154 History of Methodism 



to the Episcopal Church (St. Philip's), and then to the Independ- 

 ent meeting-house (Circular Church). At this last I heard a good 

 discourse. 



Monday, 28. The Calvinists, who are the only people in Charles- 

 ton who appear to have any sense of religion, seem to be alarmed. 

 Yesterday morning, and again at noon, the congregations were small ; 

 at night we were crowded. There is a great dearth of religion 

 here; some say never more so than at this time. The people were 

 a little moved while Brother Lee preached to them on Sabbath 

 evening. My first sermon was on Wednesday morning, March 2d, 

 on 2 Cor. v. 20. I had but little enlargement. I preached again 

 the next day, on Eccles. xi. 9. The people were solemn and attent- 

 ive. I find there are some here who oppose us— I leave the Lord 

 to look to his own cause. I told my hearers that I expected to stay 

 in the city but seven days; that I should preach every night, if they 

 would favor me with their company; and that I should speak on 

 subjects of primary importance to their souls, and explain the es- 

 sential doctrines taught and held by the Methodists. 



Friday, March 4. I gave them a discourse on the nature of con- 

 viction for sin, from John xvi. 8. Many serious people attended, 

 and some appeared to feel. 



Saturday, 5. I spoke on the nature and necessity of repentance. 

 The ministers, who had before this held meeting at the same hour 

 with us, and had represented our principles in an unfavorable light, 

 and striven to prepossess the people's minds against our doctrines — 

 even these ministers came to hear. This afternoon Mr. Wells be- 

 gan to feel conviction. My soul praised the Lord for this fruit of 

 our labors — this answer to our prayers. 



Sunday, 6. I had but few hearers this morning ; those few ap- 

 peared to have feeling hearts. In the evening I preached to a large, 

 wild company, on Acts xvii. 30, 31. My soul is in deep travail for 

 Mr. Wells. I hope God will set him at liberty. The sore-throat 

 and scarlet fever prevail in this city, yet are the inhabitants vain 

 and wicked to a proverb. I bless God for health. 



Wednesday, 9. I had a good time on Matt. vii. 7. In the even- 

 ing the clouds about Mr. Wells began to disperse ; in the morning 

 he could rejoice in the Lord. How great is the work of God — once 

 a sinner, yesterday a seeker, and now his adopted child ! Now we 

 know that God has brought us here, and have a hope that there will 

 be a glorious work among the people — at least among the Africans. 



Thursday, 10. This day I delivered my last discourse, on 1 Pet. 



