The Journal of Charles Wesley
January 2 - February 27, 1743
SUNDAY, January 2d, 1743. I rode to Bexley, and discoursed in the church from Luke i.: "Blessed be theLord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people." God gave me to speak in mild love; and some of the most rebellious began to melt into convictions.
I returned to town, and expounded the barren fig-tree at the Foundery. Their hearts were bowed as the heart of one man.
Mon., January 8d. I preached at Brentford, and stirred up the little Society to "look unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of their faith." A young man came, and fell down, very innocently, on his knees to ask my blessing, because, he said, I was his spiritual father, faith having come by hearing me one of the last times I preached here.
I rode on to Eton, where I exhorted a few sincere souls to hear their Saylout's cross, and suffer patiently for his sake.
Wed., January 5th. In the evening I came with George Badiley to Bristol.
Fri., January 7th. I visited sister Edgcomb, triumphing over death, and waiting every moment for full redemption.
Sat., January 8th. I spoke with one who thinks she has already attained: I think not. The event will show.
I met Sus. Design's hand, with the three Quakers, and an extraordinary presence of God among them.
Sun., January 9th. I kept a love-feast at Kingswood. As soon as we met the spirit of prayer fell upon us, and we were filled with comfort.
Tues., January 11th. I set out for London at three in the morning, and reached it, God being my helper, the next day.
Fri., January 14th. I visited the condemned malefactors in Newgate, and was locked in by the turnkey, not with them, but in the yard. However, I stood upon a bench, and they climbed up to the windows of their cells; so that all could hear my exhortation and prayer.
The Lord was with us at our public intercession; from which I went to visit the sick. I was much refreshed by our dying brother Milbourne, whose whole cry was, "Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly."
At night I was comforted with all the Society by an account of our sister Pike's departure in the Lord.
Sat., January 15th. I went to Newgate, and was refused admittance. One Townsend thrust me away, though I showed him the Sheriff's order. I was let in by another keeper, the only one who has a spark of humanity, and preached through the grates, as before. A Romish Priest was there, having free egress and regress; but aClergyman of the Church of England must not hope for the like favour.
Sun., January 16th. I communicated at St. Paul's. In going up to the table I met one who had behaved very untowardly. He said, with the look of the publican, "I
repent." My heart was filled with consolation and prayer for him. O that I might have the same joy in all who have grieved me by their backslidings!
I felt an unusual weight at our love-feast, till the death of our brother Milbourne revived me. A brother related that he had caught hold on him with his convulsed hands, and said, "I have neither doubt nor fear; but my spirit rejoices continually in God my Saviour. He has done more for my soul than tongue can utter." The like words he had said to me; whom he kissed, and could hardly part with. He was sure, he declared, that his Lord would just then receive him. Even when speechless, he showed all the tokens of happiness, and died like a lamb of Jesus' fold.
Mon., January 17th. From three till nine at night I continued reading the letters, rejoicing, and praying, and praising God.
Tues., January 18th. I buried, and spake of, our happy brother. It was with us as heretofore. A funeral is one of our greatest festivals.
Sat., January 22d. I prayed with the malefactors, and felt great pity for them, especially for a poor ignorant Papist.
Wed. and Thur., January 26th and 27th. I reproved them for their late negligence; and on
Sat., January 29th, I saw my words had not been lost. They seemed humbled and awakened to a sense of their condition. Their lightness had been occasioned by that poor creature, the Ordinary; who is worse than no Minister at all. Six times they were forced to wake him before he got through the prayers. He might just as well read them in Latin. His life and actions are worse than even his words.
Tues., February 1st. Again Townsend refused me admittance; telling me I had forged my order from the Sheriff. Another let me in, with Mr. Piers and Bray. Scarce were we entered the cells, when the power of God fell upon us, first as a spirit of contrition, then of strong faith, and power to exhort and pray.
At night I expounded Daniel ix.; and the Spirit of God burst in upon us like a flood. Surely the Lord will bring again Sion: the commandment is gone forth, and our Jerusalem shall be built.
Fri., February 4th, I spent in examining the classes. Before we parted, the Spirit of supplication was wonderfully poured out. We asked in falth for some who still lay at the pool; and they received the immediate knowledge of salvation by the remission of their sins.
Sat., February 5th. One among the classes told my brother she had a constant sense of forgiveness, and he let her pass. I could not help proving her farther; and then the justified sinner appeared full of the gall of bitterness; said again and again of a sister present, "I do not love her; I hate her," &c. I assured her, if an angel from heaven told me she was justified, I would not believe him; for she was a murderer. As such we prayed for her; and she was convinced of unbelief. I fear we have many such believers among us.
