Wesley Corpus

Mr. Dobinson believed it would be best for me to preach in the market-place, as there seemed to be a general inclination in the town, even among people of fashion, to hear me. He had mentioned it to the Mayor, who said he did not apprehend there would be the least disturbance; but if there should be any thing of the kind, he would take care to suppress it. A multitude of people were gathered at five, and were pretty quiet till I had named my text. Then “the beasts of the people” lifted up their voice, hallooing and shouting on every side. Finding it impossible to be heard, I walked softly away. An innumerable retinue followed me; but only a few pebble-stones were thrown, and no one hurt at all. Most of the rabble followed quite to Mr. D--’s house; but, it seems, without any malice prepense; for they stood stock-still about an hour, and then quietly went away. At seven I met the society, with many others, who earnestly desired to be present. In the morning most of them came again, with as many more as we could well make room for; and indeed they received the word gladly. God grant they may bring forth fruit! Wed. 28.--Between eleven and twelve I preached at Alferton, twelve miles from Derby, and in the evening at Sheffield, to many more than could hear, on, “Now is the day of salvation.” In the morning I gave a hearing to several of the society who were extremely angry at each other. It surprised me to find what trifles they had stumbled at; but I hope their snare is broken. In the evening, while I was enlarging upon the righteous ness of faith, the word of God was quick and powerful. Many felt it in their inmost soul; one backslider in particular, who was then restored to all she had lost, and the next morning believed she was saved from sin. Fri. 30.--I met those who believe God has redeemed them from all their sins. They are about sixty in number. I could not learn that any among them walk unworthy of their profession. Many watch over them for evil; but they “overcome evil with good.” I found nothing of self conceit, stubbornness, impatience of contradiction, or London enthusiasm, among them.