The Journal of Charles Wesley
September 1 - December 28, 1750
Sat., September 1st. I finished Rapin's history, which has cured me, in some degree, of the prejudices of education.
Sun., September 2d. I baptized Hannah Skinner. He remembered His promise, "Lo, I am with you."
Tues., September 4th. I carried Sally to Mr. Haynes. I preached with an enlarged heart, as I always do at Wick.
Wed., September 5th. My worthy friend Mr. Evans looked upon us in his return to Oxford.
Sun., September 9th. I proclaimed, to a great multitude in the orchard, "Christ the way, the truth, and the life;" and left, I humbly hope, a blessing behind me.
Mon., September 10th. I set out with Sally, and parted; she for Ludlow, I for London; where I arrived on Wednesday morning.
Thur., September 18th. I met my brother and the Stewards.
Fri., September 14th. I met James Hervey at the Tabernacle, and in the fellowship of the Spirit of love.
Sun., September 16th. A great number of communicants perceived the Lord present. He gave us his blessing at our lovefeast also. I was restless all night, through a boil rising on my neck.
Mon., September 17th. I rose at two, and set out for the north. Beyond Islington my mare threw and fell upon me. I held on as far as St. Alban's, and was then forced to lie down; yet could not sleep, day or night.
Tues. afternoon, September 18th. With much difficulty I got back to London.
Fri., September 28th. I continued in great pain for several days, till the boil broke.
I passed three days at Newington-green, and found benefit by my physic and fresh air. Mr. Waller and his sisters frequently called, and rejoiced with the church in our house.
Sun., October 7th. I got out to the chapel on this and every Lord's day; the rest of the month confined to the house mostly. Dr. Wathen attended me constantly, till both my neck and swollen hand were quite well.
Mon., October 29th. I set out with Mr. Waller and Bridgin; slept the first night at Oxford, the second at Moreton.
Wed., October 31st. By ten I came to Evesham, and had great comfort in praying over our sick brother Watson. I lodged at Worcester, and was refreshed with the little handful at sister Blackmore's.
Thur., November 1st. I preached in Ludlow, where I stayed the whole month, exercised by severe and unexpected trials. One night (November 28th) Mr. W----- fell into convulsions, through the distractions of his mind. I was on the point of following him. Betsy and Juggy fainted away. Confusion reigned throughout the family.
Sat., December 1st. I rode out with Miss Becky, to meet Mrs. Allen and M. Dudley, and brought them to Ludlow.
Sun., December 2d. I encouraged a poor girl to seek for her cure from Him who had wounded her. She has the outward mark too; being daily threatened to be turned out of doors by her master, a great swearer, and strict Churchman; a constant communicant, and habitual drunkard.
Tues., December 4th. Mr. W.'s wedding-day. How unlike my own! I rose, after a sleepless night, in the spirit of heaviness. I prayed for them and with them. Soon after eight they were married;
"And 't was my ministry to deal the blow!"
Fri., December 7th. I left the house of woe, and the next day rejoiced to find myself among my friends at Bristol.
Sun., December 9th. I visited my sick friends; four of them in the triumph of faith. Sister Page was almost overpowered: she had desired to live only to see me. She began recovering from our praying together.
The Society seemed filled with consolation. It was a glorious time, and made me forget my late sorrows and sufferings.
Mon., December 10th. I visited our sister Arnett, aged eighty-six, just ripe for glory; and a child of brother Waleam's, departing in the spirit of praise and love.
Sun., December 16th. Two went home from the word justified.
Sun., December 23d. I gave a close exhortation to the Society, which seemed to sink into every heart.
Tues., Christmas-day. I rejoiced from four to six, with as many as our room could contain; then rode to Newbury with T. Hamilton. Eating immediately, he fainted away. I found myself a-going, and prevented it by a vomit.
Thur., December 27th. I did not reach the Foundery till eleven. I found Sally at Mrs. Allen's.
Fri., December 28th. I officiated at Spitalfields chapel, One received forgiveness with the sacrament.
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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.