INCLUDING,



The Lord is my Light and my Salvation. Psalm xxvii. 1.

SECOND EDITION

REDRUTH
Printed by J. Bennett
1801.


/3/

I was born at Thirsk, in the North-riding of Yorkshire twenty-three miles North of York. My parents were strictly honest, and by their diligence and good economy, brought up a large family independent of others. They were members of the established Church of England, and brought all their children up that way. I believe that both my father and mother were strangers to heart-felt religion, till within a little of their death: My mother was brought to enjoy peace with God through Jesus Christ in the time of her affliction; and my father about five years before his death. The Lord made divine impressions on my mind when very young and I believe, that I felt the love of God in my heart when a little boy; especially one night while viewing the starry heavens, and beholding the number and brightness of them, I was filled with admiration, and my heart was drawn up to Him that made and fixt [fixed] them there. I was led to meditate on the greatness and goodness of God, in making the heavens and the earth for men. How loving he was and is unto the world, especially in sending our Saviour to suffer and die for sinners. Oh! what my soul at that time felt; none can tell but God and myself. I went to my bed-chamber, prayed to and praised my God for the sweet sensation of his love which he gave me. I had many sweet visits from /4/ the Lord in my tender years; but not having any one to converse with on divine things, as I grew in years, I gradually lost the sweet comfort and joy which I at that time experienced. Yet the Spirit of God was always striving with me at particular seasons, so that there was a call from God, to and in me from my infant state. Oh! yes:

At the age of about twelve years, I was very trifling, and guilty of reprovable things; such as mocking the Methodists and likewise the Quakers; the former by throwing different things amongst them, and clashing the doors two [to] while they were gathered together in the Lord's house to worship him; for those things I always stood self-condemned before the Lord. At the age of fourteen, I was deeply convinced of sin, under a sermon preached by Mr. William Bramah, on, He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned, Mark xvi. 16. He shewed the nature of faith, and likewise what we understand by baptizm [baptism], that is, the baptizm [baptism] of the Holy Ghost and of fire, &c. I saw that I had not the true faith of the Gospel, neither had I the baptizm [baptism] of the Holy Ghost and of fire. I had experienced something of it in my infant state, but now I did not: I was greatly alarmed and deeply awakened to a sense of my danger; I thought certainly that I should be damned. I went from the Methodist Chapel with a guilty and burdened conscience, I verily quaked for fear. I now bowed before the Lord, and repented as in dust and ashes, I was greatly oppressed, and cried earnestly to God for pardon and forgiveness from all my sins. I was /5/ stript of all, and had nothing to plead; no shelter or covering of my own: I saw myself in the open field, weltering in my blood; an alien and a stranger to the covenant of promise, without God in the world, I felt the spirit of bondage to fear; Oh! the horrors and terrors which I felt for one month. I thought sometimes that all was over with me for ever; yet at other times I felt a hope that the Lord would save me for Christ's sake I prayed to God for deliverance, and, glory be given to Him, in one month after He convinced me of sin, converted my soul, and blotted out my transgressions for his own name's sake. The night before I found peace, I dreamed that Satan came to take me to hell body and soul together. He tried to catch or take hold of me, but was fustrated [frustrated] in his design, though he endeavoured to effect it several times; I was almost dead with fear. In this situation I cried mightily to God in my sleep, and while thus perplexed I heard a voice uttering these words, Behold, now is the accepted time, and behold now is the day of salvation. The voice articulating the above words awoke me in a moment, I looked about but saw nothing. The clerk of the parish was ringing five o'clock, I got up immediately, and went to the five o'clock preaching; but I did not find that peace there which I much longed for; yet on the same day, while sitting by the side of my father, the Lord broke in upon my soul, and filled me with peace and joy through believing. My guilt and condemnation were all gone in a moment. I was brought through the pangs of the new birth, which I had laboured under for a month, and begotten again to a lively hope through the resurrection from the dead; yea verily, I was made a new creature, old things were done away, and behold all things became new: new thoughts of God, of myself of the world, of eternity, of Jesus Christ, and of all divine ordinances. I was scripturally justified by faith in the blood and /6/ righteousness of the Lamb. I felt the love of God shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Ghost given to me; and now I experienced the truth of the words of St. John, He that believeth on the Son of God, hath the witness in himself. The Spirit of God testifieth in my heart that I was his child, and I could cry, Abba Father, my Lord and my God. Tears of joy streamed down my cheeks, because I had much forgiven. I left my father, and went into the garden to return my heavenly Father thanks for what he had done for me. My heart was now prepared to sing,

I joined the Methodists as soon as I was convinced of sin; and now I could rejoice with those that did rejoice. Thus for three years and a half

But being of my watch, and not looking to God, I suffered loss; my mind was beclouded, and I had not that sweet union with Him, neither fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ, as I was wont to have, Oh! no. Though I was thus for some time, yet the Lord, who is rich in mercy, returned and blessed me with his heavenly smile. I began to meet in band with four young men, and found it to be of great service to me; the Lord blessed us in our meeting together. One of them, (namely, John Holdstock) /7/ in a short time after died in the triumph of faith, which strengthened me very much. I went to see him one day, as I frequently did, and he was in his last work; after being with him some time, I turned from him & was coming away, but he looked after and called me back: I went to his bed-side, he smiled at me, filled with God, then turned himself to the other side, laid his cheek on his hand and went to sleep in Jesus. One of the three continues serious, but the other two turned back into the world; and likewise my class-leader hath not returned to this day, Oct. 13, 1798. When about eighteen years of age, I left home, and went to live at Birstal, near Leeds. I continued to meet with the people of God, and enjoyed many happy seasons while there. In a short time I became acquainted with many pious persons in the villages adjacent; and likewise at Shipley, Baildon, Heponstall, and Halifax. At the age of twenty-one I went to live at Oldham, in Lancashire, and staid [stayed] there several years, until I went out to travel, or became an Itinerent Preacher. Great numbers were added to the societies both in Oldham and the villages around. Feeling a love to the souls of my fellow-sinners I began to exhort them to flee from the wrath to come, both in Oldham and the hamlets round about for many miles; and God blessed the word of exhortation to numbers. I began to preach for the first time on Easter-Sunday, in the year 1784, at a village near Rochdale; I thought of exhorting as at other times, but whilst giving out the first hymn, the Spirit of the Lord moved me to preach the everlasting Gospel to the people then gathered together. I asked a person to lend me a stool, he did so; I got up with fear and trembling, but under a sense of God's approbation. I believed in him, and asked strength and support for method and matter, and all things I stood in need of. My /8/ text was, And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem, Luke xxiv. 47. My heart was filled with divine love and holy zeal, the Lord did indeed assist me, he preached in me and by me; two persons were convinced of sin, and deeply awakened to a sense of their danger: the power of God was surely amongst us! That morning I began in God's name, and in his name I have continued unto this day, preaching repentance towards God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; and holiness, without which no man can see the Lord. I had been frequently solicited both by preachers and people to begin to preach, previous to my beginning; but I waited for my message from God. I bless his name that he prevented me from running till I had my commission from him. I did not begin to preach the Gospel at man's bidding; neither was I taught the Gospel that I preach to men; but by the revelation of God by his Spirit in my heart. It was he that called me to labor in his vine-yard, it was he that appointed me my labor, and he has been with me at all times and in all places. Without him I can do nothing; for in and of myself I could not stand nor speak to profit; I am feeble and exceeding weak, a poor creature and no man; but the God of Jacob hath been with me, and is with me to this day, therefore I will not fear. But to return; I went a second time to the village where I preached my first sermon, and there were so many persons gathered together, that the house would not hold them, so I preached abroad. The children of the devil were displeased, and they manifested their displeasure by throwing stones and dirt, but none of us were hurt; some were convinced that morning likewise. I now went to preach at a number of new places, and many were stirred up to seek /9/ the Lord. The Gospel is now preached at many of the places where I first went to, and societies are established. I was pelted and much abused at many places; but the Lord preserved me under the shadow of his wing, so that I never was hurt. Sometimes the mob broke the windows, and sometimes threw things down the chimnies [chimneys]; and once they came rushing into the house where I was preaching, with spades and shovels, &c. but I spoke on, none of them being permitted of God to hurt me. I met with great opposition from various quarters, the tongue of obloquy was poured forth against me, and there were some persons that were determined to silence me if possible; but that Scripture was fulfilled, where God saith, "I open the door, (the way) and no man can shut;" for the more I was beset with my enemies and persecutors, the more God did bless me in my labors of love. I began at God's bidding, and only will I give over speaking when He commands. If he lays me by as a useless instrument, or say, I have no more for thee to do, then I shall cease or keep silence, but not till then. The Christmas after I began to preach, I went to a tanner's, a few miles from Altringham, and as I was passing through the said place, I said to a lad, are there any Methodists in this town? He said, yes Sir, my master is one. I said, where does he live? He said, I will shew [show] you; so I went with him to his master's house, and said, your apprentice says that you are a Methodist, and I made so free as to call on you, that I may rest myself a little; he smiled and said, I was heartily welcome. In conversation he told me that he was joined to the people of God in the country, two miles from town. After resting myself, I took leave of him, telling him where I was going, not thinking that I should see him any more; but some friends who came from Manchester on the same day, told him that I was a Preacher. He and /10/ another man came on the evening of that day, desiring me to go and preach at his house, telling me at the same time, there had not been a Sermon preached in Altringham for many years. I went into the parlour and told Mr. Whitehead, Mr. Mellor, and Mr. Ackroyd, who were on a visit at that time from Oldham, that two men were come to invite me to go and preach the next evening at Altringham. Mr. Whitehead said, you must needs go through Altringham: so I went and told the man that I would come in the name of the Lord. According to promise, I went the next day and preached to a crowded congregation; while I was preaching, a man first groaned and then fell down on the floor; numbers now were wrought upon by the Spirit of God under the word: Oh! what a night it was, never to be forgotten. The Lord began a glorious work in that town that night; numbers began to inquire the way to Zion from that time. I went many times afterwards, and more and more where [were] added to the people. One night as I was preaching two miles from Altringham, at a farm house, the power of God came down amongst us; and as the people were going away, a person fell down in great distress of soul, near sixty persons kneeled down on the wet grass amongst the apple-trees, and several prayed with the person in distress; I went also and was much affected to see so many with uplifted hearts to God for deliverance for the distressed; I kneeled down amongst them, and gave out that verse,

And while singing the above lines, the Lord set his soul at liberty; we all arose from our knees, and began to praise the Lord for his delivering and saving /11/ power; it was a blessed night to many. Soon after the people built a new chapel, and a large society were gathered; they loved God and each other. The Travelling Preachers went regularly to them, and I believe there is at Altringham a lively people this day. I shall always have a regard for them, as it pleased the Lord to make me the first instrument of the work in that place. I sometimes walked twenty, and sometimes thirty miles on a day, and preached two, three and four sermons; great numbers attended, and many were turned from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God. A plan was given me by the Assistant, and I went regularly to the places to which I was appointed, and in general with acceptance, for which I bless the Lord. After I had preached for near four months, Mr. Murlin called me to him one evening after preaching, and said, Brother Thoresby, have you any objections to going out as an Itinerant Preacher? I replied, sir, I have. He said what are they? My answer was, (1.) I have not preached long enough as a Local Preacher. (2.) My abilities are not sufficient for a Travelling Preacher. (3.) I see myself entirely insufficient for such a great and awful undertaking, &c. However, these objections were removed, and he spake to Mr. Pawson, and he proposed me to the Conference, & they appointed me to Keighly circuit with Parson Greenwood; accordingly they sent me a letter to go, but I absolutely refused to go to such an experienced people as I knew the [they] were at Keighley & that circuit. In the following year I went to preach at many new places, and God gave me many seals to my ministry. Sometimes, I preached for that old saint of God, Mr. Thomas Lee, as he was not able to keep his circuit by reason of debility. Mr. Wm. Thompson was exceeding kind and loving; he encouraged me very much, and ever since then I have proved him a tried friend. /12/At the ensuing Conference, I was appointed to labour in the Macclesfield circuit, with that saint of God, Mr. G. Storey. I took leave of all my friends, and set off for my circuit with my staff in my hand, and my little bible in my pocket, looking to God and praying all the way. When I got within sight of Macclesfield, my mind was dejected, and my spirit sunk within me. I thought, how can I preach to such a large congregation, and where the Gospel is so clearly preached in the Church by the Rev. Mr. Simpson; and likewise by the Local Preachers in the circuit. I stopt [stopped] and thought, whether shall I go back or proceed. After pausing a little, I went forward to the Chapel-house, where I found Mr. and Mrs. Storey, with their two amiable daughters; they received me kindly, and continued all the year to be as a father and mother to me. The first place that I went to in my circuit was Kettlesholm; there I Preached for the first time on, I go a fishing; God was with me indeed and in truth. My mind was greatly exercised on account of having to preach so often in Macclesfield; every other fortnight I had to preach twelve or fourteen sermons to the same people, who were very sensible; persons that understood the doctrines of the Gospel, much better than many in this kingdom. I read and wept, and prayed for wisdom, power, life and love, and the Lord blessed me abundantly. We had an increase of eighty to the society in Macclesfield, and an ingathering in general through the whole circuit. I was much united to the people all through the circuit, and shall never forget the gracious seasons that we enjoyed together: Oh! no; for the Lord took us into his banqueting house, and his banner over us was love. There are a few things in the year past at which I am astonished: (1.) at my ignorance and inability for the work I had to go through, amongst so wise and an experienced people as they were in general /13/ throughout the Circuit; how I got through as I did, the Lord only knows. (2.) At the people bearing with my weakness, and hearing me so constantly without growing weary of me; and how kind and loving they were to me, even to the last. (3.) At the Lord's great goodness in making me so useful amongst them and to them: Even so Father, for so it seemeth good in thy sight. (4.) At God's great condescension in answering prayer, and in one instance in particular, namely, in delivering a man that was grievously tormented with an evil spirit. Being desired to go, I complied, and went with some more pious persons, who had agreed to meet together, to pray to the Lord for his deliverance. The tormented man sometimes barked like a dog, and sometimes he was torn by Satan in one part of his body, and sometimes in another. I never saw any thing like it before, and I wish never to see any thing similar to it again, if it please God. The people continued in prayer until eleven o'clock, and at that time the Lord delivered him to the unspeakable joy of all present. He came the next day to the preaching, and sat at Jesu's feet, being cloathed [clothed], and in his right mind. At the Conference, I was appointed to labour in Birstal circuit with Mr. Thompson. I left my dear friends, amongst whom I had preached the Gospel for one year. Many tears were shed by numbers when I left them; but I hope to meet them at my Father's right hand. I went to my new circuit in the fear of the Lord, and with a praying heart. I found my good old friend Mr. Thompson, to be as he had been, loving and kind. We spent a comfortable year together, and added many to the society. /14/ I was appointed to travel a second year in Birstall circuit, and we went on steadily in our work of faith & labour of love; we were happy in God, & in each other. I was much more united to the people in Birstall circuit the second year than first; numbers of them I love, and hope to spend a long eternity of glory with them. The remarks that I shall farther make are as follow: - (1.) The Lord gave me favour in the eyes of the people, so that our congregations increased more and more unto the end, for which I bless the Lord. I did not expect that it would have been so when I went amongst them at first; for I very well remember calling at Birstall, in my way to Macclesfield, one Sabbath day, and I heard one of the Preachers deliver his first sermon; I sat amongst the crowd in the gallery, and as he was preaching, I heard several say, This will never do! this will never do! He was changed for another; but I believe they got the worst of the two. Thought I, as I journeyed along, they will be saying of me as they said of another, This will never do! I was tormented with fear a little at first, but it was soon gone, and I was accepted and blest by the Lord. (2.) I shall never forget the many happy deaths we had in the two years I preached the Gospel amongst them, and especially the death of a young man, whose name was Robert Brown, a native of Birstall. He was an Israelite indeed; he visited the fatherless, the widow, and the afflicted; he prayed with and for them, and as far as his circumstances would allow, he chearfully [cheerfully] administered to their necessities. He was diligent in all the means of grace, both public and private. I asked him a little before his departure if he was afraid to die? He smiled and said, Oh! no -- Glory, glory, glory be to God, for what he has done for /15/ such a worm as me: I long to be gone; yet nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done. After repeating the above words he began to sing.

As soon as he had sung, "My soul disdains on earth to dwell," he died in a moment. O! what a happy end did he make; his soul clapt [clapped] its glad wing, and toured away to the paradise of God. -- (3.) An awful circumstance happened at Hightown, namely, a man that had been at Halifax on business, and while there he bought some mercury, and as he returned home about seven o'clock in the evening, took it. They sent for the doctor, and they likewise sent for me to go and pray with him; accordingly I went and found the doctor there, and his poor distressed wife wringing her hands as she walked around the room; I endeavoured to pray twice or thrice, but I could not find liberty of access at the throne of grace. I spoke to the man, but it appeared all in vain, for he seemed to pay no attention to any thing that I spoke, until I said, O man! in a few moments you will be gone into eternity; if you can pray -- pray, that if there is mercy for a self-murderer, you may obtain it; but if not, O! how will you bear everlasting burnings? He then cried out in the most frightful manner, Oh! Oh! Oh! It was terrible to hear, and affecting to see; he was launched out of time into an awful eternity, at eleven o'clock. Into eternity he is gone -- and I wish never to see any thing of the like nature again. /16/At the next Conference, I was appointed to the Birmingham circuit, with Messrs. Benson, Snowden, and Smith. I parted with all my loving friends in Birstall circuit, in many tears on both sides; and it pained my mind to leave my old friend Mr. Thompson. He hath laboured long in the Lord's vineyard, and surely his reward is before him. The Lord comfort him in his declining years, and be the staff of his old age. I set off to my circuit in good spirits, and got to Birmingham in good health, and found a lively and loving people. I began my labour among them in the spirit of faith and prayer; the power of God was made manifest amongst us in our gathering together. Many were convinced and converted from the error of their ways; and numbers were established in the truth, and greatly rejoiced in the way of righteousness. Our congregations were enlarged through the circuit. The people were amazingly kind to all the Preachers. Mr. Benson and I were on very good terms all the year; and Mr. Smith, the single Preacher, and myself, were like David and Jonathan in our affections to each other; we laboured together in union, and the work of the Lord prospered in our hands; many were added to the societies. At one love-feast that I held, twenty-three were brought into the liberty of the Gospel; at another thirteen, and at a third eleven. I went to preach at a village, where the Methodist Preachers had not been for twenty years, and several hundreds were present; and they behaved exceeding well, while I delivered a sermon to them in the name of the Lord. I believe many of them will remember that day to all eternity. I spent a very happy year amongst them; the people loved the preachers, and the preachers loved the people; and I feel /17/ a lively hope, that I shall meet many of them at my father's right-hand:

God grant it for Christ's sake. Amen. At the Conference I was appointed to the Bath circuit with Messrs. Snowden and Marchel. I went from the Bristol Conference to my appointment trusting in that God, who had helped me heretofore. This city was famous in the time of the Romans for its medicinal waters, called by Ptolomy, the hot waters; by Antoninus, the waters of the sun; by the Britons, Caer Baden, the city of Bath; and by the Saxons, Akmanchester, or the city of Valetudinarians. That this place was of old resort of cripples and diseased persons, appears from the crutches hung up at the several baths, as the thank-offerings of those who came hither lame, and went away cured. But the city of Bath is now more frequented by the sound for their pleasure, than by the sick for their health. Bath has amazingly increased of late years in the extent and elegance of its buildings. In short, it has risen to such a degree of worldly splendor, that is beyond description. The people in the city are in general gay; yet many are exceeding loving, and what is above all worldly grandeur, scores in the city have tasted the water of life. I never found a more loving, kind, and affectionate people since I travelled than in Bath and the circuit through. They were kind to me beyond description; I had a very comfortable /18/ year amongst them; many were convinced of their lost estate, and numbers were converted from evil to good; several were joined to the societies: all was harmony and love. I laboured in peace with my colleagues through the year. Mr. Marchel met with trouble, but the Lord helped him through. In the midst of his difficulties he manifested a noble spirit. I loved him, and what was much better, God loved him, and he loved God, and is now with him whom his soul loved. I would make two or three remarks before I leave this circuit: (1.) I was much delighted with the journey I took in autumn with Mr. Wesley. We travelled from Bath to Divizes, and from thence to the city of Salisbury; and from Salisbury to Portsmouth, and from thence to the Isle of Wight; we returned from thence to Portsmouth, Mr. Wesley went to London, and I returned to Bath. I believe it was the last journey of distance from London that he took previous to his death. One thing that I observed in this good old Saint was, that at all the places where he preached, he seemed to preach his own funeral sermon, and gave out that hymn,

(2.) We had published preaching in Bath for Mr. Wesley the day he died in London. On the same day, (as I was told by a person of credibility) a pious collier, on his death-bed, and so weak that they did not expect ever to hear him speak again in this world, cried out with great surprise, Yonder, yonder is Mr. Wesley flying to heaven, and there's a blessed /19/ multitude meeting him, &c.! At that very point of time, Mr. Wesley died in London, more than one hundred miles from the man. (3.) I heard a strange account of a person in the city, that had been in a trance; I asked a friend to go with me to the person; I found her confined to her bed; I desired her to give me an account of what I had heard? She gave me an answer as follows, as near as I can recollect: -- "When young, I was a moral woman, and regularly attended Church and Sacrament, &c. and I thought that I had made God a debtor to me, that he ought to bless me for my goodness. A little after this, I was taken sick; but finding myself a little recovered, I desired the nurse to help me up, she did so; but when by the fire, I found myself worse, and desired the nurse to help me to bed again; and while she was so doing, I fainted away. I then thought that my spirit left the body; and set off to heaven; I went till I came to the foot of a mountain, where there were two path ways; I looked for a person to direct me which of them to take, but saw no one. I then turned to the right hand path, till I got to the top of a beautiful place, where I saw Heaven's gate, and an Archangel and St. John stand by it; the gate was not shut yet nearly so. I said to St. John, let me go through? He replied you cannot be admitted, you are in your sins and in your blood. As I stood, I thought I saw King David go by in beautiful raiment; I said do let me go in? there is King David, and I never was guilty of the sins that he was guilty of; but St. John said he truly repented, you never did, you are in your sins and in your blood, you cannot be admitted. As I stood disconsolate, I saw Mary Magdalen go by all glorious, I said do let me go in, there is Mary /20/ Magdalen, I was never guilty of the sins that she committed; But St. John answered to me as before, she truly repented of all her sins, but you never did; in your present state you cannot be admitted. A little after this, I thought St. John came near me and took hold of my arms, and turned me away from heaven's gate, and led me to the side of a hill, where I had a view of hell, and I saw from thence a number of spirits tormented with different kinds of torments; and I likewise saw my own uncle there; but I thought his torment was not so great as many others. He came to me, and put by a black mantle that he was covered with; he said, here see; I thought his bosom was all on fire, and that he was tormented by foul fiends! St. John said to me, return from whence you came, and repent and turn to God with all your heart, and you shall be admitted into heaven. I thought that I then returned to the house where my body was, and entered it again, and then came to myself. I was laid away as a corps, and had been in that lifeless state for twenty-four hours: It was by grace the means of my conversion to God; and I now love him and delight to trust in his name; for he is my rock, my salvation, my God, and my all." She talked for a considerable time in an astonishing manner to me. I believe the woman is deeply pious, a true worshipper of the Lord. The woman that I have spoken of in the above lines is a pious Calvinist; and to myself, I believe what she related to me to be true; but I leave my readers to judge upon it as they think proper. (4.) A person in the city dreamt one Saturday night, that they were in the Methodist Chapel, and heard the Preacher give out two verses of a particular hymn before he named his text; the next day the /21/ said person came to the Chapel, and though I knew nothing of the person's dream, I gave out the same two verses before I preached, and they were made a particular blessing unto the said person. Account for it that can -- I cannot. At the ensuing Conference, I was appointed to travel at Plymouth-Dock, with Messrs. Horner and Kelk; but previous to my going to my circuit, I went to see my friends at Thirsk, in Yorkshire, & it was the last time that I shall see four of them in this world, for since then they are dead; they died to live a life of glory in the kingdom of God. We were glad to see each other, and we did verily rejoice in the Lord. We felt much at parting with each other; but I believe we shall meet again to part no more for ever.

