Wesley Corpus

Sun. 24.--At seven I preached at Manchester, on, “I beseech you, suffer the word of exhortation; ” and observed, that the exhortation which it is particularly difficult to suffer, is that--to accept of salvation now, and now to improve the whole grace of God. The evening congregation was far larger than the House could contain, and all seemed to have the hearing ear. Tues. 26.--It rained all the way to Little-Leigh; but from thence we had a pleasant ride to Chester. As several ships were ready to sail from Park-Gate, I waited here two days. But the wind continuing foul, on Friday, 29, I crossed over to Liverpool. I was surprised at the evening congregations, particularly on Sunday. The House, even with the addition of three new galleries, would not near contain the congregation; and I never before observed the word to take such effect upon them. So that I was not sorry the wind continued in the same point on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Only it shifted a little on Wednesday morning: On which some impatient Captains sailed immediately. But in a few hours it came full west again; so that they were glad to get well back. Thur. APRIL 4.--I rode to Bolton, and not being expected was the more welcome. The House was filled in the evening, and the hearts of many filled with joy and peace in believing. APRIL 5.--(Being Good-Friday.) Mr. Johnson preached at five: I preached at twelve and at six. What a blessed calm has God at length given to this poor, shattered society For many years the men of bitter and contentious spirits April, 1765.] JOURNAL.- 207 were harassing them continually. But they are now sunk into quiet, formal Presbyterians; and those they have left enjoy God and one another. Sat. 6.--I returned to Liverpool; and on Wednesday, 10, the wind continuing west, I set out northward, and in the evening found a friend’s house, James Edmondson’s, near Garstang. Thursday, 11. We rode on to Francis Gilbert's, at Kendal, where there is now a real work of God. The genuine Gospel now takes root, and sinners are converted to God. Sat. 13.--We rode through much wind and rain to Barnard Castle. In the evening I preached in the new preaching-house, (not opened before,) and at eight in the morning.