Wesley Corpus

Sunday, 22. While we were crossing Sawley-Ferry, it rained in good earnest; but it was quite fair all the time I was preaching at Donnington. In the evening I preached at Derby. Both the Room and the yard were crowded enough, and yet abundance went away. After preaching, the people hung at the doors, and could not be persuaded to go away. So at length I suffered them to come in with the society, and strongly exhorted them to worship God in spirit and in truth. Mon. 23.--An huge congregation was present at five, to whom I spoke with all possible plainness. About mine I reached Ashbourn, in the Peak; but the House would not hold a quarter of the people. So I stood in the market-place, and cried aloud, “Seek ye the Lord, while he may be found.” One or two walked to and fro, quite unconcerned; but none offered the least rudeness, and the bulk of the congregation drank in every word. While I was dining at Leak, some gentlemen of the town sent to desire I would give them a sermon. As it seemed to be a providential call, I did not think it right to refuse. A large congregation quickly ran together, and were deeply attentive. We had a solemn congregation at Macclesfield in the evening, to whom I preached longer than usual. But I felt no more weariness when I had done, than I did at six in the morning. Wed. 25.--We went on to Congleton, where all is now peace and love. None is now left to speak against the Methodists, except Mr. Sambach, the Curate. He earnestly labours to drive them from the church; but they will not leave it yet. They both love her Liturgy and her doctrine, and know not where to find better. Fri. 27.--I preached at Nantwich about noon, and then dragged through a miserable road, till, within two or three miles of Whitchurch, the chaise stuck fast, and all our strength could not get it a yard farther. So I took horse, and rode to the town. Saturday, 28. I rode on to Chester. April, 1772.] JOURNAL, 457 Sun. 29.--There were about forty persons in St. John's church at the Morning Service. Our Room was pretty well filled in the morning, and crowded in the evening. Monday, 30. At one I preached in Warrington.