The Journal Of John Wesley

Sunday, August 6. -- At one I proclaimed the glorious gospel to the usual congregation at Birstal [33] and in the evening at Leeds. Then, judging it needful to pay a short visit to our brethren at London, I took the stagecoach, with five of my friends, about eight o'clock. Before nine, a gentleman in a single-horse chaise struck his wheel against one of ours. Instantly the weight of the men at top overset the coach; otherwise, ten times the shock would not have moved it. But neither the coachman, nor the men at top, nor any within were hurt at all. On Tuesday, in the afternoon, we were met at Hatfield by many of our friends, who conducted us safe to London.

Monday, October 30, and the following days, I visited the little societies in the neighborhood of London.

Saturday, November 11. I made some additions to the Calm Address to Our American Colonies. Need anyone ask from what motive this was written? Let him look round: England is in a flame! a flame of malice and rage against the King, and almost all that are in authority under him. I labor to put out this flame. Ought not every true patriot to do the same? If hireling writers on either side judge of me by themselves, that I cannot help.

Sunday, 12. -- I was desired to preach, in Bethnal Green Church, a charity sermon for the widows and orphans of the soldiers that were killed in America. Knowing how many would seek occasion of offense, I wrote down my sermon. I dined with Sir John Hawkins and three other gentlemen that are in commission for the peace; and was agreeably surprised at a very serious conversation kept up during the whole time I stayed.