argument. I dare not neglect the doing certain, present good, for fear of some probable ill consequences in the succeeding century. Thur. 23. -I preached at Morley and Birstal; on Friday, at Birstal and Leeds; on Saturday, at Oulton and Armley. Sun. 26.-I met the Leeds society at five; preached at seven, on, "The Spirit and the Bride say, Come ;" and at one, to an unwieldy multitude, several hundreds of whom soon went away, it being impossible for them to hear. Such another congregation I had at Birstal; yet here I believe my voice reached all that were present. Mon. 27. I preached at Birstal, at Wibsey Moor, and at Bradford, and regulated the societies. Tues. 28.-One of Pudsey would take no denial; so I promised to preach there at eight o'clock. Coming before the hour, we walked to the new house of the Germans. It stands on the side of a hill, commanding all the vale beneath, and the opposite hill. The front is ex ceeding grand, though plain, being faced with fine, smooth, white stone. The Germans suppose it will cost, by that time it is finished, about three thousand pounds: it is well if it be not nearer ten. But that is no concern to the English Brethren; for they are told, (and potently believe,) that "all the money will come from beyond sea." I preached at eight at the place appointed, and thence rode to Dewsbury, where I was to preach at noon. But first I called on the minister, Mr. Robson; and in an acceptable time. Abundance of little offences had arisen, and been carefully magnified by those who sought such occasions. But we both spoke our minds without reserve; and the snare was presently broken. After sermon, Mr. R., having sent a note to desire I would call upon him again, I went, and passed such an hour as I have not had since I left London. We did not part without tears. Who knows how great a work God can work in a short time? Wed. 29.-I preached at Hightown at one; and at Birstal in the evening. Thur. 30.-I rode to Keighley. The ten persons I joined here are increased to above a hundred. And above a third of them can rejoice in God, and walk as becomes the Gospel. Fri. May 1.-I read prayers and preached in Haworth church, to a numerous congregation. In the evening I preached near Skircoat Green, and baptized Eliz. K., late a Quaker. Sat. 2.-I preached at Halifax, to a civil, senseless congregation; at noon at Gildersome; and in the evening at Armley. Sun. 3.-At one I preached to a vast congregation at Hunslet; and, about five, to a still larger at Birstal, I preached on, "All things are ready; come to the marriage." And some, I trust, were "compelled" to "come in." Mon. 4.-At his earnest request, I began examining those that are called W. D.'s societies. At three I preached at Great Harding; in the evening at Roughlee, where there was a large society. But since the men of smooth tongue broke in upon them, they are every man afraid of his brother; half of them ringing continually in the ears of the rest, "No works, no law, no bondage." However, we gathered above forty of the scattered sheep, who are still minded to stand in the old paths. Tues. 5.-I preached at Roughlee at five; about eleven at Hinden, and about three at Widdap, a little village in the midst of huge, barren mountains, where also there was a society. But Mr. B. had effectually dispersed them, so that I found but three members left. We rode thence about five miles to Stonesey-gate, which lies in a far more fruitful country. Here was a larger congregation at six o'clock than I had seen since my leaving Birstal. They filled both the yard and the road to a considerable distance, and many were seated on a long wall adjoining, which, being built of loose stones, in the middle of the sermon, all fell down at once. I never saw, heard, nor read of such a thing before. The whole wall, and the persons sitting upon it, sunk down together, none of them screaming out, and very few altering their posture: and not one was hurt at all; but they appeared sitting at the bottom just as they sat at the top. Nor was there any interruption either of my speaking, or of the attention of the hearers. Wed. 6.-I rode to Shore, four miles south from Stonesey, lying about half way down a huge, steep mountain. Here I preached at twelve to a loving, simple-hearted people. We then climbed up to Todmorden Edge, the brow of a long chain of mountains, where I called a serious people to "repent and believe the Gospel." Thur. 7. -We left the mountains, and came down to the fruitful valley of Rosendale. Here I preached to a large congregation of wild men ; but it pleased God to hold them in chains. So that even when I had done, none offered any rudeness, but all went quietly away. We came to Manchester between one and two. I had no thought of preaching here, till I was informed John Nelson had given public notice, that I would preach at one o'clock. I was now in a great strait, Their house would not contain a tenth part of the people; and how the unbroken spirits of so large a town would endure preaching in the street, I knew not. Besides that, having rode a swift trot for several hours, and in so sultry a day, I was both faint and weary. But