Wesley Corpus

5.--I examined sixteen of them who desired to partake of the Lord’s Supper. Nine or ten had a clear sense of the pardoning love of God. The others were fully determined never to rest till they could witness the same confession. Eighteen of the children from that time met in three Bands, besides twelve who met in trial Band. These were remark able for their love to each other, as well as for steady seriousness. They met every day; beside which, all the children met in class. Those who found peace were James Whitestone, Alex ander Mather, Matthew Lowes, William Snowdon, John Keil, Charles Farr, John Hamilton, Benjamin Harris, and IEdward Keil. Mon. 6.--After Mr. Mather had preached at Pensford, he met the children there. Presently the spirit of contrition fell upon them, and then the Spirit of grace and of supplication, till the greater part of them were crying together for mercy, with a loud and bitter cry: And all Miss Owen’s children, but one, (two-and-twenty in number,) were exceedingly comforted. Fri. 10.--I went over to Kingswood, and inquired into the present state of the children. I found part of them had walked closely with God; part had not, and were in heaviness. Hearing in the evening that they were got to prayer by them selves in the school, I went down; but, not being willing to disturb them, stood at the window. Two or three had gone in first; then more and more, till above thirty were gathered together. Such a sight I never saw before nor since. Three or four stood and stared, as if affrighted. The rest were all on their knees, pouring out their souls before God, in a manner not easy to be described. Sometimes one, sometimes more, prayed aloud; sometimes a cry went up from them all; till five or six of them, who were in doubts before, saw the clear light of God’s countenance. Sept. 1773.] JOURNAL. 507 Sun. 12.--Four of Miss Owen’s children desired leave to partake of the Lord's Supper. I talked with them severally, and found they were all still rejoicing in the love of God.