Wesley Corpus

Mon. 26.--I began preaching at a large, commodious place in Bartholomew-Close. I preached there again on Wednes day, and at both times with peculiar liberty of spirit. At every place this week I endeavoured to prepare our brethren for renewing their covenant with God. Sun. JANUARY 1, 1764.--We met in the evening for that solemn purpose. I believe the number of those that met was considerably larger than it was last year. And so was the blessing: Truly the consolations of God were not small with us. Many were filled with peace and joy; many with holy fear, and several backsliders were healed. On some of the following days, I visited the little societies near London. Thursday, 12. I preached at Mitcham; and in the afternoon rode to Dorking. But the gentleman to whose house I was invited, seemed to have no desire I should preach. So that evening I had nothing to do. Friday, 13. I went at noon into the street; and in a broad place, not far from the market-place, proclaimed “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.” At first two or three little children were the whole of my congregation: But it quickly increased, though the air was sharp, and the ground exceeding wet: And all behaved well but three or four grumbling men, who stood so far off that they disturbed none but themselves. I had purposed to preach there again in the morning; but a violent storm made it impracticable. So, after preaching at Mitcham in the way, I rode back to London. Mon. 16.--I rode to High-Wycombe, and preached to a more numerous and serious congregation than ever I saw there before. Shall there be yet another day of visitation to this careless people? A large number was present at five in the morning: But my face and gums were so swelled I could hardly speak. After I took horse, they grew worse and worse, till it began to rain. I was then persuaded to put on an oil-case hood, which (the wind being very high) kept rubbing continually on my cheek, till both pain and swelling were gone. Between twelve and one we crossed Ensham-Ferry. The Feb. 1764.] JOURNAL, 159 water was like a sea on both sides.