Wesley Corpus

29.--We considered the several plans which were offered for the new chapel. Having agreed upon one, we desired a Surveyor to draw out the particulars, with an estimate of the expense. We then ordered proposals to be drawn up for those who were willing to undertake any part of the building. Mon. DECEMBER. 2.-I set out for Bedford, in the dili gence, and came thither at four in the afternoon. I found great freedom of speech in the evening, and perceived God was reviving his work in this people. Tues. 3.-I crossed over to St. Neot’s, and had an hour’s friendly conversation with Mr. W. O that all men would sit as loose to opinions as I do; that they would think and let think! I preached in the evening to a numerous con gregation with much enlargement of spirit. Wednesday, 4. I preached at Godmanchester, and on Thursday returned to London. In the way, I read over Mr. Gray's Works, and his Life wrote by Mr. Mason. He is an admirable poet, not much inferior to either Prior or Pope; but he does not appear, upon the whole, to have been an amiable man. His picture, I apprehend, expresses his character;--sharp, sensible, inge nious; but, at the same time, proud, morose, envious, passion ate, and resentful. I was quite shocked at the contempt with which he more than once speaks of Mr. Mason; one full as ingenious as himself, yea, full as good a poet ; (as even “Elfrida” shows, as much as Mr. Gray despises, or affects to despise it;) and, over and above, possessed of that mode, ty and humanity, wherein Mr. Gray was so greatly deficient. Friday, 13, was the national fast. It was observed not only throughout the city, but (I was afterwards informed) throughout the nation, with the utmost solemnity. I shall not wonder if God should now internose and send us Jan. 1777.] JOURNAL. 9] prosperity, since, at length, we are not too proud to acknowledge “there is a God that judgeth the earth.” Mon. 16.--I preached at Canterbury; on Tuesday, at Dover; Wednesday, about eleven, at poor, dry, dead Sand wich. But I now found more hope for the poor people, than I had done for many years.