Rome. But we would be glad to know, on what reasons you believe this to be inconsistent with the word of God? "2. That there is an outward priesthood, and consequently an outward sacrifice, ordained and offered by the bishop of Rome, and his successors or dependents, in the Church of England, as vicars and vicegerents of Christ.

"We believe there is, and always was, in every Christian Church, (whether dependent on the bishop of Rome or not,) an outward priesthood, ordained by Jesus Christ, and an outward sacrifice offered therein, by men authorized to act as ambassadors of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. On what grounds do you believe that Christ has abolished that priesthood or sacrifice?

"3. That this papal hierarchy and prelacy, which still continues in the Church of England, is of apostolical institution, and authorized thereby, though not by the written word.

"We believe that the threefold order of ministers, (which you seem to mean by papal hierarchy and prelacy,) is not only authorized by its apostolical institution, but also by the written word. Yet we are willing to hear and weigh whatever reasons induce you to believe to the contrary. "You think, secondly, that we ourselves give up some things as indefensible, which are defended by the same law and authority that establishes the things above mentioned; such as are many of the laws, customs, and practices of the ecclesiastical courts.

"We allow, 1. That those laws, customs, and practices, are really indefensible. 2. That there are acts of parliament in defence of them; and also of the threefold order.

"But will you show us how it follows, either, (1.) That those things and these stand or fall together? Or, (2.) That we cannot sincerely plead for the one, though we give up the other? Do you not here quite overlook one circumstance, which might be a key to our whole behaviour? namely, that we no more look upon these filthy abuses which adhere to our Church as part of the building, than we look upon any filth which may adhere to the walls of Westminster Abbey as a part of that structure. "You think, thirdly, That there are other things which we defend and practise, in open contradiction to the orders of the Church of England. And this you judge to be a just exception against the sincerity of our professions to adhere to it.

you

will posCompare what we profess with what we practise, and sibly be of another judgment. We profess, 1. That we will obey all the laws of that Church, (such we allow the rubrics 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 is, 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. When and where did any bishop forbid this? And if 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 rubrics which require all to attend always on their own parish church and pastor, and to receive only at his table? Which rubrics are those? We cannot find them. And till these are produced, all that is so frequently said of parochial unity, &c, is merely a 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 throughly 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. Wed. 8.-I waited on Mr. B- -e, 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 afterward 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! Mon. 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. Mon. 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!

Tues. 21.-I read Bishop Butler's "Discourse on Analogy ;" a strong and well wrote 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. Mon. 10.-I preached at Paulton; on Thursday noon, at Shepton Mallet; and at Oak Hill in the evening. The next morning I walked (it being scarce possible to ride, because of the frost) to Coleford. Sun. 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.

on.

Tues. 18.-We pushed on through thick and thin, and with much difficulty got to Stanley. Thence, after an hour's stop, we hastened The brooks were so swoln 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. Wed. 19.-We rode to Birmingham, where many of our brethren from several parts met us in the evening.

Thur. 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 inquired of one who lived at the entrance of the moors, which was our best way to Stafford. "Sir," said he, "tis a thousand pound to a penny, that you do not come there to-day. Why, 'tis four long 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. 1 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.

Sun. 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 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. Tues. 25. -About nine I began at Keighley: thence, (finding the snow was so deep, I could not go through the vales,) I went the straight way, and came to Newcastle, Wednesday, 26.

Fri. 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:

"February 22, 1745.

"Dear Sir,-You may remember to have seen me at Oxford once. Since then, by walking somewhat different from the ways of the world, I have incurred the displeasure of the world; and I have gone through many trials. My friends and nearest relations have done their atmost 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 ne'ther 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 forth 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 can't 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.

Sat. 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.

Wed. 5.-I preached at Whickham at noon; in the evening at Spen; the next day at Burnupfield; 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 Horsley; 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 affected her at all." Immediately that word came into my mind, "Before they call, I will answer." I was going to say, "Come, let us call upon God to show her she has need of a Saviour;" but, before the words were pronounced, the child turned away her face, and began crying as if she would break her heart. I could get no word from her but, "My sins, my sins!" We then besought God to carry on his own work. Mon. 17.-I took my leave of Newcastle, and set out with Mr. Downes and Mr. Shepherd. But when we came to Smeton, Mr. Downes was so ill, that he could go no further. When Mr. Shepherd and I left Smeton, my horse was so exceeding lame, that I was afraid I must have lain by too. We could not discern what it was that was amiss; and yet he would scarce set his foot to the ground. By riding thus seven miles, I was thoroughly tired, and my head ached more than it had done for some months. (What I here aver, is the naked fact: