Wesley Corpus

I spent an hour with them in exhortation and prayer, and was much comforted among them. I preached in Pensford at eight; Paulton about one; and Coleford in the evening. Fri. 18.--I preached very quietly at the Devizes. Scarce one of the old persecutors is alive. Very few of them lived out half their days: Many were snatched away in an hour when they looked not for it. Fri. 25.--I went over to Kingswood again, and had much 480 REv. J. Wesley’s [Oct. 1772. satisfaction with the children. On Sunday I talked with the elder children one by one, advising them as each had need; and it was easy to perceive that God is again working in many of their hearts. Wed. 30.--I began visiting the society from house to house, taking them from west to east. This will undoubtedly be an heavy cross, no way pleasing to flesh and blood. But I already saw how unspeakably useful it will be to many souls. Mon. OcToBER 5.--I left Bristol, and going round by Shaftesbury, Salisbury, Winchester, and Portsmouth, on Saturday, 10, reached London. Mon. 12.--I began my little tour through Northampton shire. Wednesday, 14. A book was given me to write on, “The works of Mr. Thomson,” of whose poetical abilities I had always had a very low opinion: But, looking into one of his tragedies, “Edward and Eleonora,” I was agreeably surprised. The sentiments are just and noble; the diction strong, smooth, and elegant; and the plot conducted with the utmost art, and wrought off in a most surprising manner. It is quite his masterpiece, and I really think might vic with any modern performance of the kind. Fri. 16.--I went round to Bedford. I was sorry to hear from Alderman Parker, that his son-in-law, who succeeded him in the Mayoralty, had broke through all the regulations which he had made, tolerating all the tippling, sabbath-breaking, &c., which Mr. P. had totally suppressed ! Thus showing to all the world, that he was not “under the law” either of God or man | Mon. 19.--I began my tour through Oxfordshire. Tues day, 20. In the evening I preached at Witney, to a crowded congregation, and, at present, one of the liveliest in the kingdom. Afterwards I met the society, much alive to God, and growing both in grace and number. Wed.