Wesley Corpus

A great part of the congregation was perfectly void both of sense and modesty. But at this time they were unusually quiet, as I did not take them out of their depth, in opening and applying those words, “It is appointed unto men once to die.” Tues. 17.--We went to Wallingford, a town I never saw before, though I lived so many years at Oxford. How white are the fields here unto the harvest ! The whole town seemed flocking together, rich and poor, in the evening, and received the word with joy. But who will endure to the end? Abun dance of people came again at five in the morning, and were ready to devour the word. How pleasant it is to see the dawn of a work of grace | But we must not lay too much stress upon it. Abundance of blossoms | But when the sun is up, how many of these will wither away ! Having appointed to preach in Oxford at ten, I was under some difficulty. I did not like to preach in the Dissenting meeting-house; and I did not see how to avoid it. But the proprietors cut the knot for me, by locking up the doors. So I preached in James Mears's garden: And to such a congregation as I had not had in Oxford since I preached in St. Mary’s church. Thence we went on to Witney, where we have now a large and commodious House. It was well filled in the evening; and (whoever else did) I found it good to be there; especially at the meeting of the society: The Spirit of glory and of Christ was among them. I had designed to spend another day here; but two of our friends, who were come on purpose from Broadmarston, impor tuned me much to go thither. So I set out with them on Thursday, and came to Broadmarston in the afternoon. The 382 Rev. J. wesley’s [Oct. 1769. lovely family, and the congregation from all parts, made me full amends for my labour. Great was our glorying in the Lord. Many felt the two-edged sword, and many were filled with consolation. Fri. 20.--I had appointed to be in Oxford at eight. So I took horse at two, and took chaises from Shipston, which brought me thither at my time.