Wesley Corpus

Fri. 17.--I rode to Birstal, and was much comforted to find many of our first children in this county who are not yet weary of the good old way. May they continue therein unto the day of the Lord Jesus ! Sat. 18.--At one I preached at South-Royd. The good people had placed the stand so that the sun, which was very hot, shone upon my head, and the wind, which was very cold, blew in my neck; but it was all one: I was on my Master's business; and great was our rejoicing in Him. Sun. 19.--I preached in Birstal Room at eight. At one we had thousands, the greatest part of whom were persons “fearing God and working righteousness.” I rode thence to Leeds, in order to preach a funeral sermon for Mary Shent, who, after many severe conflicts, died in great peace. It was one of the largest congregations which has been seen at Leeds; to whom I spoke very plain from part of the Gospel for the day, “Give an account of thy stewardship, for thou mayest be no longer steward.” I hastened back to the love-feast at Birstal. It was the first of the kind which had been there. Many were surprised when I told them, “The very design of a love-feast is a free and familiar conversation, in which every man, yea, and woman, has liberty to speak whatever may be to the glory of God.” Several then did speak, and not in vain: The flame ran from heart to heart, especially while one was declaring, with all simplicity, the manner wherein God, during the morning sermon, (on those words, “I will, be thou clean,”) had set her soul at full liberty. Two men also spoke to the same effect; and two others who had found peace with God. We then joyfully poured out our souls before God, and praised him for his marvellous works. Mon. 20.--I came to a full explanation with that good man Mr. V Lord, if I must dispute, let it be with the children of the devil! Let me be at peace with thy children | On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, I preached at the neighbouring towns. Friday, 24. In speaking from those words, “In many things we offend all,” I observed, 1. As July, 1761.] JOURNAL.