William Spencer diaries 1790 April 24-August 1
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William Spencer was born in 1764 in Buckingham County, Virginia, but moved to Prince Edward County while young. He served as a Methodist circuit rider, 1789-1797, in Virginia and North Carolina and taught school in Prince Edward County. He moved to Lunenburg County in 1804. Spencer was married to Mary Newbill.
Diaries of William Spencer, a Methodist circuit rider on the Williamsburg Circuit, extending from Richmond (Henrico Co.) to Hampton; and the Surry Circuit, including Surry and Sussex counties. Spencer records the locations where he preached, his reception by congregations, and accounts of his personal spiritual life. The diaries were written as a homily for future generations. Prominent early Methodist circuit riders mentioned include Stephen Davis, Ira Ellis, James O'Kelly and John Robinson. Spencer lists many of the homes and churches where he preached, including Clayton's Meetinghouse; Ellis Chapel, Sussex County; Lane's Chapel, Sussex County; and Watkins' Meetinghouse, Henrico County.
A portion of the diaries was published in Virginia United Methodist Heritage, Vol. III, no. 2 (Fall, 1975).
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Page 1
Saturday Evening, April 4th. This day I preached at Sister Ma[torn, illegible]
to a small Congregation. I had but very little liberty in speaking. [My]
mind was distressed because the people would not come out to [torn, illegible]
meeting. O! how I do love to preach to Large Congregations. -
I had a great deal rather preach to a thousand people than
to a hundred. In the afternoon, I rode to Brother Wilkinson's
a small distance off, and spent the remaining part of the day
much to my satisfaction. In the Evening, while I was per=
=forming private Devotion, I bless God I was wonderfull[y]
blest in my Soul. O! how did my Soul rejoice in the love
of Jesus. O! my dear Saviour, what a good thing it is to dra[w]
nigh to thee. Surely I am never so humble, and never [torn, illegilble]
[illegible] in my own Eyes, as when I am happy in my God.
O! Grace, Grace, Grace, how it does humble the Creat[torn, illegible]
Some people say that Sin humbles the Creature; [torn, illegible]
deny it. Sin creates guilt and makes the poor Soul
uneasy, but Grace humbles, wherever it goes. Bless
the Lord O! my Soul, for his Grace. O! my [torn, illegible]
keep me clear from Sin for ever and always [torn, illegible]
me Grace to keep my truly humble [torn, illegible]
Jesus Christ's sa[ke.] Am[en]
Page 2
Sunday Evening, April 25th. This day I preached to a vast Congre
[g]ation at Brother Atkinson's, and glory be to God, it was a most ~
heavenly time to my poor Soul, and to the Souls of many more.
I found the Cross to be heavy this day indeed. I had a deep
sense of my weakness, and if ever I felt my dependence -
upon God, I felt it this day, and when I got up into the
pulpit, my knees (as it were) smote one against the other. -
O! how did I beg of God to assist me, and blessed be his -
dear name, he did assist me wonderfully. I no sooner
begun to speak, but the fear of men and devils va=
nished, and I felt the joys of heaven, and never had -
[bet]ter liberty in speaiking, I believe in all my life. -
[torn, illegible] Sinners! all over the Congregation were cut to the
heart, and made most pitiful cries to the Lord for -
mercy, while the dear Christians rejoiced in the God of their
[torn, illegible] Glory be to God, it was a great day inded, and
[torn, illegible] I had another happy meeting at Bro=
[torn, illegible] a small distance off. Bless God -
[torn, illegible] Amen & Amen. -
Page 3
Monday Evening, April 26th. this day I preached at Brother [crossed out, illegible]
[crossed out, illegible] Austin's to a small Congregation. I bless God I had liberty
in speaking his Word. Sinners were much affected, and the -
dear Christians much comforted. But alas! alas! after I
was done preaching, my poor Soul was grieved. One of the
members had wounded the Cause of God, and I had to deal
with the said member in a very severe manner. He was
untouchable, and not willing to submit to reproof.
I was distressed indeed. O! what disagreeable Business
this is to my poor Soul. I love to see professors of
Religion adorn their profession by their upright walk;
but poor, miserable Backsliders grieves my very Soul
I pray the Lord Jesus Christ to direct me how to act in all
things to his glory. Dear Lord! I am weak, but thou art stong
I am foolish and ignorant, but thou art wise. O! pity
me, my blessed Master, and be my all in all. In the
Evening I rode to Brother Ratcliff's, met with dear,
loving friends, and spent the Evening very comfortably.
Be with me always O! my God, even unto Death for
the Lord Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
Page 4
Tuesday 27th I had an appointment to preach at Brother -
Hopkins's, accordingly I attended my appointment, and when I
got there, I met with my dear Brother Robinson,
and I got him to preach for me. My Soul was happy under
his preaching, and I bless the Lord, the Souls of many more
were happy besides. After Brother Robinson was done,
I gave the people a short Exhortation, and so concluded
our meeting. - In the Evening, Brother Robinson & myself rode
to Brother Lacy's a small distance off, spent the Evening in
much love and Soul - comfort with each other, and the
nex Day, being Wednesday the 28th. of the Month, we
parted again. Brother Robinson preached at Brother
Drake's on his way to Richmond, and I preached at
Brother Roper's on my way to Williamsburg. O! blessed
be God, if we prove faithful, we shall soon be done -
travelling after poor Sinners, and go home to glory. -
Lord Jesus Christ, make us faithful unto Death, and
then receive our Souls to heaven. - Amen & Amen.
Page 5
Wednesday Evening, April 29th. This day I preached at Brother
Bradenham's, and glory be to my dear Lord, it was a time long
to be remembered. The Lord owned and blest his word, and poor
old Satan was properly ashamed of himself. The dear Chil=
=dren of God rejoiced in the love of their heavenly master,
and poor Sinners were mightily affected indeed. Glory be to
God, he sent his power among the people. ~ Some were
deprived of their bodily strength, and fell prostrate upon
the floor, while others were down on their knees pleading
with God for mercy upon their Souls. Meeting began -
about 11 O'Clock and continued till the sun was
almost down. It was a heavenly, and a most awful time
indeed. I bless and praise the Lord that ever I saw
this day. My Soul was happy in the love of my
dear Lord Jesus, and these words of the apostle Peter
were sweet to my Soul, Viz. "To you therefore, which
"believe He is precious." Glory to God, he was preciou[s]
to my Soul. - O! Saviour enable me to prove tr[ue]
and faithful unto Death. - Amen. -
Page 6
Friday Evening, April 30th. This Day I set apart for fasting -
prayer &c. - I praise the Lord, my Soul was happy in his love
this day, and I felt determined, through his Grace to [crossed out, illegible]
spend and be spent in his Service. I had many [crossed out, illegible]
sore trials and temptations this day from various Quar=
=ters, and felt the need of continual watchfulness, and
prayer. Notwithstanding all these trials, I praise
the holy name of God, that I find his Grace sufficient
for me, and if I put my trust in him, I know that
I shall not be confounded. In the Evening I preached
at Sister Cowle's near Williamsburg. Blessed be the
dear name of God, I had liberty and boldness in -
speaking his blessed Word, and many dear, loving
followers of Jesus were refreshed, and praised, the -
Name of their dear Master. Poor Sinners hung down
their heads, and appeared to be under a deep concern
about their Souls Salvation. Glory, glory be to my
God for ever & ever. - Amen.
Page 7
Saturday, May 1st. I preached at Sister Hatten's, and -
blessed be the dear Name of te Lord Jesus, I had great
liberty in speaking, and a most happy meeting indeed.
God's dear Children rejoiced and praised his holy name,
while poor Sinners cried for mercy & forgiveness. Bless
the Lord O! my Soul for this day. After preaching I
rode to Brother Brown's, and spent the remaining part
of the day in writing letters to some of the dear preachers
In the Evening I walked about a Mile to see a poor
sick, man, from all appearance, just at the point of
Death. He had been a poor careless Sinner all his
Life time, but when he came to see Death as it were,
staring him in the face, he was very serious & humble,
and asked me to pray for him, accordingly I called the
family together, and we sung a hymn by his Bedside,
and went to prayer. After we had prayed, I talked a
good deal with this poor Creature about his Soul
He was very penitent indeed. My Soul was hap[py]
to see him so. O! that God may save his Soul. [torn, illegible]
Page 8
Sunday, May 2d. in the forenoon, I preached at Brother Brown's
to a large Congregation from these Words of the wise man, Viz. -
"He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly
"be destroyed and that without remedy. "Prov: 29th. Chap. 1st. Ver.
My reason for chusing this Text was this: I had been preaching
at this place for 12 months, and many of the people seemed to
stand it out against the reproofs and call I had, in the
name of God given them. - I bless the Lord, I had great
liberty and boldness in preaching to-day, and the power
of God was among the Congregation. Arrows of Conviction
seemed to fly like shot among the people and O! what
cries for mercy, and what rejoicing among the Christians!
Glory be to God! it was a most glorious meeting indeed,
and my Soul rejoiced in the dying love of Jesus. -
In the afternoon I preached to a large Congregation
in Williamsburg, and blessed be the Lord, we had another
glorious meeting. In the Evening I rode to Brother
Musgrove's a few miles out of Town, and spent the -
Evening with much satisfaction. Glory and praise be
[torn, illegible] the Lord for his Goodness. - Amen.-
Page 9
Monday, 3d. of May I rested, and spent the Day at Brother
Musgrove's, and Brother Weather's. My mind, to-day seemed to
be very unsettled, and I found it a hard task to draw nigh
to God. O! how good a thing it is to keep up a close commu=
=nion with the Lord Jesus. Dear Lord, make me more faith=
=ful every day of my life. I love to have a deep sense of
thy goodness on my heart, O! my dear Lord, therefore
let it be so with me Continually. In the Evening I
preached in Williamsburg again, to a large Congregation
and glory be to God, many poor Town Sinners were
cut to the [crossed out, illegible] heart, and wept amazingly on
account of their Sins. O! that my God may drive
the Devil out of the Town, and win the peoples
Souls. Bless the Lord, O! my Soul, and all
that is within me bless his holy name. -
Lord Jesus! make me faithful unto
Death. - Amen & Amen.-
Page 10
Tuesday 4th. I preached at Sister Cowle's a few miles from -
Williamsburg, and glory be to God, it was a glorious meeting. -
Poor Sinners were cut to the very heart, and all over
the Congregation, they were falling down, some on their -
knees, and some prostrate on the floor, crying to the
Lord to have mercy upon their Souls; while the
dear Christians were rejoicing with Joy unspeakable
and full of glory. - O! blessed be the holy name
of God, it was a heavenly time to my poor Soul.
I was happy in the dying love of Jesus, and
Glory to God that ever he called me to labour
in his Vineyard. I am happy in working for
my dear Lord & Master. He is a good pay=
Master. Indeed, he does even in this life, give me
an hundred fold, and I believe, if I am faithful, he will
[g]ive me in the World to come, Eternal Life. -
Lord Jesus, make me faithftul unto death. -Amen.
Page 11
After the meeting was over, I went to see a poor sick man
in the Neighbourhood, who looked very much like
dying, but alas! alas! what was a great deal -
worse, he had not made peace with God. Poor -
Creature! my Soul pitied him, and I had a
great Concern for his Soul's Salvation. I talked
a good deal to him, and poor thing, he was very
humble, and told me that he really wished
to find mercy. - Tears began to run down his
Cheeks, and I could stand it no longer. I
fell on my poor, unworthy knees by his Beds
=side, and went to prayer for him, and I
bless the Lord Jesus, I have reason to hope
that my poor prayer was answered. The dear
man was much affected. I bid him fare=
=well, and returned to sister Cowle's, where I
spent the [crossed out, illegible] Evening very agreeably.
Page 12
Wednesday, May 5th. I spent in reading, praying, and visit=
=ing sick people, and in the Evening I had meeting at Bro=
=ther Bush's. The Lord be praised, I had some very comfortable
moments to-day, and felt determined by the help of my
dear Lord and Master, to live and die his Servant. -
O! that I may stand fast in the Lord, and quit my=
=self like a Man. Amen, Lord Jesus! Amen & amen.
It is a good thing to live nigh to God, and give him the
whole heart. I am amazed at myself when I co[ns]ider how
little I love that God who has done such wondrous and
glorious things for me. O! dear Lord Jesus, subdue the
Carnal mind, and give me thy mind entirely. Clothe
me with humility, and grant, O! blessed Lord that
I may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify
thy holy name. Take all self will, unbelief, and
distrust far from me, dear Lord, and let me
sweetly sink into thy blessed Will in all
things. - Amen. -
Page 13
Thursday, May 6th. I rode from Brother Bush's to Brother
Armistead's, was kindly received, and spent the day in reading,
writing praying &. I had much happiness in my Soul,
and rejoiced in the love of my dear Redeemer. O! what
a good God do I serve. may I serve thee better, and love
thee more, my dear Master every day. Bless the Lord,
O! my Soul: for his goodness. - Lord Jesus, bless
all my dear relations that are so many miles from
me. O! my dear Lord, in a very particular manner
bless my dear old greyheaded father & mother.-
I have left them my dear Lord for thy sake,
and the Gospels. O! Grant that I may meet
them in heaven for the Lord Jesus' sake. Amen.
