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John Wesley ~ Somerset Journal Extracts
"ABCDE"
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| September 1746
Thur. 18. — About one I preached at Beercrocomb. About five we
reached Bridgewater. We expected much tumult here, the great vulgar
stirring up the small. But we were disappointed. The very week before
our coming, the Grand Jury had found the bill against the rioters, who
had so often assaulted Mary Lockyer’s house. This, and the awe of God,
which fell upon them, kept the whole congregation quiet and serious.
Before I preached, my strength was quite exhausted, and I was exceeding
feverish through mere fatigue. But in riding to Middlesey I revived; and
in the morning, Friday, 19, I rose quite well: “My strength will I
ascribe unto thee.” After a long morning’s ride we came to Mr. Star’s
at Waywick. Mr. S., a neighboring gentleman, who not long since hired a
mob to make a disturbance, coming in, Mrs. Star detained him till the
time of preaching. He seemed struck much more than the congregation. In
the evening we came to Bristol.
August 1747
Fri. 31. — About noon I preached at Taunton. Much opposition was
expected; and several young gentlemen came, as it seemed, with that
design; but they did not put it in execution. From hence we rode to
Bridgewater; and even at this dry, barren place, God largely watered us
with the dew of heaven. After preaching I rode to Middlesey, intending
only to meet the society; but notice had been given that I would preach
there; so I gave an exhortation to all that were present.
October 1748
Fri. 30. — I preached at eleven in Taunton; at three in
Bridgewater; at seven in Middlesey.
September 1750
Mon. 3. — About noon I preached at Hillfarrance, three miles from
Taunton. Three or four boors would have been rude if they durst; but the
odds against them was too great. At five I preached in Bridgewater to a
well-behaved company, and then rode on to Middlesey.
September 1754
Sat. 31. — After preaching at Weaver’s Hall, one of the audience,
a Clergyman, (who had then a parish near Bridgewater, but is now, I
trust, in Abraham’s bosom,) desired to have some conversation with me,
and spoke without reserve. His experience was of a peculiar kind, much
resembling that of Gregory Lopez. But he soon determined to seek Christ
for the time to come, not in a desert, but in the congregation of his
people.
August 1768
Mon. 22. — I rode through impetuous rain to Weston, a village near
Bridgewater. A while ago the people here were lions; but now they are
become lambs.
Friday, 8. I preached about nine at Taunton, and then rode on to
Bridgewater, where the preaching had been discontinued for some years.
It was supposed there would be much disturbance; but there was none at
all. The very Gentry (all but two or three young women) behaved with
good sense and decency.
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| September 1776
Saturday, 7. About noon I stood upon the Cross, at Bruton, and
proclaimed “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Many seemed to be
astonished; all were quiet; and a few deeply affected. |
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| September 1784
Tues. 14. — I preached at Bath and Bradford; Wednesday, 15, at
Trowbridge and Frome. Thursday, 16. I went to Ditchet, a village near
Castle-Carey, where I found a friendly, hospitable family. I preached in
the evening to a numerous and earnest congregation. Friday, 17. The
House would not contain half the people. Hence we passed through a
delightful country to the Nunnery, a mere elegant trifle, near King
Alfred’s Tower; a lofty, triangular building, standing in the height
of the country, on the very spot (as is supposed) where he drew up his
army against the Danes. About eleven I preached at Castle-Carey, to a
quiet and attentive multitude. In the evening I preached at
Shepton-Mallet, where the people at length know the day of their
visitation. Saturday, 18. I preached in the neat, cheerful church at
Midsummer-Norton.
August 1785
Mon. 15. — I preached in Shaftesbury at nine, to such a
congregation as I had not seen there before. I was glad to see among
them the gentleman who, thirty years ago, sent his Officer to discharge
me from preaching in his borough. About two I preached at Castle-Carey,
to as many as could well hear; and I believe there were very few who did
not feel that God was with us.
September 1787
Thur. 27. — About noon I preached at Castle-Carey. How are the
times changed! The first of our Preachers that came hither, the zealous
mob threw into the horse-pond: Now high and low earnestly listen to the
word that is able to save their souls. In the evening I preached at
Ditcheat. Friday, 28. I preached at Ditcheat again, at Shepton-Mallet;
and at Pensford to such a congregation as I have not seen there for many
years; and on Saturday returned to Bristol.
September 1789
Thur. 3. — Being obliged to take post-horses at Taunton, we went on
to Castle-Carey. Here we found a little company of lively Christians. We
found such another, Friday, 4, at Ditcheat; but the rain drove us into
the House, where as many as could squeeze in seemed to be much affected.
In the evening I preached at Shepton, where the flame, kindled some time
since, is not yet extinguished. The next day we went on to Bristol.
August 1790
Mon. 30. — About noon I preached at Castle-Carey. Since I was here
God has taken to himself that amiable woman, Mrs. Clark; who, to a fine
person and a good understanding, joined a very uncommon degree of deep
religion. This inclined me to apply earnestly Ecclesiastes 9:10; and all
the people seemed to feel it. Afterwards, I called on her deeply
afflicted husband, who spent some hours with us the next day. I hope he
will no longer sorrow as one without hope, but will trust to meet her in
a better place. In the evening I preached in the new house at Ditcheat.
It would not hold the congregation; but many could hear at the windows,
which they seemed right willing to do. A flame appears to be kindled
here already. God grant it may continue and increase! Tuesday, 31.
William Kingston, the man born without arms, came to see me of his own
accord. Some time since he received a clear sense of the favor of God;
but after some months he was persuaded by some of his old companions to
join in a favorite diversion, whereby he lost sight of God, and gave up
all he had gained: But God now touched his heart again, and he is once
more in earnest to save his soul. He is of a middling height and size,
has a pleasing look and voice, and an easy, agreeable behavior. At
breakfast he shook off his shoes, which are made on purpose, took the
tea-cup between his toes, and the toast with his other foot. He likewise
writes a fair hand, and does most things with his feet which we do with
our hands. About noon I preached to a lovely congregation at Shepton
Mallet; and in the evening at Pensford. The House was crowded with
earnest hearers, and I trust the word did not fall to the ground.
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Chard
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| April 1744
Saturday, 31. Calling at Chard, I light upon a poor woman unawares,
who was earnestly groaning for redemption. At noon we spent an hour with
a little company in Axminster, and hastened on for Crockern-Wells: but
the hail and snow falling fast, we could not reach it till past nine o’clock. |
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