23 Jul 1748. On Saturday, the 23d of July last, there fell for about three hours, in and about Hayfield, Derbyshire [Map] in Derbyshire, a very heavy rain, which caused such a flood as had not been seen by any now living in those parts. The rocks were loosened from the mountains: one field was covered with huge stones from side to side. Several water-mills were clean swept away, without leaving any remains. The trees were torn up by the roots, and whirled away like stubble. Two women of a loose character were swept away from their own door and drowned: one of them was found near the place; the other was carried seven or eight miles. Hayfield church-yard [Map] was all torn up, and the dead bodies swept out of their graves. When the flood abated, they were found in several places. Some were hanging on trees; others left in meadows or grounds; some partly eaten by dogs, or wanting one or more of their members.

08 Apr 1755. Tues. 8. I had designed to go straight on to Hayfield, Derbyshire [Map]: but one from Ashbourn pressed me much to call there; which accordingly I did at seven in the morning, and preached to a deeply serious congregation. Seventeen or eighteen then desired to join in a Society, to whom I spoke severally, and was well pleased to find that near half of them knew the pardoning love of God. One of the first I spoke to was Miss Berisford, - a sweet, but short-lived flower!

Through much hail, rain, and wind, we got to Mr. B 's, at Hayfield, about five in the afternoon. His favourite daughter died some hours before we came; such a child as is scarce heard of in a century. All the family informed me of many remarkable circumstances, which else would have seemed incredible. She spake exceeding plain, yet very seldom; and then only a few words. She was scarce ever seen to laugh, or heard to utter a light or trifling word: she could not bear any that did, nor any one who behaved in a light or unserious manner. If any such offered to kiss or touch her, she would turn away and say, "I don't like you." If her brother or sisters spoke angrily to each other, or behaved triflingly, she either sharply reproved, (when that seemed needful,) or tenderly entreated them to give over. If she had spoke too sharply to any, she would humble herself to them, and not rest till they had forgiven her. After her health declined, she was particularly pleased with hearing that hymn sung: "Abba, Father;" and would be frequently singing that line herself, "Abba, Father, hear me cry."

07 Apr 1755. On Monday, April the 7th, without any struggle, she fell asleep, having lived two years and six months.

09 Apr 1755. Wed. 9. In the evening I preached at Manchester. The mob was tolerably quiet, as long as I was speaking, but immediately after, raged horribly. This I find has been their manner for some time. No wonder; since the good Justices encourage them.

10 Apr 1755. Thur. 10. I rode to Hayfield, Derbyshire [Map] again, to bury Mr. B 's child. Abundance of people were gathered together, and I found uncommon liberty in preaching. Who would have looked for such a congregation as this, in the Peak of Derbyshire?

I returned to Manchester the next day, and had a quiet congregation both that evening and the following.

13 Apr 1755. Sun. 13. I met the Society at five, and showed them wherein I feared they had grieved the Spirit of God, and provoked him to deliver them to be thus outraged by the beasts of the people. I then rode to Hayfield, Derbyshire [Map] once more, where Mr. B read prayers, and preached a solemn and affecting sermon, relative to the late providence. In the afternoon, I again found great liberty of spirit, in applying those awful words: "What is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? "

04 May 1757. Wed. 4. I rode over to Hayfield, Derbyshire [Map], and preached, at one, in the church, to a congregation gathered from all parts.