It is a good thing to serve God. They who ser[ve]
him in sincerity in this world, shall die in
peace, and be happy for ever. Blessed be God.
Page 14
Friday, May the 7th I set apart for fasting, prayer &c. I had
many sore and heavy trials this day. The Devil tempted me to
give out preaching, and settle myself &c. He told me that I -
was so weak and ignortant, that I dishonoured God
and wounded his Cause by pretending to preach the Gos=
=pel; and indeed, I had this day such a deep sense of
my weakness, and of the important work of the
ministry, that the devil's temptations were not with=
=out force upon me; but blessed be God, he can work
by what instruments he pleases, and if I put my
trust in him, I know he will help me, and -
enable me to overcome the temptations of Satan,
so that I may be the means in his blessed
hands of winning many precious Souls. Oh!
my God, this is what I labour for night and
day. poor Sinners I am after. Make me useful
in thy Vineyard, and faithful unto Death, -
for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
Page 15
Saturday 8th. of May I preached at Brother Dance's in
Charles City County to a large Congregation, and glory
to God, I believe good was done. There were a
great number of young people at meeting, and
blessed be God, many of them were dissolved
into tears. My very Soul rejoiced to see it,
and I felt determined by the help of my
Master, to live and die warning poor -
Sinners of their danger, and begging them
to fly from the wrath to come. After preaching
I retired into the woods, a considerable dis=
=tance from the house, where I had close and
sweet Communion with my blessed Saviour
O! how he smiled upon me, and encou=
=raged me to labour in his Vineyard.
O! Saviour, make me faithful. Amen & Amen
Page 16
Sunday, May 9th. I preached at Brother parish's in
Charles City County. I had not much liberty in speaking.
The people were not engaged in prayer, and when -
that is the Case, O! what hard work it is to -
preach. I love to labour among people that make -
Religion their Business, but when they care -
not for it, and are filled with prejudice against
the truth, O! how my Soul is grieved. after -
preaching I had Class meeting, and blessed be
the holy name of the Lord, we had a happy
time. Many dear Souls were melted down into tears of thank=
=fulness and love to God, and poor Sinners were under
a great concern about their Souls Salvation. In the
Evening I rode to Brother Wilkinson's in New Kent
County to meet my dear fellow labourer, Brother Robinson;
We had much happiness together, and spent the
Evening in conversing of the Works of God and of
the pleasing prospect at present in our Circuit &c.
Lord! make us useful and faithful. Amen.
Page 17
Monday, 10th. of May, a day long to be remembered with
thankfulness to Almighty God. I went to hear my dear
Brother Robinson preach at Brother Austin's, near New Kent
Courthouse. He preached a great Sermon indeed, and the Lord -
attended it with power to the hearts of the hearers. -
Poor Sinners wept at a pitiful rate, and my poor heart
was melted into tears for them. After Brother Robinson
was done, gave the people an Exhortation, and went
to prayer. We then examined the Society, and many of
them, blessed be God, were happy in Jesus' dying love,
and many more were in great distress about their Souls.
One poor, Stubborn Sinner got cut to the heart, and
fell prostrate on the floor, crying to the Lord to have
mercy upon his poor Soul, and in about 3 hours, the
Lord Jesus shewed him his lovely face, and granted
him his great Salvation. Glory to God, the poor
man leaped for Joy; and gave praise to the God of
his Salvation. O! how did the dear Christians, and
my Soul rejoice to see another precious Soul -
plucked like a Brand from hell. Blessed be God.
Page 18
I am glad that ever I came into Williamsburg Circuit.
The Lord Jesus has been with me, and has blest
my poor Labours. O! God, make me faithful unto
Death for Christ's sake. Take my Life, dear Lord,
rather than I should ever wound thy blessed
Cause, and dishonour thy holy and blessed name.
O! give me a more watchful Spirit, and a heart
more given to prayer. - Deepen my Concern
O! Lord for the honour of thy blessed Name,
and for the good of precious Souls. -
Lord, go with me wherever I go. Sup=
=port me under all my trials on Earth, and
at last receive my weary Soul to praise
thee in heaven for ever, through Jesus
Christ my blessed Saviour. Amen.
Amen! Lord Jesus, Amen & Amen.
Page 19
Wednesday, May 12th. Brother Robinson and myself
parted. Brother Robinson went on his [crossed out, illegible] way to Williamsburg
and I on my way to Richmond. I preached to-day at Brother
Drake's in Charles City County to a small, but very serious
and attentive Congregation. I bless the Lord I had a good
degree of liberty in speaking his holy Word, and I beseech the
Lord to bless his word to the edification of the people's
Souls. After preaching, I retired into the fields for -
meditation &c. I found it difficult to draw nigh to
God. O! for more engagedeness in the service of God.
Lord Jesus, give me a more watchful Spirit, and
a more praying heart. O! that I may be always upon
my guard, and ready at a moment's warning, to go -
out, and meet my dear heavenly master. Amen.
Merciful God, bless my dear, aged parents, Brothers
and Sisters. O! that I may have the unspeakable hap=
=piness to meet them all in heaven for the Lord
Jesus Christ's sake. Amen & Amen.
Page 20
Thursday, May 13th. I preached at Brother Pollard's and
I praise the name of the Lord, I had a very good meeting.
After preaching was over, I was under the disagreeable necessity
of turning a member out of Society. O! how distressing it is to
me when I have such Business as this upon my hands.
God knows it grieves my very Soul when I see or hear
of any who profess to know the Lord Jesus, turning back,
and wounding his blessed Cause. In the Evening I rode
to Brother Kezee's a small distance off, where I was -
very agreeably entertained, and had great happiness in
private Devotion. The dear Lord Jesus met my Soul
in much Love, and [crossed out, illegible] transported me with his Charms.
O! how good a thing it is to draw nigh to God.
Surely Lord, thy presence is heaven, and thy ab=
=sence is hell. O! that I may be blest with -
Eternity in heaven for the sake of Jesus
Christ my blessed Redeemer. Amen.
Page 21
I believe for 15 months after my Soul was converted,
I would, at times doubt my Conversion. I could not believe
that I really was converted no other times [crossed out, illegible] but when
I was happy. So soon as I would lose my happy
frames, I would begin to doubt my Conversion, and -
pray for Conviction. And so I went on, judging of my
State by my frames, till at last, I began to see -
that this was losing time &c. and that if I was
to pray my heart out, I could not get Convic=
=tion again for my former Sins. The burden I
had fell, but I was afraid not enough. O! how
I would at times grieve because I could not grieve,
and mourn because I could not mourn. And the
Devil would tell me that it would be daring
presumption in me (so vile and unworthy as I
was) to expect mercy from God. I believe the old
Serpent keeps many dear Souls a long time in
this Condition, so that they do not thrive in Religion.
Page 22
Friday, May 14th I preached to a small Congregation at Brother
Lacy's. I had not much Liberty. My Soul was distressed,
and I was much cast down. I was under sore and heavy
temptations. O! how sensibly did I feel the need of
a deeper work of Grace in my heart. Lord Jesus! my
dear Saviour, purify my heart by faith. Cleanse my very
nature from all sin, and preserve me blameless unto
thy glorious coming in the Clouds of heaven. ~
In the Evening I had meeting at the same place, and blessed be God
he visited my poor, distressed Soul with his heavenly Love,
and I felt wonderfully strengthened, and encouraged to go on,
and work for my dear heavenly master. Saturday, May 15th. I
went to hear Brother Ira Ellis preach at Watkins's meeting
house, near Richmond, and glory be to God, it was a heavenly
Day to my poor Soul. Heaven was in my Soul, and I did
praise the God of my Salvation, so that I made a -
fresh Covenant with my God, by the help of his -
blessed Spirit, to live and die his faithful Servant.
O! my God, grant me Grace to perform my Vow. Amen.
Page 23
Sunday, May 19th. 16th. I went to hear Brother Ellis
preach again at the same place. He had a vast Congregation
out to hear him, but he was very unwell, and could not
speak long. After he was done, I gave the people an -
Exhortation, but I was so hard put to it, that I got
no liberty scarcely in speaking. I was troubled with a
man-pleasing Spirit, and sensibly felt the help
of God's blessed Spirit. O! my dear Lord, deliver me
from a manpleasing Spirit, and make me as bold as
a Lion in thy Cause. After I had finished my Exh[or=]
=tation, we administered the holy Sacrament of our de[ar]
Lord & Saviour, Jesus Christ, and O! the tears, the tea[rs]
that were shed at the Lord's Table. It was a most
affecting and melting time indeed, and many dear
Souls rejoiced in the God of their Salvation. O!
blessed, forever blessed be God for the precious
means of Grace. Amen & Amen.
Page 24
In the Evening I preached in Richmond. I did not have
many hearers, but those that were there, really behaved
exceedingly well. Some were much affected, and after meet=
=ing broke up, told me in private Conversation, that
Jesus was all they wanted. Some of the dear Christians
were happy in the love of their dear Master, and gave
praise to his blessed [crossed out, illegible] name. O! that the
Lord Jesus may have mercy upon poor wicked Rich=
=mond, and make use of some means to bring the
people to repentance. Conquer their stubborn -
hearts O! my God, by thy Grace, drive the Devil
out of the Town, and make poor Richmond
place famous for true Religion & Virtue. -
O! that God may hear my prayers for this
wicked place. By thy help, dear Lord, I will
discharge my duty as a preacher of thy blessed
Gospel, in Town & County. Lord! make me faithful. Amen
Page 25
Monday, May 17th 1790. I was three Years in the service
of my heavenly Master. This day I rode from Richmond to
Brother Bowles's near Hanover Town to hear Brother
Ellis preach, and I give thanks & praise to God that I
did hear him. He preached a most heavenly Sermon in=
=deed, and my Soul fed upon it with great delight.
[crossed out, illegible] O! how the streams of Jesus' dying
Love Did run from heaven into my Soul. O! it was
a blessed Day to my Soul indeed, and not only to my
Soul, but also the Souls of many more. Glory be to
God! he sent his holy spirit down among the peopl[e]
and they returned him their humble praises. -
In the Evening, we had another happy meeting at th[e]
same place, and I bless the Lord, I felt determine[d]
by his Grace to persevere in his Service to the las[t]
moment of my Life. O! Jesus, my dear
Saviour, make me faithful. Amen.
Page 26
Tuesday May 18th Brother Ellis and myself parted. Brother
Ellis preached at Brother Lacy's in Henrico County, and I preached
at a place called the Coal harbour in Hanover County. I
found it difficult to preach to-day. The Cross was heavy
indeed, but I remembered the Words of my dear Lord -
Viz. "If any man will be my Disciple let him deny
himself, and take up his Cross, and follow me." I there=
fore went forth in the name and in the strength of
my Master, and endeavoured to preach his blessed word
to the people. I praise the Lord, I have good reason
to believe that good was done. Many faces were
wet with tears before I got through my Discourse,
and some of God's dear Children seemed to feed sweetly
[o]n his word. After I was done preaching, I rode to -
Brother Lacy's to meet Brother Ellis again, and when
I got there, behold! Brother Ellis had made an
Appointment for me to preach there that Evening.
Page 27
Accordingly I preached at Brother Lacy's that Evening
and blessed be the Lord, I had a right good meeting.
The next Day, being Wednesday, the 19th. of May,
I rode with Brother Ellis to another of his appoint=
=ments at Brother Pollard's and heard him preach -
with great delight and comfort to my Soul. Many
dear Christians fed sweetly on the blessed Word of
the Lord, and poor Sinners seemed to be alarmed and
much concerned about their Souls Salvation. After we
had concluded, we left the Meeting house, and
went to Brother Pollard's, a small distance
off, where we tarried all night in much Love and
friendship with each other. Brother Ellis is a dear
loving, humble man, and I bless the Lord for his
good Company. O! Lord! make me truly thank=
=ful, and faithful for Christ's sake. Amen.
Page 28
Thursday, May 20th. I went to hear Brother Ellis preach
at Brother Drake's in Charles City County, and I thank
the Lord I had great satisfaction in hearing him preach.
He had but a small Congregation to-day, but glory to God,
some of them were refreshed, and praised the name of the
Lord for his goodness. After preaching, I was troubled
with a light and trifling Spirit O! how sensibly
did I feel the need of a deeper work of Grace in my
Soul. O! that my God, may deepen his work in me
every hour of my Life. Solemnity is the very Life of
Religion. O! Lord Jesus, make me more and more
solemn every day. Death is solemn. Judgment is
solemn. God is solemn. Christ is solemn. Angels
are solemn. O! how can I be trifling! May God
Almighty make me solemn, and deeply pious,
and faithful for the Lord Jesus sake. Amen.