I made all speed to Plymouth-Dock, and through the goodness of my God, I got there safe and in good health. I found a large society and good congregations; and the people received me with much love and affection. I spent a very comfortable and happy year amongst them; the congregations were much enlarged, and the societies greatly encreased [increased] before the end of the year. All glory to God who did the work -- He is worthy to be praised, and had in everlasting remembrance by all the creatures he hath made. Mr. Horner is a peaceable, good man, and likewise Mr. Kelk; we spent a comfortable year together. Many persons in the circuit were remarkably kind to me, I shall not soon forget their work of faith and labour of love; the Lord reward them in /22/ time, and to all eternity. There are three things that I would not omit, viz. (1.) A person in Plymouth dreamt, before I went into the circuit, that she was in the midst of famine, and a young man in black went up to her and said, You are in the midst of want follow me and I will lead you into the midst of plenty, she did so, and he led me to the top of a hill, that was in the midst of a field of fine standing wheat. The said person came to hear me while in Plymouth circuit, (I think it was the second time I preached) and when she saw me in the pulpit, her mind was affected, being assured that I was the person that conducted her the year before, according to her dream, to the field of wheat. Under the preaching of the word she was convinced of the famishing state of her soul, and through the blessing of God, she began to hunger for that bread that endureth unto eternal life. The Lord, not long after this fed her soul with the finest of the wheat, with peace and joy in believing. (2.) I changed for a month with Mr. Jonathan Crowther; he came to Plymouth-Dock, and I went to Penzance; and while near the Land's end, a man dreamt that he was on a high precipice, and in danger of falling and perishing for ever: while in that perilous situation, he thought that he saw a number of persons assemble together at some distance from him, and a man got up amongst them to preach; he heard him take his text, and likewise preach; he was much affected, and awoke. In the latter end of the week he came to hear preaching, and no sooner had he got into the Chapel, and fixt his eyes on the Preacher, than his heart began to beat like the pendulum of a clock, I was the man he saw in the beginning of the week in his dream, and likewise I took /23/ the same text he dreamt of; under the sermon the Lord healed his soul, brought him into the liberty of his children, set his feet upon the rock of Israel, and put a song into his mouth of praise and thanksgiving. How wonderful are the ways of Providence! But the Lord doeth whatsoever pleaseth him. (3.) In the course of the last year, I was thrown off my horse three or four times, but received no hurt. Surely the very hairs of our head are all numbered, and he gives his angels charge over us; glory be given to his holy name for evermore. At the Conference, I was appointed to labour in St. Austel circuit, with Mr. Timothy Crowther, Mr. Byron, and Mr. Robert Smith. I parted with my friends in Plymouth-Dock circuit with great reluctance; we had a melting, softening time at our parting. But,

I set off for St. Austel circuit, in Cornwall. We had to travel from one side of the country to the other, which made the labour very hard. I have had a wet top coat for a fortnight together, by reason of the rain being heavy and long. I endured great hardships, but the Lord helped and strengthened me in a wonderful manner. The people all round the circuit were exceeding kind and they endeavoured to make the labour sweet and as easy as possible by their kind behaviour and tenderness. I was much united to many of them and I trust to meet them on Zion's hill, where we /24/ shall enjoy eternal pleasure; for in God's presence is fulness of joy, and at his right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Mr. Crowther was a humble, good-natured, affectionate man of God; Mr. Byron an open-hearted and sincere friend, and kind brother; and Mr. Smith a loving and promising Preacher. I spent a peaceable year with them, and I hope to spend an eternity with them around God's throne. We took into the circuit two or three new places, and we had an increase; the Lord prospered our labours. Two things I have reason to be thankful for: (1.) Having a fall from my horse, but received no harm, the Lord preserved me as in the hollow of his hand. And, (2.) The death of my dear father, he died happy in God, which causes me to rejoice on his account; for, when I began to seek the salvation of the Lord, he and my dear mother were enemies of, and strangers to the truth of the gospel. My mother died more than twelve years ago, and she died in the true faith; the last words she spoke (after taking an affectionate farewell of my father and two brothers, and two sisters, and some neighbours present) were, Glory be to God for ever. And this year my father died in peace with God and all mankind. On the day he died, they offered him a little wine; but he said, I will take no more till I drink it new in my Father's kingdom. My most affectionate and loving parents are gone, but they are not lost; O! no: I shall find them again on Zion's hill, and we shall congratulate each other, and sing the high praises of God and the Lamb for evermore. /25/At the sitting of the Conference, I was appointed to labour in the Redruth circuit with my old friend Mr. Horner, and Mr. Truscott. I went with full confidence that God would be with me, and bless my labours. The congregations in this circuit are in general very large. It was very pleasing to me to see such numbers coming in different directions across the moors to the house of God. Many were awakened to a sence [sense] of their danger, being under the curse of God's law, and several were converted from evil to good. The societies were much increased in number, and believers were established in the way of righteousness and in the service of God. Many of the Chapels became too small; it was a good year; the Lord was with us indeed and in truth. The people in this circuit were amazingly kind, at least I found them so; the Lord reward them for their kindness to me, which they manifested both of a temporal and spiritual nature. I love them and for ever shall, and hope to meet them in the kingdom of God, were [where] we shall

We had several happy deaths in the course of the year, and in particular the man at whose house the single preachers lodged at in Redruth. He was a class-leader, and his walk was according to his profession; he died rejoicing in the God of his salvation. Mr. Horner and myself were happy in travelling together, as we had been heretofore. Mr. Truscott is a most affectionate brother; he loves God, his cause and his servants. I was much united to him, and I am to this day. /26/ There are three things that I would not omit which came to pass in the year that is gone: -- (1.) A kind providence of God towards me when in great peril; that is, I was on the top of a stage coach with several other persons, and as the coach-man was driving Jehu-like, the axle-tree in the fore part of the coach broke in a moment, and the coach went over with great velocity; five persons were hurt, and a poor old Jew had three of his ribs broken. To all appearance I was in the greatest danger, being on that side of the coach on which it went over; but I was (I believe by an invisible hand) born out of all danger. I arose unhurt, and praised my God for his providential care and saving power

(2.) The death of a beloved sister, who died in the Lord. We have gone many scores of miles together to worship God. She was an excellent singer, a lover of God and his cause; the Lord, whom she loved, hath taken her to himself; and now her soul is with them who praise the Lord in a more noble strain above. O! yes,

(3.) The death of my eldest brother; he was a /27/ good brother to me; I shall never forget his earnest crying to God, when under conviction for sin; he frequently arose at midnight, and sighed and wept, and prayed to God for a sense of his favour, (at that time I had no knowledge of salvation by faith, and therefore it appeared the more surprising to me that he should make so much to do with religion) and the Lord who doth not delight in the misery of his creatures, soon blest him with pardon and peace. The Lord also called, qualified, and commissioned him to go and preach the everlasting Gospel to perishing sinners; this he chearfully [cheerfully] did, believing it to be the will of God, and continued to do so while he was able. After an affliction of more than five years, the Lord took him out of the furnace purified, and made meet to be a partaker with the saints of the heavenly inheritance in the kingdom above. I loved him next to God: he was an instrument in the Lord's hand of good to my soul; he was the first in the family that was brought to enjoy (experimentally) the salvation of God. I well remember, one day he said to me, My dear, let us live to God, and I believe he will save all our family. I am now of the same mind; for my dear mother, father, eldest brother and youngest sister have all landed safe. And I trust that myself, together with my other two brothers and sister that are yet in time, will be saved. But to return to my brother Richard, I remember once going with him to a village not far from Thirsk, where he proposed to preach the everlasting Gospel to them; to this end he got upon a hill or rising ground, I stood before him, and while in his sermon, a farmer, the pricipal [principal] man in the parish, who had prepared a mob, came with them, and a blacksmith, their captain, with his face all besmeared with sut, and /28/ his wig turned wrong side first; he looked very much like the devil whom he served; he first got hold of my brother, and then of me, and held us for some time, and then let us go; but my brother was prevented for that time from preaching. A serious person who went with us, said to the farmer that had gathered the mob, see if the Lord does not visit you for this day's work; not long after the Lord afflicted his cattle, to the astonishment of many. God says in his word, He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of mine eye, and it would be better that a mill-stone was hanged about the neck of such a man, and he cast into the depth of the sea, than to offend one of the least of his followers. My dear brother, and several of my relations are gone, to be no more seen here; but I shall meet them again on Zion's happy shore. O! yes,

First one, and then another of my friends are taken from the evil to come, Even so Father, for so it seemeth good in thy sight; and I bless thy holy name for their happiness, and for thy presence with me. At the Conference I was appointed to the Penzance circuit, with Messrs. Horner, (my old friend) Aver, Clark, and Stanton. I went at the appointed time, and in the strength of the mighty God of Jacob, and found him according to his promise, Lo, I am with you always, even to the end. Glory be given to him, I found him with me, he helped me, strengthened me, and upheld me. /29/ We had large congregations at Penzance, St. Ives, at Helston, and St. Just, and several other places; the Lord revived his work in some parts of the circuit, and we increased in numbers. In the course of the year, I went for three months to the islands of Scilly. We have a lovely society in St. Mary's island, and a beautiful Chapel for such a place. I preached in all the islands that are inhabited, and found the people of God very loving and truly humble. The Lord hath visited the islands of the sea, and I verily believe 'ere long he will cause, Ethiopia to stretch out her hands unto God. The Governor of the place, and his Lady also, with many others of the first rank, frequently attend the preaching of the word. I felt united to them, and left them with great tenderness of mind; Lord bless them in time and to all eternity. In Penzance circuit, I found the People very affectionate, and some of them were particularly so; they manifested their love to me both in temporal and spiritual things. I love them and what is better the Lord loves them -- O! yes,

The Preachers and myself were engaged in the blessed cause of our Redeemer, trying to win souls to God. At the Conference I was appointed to the Columpton circuit with Mr. Trethewy, accordingly set off to my appointed place, leaving my friends in Penzance circuit in peace, and with a hope of meeting them again in the New Jerusalem; for I can say with many of them, that we are

/30/

This circuit is the poorest, and the most laborious I ever was in. I had to ride three hundred miles in a month; yet I know not that I was ever amongst a more loving people in my life than many of them are. We had an increase of hearers, and many added to the societies. Mr. Trethewy and I drew in one yoke, and the Lord blessed us together. There are four things I wish to remember in the year that is gone: (1.) The great goodness of God in strengthening me to go chearfully [cheerfully] through such hard labour to the end of the year. (2.) The happy death of a young man in Exeter. He said when dying, "Clap the glad wing, clap the glad wing, and tour away," and then died in the full triumph of faith. I preached a funeral sermon on his death to a large and attentive audience on those words The Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory; and thy sun shall no more go down. He made choice of the above text, as the words had been particularly blest to him in the time of health. (3.) A happy woman at Ottery, St. Mary; she came all weathers to worship God. When on her death-bed she could give up all but a young son that she had; he had endeared himself to his tender-hearted mother by his love and great affection to her; but the night before she died, she was enabled to give him up to the Lord also, and then died in peace. I preached her funeral sermon in an orchard to many attentive hearers. (4.) We had another happy death at the close of the year at Axminster. A Mr. Morgan; he had laboured as a Local Preacher for near thirty /31/ years, and as the Lord sent him, he did not let him go a warfare at his own cost, but blessed him in his labours of love to many precious souls. Just before he died he repeated the following words:

And then died in the Lord. I preached a funeral sermon on his death, according to his desire, on Psalm viii. 4. What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? I preached abroad to three thousand persons. -- Precious in the sight of the Lord are the death of his saints. Let me, O Lord, die the death of the Righteous, and let my last end be like his. Amen and Amen. At the London Conference, they asked me if I had any objections to go to Newfoundland? Previous to this, Doctor Coke had spoke to me on the subject, and I told him I would consider of it until Conference. I made it matter of prayer, and asked the Lord for direction, that he would direct my steps, and that he would give me counsel whether to go or not; and though I had some powerful inducements to stay at home, yet my mind was perfectly drawn across the great deep. Now, according to natural reasoning, if I went it was likely to be very disadvantageous to me in temporal blessings; however after mature reflection, I was determined to forsake all and follow my Saviour, and if required of me to part with my life also for his sake. At the Conference I consented to go over the seas to preach the everlasting gospel of the Son of God to sinful men, not through the persuasion of my brethren, /32/ no, for that alone would not have been a sufficient reason for me to go; but I went through the drawings of God the Father, and by the sweet constraining love of Christ, looking unto God through the atonement of his Son for those blessings which I stood in need of, to support me in the arduous task I was going to enter upon. Immediately after Conference, I went for a few days to Devonshire, and then returned to Pool, in Dorsetshire; and after stopping at the said place to the length of eight days, went, with Mr. George Smith my colleague, on board the brig Joseph, Mr. Tileck, master. August the 30th, 1796. This day we sailed from Pool [Poole], in Dorsetshire, for Newfoundland, about three o'clock in the afternoon, in company with three more sail, and the Orestes sloop of war as convoy. The day past I have found my spirits rather deprest while reflecting on my leaving my native land, and also my near and dear friends; but this evening I find resignation and a sinking into God's will. And although a signal was given at eight o'clock of an enemy a-head of us, I could say, O God, thy will be done; I have left my native land in peace with all men, and I take shelter under thy shadow, O thou Parent of all good. August 31. In the day past I have been rather sickly, with a strong north-east wind and rowling [rolling] sea; but my mind is composed and stayed upon God, and in the evening; at family prayer in the cabin, I found God to be with me. Brother Smith is sick. The Captain is a well-behaved Gentleman, very friendly and condescending; he joins us in singing and prayer. We are now nine leagues from Plymouth. September the 1st the weather has been /33/ troublesome; the wind is contrary, and a heavy rowling [rolling] sea. We have had to tack backwards and forwards which has prevented us from sailing far. We are now five leagues from the land's end. The fleet are all near at present. Sept. 2d. I have in the course of the day found my mind to be a little exercised in the midst of a troublesome sea; yet, after reflecting on the unbounded goodness of the Lord, I am enabled to trust him with my body, soul and spirit. Blessed be his holy name, I feel he is with me. 3d. We are sailing three knots in the hour, and we are now forty leagues from the farthest point of land in Ireland. The day past my body has been much out of order, yet, glory be to God I have an unshaken confidence in him, and while on deck meditating on his wonderful works in and upon the mighty deeps, I was lost in astonishment, and my heart was filled with wonder, love and praise! I found my heart drawn out with great enlargement to God for a blessing on all his Ministers of every denomination, that he would support and bless them to the people they labour among; and I also found a praying heart for all my friends in the flesh and in the spirit, and particularly for them who said remember us. Mr. Smith is better, and the Captain is yet friendly. 4th. This being the Sabbath, O how I have longed for the courts of the Lord's house, that I might assemble with his saints; however, though I could not assemble with his people in the great congregation, I know God is with me and his presence makes my paradise, and where he is 'tis heaven. I preached in the name of the Lord to all the ship's /34/ company in the cabin, (the man at the helm excepted) and I experienced the Lord's presence: O! yes, he is with his children on the seas as well as on the land, for his Omnipresence fills immensity. All is well for Christ is mine. 5th. I saw a great many birds, though above three hundred miles from land. It has been a dead calm all day, so that we have made but little progress on our way to Newfoundland; well we must exercise faith and patience. Sept. 6th. I had the pleasure of this day of seeing a large whale, it first came under the stern of our vessel, and then moved round the vessel at a small distance for the length of three hours. The size of this noble fish appeared to be about twenty yards in length, and its breadth proportionable. Afterwards several herring-hogs played round the ship on every side. I was much astonished and greatly pleased to see them. In the afternoon the wind veered round to the west full in our way, so that we have to labour against the wind and a swelling sea a-head of us; the night is dark and stormy, but God is wise and good, he doth all things well. 7th. This day I have had great exercise of mind, being sorely tempted; but the Lord broke the snare of the tempter. The wind has been against us all the last night, and likewise all day, but at the present we can go two points nearer our course. We have at the present a great swell from the north-west, but all is well. The good Lord still be with us, and pilot us safe through the trackless deep, and also across the troublesome sea of life to the fair heaven of eternal repose. 8th. This day we have had a favourable wind, /35/ but in the evening a heavy gale came on from the south; all hands were called on deck to furl the sails. How busy they were to arm against the storm? O! that men were wise to prepare against the great storm of fire and brimstone! Lord prepare me and all who read these lines to meet thee with joy. 9th. This day we were overtaken with a gale of wind, and the sea is very rough; one of the sailors had a narrow escape of his life, he fell from the mast head, but providentially he hung by one foot in the rigging, and so recovered himself. We espied a vessel to the north-west of us, and the whole of the ship's company were anxious to know what she was, being filled with fear of an enemy; but when we came a little nearer, we found her to be a merchant-man from Baltimore bound for London. Sept. 10th. The last night was a very stormy one indeed. I sat up all night not knowing but we should have a watery grave. The storm has continued all day, and through a heavy sea and the rowling [rolling] of the vessel, I have been very sick. The seas are running mountains high: Save Lord or we perish! 11th. The gale yet continues very strong. In the morning at family prayer my heart was like melting wax before the fire; indeed God was good to and present with me. While meditating on the goodness of God to me in days past, and of his gracious presence manifested in the congregations when assembled, tears of gratitude and joy overflowed mine eyes; O! how I have longed for God's house, and to be with the assemblies of his saints; but I am now in a floating house and in the midst of rising billows far from all my friends; yet He who sitteth upon the water /36/ floods and reigneth King for ever, is with me. 12th. This morning at two o'clock, a ship from Savannah bound for England, came alongside of us; and at eleven o'clock, we spoke to a transport from Tortola bound also for England. At present the wind is contrary, so we move but slowly towards the land; well God's time is the best, therefore,

13th. The wind is not so high, nor the seas so boisterous as they were. My soul rests in God, my mind is kept in peace; the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. My Lord is King, and he will save me. Hallelujah. 14th. The last night was as troublesome as any I have experienced since I left my native land, I could not rest; and at present, though there is a calm, we have a great swell from the south-west; we make but little progress on our voyage as yet, and when we shall arrive God only knows; he can create and he destroy. I leave it all to him; his will be done, and his name be glorified. 15th. A fresh breeze has sprung up, and the seas run high; our ship reels like a drunken man, and it is with difficulty that the sailors can keep on deck; it would be impossible for them to be saved from being washed over-board at this time, were they not to hold fast by some /37/ part of the ship. My mind is stayed on God; whether life or death, all is well and shall be well for Christ is mine. It is impossible for any one on the land to conceive the awful situation of those who are on the great deep, when the waves of the seas run mountains high; the great wisdom and power of Jehovah are conspicuously seen on the face of the waters. 16th. The storm yet continues and increases, the western ocean is at this time risen to a foaming fury, wave upon wave, and wave meeting wave causes such an awful noise as I never heard before; O how grand and majestic! We saw five vessels, and spake to two of them; one of the ships fired a gun to bring us too, she wanted to speak with us. I find on strictly examining myself that I have nothing to rest on, nor trust in but my Saviour, he is the Lord my Righteousness, he is my surety, my life and my peace. O Lord I am thine, save me. 17th. The sea is still rough, but the weather is much more pleasant than it has been for several days past. We have made but little way to Newfoundland as yet, for the length of a fortnight past; but the Lord knows what is the best for us. I can exercise faith on God's promise, and am assured that all things shall work for the good of them who love him. Sept. 18th. The Lord hath brought us to see the light of another day, and the beginning of another sabbath; a day "when saints assemble, and on dainties feast." I preached in the evening to the ship's company in the cabin, and the Lord was to me according to his promise; he visited me while preaching in his name, all thanks to him and the Lamb for ever. My mind while in contemplation /38/ returned to England and visited my friends in their assembling together. I now know more than ever, that there is union of spirit with them who love and fear God; although we are absent in body we are present in spirit, conversing together at the throne and there serving the Lord.

