Dummer in Hampshire. But I was not suffered to stay here long; being earnestly prest to come up to London, if it were only for a few days. Thither therefore I returned, on Tuesday 18. Saturday 21, I met Peter Border once more; I had now no objection to what he said of the nature of faith, viz. That it is (to use the words of our church), "A sure trust and confidence which a man hath in God, that through the merits of Christ his sins are forgiven, and he reconciled to the favour of God." Neither could I deny either the happiness or holiness which he described, as fruits of this living faith. "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our Spirit that we are the children of God: "And, "He that believeth hath the witness in himself," fully convinced me of the former, As, "Whatsoever is born of God, doth not commit sin," and "Whosoever believeth, is born of God," did of the latter. But I could not comprehend what he spoke of an instantaneous work. I could not understand, how this faith should be given in a moment; how a man could at once be thus turned from darkness to light, from sin and misery to righteousness and joy in the Holy Ghost. I searched the Scriptures again, touching this very thing, particularly the Acts of the Apostles: But, to my utter astonishment, found scarce any instances there of other than instantaneous conversions; scarce any so slow as that of St. Paul, who was three days in the pangs of the New Birth. I had but one retreat left; viz. "Thus, I grant God wrought in the first ages of Christianity: but the times are changed. What reason have I to believe, he works in the same manner now?" But on Sunday 22, I was beat out of this retreat too, by the concurring evidence of several living witnesses; who testified God had thus wrought in themselves, giving them in a moment, such a faith in the blood of his Son, as translated them out of darkness into light, out of sin and fear into holiness and happiness. Here ended my disputing. I could now only cry out," Lord, help thou my unbelief!" I asked P. Bohler again, " Whether I ought not to refrain from teaching others?" He said, "No, Do not hide in the earth the talent God hath given you." Accordingly, on Tuesday 25, I spoke clearly and fully at Blendon to Mr. Delamotte's family, of the nature and fruits of faith. Mr. Broughton and my brother were there. Mr. Broughton's great objection was, "He could never think that I had not faith, who had done and suffered such things."* My brother was very angry, and told me I did not know what mischief I had done by talking thus. And indeed it did please God then to kindle a fire, which I trust shall never be extinguished. On Wednesday 26, The day fixt for my return to Ox* ford, I once more waited on the Trustees for Georgia; but being straitened for time, was obliged to leave the papers for them, which I had designed to give into their own hands. One of these was the instrument whereby they had appointed me minister of Savannah; which, having no more place in those parts, I thought it not right to keep any longer. P. Bobler walked with me a few miles, and exhorted me not to stop short of the grace of God. At Gerrard's Cross I plainly declared to those whom God gave into my hands, the faith as it is in Jesus; as I did next day to a young man I overtook on the road, and in the evening to our friends at Oxford. A strange doctrine, which some, who did not care to contradict, yet knew not what to make of; but one or two, who were thoroughly bruised by sin, willingly heard, and received it gladly. In the day or two following, I was much confirmed in the truth that is after godliness, by hearing the experiences of Mr. Hutchins, of Pembroke College, and Mr. Fox: two living witnesses that God can (at least if he does not always) give that faith whereof cometh salvation in a moment, as lightning falling from heaven. Monday, May 1, The return of my brother's illness obliged me again to hasten to London. In the evening I found him at James Hutton's, better, as to his health, than He was in the right. I certainly then had the faith of a servant, though ngt the faith of a son. I expected; but strongly averse from what he called the New Faith. This evening our little society began, which afterwards met in Fetter-lane. Our fundamental Rules were as follows:— In obedience to the command of God by St. James, and by the advice of Peter Bohler, it is agreed by us, 1. That we will meet together once a weak to confess our faults one to another, and pray one for another, that we may be healed. 2. That the persons so meeting be divided into several bands or little companies, none of them consisting of fewer than five, or more than ten persons. 3. That every one in order, speak as freely, plainty, and concisely as he can, the real state of his heart, with his several temptations and deliverances, since the last time of meeting. 