Wesley Corpus

But, to my surprise, I found her as ignorant of the mature of religion as an Hot tentot. And many such I have found in Scotland; able to read, nay, and repeat the Catechism, but wholly unacquainted with true religion, yea, and all genuine morality. This evening we were in the House; but the next I preached abroad to many more than the House could contain. On Friday the number was greatly increased, but much more on Saturday. I then enlarged upon communion with God, as the only real, scriptural religion. And I believe many felt, that, with all their orthodoxy, they had no religion still. What a difference there is between the society here, and that at Dundee There are about sixty members there, and scarce more than six scriptural believers. Here are seventy four members, and near thirty among them lively, zealous believers; one of whom was justified thirty years ago, and another of them two-and-forty: And several of them have been for many years rejoicing in God their Saviour. Sun. 22.--At seven I was obliged to preach abroad, and the word sunk deep into the hearers. I almost wondered at myself for speaking so plain, and wondered how they could bear it. It is the Lord’s doing ! In the afternoon Mr. Gillies was unusually close and convincing. At five I preached on, “O that thou hadst known, at least in this thy day, the things that make for thy peace l’” I almost despaired of making the whole congregation hear; but by their behaviour it seems they did. In the close I enlarged upon their prejudices, and explained myself with regard to most of them. Shame, concern, and a mixture of various passions, were painted on most faces; and I perceived the Scots, if you touch but the right key, receive as lively impressions as the English. Mon. 23.--We rode in a mild, cool day, to Thorny-Hill, about sixty (measured) miles from Glasgow. Here I met with Mr. Knox’s “History of the Church of Scotland; ” and could 254 Rev. J. wesLEY’s [June, 1766. any man wonder, if the members of it were more fierce, sour, and bitter of spirit, than some of them are?