Wesley Corpus

17.--I met the select society, consisting of sixty-five members. I believe all of these were saved from sin; most of them are still in glorious liberty. Many of them spake with admirable simplicity; and their words were like fire. Imme diately the flame kindled, and spread from heart to heart. At June, 1770.] JOURNAL. 401 eight I preached; at nine, met the children, most of whom had known the love of God; and several of them were able still to rejoice in God their Saviour. Almost as soon as I began to speak, God spoke to their hearts, and they were ill able to contain themselves. I observed one little maid in particular, who heaved and strove for some time, till at length she was constrained to yield, and break out into strong cries and tears. We had a poor sermon at church. However, I went again in the afternoon, remembering the words of Mr. Philip Henry, “If the Preacher does not know his duty, I bless God that I know mine.” Between one and two I met the Bands, being near two thirds of the society. Their openness was quite surprising, as well as the spirit with which they spoke. One plain woman cried, and spoke, and cried again, so that they were in tears on every side. I suppose, if I could have stayed so long, some or other would have spoke till night. At five I preached in the market-place again, to a far larger congregation than before. Our love-feast took up the next two hours, at which many were filled with solemn joy. After wards I met a few of the children again, all of whom had tasted that the Lord is gracious. I asked her that cried so violently in the morning, what was the matter with her. She said, “I was so overwhelmed with the power and love of God that I could not hide it.” When I questioned her farther, she said, “A quarter of a year ago, one Saturday night, I was quite convinced I was a sinner, and afraid of dropping into hell; but on Sunday I felt the pardoning love of God; yet I had many doubts till Monday evening, when they were all taken away in a moment.