Sept. 19th. It is very tempestuous, storms and hurricanes abide us; well we must look forward to that celestial hill,

20th. I stayed up the last night until morning beholding the surging seas and the wonderful works of God in the great deep. At twelve o'clock the last night we had seventeen inches of water in the hold. I have just been upon deck, and a heavy sea covered the ship. I am wet from head to foot; however, it is well that it is no worse, for I really thought that all those who where [were] on deck would have been washed over-board. O Lord bid the wind and seas to cease their fury and rage! yet, nevertheless, not my will but thine be done, I still can rest on Christ my rock, and by faith take shelter in him my refuge. It is now three weeks since we sailed from Pool [Poole], in Dorestshire, and we have not /39/ got half way from England to Newfoundland; but blessed be thy holy name,

Sept. 21st. The weather is now more favourable than what it has been for several days, we now go swiftly forward; within the space of forty-eight hours we have sailed above two hundred miles. We are now more than half way from the Scilly islands to Newfoundland. I bless God for helping us thus far on our voyage, and likewise for keeping us in safety in the midst of so many perils and dangers; glory, glory be given to God for his goodness. Lord, if I am spared to see and enter the land I am bound for, make me a blessing to many souls; to this end keep me from all sin, strengthen my body and comfort my mind; be with me in all places and at all times; give me to possess more faith, love, hope, zeal, courage and fortitude; a heart to suffer and rejoice. 22nd. While the sailors have been busy mending the sails, Brother Smith and myself have been singing upon deck. We can see nothing at present but the mighty seas; yet God is with us: Blessed be his holy name, his presence makes our paradise and where he is 'tis heaven. 23rd. The weather is now pleasant; this day we have seen three sail, the first was to the windward of us, steering to the east; the second to the westward, and the third towards the land. I bless the Lord for this pleasant day, and likewise for health of body and peace of mind. The sea-hounds are playing around our vessel. Manifold are thy works, O Lord in wisdom hast thou made them all. /40/ Sept. 24th. This morning we saw a ship to the eastward, and a number of herring hogs, and also a little bird called by the sailors, Mother Caily's chicken. My heart's desire is to glorify my Maker, Lord help me so to do. 25th. This is the fourth Sabbath I have spent on the wide ocean. I have read morning and evening prayers, and Brother Smith is going to preach. I do not forget the assembling of the saints, O! no; my heart is with them. O Lord, grant that great grace may be upon them all. My heart is fixed O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise. I have taken hold of the horns of the altar, and here will I stay my soul on God my rock. 26th. We had much thunder and lightening the last night from the south and south-east. At the present, it is calm and very hot. This day we make no way to signify; sometimes we are becalmed, and at other times wind-bound. Here I am shut up amongst unthinking men, (save Brother Smith) they are like the wild asses colt: all our preaching and praying seems to be lost labour; what can we do? nothing; the work is God's! Lord speak and the work shall be done; speak Lord and men shall quake and fear, shall rejoice and be glad. My heart is lifted up in prayer to God, and he is near to bless me: he is the well spring of life to my soul. O! that I may never leave him and go to broken cisterns, but ever abide by him the overflowing spring, that I may drink a fresh supply in every time of need. 27th. At the present we have a strong gale from the south-east, it blows hard, but fair for us. I still feel the desire of my heart is to be wholly given up and devoted to God; and if he makes me in any /41/ measure useful to men, I will give him all the praise. I am conscious that I am a weak, ignorant, and sinful creature: I deserve to be damned for ever; but.

To him I look, and to him I fly; Lord embrace and save me for thy name's sake. Sept. 28th. The last night was most awful for rain and lightening [lightning], and a heavy sea. Our little old vessel was tost [tossed] from side to side, up and down, hither and thither: she creaked and cracked in such a manner, that I really thought she would have split in pieces every moment; but God sanctified it for our use, he kept it together and preserved us in imminent danger --all glory be to him for ever and ever. We have just past a sail to the land of us going to south-east. I should be very thankful to God if we were safely arrived at our desired port; I trust in due time we shall: O! how sweet and pleasant it will be to me; and ten thousand times more so, when by grace I arrive at the fair haven of eternal repose. 29th. The last night we had torrents of rain, it was very dark, the sailors could not see the ship's head; it has blown a strong gale all night, and does at the present. We have seen four sail, three steering to the east, and one to the west. This day I have been twice sick by the tossing of the vessel and the stench arising from the ship's hold; but I do not murmur, I am resigned to God's will; I can say in all things, Thy will be done; only make me fully ready by grace, then, whether ease or pain life or death, all is well, if Christ be mine. 30th. It blew a hurricane the last night; our ship was tossed up and down in an astonishing /42/ manner; but the Lord kept us as in the hollow of his hand. I saw a flying fish about fifteen or twenty yards from us, which gave me great pleasure. I delight in beholding the wonderful works of my God. I am much better in my body, and my heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise unto thee, for thou dost visit thy poor dust. O! yes.

October 1st. The last night was very pleasant, and it is the same at present. I have just now seen a whale, not far from us. We tried to sound with two hundred and five fathoms of line, but could not find the bottom, at which the sailors were dejected. To the spiritual man it is sweet to

The enemy thrusts sore at me that I may fall, but the Lord helpeth me. I can make my boast in him, who is my strong tower. 2nd. The sailors tried a second time to sound with two hundred and five fathoms of line, but found no bottom. Many birds made their appearance now, which we have not seen in the course of our passage before, which causeth us to think that we are not far from the banks of Newfoundland. I could not preach, by reason of the great motion of the vessel; but he who hath got his way in the /43/ whirlwind, and his footsteps in the great deep, preached to my heart by the power of his Spirit. 3rd. We have now fair weather, but excessive cold. At the present I enjoy a good state of health, and my heart is drawn to things above. I long for more union and communion with God, and constant fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ; and to feel his blood to cleanse from all sin. Lord come and wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow; O God, create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me. I desire by faith to lay hold on thee as my all in all, let me be thine for ever! Oct. 4th. The weather continues pleasant. We tried to sound but could not find the bottom; this is the third time that we have been disappointed. 5th. It blew a gale the last night, and does at the present. We have seen an innumerable number of birds, which indicate that we are near the banks; and the sailors say, that one species of them is a sure token that there are vessels on the banks. At twelve o'clock this day we tried to sound, and found the water forty fathoms; it gave all on board a degree of pleasure. I found my heart truly thankful before him who sitteth upon the water-floods and reigneth King for ever, that he hath helped us thus far. I suppose we are now one hundred and forty miles from land. Innumerable mercies have followed me all my days, what shall I render unto thee, O Lord, for thy goodness and loving kindness to me the unworthiest of all thy creatures? I desire to praise thee acceptably, and to live unto thee with all the powers of my soul. Lord help me so to do. Amen. 6th. We were afraid the last night of running foul of the vessels at anchor on the banks, for it /44/ was so dark that we could not see before us to the length of a hundred yards; but he who neither slumbers nor sleeps guarded us safe from danger. We sounded a fifth time and found the depth of water to be thirty fathoms. A sloop of war went past us from St. John's, but we could not come near enough to speak with her, for it blew a tremenduous [tremendous] storm, such a one as I never saw before. Indeed it was with the greatest difficulty that we could hear each other speak on board our own vessel. I once more saw the wonders of the Lord God in the great deep, and his mighty works on the face of the waters. Oct. 7th. This morning I was much alarmed by the watch, who came in a great hurry to the Captain, and said that there was land, and that we were just upon it; and had not the man at the helm seasonably turned the ship, it might have proved to us a matter of the most serious consequence; however, providentially we kept the land to the left of us, and thereby escaped the dreadful effects which naturally would have arisen from our running foul of the land. About four in the morning we discovered land, and all on board were glad; but none more than myself. It was Cape Spear. We went along by St. John's, and Cape St. Francis, into Conception Bay. A boat came along-side of us, into which friend Smith and myself went, and landed at a small cove, called Adam's Cove. I bless the Lord that he hath brought me here in safety, I trust it will be for good to many souls. If I die here, I hope to die in God; but if I am spared to return to my native land, I hope it will be to tell of his goodness and saving power to the children of men. We were all brought safe to Newfoundland on the 7th day of October, 1796, after a passage of five /45/ weeks and three days. God's blessed name be glorified for ever. This Island, which was discovered by Sebastion [Sebastian] Cabot, in 1507, is situated to the East of the gulph [gulf] of St. Lawrance [Lawrence] between 46 and 52 degrees west longitude. It is about three hundred miles in length, and two hundred in breadth; and is bounded on the north by Belle-Isle Straight, on the south and east by the Atlantic Ocean, and on the west by the Gulph [Gulf] of St. Lawrance [Lawrence]. It has many excellent harbours, and is intolerably hot in summer, and is intensely cold in winter. Oct. 15th. For the week past, I have been much afflicted with a lameness in my foot, so that I have been prevented from moving much. I have been here a week, and in that time I have preached seven sermons, and I hope not in vain: many were melted into tears; God is at work in many hearts. O that an enquiry may take place in hundreds, what they may do to be saved. Unless the Lord lay too his mighty hand and work, we shall see no spiritual good: Paul may plant, and apollos water, but it is God that must give the increase. Lord, let me not labour in vain, nor spend my strength for nought; let me not come a warfare at my own charge; but let the sound of thy feet be heard behind me. Oct. 18th. The four days past I have preached four sermons, and I felt God to be with me, the people also felt the word to be with power. I baptised [baptized] one child, and buried another. This day I left the North shore, and came in an open boat to Harbourgrace [Harbour Grace]; we had a quick passage: I went immediately to Mr. Straton's [Stretton's], he is one of our Local Preachers, the Lord called him to labour in his vineyard twenty-one years ago; and through divine mercy he hath /46/ been kept so long a faithful labourer in the work of the Lord. Both he and his loving wife are kind and affectionate to me; (and I believe they are to all who fear God) they are both pious and sensible, and are instrumental in bringing sons and daughters to God, in short, they are honorable in our Zion; the Lord bless and keep them to the end of their days, and land them safe on the eternal shore. Oct. 19th. This day I preached at Harbourgrace [Harbour Grace] for the first time, from we love him, because he first loved us. The divine presence was felt by some; and all present gave serious attention. 20th. Mr. Straton [Stretton] went with me to Carbenear [Carbonear]. I preached for the first time in the Church, from Mark v. 34. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. After preaching, I returned to Harbourgrace [Harbour Grace]. From October the 21st, 1796, to January the 6th, 1797, I have been confined to Harbourgrace [Harbour Grace], Carbenear [Carbonear], &c. for three reasons: (1.) My lame foot. (2.) The measles prevailing in the Bay, my way was blocked up, having no proper place to lodge at. (3.) The fever has been very fatal at Carbenear [Carbonear], and three Coves adjacent; I have had to bury more than forty, and daily to visit the sick, so that I have not spent my time unemployed: Such and the like reasons, have prevented me from making any farther [further] excursions. In that time I have performed short journeys, and in doing which I have prespired [perspired] to that degree, that my linen has been so wet with sweat that it might have been wrung, and the sweat running off my hair, and at the same time freezing, by the keen frost, till it hung in icicles on my shoulders, however the Lord /47/ preserved me in all dangers. Lately the scenes have been awful: We have had three corps [corpses] in the church together, and the surviving relatives weeping over the dead made it very affecting to all present. The Lord have been shaking his rod over the inhabitants of Newfoundland, and over the above places in particular. O! that the people that are spared may be wise to understand the visitations of the Lord, that they may think upon their latter end; that they may learn to live new life, and that they may learn righteousness and glorify their great Creator. My own soul hath been kept in peace in the midst of those awful circumstances, all glory be to God for ever. Among the many funeral Sermons that I have preached, one was for Mrs. Goss, of Carbenear [Carbonear], wife to Mr. Goss, Agent, for Mr. Kempe, Merchant, of that place. She was a daugher [daughter] of Sion's King and is gone to reign with him for ever. Miss. Pike her sister sent me the following paper, to be read in the Church when the sermon was preached. According to your request my dear friend I am about to relate to you something of my dear departed sisters experience. Was I to set myself down at a more distant period I could write you a volume. The first of her being awaken'd was in the month I think of August 1791; under the preaching of our much valued friend Mr. Black: and I believe /48/ it was under the third sermon he preached here that the Lord was pleased to release her from her burthen [burden] of sin; she often remarked to me of the goodness of the Lord that did not suffer her long to remain in a state of conviction, her constitution being so very delicate and weak. I remember well, the evening she attended, before she left the house she said "it is deeply impressed upon my mind that we shall have a happy evening this evening with Mr. Black, and I believe the Lord intends good towards me." So it proved she came home rejoicing and praising God with all her heart, in these words, "come unto me all ye that fear the Lord and I will tell you what he has done for my soul" he has set my soul at liberty from the bondage of sin and Satan. Lord perfect me in love. The Lord was often present with her in a remarkable manner she has often said to her friends of late that she thought her time here was but short, she was naturally of a serious thoughtful turn. During her late illness in sleep one night she was solemnly engaged in our church preaching to a numerous congregation from these words, "follow me and I will make you fishers of men." Oh said she when she awoke, if I could tell you how I have been exercised, and how I have been preaching and exhorting, you would wonder; Oh says she the humility of our blessed Lord to choose from amongst poor labourers his disciples, the Lord loves to dwell with the lowly of heart: Her favorite hymn was

/49/ Her delight was to do good, especially to those who feared and loved the Lord in sincerity. Excuse me enlarging -- Exhort all to seek and find that pearl, which she sought for and found, to the joy of her heart: and remember me in your prayers, and my Mother and Brother, who are too poorly to attend her last remains. Dear Sir, your sincere friend and sister in Christ. Eliza Pike. January 6th. Several friends came this day to Carbenear [Carbonear], for me to go to Port-de-grave [Port de Grave]; I got ready immediately and went with them. We had to go ten miles in an open boat, (old and leaky) the wind blew strong and intensely cold; however, we got safe to port-de-grave [Port de Grave] the same day; glory be to God. I have preached four sermons here, and not in vain; some are convinced of the evil of sin, others are blest with a feeling sense of God's love. I met the society and joined some new members; the people are very loving and kind. Jan. 11th. I went in a skiff half a league to Beorned [Bareneed], and stayed one night, after preaching to a house full of hearers; they all appear at the present to be determined for the kingdom of God, and in the morning I preached to them, and after preaching buried a child; and set off in a boat two-thirds of a league to Cupit [Cupids], and walked two miles to Brighouse [Brigus]. I preached to a tolerable congregation, and the night following likewise; and on Saturday evening I met the society, gave them tickets, and joined some new members and backsliders; we had a precious meeting. Jan. 15th. Being the Sabbath, I read prayers, preached twice and gave the Lord's supper; such a /50/ melting time I never saw before at the Sacrament; tears, sighs and groans were seen and heard on every side; two or three found peace with God through the blood of the cross. A larger concourse of people where [were] never seen here before: In the evening I read part of the 46th and 47th chapters of Genesis, and expounded as I read unto the people, and then concluded the day in peace, happy in my own soul. Monday night I preached, and the Lord was with us. Tuesday, at one o'clock, I read prayers and afterwards preached, and then buried a child; and in the evening met the society. A Roman Catholic and his wife were present, for the first time, and they appeared to be convinced of the necessity of repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ; I administered the Lord's supper to them. On Wednesday in the afternoon, I went to a place at a little distance to preach; I had to go down a high mountain, and then on a path-way which led close by the side of a hill; I was obliged to walk on creepers, (two pieces of iron made to fit the feet, having prods to pierce the ice to prevent the foot from slipping) the sea roared in a tremendious [tremendous] manner under us, which made it very frightful, and more so in the situation we were in, for had our feet slipt [slipped] we must have unavoidably tumbled headlong into the sea; but God preserved us in safety, glory be to him for ever. A great number were present, and paid great attention; and I believe they felt the word with power. On Thursday the 19th January, three men rowed me in an open boat one league round the ragged rocks on a rough sea to port-de-grave [Port de Grave], and with the blessing of God, we got safe there. As we were /51/ passing by a very high rock, I was much delighted with the sight of an eagle that flew therefrom; it was a beautiful large bird. Friday the 20th. I met the class, and was pleased to see some new members; it was a gracious season, we sat under the shadow of the Lord, and his fruit was sweet to our taste; the Lord's presence was felt, and many souls were refreshed. This day a man came in tears of joy to tell me what the Lord had done for his soul, we rejoiced together in the God of Israel. I added three new members to the society. On Saturday I preached again to a crouded [crowded] audience, many were in tears, and one man in great distress of soul; he did not find peace under the word, but about nine o'clock in the evening I was sent for, and found him in great distress; my soul travelled with him, and as I was praying with him a second time, the Lord spoke peace to this soul. O! what raptures of joy he felt, he could experimentally sing,

He praised God with all his heart, and then called to his brother in the next room; O! Bill, Bill, my brother, come and seek the Lord, and give thy heart to him, &c. Verily it was an affecting scene; some rejoiced and others mourned after God. Within a short space, three persons have found peace in this Cove. Sunday, Jan. 22d, I left Port-de-grave [Port de Grave] with four friends early in the morning, they rowed me across the harbour to Bay-Roberts [Bay Roberts]; I read prayers and /52/ preached twice, and in the evening read part of the 19th chapter of St. John's Gospel, and expounded; the congregations were very large both in the morning and afternoon. Jan. 23d. This day has been the most stormy for wind and snow I ever saw; and it was so exceeding stormy, I expected none at the evening preaching; but to my great surprise, about forty persons came through the snow up to the waist: I hope they did not come in vain. The two last places I have had to sleep at, the snow blew into the rooms and even on my face, I have thereby caught a severe cold; but God be praised my mind is happy in him; and if souls are brought to my Saviour, I shall not count my life dear to me, so that I may finish my course with joy. 24th. I preached and afterwards gave tickets to the society, and added twenty members. I divided the society into three classes, and we had a precious season, for the good Lord paid us a visit and refreshed many souls, glory be given to him forevermore. 25th. I visited twelve families, and in the evening preached to a large congregation; many hearts were like melting wax before the fire. I have this day baptized three children, and likewise three yesterday. 26th. I went with several friends to the lower end of the harbour, to read prayers and preach a funeral sermon; I also interred an old woman. We called about half way from the harbour, and I baptized three children, and found it a solemn time. I parted with my friends in this harbour in peace, and seven men rowed me ten miles in a skiff to Harbourgrace [Harbour Grace]; they had to beat through much ice, and the frost was very severe. I lay with seven /53/ great coats around me at the bottom of the boat and it was with difficulty that I escaped being burnt with the frost; but I bless God that I was not. We got safe to Harbourgrace [Harbour Grace] in two hours and a half, where I was lovingly received by my old friends, Brother and Sister Straton [Stretton]; their house may be called the Pilgrim's Inn: they love the servants of God, and are great supporters of his cause, the Lord think on them for good. In my three weeks visit to Port-de-grave [Port de Grave], Brighouse [Brigus], and Bay-Roberts [Bay Roberts], I have joined more than forty new members to our society; some were convinced, others found peace with God, and more were established. The Lord in great mercy took care of my body in all perils by land and water, and he blest my soul, glory be given to him for ever and ever. Amen. Jan. 30th. I went to see Mrs. Lilly, and found her in her last work; I sung three verses of a hymn and prayed with her. She squeezed my hand at our parting, as a token of her respect to God's servants, and very soon after she died: I believe her soul is gone to God. Jan. 31st. At the present I am very poorly, my face is very much inflamed, occasioned by a cold I caught fourteen days ago, by lying in a damp bed; I feel thankful that my mind is stayed upon God in my affliction, and that he gives me peace. February 1st. This evening I preached to a serious congregation, and found my soul, while delivering the word to be as a well-watered garden. 2d. I went to Carbenear [Carbonear] and preached at one o'clock, and then buried an old woman; and as four men came in a boat four leagues to fetch me to /54/ Blackhead, after refreshing myself at Mr. Goss's, I went with them, and as the wind was strong and fair, we sailed near thirteen miles in seven-eights of two hours. At this season of the year, it is very dangerous going so far on the great deep in a little open boat; thanks to my God for his protecting care and saving power. I was kindly received by Mr. and Mrs. More and their children; God bless them for ever for Christ's sake. Amen. Feb. 3d. After preaching, I buried a child of George Hudson's, Junior; he and his wife were much affected. According to appointment, I preached at home this evening; a great many attended, and all present gave serious attention. 4th. I have read over the form and manner of ordaining deacons, elders, and superintendants; and likewise the twenty-seven articles of religion, as inserted in the Methodist Episcopal prayer-book, that is, 1. Of faith in the Holy Trinity. 2. Of the Word, or Son of God, who was made man. 3. Of the resurrection of Christ. 4. Of the Holy Ghost. 5. Of the sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures for salvation. 6. Of the Old Testament. 7. Of original sin. 8. Of free-will. 9. Of the justification of man. 10. Of good works, &c. &c. This evening I preached to a large congregation with liberty of soul, and the people evidently felt the word. I have a lively hope of a genuine revival of vital religion in this place; O Lord, bring it forth soon for Christ's sake. Brother Hudson has sent me a sketch of the experience of his deceased wife, which I am (if spared) to read tomorrow after sermon. Feb. 5th. I walked from Blackhead to Adam's Cove, to attend the funeral of Elizabeth Hudson; she died of a fever which she caught when on a visit /55/ at her relations. I don't remember that ever I saw a more affecting scene than on this day; the people were afraid of coming near the corps [corpse]. When the remains of the deceased was brought to the door, the people stood at so great a distance, that my mind was very much pained, to think that she who had gone at all hours by night and day to attend the sick, and now scarsely [scarcely] any would come near her, who had been so kind to many of them when living! After we had sung a hymn at the door, I said to the women, if you are afraid and unwilling to bear the pall, I will; by speaking thus several came near, and at the church there was a great concourse of people. I read prayers and then preached; the people were much affected: I believe all were in tears. After preaching in the evening, I gave tickets to the society, and joined four new members: Lord help them to endure to the end. I have enjoyed a portion of comfort and peace in the past day -- Lord make me thankful. I shall here insert a sketch of the life and death of Elizabeth Hudson, who died on the second of February, 1797: -- E.H. was the daughter of Mr. Clemens Newell, a respectable planter of Fresh-Water-Cove: Here she was born; and twenty-six years ago, she was convinced of sin; from that time she sought the Lord in good earnest, and before long, the Lord gave her a sence [sense] of his favour, and shed abroad his love in her heart. She was now more determined than ever to wage war against the world, the flesh, and the devil; and through God's grace, she has been a faithful servant of Christ to the end. Twenty-five years ago, she was married to John Hudson, of Adam's Cove; they received each other with prayer, and in the fear of God; both of /56/ them were determined to serve God in spirit and in truth. The deceased has been diligent in all the means of grace, both public and private, going through all kinds of weather, frost and snow, winter and summer, to worship her God; and he did not let his faithful handmaid go a warfare at her own charge but frequently caused her to sit under the droppings of the sanctuary, and gave her that fruit which was sweet to her taste. She manifested an ardent desire after the happiness of all around her, often inviting her neighbours to come to Christ; she prayed with and for the afflicted and unconverted. Thus she went on till the Lord afflicted her body, and called her soul to eternal repose. She was confined to her room fourteen days, during that time, she manifested a Christian spirit, in bearing her affliction with patience and resignation to the divine will. The last words she repeated were,

I preached her funeral sermon to a crouded [crowded] church, the scene was affecting, all present were in tears. 6th. I visited a few friends, and in the evening preached at the house of an old couple, the man is betwixt eighty and ninety years of age and his wife is near the same age; their house was filled with hearers: I endeavoured to preach to their consciences in the plainest language; God was with me, and the word went with power to many hearts. Tears and sighs were seen and heard on every side. God grant that it may be lasting. /57/ 7th. This day I dined with a Roman Catholic; I preached to him on the nature and necessity of the new birth, a change of heart from evil to good, without which it will be impossible to enter heaven, or be happy with God for ever! After dinner I preached a funeral sermon on the death of an Englishman, who was cut off after a few days sickness in the bloom of youth. In the evening, I preached another funeral sermon on the death of Mrs. King, of Muley's Cove; she died in peace, after living the life of the righteous for sixteen years. She has left a husband and eight children; may God prepare them to meet her in heaven. The house where I preached was very full of tenderhearted hearers, all were in tears; the word was felt: God grant that it may bring forth fruit! Surely God is at work in this neighbourhood.

