Wesley Corpus

Mr. Canham had prepared a large and commodious place; but it would not contain the congregation. However, all without, as well as within, except one fine lady, were serious and attentive. Tues. JULY 1.--I preached in the evening at Marton, near Buckingham; the thunder, attended with heavy rain, was likely to rob us of our whole congregation. We cried to God. The thunder and rain ceased, and we had a fair sunshiny evening. A large number of people flocked together, some of whom came twelve or fourteen miles: And they did not lose their labour; for God accompanied his word with the demonstration of his Spirit. Wed. 2.-The House was more than filled at five, and chiefly with genteel young women; of whom (I learned) there is a large number in this village, remarkable both for sense and seriousness. After dinner we went on to Oxford, where also we had a very serious congregation. So all the seed sown here has not fallen either on stony or thorny ground. In the afternoon I went to Witney; and, the evening being fair and mild, preached on Wood-Green, to a far larger con gregation than the House could have contained. I spent the 104 REv. J. WEsley’s [July, 1777. rest of the evening profitably and agreeably, with a few of the excellent ones of the earth. I was ready to say, “It is good for me to be here.” No ! Go thou and preach the Gospel. Thur. 3.-I was much comforted at Stroud among an earnest, serious, loving people. Friday, 4. I preached in dull Gloucester at ten, and at six in the new House at Tewkes bury. Saturday, 5. I sent my chaise straight to Worcester, and myself took horse for Bengeworth : The church was tolerably filled. Afterwards I went down with Mr. Beale to his house; the same in which Mr. Benjamin Seward lived three or four and forty years ago. In the evening I preached in the little chapel at Broadmarston. Sun. 6.--I preached in Pebworth church morning and after noon, and at Bengeworth in the evening. The church, large as it is, was well filled; and many, for the present, were much affected. I preached there once more at eight in the morning, and then rode on to Worcester. On Tuesday evening the Rector of the parish was at the preaching; a candid, sensible man.