12. They spoke far more plausible than these, who said, “the thing is well enough in itself. But the _leaders_ are insufficient for the work. They have neither gifts nor graces for such an employment.” I answer, 1. Yet such leaders as they are, it is plain God has blessed their labour. 2. If any of these is remarkably wanting in gifts or grace, he is soon taken notice of and removed. 3. If you know any such, tell it to _me_, not to others, and I will endeavour to exchange him for a better. 4. It may be hoped, they will all be better than they are, both by experience and observation, and by the advices given them by the ministers every _Tuesday_ night, and the prayers (then in particular) offered up for them. III. 1. About this time, I was informed, that several persons in _Kingswood_, frequently met together at the school, and (when they could spare the time) spent the greater part of the night, in prayer, and praise, and thanksgiving. Some advised me to put an end to this; but upon weighing the thing throughly, and comparing it with the practice of the antient Christians, I could see no cause to forbid it. Rather, I believed, it might be made of more general use. So I sent them word, “I designed to watch with them, on the _Friday_ nearest the full moon, that we might have light thither and back again.” I gave public notice of this, the _Sunday_ before, and withal, that I intended to preach; desiring, they and they only would meet me there, who could do it without prejudice to their business or families. On _Friday_ abundance of people came. I began preaching between _eight_ and _nine_; and we continued till a little beyond the noon of night, singing, praying and praising God. 2. This we have continued to do once a month ever since, in _Bristol_, _London_, and _Newcastle_, as well as _Kingswood_. And exceeding great are the blessings we have found therein: it has generally been an extreamly solemn season; when the word of God sunk deep into the heart, even of those who till then knew him not. If it be said, “this was only owing to the novelty of the thing (the circumstance which still draws such multitudes together at those seasons) or perhaps to the awful silence of the night.” I am not careful to answer in this matter. Be it so: however, the impression then made on many souls, has never since been effaced. Now allowing, that God did make use either of the novelty or any other indifferent circumstance, in order to bring sinners to repentance, yet they are brought. And herein let us rejoice together. 3. Nay, may I ♦not put the case farther yet? If I can probably conjecture, that either by the novelty of this _antient_ custom, or by any other indifferent circumstance, it is in my power to _save a soul from death, and hide a multitude of sins_: am I clear before God if I do it not? If I do not snatch that brand out of the burning? ♦ Insert “not” per Errata