I have joined two new members, may the Lord preserve them unto eternal life. O God of heaven, I bless thee for thy saving grace this day; save me I beseech thee, all the days of my life, and for ever. Feb. 8th. I walked from Blackhead to Adam's Cove, and preached at one o'clock, and met the society; I had the pleasure of joining six new members, one woman was in great distress about her soul, Lord adopt her into thy family, and give her to enjoy the liberty of thy children. Immediately after, I walked from Adam's Cove, over ice as slippery as glass, to Witson's Bay, to Mr. Davis's where I was kindly received by him and his wife. I preached in a large house full of hearers, some of /58/ them came three miles in great danger over the ice; but I believe they did not come in vain, for God's power was felt amongst us. AFter preaching I met the society, and joined three new members and one backslider; Lord save them all. I bless my God for his goodness to me, though I am one of the unworthiest, his care is still to bless me by sea and land, both in my body and soul, and he gives me favour in the eyes of the people in general; all glory be to him for ever. Feb. 9th. I set off from Whitson's Bay to Gull Island, and from there to Devil's Cove; and though there were difficulties in the way, I got safe there, and in the evening preached to about thirty persons. 10th. At six o'clock this morning, I preached to about twenty persons, and afterwards visited Mrs. Sandy, and by her desire, I baptized her in the fear of the Lord; she is about forty-seven years of age, was born in England, brought up among the Anabaptists, and before long (for she is in the last stage of a consumption) she will live in God's kingdom for ever. In the afternoon, I was conducted three miles by a young man to Lower Island cove, to Brother Garland's; he and his wife are kind, it appears to be a pleasure to them to make the preachers comfortable; the Lord reward them. At night I preached for the first time in the church, it was pretty well filled, and all present paid great attention; but the society in this place are in a dead state, Lord quicken them according to thy word. 11th. I preached to a full church, all present were as still as night; a number of Roman Catholics were present, I have had many of them to hear me all along the Bay; Lord open their eyes and soften their hearts, that they may see and feel the truth. /59/ 12th. I preached at sun rise, and at half past ten read prayers and preached, and again at half past two; I likewise met the society and joined three backsliders; at six in the evening, I preached again to a crowded audience, made up of Protestants and Roman Catholics. The Lord strengthened my body and blest my soul; I spake home to their consciences, and I hope not in vain, many were in tears; O God suffer not that bird of prey, the devil, to pick up the good seed; but grant, O Lord, that it may with thy blessing sink into the hearts of those who heard thy word, that it may bring forth the fruit of good living. Feb. 13th. This day I left Island Cove, conducted by a young man through woods and waste places to Old Perlican, much fatigued; the snow frequently broke in (being a thaw) and let me up to the middle, many rocks and stumps of old trees we had to pass over and by; well, he in whom we live and move, brought me safe to Mr. Mark's, where I was kindly received by the heads of the family. In the evening I preached in the church, most of the people in the harbour were present; I spoke in plain terms, and I was never more faithful to the best of my remembrance: I hope they will bear it; whether or not, my conscience testifies, that I did right, and their blood will not be required at my hands. 14th. I visited four families, and found in one of them an old man lately convinced of sin, he is a true penitent, Lord save him in the eleventh /60/ hour. In the evening I preached to a full church, all present seemed to hear with solemnity; one woman screamed out under the word; but I fear many of them will remain the same men and women after all they hear. But will not the word preached to them be brought forth as a witness against those who reject it; The Lord hath kept my mind in peace the day past, he is my God, and I will praise him. 15th. At ten o'clock I preached, and gave tickets to the society, and joined two backsliders and one new member. In the evening I preached again, and a great many were present, and the shout of a King was heard in our assembly. 16th. At ten o'clock I preached, and afterwards gave the Lord's supper to the society; it was a melting time, the Lord favoured us with his presence, all glory be to his name for ever. The following account I had from Mrs. Adams of two ships foundering at sea: (1.) Mr. Adams sailed in the brig Diligent from Lisbon, for Trinity, in Newfoundland, they got safe to the mouth of Trinity harbour, in the month of May, 1779, at that time there was large quantities of ice in the Bay, which made it very perilous; a bed of ice being just a head of them. Mr. Adams bid the man at the helm to turn to one side, but through fright or mistake, he ran the brig directly against the ice, which proved fatal to the ship, the cargo, and Mr. William Smith the mate; the rest providentially escaped, as we say, with the skin of their teeth. (2). Mr. Adams /61/ sailed in the ship Commerce, from Lisbon, in the month of April 1780. The ninth day they had been at sea, the ship sprung a leak; they immediately set to the pumps, and worked them for three days and three nights, but all in vain. In this dilemma, they held a council what to do; to stay in the ship was certain death, and no vessel appeared in sight; immediately they prepared the boat, and entered into it with a little provision, and committed themselves to the mercy of God in the great western ocean. In this situation they were tossed up and down on the great deep for twelve days, expecting when the sea was rough, that every breaker would fill their little boat and send them to the bottom. They were put to small allowance; in short, their sufferings were beyond description! On the twelfth day, their hopes were revived by the appearance of a ship; the men in the ship espied a boat, and bore down to them, (she was a Danish ship bound for Africa) and took the Captain and the rest of the crew into the ship just alive. Shall we not acknowledge God's kind providence in sending this ship at the time he did? Had it been a day longer they might have perished, for they were greatly in want of all necessaries, and very near dead. After refreshing them, and keeping them fourteen days, they were put on board a Portuguese ship, where they continued seven days, and then the Portuguese ship landed them at Madeira; after stopping there a fortnight, they went to Quebec, and from thence to Newfoundland, where they arrived in the latter end of June. O thou God of their salvation, sanctify this wonderful deliverance to each of their souls. Feb. 17th. I gave the Lord's supper to Mr. Cram (an old gentleman) and three more friends, and in the evening preached to a large congregation. /62/ After service I called a vestry meeting, two church-wardens were chosen, and the people promised to repair the church, &c. The meeting was concluded in peace, and they parted in love: 'Tis a pleasant thing to see brethen dwell in unity. 18th. This day I was informed that one hundred and twenty young whales where driven ashore this winter, at the bottom of Trinity Bay; and it is thought, that they will yield forty tons of oil, a good prize to the persons who found them. I visited three families, and in one of them found an old woman, (eighty-three years of age) who greatly desired me to administer the Sacrament to her, I complied readily with her request, and hope that she found benifit in obeying her dying Lord's command. 19th. This day I have read prayers and preached twice; in the forenoon we had a tolerable congregation, and in the afternoon the church was very full, all present seemed to hear for eternity: O Lord grant that they may be doers of thy word, that they may be fruitful in every good word and work. Feb. 20th. I left Perlican, accompanied by Mr. Weclain and Mr. Newill to Island Cove; we had in our way to pass two high mountains, the foot-path over one of them is not above half a yard from the edge of a great descent, nor less than one hundred and fifty yards to the bottom; (the descent is perpendicular) the path being covered with ice, made it very dangerous travelling; however, with God's blessing we got safe to the desired place, where I was kindly received by my hospitable friends. In the evening I preached in the church to a large congregation; the Lord bless the word that was delivered unto them. /63/ Feb. 21st. In the evening I preached to a full church, and while speaking in the name of the Lord to them, I found my master to be with me: O Lord revive thy work in this place for Christ's sake. 22d. The last night was the most sharp and severe for frost that they have had in Newfoundland for ten years past; the Bay was froze over in a very short time; and my bed was covered with hoary frost. 23d. Though the morning was very severe, the wind exceeding high, and the snow flags [flakes] flying in every direction, I set off in the storm and travelled ten miles almost up to the knees in snow, to Ockerpeit [Ochre Pit] Cove. I changed my linen, (which was as wet as if it had been drawn through water) and after refreshing myself proceeded to Witson's Bay; none can tell what I suffered in this journey, but God, and myself: thro' the goodness of my God, I got safe to Mr. Perey's, where I preached and slept. I am heartily glad that God has begun to work in the heart of Mr. Perey's son. 24th. I left Witson's Bay accompanied by John Perey, and walked to Adam's Cove, and from there to Blackhead, to my loving friends Mr. Moor and family; they love the servants of God, and are exceeding kind to them. I pray to God that neither they, nor any of our friends that are so kind to me, may ever want any good thing in time or in eternity. This day I married Joseph Parsons and Agnes Halfyard, in Blackhead church; all present were very serious. In the evening I preached at my lodgings, and altho' the night was very rough, a great many were present. I have reason to believe that God is working in this neighbourhood: O Lord work on for the honour of thy name and the peace of thy creatures, I bless thee, "Thou bountiful donor of all that I /64/ enjoy," for helping me thus far, and that thou givest me sensibly to feel thy presence with me. Feb. 25th. This day I had the following account of the wonderful deliverance of Mr. Jonathan Moor's four sons, namely, Thomas, Jonathan, John, and Harry, natives of Blackhead, in Conception Bay. They went on the tenth of November, (at twelve o'clock at night) 1796, in a pont or little boat, half a mile from the shore to a long boat at anchor, with an intention to move it farther from the land. The wind setting in to the shore, they accomplished their design; however, the wind in a few minutes veered round and blew from the shore, and they were obliged to stay in the long boat until the break of day, and then brought her within two hundred yards of the land and dropt [dropped] anchor; after which they got into the pont [punt], desiring to make the shore; they had only one oar and two pair of sails in the pont [punt] with them, and before they had got twelve yards from the long-boat, the pont [punt] overset, and they were tumbled into the devouring sea! Not one of them could swim, they hastily caught hold of the pont [punt] several times, but it turned over upon them each time; finding this would not do three of them got hold of the sails, and after they had struggled this way for half an hour, first catching hold of one thing and then another, their strength began to fail, and their hopes of being saved began to die. One of them had his head under the sails for twelve minutes, but providentially one of his hands got entangled in the sails, which prevented him from sinking; however, to all appearance he was drowned. The other two who had hold of the sails, with difficulty kept their heads above water; but their situation was such, they could not assist him who was under the sails. The fourth brother was in a perilous situation at a distance from those that kept hold of the sails, /65/ he took hold of the pont [punt] twice, but it turned over with him as it did with his three brothers, he tried a third time, putting his hands under the stay that goes across, and thus, while the boat was turned upside down, he held by the stay, and providentially a wave came and turned the pont [punt] with him in it; he stood in the middle of it up to the waist in water. In this imminent danger were these four brothers for three quarters of an hour, and one of them to all appearance dead; when the man in the bark saw a person walking on the shore, unto whom he called for God's sake to come to their assistance! The man on the shore got a person to go with him in a long-boat to the assistance of these four distressed brothers, and with God's blessing got them into the boat; three weak and nearly dead, and the fourth stiff and motionless. As soon as they were got to land three of them were refreshed, and the tender hearted mother stripped the cloaths [clothes] off the fourth, wrapt [wrapped] him in warm blankets, and had him laid before the fire; and with all the tenderness of a parent, rubbed his body with salt and hot flannel for two hours. She applied salt and hot flannel for an hour and three quarters before any signs of life appeared; however, in about two hours he breathed once more, and with the blessing of God was restored to life. Thus were the four sons of Mr. Jonathan Moor wonderfully preserved, and restored to their parents, two wives, and children. I hope this their deliverance will have a tendency to lead them to true repentance, and to God who delivered them; if not, what will the consequence be? Thou Lord knowest. In the evening I preached to a full house, many were in tears; the Lord is working in this place. O God work on and convert all the inhabitants of this island. Feb. 26th. The last night the Bay was froze over /66/ in the space of an hour, and across that part of the Bay where I am at present, is not less than six leagues over, how astonishing! But nothing is impossible with God. In the forenoon I read prayers and preached in the church, and though I had two pair of worsted gloves on my hands, two pair of stockings and a pair of buskins on my legs, it was with difficulty I escaped being bit with the frost. After preaching I baptized three children, and then kept a love-feast; the water for the love-feast was taken hot to the church in a teakettle, yet it froze as I took it round to the people, such a scene I never beheld before; we were almost froze while assembled together. But though it was so intensely cold, which very much affected our bodies, God mightily thawed our hearts; he poured forth on all assembled his Holy Spirit without measure: some were mourning for redemption, others praying, and others rejoicing; frequently two or three began to speak together, all present were melted into tenderness and love; it was a refreshing season from the presence of the Lord. Cold as it was the people were unwilling for the meeting to be broke up; I was obliged to begin singing before they gave over talking. Several new members were present, and they will not forget the blessed opportunity which we all enjoyed together. At three o'clock in the afternoon, I preached at my lodgings, and the house was mightily crowded; I found liberty in preaching, and the people felt in hearing, and bowed with reverence and godly awe before the Lord God of Israel. The Lord is evidently working in this neighbourhood, there is a shaking among the dry bones. Yesterday and today I have joined five new members and more are coming. February 27th. I left Blackhead and walked to Adam's Cove, and in the evening preached to /67/ attentive hearers. The Mistress of the house is brought to God, and the Lord has begun a work of grace in the heart of the master of the house. O Lord help them to live to thy glory, and walk hand in hand to thy kingdom. After preaching at the above place, I went with Mr. Davis to his house, at Witson's Bay, where I preached in the evening to a crouded [crowded] house, it was so full that I could hardly breathe; God was in our midst. O how the people at this place hunger for the word of life! And they do not hunger in vain, the Lord feeds them according to his own promise, Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. Again, Blessed are ye that hunger now, for ye shall be filled. After preaching I joined two new members, and I feel a lively hope that God will turn many more from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to himself. I am happy in God, he owns my poor weak endeavours, for which I feel unfeignedly thankful. 28th. I left Witson's Bay, accompanied by Mr. Davis to Blackhead, where I preached at eleven o'clock, a great many attended and listened with great attention whilst I enforced the command of Christ to his disciples, Love one another. After preaching I called a vestry meeting, and gave a general exhortation to all present. I proposed likewise a committee of five men to be elected, to see that the church was repaired, and the yard enlarged; the proposal met with the approbation of all present, and our meeting ended in peace. After dining at Blackhead, I set off immediately to Mr. Birt's, at Broad Cove. He was the first man whom the Lord moved to build him a church, and in general it is well attended. Mr. and Mrs. Birt are pious and courageous soldiers in the cause of Christ; three of their children are joined in our society, and I hope they are /68/ sincerely striving to walk acceptable before God. In the evening I preached at my lodgings to a large concourse of attentive hearers gathered from all parts; they seemed to suck in the word as the land receives the falling showers. This day I have joined three new members, Lord join them to thyself, and write their names in the fair book of life. The Lord is drawing many to himself in these Coves: O God make bare thine arm and save them all. By walking, talking, singing, praying and preaching, my body at present is weak and faint; but I bless the Lord I am neither tired of him, nor his work; Oh, no! for I find a solid peace in him that called me to the work I am engaged in; and I greatly rejoice that sinners are awakened to a sense of their danger, mourners are greatly comforted, and believers built up in the faith of the Gospel. O Lord help me to praise Thee for all that is past and trust Thee for all that's to come; for thou art a God unchangeable: the mountains may be removed, and the hills melt away, but thou God changeth not. This God is my God, even unto death, and up to glory. The people in this country are diversly employed in the winter season, which generally lasts six months in the year; several go with their sledges (drawn by Newfoundland dogs) upon the snow, into the woods to cut down fuel to burn, and it is well there is plenty of firewood otherwise they would all be froze to death. At other time, they go in search of the wild beasts, and when one is caught, they esteem it a good prize. At other times they go to the top of the cliffs or rocks in pursuit of the wild fowl that come near the shore, and frequently shoot them. Now and then they catch a wild cat, but very seldom a fox; some times they kill a wolf, and at other times a bear: the wild Indians /69/ to the northward sometimes kill a man or two. In many parts the people are busy in making galoupers, boats, skiffs, and punts of various sizes; and likewise making nets, and sails, masts, oars, and mending their craft of all sorts. In the latter end of March and the beginning of April, a great many of the men and boys go upon the ice to catch seals, and they frequently meet with success, but it is dangerous beyond description. In May, June, July, August, September, and part of October, they are busy fishing for cod. The value of Newfoundland consists in the trade for fish, of which there is such plenty on the coasts of the island, that the world might be supplied from it, all sorts being taken in immense quantities; but the principal fishery is of cod, wherewith a great number of ships are laden every year for England, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and other parts. The main fishery is on the great bank, and on the other banks about this island, as also along the coast. The great bank is a vast mountain under water, extending in length according to the most accurate charts, from the forty-first degree of north latitude, to forty-ninth deg. twenty-five min. and in breath from forty-two deg. thirty min. to fifty-one deg. thirty min. of west longitude; its depth of water is from five to sixty fathoms. This bank is covered with a vast quantity of shells, and several kinds of fish of all sizes, most of which serve for food to the cod fish. Great numbers of vessels have loaded here anually [annually] for two centuries, yet this great consumption has produced no very apparent diminution of their numbers. The great bank is about one hundred and twenty miles long, and about fifty over where broadest. It lies off the /70/ South-west of Newfoundland. There are several other banks, but they are not considerable enough to deserve particular notice. As soon as the fisherman has caught a fish with his line, he pulls out its tongue, and gives the fish to another man, whom they call the beheader; this man with a two edged knife like a lancet, slits the fish from the vent to the throat, which he cuts across to the bones of the neck; he then lays down his knife and pulls out the liver, which he drops into a kind of a tray, through a little hole made on purpose in the scaffold he works upon, and then guts it and cuts off the head; this done he delivers the fish to the next man who stands over against him: this man, who is called the slicer, takes hold of it by the left gill, and rests its back against a board one foot long and two inches high; he pricks it with the slicing knife on the left side of the vent, which makes it turn out the left gill; then he cuts the ribs or great bones all along the vertebre, about half way down from the neck to the vent; he also does the same on the right side, then cuts aslant three joints of the vertebre through the spinal marrow; lastly, he cuts along the vertebre and spinal marrow dividing them in two, and thus ends his operation. A third helper then takes the fish, and with a wooden spatula scrapes all the blood that has remained along the vertebre that was not cut. When the cod is thus thoroughly cleansed, (sometimes washed) he drops it into the hold through a hole made for /71/ that purpose, and the salter is there ready to receive it. This assistant crams as much salt as he can into the inner part of the fish, lays it down the tail end lowest, rubs the skin all over with salt and even covers it with more salt; then goes through the same process with the rest of the cod, which he heaps up one upon another till the whole is laid up. The fish thus salted and piled up in the hold is never meddled with any more till it is brought home and unloaded for sale. The cod intended for drying is caught and beheaded in the same manner, but the operation of salting varies in a few particulars; the women in general cure the fish that are dried in Newfoundland. In autumn the men take the dried fish to the merchant's store-house, and then reckon with the agents and lay in provisions for the winter, (at least those who can) and those who cannot are almost starved to death in the winter: thus the people go on through the year in Newfoundland. This island, after various disputes, was ceded to England in 1713; but the French were left at liberty to dry their nets on the northern shores. By the treaty of 1763, they were permitted to fish in the gulph [gulf] of St. Lawrence, on condition that they did not approach within three leagues of any of the coasts belonging to Great Britain. By the last treaty of peace, the French are to enjoy the fisheries on the north and west coasts of Newfoundland. March 1st. I purposed to go this day to /72/ Harbourgrace [Harbour Grace], but the frost is so intense and the wind so strong, that it is impossible; so at eleven o'clock I met with the women's class, and at twelve I met the women from Adam's Cove, and at both the meetings the Lord met us and watered each of our souls as with the former and latter rain; saith he, I will be as the dew unto Israel, and we found his promise verified. In the evening I preached at Mr. Birt's to a crouded [crowded] audience; the Lord mightily assisted his poor dust to speak with a divine unction to the hearts of those present. After preaching I joined four new members, and also one in the forenoon; O God preserve them unto thine heavenly kingdom. I feel a reluctance at leaving the people on the north shore, as such a glorious work is begun in many of their souls; but in faithfulness to my trust I must return to Carbenear [Carbonear], Harbourgrace [Harbour Grace], and up the bay. 2d. I have been disappointed this day likewise from going to Carbenear [Carbonear], through the severity of the weather. A man and his wife came to me bathed in tears; the woman has been joined ten years, she was in great distress about her soul, and so was the man: the woman wept aloud and prayed very pathetically for a quarter of an hour; and, altogether scripturally and exceedingly sensible, a divine unction rested on her. I was constrained to weep with them, and I have not one doubt upon my mind, but am fully perswaded [persuaded], that before long God will give them both power to lay hold of himself as their /73/ eternal life. At four o'clock I preached in the church and buried a child. I still feel a reliance on God my rock, my tower, and castle of defence; and unto him I run in the time of danger and am saved. One of our friends shot a sea bird, and after it was dressed the weight of it was twelve pounds, and the length of it was three feet: How wonderfully does the wisdom and power of God appear in the miriads of creatures which he has made. March 3d. I feel the devil is not yet dead, for he tries by various devices to bring my soul into bondage; but blessed be my God that he has taught me so far that I am not altogether ignorant of Satan's devices. I pray to the Lord in the name of my ever-blessed Advocate, that I may be prevented from entering into temptation, and in the strength of the Lord my shield, I resist the devil and he flees from me. In the evening I met four classes from Adam's cove, Muley's cove, Broad cove, and Blackhead: The God of Israel was with us; many hearts were softened, and several rejoiced in the liberty of the gospel; the Lord took us into his banqueting house, and said, Eat, my friends, and drink abundantly, O beloved. Some in these classes are seeking salvation, others are rejoicing in the enjoyment of it, and a small number are established in the truth. I added one new member, Mr. Moor's son, (the young man that was to all appearance drowned): I hope the Lord has spared him for a good end, that his soul may be saved from sin here, and that he may enjoy heaven hereafter. I have also joined four of Brother Hudson's children to our society; I hope 'ere long that the Lord will write their names in the book of life, and that they will in good earnest follow their virtuous mother to heaven, to enjoy her company /74/ around the throne of God and the Lamb to all eternity. The Lord is working powerfully in the hearts of many persons in these coves. I received the following account from Mr. Moor, of Blackhead, of four men who went a few years ago from a small place near Salmon cove, in a boat, to Carbenear [Carbonear], to buy provisions, and on their return from Carbenear [Carbonear] to the hamlet from whence they came, the wind sprung up and blew contrary for them; in their critical situation, they concluded the best method that could be taken would be to turn into Salmon cove; having to clear a rock which lay in the way, they took the best course circumstances would admit of; but the wind and sea frustrated their designs and drove them furiously against the rock, the boat bulged immediately and sunk with their provisions; with the greatest difficulty they got upon the rock, and here the [they] stayed for four days and nights without anything to eat or drink; the sea foaming and the wind roaring around them, &c. made their situation awful indeed: the two first days and nights they kept one another warm with pushing and rubbing each other, but two of them being no longer able to keep upon their feet lay down and died; the other two after enduring great hunger, thirst, and severe cold, were taken from the rock alive and were strangely suffered to live. O God, how unsearchable are thy ways to the children of men? Two were taken and two were left! March 4th. I walked over to Adam's cove and visited five families, and then returned to Blackhead and preached at Mr. Moor's to a house full of attentive hearers, and the Shepherd of Israel was preservd [preserved] and fed our souls with the bread that endureth unto eternal life; after preaching I joined one new member to the little flock, which is increasing /75/ more and more: I trust the little number in this place will 'ere long become a great company, for scores are inquiring the way to Zion with their faces thitherward. The following account I had from one of our friends, that a Roman Catholic said, that the Priest in the beginning of winter took a little salt between his finger and thumb and scattered it into a bucket full of water, and at the same time repeated a prayer; and she avers that this water has not froze through the winter: and she further asserts, that at the time of mass, if any person comes near to him that is guilty of any particular sin, he withdraws himself from the lighted candles and they immediately go out of their own accord, and he no sooner returns near to the candles, than immediately they light again without any visible hand touching them; from such and the like strange things, she says, that their Priest is supernatural! But I say, if such things are so, he ought to be published for a wizard; and that such persons are among men, is plainly evinced from Scripture, (Gal. v. 20.) and they ought to be put to death, (Exod. xxii. 18. Deut. xvii. 10, 11.) How the poor ignorant Papists are blinded by superstition; O God open their eyes and give them to see into such absurd trumpery. I bless Thee for opening the eyes of my understanding to know the wonders of Redeeming Love, and that Thou gives me to taste by faith the riches of Redeeming Grace; I can never sufficiently praise thee my God and King! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and never forget the many benefits thou hast received from his munificent hand. March 5th. In the forenoon I read prayers and preached, and likewise in the afternoon; and in the /76/ evening, I expounded on the third chapter of the first epistle of St. John. I had the pleasure of seeing the church crowded in the forenoon so as it never was before; many souls were blest, and my own soul was like a well-watered garden. The church was well filled in the afternoon, and the hearts of many of the hearers were like melting wax before the fire, the Lord opened the windows of heaven and poured down blessings upon us. In this place I have joined five new members, one of them was in very deep distress he has been a stout-hearted sinner for a long time, but God has smitten his rocky heart, and tears of contrition flow abundantly. God is calling many of his banished ones home; sinners on all sides flock to his house as doves to their windows. I am more assured every day that the Lord hath not sent me his unworthy servant a warfare at my own charge, for the sound of his feet are heard behind me again and again. March 6th. Two men at variance came to me with their complaints, I compromised matters to the best of my judgement, telling them (as I thought) the best method to be taken; the plaintiff agreed to the proposal, and the defendant had no objections, so they shook hands and parted good friends, which verified the words of Solomon, a soft answer turneth away wrath. In the evening I walked to Adam's Cove and preached to a house full of attentive and serious bearers, a solemn awe rested upon all present, and many souls were melted down to tenderness and love; after preaching I joined three new members, and one in the forenoon. I fear that all those who have joined us since I came into this island will not stand; yet I believe many will endure to the end: O Lord save them with thy great salvation. I walked back to Blackhead to sleep, and previous to our going to rest /77/ I joined two of Mr. Moor's sons, and three before; they are now joined to the church of Christ: O Lord make them and all our societies lively stones in the spiritual building, of which Christ is the tried and sure foundation and chief corner stone. I bless thee thou God of boundless mercy, for inclining six more to join thy people this day; I beseech thee to bring more and more, and hasten the period when thou wilt call thy sons from far, and thy daughters from the ends of the earth; say unto the south, give up, and to the north keep not back; cause Ethiopia to stretch forth her hands unto thee. As the snow is now much upon the decrease, many of the men are going into the woods with their rockets on, (they are wooden shoes, or pieces of wood the size of the top of a firkin, fastened to the foot to prevent them from sinking in the snow) which are exceeding useful, though very troublesome to travel with; however, necessity is the mother of invention. The men that live in Newfoundland are in general of a hardy race, for many of their houses or tilts are not proof against wind or weather, numbers of them are open on every side. Several times this winter I have been snowed upon both as I sat in the house and lay in bed; and in some of their houses you might see the men and women, boys and girls, sheep and hogs, hens and ducks, dogs and cats scrambling in every direction to catch a bit of any thing eatable; though it is so in many houses, it is not the case with every one: my heart has been pained many times on their account. With respect to myself, I have reason to be thankful, for wherever I go I meet with kind friends; they endeavour to make me as comfortable as the nature of things will allow, and what I find deficient in these respects, the Lord who is my chief good, makes it up another way; he is my satisfying portion, the /78/ strength of my heart, and my present and eternal All. March 7th. This day I have enjoyed sweet union with God, and in the evening whilst preaching at Thomas Moor's to a crowded congregation, I felt the presence and help of Elijah's God to be with me; in his name I delivered the truths of the gospel of his Son faithfully, and many of the hearers who came three miles had no cause to repent their journey, for the Lord blessed them. The more I preach in this neighbourhood the more the people come to hear, though many have to come through great difficulties, especially those who live in the woods in the winter season for the sake of fuel; here they live like hermits, no one comes near them, unless it is roving and hungry wild beasts. One of our friends said, that not long ago a wolf came two or three nights and walked round his tilt, the man in the adjacent hut saw the great monster. It is very perilous living in such places, yet many who live there come to the preaching in the nights when it is cold and dark, and return home after sermon; the God of wolves, and bears, and lions, and especially his rational creatures, has preserved them hitherto unhurt. O Lord, I bless thee for thy care over them, and also for thy mercy in preserving me both by sea and land. March 8th. I met the women's class, twenty three were present, and the Lord who is rich in goodness met with us. In the evening I preached at brother Birt's, at Broad Cove, and although they had but short notice the house was very full; some came three miles, and indeed many have done so for several nights together; nay, some poor women came near four miles, with each of them a child in their arms, and they return home the same night, which makes it not less than near eight miles; they give evident /79/ proofs of their ardent love to the gospel of Christ, and it is my greatest pleasure to publish the glad tidings of the gospel of peace unto them. I have this day joined one more of brother Moor's sons, which makes the sixth child that has cast in his lot amongst us. I find the service of the Lord pleasant, and particularly so this day while engaged in divine worship; the words of St. Paul were verified in me, where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty; I had liberty in speaking for God. March 9th. I have waited all this day for an opportunity to go by water to Carbenear [Carbonear], or some cove adjacent, but the way was blocked up; so the friends (about four o'clock) told all they conveniently could that we should have a meeting, many gathered together at the time appointed, and the Lord made our souls as a well watered garden; blessed be his holy name, we no sooner meet but he meets with us we no sooner call than he answers, What would ye that I should do unto you? At the present my body is out of order, through taking cold and hard labour,