Page 29
Saturday 22d. of May. Quarterly meeting began at Brother -
Minitree's in Charles City County. Brother Ellis preached a
great Sermon indeed, and after he was done, Brother Robinson
and Brother West prayed and exhorted. I hope in the Lord
much good was done to-day. Poor Sinners look'd awful,
and the dear Lambs of Jesus, rejoiced in the Love of
their dear Redeemer. Glory be to God for this meeting.
After meeting broke up, I retired into the woods to hold
sweet and secret Communion with Jesus. I bless his
dear Name, he met my Soul, and made me happy in
his Love. O! how good it is to draw nigh to God in
full assurance of faith. Merciful Lord, grant me
grace to live nearer and nearer to thee every day
of my Life. I am never so happy, and so humble as
when the Love of God is shed abroad in my heart;
and I am never so miserable as when (through my
unfaithfulness) I have not the Love of God in my heart.
O! my dear Lord, quicken me according to thy Word,
and stir me up to a closer walk with thee for
the Lord Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
Page 30
Saturday evening. All the family gone to bed. O! what a most
precious Season for meditation, Self examination &c. Well,
my Soul, come try thy State. How is it now between -
God and thee? It is a great thing to be a true Chris=
=tian. "Straight is the Gate, and narrow is the way -
"that leadeth unto life (says Jesus) and few there be
"that find it." Well might the holy Apostle say "Examine
"yourselves wheter ye be in the faith." He very well
knew that there were many false Religions in the
World, and many ways to be deceived. Good God!
what if I should at last be found wanting. Oh!
Lord Jesus, I fly to thee. O! let thy Blood atone
for my guilt, and cleanse me from all unrighteous=
=ness. Give me Genuine, heart. Religion O! Lord,
and at last receive my Soul, and all glory
and praise shall be thine for ever. Amen.
Page 31
Sunday 23d. Quarterly meeting continued. A vast Congrega=
=tion of people. Brother West and Brother Ellis preached
Oh! my dear Lord! have mercy upon these poor Sinners.
Many faithful warnings have they had, and this day
they were faithfully warned again. May God of his
infinite mercy and goodness bring the people to re=
=pentance before they repent in hell when their
repentance will be for ever too late. O! poor Willi=
=sburg Sinners, O! poor Richmond Sinners, O! poor
Charles City, James City, New Kent, Hanover, Henrico,
Sinners; how have they been warned of their danger.
Poor Sinners! poor Sinners! Would to God I could -
feel more for them than I do. I often think of these
Words of the prophet Jeremiah, Viz. "O! that my heart
"were waters, and mine Eyes a fountain of tears, that I
"might weep day and night for them." - After Quarterly
meeting broke up, I rode with several of the preachers
to Brother Lacy's a few miles off, and had a very
comfortable meeting in the Evening. Dear Lord,
make me deeply, pious and faithful. Amen
Page 32
Monday morning in reading and meditating upon the 11th.
and 12th. Chapters of St. Paul's Eptistle to the -
Hebrews, my Soul was wonderfully blest of the Lord,
and I felt determined by the help of my Master,
to press on in the paths of holiness. O! this was
a blessed morning to my Soul indeed. I had -
such a sense of God's love and goodness to me,
that my heart melted into tears like Wax be=
=fore the Sun. Glory be to God for his Love.
If I am faithful unto Death, I shall be
happy in heaven with my dear Saviour, and
sing his praise forever. Lord Jesus, forbid
that ever I should turn back from thy blessed
ways. Grant me Grace to endure unto the End,
and the Glory shall be thine forever. Amen.
Page 33
Monday, 24th. of May, I went to hear Brother
Ellis preach at Brother Hopkins's. He had a vast
Congregation out to hear him, but he did not have
much Liberty in speaking, and the people were
very cold and dull in time of his preaching.
After he was done, Brother Robinson gave a
very lively and warm Exhortation, and the power
of God seemed to fall upon the Congregation.
Poor Sinners wept and cried aloud for mercy,
and many dear Christians rejoiced in the
Love of Jesus. I bless God, it was a great
day to my Soul. O! that I may always be
a humble follower of Jesus, and finish my
Course with Joy. Amen! Lord Jesus!
Amen & Amen. -
Page 34
Tuesday, May 25th. I went to hear Brother Ellis
preach at Brother Atkinson's. He had a large Congre=
=gation, and his Text was this, Viz., "These shall go away
"into everlasting punishment, and the righteous into
Life eternal." A more awful and solemn discourse
I think I never heard in all my life. Glory -
be to God, poor Sinners were mightily alarmed, and
there were many wet faces, while the dear Chil=
=dren of God shouted the praises of their heavenly
Master, and rejoiced with Joy unspeakable, and
full of glory. My poor heart was dissolved into
tears for poor Sinners, and I had a deep sense of
the worth of their Souls. O! my God! pity
Sinners for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake. -
After Brother Ellis had finished his Sermon,
I gave an Exhortation, and I bless God, I
had liberty & boldness in speaking and
many Souls were much affected. -
Page 35
In the Evening I preached at the same place,
and thanks be to God, I had a happy meeting.
O! blessed, for ever blessed be the Name of
the Lord for his great goodness to me, a poor
vile Sinner. The Lord stopped me in my sins,
when I was exposed to eternal destruction. -
I have reason to love and praise my dear,
blessed Master. O! that I may be truly
thankful, humble and obedient unto Death.
The Lord is good indeed. O! Lord pity poor
Sinners, and make us of some means
to bring them to repentance, before it
be for ever too late. Bless the Lord,
O! my Soul, and all that is within
me [crossed out, illegible] bless his holy Name. - Amen
Page 36
Wednesday, 26th. of May, I heard Brother Ellis preach
upon the New Birth at BrotherHopkins's Austin',
and I bless the Lord, his Word [crossed out, illegible] was food for my
Soul, and also for the Souls of many more. After preaching
was over, I gave a short Exhoration, and then the holy
Sacrament of the Lord, Jesus Christ was administered,
and glory be to God, it was a most affecting and melting
time. Many hearts were dissolved into tears of love and
thankfulness to God, and I hope many resolutions were
strengthened to go on in the sweet and heavenly paths
of holiness. After meeting was over, I had a good
deal of Conversation with a Young man who was a
staunch predestinarian. I had the happiness in the
End to see him ashamed of his principles, and I do
verily believe that infallible, absolute Election,
& reprobation sprang out of the pit of Hell.
O! how glad the Devil is when he can get people
to believe that what is to be will be. -
May the Lord Jesus save me from all erronious
principles, and lead me into all truth. Amen.
Page 37
Thursday 27th. I heard Brother Ellis preach a
wonderful heavenly Sermon at Brother Roper's
Many tears were shed, many Souls happy, and
I trust, many poor sinners shook off from
their Sandy foundation, and made to see that
without faith in Christ, to hell they must go.
After Sermon, Brother Robinson and myself gave
an Exhortation, and thanks be to God we both
were blest with much Liberty & boldness in -
speaking. We then dismissed the Congregation
and the members of Society met together in a
private room, where we administered the holy
Sacrament, and blessed be the name of the
Lord, we had a most heavenly time indeed.
In the Evening we three poor Servants of
Jesus rode to Brother Bradenham's, a
few miles off, where we met with kind
Page 38
Entertainment, and spent the Evening very agreeably
together. When we went to worship in the family,
Brother Robinson gave a warm and very edifying
Exhortation, and Brother Ellis and myself went
to prayer. Surely I never can sufficiently love,
praise, and thank the Lord for his great -
and wonderful Goodness to me. He visits
my Soul with his heavenly Love, he gives
me ease in pain, comfort in distress, and a
lively hope of eternal Life in the World to
come. Lord! keep me very humble, and
obedient, and by thy great mercy at last,
receive my Soul to heaven, through
Jesus my blessed Saviour. Amen.
Page 39
[Friday], 28th. Fast day. I was this day much troubled
with a vain, foolish, trifling Spirit. I went to hear
Brother Ellis preach a funeral Sermon, at Jeremiah
Taylor's in James City County. After Sermon Brother
Ellis asked me to give an Exhoration at the Grave,
acordingly I did; but yet all this was not enough
to make me solemn. O! how a trifling Spirit
did haunt and beset me. May the Lord forgive
me, and make me more solemn, and more engaged
in his service for the time to come. After meeti[ng]
Brother Ellis, Brother Robinson, and myself w[ent]
to Brother Brown's a few miles from
Williamsburg, where we tarried al night. -
O! Lord, thou dost favour me with the best of
Company. Surely Lord I am highly favour[ed}
indeed. Make me faithful, and at last ta[ke]
me to rest in heaven with thee for ever
through Jesus Ch[rist] [torn, illegible] Amen.
Page 40
Saturday 29th. My mind was much composed, and I heard
Brother Ellis preach an excellent Sermon at Hickory
Neck Church. In the Evening I heard Brother Davis
preach at Sister Cowle's, and after he was done, I
gave an Exhortation, and many people were much
affected, and many dear Christians rejoiced in the
Lord. O! my my merciful God fill me with his
holy Spirit and enable me to make a wise im
provement of every Blessing, and at last
receive my Soul through Christ Jesus,
my blessed Saviour. Amen. It is a -
great thing to be a true Christian, and
to be very straight and narrow. -
Give me grace to persever O! God for
Jesus [torn, illegible] Amen
Volume 2, Page 1
[Sat]urday, June 5th. Brother Robinson and I parted [torn, illegible]
[torn, illegible] ravelling together in the highways and hedges -
[torn, illegible] 14 months. O! it was a most affective parting
indeed. I believe our Souls were knit together
like the Souls of Jonathan and David; and the
Lord had wonderfully blest our laboring together
in Williamsburg Circuit. Brother Robinson went
on his way to-day to Conference at Petersburg,
and I preached at Brother Dance's in Charles
City County. I had a poor, trifling, wicked [illegible]
to preach to. I endeavoured in the name of God
to deliver my own Soul. I had tolerable
Liberty, blessed be God it, and in the
Evening I preached at Brother Bullifant's
a few miles off. Thanks be to the Lord,
it was a very comfortable and melting time.
May God be with me always, and -
at last receive my Soul to heaven
[torn, illegible] the Lord Jesus' sake. Amen.
Page 2
Sunday, June 6th. In the [crossed out, illegible] morning my mind w[torn, illegible]
dull and very heavy, and I found it hard to get a s[pi]
-rit of prayer. I retired into the private woods,
far from the house. I there read the Scriptures,
prayed and spent some considerable time in medi=
tation &c. but still I could not get happy.
ah! Lord Jesus, this is the fruits of my own
unfaithfulness. Far be it from me to blame
thee my dearest Lord for my dull frames.
I am in fault myself. O! that I may be -
more diligent for the time to come. About
11 O'Clock I preached my farewell Sermon
at Brother parish's a few miles off in Charles
City County. I had a large Congregation, and I
bless God, there is the greatest reason in the
World to hope that much good was done.
Page 3
Poor Sinners were in floods of tears, and the bowels
of the Saints were refreshed. My dull frame of
mind, I bless God, vanished away, and the Sun
of righteousness did arise upon my Soul, with
healing in his blessed wings. I was enabled
to lift up my voice somewhat like a trumpet.
I cried aloud, and did not Spare, and glory
be to God, I left the people with a -
good Conscience, for I had in this place, if
in any place at all, "delivered my Soul."
May the Lord go with me into a new -
Circuit. O! Christ, go with me wherever
I go. Point out the way in which I must
walk, make me true and faithful, and
at last receive my Soul, and the praise
shall be thine for ever. Amen.
Page 4
In the Evening I rode to Brother Minitree's, where I was
received, and treated with a great deal of kindness. A few
of the Dear Sisters came there to see me, and to bid me fare-
=well. I went to prayers with them, and exhorted them
to stand fast in the Lord, and make sure of heaven;
assuring them in the Name of the Lord, and from the
Authority of his eternal Word, that if we were faith=
=ful unto Death, we should meet in heaven, where
parting will be no more. Blessed be God, we had a
most affecting and melting time upon parting. I had
rode this Circuit for about 14 months, and blessed
be God, there was all that time a sweet union
between me and the dear Brethren, but part we must.
O! that we may all be faithful to our great and
glorious Master, and meet in heaven to part no
more for ever. Lord God Almighty, make me a
pattern of piety while I live in this world,
and then receive me to heaven for Jesus' sake. Amen.
