Wesley Corpus

I made some additions to the “Calm Address to our Ame rican Colonies.” Need any one ask from what motive this was wrote? Let him look round: England is in a flame ! A flame of malice and rage against the King, and almost all that are in authority under him. I labour to put out this flame. Ought not every true patriot to do the same? If hireling writers on either side judge of me by themselves, that I cannot help. Sun. 12.--I was desired to preach, in Bethnal-Green church, a charity sermon for the widows and orphans of the soldiers that were killed in America. Knowing how many would seek occasion of offence, I wrote down my sermon. I dined with Sir John Hawkins and three other gentlemen that are in com mission for the peace; and was agreeably surprised at a very serious conversation, kept up during the whole time I stayed. Wed. 15.--I preached at Dorking; the next evening at Ryegate-place, I think, to the largest congregation that I have seen there. But still I fear we are ploughing upon the sand : We see no fruit of our labours. Friday, 17. I crossed over to Shoreham, the most fruitful place in all the Circuit, and preached in the evening to a people just ripe for all the Gospel promises, on, “Now, why tarriest thou? Arise, and wash away thy sins.” The next morning I returned to London. Mon. 20.-I went on to Robertsbridge, and preached to a deeply attentive congregation. Tuesday, 21. Several were with us in the evening at Rye, who had never heard a Methodist sermon before. However, considering the bulk of the congre gation, more than an handful of Gentry, I earnestly besought them not to “receive the grace of God in vain.” The next evening I applied part of the thirteenth chapter of the First Nov. 1775.] JOURNAL. 59 Epistle to the Corinthians. Many were shaken when they weighed themselves in that balance. May we not be found wanting in that day ! Thur. 23.--About noon I preached at Cranbrook, and in the evening at Staplehurst. Friday, 24. I preached at Seven oaks, and on Saturday returned to London. In some of my late little journeys I read Mr. Wraxal’s Travels, in which are several ingenious remarks.