Wesley Corpus

the evening I preached at Brancepath, near Bishop-Auckland. Most of the congregation, though I stood in the street, were deeply attentive; only one, a kind of gentleman, seemed displeased; but he had none to second him. Fri. 12.--We had one of the most solemn watch-nights at Newcastle which we have had for several years. Saturday, 13. I rode once more to Sunderland, and preached as usual to a numerous congregation. Sunday, 14. After Mr. G. had read Prayers, I spoke exceeding plain to as many as could crowd into the church. And out of so many that are called, will not some be chosen? About three I preached at Gateshead-Fell; about five, at the Garth-Heads; at each place to a larger congregation than I ever saw there before. What a change is wrought in this whole country ! And will it not be wrought in the whole kingdom? Mon. 15.--I rode to Durham, having appointed to preach there at noon. The meadow, near the river side, was quite convenient, and the small rain neither disturbed me nor the congregation. In the afternoon I rode to Hartlepool; but I had much ado to preach: My strength was gone as well as my voice; and, indeed, they generally go together. Three days in a week I can preach thrice a day without hurting myself; but I had now far exceeded this, besides meeting classes and exhorting the societies. I was obliged to lie down good part of Tuesday: However, in the afternoon I preached at Cherington, and in the evening at Hartlepool again, though not without difficulty. Wednesday, 17. I rode to Stockton, where, a little before the time of preaching, my voice and strength were restored at once. The next evening it began to rain just as I began to preach; but it was suspended till the service was over: It then rained again till eight in the morning. Fri. 19.--It was hard work to ride eight miles (so called) in two hours and a half; the rain beating upon us, and the by-road being exceeding slippery. But we forgot all this when we came to the Grange; so greatly was God present with his people. Thence we rode to Darlington. Here we were under a difficulty again: Not half the people could come in, and the rain forbade my preaching without.