Wesley Corpus

At eight I preached in the Room, though it would by no means contain the congre gation; but the north-east wind was so extremely sharp that it was not practicable to preach abroad. At one it drove us like wise into the house at Darlaston; that is, as many as it could contain. At five there was such a congregation at Wednes bury as I have not seen since I left London. But I found my voice would have commanded twice the number, while I declared, “The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth and in thy heart; that is, the word of faith which we preach.” Mon. 26.--I was desired to preach at Walsal. James Jones was alarmed at the motion, apprehending there would be much disturbance. However, I determined to make the trial. Coming into the House, I met with a token for good. A woman was telling her neighbour why she came : “I had a desire,” said she, “to hear this man; yet I durst not, because I heard so much ill of him; but this morning I dreamed I was praying earnestly, and I heard a voice, saying, ‘See the eighth verse of the first chapter of St. John. I waked, and got my Bible and read, ‘He was not that light, but was sent to bear witness of that light. I got up, and came away with all my heart.” The House not being capable of containing the people, about seven I began preaching abroad; and there was no opposer, no, nor a trifler to be seen. All present were earnestly attentive. How is Walsal changed ! How has God either tamed the wild beasts, or chained them up ! In the afternoon I came to Ashby-de-la-Zouch. The House and yard contained the people tolerably well. I saw but one trifler among all, which, I understood, was an Attorney. Poor man ' If men live what I preach, the hope of his gain is lost. Tues. 27.--We rode to Donnington, where a great multi tude earnestly attended, while I explained and enforced, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 164 Rev. J. wesDEY’s [March, 1764. Hence we rode to Derby. Mr.