The Lord is my present help in the day of trouble. March 10th. In the evening I preached at Mr. Moor's, at Blackhead, to a house full of attentive hearers, who came through very rough weather to worship God, and he spread a table for us in the wilderness, and fed our souls with the choicest of his blessings; surely the Lord is more and more with us every time we meet. There were to the number of twenty-one at the class this evening, and before I visited them, they had not any meeting; but the Lord /80/ God of Israel hath wrought powerfully amongst them in the coves round about; the people are all eye and ear, and many all alive to God. O Lord thou hast made the heavens and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee to do, for thou hast broken the rocky heart, and melted the hardness into love; the lion is become a lamb, the wicked are turned from the error of their ways, and they now chearfully [cheerfully] serve thee the living God. March 11th. I left Blackhead early in the morning rowed by six men to Carbenear [Carbonear], dined at Mr. Gosse's and then went to Harbourgrace [Harbour Grace]. I feel unfeignedly thankful to God for all his favours and blessings to me the unworthiest of his children; I have had the divine presence and protection of the Lord through my last visit to the north shore. 12th. I preached twice, the people gave the attentive ear, and some felt the word with power; but the work of conversion does not go on here as in many other places, yet they have got a pious few who are ornaments to the cause of Christ in Harbourgrace [Harbour Grace], and I trust that before long the number will increase; Lord hasten that happy period. I still feel the bent of mind is to do the will of God in all things. 13th. In the evening I delivered a sermon to a serious and well-behaved audience, some Roman Catholics were present, and the Lord gave me renewed strength while waiting upon him. My mind was powerfully exercised with painful sensations on hearing that a certain person in this bay, a few days back, took a bible out of a chest belonging to a servant of his, and before his face threw it into the fire, a Jew that was present took it out, but the infidel /81/ with all the fury of an infernal fiend, took it and put it into the fire a second time, and set his foot upon it till it was burnt! O God pity the poor wretch, open his understanding, awaken his conscience, bring him from the error of his ways, and save his soul. 15th. In the evening I preached on faith; and while so doing I had great liberty of soul, and my tongue became as the pen of a ready writer, and verily we had a good time. I still see a necessity of looking unto God in all company and in all places, and through divine goodness I am preserved. The Lord saith, Call on me in the day of trouble and I will deliver thee, and thou shall glorify me; and blessed be his holy name, I no sooner call than he is according to his word. March 16th. I left Harbourgrace [Harbour Grace] and walked to Carbenear [Carbonear], and as I travelled along a person told me that the Papist priest and his people had agreed to mob me on St. Patrick's day, (which is tomorrow) but I don't believe it, for neither the priest nor his people, with the devil to help them, can hurt me without the permission of God; and my heavenly Father saith, who shall harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? No weapon formed against thee shall prosper. Though I cannot keep or save myself yet he who never sleeps shall to the utmost save. I called at my kind and loving friends Mr. Gosse's, and dined with him, and after some useful conversation, went to Crocer [Crockers] Cove, to Mr. Howard's, where I am to lodge. In the evening I preached to a full house of attentive hearers. O Lord help them to improve the stroke of thy providence amongst them; not less than twenty-five have died in this little cove in six months: how awful and how loud are the calls which God has given to this neighbourhood. I read a /82/ letter this day from Port de Grave, which gives a glorious account of the work of the Lord being powerfully carried on amongst them there. O God work on till the universe is filled with divine knowledge and redeeming love. It freezes very keenly; how long and severe the winter continues in this island! Well, I shall soon go to yon fair world above where

March 17th. After visiting three families, I met Mrs. Pike's class, at Carbenear [Carbonear]; the Lord's promise was verified, saith he, Whenever two or three are met together in my name there am I in the midst to bless them. In the evening I preached at Mr. Richard Taylor's, the house where I preached was very much crowded, and the power of God came down amongst us; I hope that the effect of the Divine presence will be seen for days to come. I feel a hope that the gospel of Christ will spread through all the places inhabited in Newfoundland. 18th. I walked to Clowen's [Clowns] Cove, and though very dangerous travelling I got safe there, and after visiting five families, met the women's class at three o'clock, and at seven I preached a close sermon to all present, being convinced that it was absolutely necessary; numbers wept, and surely God is working in the hearts of many:

After preaching I met the men's class, and joined four new members. 19th. I preached twice and read prayers, met two classes and joined two new members /83/ and one backslider; the congregations were very large both in the morning and afternoon, and tears of godly sorrow flowed from the eyes of many; I verily believe that God will bring many in this place also to the knowledge of himself. Several friends came from the north shore to Carbenear [Carbonear] church, and sung several new tunes which I learnt them, when on my last visit amongst them; and they gave great satisfaction to the people of Carbenear [Carbonear]: How could it be otherwise? For they sung well and in the best sense of the word too, their hearts being filled with the love of God. March 21st. This day I have visited a few friends, and while so doing my mind was kept in peace; and the prayer of my heart is, that I may press forward with unwaried diligence in the way of righteousness, until the Lord calls me to my eternal home above. I have been just now informed that a great many persons are lately dead in St. John's of a fever. The Lord is visiting the people in Newfoundland different ways; more than sixty have been intered [interred] within six months in Carbenear [Carbonear] churchyard. "Lord, what is man?" March 22d, I visited a few families, and afterwards preached to the people gathered together; the Lord was present to bless us. I hope the Lord God of Israel will revive his work here also, and that he will make them a willing people in the day of his power. March 23d. I dined at Mr. Cowing's and /84/ after spending a little time with him and his loving family, went to Carbenear [Carbonear], accompanied by Brother Hignes, (an Israelite indeed, one of the precious sons of Zion) to Mrs. Pike's, where I preached in the evening; the congregation was not large, yet more than could be expected, as the night was very stormy. I found God near to bless me, he is still my loving shepherd; and,

The family where I am are exceeding kind, some are travelling in wisdom's ways, and I hope that 'ere long the rest will be turned into the flowery paths of peace. The first vessel is under sail this day (just cut out from among the ice) for the seal fishery. March 24th. After breakfasting at Mrs. Pike's I called to see five families in my way to Crocer's-cove [Crockers Cove], where I preached to a crowded audience; they paid great attention whilst I preached Jesus unto them. I trust that many precious souls will be gathered unto him in this place. The weather yet continues very severe; it has been frost and snow in general ever since last October, and sometimes so intense that it /85/ has froze the ink in my pocket, nay, it has froze the ink in my pen when writing not far from a large fire! Those persons in England who have never been here, can have no just idea of the nature of the frost, and the depth of snow in Newfoundland in the winter season. March 25th. I walked from Crocer's [Crockers] cove to Clown's cove, and then to Freshwater cove, where I preached in a large house full of persons; the Lord owned his word and caused it to be felt in the hearts of many present. After service I returned to my lodgings weary in my body, but happy in God; I feel his presence and saving power, he blesses me with divine support and his protecting care. 26th. This day I read prayers and delivered two sermons in Carbenear [Carbonear] church, the congregations were amazingly large, and the Lord opened the windows of heaven and poured down righteousness upon his inheritance. The import of Solomon's words were felt, where he says, The King is held in the galleries. We sat under the Tree of Life, and tasted the hidden manna; the fountains were opened in many hearts, and tears of sorrow and of joy flowed in copious streams down many faces. I bless my Lord for his help in my work in the day past, and though I am much fatigued in body, I can lay me down in peace, having the witness within me that I have been in my duty, and that I have done his will in delivering my message faithfully: and in due time I shall wear a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day, when his saints shall be publicly owned and admitted into glory. 27th. I went from Harbourgrace [Harbour Grace] by water to Bay Roberts, rowed by six men in a skiff; the Lord /86/ brought us to the desired place in safety. I was kindly received by Brother Masser, and preached immediately with liberty of soul; a solemn awe rested upon all present. The people in this place love the gospel of Christ, at which I don't wonder, for many of them prove it to be the power of God unto salvation. All those whom I joined in my last visit to this place are serious, and continue to meet regularly with their brethren. O Lord encourage and help them to press forward to thy kingdom. March 29th. It has blown a strong gale all this day, and came on very wet towards night, so that I expected very few at the preaching; but I was happily disappointed, never did I see more! And blessed be my Master that they were not disappointed of a blessing, for whilst the water ran from their garments, (being wet through by coming a considerable way in the rain) tears streamed down their faces. After preaching, a man came to ask me if I would marry him, he said that he had lived four years at St. John's, and always attended the ministry of Mr. Jones; and as he had sat under a godly minister, he desired a servant of God to marry him in preference to the parson of Harbourgrace [Harbour Grace]: I told him that I had no objections, and would do it any time for him, or any other, who believed it to be the will of God that they should be married. March 30th. This day I visited nine families and baptized six children, and in the evening preached to a very crouded [crowded] audience; I believe most of the inhabitants of the village were there -- many of them were cut to the heart, and there was a mighty shaking among the dry bones; weeping and sighing were heard on every side, and a woman screamed out aloud, being in an agony of soul; whilst I was at /87/ prayer the Lord set her soul at liberty, and now she could say, O Lord, I will praise thee, though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and now thou comfortest me. Many more were in distress, being deeply awakened to a sense of their lost estate, others greatly rejoiced in the Lord God of Israel; after divine service I joined four new members. Five persons came across the harbour from Port de Grave in a skiff to hear the word of God, and at different times numbers come by the same conveyance; I have seen one, two, three, four and five boats full of people rowing through a turbelent sea, and to none of them as yet have happened any misfortune; glory be given unto Thee, thou Preserver of men. March 31st. I left Bay Roberts, in the forenoon for Port de Grave, three men rowed me in a pont [punt] across the harbour. In the evening I preached in a house full of attentive hearers; a woman fell down on her knees under powerful convictions of her sin. Scores are awakened in this place to a sence [sense] of their danger, and others are brought out of spiritual bondage into the glorious liberty of the children of God. April 1st. This day I have visited a few families, and in the evening met the society at Brother Butler's; more than forty were present: I joined nineteen new members. Our meeting was like a little pentecost, for God refreshed our souls with the water of life. When I first visited Port de grave, (which was last January) there were only twenty-three in society, and now there are forty- six. The Lord hath wrought very great changes in the hearts and lives of many, and numbers more are coming: O God bring them all the enjoyment of thy great salvation. 2d. At six o'clock in the morning I met with /88/ several persons, we sung and prayed together, and the Lord gave us a morning visit. At half past ten I read prayers and preached, and then administered the Sacrament of the Lord's supper to more than sixty communicants; the Lord appeared to many present as newly slain for them:

O what a melting time it was, both under the word and at the Lord's table. At half past two I read prayers and preached again; so many attended that several were obliged to stand at the door, not being able to get in, and the house was so full that the heat was almost insupportable; many were ready to faint and had not one of the friends thrust a pane of glass out, they would have fallen sick on every side, but by that means the air circulated, and the people were refreshed. Thirteen skiffs came full of persons from Bay Roberts, Brighouse [Brigus], and Bearned [Bareneed]. I found God to strengthen my body for the work that lay before me, and to bless my soul with perfect freedom; the people were all eye and ear, and the power of God was over and amongst us all; many felt the word to be quick and powerful, sharper than a two edged sword, and several could rejoice having found the balm of Gilead, a Saviour's blood. O Lord I bless thee for this Sabbath-day's privilege and blessings which thou hast given to me and all who attend the preaching of thy word. 3d. I visited a few friends, and (at the house of one of them, I was much disturbed as I sung, by the grunting of a pig that lay under the long-settle; indeed many pigs are brought up in the houses among the people in this land) in the evening sixteen /89/ persons went with me in a small boat to Bearned [Bareneed], where I preached to a crouded [crowded] audience; the Lord manifested his power in making us all alive. The people all around these parts flock to hear God's word in an astonishing manner, the reason to me is plain -- (1.) God ha prepared their hearts, then (2.) he gives them to feel the power and sweetness of the word. April 4th. This morning I gave the Lord's supper to six persons, and afterwards sung and prayed with eighteen more, and then went in a boat rowed by four young women to Port de Grave; we sung all the way: then Brother Vey and Brother Butler rowed me and three more friends to Cuptes [Cupids], after which we walked to Brighouse [Brigus], where I preached in the evening to a large congregation of attentive hearers. I bless my God for he is my support; if he were not, I could not get through the work that lays before me, for it is great and very laborious. The people are at the present busily employed in preparing for the seal fishery, some are already gone, and the rest will be gone in the length of a week; O Lord go with and preserve them in their dangerous calling. We have no intelligence from England as yet, but we are in daily expectation. My mind is greatly affected sometimes when I look at the dumb creatures in this island, especially those who had their limbs froze; some with one leg, and here and there with none. Numbers of the fowls had their toes froze off this winter, and likewise the combs of the cocks. In our way from Cuptes [Cupids] to Brighouse [Brigus], we lost our road in the woods; but providentially a man came from a tilt in which he lived, and directed us into the right path. The Lord is good in his watchful providence to men, especially to those who love, fear, and obey him. /90/ 5th. After visiting a few families, I preached to a serious and well-behaved audience, and the good Lord was present to bless us. A report has spread here, that two vessels have arrived from England, one at St. John's, and one at Trinity Bay; but I rather think it is not true. April 6th. In the morning I visited an old man ninety-one years of age; after giving him a little advice about his soul, and how he might die in peace and be happy for ever, I prayed with him and left him in tears. In the course of the day I baptized a child, and in the evening preached and kept a love-feast, and the times of refreshing came from the presence of the Lord. 7th. This morning I left Brighouse [Brigus], accompanied by four men two miles through the wood to Cuptes [Cupids], and from Cuptes [Cupids] they rowed me across the bay to Port de Grave; the wind was very strong, and the rain descended in torrents; however through the goodwill of Him that dwelt in the bush, we got safe over. After I had refreshed and rested myself a little, I visited a few families, and in the evening preached to the largest congregation I have seen in this place on an evening. A watch-night was kept till about nine o'clock, and what is very surprising, most of the bigotted church people were there; they begin to think for themselves -- a very excellent method. David saith, I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. The devil is angry with me for coming to Port de Grave to disturb him and his faithful subjects: many of them had got to a great length of rebellion against King Shadi, or the Lord of the hill; but the Lord hath come against Beelzebub, and the town of Man Soul, or Port de Grave, and some of the faithful subjects of Belial begin to /91/ desert his colours, and they are repairing to the standard of the King of Heaven. The enemies of the servant of God, throw a random shot now and then; the last night whilst I was beating up for an increase of volunteers, they fired a morter and sent a rocket through the window with an intent to knock down God's poor servant, the rocket came through the window with great velocity just by me but I stood unhurt, it was not suffered to touch me; it broke the head of friend Vey, but so far from discouraging my brother, it caused him the more to rejoice that he was counted worthy to suffer in the service of his Lord. The Scripture saith, he that suffered with (or for) me shall also reign with me. I believe it was the wicked Catholics, that did it; for not long ago, they broke another of our friends windows while we were met to praise God together. These small persecutions will never dishearten the royal regiment of heaven, but will have a tendency to increase them more and more, for Jehovah can and will out-shoot the devil yet. Many persons were present from Bay Roberts and Bearned [Bareneed]: I found it a solemn time; the Lord was with us. April 9th. I read prayers twice and delivered three sermons, baptized one child, and kept a love-feast; about ninety were present, and some of them spoke very scripturally. At the preaching in the afternoon, most of the inhabitants in the harbour were present: Upon the whole we have had a good Sabbath; I can truly say, that it has been one of the best days I have had in Newfoundland. Edward Baldwin preaches to the people in this place; he is a good man, (a sinner saved by grace) and the Lord gives him favour in the eyes of the people; the Lord bless him. /92/ 10th. This day I have visited five families, and at the house of one of the families I gave the Lord's supper to eleven persons -- it was a solemn time; most of them were aged people that could not attend at Port de Grave the last Sunday week. In the evening I preached to a crouded [crowded] and serious audience; the power of the Most High God was felt -- some were cut to the heart and sensibly felt the wounds which sin had made, others feel the oil and the wine which the good Samaritan has poured into their wounds; after preaching I joined eleven new members, which make up the number fifty in this place. Never, did I see in any people a greater hungering after the word of life than here: young and old, rich and poor, male and female, come through all kinds of weather to hear the word of God. The Lord is carrying on a glorious work in many parts of this land -- all glory be given unto him for ever. My soul is like a well-watered garden, the sound of my Master's feet are heard behind me; he is on my right hand & on my left; I will praise & bless him, & tell of his goodness while I have breath to draw; Lord help me so to do -- Amen. I have joined an old man seventy-three years of age, and verily he is in good earnest about his soul; I hope the Lord will save him though in the eleventh hour. Several persons in this land are very ignorant about the things of God; and is it not the case with all through Asia, Africa, America, and Europe, until God takes the veil from their understanding? St. Paul saith, they are all gone out of the way; there are none that understand, (the things that belong to their peace) no not one. An old man in this bay, who came to receive the sacrament of the Lord's supper, after I had repeated "the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ which was "shed for thee, &c." replied, I have seen the blood /93/ of Christ running in streams! He bled for me! Then he said, here's God bless you and me, and then drank the wine. A number of little incidents are to be met with almost every day as I travel along from place to place. At the love-feast last Sunday as I took the bread about, a person said, when I offered a little to her, Oh, no, I cannot do with that, &c. After baptizing some children one day, I asked the names of the fathers and mothers, that I might register the same with the children: one man said that his name was Bill Israel; said I, what is the Christian name of your wife? He answered, Sall Bishop. I thought has the man got some other man's wife, or is she his concubine? But upon inquiring of one of our friends that stood by, he told me that was her maiden name. April 11th. In the evening I preached to a large congregation, they seemed to drink in the word, as the thirsty land the falling showers: God is working in the hearts of many in this bay; several that were enemies to God and their own souls, are now seeking after Jesus that was crucified, and numbers have already found him to be their Saviour to the inexpressible joy of their souls. With respect to myself, I have found God in all the places I have been at, and upon all occasions he has seasonably helped me the unworthiest of all his servants; the desire of my heart is to praise him continually. 12th. This morning I set off from Bay Roberts to Harbourgrace [Harbour Grace], six men rowed me in a skiff to Jugler's Cove; I then went in a large boat to the destined place, and found my good friends well. Here I have an asylum, and call this my home, for I am always received with a hearty welcome by my aged friends Mr. and Mrs. Straton [Stretton] and also by my Brother Parsons, Brother Cowing and families; the Lord /94/ remember them for good. In the evening I preached at Harbourgrace [Harbour Grace], and God was with us. It has blown hard all day, and it now freezes intensely; I am afraid that some of the men at sea will be frost-bit, and it will be well if none of them are lost! O my gracious God, visit, save, and bless them; and if any of them perish through the severity of the weather, save their souls into eternal rest. 13th. Yesterday the Stag, from Lisbon, anchored in Carbenear [Carbonear] Bay; she is the first vessel that has arrived here this winter, and brings the awful tidings of a Spanish war. O LOrd, when shall the time come, when swords shall be beat into plow-shears [plowshares], and spears into pruning-hooks, and the nations of the earth learn war no more? Hasten the time, thou God of mercy and love. April 14th. This is the day which is kept in Old England, in commemoration of the great and unutterable sufferings of the Saviour of men as on this day (after he had lived an innocent life) He died an unnatural, painful, lingering, public, shameful and cursed death. Thou Great Parent of all Good, help all thy children to keep this day to thy glory, and their eternal happiness; help all thy saints to view through the prospective glass of faith, and experimentally to say,