after considering that I was not going a warfare at my own cost, I walked straight to Salford Cross. A numberless crowd of people partly ran before, partly followed after me. I thought it best not to sing, but, looking round, asked abruptly, "Why do you look as if you had never seen me before? Many of you have seen me in the neighbouring church, both preaching and administering the sacrament." I then began, "Seek ye the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near." None interrupted at all, or made any disturbance, till, as I was drawing to a conclusion, a big man thrust in, with three or four more, and bade them bring out the engine. Our friends desired me to remove into a yard just by, which I did, and concluded in peace. About six we reached Davy Hulme, five miles from Manchester, where I was much refreshed both in preaching and meeting the society. Their neighbours here used to disturb them much; but a justice of peace, who feared God, granting them a warrant for the chief of the rioters, from that time they were in peace. Fri. 8.-1 preached at Oldfield Brow to a much larger congregation, though many of them had been hurt by doubtful disputations. But they now began again to take root downward and bear fruit upward. In the evening I preached at Booth Bank, among a quiet and loving people; but a famous Anabaptist teacher, Joseph Pickup by name, had lately occasioned some disturbance among them. He had given them a par argument. I dare not ne Tues. 28.-Or preach there at ‹ the new house manding all th ceeding grand The Germans thousand pou concern to believe,) tha call up 66 dat Astbury at five; and at seven proclaimed Jesus Christ, our " wisdom, and righteousness, and redemption." It rained most of the time that I creen twelve and one I preached near Macclesfield, and that did not hinder abundance of people from quietly Woody Green. Mon. 11.-I preached at noon from Ashton, and in the evening at Stayley Hall. rode to Bongs, and explained to a serious people the paraprodigal son. In the evening I exhorted them at Chinley, stir to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints." Tues 13- preached at noon in the High Peak, and in the evening Seeld. Ther. 14.-I rode to Barley Hall. As soon as I de preaching, Wam Shent told me he was just come from Leeds, where he had left Mr. Perronet in a high fever. I had no time sure: however, at three in the morning, on Friday, 15, I set out, and beweer semen and eight came to Leeds. By the blessing of God be recovered fum that hour. Being willing to redeem the time, I cher, and then hastened back to Barley Hall, where I Glorify God in your body and in your spirit, 6- spent an hour or two at Nottingham, and then rode on him. At eight I preached. The church was pretty well filled, Sun. 17.-Desiring to imun a blessing with his word. www het inre we had, I preached at eleven in the morning, and in the weenny Monday, IS.-I rode to Wednesbury; and, after two or trees the spent there and at Birmingham, on Thursday, 21, came to H.- preached at seven in Moorfields to a large and well tered congregation. Mr. Bateman desired me to preach a charity Sermons church, St. Bartholomew the Great, in the afternoon was with much dificulty that I got in; not only the church itself, upon one another. The great noise made me afraid at first, that my but ul the entrances to it, being so thronged with people ready to tread labour would be in vain; but that fear was soon over; for all was still, as soon as the service began. I hope God gave us this day a token for good. If he will work, who shall stay his hand? Thur. June 4.I reduced the sixteen stewards to seven; to whom were given the fol lowing instructions: "1. You are to be men full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, that you may do all things in a manner acceptable to God. › be present every Tuesday and Thursday morning, in ⚫ the temporal affairs of the society. to begin and end every meeting with earnest prayer unto sing on all your undertakings. to produce your accounts the first Tuesday in every month, y be transcribed into the ledger. are to take it in turn, month by month, to be chairman. The > to see, that all the rules be punctually observed, and immecheck him who breaks any of them. ou are to do nothing without the consent of the minister, either had, or reasonably presumed. You are to consider, whenever you meet, God is here.' Therce deeply serious: utter no trifling word: speak as in his presence, o the glory of his great name. 3. When any thing is debated, let one at once stand up and speak, rest giving attention. And let him speak just loud enough to be heard, love and in the spirit of meekness. "9. You are continually to pray and endeavour that a holy harmony of soul may in all things subsist among you; that in every step you may 'keep the unity of the Spirit, in the bond of peace.' "10. In all debates you are to watch over your spirits; avoiding, as fire, all clamour and contention; being 'swift to hear, slow to speak;' in honour, every man preferring another before himself. "11. If you cannot relieve, do not grieve the poor: give them soft words, if nothing else: abstain from either sour looks, or harsh words. Let them be glad to come, even though they should go empty away. Put yourself in the place of every poor man; and deal with him as you would God should deal with you. "These instructions, we whose names are under written (being the present stewards of the society at London) do heartily receive, and earnestly desire to conform to. In witness whereof we have set our hands. "N. B. If any steward shall break any of the preceeding rules, after having been thrice admonished by the chairman (whereof notice is to be immediately given to the minister) he is no longer steward." Sat. 6.