Wesley Corpus

But I now found more hope for the poor people, than I had done for many years. In the evening I preached at Margate, to a very genteel, and yet very serious, congrega tion; and I believe (although it blew a storm) near a hun dred were present in the morning. Thur. 19.--I had another truly comfortable opportunity at Canterbury. God lifted up the hands that hung down, and gave many a strong hope that they should yet see good days, after all the days of darkness and heaviness. Friday, 20. I returned to London; and on Sunday, 22, buried the remains of Elizabeth Duchesne; a person eminently upright of heart, yet for many years a child of labour and sorrow. For near forty years she was zealous of good works, and at length shortened her days by labouring for the poor beyond her strength. But her end was peace. She now rests from her labours, and her works follow her. Tues. 31.-We concluded the year with solemn praise to God for continuing his great work in our land. It has never been intermitted one year or one month, since the year 1738; in which my brother and I began to preach that strange doctrine of salvation by faith. Wed. JANUARY 1, 1777.-We met, as usual, to renew our covenant with God. It was a solemn season, wherein many found his power present to heal, and were enabled to urge their way with strength renewed. Thur. 2.--I began expounding, in order, the book of Eccle siastes. I never before had so clear a sight either of the meaning or the beauties of it. Neither did I imagine that the several parts of it were in so exquisite a manner con nected together; all tending to prove that grand truth, that there is no happiness out of God. Wed. 8.-I looked over the manuscripts of that great and good man, Charles Perronet. I did not think he had so deep communion with God. I know exceeding few that equal him; and had he had an University education, there would have been few finer writers in England. Mon. 13.--I took the opportunity of spending an hour every 92 REv. J. wesley’s [Jan. 1777. morning with the Preachers, as I did with my pupils at Oxford.