/95/ 23rd. I walked from Harbourgrace [Harbour Grace] to Carbenear [Carbonear], where I read prayers and preached twice, and afterwards met the men's class; I found God in every means. The divine presence rested upon, and was felt within us in our gatherings together; several were powerfully wrought upon, others strengthened and much comforted. 24th. I had very much of a fever last night, which prevented me from resting; but by the goodness of God and Saviour, towards morning I fell into a profuse perspiration, which gave me much ease. The bay is still covered with ice, and numbers of men are busy catching seals. In the course of the day I walked over to Freshwater cove, and in the evening preached at old Mrs. Moor's; I felt it good in waiting upon God blessed be his holy name. After preaching I returned to Crocer's [Crockers] Cove, and while on the road I met Mr. Birt in tears, who told me that his two sons went in the morning on the ice, and had not returned, and he feared they were lost. 25th. This morning I walked from Crocer's [Crockers] Cove to Harbourgrace [Harbour Grace], accompanied by Brother Chancey. We had the melancholy news of ten men being drowned, who were on the ice fishing for seals: O God preserve the rest that are yet alive. In the evening I preached to a tolerable congregation, who gave serious attention to the word of life, and I found my strength renewed while waiting upon the Lord. 29th. This morning I left Harbourgrace [Harbour Grace] /96/ with ten more, we crossed the bay to Portugal cove in four hours and half; as the men rowed I sung three hymns, and upon the whole, on our passage, the day being fine & the company agreeable, we had a very pleasant voyage. Mr. Roberts, of Portugal cove, accompanied me to St. John's; the road for the length of seven or eight miles was the worst I ever travelled, I was frequently up to the middle of the legs in water and dirt, and sometimes up to the knees; for near three miles we had to walk through the snow that was not dissolved, and sometimes I sunk to the middle in it. I bless God for his seasonable help, and that he brought me safe in three hours and half to St. John's, where I was kindly received by the Rev. Mr. Jones; after a little conversation with him, I went to rest, weary and faint, but in peace. April 30th. This day I have preached three sermons in Mr. Jones's Dissenting Meeting house. We had a tolerable congregation, but many of them are like the wild ass's colt, and the most rude I ever met with in my travels any where. Whether I did them any good I cannot tell, time must prove that, but I reproved some of them openly and sharply. May 1st. A brig came in here this day from Scotland. In the course of the day I walked down to the barracks, and had a little conversation with a Mr. Terry & his wife about divine things, and in the evening drank tea at the house of one that belongs to the artillery; there were /97/ three others and their wives, all of them were serious; I found my mind much comforted whilst with them: we sung many of the Methodist hymns, then prayed together, and parted in peace. May 2d. A brig arrived here from Dartmouth and likewise several boats from the ice. I have been through St. John's, and a most disagreeable place it is, much unlike the towns in general in old England. 3d. In the evening I preached again to the people of St. John's, five officers were present, their character and behaviour harmonized the one with the other. I have had a severe pain in my head the day past, but peace of mind, for which I bless God, who pours down his blessings abundantly upon me the least of all his saints. 6th. Three or four schooners have just come in with seals from the ice; but the fishermen of St. John's say that the season is an unfavourable one. I have had a very comfortable day with several of God's children; we have conversed freely about the things that belong to and make for our peace, and while so doing, I found that scripture verified in me, As iron sharpeneth iron, so doth the countenance of a man his friend. I sang and prayed with many of them, and the Lord was near to bless us. May 7th. I went at six o'clock to the prayer-meeting, Mr. Jones exhorted and spoke many encouraging truths to the weak of the flock. At eleven I preached and found my Saviour near; I felt the word that I preached unto others, and I believe many more did the same; several officers and soldiers were present and behaved well. At half past two I preached again to a full congregation, a solemn awe rested upon most that were present, and numbers were in tears; blessed be my God, he smote their /98/ rocky hearts, and tears of sorrow and of joy flowed down their cheeks. I stopt [stopped] with the church, (which consisted of about sixty persons) and received the Lord's supper in the Dissenting form; but what are the forms of any church without the power of God? And when the Spirit and power of God is there, and the Lord shines upon and blesses them that are gathered together, all forms are alike to them. In the evening I preached to a large congregation, all present were attentive, and above half the congregation were in tears. I see that God can reach the hearts of the people in St. John's; I found it to be good day. There are more and more to hear every time I stand up to preach in this place, and they likewise behave more like the true worshippers of God. 8th. I have visited a few families, and we became as the heart of one man. I hope the word that I have delivered unto them in the name of the Lord, will have a lasting effect upon their minds. Towards evening I walked to Ketty-Vety [Quidi Vidi], (two miles from St. John's) and preached at five o'clock to a crowded audience; the Lord was in the midst of us, and I believe many that were present will not soon forget what they felt, whilst waiting upon God. After sermon, to the number of twenty-one persons stayed at our brother's, where I preached and drank tea; we then sung and prayed together, and near thirty persons accompanied me to St. John's, and as we travelled along we sung two or three hymns of praise to our glorious Benefactor and gracious Redeemer, and then parted in love and peace. May 9th. A frigate came this day into St. John's harbour from Lisbon. At present the Devil's servants in this place are very busy; they have broken twenty-three squares in the windows of the church, /99/ and likewise sixteen squares in the window of a house belonging to a member of Mr. Jones's meeting. 10th, Today Mr. Artery's boat came in here from Harbourgrace [Harbour Grace]. In the evening I preached with a warm heart, feeling the truth in my own breast which I delivered unto the people, who heard with great attention, and I doubt not but many of them felt the word to be the power of God unto salvation. 14th. At six o'clock I went to the prayer-meeting, and at eleven o'clock I preached with the presence, power, and help of God. At three I preached again, the chapel was well filled, and all present gave serious attention, and many were in tears. At six in the evening I preached a third time; five or six officers were present, and likewise many soldiers, they behaved like Christains [Christians]: I hope that all of them will remember the word which I delivered unto them in the name of the Lord. On the Sabbath past I have had the presence of the God of Israel, he hath blessed me with peace and solid joy. 18th. This day I safely arrived at Harbourgrace [Harbour Grace] from St. John's, and found my old friends well; they received me with great kindness, and manifested their brotherly love and Christian tenderness. I feel my heart much united unto them, and hope that God will make me useful to them whilst I stop here. May 24th. In the evening I preached with enlargement of heart. As brother Smith is gone from this land, I am left alone to labour; may the Lord who has hitherto helped me, continue to bless me, and make me useful to the people. O Lord save me from all perils by land and by water, and keep me before the face of mine enemies; make me as bold as a lion in thy cause, and let me have thy presence, /100/ that I may not fear the face of man. O God ever prevent me from shrinking from thy truths.

The Lord help me, that I may rightly divide the word of truth, and to give each one a portion in season; and at last give me my own soul for a prey. 30th. I have had conversation with Captain Tileck and Captain M____, who have just arrived from England, after a passage of three weeks from Torbay. Things wear a gloomy aspect in Old England, but I hope God will spare the nation for the sake of the righteous. June 6th. After preaching I buried the corps of a young person; she died of the fever that proved so fatal to many a few months back, and it is making its appearance again in the family to whom the young woman belonged; if it spreads further at this time, no doubt but it may prove fatal to scores. After intering [interring] the corps, I went into the church and preached a funeral sermon. Lord what is man? How soon he is gone, and the place that knew him once, knows him no more for ever! O Lord prepare me for every event of thy divine providence; save me through life, in death, and for ever. June 7th. After walking to Freshwater Cove, I visited a few friends, and in the evening preached to a large congregation at Mrs. Moor's; God was /101/ present to bless us in our gathering together. -- I was greatly delighted with the prospect I was favoured with of several islands of ice, forming different figures in a variety of directions; some of them had a very striking appearance of the old Abbeys in Yorkshire, and one of them was as large as St. Paul's in London. This is the first summer's evening we have had this year. June 9th. This day I have walked to Blackhead, and in the evening preached to more persons than could be expected, and the Lord was present with us, he continues to carry on his work in this place; I hope before long the little company will become a thousand. There has been much thunder and lightening [lightning] most of the day, the thunder was the most awful I ever heard. June 11th. This day is the Sabbath.

In the morning I read prayers and preached, and also in the afternoon, at three o'clock; most of the inhabitants in the place were present, and that promise, they that seek me shall find me, was fulfilled; many hearts were softened and melted down before the Lord. June 26th. This morning I left Island Cove with Mrs. Reed and Mrs. Lock; we found it sultry and very disagreeable passing to Devil's Cove. July 16th. I have read prayers and preached twice, and likewise administered the Lord's supper to our friends at Harbourgrace [Harbour Grace], there were some also from Carbenear [Carbonear], Crocer's [Crockers] Cove, and Muscety Point; the Lord met with us at his table, and fed our souls /102/ with the bread and water of life; all glory be given to Him and the Lamb for ever. I found in the day past, the refreshings from the presence of the Lord; and in gratitude to my Creator, I wish to spend my hours and days to his glory. July 30th. At half past ten I read prayers and preached to a numerous audience: while I was praying before sermon, a woman lifted up her voice, being under deep conviction; another under the sermon clapped her hands for joy, having found peace with God three days ago. Indeed weeping, sighing, and rejoicing were on every hand. At half past two I read prayers and preached again, the house was much crouded [crowded], and likewise the porch: God warmed my heart with his love, and loosened my tongue to speak his praise; I believe all present felt his power; it was one of the most affecting times I have beheld for a long time. August 17th. I left Port de Grave in the morning, rowed by two women across the bay to Bay Roberts. I found my friends well and thriving in religion. In the evening I preached to a large congregation, who came sweating from their hard labour; and in general the congregations are so large, that we are (at this season) almost suffocated or melted together; the Lord made known his power, and caused us to rejoice in his salvation. August 18th. This day I have had some useful conversation with God's dear children, and in the evening I preached to a crouded [crowded] audience; I was astonished to see so many on the evening of a working day: seven ponts [punts] came laden with persons from the neighbouring villages to hear the word of God, and many of them felt it to be the power of God to salvation. /103/ Aug. 30th. This day I have been led by the Spirit into sweet meditation, and have been drawn near to God. In the evening I preached to a tolerable congregation, and while so doing I felt the word which I preached to others to be spirit and life to my own soul: I should have been glad to have

But my work is not yet done: well God's time is the best, and I can say with humble resignation, I will wait all mine appointed time until my change come. Sept. 17th. This morning I left Crocer's [Crockers] Cove at nine o'clock, got to the church in half an hour, and sat in silence till half past ten; I then read prayers and preached, and found the presence of the Lord with me. At half past two, I read prayers and preached, and after public service met the women's class, seventeen were present, and the Lord God of Israel favoured us with his presence. I have found the sabbath past to be a humbling, heart-reviving, and soul-quickening day; numbers were present both forenoon and afternoon, altho' it blew hard and rained very much all the day. None of the earth-worm, butterfly, and half-hearted Christians were present, neither did I expect them. It was a great pleasure to me to see so many manifest their love to the ordinances of God, and the word of life. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me praise his holy name. Sept. 21st. I walked from Blackhead through Broad Cove, to Muley's Cove. In the evening I preached at old Mr. M---'s; (I fear he is in the way to eternal misery, for he swears like a trooper; /104/ Lord have mercy on him) there was a great number to hear the word of the Lord, it was a softening time to most present, and the power of the Lord was felt. The old man at whose house I preached this evening, hath a son married in the same cove, who said last spring that he would sooner go into a fire than go to the society-meeting; but now he goes regularly and is in good earnest about his souls present and eternal happiness. What is too hard for God? If the Lord doth but lay to his hand, the work shall be done. 23d. I walked in the morning from Broad Cove to Blackhead, and have spent the greatest part of the day in reading, meditating and self-examination, and I must acknowledge that I have found nothing in myself that is praise-worthy; I am much unlike my Saviour. The change that is wrought in me is effected by the Lord, and he shall have all the praise, because I am not saved by works which I have done: but by grace through faith in the blood and righteousness of my all-sufficient and complete Saviour! And I desire to make it manifest that I have faith in him, by living unto God, and bearing fruit to his glory. Sept. 24th. Read prayers and preached twice. The congregations in the forenoon and afternoon were very large, many persons came from the adjacent coves; we found the throne of grace easy of access, God was intreated [entreated] and came down amongst us, he filled the place with his glory, and many hearts with his love. Several around here have been brought to God, and more are coming. O God convert the whole world. October 8th. At half past ten o'clock, I read prayers and preached, several were wrought upon under the word. At half past two I read prayers and preached; the rocky hearts were struck, and /105/ penitential tears ran down many cheeks, others shook and trembled. I do not wonder that the name of Quaker was given to the friends, for when they felt the power of God rest upon them, it made them tremble, as the people did this day. After public service I kept a love-feast in Brother H---'s house, it was a feast of love to most present; Jesus appeared unto us fairer than the sons of men:

I have not seen a more affecting time for a long season than it was this day; some lay groaning for redemption until God spoke peace to their souls; one woman in particular was in great agony of soul, and her body was greatly agitated; but after being some time in this state, she arose in a moment, and praised the Lord for his goodness. Indeed each of our hearts were melted down, and our cups run over with joy; it was a Bethel visit to us all, we enjoyed a heaven below, and could sing,

October 22d. In the morning I read prayers and preached, and likewise in the afternoon; the church was pretty well filled both parts of the day, and what was better the Lord God of Elijah filled it with his glory. After service in the afternoon, I met the men's class, thirty-four were present: it was very affecting to see them bathed in tears and filled with thankfulness of past mercies and deliverances, /106/ and fresh resolutions to live to God and glorify the Lamb all the days of their life. I bless my God on their account, for he hath done great thing[s] for them. After meeting I went to Mrs. Moor's and there found more than twenty women singing and praying with and for each other; I gave out an hymn and then went to prayer with them and concluded the meeting, and ended the day in peace. 28th. This day I have been employed in reading and visiting a few families. No arrivals from England as yet; we are all in suspense: what a perplexing world we live in. I wish to travel to fairer worlds on high; I do feel God drawing me, and I will, with the help of his grace, run after him till I gain the eternal shore. November 20th. An awful circumstance which happened the last week, was told me this day, namely, a woman at the hour of death said to her mother, there was a time when I was fit for heaven, but now I am fit for hell, and then died. Also, another most awful case happened in the death of a wicked man. In the time of his illness, a person called in a friendly manner, and asked him how he intended to get to heaven, and appear before God? To which he made a most infamous reply, too bad to mention. A little before his death he said to his wife when going out, where is that d--nd old hag going to? And in an hour after said, that the devil would have his soul, and immediately breathed out his last. Nov. 29th. I visited several friends, and in the evening preached at Mr. Vey's; the house was crouded [crowded] with attentive hearers: the power of God came down amongst us, and we could say, how amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts? a day in thy courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. After preaching I met the society, about fifty persons were /107/ present, and the presence of the Lord made our paradise; one of the society was brought into the glorious liberty of the sons of God. December 10th. As sunrise several persons met together to worship God; we sung and prayed with each other, and I gave them an exhortation, which was received in love by all present. At half past ten I read prayers and preached with great liberty, and such a melting time I do not remember since I came into this island: sighs, and groans, and tears were heard and seen through the whole congregation. After public service, I gave the Lord's supper to seventy persons, and the Lord Jesus appeared as newly slain for us; O what an affecting time it was to all present, I never saw the like before: We could say, that his flesh was meat indeed, and that his blood was drink indeed! At half past two I read prayers and preached again to a crouded [crowded] audience; there were many from Bearned [Bareneed], and likewise from Bay Roberts; and the Lord sent the word with a divine unction to the hearts of the people. It has been a high day of holiness to me and many more; I trust we shall not soon forget the glorious visits of the Lord, but improve them all the days of our appointed time on earth. December 11th. This day I have visited several families, and in the evening preached in a dwelling-house full of attentive hearers. After preaching I met the men belonging to /108/ the society upon business, namely, about the building of a church, and all present were unanimous that a church should be built immediately. 17th. I was much affected this day whilst passing by the wrecks of five vessels and eleven boats that lay on the beach in Carbenear [Carbonear]: this awful scene that happened sixteen days ago; language cannot describe the pitiful cries and heart piercing shrieks. What a spectacle of desolation exhibited to view, when first one and then another of the vessels and boats clashed against each other, and upon the rocks, till they became complete wrecks; and at the same time the poor men filled with fearful apprehensions that every moment would be their last; but the blessed God gave them all a kind reprieve, for some on boards, some in one thing and some in another, safely got to land. How uncertain are all things here below! Riches sometimes make themselves wings and fly away; but the mercy of the Lord endureth for ever: Blessed are the people who have the Lord for their portion. Feb. 18th. At half past two I read prayers and preached to a very crouded [crowded] church, and the Lord filled it with his glory; I do not remember to have seen a more affecting time since I came to this part; there were not many dry eyes in the place. As soon as public service was ended, I kept a love-feast with the society; more than a hundred were present, and above half of them spake their experience in a scriptural manner; some prayed very pathetically, /109/ others weeping to that degree that it would have affected a heart of stone; and others rejoicing in a triumphant manner; all present felt the power of Jehovah! In short it was heaven upon earth, glory be to God and the Lamb for ever. Feb. 21st. I left Blackhead in the morning, and walked to Broad Cove, to Mr. Birt's. At half past ten o'clock I met the women's class, twenty-five were present, and the Lord God of Israel blest us in our gathering together. In the evening at six I preached to a large congregation; many persons came from the adjacent coves, and they seem well resolved for the kingdom of God. After preaching I joined seven young men: O how my heart glows with gratitude to my Creator, blessed be his holy name, he is enlarging the borders of his Zion in this place. I was much affected this evening, when a youth, not fourteen years of age, came with the greatest simplicity and asked me for a ticket, telling me at the same time with tears running down his innocent face, that he desired to love Jesus and follow him. Thus I see in Newfoundland the words of our Lord verified, that out of the mouths of babes and sucklings God doth perfect praise. 22d. I left Broad Cove in the morning, and walked to Blackhead, and after resting there for the length of half an hour, I walked to Adam's Cove, and at six o'clock preached at Brother Hudson's to more persons than I ever saw there before; many came from the east, west, north, and south, male and female, young and old. I looked out of my window, just before I went down to preach, and was much affected to see more than sixty persons coming down a high mountain, some walking, and some running to the house of prayer. O how God is working upon /110/ the hearts of his people; some are earnestly seeking him, and others have found him to the joy of their souls. The time is come in this land, when old men and maidens, young men and children praise the name of the Lord. Feb. 26th. I walked from Blackhead to Mr. Birt's at Broad Cove, and in the evening preached to a house full of attentive hearers, who came through hail, rain, and snow to worship God, and blessed be his holy name, he did not forget to bless them: Jesu's presence was amongst us, and he caused us to rejoice in his redeeming love. I have joined five new members to the society this day:

