Wesley Corpus

Thur. 7.--I rode over to Sir Archibald Grant's, twelve computed miles from Aberdeen. It is surprising to see how the country between is improved even within these three years. On every side the wild dreary moors are ploughed up, and covered with rising corn. All the ground near Sir Archibald’s, in particular, is as well cultivated as most in England. About seven I preached. The kirk was pretty well filled, though upon short notice. Certainly this is a nation “swift to hear, and slow to speak,” though not “slow to wrath.” June, 1764.] JOURNAL. 181 Mr. Grant, a gentleman from the county of Murray, came in soon after us; and, understanding we were going north, desired we would call at the Grange-Green in our way. In the morning, Friday, 8, I rode to Old-Meldrum, and preached in the market-place at noon, to a large and serious congregation, among whom were the Minister and his wife. But I was more surprised to see a company of our friends from Aberdeen, several of whom had come on foot, twelve old Scotch miles, and intended to walk back thither the same day. In the afternoon we rode on to Banff. I had designed to preach; but the stormy weather would not permit. We set out early on Saturday morning, and reached Nairn in the evening. Sunday, 10. About eight we reached Inverness. I could not preach abroad, because of the rain; nor could I hear of any convenient room; so that I was afraid my coming hither would be in vain, all ways seeming to be blocked up. At ten I went to the kirk. After Service, Mr. Fraser, one of the Ministers, invited us to dinner, and then to drink tea. As we were drinking tea, he asked at what hour I would please to preach. I said, “At half-hour past five.” The high kirk was filled in a very short time; and I have seldom found greater liberty of spirit. The other Minister came afterwards to our inn, and showed the most cordial affection. Were it only for this day, I should not have regretted the riding an hundred miles. Mon.