Removing from these parts in February, 1761, those thoughts were taken from me, for a season: but after a year and an half, being providentially called to return hither, the same thoughts returned into my mind. Yet I could not easily consent to leave London, till I had, with my friend, laid it before the Lord; being fully persuaded, that if it was of God, he would make plain paths for our feet.
Soon after, many outward providences confirmed us, in our belief, that it was God’s appointment. His Spirit also shone clearer upon our souls, and convinced us, it was a cross which he called us to take up. One day in particular, when my friend and I were laying it before him in prayer, he condescended to assure her, that he would not send us a warfare at our own charges. I thought, let not my Lord be angry, and I will ask yet one sign more. This was the settling of an affair, which seemed to man impossible. And it was settled within a few days. O God, who can stay thy hand?
But no sooner was my design mentioned to others, than it was vehemently opposed, one in particular charged me not to go, saying, “It was all a scheme of the devil.” Either that night, or the next, I dreamed I was at Laton-Stone, and a great number of all sorts of people about me. I was prest in spirit to speak to them; but being pained at the appearance of many gay ones among them, I said, in the anguish of my soul, “Lord, what do I here among this people?” Immediately I thought Jesus came down, and stood just before me. The brightness of his presence so overcame me, that there was no strength left in me. He said, “I will send you to a people, that are not a people; and I will go with you: bring them unto me. I will lay my hand upon them, and heal them: fear not; only believe.” He then disappeared, leaving me quite penetrated with his presence and his words. After having wept some time, I thought I told the people what the Lord had said. About half seemed serious and attentive, and desirous of being separated from the rest. I thought I was to find them a place to meet in: in order to which, I was obliged to walk over a floor no thicker than a wafer: however, I went over, and not a splinter gave way under my feet. Soon after I awoke with these words, “The mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.”
Our fears were now removed, and on March 24, 1763, we came to this house, in obedience to what we believed the will of our heavenly Father. We came, trusting in him; and, blessed be God, we have not trusted him in vain.
From the first hour we found his presence with us, but did not see, for what end we were come. We therefore stood still to see his salvation. Mean time we determined, to live by rule in every thing: and in order to supply the want of the public means, from which we were in great measure cut off, we agreed to spend an hour every evening, part in reading to the family, and part in private prayers. The first book we read was, “The Rebuke to Backsliders, and Spur to Loiterers.” And glory be to God, our meeting has hitherto never been in vain.
In about a week, a poor woman whom I had formerly talked with, coming to ask charity, desired to know, if she might not come when we went to prayers? I told her, she might at seven in the evening. She did so, as did two or three more soon after. We then appointed them to come on Thursday nights. In a little time they were increased to above twenty. We now thought it best, to talk with them, and that as closely as we could. Some were quickly offended and came no more. Some appeared convinced of sin. These we desired to come to us on Tuesday nights; and the second time we met, two of them found peace with God.
A little before this, we judged the time was come to have public preaching here. This was a close trial to me, such as few can conceive, unless they have been in the same situation. But I knew, whosoever would not forsake all, could not be Christ’s disciple: seeing he had said, If any man love father or mother more than me, he is not worthy of me.
We then applied to you, and the next Sunday, May the 25th, Mr. Murlin preached the first sermon. This continued every other Sunday, though not without considerable opposition. In November, Mr. Morgan received twenty-five into the society, and divided them into two classes. Ah Lord! How many of these shall I meet at the resurrection of the just!
But a new scene now opened. The reasons on which I proceeded, I will lay before you as plainly as I can.
From a child I have ever believed, God had appointed me for some work, in which I should be much blest, if I was faithful; but that if I took up with any thing less than I was called to, I should only be saved as by fire. Often have I panted after an outward, as well as inward conformity to the will of God; greatly desiring to live as the first Christians did, when all that believed were of one soul, and counted not any of the things they possessed their own. But I saw the time was not yet come; yet I could not but believe, in your day something of this kind would be.