down. Mr. Harris demanded his warrant; but he swore, Warrant or no warrant, he shall go with me!' So he carried him out to the mob, who took him away to the church town. They kept him there till the Tuesday morning, when the Rev. Dr. Borlase wrote his mittimus, by virtue of which he was to be committed to the house of correction at Bodmin, as a vagrant. So they took him as far as Cambourn that night, and the next day to Bodmin."

The Justices who met at the next quarter-sessions in Bodmin, knowing a little more of the laws of God and man, or at least showing more regard for them than Dr. Borlase, declared Mr. Westall's commitment to be contrary to all law, and immediately set him at liberty.

*

The preachers in the different parts of the kingdom were permitted to drink of the same cup, yea, in many instances, they suffered greater persecutions than Mr. Wesley himself. Stones, dirt, and rotten eggs, were the common weapons of the mob. In some instances, as in that of Mr. Thomas Mitchell, they were thrown into ponds of water, and held down till they were nearly drowned. Applications were made for redress to the neighbouring Magistrates, but generally in vain. They then, under the patronage of Mr. Wesley, had recourse to the Court of King's Bench, and, in every instance, found the most ample justice. The Judges of that Court acted on every occasion with the greatest uprightness and impartiality: the consequence of which was, that in many places peace was restored.

Notwithstanding this brutal opposition, Mr. Wesley preached in most of the towns in Cornwall: and the seed sown, through the blessing of God, produced a plentiful harvest. Perhaps there is no part of these kingdoms where there has been a more general change. Hurling, their favourite but a most brutal diversion, at which limbs were frequently broken and lives lost, is now hardly heard of: and that scandal of humanity which had been so constantly practised on all the coasts of Cornwall, the plundering vessels that struck upon the rocks and often murdering those that escaped from the wreck, is now well nigh at an end. But it is not harmlessness or outward decency alone, which has evidenced the reality of their religion, but faith working by love, producing all inward and outward holiness.

About the time of 'the persecutions in Cornwall, John Nelson of Birstal in Yorkshire, who has been mentioned before, and Thomas Beard, an honest industrious man, were pressed and sent off as soldiers, for no other crime, either committed or pretended, than that of calling sinners to repentance. John Nelson was after much ill usage released by an order from the Secretary at War, and preached the Gospel many years. But Thomas Beard sunk under his oppressions. He was then lodged at the Hospital at Newcastle, where he praised God continually. His fever increasing, he was bled. His arm festered, mortified, and was cut off: two or three days after which God signed his discharge, and called him up to his eternal home.

*A plain, forcible preacher, greatly owned of God, especially to the poor. The late Dr. Hey, of Leeds, used to call upon Dr. Priestley, who then also lived at Leeds, and take him to the Methodist Chapel. On one of those occasions, the preacher happened to be Mr. Mitchell. Dr. Hey, who was rather nice in hearing, was mortified that his philosophical friend should be led to hear so plain a preacher. On their return, however, he ventured to ask the Doctor, what he thought of the sermon. He replied, "that he thought it admirable!" but perceiving his friend's surprise, he added, " Other men may do good, Dr. Hey, but that man must do good, for he aims at nothing else."

While Mr. Wesley thus, like his Divine Master, endured the cross, despising the shame, his brother, Mr. C. Wesley, was called to drink of the same cup. He had laboured in the preceding year in the neighbourhood of Bristol, till the 17th of May, when he set out for the North. He preached at Painswick, and then visited Stroud, Evesham, and several other places; and on the 20th, he observes, "I got once more to our dear colliers at Wednesbury. Here the seed has taken root, and many are added to the church. A Society of more than three hundred, are seeking full redemption in the cleansing blood of Christ. The enemy rages exceedingly against them. A few here have returned railing for railing; but the generality have behaved as the followers of Christ Jesus.

66

May 21.-I spent the morning in conference with several who have received the atonement under my Brother's ministry. I saw the piece of ground to build a chapel upon, given us by a Dissenter. I walked with many of our brethren to Walsal, singing as we went. We were received with the old complaint, Behold these that turn the world upside down, are come hither also! We walked through the town, amidst the noisy greetings of our enemies. I stood on the steps of the MarketHouse. A host of men came against us; and they lifted up their voice and raged horribly. I preached from these words, But none of these things move me; neither count I my life dear unto myself so that I might finish my course with joy, &c. The street was full of fierce Ephesian beasts, (the principal man setting them on,) who roared, and shouted, and threw stones incessantly. At the conclusion, a stream of ruffians was suffered to beat me down from the steps; I rose, and, having given the blessing, was beat down again, and so a third time. When we had returned thanks to the God of our salvation, I then from the steps bid them depart in peace, and walked through the thickest of the rioters. They reviled us, but had no commission to touch a hair of our head.

