Wesley Corpus

195 Coming to themselves, they looked utterly amazed, and said, ‘I have been in such a place, and I saw such and such persons (perhaps fifty miles off) die in such a manner;’ and when inquiry was made, I never could find that they were mistaken in one circumstance. But the reason why it is so hard for you to get any information concerning this is, those who have the second sight count it a great misfortune; and it is thought a scandal to their family.” Mon. 20.--I went to Canterbury, and opened our new chapel, by preaching on, “One thing is needful.” How is it that many Protestants, even in England, do not know, that no other consecration of church or chapel is allowed, much less required, in England, than the performance of public worship therein? This is the only consecration of any church in Great Britain which is necessary or even lawful. It is true, Archbishop Laud composed a Form of Consecration; but it was never allowed, much less established, in England. Let this be remembered by all who talk so idly of preaching in unconsecrated places ! Wed. 22.--I had designed to return to London; but being importuned to pay a visit first to Sandwich, I went over, and preached about ten, to a dull, but attentive, congregation. Immediately after service we set out for Dover. In the way we were on the point of being dashed in pieces; the chariot wheels running within two or three inches, or less, of the edge of a bank, ten or twelve feet high. I preached in Dover at two, and returned time enough for the Service at Canterbury. Thursday, 23. I preached at Bethnal-Green, and in the evening at the Foundery. Mon. 27.--I saw a pattern of patience, John Matthews, daily dying of a consumption; but in constant pain, weakness, weariness, and want of sleep, calmly giving himself up to God. Sun. SEPTEMBER 2.--After a toilsome, yet comfortable day, I set out in the machine, and on Monday evening came to Bristol, as fresh as I left London. Mon. 10.--I rode to Shepton-Mallet, and preached at noon, Qn, “One thing is needful.” Only one man, a common dis turber, behaved amiss. Iwasconstrained torebuke him sharply. All the people turned their eyes upon him; and for once he was ashamed.