Wesley Corpus

15.-I inquired concerning the uncommon storm, which was here on March 9, the last year. It began near the Land’s End, between nine and ten at night, and went east ward not above a mile broad, over St. Just, Morva, Zennor, St. Ives, and Gwinear, whence it turned northward, over the sea. It uncovered all the houses in its way, and was accom panied with impetuous rain. About a mile south-east from St. Ives, it tore up a rock, twelve or fourteen ton weight, from the top of a rising ground, and whirled it down upon another, which it split through, and at the same time dashed itself in pieces. It broke down the pinnacles of Gwinear church, which forced their way through the roof. And it was remarkable, the rain which attended it was as salt as any sea-water. At one I preached in Madron parish, and then rode to St. Just. I have not seen such a congregation here for twice seven years. Abundance of backsliders being present, I chiefly applied to them. Some of them smiled at first; but it was not long before their mirth was turned into mourning: And I believe few, if any, went away without a witness from God, that he “willeth not the death of a sinner.” Tues. 16.--At five the Room was near full; and the great power of God was in the midst of them. It was now accom panied with one unusual effect: The mouth of those whom it most affected was literally stopped. Several of them came to 18 REv. J. wesi.EY’s [Sept. 1760. me and could not speak one word; very few could utter three sentences. I re-joined to the society ten or eleven backsliders, and added some new members. Here (as at Port-Isaac, St. Agnes, and St. Ives) we are called to thankfulness; and at most other places, to patience. All the day it blew a storm; and in the evening, though the rain ceased, the furious wind continued. I ordered all the windows of the preaching-house to be set open, so that most could hear without as well as within. I preached on, “He will not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax.” And again God applied his word, both to wound, and to heal them that were already wounded.