Wesley Corpus

21.-I preached in the Paddock, at Bedminster. It is plain (notwithstanding what some affirm) that the time of field-preaching is not past, while the people flock to it from every quarter. Sun. 22.-After reading Prayers, preaching, and adminis tering the sacrament, at Bristol, I hastened away to Kings wood, and preached under the trees to such a multitude as had not been lately seen there. I began in King's Square a little before five, where the word of God was quick and powerful. And I was no more tired at night than when I rose in the morning. Such is the power of God! After settling all things at Bristol and Kingswood, and visit ing the rest of the societies in Somersetshire, Wiltshire, and Hants, I returned, in October, to London, with Mr. Fletcher. Sun. November 10.--I was desired to preach at St. Vedast's church, Foster-Lane, which contained the congrega tion tolerably well. I preached on those words in the Gospel for the day, (how little regarded even by men that fear God!) “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God’s.” Wed. 13.−I set out with Mr. Fletcher to Norwich. I took coach at twelve, slept till six, and then spent the time very agreeably, in conversation, singing, and reading. I read Mr. Bolt's account of the affairs in the East Indies: I suppose much Nov. 1776.] JOURNAL. 89 the best that is extant. But what a scene is here opened What consummate villains, what devils incarnate, were the managers there ! What utter strangers to justice, mercy, and truth ; to every sentiment of humanity I believe no heathen history contains a parallel. I remember none in all the annals of antiquity: Not even the divine Cato, or the virtuous Brutus, plundered the provinces committed to their charge with such merciless cruelty as the English have plun dered the desolated provinces of Indostan. When we came to Norwich, finding many of our friends had been shaken by the assertors of the Horrible Decree, I employed the three following mornings in sifting the ques tion to the bottom. Many were confirmed thereby; and, I trust, will not again be removed from the genuine Gospel. Thur. 14.--I showed in the evening what the Gospel is, and what it is to preach the Gospel.