"May 22.-I preached to between one and two thousand peaceable people, at Birmingham, and again at Wednesbury in the evening. On the 23d, I took my leave in those words, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith; and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of heaven. With many tears, and blessings, they sent me away, recommended to the grace God.

of

May the 26th.-In the afternoon I came to the flock in Sheffield, who are as sheep among wolves; the minister having so stirred up the people, that they are ready to tear the Methodists in pieces. At six o'clock, I went to the Society house, next door to our brother Bennet's. Hell from beneath seemed moved to oppose us. As soon as I was in the desk, with David Taylor, the floods began to lift up their voice. An Officer in the Army contradicted and blasphemed. I took no notice of him, but sang on. The stones flew thick, striking the desk and the people. To save them, and the house from being pulled down, I gave out that I should preach in the street, and look them in the face. whole army of the aliens followed me. The Captain laid hold on me, and began rioting: I gave him A word in season, or advice to a Soldier. I then prayed, particularly for his Majesty King George, and preached the gospel, although with much contention. The stones often struck me

The

in the face. I prayed for sinners, as servants of their master, the Devil; upon which the Captain ran at me with great fury, threatening revenge for abusing, as he called it, 'The King his master.' He forced his way through the brethren, drew his sword, and presented it to my breast. I immediately opened my breast, and fixing my eye on his, and smiling in his face, calmly said, 'I fear God and honour the King.' His countenance fell in a moment, he fetched a deep sigh, and putting up his sword, quietly left the place. He had said to one of the company, who afterwards informed me, 'You shall see if I do but hold my sword to his breast, he will faint away.' So perhaps I should, had I only his principles to trust to; but if at that time I was not afraid, no thanks to my natural courage.-We returned to our brother Bennet's, and gave ourselves up to prayer. The rioters followed, and exceeded in outrage all I have seen before. Those at Moorfields, Cardiff, and Walsal, were lambs to these. As there is no King in Israel, I mean no Magistrate in Sheffield, every man doth as seemeth good in his own eyes."

The mob now formed the design of pulling down the Society house, and set upon their work, while Mr. C. Wesley and the people were praying and praising God within. "It was a glorious time," says he, "with us: Every word of exhortation sunk deep, every prayer was sealed, and many found the spirit of glory resting upon them."*The next day the house was completely pulled down, not one stone being left upon another: "Nevertheless," said Mr. Wesley to a friend, "the foundation standeth sure; and our house, not made with hands, is eternal in the heavens.". This day he preached again in the street, somewhat more quietly than before. In the evening the rioters became very noisy again, and threatened to pull down the house where Mr. C. Wesley lodged. He went out to them; read the Riot Act, and made a suitable exhortation. They soon afterwards separated, and peace was restored.

May 27.-At five in the morning, he took leave of the Society in these words, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. He observes, "Our hearts were knit together, and greatly comforted: we rejoiced in hope of the glorious appearing of the great God, who had now delivered us out of the mouth of the lions. David Taylor informed me, that the people of Thorpe, through which we should pass, were exceedingly mad against us. So we found them as we approached the place, and were turning down the lane to Barley-Hall. The ambush rose, and assaulted us with stones, eggs, and dirt. My horse flew from side to side, till he found his way through them. They wounded D. Taylor in the forehead, and the wound bled much. I turned back, and asked, What was the reason why a clergyman could not pass without such treatment? At first the rioters scattered; but, their captain rallying them, answered with horrible imprecations and stones. My horse took fright, and turned away with me down a steep hill. The enemy pursued me from afar, and followed shouting. Blessed be God, I received no hurt, only from the eggs and dirt. My clothes indeed abhorred me, and my arm pained me a little from a blow I received at Sheffield."

Notwithstanding this, he spent an hour or two, with some quiet sincere persons, assembled at Barley-Hall. By four o'clock in the after* 1 Peter iv, 24. 3

VOL. II.

noon he reached Birstal, a land of rest: Here they had peace in all their borders. Great multitudes were bowed down, by the victorious power of gospel truth. "It was," says Mr. C. Wesley, "a time much to be remembered, for the gracious rain wherewith our God refreshed us."— The next day he preached again, in the morning and at noon, to this child-like people, and again in the afternoon at Ormsby, in his way to Leeds.

May 29, he informs us in his Journal, that, not a year before, he had come to Leeds, and found no man who cared for the things of God: "but," he observes, "a spark has now fallen in this place also, and it will kindle a great flame.* I met the infant Society, about fifty in number, most of them justified, and exhorted them to walk circumspectly. At seven o'clock, I stood before Mr. Shent's door, and cried to thousands, Ho! every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters! The word took place. They gave diligent heed to it, and seemed a people prepared for the Lord. I went to the great Church, and was showed to the Minister's pew. Five Clergymen were there, who a little confounded me, by making me take place of my elders and betters. They obliged me to help in administering the sacrament. I assisted with eight more Ministers, for whom my soul was much drawn out in prayer. But I dreaded their favour, more than the stones at Sheffield."-He was afraid he should melt in this sunshine.