March 4th. I have preached twice this day to the largest congregations I have seen in Blackhead church since I came here, they flock from all parts; some came five miles: the church was much crowded with serious hearers, and they felt the word and bowed before the Lord God of Elijah. After preaching I met the societies belonging to the adjacent coves, one hundred and twenty were present, and the Lord was in our midst; in short it has been a soul-quickening day to me and many more, glory be given to God for ever. April 15th. At ten o'clock I read prayers and preached to a full congregation, and we found the Lord's goings as the former rain upon the earth, he sent a gracious shower of heart-reviving grace upon his little inheritance. At half past one I read prayers and preached again, and the Lord sent divine unction /111/ with the word to the hearts of many present. After public worship I administered the Lord's supper, and O what a softening time it was. July 6th. I went this morning to bid farewell to some of my kind and loving friends at Harbourgrace [Harbour Grace], and I do not remember that I ever felt more in my life at parting with my friends than I did this day; indeed at all the places where I have preached the word of life in this land, my brethren in the Lord have manifested great love and tenderness at our parting; floods of tears have run down the faces of scores when I parted with them: I hope to meet them in eternity, and there we shall be with each other to praise God and the Lamb to endless duration. I have now done with traveling and hard labour in Newfoundland for the present, and perhaps for ever: well, I bless the Lord for being with me, and helping me through all difficulties; I am astonished at his goodness. July 7th. I came on board the General Wolfe, at five o'clock this evening; they weighed anchor at half past five and at six we got on our way for England. The inhabitants of Carbenear [Carbonear] manifested evident tokens of sorrow at our departure from them. The captains of the vessels in the harbour and some more friends came on board to give assistance to the men of the General Wolfe, and when we parted with them, our sailors gave them three cheers, and fired five guns; they gave us three cheers in return, and likewise fired from one of their ships. As we passed Clown's cove, the people there fired two guns, and the men on board fired two in return. We have had a fine breeze all down the bay. At present I feel my mind rather low on account of leaving all my friends and children in the Lord at Newfoundland: /112/ I love them all, and I pray God to keep them under the shadow of his wings, and save them unto eternal glory. I commit them all into the hands of my gracious Redeemer; and O that we may meet in heaven there to sing the song of Moses and the Lamb world without end. July 8th. At twelve o'clock last night we were opposite Cape St. Francis, and at eight in the morning we were out of sight of land. I found my soul happy in God at family prayer in the morning, and I have enjoyed his divine presence all the day. At seven this evening I sung a hymn, and then Captain Tilick read a chapter and prayed, after which I preached to all the ships company but two: the Lord was present with us and blessed us. I found it good while Brother Tilick was at prayer; and likewise while I was preaching, that promise was fulfilled, "Where two or three are met together in my name, saith the Lord, there am I in the midst of them to bless them:" It was so this evening -- God was with us, though on the mighty waters, for I found the water of life spring up in my soul, glory be to God for his goodness. We have had a fair wind all the day, but at present it is making ahead of us: well all shall be for good. 9th. We have been becalmed all the last night, but at eight o'clock this morning the wind sprung up from the south-west, and has continued to blow a fresh breeze all the day, so that we have run four knots and a half in the hour, and are now near the banks of Newfoundland. I have enjoyed sweet peace all the day past, and what will add to my comfort in my present situation is, the captain is very affectionate and kind; and also the men are civil and kind so far, and I hope they will continue to the end. /113/ July 10th. It blew a strong gale all the last night, and all the day till four o'clock this afternoon, but we hauled close to the wind and kept our course. We lost a fine roasting pig which Mr. Buckingham, of Carbenear [Carbonear], gave to me; the men put it into the long-boat, and by some means it leaped overboard unperceived and was drowned. Thousands of birds are on the banks and on every side of us. At the present we have a rough sea from the south-west; but all hands on board are well. I find great satisfaction in the company of my companion, the Captain; the more I am with him and more we converse together, the more I am convinced that he loves God and his worship. I have had sweet meditation the day past: the Lord is my portion, saith my soul; O yes, He is all in all to me, and I bless him for the riches of his grace that he makes me a partaker of. 11th. We have not made much way the greatest part of this day, but the way we have made has been in our favour. We have morning and evening prayers regularly upon deck when the weather will permit, and all the men on board attend; some of them appear to be more serious than they were, at least they restrain themselves from swearing. I have had sweet meditation the day past, and my heart is melted into thankfulness before God for all his favours: I do love my gracious Saviour -- Lord help me to do it more fervently. 12th. We had a fine breeze all the last night, and likewise all the day: we still have morning and evening prayer, and all on board attend. I still have my mind stayed upon God, and I feel his love in my heart: Glory be given to him, he is my strength and righteousness, my sun and shield; yea my complete Saviour. /114/ July 13th. The wind is still fair for us. A large shark came near to our vessel but did not stay long. I find a reliance upon God, for he is with me: I can say with Job, I know that my Redeemer liveth; and, saith he, because I live, ye shall live also. O my God help me to love thee and live unto thee all the days of my life, for Christ's sake -- Amen. 15th. We had a smart gale all the last night, and it has increased all the day, so that I was not able to preach as I proposed, for it has blown, and does at the present blow so hard, that the sailors would not be able to hear me. My mind went on a visit to my friends in the course of the day, and I thought I saw them in their assemblies worshipping the God of their salvation; my heart was enlarged in prayer to God for them, and I love them because they love my gracious Saviour. I am now more than six hundred miles from land, tossed up and down, the wind is blowing, and the sea roaring; the vessel reeling to and fro, the men staggering, and the ship leaky, they have to pump her every hour: dangers surround us; but blessed be my God, he is with me, I do not fear; I give myself into his hands, let the Lord do with me what he pleases, I am his child still. 17th. The last night was very rough, the wind and sea roared after us like thunder, O what an awful noise it made and is now making; I could not sleep on account of the motion of the ship and the roaring of the wind and sea, which is now risen up to a foaming fury; but God sitteth upon the water-floods, and can still the raging of the seas at his pleasure. My mind is stayed upon God, and I do enjoy a calm peace in the midst of a ruffled sea, glory be given to my Creator, who is Lord both of the winds and seas. /115/July 18th. We have seen a number of herring-hogs about us, and a large whale came within fifteen yards of our ship on the leeward-side; he made his appearance twice and then left us, and we saw him no more. We are now about half way from Newfoundland; glory be to God for helping us thus far on our voyage in safety. 21st. The gale yet continues with increased force. I had a tossing night of it. The sea comes rowling [rolling] after us in a frightful manner, foaming as if it would devour us; it went all over the ship this day from head to stern, and gave the deck a complete washing. I still enjoy union with the Father, and fellowship with his son Jesus Christ. 25th. The wind has been fair for us all the last night. At four o'clock the mate of the ship called me up to see the Irish shore, which bore from us twelve leagues N.W. I arose and went upon deck and saw it, and likewise two sail between us and the land going to the westward; they are the first that I have seen since I came from Newfoundland. I still the enjoy the presence of my gracious Saviour. 26th. I had but little rest the last night; I arose from my couch before one o'clock, and had sweet union with God. At eleven o'clock we saw Cape Cornwall bearing from us about seven leagues N.E. and at one o'clock we saw the Scilly Islands bearing from us about five leagues S.S.E. At eight o'clock we cleared the Land's-end, and spoke a sloop from Pool [Poole] bound for Liverpool. I feel thankful to God for bringing me so far in safety, and that he has favoured me with a sight of my native land once more. 27th. At twelve o'clock the last night we cleared the Lizard. At three in the morning a cutter of war fired two musquets [muskets] at us, and after speaking with her we proceeded. /116/July 28th. As we had but little wind the last night, we made but slow progress. In the morning we were opposite Lyme, in Dorsetshire; and at noon abreast of Portland: In the evening by eight o'clock we were opposite St. Albans, and at half past ten dropped anchor a little from a rock called by the name of Old Harry. Seven of the men left the ship at three in the afternoon to escape the hands of the press-gang. O! I felt thankful when we got to anchor a small distance from Pool [Poole]; but O what a blessing to have an anchor cast within the veil. 29th. This morning I left the ship and came in a pilate-boat [pilot-boat] to Pool [Poole], in Dorsetshire. I thanked God in my heart when I set my foot on English ground. Immediately after landing, (being the Sabbath) I went to the house of God to praise him for saving and delivering me in all perils and dangers, both by sea and land. I preached at Pool [Poole] on the same day that I landed, and likewise on Monday evening. I then set off to Bristol, where I arrived Thursday noon: I was glad to see my brethren once more in my native land, and many of them were glad to see me; we rejoiced together in the Lord. I did all in my power to get one or two preachers to go to Newfoundland: two offered to go, but some obstacles arising in the way prevented them, so the precious souls in Newfoundland have been without a travelling preacher all the winter; but I hope one or two will go in the spring. There are four or five local preachers in that land, and they will be very useful to some of the places, but not to all of them. At the Conference I was appointed to travel in Rochester circuit with Brother Rogerson. Previous to my going to my appointment, I went to Ashburton, in Devonshire, and on the twentieth of August /117/ 1798, I was united to Miss Beckford, only daughter of Mr. Beckford, of Ashburton. After we were married, Mr. Beckford read several lines which he had written previous to our being united by the hymenial tye, and as they evidence paternal affection and good sense, and likewise breathes the genuine spirit of piety, I shall here insert them for the imitation of others. MARRIAGE is a divine institution of a wise and gracious God; and when two are united together in the fear and love of God, they will, under him, as far as possible, support one another in the way of life, and in the road to heaven: From the double tye [tie] of love and duty, they will watch over one another for good, bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. I had rather my dear daughter, give thee to a man of this description, even if he was destitute of a penny, than to a man possessed of thousands a year, if destitute of vital Christianity. How grateful then is it to me, and what a prospect of benefit to thee when I see thee this day united, not only to a Christian man, but to one who for several years, even from the age of fourteen, was called to the knowledge of the true God, of Jesus Christ, and eternal life! And who for several years has been honored with a call to preach the Gospel, and that with great and growing success. Esteem him, my daughter, very highly in love for his work's sake. -- Wouldst thou have a man of honor? 'Tis granted; a servant of the most high God, and an ambassador of Jesus Christ. -- Wouldst thou have a man possessed of riches? 'Tis granted; he has found the Pearl of great price, and is employed by Him, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, who himself hath put into that earthen vessel, hidden treasures -- gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit, and hath given him power to bring /118/ out of his treasure-house things new and old. Is a man of honor and good connections desirable? He belongs to the family of heaven and the church of the first-born, and is connected with the people whom the King delights to honor, who are striving together for the hope of Israel! I trust, my dear, with so many priviledges [privileges] now before thee, thou wilt make rapid advances in divine life, and that I shall further see the answer of the many prayers which have been offered to God in thy behalf, some before thy infant thoughts had learnt, to form themselves in prayer. -- Yes, my dear, I bless God for it, thou art a child of many prayers, not only from thy parents, but also from the servants of God we have received under our roof some of whom are gone to glory: Our united prayers are partly answered, and the rest are on the file to be fulfilled in their season; some of the petitions I well remember, which came from the heart of a man great in grace and mighty in prayer, were, "God bless the child thou hast given thy servants, preserve her to maturity, if it be thy holy will, and make her an ornament to her sex, a useful member of society and of the church, a mother in Israel, a promoter of good, and a receiver of the prophet of the Lord": As I then said, so I again say, Amen -- God grant it. Now that the whole may be accomplished, let me advise thee, my child to give all diligence to make thy calling and election sure, by improving thy time and opportunity to the utmost: You will have much leisure, many means of grace and rich pastures, be sure to improve them well; read the Scriptures much, ('tis the best book) be much and earnest in prayer; and above all hearken to Him who hath said, "Learn of me," then there will be no need for me to say much of duty in thy new connection, for the Lord will /119/ both teach and incline thee to love, honor and obey him -- to value the gift for the Giver's sake, even so -- Amen. To you, my dear man, I have given my only child, who is now your wife, and a more near relation to you than to me: I rejoice that I can say you know your duty better than I can tell you: let me remind you, however, of that strong expression of the Apostle, "that a man is to love his wife as Christ loved the church." Consider that, and help to improve her mind, and, under God, enrich her soul, that I may be able to say unto God, thou hast more than answered the prayers and desires of thy servants. And now, my dear children, (for so I may now call you) I commend you to god, and to the word of his grace: may you love one another with pure hearts fervently in the Lord, still reserving the chief place for God, the giver of all good; and may he reign in you the Lord of every motion. -- Amen and Amen. Let us not, my dear children, grieve at parting, seeing we hope to meet again: yea, I hope to meet you at least twice a day at the throne of grace, and I charge you to meet me there; and will not our heavenly Father smile upon us, while I say, here am I and the children thou hast given me: give unto us according to thy gracious nature, defend us by thy power, instruct us by thy wisdom, and possess us by thy Spirit. And while you say, O Lord God, here is our father, thou hast, glory be to thy holy name, been the /120/ God of his youth, be thou also the staff of his courage; may we not hope our God will say, I will bless you all; here is grace for you, take it, taste my love and be happy, forget not my fulness of grace in Christ Jesus, come often and receive much; live by faith and you shall be safe, and when you are fully prepared, I will take you all home.

Without delay I set off and my partner with me to Rochester, where we safely arrived on the 24th of August. I bless God for my loving wife, she loves God and his people; the Lord gave her unto me, and I bless the giver, and highly esteem the gift for the Lord's sake. I found the circuit in an uncomfortable situation, but the Lord hath already begun to revive his work, and I hope the year will be crowned with success. I find the people loving and kind /121/ but that their minds have been hurt through diversity of trying circumstances. I love my fellow-labourer, and I believe we shall have a comfortable year together, hitherto hath the Lord helped me. Since I first began to travel, I have been at eight Conferences, and sometimes my mind has been grieved, but at other times it has been greatly comforted. When any poor Brother has been accused for any slip, or given way to the power of temptation, or drawn aside by those who have laid wait to deceive; and when I have heard them accused by their brethren, and censured, and put back on trial, or expelled the connexion, O how my poor heart has grieved and felt for them; the Lord pity all such for Christ's sake -- Amen. -- I have also been comforted when under the word, and in mutual converse with each other in Conference; and in meeting with old friends at such seasons we have felt a cementing together in love, and have strengthened each others hands in the Lord. In short, at some of the Conferences there is much to be learnt, and improvement may be made. I have frequently gone away as a giant refreshed with new wine, determined to labour with fresh vigour the ensuing year. The following are extracts from some letters received from Newfoundland since my return.

Adams-Cove, November, 7th, 1798.
Dear Brother,
I received your kind letter, I read it to most of our little flock; we lifted up our hearts, and praised God, that preserved you in safety from the boisterous sea, and likewise the enemy. The Lord is good to all that depend on him, and has promised they shall not be confounded. I hope never to forget the favoured moments, we have had together, especially under my great affliction (the loss /122/ of my wife,) you encouraged me to bear up in the Lord, and was made an instrument in his hand to pluck great part of my children out of the fowler's snare; I trust the little one will follow after; may the Lord reward you; God has united us in his spirit. I hope the Lord will take his cause, in his own hand: he knows we are a people without a shepherd, the poor labour hard and get little, and have need of grace and patience to go thro' things temporal: I believe you have done all in your power to get one to help us in the road to eternal life. I have faith that the Lord will send one in his appointed time, for he hears and answers prayer. I hope to abide by your instructions, (but I am a poor weak creature) to strengthen the wavering and weak, I bless God I do not trust in my own strength, he has shewn [shown] me it is perfect weakness, I hope to trust in Him that is able to build me up, and that my one end may be to glorify God, I believe I may say farewell my Brother, I cannot expect to see your face in the flesh but trust to meet at the right hand of God, with many of your little flock in Newfoundland, and some that are gone before; the whole society joins me in love, how glad would they be to see you.
your unworthy friend
JOHN HUDSON.

Blackhead November 12th. 1798
Dear Friend,
I was glad to hear from you and of your safe arrival to your friends. Dear Brother in Christ, we are left as sheep without a Shepherd, but I hope God will be the Bishop of our souls. We do not expect to see you in this world but hope to in the world to come, when parting will be no more God grant it for Christ's sake. Amen. We shall not forget you, in time or eternity, happy hours have we enjoyed when our hearts have been like /123/ melting wax before the fire. We stand in great need of some one to help us, I hope we shall not be left without a Preacher. All the society unite in love, praying we may meet around the throne to spend an endless day together. We shall ever thank the Lord for sending you among us, farewell my dear Brother in Christ. The Lord guide and bless you for ever.
your affectionate
JONATHAN MOOR.

Carbenear, November, 17th, 1793.
Dear Brother,
I was happy to hear of your safe arrival home in September, and doubt not but you wish to know how religion prospers here. We continue the prayer-meetings, the people in general attend the public means. May the Lord give his holy spirit to worship him in spirit and in truth. With respect to myself the desire of my soul is to live to his glory, tho' I find the adversary wou'd often draw my heart from God. I feel the remains of evil at times powerful, but blessed be God he enables me to overcome and I am encouraged to hope he will keep me by his power to the day of Christ. I find the Christian's life a warfare, many strong and powerful enemies to encounter with, but the God of Israel that carried his people thro' the water and fire is all sufficient for me, and has promised to be with his followers to the end: This encourages me to look to Jesus for fresh supplies of grace. I have continual need to pray to him, and I find him a God hearing and answering prayer. I often think what is this world, how changeable its happiness, and how short its continuance; yet we see more earnest in pursuit after it than for things eternal that would satisfy the soul for ever. The Lord grant I may live holy to Him and at His disposal. My dear Brother I hope the Lord will abundantly bless your labours, and add /124/ many seals to your ministry, comfort you with his holy spirit, and make you faithful to the end. You are united to the people in Newfoundland, and they to you; all were happy to hear from you. Write every opportunity, may the Lord bless and make you successful in the great work of the Gospel. All friends here kindly remember to you, we shall miss you this winter, I hope the Lord, will send help to us.
your's my dear Brother, in christian bonds.
THOMAS CHANSEY.

Island Cove, December, 11th. 1798.
Dear Sir,
I hope this will find you in good health and peace as it leaves us; thanks be to God for his great goodness, may we ever praise him and tell of his goodness to the sons of men. I feel myself a debtor to the Lord, may he make me fruitful in every good work, may I at last be found among the wise virgins, nothing is worth a thought beside. When you was here we enjoy'd happy hours together, and the Lord is still with us when we meet according to his word, glory be to his name. The Lord send labourers in this land (tho [though] we are not worthy of them) for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. All the friends unite in love to you and all the unknown Brethren traveling, may we meet around the throne to sing hallelujahs to God and the Lamb for ever. Amen.
your sincere Friends.
Wm. & C. GARLAND.

St. John's December, 20th, 1798.
Beloved in the Lord,
Believe me it is no small addition to my happiness to hear of your safe arrival on your native shore, and can anticipate the pleasure you experience in meeting your friends. We hear you have changed your situation in Life, /125/ may it be a mutual blessing and may you each walk in the commandments of the Lord blameless; may the Lord bless your labours, and make you a polish'd shaft in his quiver. I must inform you of the great affliction of B-- in the Bay, a boat coming to this place for provisions and water was lost, and nine men, they left eight widows and thirty small children; Brother Parker has collected seventy or eighty pounds worth of provisions which is sent to be distributed amongst them, and one of the King's Ships sent one thousand weight of bread, it will be a little support and comfort in their affliction: may the Lord reward their benevolence with his grace, that have contributed to the poor and distress'd. All friends unite in love to you and beg a continual interest in your prayers in your favoured moments, and forget not your weak and unworthy brother in Christ our Lord.
GEORGE BRACE