-I appointed to speak with those who had applied to us on a physical account. I found there had been about six hundred in about six months. More than three hundred of these came twice or thrice, and we saw no more of them. About twenty of those who had constantly attended, did not seem to be either better or worse. Above two hundred were sensibly better; and fifty-one throughly cured. The entire expense, from the beginning till this time, was about thirty pounds. Sun. 14.-I preached at St. Bartholomew's again. I admire the behaviour of this people; none betrays either lightness or inattention. Surely all the seed sown here will not be lost! Mon. 15.-Our Conference began, and ended on Saturday, 20. The minutes of all that passed therein, were some time after transcribed and published. Sun. 21. I preached once more at St. Bartholomew's, on the gospel for the day, the story of Dives and Lazarus. I was constrained to speak very plain and strong words. But God gave the audience ears to hear; so that they appeared as far from anger on the one hand, as from sleepiness on the other. After preaching at the chapel in the afternoon, I set out for Brentford with Robert Swindells. The next day we reached Marlborough; where one in the room beneath us was swearing desperately. Mr. Swindells stepped down and put into his ticular account of a conference he had had with me on the road; what he said, and what I said; and how he had stopped my mouth with the Seventeenth Article. In the morning I told them the plain fact. I had overtook him on the road, and we rode half a bow shot together, but did not exchange five sentences till we parted. About noon I preached at Mr. Anderton's, near Northwich. Several of the gay and rich were there. I continued praying and talking with them till past two we were then obliged to take horse for Astbury. Here likewise I found an open door, though many fine people were of the congregation; but they behaved as people fearing God; as seriously as the poor ploughmen. Sun. 10.-I preached at Astbury at five; and at seven proclaimed at Congleton Cross, Jesus Christ, our "wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." It rained most of the time that I was speaking; but that did not hinder abundance of people from quietly attending. Between twelve and one I preached near Macclesfield, and in the evening at Woodly Green. Mon. 11.-I preached at noon about a mile from Ashton, and in the evening at Stayley Hall. Tuesday, 12.-I rode to Bongs, and explained to a serious people the parable of the prodigal son. In the evening I exhorted them at Chinley, "earnestly to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints." Wed. 13.-I preached at noon in the High Peak, and in the evening at Sheffield. Thursday, 14.—I rode to Barley Hall. As soon as I had done preaching, William Shent told me he was just come from Leeds, where he had left Mr. Perronet in a high fever. I had no time to spare however, at three in the morning, on Friday, 15, I set out, and between seven and eight came to Leeds. By the blessing of God he recovered from that hour. Being willing to redeem the time, I preached at noon, and then hastened back to Barley Hall, where I preached at seven, on, "Glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." Sat. 16.-I spent an hour or two at Nottingham, and then rode on to Markfield. At eight I preached. The church was pretty well filled, and God gave a blessing with his word. Sun. 17.-Desiring to improve the time we had, I preached at eleven in the morning, and in the evening. Monday, 18.-I rode to Wednesbury; and, after two or three days spent there and at Birmingham, on Thursday, 21, came to London. Sun. 31.-I preached at seven in Moorfields to a large and well behaved congregation. Mr. Bateman desired me to preach a charity sermon at his church, St. Bartholomew the Great, in the afternoon but it was with much difficulty that I got in; not only the church itself, but all the entrances to it, being so thronged with people ready to tread upon one another. The great noise made me afraid at first, that my labour would be in vain; but that fear was soon over; for all was still, as soon as the service began. I hope God gave us this day a token for good. If he will work, who shall stay his hand? Thur: June 4.I reduced the sixteen stewards to seven; to whom were given the following instructions :— "1. You are to be men full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, that you may do all things in a manner acceptable to God. |