Page 5
Monday, June 7th. I rode from Brother Minitree's to
Brother Drake's. When I got there, I was taken with
a violent pain in the head, which continued till the
Evening, and was a great hindrance to my being engaged
in the service of God. In the evening I got to singing
spiritual Songs, and my dear Lord Jesus broke into -
my Soul, and I rejoiced exceedingly in his Love. My
pain in the head left me, and I felt as if I could
sing the praises of my God all night. O! what
a Blessing it is to have the love of God in
the Soul. Surely Lord, I am highly favoured. -
O! may I be always humble before thee, and may
I love thee with my whole heart, and my neigh=
=bour as myself. Dear Lord! bless all my
dear relations. O! that my dear, aged parents,
Brothers & Sisters may all be happy in thy
Love, and God grant that I may meet them
all in heaven for the Lord Jesus Christ's
sake. Amen, & Amen.
Page 6
Tuesday, June 8th. I rested at Brother Drake's
and spent the day in writing Letters to my friends
and relations in Prince Edward & Cumberland, and in
reading, meditation and prayer &c. I thank God,
I was happy in my Soul to-day, and felt deter=
=mined to labour in my dear Lord's Harvest.
O! that God may be with me, and make me
very useful in winning precious Souls. I de=
=sire to spend and be spent. O! my God, in
his blessed and glorious work. Have
mercy upon poor Sinners, O! Lord, and send
forth many Servants to - labour for the
good of their Souls. Make me, thy-
poor Servant faithful unto Death,
for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake.
Amen.
Page 7
In the Evening, when I went to prayer in the family,
the Lord Jesus was with me, and made me happy
in his Love. I gave the family an Exhortation, and
blessed be the Lord, I have reason to believe it
was blest to their Souls. I went to Bed -
happy in my Saviour's love, not doubting but
I should awake in heaven, if I died that night.
Surely I have reason to praise God at all
times. He has indeed done wonders for my
Soul, and I hope to Sing his praise in
heaven forever. Lord Jesus! Grant me
Grace to overcome all my trials. Make me
faithful unto Death, and then receive
my Soul for thy own name's Sake.
Amen! Lord Jesus! Amen & Amen.
Page 8
Wednesday, June 9th. I preached my farewell -
Sermon at Brother Drake's from these Words, Viz.
"Finally, Brethren farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort,
"be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of Love and
"peace shall be with you." 2. Cor. 13 - 11 - I bless the
Lord, he was three among the Congregation in great love
and power. Many dear Lambs of Jesus fed sweetly on
his Love, and many poor, stubborn Sinners were -
melted into tears. After preaching, I met the Class,
by themselves, and glory be to the Lord we had a
most heavenly meeting. I bid them a long farewell,
not expecting to see their faces any more in this
World. I then rode to Brother Pollard's about
12 miles off, where I tarried all night in much
peace of mind. Brother Pollard & his wife,
are two dear, pious people, and I have spent
many happy hours at their house. Lord, grant
me Grace to do thy Will for Christ's sake. Amen.
Page 9
Thursday, June 10th. I preached at Brother Pollard's.
I found it to be a hard task to preach to-day, and I
had but very little liberty. I felt the fear of man
upon me very sensibly, and my weakness was despised
Lord, I am weak and ignorant, but thou art strong
and wise. O! that I may be more engaged
with thee for the time to come, for strength and
heavenly wisdom. In the Evening I went
to Brother Kezee's, a small distance off,
tarried all night, and on Friday the 11th.
I preached to a Small Congregation at
Brother Lacy's in Henrico County. I
was mightily bowed down, and found it -
hard indeed to preach. O! Lord, pardon
my unfaithfulness, and Stir me up
to a closer walk with thee for the
time to come. Amen.
Page 10
Saturday, June 12th. I preached no where, but
spent the day in visiting the Sick, &c. In the
Evening I went to Brother Lacy's to tarry all night,
and several of the neighbours were there, under a
deep concern about their Souls Salvation. I went
to prayer with & for them, and gave them an
Exhortation to look to Jesus alone for mercy,
and Salvation. They were very attentive and much
affected, and the Lord gave me great happiness in
my Soul while I was speaking to them.
O! Lord! I desire to spend and be spent
for the honour of thy blessed Name, and the
good of precious Souls. O! make me more holy
in my Life & Conversation for the time to come.
Keep me humble dear Lord, and let not the
foot of pride ever lay hold on me. -
Bless me dear Lord in all good undertak=
=ings for Jesus sake. Amen.
Page 11
Sunday June 13th. I preached to a large Congregation at
Watkin's meetinghouse a few miles from Richmond. Many
of my hearers were vain, dressy, worldly people, but glory
to God, he reached some of their proud hearts to-day, -
and they cried for mercy. The Lord gave me liberty in
speaking his holy word, and I have the greatest -
reason to believe that good was done to many Souls.
In the Evening I preached in Richmond, and the
Lord Jesus was there, and the Devil was there too.
Some of my hearers were champions for their
black, infernal master, the Devil. They behaved
much out of Character indeed, but blessed be
God, I was enabled to clear my Skirts of
their Blood, and delivered my own Soul.
One man got up in time of preaching, and [crossed out, illegible]
went out cursing and swearing, and the Lord
knows my Soul was grieved to hear his -
blessed name blasphemed. O! may poor, wick=
=ed Richmond yet be brought to repentance.
Lord have mercy upon the people, and
pardon my unfaithfulness. Amen.
Page 12
Monday 14th. I rested the greater part of the day in the
City of Richmond. I had many sore temptations to-day,
but blessed be the holy name of the Lord, I was, by
the help of his holy Spirit, enabled to overcome
the Enemies of my Soul, and to rejoice in the -
midst of all my tribulations. I preached in the
Evening 5 or 6 miles out of Town at Sister White's,
to a large Congregation, and glory be to God, he
was with his poor stripling, and wonderfully
assisted me in speaking his blessed word.
Poor Sinners were much affected [crossed out, illegible] and
many cried out to know what they should
do to be saved? Christians praised their
God, and rejoiced in the light of his re=
=conciled Countenance. I bless the Lord, my
Soul was happy, and I felt determined
by the help of God, to spend and be spent
warning sinners to flee from the Wrath to
come. Lord Jesus! make me faithful. Amen
Page 13
Tuesday 15th. I took my leave of the dear Brethren
about Richmond, after labouring among them about
14 months, and it was a most affecting parting
indeed. I believe if ever a preacher loved God's
dear Children in the World, I loved these.
I have had many happy meetings among
them, and I believe they loved me sincere=
=ly, though of all poor Creatures in the world,
I have the least in me to cause people to
love me. I am a poor, mean, ignorant, un=
=worthy Creature indeed. May the Lord
pardon my unfaithfulness for Christ's sake.
In the Evening I rode to Brother Bowle's
in Company with a poor wicked young man.
I talked a great deal to him about his
Soul, and at last the Lord reached his heart,
and tears gushed from his Eyes. Glory be to
God. Save his Soul, O! my God for Christ's sake.
Amen.
Page 14
Wednesday 16th. I preached to a tolerable large Con=
=gregation at Brother Bowle's, and blessed be the
name of the Lord, it was a happy time to many
Souls. I had tolerable liberty in Speaking, and thanks
be to the Lord. I felt determined to live and die for
God. In the Evening I rode to Sister Clark's a few
miles off, and glory, glory, glory be to God, it -
was a happy night to my Soul. When I
went to duty in the family, my dear Jesus
streamed his dying Love through my innermost
Soul, and I don't think that I ever was happier
in my Life. I felt like I could set up, and
praise my God all night. My heart was
dissolved into tears of Joy and thankfulness,
and glory be to God I took a fresh start for
heaven. O! how I will sing if ever I get
to my heavenly father's kingdom. Make
me faithful, O! Lord for Jesus' sake. Amen.
Page 15
Thursday 17th. I lost my horse, and was forced to tarry at
Sister Clark's and disappoint a Congregation at Clapton's
Meetinghouse. And I never got my horse till friday Even=
=ing, during which time, I confess that I was very
uneasy, and felt distressed because I could not be
more resigned. I read the 2d. Chapter of Job, and
there I saw how willing that holy man was to
part with every thing for the Lord's sake. I found
much Comfort by reading this Chapter, and glory be
to God, I was willing to give up all, and let his
blessed Will be done in all things. I find that I
talk more than is profitable, and am troubled -
with a trifling Spirit. Merciful God, pardon my
many failings and shortcomings, and bridle my
Tongue, and never let me speak, unless I speak
to the glory of thy great and holy name. Oh!
Lord God, grant me Grace to improve my time
my talents, my all to the honour of thy name. Amen.
Page 16
Saturday 19th. I rode from Sister Clark's to Brother
Clayton's, where I met with several of the dear -
preachers from Conference, Viz. Bro' Robinson, Bro'
Hardee, and Bro' Davis. In the Evening Bro' Hardee
preached, and Brother Robinson Exhorted & prayed.
There was some considerable stir among the people,
and I trust that Good was done. And what -
most rejoiced my Soul was this : Bro' Robinson
brought me word that him and myself were ap=
=pointed by Conference to ride together another year.
This rejoiced my Soul indeed, and I bless the
Lord, I felt determined to spend & be spent in -
endeavouring to save poor Sinners.
Sunday 20th. This was a heavenly day to my -
Soul, and I have reason to remember it with
thankfulness as long I have breath. I went
to-day to hear Bro' Barker preach at
Brother Atkinson's and [crossed out, illegible] while I
Page 17
was setting under the sound of God's blessed
Word, the love of Jesus ran like oil into my
Soul. Blessed be God for is great and wonder=
=ful goodness to my Soul. O! blessed Lord, keep
me humble, and make me [crossed out, illegible] faithfull unto -
Death. - After preaching, several of us, poor,
despised, Methodist preachers, rode from the
preaching place to New Kent Courthouse to see
a couple of poor unhappy young men who
were in prison under sentence of Death.
It was an awful sight indeed. We went
to prayers in the prison for them, and -
blessed be God, their poor hearts were -
melted into tears, and we left them -
crying for mercy. O! may my merciful
God bless and save them eternally
for the Lord Jesus' sake. Amen.
Page 18
Monday 21st. Brother Robinson & myself rode from
Brother Ratliffe's, to Sister Dandridge's, and in the
Evening Bro' Robinson preached & I gave an Ex=
=hortation. The Lord was with us in great love.
Glory be to his blessed name for ever. We had
a most precious meeting indeed, and we sat
up singing praises to our heavenly master
till very late in the night. Glory to God,
the time is not far off, if I prove faithful,
when I shall begin my eternal Song.
O! my God, I will make the very
arches of heaven - ring with thy
praises if ever I am so happy as to
arrive there. Make me truly thank=
=ful for all thy mercies, and faithful
unto Death for Jesus' sake. Amen.
Page 19
Tuesday 22d. This day Brother Robinson and myself rode
from sister Dandridge's to sister Cowles in James City,
and the Lord Jesus was with us on the road, and gave
us a heavenly time together. My Soul was knit to
my beloved Brother Robinson, and I felt thankful
to my God that ever he gave me such a dear, precious
Companion. - I find it to be a great thing indeed to
be a true Christian. I have no doubt at all
about my Conversion, but I see te way to hea=
=ven so very straight and narrow, that I aw=
=fully fear and doubt I shall never hold
out to the last. O! my dear, merciful God,
stop my Breath rather than I should
ever turn back from thee, and wound thy
blessed Cause. Here I am, my God, in
thy blessed hands. O! be pleased to glorify
thyself in my Soul's eternal Salvation,
through Jesus Christ. - Amen.
Page 20
O! that my Journals, after I am dead, may be
made a blessing to some, dear precious Soul.
Poor Sinner, poor Sinner, you have cost my
heart many a tear. Leave your Sins, and
turn home to God by sincere repentance, or
else you will never see the face of God in
peace, but you will repent in the flames
of hell when it will be for ever too late.
O! be wise! Take warning in time.
Die you must. Dust you are, and unto
Dust you shall return ; and if you die
in your Sins, you will be lost & damned
in hell fire for ever. O! let these -
LInes be a warning to you, that may
prove a Blessing. Fly to Jesus. He spilt
his heart's precious Blood for you. Adieu.
Page 21
Wednesday 23d. I parted from a number of my dear,
loving Brethren in Williamsburg Circuit, and went on
my way to my new Circuit, called Surry Circuit. -
I crossed the River at James Town, where it is
about 3 miles wide. The wind blew high, and
the River was exceeding rough, and my horse was
so much affrighted, that he was very nigh
jumping out of the Boat several times. -
It was a dangerous time indeed, and - I
do acknowledge it was a time of great trial
to my faith. I thought I saw Death very
plain before me, several times before I -
got over the River, and I do not remember
that ever I felt so awful in all my
Life before. I bless God, he was with me
on the Water as well as [crossed out, illegible]
[crossed out, illegible] the Land, and I felt willing,
if he saw fit, to take up my Grave in -
Page 22
the great and mighty waters ; but, at the same
time, I thought, if it was God's will, I had
rather live longer, that I might try, in my -
poor, feeble manner, to do something for
that God who hhad done so much for me.