4. That all the bands have a conference at eight every Wednesday evening, begun and ended with singing and prayer. 5. That any who desire to be admitted into this society be asked, "What are your reasons for desiring this? Will you be entirely open, using no kind of reserve? Have you any objection to any of our orders? (which may then be read). 6. That when any new member is proposed, every one present speak clearly and freely whatever objection he has to him. 7. That those against whom no reasonable objection appears, be, in order for their trial, formed into one, or more distinct bands, and some person agreed on to assist them. 8. That after two months trial, if no objection then appear, they may be admitted into the society. 9. That every fourth Saturday be observed, as a day of general intercession. 10. That on the Saturday seven-night following, be a ge neral love-feast, from seven till ten in the evening. 11. That no particular member be allowed to act in any thing contrary to any order of the society: and that if any persons after being thrice admonished, do not conform thereto, they be not any longer esteemed as members. Wednesday 3, My brother had a long and particular conversation with Peter Bohler. And it now pleased God to open his eyes; so that he also saw clearly what was the nature of that one, true living faith, whereby alone, through grace, we are saved. Thursday 4, Peter Bohler left London in order to embark for Carolina. O what a work has God begun, since his coming into England! Such an one as shall never come to an end, till heaven and earth pass away. Friday and Saturday I was at Blendon. They now believed our report. O may the arm of the Lord be speedily revealed unto them! Sunday 7, I preached at St. Lawrence's in the morning; and afterwards at St. Katherine's-creed church. I was enabled to speak strong words at both; and was therefore the less surprised at being informed, I was not to preach any more in either of those churches. 66 Tuesday 9, I preached at Great St. Helen's, to a very numerous congregation, on He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" My heart was now so enlarged to declare the love of God, to all that were opprest by the devil, that I did not wonder in the least, when I was afterwards told, “Sir, you must preach here no more.' Wednesday 10, Mr. Stonchouse, Vicar of Islington, was convinced of the truth as it is in Jesus. From this time till Saturday 13, I was sorrowful and very heavy; being neither able to read, nor meditate, nor sing, nor pray, nor do any thing. Yet I was a little refreshed by Peter Bohler's letter, which I insert in his own words: CHARISSIME & SUAVISSIME FRATER, Intentissimo amore te diligo, multum tui recordans in itinere meo, optando & precando ut quam primum viscera misericordiæ crucifixi Jesu Christi, tui gratia jam ante 6000 annos commota, menti tuæ appareant: Ut gustare & tunc videre possis, quam vehementer te Filius Dei amavcrit et hucusque amet, & ut sic confidere possis in eo omni tem pore, vitamque ejus in te & in carne tua senlire. Cavc tibi a peccato incredulitatis, et si nondum vicisti illud, fac ut proximo die illud vincas, per Sanguinem Jcsu Christi. Ne differ, quæso credere tuum in Jesum Christum; sed potius promissionum ejus, quæ pertinent ad miscrandos peccatorest coram facie ejus benigna sic mentionem fac, ut non aliter possit quam præsatre tibi, quod mullis aliis prastitit. O quam multus, quam magnus, quam inexhaustus, est illius Amor! Ille certe jam-jam paratus est ad auxilium, et nihil potest ilium offendere nisi incredulilas nostra. Crede igitur. Fratrem tuum Carolum & Hall, nomine meo saluta multum; & admonete vos invicem ad credendum, & tunc ad ambulandum coram facie domini axpßws, & ad pugnandum contra Diabolum & Mundum vous, et ad crucifigendum & conculcandum peccatum omne sub pedibus nostris, quantum nobis datum est per gratiam secundi Adami, cujus vita excedit mortem prioris Adami, & cujus gratia antecellit corrup tionem & damnationem prioris Adami. Dominus tibi benedicat. Permane in fide, amore, doctrina, communione sanctorum, & breviter, in omni quod habemus in Novo Fœdere. Ego sum e maneo Tu s ind gnus Frater, Petr s B hle . In gris outh mptonian s, Die "I love you greatly, and think much of you in my jour ney, wishing and praying that the tender mercies of Jesus Christ the crucified, whose bowels were moved toward you more than six thousand years ago, may be manifested to your soul; that you may taste and then see how exceeding ly the Son of God has loved you, and loves you still, and that so you may continually trust in him, and feel his life in yourself. Beware of the sin of unbelief; and if you have hot conquered it yet, see that you conquer it this very day, |