Wesley Corpus

I doubt not but much good may be dome even here, if our brethren live what we preach. In the evening I preached in the new Room at Bedford, where we at last see some fruit of our labour. Tuesday, 11. I rode through miserable roads to Cambridge, and thence to Lakenheath. The next day I reached Norwich, and found much of the presence of God in the congregation, both this evening and the next day. On Friday evening I read to them all, the Rules of the Society, adding, “Those who are resolved to keep these Rules may continue with us, and those only.” I then related what I had done since I came to Norwich first, and what I would do for the time to come; particularly that I would immediately put a stop to preaching in the time of Church Service. I added, “For many years I have had more trouble with this society, than with half the societies in England put together. With God’s help, I will try you one year longer; and I hope you will bring forth better fruit.” Sun. 16.--Notwithstanding the notice I had given over and over, abundance of people came to the Tabernacle at two in the afternoon, the usual time of preaching; and many of these lambs roared like lions; but it was no more than I expected. Monday, 17. I found, at Yarmouth, a little, loving, earnest company. In the evening both the House and the yard were pretty well filled with attentive hearers. Tuesday, 18. I read over that surprising book, “The Life of Mr. William Lilly.” If he believed himself, as he really seems to have done, was ever man so deluded ? Persuaded that Hermeli, the Queen of the Fairies, Micol Regina Pygmaeorum, and their fellows, were good angels! How amazing is this ! And is it not still more amazing that some of the greatest and most sensible men in the nation should not only not scruple to employ him, but be his fast friends upon all occasions? Wed. 19.--I returned to Norwich, and found the ferment a little abated. I was much pleased with the Leaders in the Oct. 1763.] JOURNAL.