Wesley Corpus

Wednesday, 31. In applying those solemn words, “As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death,” my heart was enlarged, and my mouth opened both to convince and comfort. Surely, in spite of the marvellous ignorance which prevails among the generality of people in this city, and the uncommon stumbling-blocks which have been thrown in their way, the work of God will not only continue, but increase. Thur. NoveMBER 1.--I rode to Yarmouth,--a dull, cold place: Yet this evening we had a remarkable blessing, as also the next evening. Lord, thy thoughts are not as our thoughts | Thou wilt work; and who shall hinder? Sun. 4.--At seven I met the society at Norwich, and administered the Lord's Supper to about an hundred and fourscore persons. Monday, 5. I met the Leaders, and inquired into the state of the society. In all England I find no people like those of Norwich. They are eminently “unstable as water.” Out of two hundred, whom I left here last year, sixty-nine are gone already ! What a blessing is knowledge when it is sanctified ! What stability can be expected without it? For let their affections be ever so lively for the present, yet what hold can you have upon a people who neither know books, nor men; neither themselves, nor the Bible; neither matural nor spiritual things? Nov. 1770.] JOURNAL.- 421 Wed. 7.--I read and abridged an old treatise, on “the Origin of the Soul.” I never before saw anything on the subject so satisfactory. I think he proves to a demonstration, that God has enabled man, as all other creatures, to propagate his whole species, consisting of soul and body. Thur. 8.--I set out for London. It rained almost all the day; and in the afternoon so impetuously, (the rain being driven upon us by a furious wind,) that it was with difficulty we reached Lakenheath. Here we found Mr. Evans just worn out, a picture of human nature in disgrace. He had not only no more strength than a little child, but no more understanding ! Friday, 9. About ten I preached at Bury, and at Braintree in the evening. Finding I was among stocks, I was obliged to strike with all my might; and I trust God did strike some of the flinty hearts.