John Wesley’s diary, 1780

In the evening I retired to Lewisham, to prepare matter (who would believe it) for a monthly magazine. Friday, February 4, being the national fast, I preached first…

l left Leeds in one of the roughest mornings I have ever seen. We had rain, hail, snow, and wind in abundance. About nine I preached at Bramley; between one and two…

I took one more walk through Holyrood House, the mansion of ancient kings. But how melancholy an appearance does it make now! The stately rooms are dirty as…

The rain hindered me from preaching at noon upon the Castle Hill. In the evening the house was well filled, and I was enabled to speak strong words. But I am not a…

A gentleman took me to see Roslyn Castle, eight miles from Edinburgh. It is now all in ruins, only a small dwelling house is built on one part of it. The situation…

I went to Mr. Parker's, at Shincliff, near Durham. The congregation being far too large to get into the house, I stood near his door. It seemed as if the whole…

An arch newswriter published a paragraph today, probably designed for wit, concerning the large pension which the famous Wesley received for defending the king.…

About eleven I preached at Newton-upon-Trent, to a large and very genteel congregation. Thence we went to Newark, but our friends were divided as to the place where…

We went on to Boston, the largest town in the county, except Lincoln. From the top of the steeple (which I suppose is by far the highest tower in the kingdom) we…

I went to Sheffield; but the house was not ready, so I preached in the square. I can hardly think I am entered this day into the seventy-eight year of my age. By…

As I drew near Bath, I wondered what had drawn such a multitude of people together, till I learned that one of the members for the city had given an ox to be…

I went to Tunbridge Wells and preached to a serious congregation on Revelation 22:12.

I came back to Sevenoaks and in the afternoon walked over to the Duke of Dorset's seat. The park is the pleasantest I ever saw; the trees are so elegantly disposed.…

Having a second message from Lord George Gordon, earnestly desiring to see me, I wrote a line to Lord Stormont who, on Monday, 18, sent me a warrant to see him. On…

At the desire of some of my friends, I accompanied them to the British Museum. What an immense field is here for curiosity to range in! One large room is filled…

Desiring to make the most of this solemn day, I preached early in the morning at the new chapel; at ten and four I preached at West Street; and in the evening met…

I saw the indictment of the Grand jury against Lord George Gordon. I stood aghast! What a shocking insult upon truth and common sense! But it is the usual form. The…

Waking between one and two in the morning, I observed a bright light shine upon the chapel. I easily concluded there was a fire near, probably in the adjoining…