Wesley Corpus

But what did Captain Crawford do amiss? Have not the English also taken American ships by surprise? Yes; but not with such circumstances. For, 1. He hoisted no colours, nor ever summoned the ship to yield: 2. He fired on men who thought nothing of the matter, and pointed the men to Captain Bell in particular. So it was a deliberate murder. Such is the mercy, such the gratitude, of American rebels' Mon. 10.--In the evening I preached at Reading. How many years were we beating the air at this town! Stretching out our hands to a people as stupid as oxen' But it is not so at present. That generation is passed away, and their children are of a more excellent spirit. After preaching at Newbury and Ramsbury in the way, on Wednesday, 12, I went on to Bristol. April, 1777.] JOURNAL. 95 Sun. 16.-I preached at St. Werburgh's, the first church I ever preached in at Bristol. I had desired my friends not to come thither, but to leave room for strangers. By this means the church was well filled, but not over much crowded; which gives occasion to them that seek occasion, as it is a real inconvenience to the parishioners. Fri. 21.--I preached at Bath. I often wonder at this, Our chapel stands in the midst of all the sinners, and yet, going or coming to it, I never heard an immodest word, but prayers and blessings in abundance. Sun. 23.--I preached at St. Ewin’s church, but not upon Justification by Faith. I do not find this to be a profitable subject to an unawakened congregation. I explained here, and strongly applied, that awful word, “It is appointed unto men once to die.” Mon. 24.--I left Bristol, and preaching at Ramsbury, Wit ney, Oxford, and High-Wycomb, in my way, on Thursday came to London; whence I cannot be long absent while the new chapel is building. Friday, 28. I received an affectionate message from a great man.--But I shall not wonder if the wind changes. Sun. 30.-Easter-day was a solemn and comfortable day, wherein God was remarkably present with his people. During the Octave I administered the Lord's Supper every morning, after the example of the Primitive Church. Sunday, APRIL 6. I began a journey through some of our societies, to desire their assistance towards the expense of the new chapel.