Wesley Corpus

Friday, 18. We rode over to the Earl of Haddington's seat, finely June, 1770.] JOURNAL,- 399 situated between two woods. The house is exceeding large and pleasant, commanding a wide prospect both ways; and the Earl is cutting walks through the woods, smoothing the ground, and much enlarging and beautifying his garden. Yet he is to die! In the evening I trust God broke some of the stony hearts of Dunbar. A little increase here is in the society likewise; and all the members walk unblamably. Sat. 19.--At noon I preached in the Town-Hall at Berwick. Coming to Alnwick in the afternoon, I found that wise and good man, William Coward, had been buried two or three days before. I judged it right to do honour to his memory, by preaching a kind of funeral sermon, on, “There is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Sun. 20.--At seven I preached in the House; at four and at seven in the market-place; but the multitude was so great, that I doubt many could not hear. I then met the society, and we seemed to breathe the same spirit with him that was just entered into the joy of his Lord. Mon. 21.--I preached at Morpeth and at Newcastle. On Wednesday, 23, I went over to Sunderland. Saturday, 26. We went by water to North-Biddick. The preaching here had been discontinued for many years, as it seemed to be sowing upon the sand; but at length we found the fruit of our labour. Many are both convinced and converted to God. In returning, as we were four large boats in company, we made The mountains and vales his praises rebound. So is even the water-language now changed ! Sun. 27.--At eight I preached near the Cross in Sunderland, to such an assembly as was never seen there before. But I believe that at Gateshead-Fell was still larger; as was that at the Castle-Garth, in Newcastle. Monday, 28. I began again the meeting of the children, which had been neglected for some months; and we had a token for good: Two or three were cut to the heart; and many seemed much affected. On Tuesday, 29, and the following days, I took a little circuit through Weardale, Teesdale, and Swaledale. The ten days following I spent in and near Newcastle. Monday, JUNE 11.