Wesley Corpus

I heard “Judith,” an Oratorio, performed at the Lock. Some parts of it were exceeding fine; but there are two things in all modern pieces of music, which I could never reconcile to common sense. One is singing the same words ten times over; the other, singing different words by different persons, atone and the same time. And this in the most solemn addresses to God, whether by way of prayer or of thanksgiving. This can never be 1March, 1764.] JOURNAL. 161 defended by all the musicians in Europe, till reason is quite out of date. Mon. MARCH 12.--I set out for Bristol. Friday, 16. I met several serious Clergymen. I have long desired that there might be an open, avowed union between all who preach those fundamental truths, Original Sin, and Justification by Faith, producing inward and outward holiness; but all my endeavours have been hitherto ineffectual. God’s time is not fully come. Mon. 19.--I set out for the north. We reached Stroud about two in the afternoon. How many years were we beating the air in this place ! one wrong-headed man pulling down all we could build up. But since he is gone, the word of God takes root, and the society increases both in number and strength. Tuesday, 20. At seven I preached in Painswick. For many years an honest, disputing man greatly hindered the work of God here also, subverting the souls that were just setting out for heaven. But since God took him to himself His word has free course, and many sinners are converted to Him. We rode hence over the top of the bleak mountains to Stanley, where an earnest congregation was waiting. From Stanley to Evesham we were to go as we could, the lanes being scarce passable. However, at length we got through. I never before saw so quiet a congregation in the Town-Hall, nor yet so numerous. I designed after wards to meet the society at our Room; but the people were so eager to hear, that I knew not how to keep them out. So we had a large congregation again. And again God gave us his blessing. Wed. 21.--After riding about two hours and an half from Evesham, we stopped at a little village. We easily perceived by the marks he had left, that the man of the house had been beating his wife.