Wesley Corpus

On the road, I read over Dr. Campbell’s excellent answer to David Hume's insolent book against miracles; and Dr. Brown's keen “Animadversions on the Characteristics of Lord Shaftesbury,”--another lively, half-thinking writer. In the evening my brother read Prayers, and I preached, in the Countess of Huntingdon’s chapel. The congregation was very large and very attentive. Let us despair of nothing. Wed, 8.--I preached at Bristol, and met the society. The next three days I examined them, as usual, one by one, and found some increase in number, with much increase in peace and love.- Mon. 13.--I set out northward. We had fine weather for a while; then the wind rose, and the rain came down amain. We were thoroughly wet before we came to Stroud, but took no cold at all. At six the House was, as usual, March, 1769.] JOURNAL• 355 quite filled, though the wind and rain kept many strangers away. The people appeared to be all alive, and ready to devour the word. Afterwards we had a love-feast, at which many, both men and women, spoke, with all simplicity, what God had done for their souls. Tues. 14.--After preaching to a large congregation at five, we rode toward Tewkesbury: Notice having been given Qf my preaching about noon at a house a mile from the town. But we could not get to it; the floods were so high ; so I intended to go straight to Worcester. But one informing me a congregation from all parts was waiting, we set out another way, and waded through the water. This congregation too seemed quite earnest; so that I did not regret my labour. But the going and coming was hard work, so that I was a little tired before we came to Worcester. I began preaching about six in the riding-house. Abundance of people were deeply attentive. But toward the close, a large number of boys made a great noise. When we came out, men and boys joined together, in shouting and pushing to and fro. Many were frighted, but none hurt. Hitherto could Satan come, but no farther. Wed. 15.--My horse being lame, and part of the road very bad, I did not reach Mr. Lee's, of Coton, till noon. The house is delightfully situated in his park, at the top of a fruitful hill. His Chaplain had just begun reading Prayers.