Blessed be the Lord, in the midst of the -
Storm while I was crossing the River,
my dear Jesus found work for me to do.
I preached to the ferrymen, and glory to
God, they were affected, and declared to -
me before God, that they were desirous
to fly to the open arms of Jesus. Oh!
it was a very proper Season indeed,
to preach to them, and I trust the Lord
will have mercy upon the poor Creatures,
and save their Souls. Well, so it was,
the Lord God of heaven, and Earth, & Sea,
saw fit to bring me, his poor, unworthy
Page 23
Servant safe to land, after meeting with many
difficulties. Surely the Lord has something for
me to do in Surry Circuit. What is it Lord?
Only speak the Word, and by the help of
thy blessed Spirit, I will spring forth,
and do thy blessed Will. I felt more deter=
=mined this day, after I got over the River
to labour for my God than ever I did. -
I think, in all my Life. Glory be to -
God for trials. O! that I may have
Grace to improve every trial to the glory
of God. I was so long getting over the River, -
that I could not get to my Appointment
in time. I met some of the people, who were
at meeting, returning home. This distressed
me, till I considered that the hand of
the Lord prevented me from attending my
Appointment. God knows it was the de=
=sire of my Soul to attend my Appointment,
Page 24
and to preach his blessed Word for the good of
precious Souls. - But man appoints, and God
disappoints. Be it, O! my God, according to
thy blessed Will. However, I got to the -
preaching place before all the people were
gone, and had a very happy little meeting.
I did not preach, but sung a hymn, went
to prayer, and gave the deqar people an -
Exhortation. ~ O! that I may always remem=
=ber this Day with Gratitude to God. -
In the Evening I preached to a small Congre=
=gation at Brother Warrin's and blessed be the
Lord, we had a very comfortable time. -
O! that I may be able to say in my last
moments, with St. Paul, "I have fought a
"good fight", &c. Dear Lord Jesus! keep
me humble, make me faithful, and
the Glory shall be thine for ever. Amen.
Page 25
Thursday 24th. I had an Appointment, as I thought, at -
Brother Walk's about 13 or 14 miles from Brother Warrin's.
I accordingly attended my Appointment, but nobody
came. The people about there care but very little about
Religion, and besides this, notice had not been given
out for preaching. When I got there, my mind was
dull and heavy, and my poor feeble Body much
fatigued. I thought I wanted to go in secret,
and pour out my Soul to the Lord. Accord=
=ingly I went away into the private woods, some
considerable distance from the house. I there -
fell on my poor unworthy knees, and began to
pray as well as I could, and glory, glory, glory
be to my dear, blessed Jesus, he filled my
Soul with his Love, and I was happy indeed.
I could then say with the poet, "My Jesus to
"know, and feel his Blood flow, 'tis Life ever=
"=lasting, 'tis heaven below." I thank my
God for this heavenly Visit. O! merciful
Father, make me faithful utno Death. - Amen.
Page 26
O! what a great thing it is to be a faithful Minister of
the Gospel of Christ. Dear Lord! and hast thou indeed,
called me, thy poor Creature, to this important work? -
Dost thou really intend to confound the Wise by the
Weak? Hail! my God, hail! the glory shall
be thine alone. It cannot be given to me, for-
every one who hears me preach, must at once
cry out and say, " I never heard so weak a
"preacher before." - O! my dear Lord, the glory
will, and shall be thine. Only be with me,
and guide me by thy blessed Spirit, make me -
useful to precious Souls, and in all my works,
grant that thy great name may be glorified, and O! my
God, [crossed out, illegible] glorify thy blessed name in My Soul's
everlasting Salvation for the Lord Jesus -
Christ's Sake. Amen & Amen. -
Poor, unworthy Wm. Spencer.
Page 27
I have a great desire, that after I am laid in the silent
dust, my Journals should be read over and over by those -
who were acquainted with me before my Conversion to God. -
Surely, my dear old acquaintances, if such a poor, vile,
wicked Wretch as [crossed out, illegible] you well know I once was, finds
mercy, it is enough to encourage the vilest of you to try,
and see if God will not have mercy upon you too.
I found mercy, glory be to God for it, and I leave
this for you to read when I am dead an gone. -
O! prepare to meet me at God's Righthand.
O! let my dear Lord Jesus have your hearts, and
then it shall go well with you for ever. O! think
about the Grave. O! think about Judgment. O!
think about the joys of heaven. O! think about the
torments of hell. O! think about the goodness of
God. O! think about the dying Groans & Cries of your
dear Saviour. I leave these things for you to think
about. May God Almighty pity you and bring you
to sincere repentance & save your precious Souls.
Amen.
Page 28
Friday 25th. This day I had an Appointment to preach
at an Inn upon the Road between Brother Walk's and Bro'
Rowel's. I gave my attendance, but the weather was
rainy, and I had no hearers. I understand that the people
in this Neighbourhood, care but very little for Religion, and
therefore it is not at all surprizing that they do not break
through bad weather to hear the blessed word of the Lord.
I pray God to bless some means to bring these poor,
worldly-minded wicked people to a Consideration. They
must repent, O! my God, or else perish in hell fire
for ever. Dear Lord Jesus, their Souls are precious.
They are the purchase of thy heart's Blood. Claim
thy purchase, O! my dear Saviour, and save them every
one for thy own name's sake. ` After I had -
tarried a while at the place where I was to have -
preached, and seeing nobody come, I proceeded on
my way, and reached at Brother Rowel's that night,
where I met with dear, precious people, and had -
great happiness in my Soul. Glory to God on high.
Page 29
I spent the afternoon in private devotion, in reading the holy
Scriptures &c. and I bless God, between sunset and dark, my
Soul was happy, and mightily drawn out in prayer for
all the mind of Christ. O! Lord, I sicken for enlarge=
=ment. I want more holiness of heart, life and Conver=
=sation. I desire to have more of thy heavenly nature,
O! my God. I pant after thee as the hunted hart pant=
=eth for the cooling water Brook. O! what a good
thing it is to live right to God. O! that I may
be found prepared to meet my dear Lord when he
shall come in the clouds of heaven. Impress
eternal things deeply on my heart O! God, and
take far from me, a light and trifling Spirit.
Make me solemn, make me pious O! Lord Jesus,
and faithful unto death. Bless my dear aged parents,
and all my dear Connections. O! God, bless all the
world of mankind, and grant that the time may
hasten on when all the Ends of the Earth shall
see thy great Salvation. - Amen.
Page 30
Saturday morning, June 26th. I had unspeakable hap=
=piness in my private devotion. It was a calm, pleasant
morning, and I went a considerable distance from the
house into the private woods, to hold sweet Commu=
=nion with my blessed Saviour. I met him indeed,
to the great joy of my Soul. Glory be to his name for ever.
"Let others stretch their arms like Seas,
"And grasp in all the shore ;
"Grant me the visits of thy face,
"And I desire no more." Watts.
O! my God, this is what I want, to make me truly
happy. Let me walk daily in the light of thy
Countenance. O! my blessed master, and I do in=
=deed desire no more. - pardon my unfaith=
=fulness, O! Lord, and make me more diligent
for the time to come. Thou hast indeed done -
great and wonderful things for me thy poor,
Creature. O! that I may dedicate the short re=
=mainder of my time to thy blessed service. Amen.
Page 31
At 12 O'Clock I preached at Brother Berryman's a small
distance from Brother Rowel's, and blessed be God, I had -
tolerable liberty in speaking, and many dear Souls -
got refreshed, and declared to the Congregation what great
things the Lord had done for them. Some people condemn
the people of God, and call them Enthusiasts because
they speak aloud of the goodness of the Lord to their -
Souls &c. I reckon if pious David was now up=
=on Earth, he would be mightily pointed at,
and be called a great Enthusiast; for he would
praise his God in spite of men or devils; and
glory be to God, so will I. He is my God, and
I will praise him, and if I prove faithful a little
[crossed out, illegible] while, I shall die, and go to heaven, and
then I shall sing praises to my dear Master, as
long as Eternity lasts. O! blessed God, grant that
my heart, my lips, my Conversation, my whole
[crossed out, illegible] Behaviour may praise thee while I live
here, and then recieve my Soul to heaven, -
through Jesus Christ my Saviour. Amen.
Page 32
Sunday 27th. I heard my dear Brother Robinson preach
at Brother Mooring's, to a large Congregation, and after he
had preached, I gave the people an Exhortation. I hope
in the Lord good was done. O! that God may bless our
poor Labours wonderfully in Surry Circuit. Brother
Robinson to-day in his Sermon, observed, that those -
professors of Religion who were losing their first
Love, and drinking in the Spirit of the World, were
in the most dangerous Situation of any people in
the World, and he compared them to poor Sinners
in general, who, when they were told of their -
faults, would immediately confess them, but -
would not endeavour to mend. So, said he, if
dull, lukewarm professors are reproved for their
unfaithfulness, they at once acknowledge that -
they are unfaithful, but still they will not
stir up themselves to more diligence. Just
like the poor sinner sure enough, who con=
=fesses his Sins, but still hugs them fast.
Page 33
May the Lord help me to make that improvement
which I ought from what I heard this day.
I have many times confessed my unfaithfulness
both to God and man ; but I am still too light
and trifling ; and I find that I really do talk
more than is profitable. O! may God almighty
Bridle my tongue, and never let me speak but
when I speak to his Glory. - In the Evening I
had meeting at the same place, and blessed be God, it
was a precious meeting. One dear Soul found the Lord,
who had been mourning for about two years, and -
many dear Christians rejoiced, and praised the name
of their dear Saviour. I felt to-night as if the
Lord was about to revive his work in this place.
Glory be to God! I was mightily encouraged to go
on, and work for him. O! my God, keep me
very humble & make me faithful until Death,
for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
Page 34
Monday 28th. Brother Robinson and myself rested
at Brother Moring's, and had much happiness -
together. Blessed be God for his goodness. In the
Evening Brother Robinson exhorted the family,
and it was a precious time. Tuesday 29th. we
parted. I went on my way to the upper End -
of the Circuit, and preached to a small Congre=
=gation at Brother Wm. Warren's. I had many
sore and heavy trials to-day, and had such
a deep sense of my weakness, that the
devil tried mightily to get me to quit
preaching, and to settle myself. I told
him, by the help of God I would try the
Itinerant plan a little longer. O! Lord, give
me deep, heart. Religion, and make me
faithful unto Death for the Lord
Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
Page 35
Wednesday 30th. I had an Appointment to preach -
at Brother Branch's, 15 or 16 miles from Brother Warren's.
I attended my Appointment, but had no hearers.
This Neighbourhood is one of the devil's strong holds,
and the people care so little for Religion, that they
will not come to preaching. In the Afternoon I
rode to Brother Lane's, about 6 miles farther, and
got very wet. In the way, I was overtaken by a
Cloud. Glory to God, I did not mind it, but was
quite willing to suffer a little in trying to spread
my Saviour's name abroad. In the Evening I had
a happy little meeting at Brother Lane's, and
the Lord gave me a refreshing shower of his
heavenly Grace. O! that I may be altogether
devoted to God. I long for a mighty revival
of Religion, and I believe if I was more -
engaged with God for it, the time would not
be long before it would come about. O! Lord,
make me altogether like thy blessed Self, -
and faithful for the time to come. Amen.
Page 36
Thursday morning, July 1st. I met with sore -
and heavy trials indeed; and I don't think that ever
I felt the need of a deep work of Grace in my heart
more sensibly in all my life. My evil nature opposed me,
the devil opposed me, the world opposed me, and
God knows I felt like I should be overcome.
But I called upon the Lord in mighty prayer,
and glory be to his blessed name, he delivered -
my Soul. O! my Soul, bless and praise the Lord.
O! that I may remember this morning with -
gratitude to my God as long as I live. -
In my great distress, I cried unto the Lord,
and he heard me. I was brought low, and he
helped me ; return unto thy rest, O! my Soul,
for the Lord hath dealt beautifully with thee.
O! my God, keep me humble, and make me
upright before thee in heart, life, and Conversa=
=tion as long as I have Breath. Amen.
Page 37
About 12 O'Clock in the day, I preached at Brother Lain's,
to a small Congregation. I thank God, I had tolerable liberty
in speaking, and there is the greatest, reason to hope that
good was done. Some of God's dear Children got refreshed,
and declared that they were more than ever determined
by the help of God to press on in the way to heaven.
I am a poor, mean, ignorant Creature. When any
good is done, I desire from my very heart, that
God alone should have the glory. O! that I may be
always humble before my God, and disposed at all
times to do and to suffer his blessed Will. I see
the path to heaven to be very straight and narrow.
Enable me, O! blessed Lord, to keep in it unto
my Life's End. ~ Forbid O! my God, that ever I
should backslide from thee, and bring a reproach
upon Religion. O! that I may always be humble.