Sun., February 6th. I met a second time the Clerk of St. Luke's. In our first conference he was thoroughly convinced; and has now experienced the truth. For three days together, he tells me, he has been ready to faint away through love to all mankind.
Fri., February 11th. Three received forgiveness this day, while we were praying among the classes.
Sat., February 12th. I showed my old order at Newgate, which was refused; then a new one, sent me by the other Sheriff. Coming out, the keeper desired to see it again, and took it away from me. I wrote to the Sheriff, who sent me another.
Sun., February 18th. When I came to Newgate, the first question was, as I expected, "Where is your order" I produced my new one, which so surprised them, that they durst not refuse me admittance.
I found the poor souls turned out of the way by Mr. Broughton. He told them, "There was no knowing our sins forgiven; and, if any could expect it, not such wretches as they, but the good people, who had done so and so. As for his part, he had it not himself; therefore it was plain they could not receive it." I spoke strong words to one of them, which the Lord applied, and prayed in fervent faith, I heard the Ordinary read prayers and preach; then spake with them all together in the chapel. All, but one, were brought back to the truth.
The god of this world was angry, and sent the head-jailer to ask me how I came hither. "I wonder, Sir," said I, "that you should ask me that question, when you have my order in your pocket. You did not do well in taking it away, and then forbidding my entrance. You have trampled upon the Sheriff's authority." He answered, "If the Sheriff suffers you to come here, he shall keep the jail himself." I talked to him till he was much softened; but, let the world smile or frown, my work goes on.
Tues., February 22d. Weary, and through various dangers, the Lord brought me this evening to Bath.
Wed., February 23d. I preached morning and night at the Society. In the evening, at the lodgings of a sick friend, to several of the rich. They heard me patiently while I showed, "They that be whole have no need of a physician, but they that be sick."
Thur., February 24th. I met Mrs. Carr, a daughter of affliction, and found, in prayer for her, that the Lifter up of her head is near.
Sun., February 27th. I gave the sacrament to our colliers. The love of Christ was shed abroad in many of their hearts.
I expounded the pool of Bethesda at Bath. Mr. Cart, and the rest of the gentry, were very attentive.
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Charles Wesley (1707 - 1788)
Was an English hymn writer, poet, and preacher who wrote over 5,500 hymns including And Can It Be That I Should Gain?, O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing, and Hark! the Herald Angels Sing. A leader of the Methodist movement with his brother John Wesley.Wesley's conversion had a clear impact on his doctrine, especially the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. The change in doctrine can be seen in his sermons after 1738, but is most notable in his hymns written after 1738. From Charles published work “Hymns and Prayers to the Trinity” and in Hymn number 62 he writes “The Holy Ghost in part we know, For with us He resides, Our whole of good to Him we owe, Whom by His grace he guides, He doth our virtuous thoughts inspire, The evil he averts, And every seed of good desire, He planted in our hearts.”
Charles Wesley is best known for his prolific hymn writing, his poetry and for being one of the founding fathers of the Methodist denomination of Christianity. He wrote more than six thousand hymns, of which a handful remain in modern day worship.
John and Charles Wesley's Methodist style was to take the word of God to people, wherever they were, rather than try to get them into a church to hear it. The numbers of converts grew and were gathered into 'societies' to nurture their faith.
With their helpers they began their travelling ministry, covering thousands of miles on horseback over the years throughout England and in Scotland, Wales and Ireland, with London, Bristol, and Newcastle being the main centres of their work.
The high-intensity preaching took its toll on Charles; he suffered from nervous exhaustion and severe depression. He was 80 when he died on 29th March 1788. With his famous carol Hark the Herald Angels Sing heard everywhere from cathedrals to supermarkets, the legacy of Charles Wesley is likely to continue for years to come.
Charles Wesley was an English leader of the Methodist movement, son of Anglican clergyman and poet Samuel Wesley, the younger brother of Anglican clergyman John Wesley and Anglican clergyman Samuel Wesley (the Younger), and father of musician Samuel Wesley, and grandfather of musician Samuel Sebastian Wesley.
Despite their closeness, Charles and his brother John did not always agree on questions relating to their beliefs. In particular, Charles was strongly opposed to the idea of a breach with the Church of England into which they had been ordained. Charles Wesley is chiefly remembered for the many hymns he wrote. He founded Wesley Chapel in the village of Brayton, which is just south of Selby. His house, located nearby, can still be visited today.