Wesley Corpus

We easily perceived by the marks he had left, that the man of the house had been beating his wife. I took occasion from thence to speak strongly to her, concerning the hand of God, and his design in all afflictions. It seemed to be a word in season. She appeared to be not only thankful, but deeply affected. We had an exceeding large congregation at Birmingham, in what was formerly the playhouse. Happy would it be if all the playhouses in the kingdom were converted to so good an use. After service the mob gathered, and threw some dirt and stones at those who were going out. But it is probable they will soon be calmed, as some of them are in gaol already. A few endeavoured to make a disturbance the next evening 162 REv. J. wesley’s [March, 1764. during the preaching; but it was lost labour; the congre gatioa would not be diverted from taking earnest heed to the things that were spoken. Fri. 23.--I rode to Dudley, formerly a den of lions, but now as quiet as Bristol. They had just finished their preaching house, which was thoroughly filled. I saw no trifler; but many in tears. Here I met with a remarkable account of a child, the substance of which was as follows:- “John B , about ten years old, was sometime since taken ill. He often asked how it was to die. His sister told him, “Some children know God; and then they are not afraid to die.’ He said, ‘What! children as little as me?’ She answered, ‘Your sister Patty did; and she was less than you.’ At which he seemed to be much affected. Sunday was fortnight he took his bed, but was not able to sleep. Soon after, he said, “We shall soon be with angels and archangels in heaven. What signifies this wicked world? Who would want to live here that might live with Christ?” The maid said, ‘I wish I was married to Christ.’ He said, “Being married to Christ is coming to Christ, and keeping with him: All may come to him. I am happy, I am happy.” His sister asked, “Do you love God?” He answered, ‘Yes, that I do.