Wesley Corpus

Tuesday, 1f. I preached, between one and two, at a village called Milbrook, to a company of plain, serious people; and in the evening at Wotton-Pillidge, where several have already found this word to be “the power of God unto salvation.” Wednesday, 12. I preached at two in Lidlington, to another company of plain country people. Thence we crossed over to Copel, where is at present the most lively of all the little societies in Bedfordshire. Thursday, 13. I rode to Bedford, and in the evening spoke with more plainness, I may indeed say roughness, than ever I did before, if haply God might 270 REv. J. wesLEY’s [Jan. 1767. rouse some of these drowsy people. Friday, 14. I preached at Luton; and on Saturday I returned to London. Sun. 16.--I strongly inculcated family religion, the grand desideratum among the Methodists. Many were ashamed before God, and at length adopted Joshua’s resolution, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Thur. 27.--I conversed with a young Clergyman full of good resolutions. But I judge it impossible they can hold; for he has not the least conception of his own weakness. Sun. 30.--I preached on the Education of Children, wherein we are so shamefully wanting. Many were now deeply convinced of this. I hope they will not all stifle that conviction. Mon. DECEMBER 8.--I went to Canterbury, and on Wed nesday, 10, to Dover. At all the sea-ports we have a multitude of hearers. Is not this a token for good to the nation? Surely mercy “embraces us on every side.” Will it not likewise go through the land? Thur. 11.--I preached at Dover, Sandwich, Ramsgate, and Margate; on Friday, at Canterbury. I have not seen this society so at unity among themselves for many years. Saturday, 13. I left them with much satisfaction, and cheerfully returned to London. Sat. 20.--I spent an hour with ; just of the same spirit as she was twenty years ago. So hitherto all the bad labour of my small friends is lost. Mon. 29.--At five in the morning I again began a course of sermons on Christian Perfection; if haply that thirst after it might return which was so general a few years ago. Since that time, how deeply have we grieved the Holy Spirit of God!