Wesley Corpus

Why, is there not here (as in every parish in England) a particular Minister, who takes care of all their souls? There is one here who takes charge of all their souls; what care of them he takes, is another question. It may be, he neither knows nor cares, whether they are going to heaven or hell. Does he ask man, woman, or child, any question about it, from one Christmas to the next? O, what account will such a Pastor give to the Great Shepherd in that day? Tues. 26.--I went on to Sunderland, and in the evening preached in the new House. The next evening I preached at Monkwearmouth. Thur. 28.--About moon I preached at Biddick; and the power of God was in the midst of his people; and more eminently at Sunderland in the evening. After preaching I met the believers, and exhorted them to “go on unto perfec tion.” It pleased God to apply the plain words which were spoken; so that all were athirst for him; objections vanished away, and a flame was kindled almost in every heart. Sun. 31.--I preached again, both morning and evening, in Monkwearmouth church; but it would not near contain the people, many of whom were constrained to go away. After Evening Service I hastened to Newcastle, and exhorted a willing multitude to “stand in the ways and see,” and “ask for the old paths,” and “walk therein.” In the week following I preached at many little places round Newcastle. Friday, JUNE 5. I went to Prudhoe, where there had been some jar in the society, occasioned by a few who had lately espoused, and warmly defended, a new opinion. I said not one word about it, but preached on, “There is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons who need no repentance.” June, 1761.] JOURNAL. 61 Afterwards, perceiving their hearts were much softened, I met the society, and exhorted them to beware of bitter zeal; and to “walk in love, as Christ also loved us.” They were ashamed before God, and (for the present at least) their contentions were at an end. In the evening I preached at Nafferton; and the next morning rode to Winlington, where I had appointed to be between twelve and one.