Wesley Corpus

At one I preached in Warrington. I believe all the young gentlemen of the academy were there; to whom I stated and proved the use of reason, from those words of St. Paul, “In wickedness be ye children, but in understanding be ye men.” I had very large and very serious congregations at Liver pool, morning and evening, on Monday, Tuesday, Wednes day, and Thursday. Friday, APRIL 3. I set out for Wigan; but before we came to Ashton, I was glad to use my own feet, and leave the poor horses to drag the chaise as they could. I preached at Wigan about twelve, and in the evening at Bolton. How wonderfully has God wrought in this place ! John Bennet, some years ago, reduced this society from sevenscore to twelve; and they are now risen to an hundred and seventy. Sun. 5.--I preached at eight to as many as the House would contain; but at noon I was obliged to stand in the street, and explain the one thing needful. I preached at Manchester in the evening; but the House was far too small: Crowds were obliged to go away. The speculative knowledge of the truth has ascended here from the least to the greatest. But how far short is this of experimental knowledge | Yet it is a step toward it not to be despised. Mon. 6.-In the afternoon I drank tea at Am. O. But how was I shocked ! The children that used to cling about me, and drink in every word, had been at a boarding-school. There they had unlearned all religion, and even seriousness; and had learned pride, vanity, affectation, and whatever could guard them against the knowledge and love of God. Methodist parents, who would send your girls headlong to hell, send them to a fashionable boarding-school | Tues. 7.--I went to New-Mills. Notwithstanding all the rain, the House was well filled; for nothing can hinder this lively, earnest people. Wednesday, 8. I returned to Man chester, and, in the evening, fully delivered my own soul. Thursday, 9. Mr. Bruce offering to accompany me into Scotland, I took him and Mr. E. too: And it was well I did; for Mr. E.'s horse quickly fell, and so disabled himself that I was obliged to leave him behind. God grant that he may not 458 REv. J. Wesley’s [April, 1772.