Wesley Corpus

As we were considering in the afternoon what we should do. the rain not suffering us to be abroad, one asked the Vicar for the use of the church; to which he readily consented. I began reading Prayers at half-hour past five. The church was so crowded, pews, alleys, and galleries, as I believe it had not been these hundred years; and God bore witness to his word. Wed. 17.--After preaching at Bury about noon, I went on to Rochdale, and preached in the evening to a numerous and deeply serious congregation. Thursday, 18. I clambered over the horrid mountains to Todmorden, and thence to Hepton stall, on the brow of another mountain. Such a congrega tion scarce ever met in the church before. In the evening I preached in the Croft, adjoining to the new House at Halifax. Fri. 19.-I preached at Smith-House, for the sake of that lovely woman, Mrs. Holmes. It does me good to see her; such is her patience, or, rather, thankfulness, under almost continual pain. Sunday, 21. After strongly insisting at Daw-Green on family religion, which is still much wanting among us, I has tened to Birstal church, where we had a sound, practical ser mon. At one I preached to many thousands at the foot of the hill, and to almost as many at Leeds in the evening. Mon. 22.-I had an agreeable conversation with that good man, Mr. O ... O that he may be an instrument of removing the prejudices which have so long separated chief friends ! Tues. 23.--I preached in the press-yard at Rothwell, and have seldom seen a congregation so moved. I then spoke severally to the class of children, and found every one of them rejoicing in the love of God. It is particularly remark able, that this work of God among them is broke out all at once; they have all been justified, and one clearly sanctified, within these last six weeks. 72 REv. J. WESLEY’s [April, 1776. Wed. 24.--I went on to Otley, where the word of God has free course, and brings forth much fruit. This is chiefly owing to the spirit and behaviour of those whom God has perfected in love. Their zeal stirs up many; and their steady and uniform conversation has a language almost irresistible. Friday, 26.