Wesley Corpus

We purposed setting out early in the morning; but one of our company being taken ill, we waited some hours; so that we did not reach Newcastle till about one on Thursday morning. I scarce ever saw the people here so much alive to God; particularly those who believe they are saved from sin. I was ready to say, “It is good for me to be here;” but I must not build tabernacles. I am to be a wanderer on earth, and desire no rest till my spirit returns to God. Sun. 11.--I preached about seven at the Fell, to our honest, lively colliers; and about two in the afternoon in the Square at Hartley, eleven miles from Newcastle. Thence Ihastened back to the Garth-heads, where was the largest congregation which has been there for many years. Afterwards, several hundreds of us met at the Room, and solemnly renewed our covenant with God. About eight I was so tired, I could hardly stand; but after speaking another hour all my weariness was gone, and I was as lively and strong as at eight in the morning. Mon. 12.--I went to Sunderland. Here likewise is a people ready prepared for the Lord. Tuesday, 13. I purposed to preach abroad at Durham; but the rain hindered. As many as could hear behaved well; and many felt that God was there. At Yarm in the evening, one would have thought the whole congregation loved or feared God; so much thought appeared in all their faces; so much decency in their behaviour. Wed. 14.--I preached in the evening at Leeds, and the next morning rode to Huddersfield. Mr. Venn having given notice on Sunday of my preaching, we had a numerous con gregation. We had a warm ride from hence to Manchester; but as my day, so was my strength. Fri. 16.--I rode over to Chester, and preached to as many as the new House would well contain. We had likewise a numerous congregation on Saturday, morning as well as evening. How the grace of God concurs with his providence I A new House not only brings a new congregation, but likewise (what we have observed again and again) a new blessing from God. And no wonder, if every labour of love finds even a present reward. Sun. 18-The House contained the morning congregation; but in the evening multitudes were constrained to go away.