Wesley Corpus

Jacky Brown then began praying for Betty, and continued in prayer near three quarters of an hour. By that time there was a general cry from all the maids, as well as the boys. This continued till past eleven. My wife, and I, and Mr. Keard, then went in, and fearing some of them might be hurt, with difficulty prevailed upon them to go to bed, and went up with them. “The maids continued below in much distress. We talked Sept. 1770.] JOURNAL, 4.17 with them a little, and left them praying. But it was not above a quarter of an hour, before Betty broke out into thanksgiving. Going in, I asked her, ‘Now is the love of God free?” She answered, “Free as air: Blessed be God, that ever I came under this roof!” The other two remained on their knees, praying as in an agony. I desired them to go into their own room, and they did: Yet would not go to bed, but continued in prayer. “Saturday, 29, I was waked between four and five by the children vehemently crying to God. The maids went to them at five: And first one of the boys, then another, then one and another of the maids, earnestly poured out their souls before God, both for themselves and for the rest. They continued weeping and praying till mine o’clock, not thinking about meat or drink: Nay, Richard Piercy took no food all the day, but remained, in words or groans, calling upon God. “About nine, Diana went into her own room, and prayed, partly alone, partly with Betty. About ten, (as Betty was praying,) her strength was quite spent; and she sunk down as dead. She lay so for some minutes, while the other prayed on ; but then suddenly started up, praising God with all her might, and rejoicing with joy unspeakable. “Mary hearing her voice, broke off her work, and ran in to her in haste. They all remained praying by turns till twelve, when she lay like one at the point to die. But there was not yet any answer to prayer, nor any deliverance. “About one, all the maids, and three of the boys, went up stairs, and began praying again. And now they found the Lord’s hand was not shortened. Between two and three, Mary likewise rejoiced with joy unspeakable.