Wesley Corpus

Fri. AUGUST 2.--We made our first subscription toward building a new chapel; and at this, and the two following meetings, above a thousand pounds were cheerfully subscribed. Sun. 4.--Many of the Preachers being come to town, I enforced that solemn caution, in the Epistle for the day, “Let him that standeth take heed lest he fall.” And God applied it to many hearts. In the afternoon I preached in Moorfields to thousands, on Acts ii. 32, “This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.” Tues. 6.--Our Conference began, and ended on Friday, 9, which we observed with fasting and prayer, as well for our own nation as for our brethren in America. In several Con ferences, we have had great love and unity; but in this there was, over and above, such a general seriousness and solemnity of spirit as we scarcely have had before. Sunday, 11. About half an hour after four I set out ; and at half an hour after eleven on Monday, came to Bristol. I found Mr. Fletcher a little better, and proposed his taking a journey with me to Cornwall; nothing being so likely to Aug. 1776.] JOURNAL. 83 restore his health, as a journey of four or five hundred miles; but his Physician would in mowise consent; so I gave up the point. Tues. 13.--I preached at Taunton, and afterwards went with Mr. Brown to Kingston. The large, old parsonage-house is pleasantly situated close to the church-yard, just fit for a contemplative man. Here I found a Clergyman, Dr. Coke, late Gentleman Commoner of Jesus College in Oxford, who came twenty miles on purpose. I had much conversation with him; and an union then began, which I trust shall never end. Wed. 14.--I preached at Tiverton; and on Thursday went on to Launceston. Here I found the plain reason why the work of God had gained no ground in this Circuit all the year. The Preachers had given up the Methodist testimony. Either they did not speak of Perfection at all, (the peculiar doctrine committed to our trust,) or they spoke of it only in general terms, without urging the believers to “go on unto perfec tion,” and to expect it every moment. And wherever this is not earnestly done, the work of God does not prosper. Fri.