Wesley Corpus

They were about eighty in number; of whom near seventy were believers, and sixteen (probably) renewed in love. Here were two Bands of children, one of boys, and one of girls, most of whom were walking in the light. Four of those who seemed to be saved from sin were of one family; and all of them walked holy and unblamable, adorning the doctrine of God their Saviour. At eleven I preached once more, though in great weakness of body, and met the Stewards of all the societies. I then rode to Stokesley, and, having examined the little society, went on 64 REv. J. WESLEY’s [June, 1761. for Guisborough. The sun was burning hot; but, in a quarter of an hour, a cloud interposed, and he troubled us no more. I was desired by a gentleman of the town to preach in the market-place; and there a table was placed for me, but it was in a bad neighbourhood; for there was so vehement a stench of stinking fish, as was ready to suffocate me, and the people roared like the waves of the sea; but the voice of the Lord was mightier; and in a few minutes the whole multitude was still, and seriously attended while I proclaimed “Jesus Christ, made of God unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” Tues. 23.--I began about five, near the same place, and had a great part of the same audience; yet they were not the same. The change might easily be read in their countenance. When we took horse, and just faced the sun, it was hard work for man and beast; but about eight the wind shifted, and blowing in our face, kept us cool till we came to Whitby. In the evening I preached on the top of the hill, to which you ascend by an hundred ninety and one steps. The congre gation was exceeding large, and ninety-nine in an hundred were attentive. When I began, the sun shone full in my face; but he was soon clouded, and shone no more till I had done. After meeting the society, I talked with a sensible woman, whose experience seemed peculiar. She said: “A few days before Easter last, I was deeply convinced of sin; and in Easter week, I knew my sins were forgiven, and was filled with “joy and peace in believing.