New York

Friday, October 31. Met with a bitter pamphlet written against me by some of the Presbyterian persuasion, and found freedom given me to answer it. I long since expected close opposition from that quarter. I believe it will be increasing daily. The Lord will make me more than conqueror through [reconstructed: his] love [reconstructed: for me]. Met also with two volumes of sermons published in London as delivered by me, though I never preached on most of the texts. But Satan must try all ways to bring the work of God into contempt. Blessed be God, who enables me abundantly to rejoice in all things that befall me. Preached in the morning at Mr. P—n's meeting house, but never saw the word of God fall with such weight in New York before. Two or three cried out. Mr. Noble could scarce refrain himself. And, [illegible] where I would, many seemed deeply wounded. At night the word was attended with great power. One cried out, and the Lord enabled me, at the latter end of my sermon, to speak with authority. Alas! How vain are the thoughts of men! As I came along yesterday, I found my heart somewhat dejected, and told Mr. Noble I expected but little movings in New York. But Mr. Noble bid me "expect great things from God," and likewise told me of several who were, as he hoped, savingly wrought upon by my ministry, when there last. O Lord, let these things humble my soul for your own name's sake.

Saturday, November 1. Finished my answer to the pamphlet. God enabled me to write it in the spirit of meekness. O Lord, give it your blessing! Preached twice as yesterday to very crowded audiences, and neither time without power. In the evening exercise, some fainted, and the Lord seemed to show us more and more, that a time for favoring New York was near at hand. O therefore did I doubt! Lord, increase my faith.

Sunday, November 2. Preached this morning with freedom and some power, but was much dejected before the evening sermon. For near half an hour before I left Mr. Noble's house, I could only lie before the Lord and say, I was a poor sinner, and wonder that Christ would be gracious to such a wretch. As I went to meeting, I grew weaker and weaker, and when I came into the pulpit, I could have chosen to be silent rather than speak. But, after I had begun, the Spirit of the Lord gave me freedom, till at length it came down like a mighty rushing wind, and carried all before it. Immediately the whole congregation was alarmed. Shrieking, crying, weeping, and wailing were to be heard in every corner. Men's hearts failing them for fear, and many falling into the arms of their friends. My soul was carried out till I could scarce speak any more. A sense of God's goodness overwhelmed me. As I went down, a woman said, Come and see what God has done for me tonight. I looked, and her daughter, in a great agony, was crying out, "Oh my Jesus, my Jesus!" Another, a little boy, was so concerned on the pulpit stairs, that he could scarce stand. One of my friends asked him why he cried. "Who can help it?" said he. "Mr. Whitefield's words cut me to the heart." After I came home, I threw myself upon the bed, and in an awful silence, admired the infinite freeness, sovereignty, and condescension of the love of God. I was unwilling to move, but was called down to the marriage of Mr. B—r, whom I met at Rhode Island, who being espoused to the young woman, was so struck at the same place, by my advice, who married her this night, and both are going as my assistants to Georgia. Never did I see a more solemn wedding. Jesus Christ was called, and he was present in a remarkable manner. After Mr. P—n had married them, I prayed. But my soul, how was it enabled to wrestle with and lay hold on God! I was in a very great agony, and the Holy Ghost was remarkably present, so that most, I believe, could say, Surely God is in this place! After this, divine manifestations flowed in so fast, that my frail tabernacle was scarce [illegible] to sustain them. My dear friends sat round [illegible] on the bedsides. I prayed for each of them alternately with strong cries, and pierced by the eye of faith, even within the veil. I continued in this condition for about half an hour, astonished at my own vileness, and the excellency of Christ, then rose full of peace, and love, and joy. O how am I obliged to my enemies? God has remarkably revealed himself to my soul, ever since I have seen the pamphlet published by the Presbyterians against me. O how faithful is he that has promised, It shall bruise your heel, and you shall bruise his head. Lord, enable me to lay hold on this, during the time of my sojourning here on earth.

Monday, November 3. Preached both morning and afternoon, and perceived the congregations still increase. There was a great and gracious melting among the people both times, but no crying out. Near 110 l. currency were collected for the orphans, and in the evening many came and took an affectionate leave. About seven we took boat, reached Staten Island about ten, greatly refreshed in my inner man. A dear Christian friend received us gladly. We solaced ourselves by singing and praying. And about midnight retired to sleep, still longing for that time when I should sleep no more. Lord, keep me from a sinful and too eager desire after death. I desire not to be impatient. I desire quietly to wait till my blessed change come. Amen and Amen.