Wesley Corpus

Thur. 21.--At the earnest request of the prisoner, who was to die next day, (and was very willing so to do; for, after deep agony of soul, he had found peace with God,) I preached at Newgate to him, and a crowded audience; many of whom felt that God was there. Sunday, 24. I preached abroad in the afternoon to a lovely congregation. Friday, 29, we observed as a fast-day, meeting at five, nine, one, and in the evening: And many found a strong hope, that God will yet be entreated for a guilty land. Sun. October 1.--The weather favoured us again: I preached once more abroad, and concluded at the point where I begun, in opening and strongly applying those words, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” 56 REv. J. WESLEY’s [Oct. 1775. Mon. 2.--I set out early; and, preaching at the Devizes, Sarum, Winchester, and Portsmouth in my way, on Friday, 6, in the afternoon I returned to London. Sun. 8.--I preached in Moorfields to a larger congregation than usual. Strange that their curiosity should not be satisfied yet, after hearing the same thing near forty years 1 Mon. 9.-I preached at Chesham, on the strait gate; and all that heard seemed affected for the present. Tuesday, 10, I went on to Wycomb, and was much refreshed by the earnest attention of the whole congregation. Wednesday, 11. I took a walk to Lord Shelburne's house. What variety, in so small a compass! A beautiful grove, divided by a serpentine walk, conceals the house from the town. At the side of this runs a transparent river, with a smooth walk on each bank. Beyond this is a level lawn; then the house with sloping gardens behind it. Above these is a lofty hill; near the top of which is a lovely wood, having a grassy walk running along, just within the skirts of it. But can the owner rejoice in this paradise? No; for his wife is snatched away in the bloom of youth ! Thur. 12.--About noon I preached at Watlington; and in the evening at Oxford, in a large House formerly belonging to the Presbyterians. But it was not large enough: Many could not get in. Such a congregation I have not seen at Oxford, either for seriousness, or number, for more than twenty years.