Wesley Corpus

Mon. 18.--I rode to Stroud, and in the evening preached in the new House. But a considerable part of the congregation were obliged to stand without. Toward the close of the sermon, a young man dropped down and vehemently cried to Göd. This occasioned a little hurry at first; but it was soon over, and all was quiet as before. After supper I was speaking a little, when a young gentleman cried out, “I am damned,” and fell to the ground. A second did so quickly after, and was much convulsed, and yet quite sensible. We joined in prayer, but had not time (it growing late) to wrestle with God for their full deliverance. Tues. 19.--We rode to Worcester, and had the pleasure of spending an hour with Mr. R. , a sensible, candid man. But who is proof against prejudice? especially when those who labour to infuse it, converse with him daily, and those who strive to remove it, not two hours in a year? We came to Birmingham in the evening, and had a com fortable season with the great congregation. Wednesday, 20. M. Lewen took me in a post-chaise to Derby, where the new House was throughly filled; and the people behaved in a quite different manner, from what they did when I was here last. Thursday, 21. We went on, though with much difficulty, being 206 REv. J. wesley’s [April, 1765. often ready to stick fast, to Sheffield. The House here is full twice as large as it was; and so is the congregation. The little differences which had been for some time among the people, were now easily adjusted; and I left them all united in love, and resolved to strengthen each other's hands. Sat. 23.--We took horse in a furious wind, which was ready to bear us away. About ten I preached in Bradwell, in the High-Peak, where, notwithstanding the storm, abundance of people were got together. I had now an opportunity of inquiring concerning Mr. B y. He did run well, till one offence after another swallowed him up; but he scarce enjoyed himself after. First his oldest daughter was snatched away; then his only son; then himself. And only two or three of that large family now remain. Sun.