Wesley Corpus

3.--I rode to Rye, and preached in the evening. A poor prodigal, who was cut to the heart the first time I was there, was one of the audience; but exceeding drunk. He dined with us the next day; but was still so muddled, that I could make no impression on him. He was almost persuaded to be a Christian; but I doubt is now farther off than ever. In the Nov. 1767.] JOURNAL. 303 evening I dealt once more exceeding plain with him and his fellow sinners. If they now perish in their iniquity, their blood is on their own head. Thursday, 5. About noon I preached at Norjam. I was surprised, at one, to hear the Tower guns so plain at above fifty miles' distance. In the afternoon we rode through miserable roads to the pleasant village of Ewhurst, where I found the most lively congrega tion that I have met with in the county. Saturday, 7. I called at the house of mourning at Shoreham, where I found Mr. P. sorrowing, like a Christian, for his youngest son, the staff of his age, the fourth that has been snatched from him in the bloom of youth. After spending a profitable hour here, I rode forward to London. Sun. 8.--I buried the remains of that excellent young man, Benjamin Colley. He did “rejoice evermore,” and “pray without ceasing;” and I believe his backsliding cost him his life. From the time he missed his way, by means of Mr. Maxfield, he went heavily all his days. God, indeed, restored his peace, but left him to be buffeted of Satan in an uncommon manner: And his trials did not end but with his life. However, some of his last words were, “Tell all the society, tell all the world, I die without doubt or fear.” Thur. 12.--I occasionally looked into a book which I had long thrown by, as not worth reading, entitled, “Thoughts on God and Nature.” But how agreeably was I surprised ! It contains a treasure of ancient learning, delivered in clear' and strong language; and is, indeed, a master-piece in its kind, a thunder-bolt to Lord Bolingbroke, and all his admirers. Sun. 15.--I buried the remains of Rebecca Mills. She found peace with God many years since, and about five years ago was entirely changed, and enabled to give her whole soul to God.