Wesley Corpus

Mon. 11.--A gentleman, who lives three miles from the town, invited me to his house, assuring me the Minister of his parish would be glad if I would make use of his kirk; but time would not permit, as I had appointed to be at Aberdeen on Wednesday. All I could do was, to preach once more at Inverness. I think the church was fuller now than before; and I could not but observe the remarkable behaviour of the whole congregation after Service. Neither man, woman, nor child, spoke one word all the way down the main street. Indeed the seriousness of the people is the less surprising, when it is considered that for at least an hundred years, this town has had such a succession of pious Ministers as very few in Great Britain have known. After Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen, I think Inverness is the largest town I have seen in Scotland. The main streets are broad and straight; the houses mostly old, but not very bad, nor very good. It stands in a pleasant and fruitful country, and has all things needful for life and godliness. 182 REv. J. Wesley’s [June, 1764. The people in general speak remarkably good English, and are of a friendly, courteous behaviour. About eleven we took horse. While we were dining at Nairn, the inn-keeper said, “Sir, the gentlemen of the town have read the little book you gave me on Saturday, and would be glad if you would please to give them a sermon.” Upon my consenting, the bell was immediately rung, and the congre gation was quickly in the kirk. O what a difference is there between South and North Britain' Every one here at least loves to hear the word of God; and none takes it into his head to speak one uncivil word to any, for endeavouring to save their souls. Doubting whether Mr. Grant was come home, Mr. Kershaw called at the Grange-Green, near Forres, while I rode forward. But Mr. Grant soon called me back. I have seldom seen a more agreeable place. The house is an old castle, which stands on a little hill, with a delightful prospect all four ways; and the hospitable master has left nothing undone to make it still more agreeable. He showed us all his improvements, which are very considerable in every branch of husbandry.