Wesley Corpus

Wednesday, 10. I preached at Fordingbridge, to a serious, well-behaved congregation: Only two young gentlewomen were at first inclined to mirth. But in the evening, two young women at Salisbury retained their mirth to the end; being greatly diverted with hearing of “the dead, small and great, standing before God!” Now what understanding have these pretty things? Have they as much as many children six years old? Thur. 11.--About eleven I preached at Winchester, to a genteel and yet serious congregation. I was a little tired before I came to Portsmouth, but the congregation soon made me forget my weariness. Indeed the people in general here are more noble than most in the south of England. They receive the word of God “with all readiness of mind,” and show civility, at least, to all that preach it. Fri. 12.--I walked round the Dock, much larger than any Oct. 1770.] JOURNAL. 419 other in England. The late fire began in a place where no one comes, just at low water, and at a time when all were fast asleep. So that none can doubt its being done by design. It spread with such amazing violence, among tow, and cordage, and dry wood, that none could come near without the utmost danger. Nor was anything expected, but that the whole Dock would be consumed, if not the town also. But this God would not permit. It stopped on one side, close to the Commissioner's house; and just as it was seizing the town on the other side, the wind changed and drove it back. Afterwards the fury of it was checked, by water, by sand, and by pulling down some buildings. And yet it was full five weeks before it was wholly put out. Saturday, 13. I set out at two, and in the afternoon came to the Foundery. Mon. 15.--I set out for Oxfordshire, and was throughly wet in my way to Wallingford. The congregation was large, and deeply serious. Tuesday, 16. I preached at Witney, in the new House, and again on Thursday morning. After service, many crowding with me into the House, I spent some time with them in prayer. It was a happy opportunity; and many praised God for the consolation they received. We had afterwards a fair and pleasant ride to High Wycomb.