Wesley Corpus

Tues. 18.--I preached again in the court-yard at seven; and it was now that one of the servants, who was in tears the night before, was throughly convinced that God had blotted out all her sins. About moon I preached to a large congre gation at Freshford, on, “Now is the day of salvation.” A little before six, being determined to be no longer cooped up in the Room at Bradford, I began in the main street, near the bridge. In a very short time a multitude of people ran together, and listened with all attention, till an impetuous shower drove part of them away: The rest would not stir Sept. 1764.] JOURNAL. 197 till I concluded. I then gave notice of meeting the society; but a crowd of people pressed in with them. Seeing their earnestness, I was unwilling to hinder; so we had quickly another large congregation; and I know not if we have had such a season at Bradford for twice seven years before. Wed. 19.--At five we had such a congregation as does not use to meet here at that hour. At nine I preached again at Comb-Grove, and found again that God was there. Is not this an instance of ten thousand of God’s choosing the foolish things of the world to confound the wise?--Here is one that has not only a weak natural understanding, but an impetuosity of temper, bordering upon madness; and hence both her sentiments are confused, and her expressions odd and indigested; and yet, notwithstanding this, more of the real power of God attends these uncouth expressions than the sensible discourses of even good men who have twenty times her understanding. Thus I have many times known God attach his power to the words of extremely weak men. The humble overlooked the weakness of the men, and rejoiced in the power of God. But all his power is unacknowledged, unfelt, by those who stumble at the weakness of the instrument. I reached Bristol time enough to preach in the evening upon Redcliff-Hill. A malignant fever had lately broke out upon the very spot, which much increased the number and seriousness of the congregation. Sat. 22.--I was much refreshed by hearing the experience of Mary G , once a determined enemy to the doctrine of Perfection, opposing it with great eagerness and many reasons; but now an happy witness of it.