At two o'clock, he found a vast multitude waiting for the word, and strongly exhorted them to repent and believe the gospel, that their sins might be blotted out. He preached again at Birstal, calling upon the poor and maimed, the halt and blind, to come to the great supper.' He observes, "My Lord disposed many hearts, I doubt not, to accept the invitation. There were several witnesses of the truth, which they have now received in the love of it. I had a blessed parting with the society. "May 30. My horse threw me, and fell upon me. My companion thought I had broken my neck; but my leg only was bruised, my hand sprained, and my head stunned, which spoiled me from making hymns,† or thinking at all in that way till the next day, when the Lord brought us safe to Newcastle. At seven o'clock I went to the room, which will contain about two thousand persons. We rejoiced for the consolation

of our mutual faith.

"June 5. My soul was revived by the poor people at Chowden; and yet more at Tanfield, where I called to great numbers, Behold the Lamb of God,' &c. At Newcastle I preached in the crowded square, chiefly to the backsliders, whom I besought with tears to be reconciled to God. Surely Jesus looked upon some of them as he looked upon Peter.

"June 6. I had the great comfort of recovering some of those who have drawn back. I trust we shall recover them again for ever. On

*Of the spark which had thus fallen, I am happy to be able to relate the history. The venerable Christopher Hopper, after many years of arduous labour, was preaching at Leeds, a few years after the death of Mr. Wesley. The Conference was then assembled at that place. The Chapels were full, and several Preachers were preaching abroad at the same time. He observed, "Just fifty years ago I opened my commission in a Barber's shop in this town— the shop of William Shent. I had just as many hearers as the shop would contain. There the Lord sowed the grain of mustard seed! Behold what it has come to!" Great was our rejoicing in the Lord!

He composed his finest Hymns while engaged in those labours, and often on horseback of this I shall say more hereafter.

the 8th, I spake to the bands separately, and tried their faith. We certainly have been too easy in allowing persons for believers on their own testimony nay, and even persuading them into a false opinion of themselves. Some souls it is doubtless necessary to encourage; but it should be done with caution. To tell one in darkness that he has faith, is to keep him in darkness still, or to make him trust in a false light; a faith that stands in the words of men, not in the power of God.

"June 16. I set out for Sunderland, with strong aversion to preaching. I dragged myself to about a thousand wild people, and cried, 'O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself, but in me is thy help! Never have I seen greater attention in any people at their first hearing the word. We rode to Shields, went to church, and the people flocked in crowds after me. The minister spake so low, that he could not be heard in reading prayers; but I heard him loud enough afterwards, calling to the churchwardens to quiet the disturbance, which none but himself had raised. I fancy he thought I should preach in the church where I stood, like some of the first Quakers. The clerk came to me, bawling out, ‘It was consecrated ground, and I had no business to preach on it: That I was no minister,' &c. When he had cried himself out of breath, I whispered in his ear, that I had no intention to preach there. He stumbled however on a good saying, 'If you have any word of exhortation to the people, speak to them without.' I did so, to a huge multitude waiting in the churchyard: many of them very fierce, threatening to drown me, and what not! I walked through the midst of them, and discoursed in strong awakening words on the jailer's question, What must I do to be saved? The churchwardens and others laboured in vain to interrupt me, by throwing dirt, and even money, among the people. Having delivered my message, I rode to the Ferry, crossed it, and met as rough friends on the other side. The mob of North Shields waited to salute me, with the minister at their head. He had got a man with a horn instead of a trumpet, and bid him blow and his companions shout. Others were almost as violent in their approbation. We went through honour and dishonour; but neither of them hurt us, and by six o'clock, with God's blessing, we came safe to Newcastle.” June 19. Mr. C. Wesley took leave of the Society at Newcastle, and on June 24, he arrived at Nottingham; and adds, "I found my brother in the market-place,* calling lost sinners to him who justifieth the ungodly. He gave notice of my preaching in the evening. At seven, many thousands attended in deep silence. Surely the Lord hath much people in this place" They began a society here with nine members, and on June the 27th, Mr. C. Wesley set out for London, where he arrived on the evening of the 28th, having visited Oxford in his way thither.-July 3, he says, "Mr. Hall, poor Moravianized Mr. Hall, met me at the Chapel. I did him honour before the people. I expounded the Gospel, as usual, and strongly avowed my intolerable attachment to the Church of England. Mr. Meriton and Graves assisted at the Sacrament.-July 6, I showed from Romans the 5th, the marks of justification, and overturned the vain confidence of several. I strongly warned them against seducers, and found my heart knit to this people.-July 8, I. Bray came to persuade me, not to preach till the Bishops should bid me. They have not yet forbid me; but by the grace of God I shall * See also Mr. John WESLEY's Works, vol. xxviii, page 151.