O! that I may be faithful, and live with thee
in heaven for ever. - Amen & Amen. -
Page 38
In the Evening I rode to sister Gray's a few miles off, and be=
=tween Sunset and dark, I had unspeakable joy in private
devotion. O! blessed be God for his goodness to me this Evening.
My very Soul was drawn out in prayer and in praise to
my dear, blessed Saviour ; and if I am so happy as
to be faithful unto death, I shall then begin a
Song of praise that never shall End. After I
had been some time in secret devotion, holding sweet
Communion with my dear Saviour, I returned from
the Woods to the house, and when I got there, I
was grieved with the Society of the wicked. In my
absence, several of the poor wicked neighbours had
took a walk to sister Gray's, and their Conversation
grieved my very Soul. Silence seemed to be the
best weapon I could find to fight them with,
and I therefore said nothing to them, because -
I judged it would be casting pearls before -
Swine, for me to reprove them. O! that the
Lord may have mercy on them. Amen.
Page 39
Friday 2d. of July I preached at sister Gray's, and glory
be to God, it was a most heavenly time. I had great liberty -
in speaking the blessed Word of the Lord to the people, and
I have not a single doubt in my Soul but what much good
was done. The bowels of the dear Saints were refreshed,
and poor Sinners were mightily affected. I find that
nothing is so hurtful to me in my preaching as a -
man-pleasing Spirit. Whenever I give way to that,
I am sure to feel miserable in speaking, and I do
verily believe that the devil is glad when this Spirit
of pleasing man possesses a preacher of the Gospel.
Glory be to God, this Spirit was far from me -
today, and I was blest with a God-pleasing
Spirit; and O! with what ease and freedom did
the blessed Words of my dear Jesus flow from my
poor, stammering tongue. I was happy in my very
Soul while speaking. O! I felt my master
near to help me, and I believe the kingdom
of the Devil got a mighty shake this day.
Page 40
O! how I do love to retire after I have been standing
up in the great Congregation speaking for my God, and
pour out my very Soul in prayer & thanksgiving ;
and also take an account in writing, of his dealings
with me, his poor, unworthy, unprofitable, and
unfaithful Servant. Would to God I was more
faithful. Blessed be my dear Lord, I think
I felt more determined this day to live nigh
to him than I had done for a long time. -
O! that I may keep the Covenant that I made
with the eternal Jehovah this day. I find
that the vally of humility is the safest place
for me to be in. O! that God may ever keep me -
humble, and increase my Concern for the -
honour of his great name, and the good of
precious Souls every day. Amen!
Lord Jesus! Amen! And Amen.
Page 41
In the Evening I went a very considerable distance
from the house into the silent Woods to hold Com=
=munion with my dear, blessed Saviour, and glory
be to his dear, precious name, he met me, and
made me happy in his Love. My very Soul was
drawn out in prayer and praise to my dear Re=
=deamer, and I returned to the house rejoicing in
the light of his Countenance. Let these Lines
Witness against me, O! my God, if ever I -
forsake thee. O! that I may die rather than
wound the Cause of my God, and bring a
disgrace upon Religion. - Teach me thy
Word, O! my God, and make me fruitful in
thy Vineyard. O! that my heart, my tongue,
my lips, my Life, my Conversation, my whole
Behaviour may praise the blessed and
holy name of the Lord. Amen.
Page 42
Saturday morning, July 3d. I was brought into heaviness
through manifold temptations from the Devil, that Enemy of
my Soul. I sensibly felt the necessity of watching and
praying more than ever. I believe all hell is in arms [crossed out, illegible]
against me, and the devil would laugh in his sleeve -
if he could get me to yield to his temptations; but
by the help of my God I will die in the field of
Battle rather than give up. I am sure that my God
has work for me to do in his Vineyard, and the
Devil wants to keep me from it. Bruise him, my
God, bruise him under my feet shortly. The Lion of
the Tribe of Judah is my friend, therefore why should
I fear men or devils! May my dear God fill me
with faith and with the holy Ghost. O! that
I may come off victorious at last. Dear Lord, stand
by me always, and make me useful to precious
Souls, and faithful in the discharge of every
part of my duty. - Amen. -
Wm Spencer.
Page 43
About 9 O'Clock I took my leave of the dear family,
and went on my way to Brother Davis's about 9 or 10
Miles off. I met with many trials on my way.
The way was very hard to find, and I was a long
time getting there ; but dear Lord Jesus, my trials
are hardly worth mentioning ; and what would
I not suffer for the glory of thy blessed name,
and the good of precious Souls? O! that I was
more willing than I am to suffer for the sake of
him who spilt his heart's precious Blood for
me. ~ I after so long a time, got to Brother
Davis's. I had never seen the dear family be=
=fore, and they received me with as much love
as if I had been one of their own family. -
We presently got acquainted, and my Soul was com=
=forted with the dear people. They are full of Re=
=ligion, and when I get with such people, I am
in my Element. O! how I love my master's dear
Page 44
Children, and how happy I am when I meet with them!
God knows that I am truly miserable when I am
in the Company of the wicked. My very Soul is grieved
with their filthy Conversation, and unless I can
do their Souls good, I desire never to be one
single moment in their Company. My dear Lord
Jesus, I do praise thee, that if I prove faith=
=ful a little while, I shall go where the wicked
will cease from troubling, and where my
weary Soul shall be for ever at rest.
O! glorious rest indeed. My Soul longs for the
happy time to come when I shall enter into
it, and be safe for ever with my God. -
I hope to meet my dear Sister Susannah
Spencer there, who is gone before me. Oh!
what a joyful meeting we shall have. -
May God Almighty keep me humble, and
make me faithful for Jesus' sake. Amen.
Page 45
In the Evening, I had much comfort in retirement. I went
a considerable distance from the house into the solitary
Woods. O! how I love retirement. It is food for my soul.
I read the blessed Bible, and prayed, and meditated
till near dark, and then went back to the house,
and had sweet Communion with the dear family,
and we were happy together in family prayer &c.
Brother Davis and his family are dear, precious
people. O! how my very Soul loves sincere
Christians. I can say before God, that hypo=
=crites and BackSliders do grieve my Soul,
but the dear, tender Lambs of my dear Jesus,
who adore the Gospel by their Behaviour, are
the delight of my Soul. O! that I may
always live right to God, and glorify my
Blessed Master in my Life & Death. Amen.
Page 46
Sunday, July 4th. This morning I was unspeakably
happy in my private devotion. O! how I ought to love,
and thank, and praise the Lord. Surely I have the
greatest reason to thank the Lord of any mortal
out of hell. I was in the broad road to eternal
Destruction, and the Lord called me, and asked
me to leave my wicked ways, and turn unto
him. Glory be to God, I hearkened to his Call, and -
now he gives me a heaven upon Earth. I desire
to live and die for my God. O! that I may be faithful.
About 11 O'Clock to-day I preached at Lane's Chappel,
a small distance from Brother Davis's. My Congrega=
=tion was pretty large, and blessed be God, very
attentive. May I ever remember this blessed day
with thankfulness to my dear God. Many dear
Souls were happy in the Lord, and declared -
that they were more than ever determined to
live and die in the service of the Lord. -
O! it was a blessed Sabbath day, and I hope
the Lord will make me truly thankful for it. -
Page 47
In the afternoon Brother Lane, a Local preacher, who
lives near the Chappel, and myself, had a meeting at
the Chappel again. We both prayed and gave an -
Exhortation, and glory be to God, we had a - sweet
and heavenly time. Poor Sinners were mightily
affected, and the dear Christians were happy in
the dying Love of their dear, - precious Saviour.
A dear, young Lady was mightily affected, and told
me before God that she wished to find mercy.
I exhorted her in the name of God to seek it,
and glory be to God, tears gushed afresh from
her Eyes. O! may the Lord bless and save -
her dear, tender Soul, and not let her -
burn in hell fire for ever. I returned to Bro=
=ther Lane's, and tarried all night. He is a
dear, precious man. Thank God for such Company.
Page 48
Monday, 5th. I preached no where, but spent the
day in visiting from house to house, and blessed be the
Lord, I had much happiness in talking with dear,
precious Souls, and praying for them &c. But -
alas! I am not so solemn, and so much engaged
as I ought to be. I pray God to pardon my many
failings and shortcomings. God has done such
great things for me, that it amazes me that I
am not altogether devoted to him. I am not so
watchful as I ought to be, neither am I so
much given to prayer as I should be. O!
that I may double my diligence for the time
to come. In the Evening I rode to Brother Davis's,
where I met with dear, precious people, and
spent the Evening agreeably, blessed be God. -
O! my God, give me grace to do thy blessed will
in all things for the Lord Jesus' sake. Amen.
Page 49
Tuesday 6th. I went to hear dear Brother O'Kelly
preach at Brother Thomas Lane's. He preached a
great & powerful Sermon indeed, and blessed be
God, my Soul, and many more fed sweetly on it.
O! it was a heavenly day indeed. God's dear
Children were filled with dying Love, and poor
Sinners were wonderfully affected. I felt -
this day as if God was about to revive his
Work in Surry Circuit. My very Soul long's
for it. O! my dear God, I want to see the -
Kingdom of the Devil fall, and the glorious
kingdom of Jesus flourish more and more.
In the Evening Brother O'Kelly, Brother
Robinson and myself rode to Brother
Davis's a few miles from Brother Lane's,
where we spent the Evening in great plea=
=sure together. The Lord Jesus was with
us in much Love. Glory to his name for ever.
Page 50
Wednesday 7th. I went to hear Brother O'Kelly preach
at Lane's Chappel. A large Congregation, and great
power attended the Word of God. Brother O'Kelly -
preached mightily upon the Doctrine of Santification,
and my very Soul was drawn out in prayer to God
for his sanctifying Love. After he had concluded
his Sermon, I gave a short exhortation. We then
had the holy Sacrament administered. Many tears
were shed, and I trust, many resolutions made to
live nigher to God. - Gospel - hardened Sinners at
this place. O! that God may have mercy upon -
them, and bring them to repentance. In the -
time of administering the Sacrament, Brother
Robinson gave a delightful and edifying Exhor=
=tation. - In the Evening we rode to Brother
Ellis's some distance off. Met with dear loving
Brethren & Sisters, all the family happy in the
Lord. Thank God for the Company of his dear
Children. I desire to live and die for God. -
Page 51
Thursday 8th. I heard Brother O'Kelly preach at
Elliss's Chappel. He preached as awful a Sermon
I think, as ever I heard in all my Life, and blessed
be God, the Word was not lost. Many dear Lambs
of Jesus got blast, and I believe there was great
trembling among the poor Sinners. O! that God
may fasten Conviction upon them, and never let
them have rest day nor night till they find it in
the Lord Jesus Christ. After preaching Brother O'Kelly
administered the Sacrament, and we had a most
heavenly time indeed. The Lord was with us in much love.
Friday 9th. I heard Brother O'Kelly preach at Brother
Moody's. Poor, dear Creature, he was very feeble and weak
in Body when he began to preach ; but the Lord wonder=
=fully strengthened him and he preached beyond all
Expectation. In the Evening we rode to Brother
Hill's, tarried all night, and the next Day, being
Saturday the 10th. Brother O'Kelly preached at Brother
Hill's, and the Lord poured out his Spirit, in a wonder=
=ful manner. Poor Sinnners were cut to the heart,
Page 52
and made most pitiful cries to the Lord for mercy.
A dear young woman in particular was wonderfullly
wrought upon, and fell to the floor, begging God -
aloud for mercy upon her poor Soul. O! how
my very Soul rejoices when I see the kingdom
of the Devil coming down. May my God spoil
it. O! may my dear Jesus tear it down, and -
do, my dear Lord, spread the glorious Gospel
all over the face of the Earth.
I desire to spend and be spent for my God.
O! poor Sinners! O! poor Sinners! Their dear
Souls are precious indeed. What a pity it is that
the Devil should get them. When I think about
them, it makes my heart bleed. The Lord knows
I weep for them in secret places night & Day.
I am willing to part from my dear parents, and
every thing that is dear and near to me, for the
good of precious Souls. O! Lord, I will, by thy
help, labour night and day in the highways -
and hedges. Lord Jesus, make me faithful. Amen.
Page 53
Sunday 11th. Brother O'Kelly and myself parted at Bro=
=ther Hill's. I love my dear brother O'Kelly as I do my
own Soul. I was affected when the time came for us
to part; but good is the Will of the Lord. Blessed be God,
I soon was resigned, and preached to-day at Ellis's
Chapel to a large Congregation, and praised be the
holy Name of the Lord, the kingdom of the Devil
got a mighty shake. Poor sinners cried to the
Lord Jesus for mercy, and the dear Christians got
their Souls wonderful happy, and praised
their God in the great Congregation. I bless
my dear Lord Jesus, this was a blessed -
Day to my Soul, and I know I took a
fresh start in the Name of God for heaven.
O! Lord forbid that ever I should backslide.