I have likewise received letters from the following persons. John Hoskins, Grate's Cove; John Percy, Brigust [Brigus]; George Vey, Port de Grave; R.& G. Payton, Bruges [Brigus?]; James Cowan, Harbourgrace. &c.&c. I will just make a few remarks before I conclude, on what I believe, and which I deem useful to all, and necessary to be known and believed by all Christians, in order to their happiness and well-being here and for ever: First, I believe in one true and living God, who is infinite in being and perfection, a most pure Spirit, invisible, immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, most wise, holy, free, most powerful, working all things according to the council of his own righteous will, for his own glory; most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in /126/ goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek him; and just in his judgements, hating all sin, and who will by no means clear the guilty, but in such a way as he hath revealed and declared in his righteous word. And I believe also as the Scriptures shew [show] us, that this one God necessarily in and of his own infinite, but simple and undivided essence, subsists in three distinct Persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the same in substance, and equal in all divine power and glory; for the confirmation of what I say I shall insert the following Scriptures:-- "And God said, Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness, Gen. i.26. And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil, Gen. iii.22. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech, Gen. xi.7. -- And one cried unto another and said, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory, Isa. vi.3. -- I will mention the loving kindness of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his loving-kindnesses. For he said surely they are my people, children that will not lie: So he was their Saviour. In all their affliction he was afflicted, & the Angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old, Isa. 1xiii.7,8,9. -- And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water; and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he was the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: /127/ And lo, a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matt. iii.16,17. Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a high mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him they worshipped him: but some (as in those days) doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world -- Amen -- Matth. xxviii.16.20. -- And I will pray the father and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth, John xiv.16. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all, 1 Cor. xii.4,5,6. -- There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one, 1 John v.7." Secondly, I believe the testimony of the Scriptures concerning Jesus of Nazareth, that he is the Eternal Son of God: That he was in the fulness of time manifested in this world to destroy the works of the devil; and that this his purpose might be accomplished, he lived a sinless life, died a painful death, rose again the third day according to the Scripture, and then ascended into heaven. And further, that this lovely Saviour, who is perfectly pure as man, and infinitely holy as God, through his innocent life, cursed death, wonderful resurrection, and triumphant ascension, together with his exaltation, and prevailing intercession /128/ at God's right hand, is become the meritorious cause of man's salvation. Thirdly, I believe in the Holy Ghost, that he is given to men as the Scriptures assert; and that the same Spirit of Truth doth, by spiritual methods, work all spiritual qualities, or gracious dispositions in men, by which they see themselves to be sinners, feel their sins to be a burthen [burden], repent, believe, obey, watch, pray, suffer chearfully [cheerfully], overcome evil with good, take up their cross, conquer the world, the devil, self, &c. Fourthly, I believe that God, according to the Scriptures, made man in his own image, in the image of God created he him, Gen. i.27. That in this state his understanding was a lamp of light: he had perfect knowledge of the Adamic law; his will was according to the will of God; his affections were pure, which is a necessary part of that uprightness wherein man was created, &c. But he fell from this state of original righteousness, by giving way to the insinuations of the serpent, and eating of the forbidden fruit. Thus he transgressed the law of his Creator, and immediately God gave him to feel the force of that threatening, The day that thou eatest thereof thou shall surely die. His soul died a spiritual death, and his body became subject unto pain, sickness and death. And St. Paul tells us, that in Adam all die, that by the disobedience of one man, all were made sinners; and that God hath concluded all men in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all, &c. So that though man was made pure and upright by the Sovereign Creator of all living, it is otherwise with man now: there is a sad alteration, a wonderful overturn in the nature of man. Whereas at first, while in a state of innocence, there was no thing evil; now, while man remains in a /129/ state of nature, unchanged by the grace of God, there is nothing good. "And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually," Gen. vi.5. Fifthly, I believe that in this fallen depraved state, man is, (1.) Defiled with sin in his whole nature: "We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind have taken us away, Isa. 1xiv.6. -- (2.) his members are servants to unrighteousness and iniquity: "Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness; their feet are swift to shed blood; destruction and misery are in their ways," Rom. iii.14.-16. and see vi.19. -- (3.) he is spiritually blind: Every man is brutish in his knowledge," Jer. x.14. The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, (until the Spirit take the veil away) because they are spiritually discerned," 1 Cor. ii.14. -- Rev. iii.17. -- (4.) His mind is set on evil works: "And you, that were sometime (in a state of nature) alienated, and enemies in your mind by wicked works," Col. i.21. -- Eph. iv.18. -- (5.) His will lusteth after evil: "What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin but by the law: for I had not known lust except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet," Rom. viii.7. -- (6.) His heart is deceitful and desperately wicked: "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" Jer. xvii.9. -- (7.) He hath a defiled conscience: "unto the pure all things are pure; but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled," Titus i.15. -- (8.) He is full of sin: "Foolishness is /130/ bound up in the heart of a child," Prov. xxii.15. --"Wherefore, God also gave them up to uncleanness, through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves, who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. -- Amen." Rom. i.24-31. -- (9.) He is dead in sin: "You, hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein, in time past, ye walked according to the course of this world according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past," Eph. ii.1,2,4. -- (10.) His best actions are sin: "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord," Prov. xv.8. "The heart of the righteous studieth to answer; but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things; the Lord is far from the wicked," ver. 28,29. -- (11.) In this state he is unable, without divine assistance, to do any good: "There is none that doeth good, no not one," Rom. iii.12. "The good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not that I do," chap. vii.19. "They that are in the flesh cannot please God," viii.8. "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing good as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God," 2 Cor. iii.5. -- (12.) He has no fellowship with God: "Behold the Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save; neither is his ear heavy that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you," Isa. lix. 1,2. -- Eph. 11. 12. -- (13.) He is under God's curse: "Cursed is every one that continueth not (and it is evident the natural man does not): in /131/ all things which are written in the book of the law to do them," Gal. iii. 10. -- Deut. xxviii. 15, &c. -- (14.) He is a bond slave of Satan; "Jesus answered them, (the Jews) Verily, verily, I say unto you, whosoever commiteth sin is the servant of sin," John viii. 34. "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do," ver. 44. "The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them," 2 Cor. iv.4. -- Heb. ii.15. (15.) He is a child of wrath: "And were by nature the children of wrath, even as others," Eph. ii.3. -- (16.) In short if he continues to live, and dies, unchanged by the grace of God, he cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven: "Jesus answered and said unto him, (Nicodemus) Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God," John iii.3. "The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power," 2 Thes. i.7,8,9. Sixthly, I believe, that God pitied man in his poor depraved and fallen state, and that in infinite love laid help upon one that is mighty, the Son of his love, for this end, that man may be saved from evil here, and from wrath to come. /132/ Hence, St. Paul saith, "When the fullness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. That when he came, he was the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth: And by the grace of God he should taste death for every man, Heb. ii.9. That "He gave himself a ransom for all," 1 Tim. ii. 6. That "He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world," 1 John ii. 2. -- "And we do testify, that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world," chap. iv. 14. -- "For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves but unto him who died for them, and rose again," 2 Cor. v.14,15. "Therefore, as by the offence of one judgement came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life," Rom. v. 18. even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life," Rom. v.18. O Yes! For God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself. Should any one ask me why I believe Christ died for all? I answer, because the word of the Lord asserts it; as the passages which I have here inserted demonstrate. Seventhly. I believe that God is loving unto every man, and willeth not the death of one sinner; and I thus believe because the scriptures declare it. See the following passages: "At the /133/ times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent," Acts xvii.30. -- "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, 1 Tim. ii. 1,3,4. -- "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men." Titus ii.11. St. Peter saith, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance," Pet. iii.9. "Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God; And not that he should return from his ways and live?" Ezek. xviii. 23. -- "Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?" Ezek. xxxiii.11. Is it possible that we can hear those pathetical words of the great and merciful Jehovah without being sensibly affected? You who are called Christians, think you hear him putting forth this question to you, Why will ye die? Why will you continue spiritually dead? Why will you refuse the Author of life? And why cause him now to complain, as in the days of his flesh, Ye will not come to me that ye might have life, John v.40. Why refuse to walk in the path of life which he hath made known? Why will you imbitter your own death? Why will you venture on eternal death? What a terrible death you must die, if you die in your sins! You, who are rational creatures, the first born of the creation; who have immortality impressed on your consciences. You, who are put into the Redeemer's hand. You, who have the /134/ word of God (the bible) put into your hand. You, who have life so freely offered. You, who have a Saviour standing at the door of your hearts and knocking for entrance. You, who have the Spirit of Truth striving with you. You who have God's Ministers sent unto you. You, who have the Lord urging the point with you, Why will you die? You, who are intrusted [entrusted] with the privileges of Christians. You, who live in the land of Great Britian [Britain], Why will you die? Why? Are you resolved that the Lord shall have no glory in your salvation? Are you resolved that the blessed Redeemer shall have no praise from you? That the holy Angels shall not rejoice at your conversion? Do you design that the devil and damned spirits shall have your company for ever? Are the number of the saved so great that you will not be one them? Is heaven such a dreadful place that you will not go thither? Is hell such a desirable state that you are determined to be there? Is the misery of the Heathen so small that you are determined your's shall be greater? Are you such enemies to your souls, that you are resolved to die, whatever may be the consequence? Is it not enough that you are spiritually dead, but you are determined to pursue the way to eternal death? In short, are you resolved to glorify no other attribute of God but his wrath? Consider, life is hastening to an end, death is approaching, the Judge is preparing to come! And will you not think on these things? O! My fellow-sinners, be warned, be intreated [entreated], resolve to give ear; for it is the Lord, your Maker, the Omnipotent JEHOVAH, that puts forth this inquiry, Why will ye die? Eighthly, I believe that men must repent or perish: saith our Lord, Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. The first thing that belongs to repentance is a conviction of sin, or a clear sight and feeling sense of our sinfulness; or there is no repentance. In general /135/ the repenting sinner is first alarmed on account of some great and open sin, as the woman of Samaria, when Christ charged her with adultery, or as Paul, when convinced of his murderous persecution of the saints. But true conviction will not stop here; it will trace the streams of sin to the spring, namely, that corrupt nature we brought into the world with us. We shall freely confess with David that we were born in sin, and in iniquity did our mothers conceive us. And wherever there is this conviction, it will be accompanied with contrition or a genuine sorrow for sin, and pain of heart on account of it: This is that heart of flesh which God has promised to give instead of that heart of stone with which we are born, and which has no spiritual feeling. The sorrow of a true penitent is for sin, as committed against a holy and merciful God. Such was the penitence of David, who says, Against thee have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight. Should it be asked, Why was Jesus despised and rejected of men? Why a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief? Why had he not a place where to lay his blessed head? Why was he oppressed and afflicted? Why did he endure the contradiction of sinners? Why was his visage so mared more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men? I know the reason, the weeping penitent may say: Surely he hath borne my griefs, and carried my sorrows; he was wounded for my transgressions, and bruised for my iniquities. -- And whosoever feels conviction of sin, and contrition for sin will also make confession of sin. By nature men are rather disposed to conceal, deny and excuse their sins; but it is not so where true repentance is found. Such will take the advice that Joshua gave to Achan: My son, give glory to the Lord, and make confession to him. A frank and free confession of our sins is the best way of finding peace. -- "While I kept silence, says the Psalmist, /136/ my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. But I acknowledged my sin to thee, mine iniquity have I not hid; I said, I will confess my transgressions to the Lord, and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin," Psal. xxxii. 4,5. Secret sins require only secret confession to that God who seeth in secret; but sins that are public and scandalous ought to be more openly acknowledged, that we may undo, as far as we can, the evil committed. There is one ingredient more which is absolutely necessary to complete that repentance which is unto life, and that is conversion, which is a forsaking of sin, and turning from it to God. True repentance includes a forsaking of every known sin; without this the most humbling expressions and confessions, the greatest alarms of conscience, or floods of tears, will prove insufficient. Though Cain's terror, Judas's confession, Pharoah's promises, Ahab's humiliation, Herod's hearing John gladly and doing many things, were all combined in one man, they would not prove him a real penitent, while the love of one sin remained un-mortified in the heart, or the practice of it allowed in his life. St. John says, He that confesseth and forsaketh his sin shall find mercy. Ninthly, I believe that they who believe shall be saved, Mark xvi. 16. To shew the necessity of repentance, without publishing the remission of sins through faith in Jesus Christ, would be to open a wound and leave it unbound. It would be leading sinners to the brink of a tremendous gulph [gulf], and cutting off all possibility of their retreat. When a Minister has discovered to his hearers, that natural propensity to evil, which manifests its existance [existence] in every heart by a variety of external transgressions, and they are convinced, by the word of God, that they are unable to deliver themselves either from /137/ that fatal propensity, or its dreadful consequences; after he has thus demonstrated the need in which they stand of a Redeemer, who hath all power in heaven and in earth, if they harden not their hearts; if they stand like the first sinner, naked and trembling before God, having received the sentence of death in themselves; in short, when they cry out, like the publicans and soldiers alarmed by the preaching of St. John, saying, What shall we do? We say, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world!" Hearken ye trembling sinners, God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life: He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life. "Reader, don't mistake what I say: I do not say that the man who is an unbeliever, and continues so, shall be saved: Oh, No; our Lord declares, "He that believeth not shall be damned," Mark xvi.16, "And he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him," John iii.36. St. Paul, after he had convinced the Romans of their corruption and misery, sets before them "the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past; that he might be just and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus," Rom. iii. 24,25,26. "Therefore (continues he) being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," Rom. v.1. To the Galatians he writes, "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by faith, and not by the works of the law," Gal. ii.16. "Before faith came we were kept under /138/ the law: wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ; but after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster: For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus," Gal. iii. 23-26. "By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast," Eph. ii.8,9. They who thus experimentally enjoy a living faith, may say with an Apostle, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath made us accepted in the beloved; in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our sins," Eph. i.3,6,7. Yea, "we rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Counting all things but loss, that we may win Christ, and be found in him not having our own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness, which is of God by faith." Phil. iii.3,8,9. Now, "the Lord shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe. Wherefore we pray that our God would fulfil in you the work of faith with power; that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in him," 2 Thes. i.3-12. Tenthly, I believe that men must be holy before they can be admitted into heaven. The Scriptures tell us, that "without holiness no man shall see the Lord," Heb. xii.14. "And there shall in no wise enter into it (the kingdom of glory) anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lye [lie]; but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life," Rev. xxi.27. but "blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God," Matt. v.8. The holiness I am speaking of is purity; the contrary of that horrid defilement sin has produced in the soul of man. There are two things in sin, the guilt of it, and the defilement of it: By the guilt of it /139/ we are liable to eternal punishment; by the defilement of it we are made unfit to serve or enjoy God. Guilt makes us afraid, defilement makes us ashamed. Thus Adam had both guilt and fear upon his first sin. Now in this salvation of Jesus Christ, God has provided for taking both these away from us: The guilt of sin is wholly removed from those who believe by the blood of Christ, which made atonement for it; the filth of sin is removed by the grace of the Holy Spirit in all those who are born again. The purity I speak of, is the purity of the heart or nature. Believers are born from above--born of God; and as every child partakes of the same nature with his father, so do the new-born sons of God; "they put off, concerning the former conversation, the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; they are renewed in the spirit of their mind, and put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness," Eph. iv.22-24. The author of this holiness is God, Jude 1. The instrument is the word, John xvii.17. The subject hereof is the whole man. "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ," 1 Thess. v.23. "Furthermore then, we beseech you brethren, saith St. Paul, and exhort you, by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how you ought to walk, and to please God, so ye would abound more and more: Walk as children of the light. Let your love abound. Go on to perfection," Heb. vi.1. "Seek that ye may excel; approve things that are excellent; covet earnestly the best gifts. Let your conversation be as becometh the gospel of Christ, that ye may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. Be ye followers of God as dear children. As he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all /140/ manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy. Forasmuch, saith Peter, as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb slain without blemish and without spot; who verily was fore-ordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you; who by him do believe in God that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren; see that ye love one another with pure hearts fervently: Being born again not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever," 1 Pet. i.15-23. Eleventhly. I believe that we are justified freely through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus by faith in his name; but the matter of our sanctification is the fulness of Christ communicated, out of whose fulness us receive, and grace for grace. The one makes a relative, the other a real change; the one changes a man's state, the other his heart and life: they differ as to their properties; the one is completed at once, the other is carried on gradually (I don't say how long) until it is completed. They differ in their order; justification goes before sanctification, as the cause before the effect, or as fire before light and heat. They differ as to their extent; justification although it respects the whole person, yet it terminates upon the conscience, purging it from dead works, and pacifying it with the sprinkling of the blood of Christ but by sanctification we are renewed in the whole man. They differ as to their ingredients; the chief ingredient in the one is the grace and love of God towards us, manifested in pardoning and accepting us /141/ in Christ; whereas the chief ingredient in the other is our gratitude and love to God, appearing in our obedience to his law by virtue of his Spirit put within us, causing us to walk in his statutes. They differ in their evidence; our justification is evidenced by our sanctification; for none can warrantably conclude that they are justified, if they are not students of holiness; but justification cannot evidence sanctification, being only the hidden root of holiness under ground, which doth not appear, but in the lively actings of justifying faith, James ii.18. They differ in their relation to the law; the one has a relation to it as a covenant, and frees the soul from it; the other respects it as a rule of life, and makes the soul breathe after conformity; the one is a judicial sentence absolving us from the law-debt, the other is a spiritual change, fitting us for law-duty, Rom. vii.22. They differ in their relation to the offices of Christ; justification springs from, and is grounded upon the priestly office of Christ, whereby he satisfied the law and justice as our surety; but sanctification proceeds from his kingly office, whereby he subdues us to his obedience, and writes his law in our hearts, Jer. xxxi.33. They differ in there [their] use to believers; the one gives a title to heaven and eternal life; the other a meetness for it: the one is God's act pronouncing our persons righteous in Christ, and taking away the guilt of sin; the other is the Spirit's work, cleansing our nature, and taking away the filth of sin: By the one we are instated in the favor of God; and by the other adorned with his image. May the Lord justify and sanctify every one that has, or may read these lines, for Christ's sake. Twelfthly, I believe that there is much need of /142/ the same caution to the Churches of Christ in these days, as that which our Lord commanded John to give unto the Church at Sardis: Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain and are ready to die. There was much profession, and but little life amongst them; this our Lord signified to them in the letter he dictated to St. John. And it is a lamentable consideration, that too many in our day contradict their profession by their conduct. Now this caution is more directly given to you who are conscious that there is a decline in your souls; and to help you to make an impartial conclusion, take knowledge of the following particulars. The good things which remain in us are ready to die, when our graces languish; the exercise of our graces is a sure test both of the reality and degree of our spiritual life; we may form a judgment by examining our faith: The office of faith is to realize invisible things; when it is vigorous, it discovers the comparative value of heaven and earth; it regards the promises and threatenings of God as certain; hence it stimulates the soul to an active pursuit of its chief good. But many decline in their apprehension of divine things, and they neither see so clearly, nor feel so powerfully the truths of God as they once did; they consequently relax their diligence in the ways of God: such persons are evidently in the state of those at Sardis. Again, by examining our hope -- faith sees the reality and hope anticipates the enjoyment of heavenly things. When our hope is lively, it serves as an anchor of the soul, and keeps us from fainting under the trials we meet with; but oftentimes it is suffered to grow dead, and then the future prospects are less valued; earthly things also rise in importance, we are more discouraged with any difficulties, and then we lose our enjoyment of heavenly things. In this state the things that remain are ready to die. Again, by examining our love -- Love is as wings to the believing soul, it carries us on with ardour and delight, it makes us entertain low thoughts of all we do, it excites us still to greater exertions; but when it decays we lose our fervour, duties become a burthen and a task, they are performed with less frequency and spirituality; we endure with less concern the hidings of God's face; we are also more indifferent respecting his return to our souls, and we feel less solicitude to please or honor him: What can more strongly indicate the dying state of a soul? Moreover, the things which remain are ready to die, when our corruptions increase. Graces and corruptions are as the scales of a balance, and the growth of corruption strongly argues the decay of the divine life. And such decay is manifest, (1 ) When our beseting sin resuming its ascendency, for it is generally the first that discovers our declensions; when that regains its power, we may be sure that it is ill with the soul. (2.) When the natural hardness and obduracy of the heart return. Divine grace brings a tenderness of spirit, and it shows itself by humiliation and contrition; but sin will blind the eyes and harden the heart, and in this state we shall feel less compunction in or after the commission of sin. When conscience thus fails in /144/ its office, we are in a dying state indeed! (3.) When we are unwilling to be reclaimed. An heart duly impressed, desires the light; but persons in a backsliding state often feel averse to it, they are backward to be told of their faults -- they are ready to palliate and excuse them -- they expose themselves to the temptations of sin, and this is the worst symptom that a living soul can experience. The Apostle's advice to persons in such a state is, (1.) Be watchful against self-deception, for there are many things which may hide our condition from us. We may easily mistake gifts for graces -- we may attribute to God's Spirit what results from the opperation [operation] of natural principles -- we may be less sensible of decay, because it happens to be gradual, and the heart will suggest many plausible excuses; but be not deceived; God is not mocked. Be watchful against the occasions of sin. Many fall by means of their excessive care about worldly business, others decline through mixing too much with worldly company, and too free a use even of lawful things, injures many; but all decay through a neglect of secret duties. Be watchful then against these occasions of sin; see the effect which they have produced upon you, and resist them in future on their first appearance. -- Solomon saith, "Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away." (2) And strengthen the things that remain. Go to Christ for his Spirit, he is the only source of spiritual strength; in vain will be all human endeavours without his aid: /145/ Go then, and plead with him that promise, "Behold we come unto thee, for thou art the Lord our God," Jer. iii.21. -- (3.) Exercise your graces more diligently; every thing improves by exercise: Put forth therefore your faith, your, hope, your love; "Stir up the gift of God that is in you." You will then experience the truth of that promise in 2 Peter i. 10,11. Thirteenthly, I believe that there shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust, Acts xxiv.15. See the following passages of scripture. As God is Almighty, surely he can raise the dead. We have instances of this great work of God, both in the Old and New Testament. The son of the widow in Sarepta was raised from the dead, 1 Kings xvii. 19-21. Again, we have another instance of God's power in raising the Shunamite's son, 2 Kings iv.18-35. A third proof that God can and will raise the dead, see 2 Kings xiii. 21. Jairus's daughter is a fourth proof, Mark v.35-43. Dorcas is a fifth proof, Acts ix.36-42. The Widow's son in Nain is a sixth proof, Luke vii.11-16. Our Lord gives us a seventh proof, that he both can and will raise the dead, in raising Lazarus, after being dead four days, John xi.14-44. "Marvel not at this: (saith the Lord) for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation," John v.28,29. Peter and John preached the resurrection, Acts iv.2. When Paul was at Athens, he preached unto them the resurrection: "The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality, (that mortality may be swallowed up of life.) So when this corruptible /146/ shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory," 1 Cor. xv.52-54. Fourteenthly, I believe that a judgement-day is appointed, "in the which God will judge the world in righteousness, by Christ Jesus, whom he hath ordained," Acts xvii 31. That Jesus Christ shall judge the world, is evident from Scripture: "The Father judgeth no man; but hath committed all judgment unto the Son," John v. 22. And Peter saith, "God hath commanded us to preach unto the people, that Christ is ordained to be the Judge of quick and dead," Acts x. 42. And surely he is well qualified for this exalted office. Saith Mr. Pemberton, "All human judgments are subject to innumerable imperfections, & the cause of justice is often perverted through ignorance, partiality, and prejudice." To judge the world in righteousness, is a work too difficult to be performed by the most excellent creature. The blessed Jesus, who is in the bosom of his Father, and is intimately acquainted with the divine secrets, he alone is capable of this important commission, and he has all those qualities which are necessary to the just and impartial discharge of it. For, (1.) His knowledge is infinite. It is highly requisite, that the supreme Judge of the world should have an exact and intimate acquaintance with all persons that are brought before him, and a full knowledge of the nature and circumstances of the actions for which they are to be judged. For want of this, insuperable difficulties attend the administration of human justice; the innocent are oftentimes exposed to an hard and unrighteous sentence, and the guilty escape the punishment they have deserved. But the judgment of the great day will be perfectly free from any uncertainty or mistake, the knowledge of Christ being /149/ companies the sinner beyond the grave, and endures through eternal ages. And as he has power to punish the wicked according to their deserts, so he is able to reward the righteous according to their works: He has mansions of glory prepared for their everlasting reception, and will bestow upon them an happiness vast as their capacities, and immortal as their souls. Thus you see how excellently the Lord Jesus Christ is qualified to be the final Judge of the world. Fifteenthly, I believe that when Christ shall come in the character of a Judge, and sit upon his "great white throne" all nations shall be gathered before him. Thus St. Paul believed, Rom. xiv. 10. Again 2 Cor. v. 10. See Daniel vii. 9,10. And St. John adds, "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God," &c. Rev. xx. 12,13. May God prepare us all for that awful day for Christ's sake. Sixteenthly, I believe that Christ who is the Judge of quick and dead, will in that awful day, distribute rewards and punishments to the world then assembled before him. See the following Scriptures: -- You that are wicked hear the word of the Lord. "The Lord shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness," 2 Sam. iii. 39. --Psal. cvii. 7. -- Deut. xxxi. 17 and xxxii. 23. --Job. iv. 8. -- Psal. xciv. 23. Exod. xxxii. 33. -- Psal. xxxiv. 16. -- Prov. xii. 3. -- Job xxi. 30. -- Psal. ix. 17. -- Mark ix. 44. -- John iii. 36. -- Mal. iv. 1. -- Matth. xiii. 41,42. -- Isa. xiii. 8,9,11. -- Ezek. vii. 13. -- xxi. 29. -- xxiv. 25. -- vii. 18. Rev. ix. 6. -- vi. 15,16,17. -- xxi. 8. -- xx. 15. -- xiv. 10,11. -- "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God," Psal. 1.22. Job xxxvi. 17. Heb. x. 31. Seventeenthly, You who are righteous, hearken what /150/ the word of the Lord saith. "Godliness is profitable unto all things, having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come," 1 Tim. iv. 8. Job. xxxiii. 26. -- 1 Sam. xxvi. 23. -- Ruth ii. 12. -- 2 Cor. xv. 7. -- Titus iii. 8. -- Isaiah xxxii. 17. -- "There is laid up for those that have kept the faith, fought a good fight, and finished their course, a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shalt give unto them at his appearing," 2 Tim. iv. 7,8. "And when the time of the dead is come, that they should be judged, Thou, O Lord God Almighty, wilt give rewards unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and to them that fear thy name, small and great," Rev. xi. 17,18. Yea, "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord; for they rest from their labours, and their words do follow them," xiv. 13. "He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor may heat: For the Lamb, which is in the midst of the throne, shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes," Rev. vii. 15-17. "Blessed are they that do the commandments of God," &c. Rev. xxii. 14. -- xxi. 2. -- xxii. 5. "Having therefore, these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit; perfecting holiness in the fear of God," 2 Cor. vii. 1.

FINIS.

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