Wesley Corpus

17. “The next time I saw him, having desired him to make signs rather than speak, which was painful to him, he said, ‘Here is a sign’ (pushing out his feet, and holding up his hands,) ‘a dying Christian, full of love and joy! A crown, a never-fading crown awaits me; I am going to everlasting habitations.’ He then desired us to sing, and quickly added, ‘He is come! He is come ! I want to be gone: Farewell to you all !” When he could no longer speak, he continued smiling, clapping his hands, and discovering an ecstasy of joy in every motion. “After a while his speech returned, and he said, ‘To-day is Friday: To-morrow I expect to go. One said, “Poor Mr. New !” He said, ‘It is rich New : Though poor in myself, I am rich in Christ.’ “I saw him on Saturday in the same spirit, praising God with every breath. He appeared quite transported, pointing upwards, and turning his fingers round his head, alluding to the crown prepared for him. I said, ‘Your Lord has kept the best wine unto the last.’ ‘Yes, yes,” said he ; “it is in my soul.” When I took my leave he pressed my hand, pointed upward, and again clapped his hands. Afterward he spoke little, till he cried out, ‘The chariot, the chariot of Israel !’ and died.” Sat. 26.--I was informed, between twelve and one, that Mrs. B. was dying. Judging I had no time to lose, about one I left Bristol, and about seven on Sunday morning came to London. Learning there that she was better, I stayed to preach and administer the sacrament at the chapel, and then hastened on, and spent a solemn and profitable hour at Lewisham. I preached again at West-street chapel in the afternoon, and made a collection for the poor, as I had Oct. 1767.] JOURNAL. 301 done in the morning. Soon after I took chaise again, and on Monday, about noon, came to Bristol. Wed, 30-I preached to a large and very serious congregation on Redcliff-Hill. This is the way to overturn Satan's kingdom. In field-preaching, more than any other means, God is found of them that sought him not.