I wish to spend my very latest Breath in thy
service. O! dear, Lord Jesus Christ, make me
faithful while I live, happy when I die, and
receive my Soul to praise thee forever. Amen.
Bless the Lord, O! my Soul.
Page 54
In the Evening I had great happiness in my private
Devotion &c. The Chapel in which I preached in the
Day, was but a small distance from Brother Ellis's,
where I went to lodge, and I retired into the Chapel,
shut the doors and windows, and got up into the
pulpit, to meditate, pray, read &c. Glory be to my
Soul. I continued there some considerable -
time, in these sweet and heavenly Exercises,
and then returned to the house rejoicing in
the smiles of a reconciled God. I know by
my own, happy experience what it is to be
born again. Glory be to God! I know what
it is to have the Witness of God's blessed
Spirit. O! how humble and thankful I
ought to be. God Almighty has done great
things for me indeed. Praise the Lord, O! my Soul.
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, make me faith=
=ful unto Death. Amen & Amen.
Page 55
Monday 12th. I was taken very sick at Brother Ellis's.
Most violent pains in my Limbs, with high fevers,
and the dear family were almost too kind to me.
The Devil is a mighty Liar to be sure. He told
me when I was about to go out into my Lord's
Vineyard, that I should meet with no friends,
and should soon wish myself back again. -
God knows he is a Liar. - I meet with dear,
loving friends wherever I go. Brother Ellis -
has two dear Children in Society that lives
with him, Viz. Caty and Sally. I found them
to be dear Children. They attended me con=
=stantly in my sickness, and were as -
kind to me as if I had been one of the
family. God bless them I pray, and re=
=ward them in heaven for their kindness
to his poor Servant. O! that I may
improve my affliction to the glory of God,
and finish my Course with Joy. Amen.
Page 56
Tuesday 13th. I was some better, but amazing
weak in Body ; yet I praise God, my Soul was
alive to him and amidst outward afflictions
I felt Christ within. I was quite willing to
suffer for my dear Lord Jesus, and felt de=
=termined by the help of his Grace, to spend
and be spent in his service.
Wednesday 14th. I had an Appointment to
preach at Mr. Bishop's not far from Cabbin point,
but I was not able to ride. I continued at
dear Brother Ellis's, very weak in Body, but
I bless God, much resigned. O! may I ever walk
humbly with my God. O! may I adorn the Gospel
by a holy life and pious Conversation as long as
I have Breath. Be with me always, O! my
God, make me thine in Time and in Eternity,
for the sake of Christ blessed Saviour. Amen.
Page 57
Thursday 15th. I had an Appointment to preach at Cabbin -
Point, but was not able to go. The frail, dying Creature
man appoints, but God disappoints. - In the Evening
before, being Wednesday Evening, I felt much mended,
and really thought that I was going to get well all
at once ; but the next moring I found myself a great
deal worse. Dear Lord! thou knowest best when to
remove my affliction. I pray for entire resignation
to thy blessed Will. - O! how I do desire to die -
happy in the Lord! I beseech thee, O! my God, to
stand by me in my last moments, and enable -
me to meet Death with Courage. O! that it
may be said of me after I am dead and gone,
"He died as he lived ;- A witness for -
Jesus." - Glory be to God! I believe if
I am faithful, my God will let me honour
him with a triumphant Death. O! my
blessed Jesus, be my friend always. Amen.
Page 58
Friday 16th Thursday Evening, I made out
to - ride in a Carriage to Brother Hill's a few
Miles from Brother Ellis's ; where I was taken
in, and [crossed out, illegible] treated with all imaginable kind=
=ness. Brother Hill & Sister Hill are two dear,
kind people, and do really wish well to the
Cause of God. The most of their family are in
the Methodist Society. I was very sick that -
Evening at Brother Hill's, but blessed be God
I felt resigned under his afflicting hand, and -
resolved to end my days in his Service. I -
might have stayed at home among my friends
and relations, and not have exposed myself to
so many sufferings ; but what would I not
suffer for the good of precious and immortal
Souls? Dear Lord! be with me, and I
care not how many sufferings I meet with.
Only make me faithful and take the praise.
Amen.
Page 59
Friday 17th. I tarried at Brother Hill's, very
sick all the day; but thank God! I was delivered
from a murmuring Spirit, and felt resigned, and
willing to suffer a little for him who suffered
so much for me. In the Evening I felt a little
better, and made out to hold Duty in the
family. We were blest of the Lord, and made
happy together, blessed be God for his Goodness.
O! how the hopes and Expectations that I have
beyond the Grave, do bear me up under my
many sore trials in this delusive World.
Glory be to God! for what he has done for me.
Make me thine in Time and in Eternity, O!
my God. Forbid that I should ever sin
against thee any more either in thought,
Word or deed ; but in all that I do, or
say, or think, grant that thy blessed name
may be glorified through Jesus my Saviour. Amen.
Page 60
Saturday 18th. I walked to Sister Steward's, about
a half mile from Brother Hill's. The walk much
fatigued me, and I was scare able to stand when
I got there. I was almost outdone indeed; but
Sister Steward was exceeding kind to me, and after
a while I got much refreshed. I tarried there
all night, and the next day, being Sunday 19th I had
an Appointment to preach at Brother Hill's
where I had lain sick for several Days. I at=
=tended my Appointment, but was so sick, that
I could hardly hold up my head. I did not speak
much to the people, but presently, was forced to
quit, & Brother Hill finished meeting. In the Evening,
I was much mended, and felt like getting well.
May my merciful God sanctify this affliction. -
O! that I may be enabled to improve the same
to the glory of God, & the good of my Soul. Amen.
Page 61
Monday 20th. I ventured out into my dear Lord's -
Vineyard, and rode from Brother Hill's to Brother
Warren's, which was about 20 miles. I was so
weak in Body, that I could hardly sit upon my
horse, and I got down once by the Way, and lay
some considerable time upon the Ground under
a Large Walnut Tree in an old field. This
was a means of my gaining strength, and I then
proceeded on my way, and blessed be God, got
safe to Brother Warren's, where I was gladly
received, and exceeding kindly treated. Brother
Warren is a dear, good man, and a living Witness
for Jesus, and he has a Sister that, lives with
him, a dear, precious Woman. I was happy in
my Soul at Brother Warren's, and when we
went to prayers in the family, the Lord
was with us in great Love. Bless the Lord ~
O! my Soul for his Goodness. ~ Amen.
Page 62
Tuesday. I tarried at Brother Warren's, and spent
the day in writing Letters to my dear relations in Prince
Edward County, and in reading the Scriptures, prayer &c
In the morning I was amazing weak in Body, so -
that I took my Bed - for a while, but blessed
be God, I soon got better, and I kept about all day.
I felt very desirous to get perfectly well, that I
might work for Jesus, but God's blessed Will
be done in me. I wish at all times to be perfectly
resigned to the Will of my heavenly father.
I believe that all things shall work together for
good to them that love God, and if I suffer with him,
I believe I shall also reign with him in heaven
for ever. Dear Lord Jesus, deepen thy work of
Grace in my heart, and give me a deeper and
deeper Concern for thy Glory, and for the good of pre=
=cious Souls. O! merciful God, make me holy in
heart, in life, and in Conversation, and at last
receive my Soul through Jesus my Saviour. Amen.
Page 63
In the Evening I wa[torn, illegible] py in private Devotion,
and felt mightily for the Cause of God, and I think,
I felt as much like seeing a great revival as
I had done for a long time. Hasten the blessed time,
O! my God, when all the Ends of the Earth shall
see thy great Salvation. poor Sinners! poor Sinners!
they are indeed in a dangerous situation. Lord Jesus,
have mercy upon them. O! what a pity it is that
the Devil should get any of the purchase of
Christ's precious Blood. O! that my head were
waters, and mine Eyes a fountain of tears, that
I might weep day and night for poor Souls
that are exposed to the Wrath of almighty God.
Well, my dear Lord, I will try, by the help of
thy blessed Spirit, to do my duty. Grant me
Grace to be faithful for Jesus' sake. Amen.
Page 64
Wednesday I tarried at [Brot]her Warren's, and had
great happiness in my Soul several times in the
Day and in the Evening I got to singing Spiri=
=tual Songs, and my dear Lord Jesus was very
near to me. O! I was happy indeed, and the -
dear family catched the flame, and we had a
most heavenly Evening together in blessing and
praising the Name of the Lord. The presence -
of God is my heaven ; and O! what can be a
worse Hell than his absence? There be many
"that say, Who will show us any good? O! my
"God, lift thou up the light of thy Countanance
"upon me." ~ O! my blessed Lord, grant
me more and more of thy heavenly Nature -
every Day of my Life, and make me thine
for ever through Jesus my Saviour. Amen.
Page 65
Thursday I preached [torn, illegible] Warren's, and blessed be
the name of my dea[r] [torn, illegible] it was a heavenly time indeed.
God's dear Children rejoiced with joy unspeakable and
full of glory, and poor Sinners seemed mightily affected.
The Lord gave me great assistance in Speaking his Word,
and I trust good was done this day ; but alas! now
comes the bitter Cup. I had to turn one of the
dear Sisters out of Society for marrying a wicked
man. O! what a pity it is that God's Children will
sometimes join themselves to the Children of the
Devil. God knows that my very Soul was in
distress this day while I was turning this dear
Soul out of Society. ~ In the Evening
I rode to Brother Morings, where I met with
kind treatment, and spent the Evening very
agreeably. I do bless God for good friends that
seem to love me at almost every place I go. ~
They take great care of me, and I hope my God
will reward them for the many Cups of cold
water they have given me in his Name. ~
Page 66
Friday I preached at [Brother Mo]rings. The Lord
Jesus was with us in [torn, illegible] e. It was a most
heavenly meeting indeed. Glory be to God for his -
goodness to his poor Creatures. May the Lord help
me to live more and more to his honour and glory
every day of my Life. In the Evening I rode -
from Brother Moring's to Brother Berryman's,
where I had great happiness. That is another
dear family. The most of them loves Jesus,
and they are amazing kind to the preachers.
I desire to live and die among God's dear
people. O! I could not be in a worse -
hell than to be confined among people
that are unacquainted with my dear Jesus.
God's people are my people, and I pray
the Lord - to let me never be separated
from them, for the Lord Jesus' sake. Amen.
Page 67
Saturday I pre[ached] [torn, illegible] Brother Berryman's
to a small Cong[regati]on of dear , engaged -
Souls, and the Lord was with us, and gave us
a happy meeting. I trust in God, that good
was done; but I felt the need of more Rele=
=gion in my own Soul. I did not feel so ~
solemn as I desired to feel, but was beset
with a light Spirit. I believe the Devil is
watching for my poor Soul. O! that I may
watch too, and pray night and day more -
than ever. Dear Lord! make me more ~
diligent every hour, and forbid that I should
ever trifle away precious Time. Death is
coming. Judgment is coming. O! Lord God
Almighty, grant that I may be always
upon my guard, and at last receive my
Soul for the Lord Jesus' sake. Amen.
Page 68
Sunday, July 25th. This [torn, illegible] that ought to re=
=membered with thankfuln[ess] [torn, illegible] God as long as Eter=
=nity Lasts. I preached this day to a vast Congre=
=gation of people at a New place in Surry County,
and the Lord Jesus was there in mighty power.
I had a number of the Learned and great out to
hear me, and when I seriously considered my
amazing weakness, I really trembled at the Cross.
But then again, I considered that I was going to
preach before a God who reigns in the highest
heavens; and, to his honour and glory let it be -
spoken, when I considered this, I regarded my
great, and learned Congregation no more than
so many lumps of Clay, as they really are.
What! - shall I fear to speak before mor=
=tal, dying man, when the Eternal God of
heaven is on my side? O! what folly. O! how
the Devil is pleased when he can get the -
Page 69
poor Servants of Go[d] [torn, illegible] man, and flinch
from the Cross of [torn, illegible] [S]inners of their danger.
I was mightily [torn, illegible] indeed to-day, before I
preached, and the Cross was heavy ; but in the
name of my God, I faced the great Congregation,
with my heart beating, and my very Limbs -
trembling. I sung a hymn, and went to prayer,
and glory to God! prayer was heard and an=
=swered, and before I began to preach, many
were in floods of tears, begging God for mercy.
I took my Text, and proceeded, and glory be to
God, I felt strength from heaven, and the power of
the Lord attended the Word. Poor sinners were cut
to the very heart. It really appeared as if there -
was a multitude of arrows, dipt in Blood divine,
shot in among the Congregation. Thanks and eternal
praises be to God for this day. Christians rejoiced
in God their Saviour, and the Lord be praised, my
Soul was happy. Make me faithful while I live,
O! my God, and when I die receive my Soul for Jesus' sake. Amen.
