Wesley Corpus

From that instant he felt a turn within, and never swore an oath more. His whole behaviour in prison was serious and composed: He read, prayed, and wept much; especially after one of his fellow-prisoners had found peace with God. His hope gradually increased till this day, and was much strengthened at the Lord’s Supper; but still he complained, “I am not afraid, but I am not desirous, to die. I do not find that warmth in my heart. I am not sure my sins are forgiven.” He went into the cart, about twelve, in calmness, but mixed with sadness. But in a quarter of an hour, while he was wrestling with God in prayer, (not seeming to know that any one was near him,) “The Holy Ghost,” said he, “came upon me, and I knew that Christ was mine.” From that moment his whole deportment breathed a peace and joy beyond all utterance, till, after having spent about ten minutes in private prayer, he gave the sign. Sun. 25.--I took a comfortable leave of Kingswood, leaving both the society and School in a flourishing state; and the next morning, of Bristol, leaving the society larger than it had been for many years. Now, let zeal as well as “brotherly love continue,” and it will not decrease any more. Having travelled slowly through the intermediate societies, on Saturday, 31, I came to London. Sun. November 1.--I found the same spirit which I left here, both in the morning and evening service. Monday, 2, at five, I began a course of sermons on Christian Perfection. At seven I began meeting the classes. Tuesday, 10. I found the society at Deptford more alive than ever; a sure consequence of which is their increasing in number. Thurs day, 12. I rode to Brentford. Here likewise God is at work, and sinners are converted to him. Saturday, 14. I spent an hour with a little company near Grosvenor-Square. For many years this has been the darkest, driest spot, of all in or near London. But God has now watered the barren wilderness, and it is become a fruitful field. Mon. 16.--I retired to Lewisham, having many things to Dec. 1761.] JOURNAL. 75 write. Friday, 20. I spent an hour at St. George's Hospital. The behaviour of two or three patients there had done unspeakable good.