Wesley Corpus

In the evening I preached in the new preaching-house, (not opened before,) and at eight in the morning. I would have preached abroad on Sunday evening; but the weather drove us into the house. And God was there, both to invite sinners, and to comfort believers. Afterwards I spent an hour with those who once believed they were saved from sin. I found here, as at London, about a third part who held fast their confidence. The rest had suffered loss, more or less, and two or three were shorn of all their strength. Mon. 15.--I rode on to Newcastle, where I was quite unexpected. I found both the hearers, the society, and the believers, are increased since I was here last; and several more believe they are saved from sin. Mean time Satan has not been idle: Two were following George Bell, step by step, as to the “not needing self-examination,” the “not being taught by man,” and most of his other unscriptural extrava gancies; but as they appeared to be still of an advisable spirit, for the present at least the snare was broken. Thur. 18.--I went to Durham with Miss Lewen, and spent an hour with her father. He behaved with the utmost civility; said I had done his daughter more good than all the Physicians could do; and he should be exceeding glad if she should go to London again at the approach of winter. At three I preached to the poor colliers in Gateshead-Fell. How do these shame the colliers of Kingswood flocking from all parts on the week-days as well as Sundays: Such a thirst have they after the good word | Fri. 19.--I had a little time with that venerable monument of the grace of God, Henry Jackson. He is just dropping into the grave, being now quite bed-rid, but praising God with every breath. 208 REv. J. wesley’s [April, 1765. Mon. 22.--Two of our friends took me in a post-chaise to Alnwick; but the road was so intolerably bad, that we did not reach it till past twelve. I began preaching immediately, and then hastened away. On Berwick Moor we were ready to stick fast again; and it was past seven before I reached the town, where I found notice had been given of my preaching. Hearing the congregation waited for me, I went to the Town-Hall, and began without delay.