Page 70
Monday 26th. I tarried [torn, illegible] Rowel's. This is
a dear, precious family. [torn, illegible] them are happy
in the Lord. Glory be to God for casting my Lot with
such people. I spent the day chiefly in retire=
=ment, and was sorely buffeted by the Devil, that
Enemy of my Soul; and my evil nature was a
monstrous burden to me this day. In the -
Evening I was mightily engaged in prayer with
God for a deeper work of Grace in my heart.
O! I felt the need of more Religion, and if
ever I hungered and thirsted after righteous=
=ness in my Life, I did this Evening. Lord!
make me more solemn. Lord! make me more
holy in all my ways. Lord, lay the worth of
Souls, and the honour of thy blessed name
near my heart, and make me thine in
time and in Eternity for Christ's sake. Amen.
Page 71
Tuesday 27th. I pre[ached] [torn, illegible] [Bro[ther] Wm. Warren's, and
my Soul was griev[ed] [torn, illegible] professors of Religion
so careless and trifling. O! how happy I am when
I get among people that live nigh to God; and none
but God knows how much I am distressed when
I am among professors of Religion that are disen=
=gaged. ~ However, I endeavoured this day to dis=
=charge my duty. I faithfully and solemnly warned
those who were in a declining state of their danger,
and beseeched them with great earnestness to~
keep up a Closer walk with God. I hope and
trust my Labour was not lost. Some of them
appeared to be very teachable; and O! what
would I not go through for the good of immor=
=tal Souls? I wish to spend and be spent
in this glorious work. Lord! make me faith=
=ful unto Death, for the Lord Jesus' sake. Amen.
Page 72
In the Evening I s[torn, illegible] cel of dear black
people, that I rea[torn, illegible] ed Jesus. ~
The Lord gave me Liberty in speaking to them,
and I hope good was done. I think in general,
the dear black people, that profess Religion,
are much more engaged than the whites.
God bless the dear Creatures, my Soul -
loves them, and I humbly hope and
trust that my dear Lord Jesus will -
bless my Labours among them. Glory be
to God! my Soul was happy in his
sweet, heavenly Love this Evening, and I
felt determined to go on in warning poor
Sinners of their danger, and beseeching
them to come home to God. O! my God,
be with me always for Christ's sake. Amen.
Page 73
Wednesday 28th [torn, illegible] Brother Warren's to
Brother Branch [torn, illegible] to a small Congre=
=gation of poor, [torn, illegible] cked people. I had
not much Liberty in speaking. The people were
so trifling, that I was very much put to it
to preach. I do love to preach to serious,
attentive people; but Children of the Devil,
do grieve my Soul. Brother Branch is a
dear, good man. His wife has good desires,
and also one of his daughters ; and a Son
of his seems to be a champion for the -
Devil. Good Lord! how my Soul is pained
when I get into the devil's Childrens Company,
but O! it is my joy to be with God's dear
people ; and I hope to spend a long, and
blest Eternity with them. God Almighty
grant that I may be faithful unto death
for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
Page 74
Thursday 29th. th[torn, illegible] [a]bout Sun rise,
til about 10 O'C[lock] [torn, illegible] if all Hell was
up in arms against my poor, feeble Soul. -
I was indeed sorely buffeted by the Devil, and
my own evil Nature ; and I don't think I ever
felt the need of Sanctification more sensibly in
all my Life than I did this morning. I went
away into the silent woods, fell on my knees,
and mourned before the Lord. I believe the Devil
watches continually for my poor Soul. Lord God!
forbid that I should ever yield to one of his
temptations. Glory be to God! temptation is no
Sin, unless I yield ; and, by the help of my
adorable Jesus, I will die rather than -
yield. My God! stand by me, thy poor servant,
and give me Grace to conquer all my Enemies,
for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
Page 75
About 12 )'Clo[ck] [torn, illegible] at Brother Lain's
upon the Doc[torn, illegible] tification and I
bless God, I had [torn, illegible] berty in speaking,
and my Soul was happy in my God. -
This really made up for my sore trials
the fore part of the day. Glory be to my
God, his Love conquers the devil, and all -
his fiery darts. [crossed out, illegible] Many dear Souls fed this
day sweetly on the Word of God, and I
believe took a fresh start for heaven.
Lord Jesus! enable me to hold fast that
which I have, so that no man may take
my Crown. Give me more and more of
thy heavenly Nature O! my God every day,
make me faithful while I live, and
happy when I die, for Christ's sake. Amen.
Page 76
Friday 30th I [torn, illegible] [sm]all Congregation
at Brother Hill's, [torn, illegible] God! I had a
good deal of Liberty [torn, illegible] ness in speaking.
The Lord's dear Children, rejoiced in the love
of their blessed master, but poor Sinners -
appeared to be as hard as a rock. I warned
them of their danger, and cleared my skirts of
the Blood of their Souls. This I am resolved
to do (by the help of God) as long as I am
a preacher of the Gospel ; so that poor Sin=
=ners that are damned from under my preaching
shall never say I did not warn them. -
Lord God Almighty! make me faithful for the
Lord Jesus' sake. Let me have my work more
and more at heart, O! my god, every day. -
To-day after preaching, I rode a few miles
to see one of the dear young sisters, who -
lay at the point of death. Her poor Body
Page 77
was much reduce[d] [torn, illegible] ked like death;
but glory to [torn, illegible] was happy in
the love of Jes[us] [torn, illegible] Monster Death had
lost its sting. O! what a good thing it is to be
prepared to meet death. Lord! help me to
watch and pray, and grant that whenever
Death comes for me, I may be ready to go. -
Several of the dear neighbours were with this
dear Child, and I talked to them one by
one about their Souls. Glory to God, I have
reason to hope that my Labour was not
lost. Some of them were much affected,
and declared that they really desired to repent
of their Sins, and come home to God. I went
to prayers with them, and they were in -
floods of tears. Lord! save their Souls,
and make me useful and faithful -
unto Death for Christ's sake. Amen.
Page 78
Saturday 3[1st]. [torn, illegible] [Bro]ther Hill's to
Brother Davis's, and [torn, illegible] ing Society of
Christians. I examin[torn, illegible] into the state
of their Souls, and blessed be the Lord, the greater
part of them were happy in the love of God,
and rejoicing in the hopes and Expectations
of a blessed immortality. My Soul was happy
with God's dear people this day, and I praise
the Lord, I felt as if I really took a fresh
start for heaven. After meeting, I retired
into the solitary woods, a long distance from
the house. I there prayed and meditated, and
held sweet Communion with my dear Saviour.
Glory be to his sweet and precious name, he
gives me a heaven upon Earth, and I find
it to be perfect freedom to serve him. O!
my merciful God! make me faithul unto
Death for the Lord Jesus' sake. Amen.
Page 79
Perhaps after [torn, illegible] Journals may
fall into the [torn, illegible] or, thoughtless,
young man. [torn, illegible] friend! Remember
your Ceator in the days of your youth. -
I was a poor, thoughtless, giddy youth once,
but my merciful God did not cut me off,
and send me to hell; but he spared me to
tell of his wonderful goodness. O! be
wise my dear, whoever you are that reads
these Lines, and shew your wisdom by
hating Sin and loving holiness. When the
Lord sends for you by Death, then if you
are unprepared to meet him, O! what -
will you do? Now is the time for you
to prepare for Death. Make haste. O! fly
away to Jesus without delay. [crossed out, illegible]
I shall meet you in Eternity. Adieu.
Page 80
Sunday, [torn, illegible] Lain's
Chapel to a [torn, illegible] and glory be
to God! I was bles[torn, illegible] degree of Liberty
in speaking his blessed Word, and much good,
I trust was done. The dear Children of God
were much engaged, and many of their hearts -
were dissolved into tears of joy and thankfulness.
I examined a number of them, and they were
really happy, and determined for heaven.
If the dear Christians will stand fast
and continue faithful to God, I do believe
there will be a revival in this neighbour=
=hood. My very Soul longs for it. O! I mourn
after poor Sinners. I want them happy. My
dear God knows I feel determined to spend
my Life in trying to save precious Souls.
Lord Jesus! be with me always. O! that
I may watch and pray more than ever,
and live nigher to God for the time to come.
Page 81
In the Even[ing] [torn, illegible]
Evans's a few [torn, illegible]
dear family [torn, illegible] ly go [torn, illegible]
acquainted , and I was happy among them. -
I praise and thank God for dear, loving
friends. Sure I am, that if God has my
heart, I shall never lack any good thing.
O! that I may live nearer and nearer to
to my dear Saviour every hour of my Life.
My Soul was happy this Evening in secret
prayer. O! how I do love secret prayer.
It is food for my Soul to withdraw from
all Company, and hold Communion with
Jesus. Lord Grant that I may wisely -
improve my golden Seasons & opportuniti[es]
Help me dearest Lord! to lay up treasure
in heaven continually for Christ's sake. Ame[n.]
Page 82
[torn, illegible] [B]rother Evan's,
[torn, illegible] &c. and in the
evening I rode [torn, illegible] l's, a few miles off;
where I met with dear, loving friends, and my Soul
felt happy. In my secret devotion, I bless God!
I rejoiced with joy unspeakable and full of glory.
O! it was a happy time of retirement indeed,
and I praise my God for it. Love, love, love
from heaven did indeed run through my very
Soul, and I felt fully determined to live
and die in the Cause of my dear Jesus.-
Glory to my God that ever I wo[torn, illegible] orn ; and
glory to his dear Name for ever, that ever
I tasted his pardoning Love. I am indeed
forgiven. Wonder O! heavens! at the mercy
of God. Why was I not cut off in my sins,
[a]nd sent swift to Hell? O! it was because
Page 83
[torn, illegible] from [torn, illegible]
[torn, illegible] delight [torn, illegible]
[torn, illegible] wicked [torn, illegible]
ion for the devil, but my merciful God plucked
me like a Brand from Hell. Lord Jesus!
make me more thankful. I wonder how -
any person in the World can believe that
God made man for Damnation. O! that
is a Doctrine from Hell. God is Love,
[torn, illegible] he willeth not the Damnation of one
[So]ul. I believe my dear, compassionate,
tender hearted Saviour, spilt his Blood
for all the human race, therefore every one
has an equal Chance for Salvation ; and =
those that are damn'd, will blame no one
but [crossed out, illegible] themselves for it. O! God
help me to feel more and more for poor Sinners.
A[men]
Page 84
[torn, illegible]
[torn, illegible] not much
[torn, illegible] [he]arers were pro[torn, illegible]
=fessors of Religion, and this poor, dirty world [torn, illegible]
it is to be fared, has their hearts. Has made [torn, illegible]
uneasy to-day. I love to see professors of Religion
adorn the Gospel, by keeping their hearts with
God. Many, in the day of Judgment I expect,
who now make a great profession of Religion,
will be turned off to the Left hand of the [torn, illegible]
=ful Judge. God will not be mocked. [torn, illegible]
have the whole heart, or none at all. We [torn, illegible]
by the help of my dear Lord, I was discharg[ing]
my Duty, and warn poor Sinners, and hypocrites, and
backsliding, and every Character. Merciful God.
I have much to do indeed. Lord make me more
[torn, illegible] and watchful for the time to come. Am[en.]
Page 85
[torn, illegible] , I [torn, illegible]
[torn, illegible] ssed be God, [torn, illegible]
[torn, illegible] iners were cut [torn, illegible]
[torn, illegible] nd pitiful cries [torn, illegible]
Christians rejoiced, [torn, illegible]
gave me great liberty an [torn, illegible]
[torn, illegible] which I desire humbly [torn, illegible]
[torn, illegible] essed name. After preaching
[torn, illegible] the Congregation, and [torn, illegible]
[torn, illegible] ber of the people one by ond
[torn, illegible] were grieving on account
[torn, illegible] of heart, and crying
[torn, illegible] were rejoicing in the light
[torn, illegible] tenance, and appeared to
[torn, illegible] ld be ; while others that
[torn, illegible] be quite unconcerned,
[torn, illegible] their Souls, and I verily -
[torn, illegible] me for endeavor [torn, illegible]
[torn, illegible] d. Ma[torn, illegible]
Page 86
[torn, illegible] some t[torn, illegible]
[torn, illegible] my friends [torn, illegible]
[torn, illegible] erland, and [torn, illegible]
[torn, illegible]he time. - Wh[torn, illegible]
[torn, illegible]se of great Joy to[torn, illegible]
[torn, illegible], for I really had [torn, illegible]
[torn, illegible] should have seen them [torn, illegible]
parents were very kind to [torn, illegible]
them, to go to my Circuit [torn, illegible]
be much troubled, my [torn, illegible]
I was very uneasy to see [torn, illegible]
about me, and so loth to [torn, illegible]
when God calls, we mus[torn, illegible]
my leave of them, and in [torn, illegible]
Circuit, where I met w[torn, illegible]
preachers, who were al[torn, illegible]
Love of Jesus, and glory [torn, illegible]
wore off, and I joined [torn, illegible]
[torn, illegible] preachers, and we [torn, illegible]
[torn, illegible]
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