Wesley Corpus

Having been many times desired, for near forty years, to publish a Magazine, I at length complied; and now began to collect materials for it. If it once begin, I incline to think it will not end but with my life. Mon. DECEMBER 1.--I spent some hours, both morning and afternoon, in visiting the sick at the west end of the town; but I could not see them all. Wednesday, 3. I visited as many as I could on the north-east part of the town. I spent the evening at Newington, with Mr. Fletcher, almost mira culously recovering from his consumption; and on Thursday, 4, he set out with Mr. Ireland for the south of France. Tues. 9.-I visited the chief societies in Bedfordshire and Huntingdonshire, and returned by Hertford ; where (for once) I saw a quiet and serious congregation. We had a larger congregation at Barnet, in the evening, than ever; and a greater number of communicants. Will this poor, barren wilderness at length blossom and bud as the rose ? Sat. 13.--Being strongly urged to lay the first stone of the House which was going to be built at Bath, on Sunday, 14, after preaching at West-street chapel in the morning, and at St. Paul’s, Shadwell, in the afternoon, I went to Brentford. I preached at six ; and, taking chaise at twelve, on Monday, 15, easily reached Bath in the afternoon. Tuesday, 16. I paid a short visit to Bristol; preached in the evening and morning following, Wednesday, 17; and at one laid the foundation of the new chapel at Bath. The wind was piercing cold; yet scarce any of the congregation went away before the end of the sermon. After preaching at the Room in the evening, I took chaise, and the next afternoon reached London. Just at this time there was a combination among many of the post-chaise drivers on the Bath road, especially those that drove in the night, to deliver their passengers into each other's hands. One driver stopped at the spot they had appointed, where another waited to attack the chaise. In consequence of this, many were robbed ; but I had a good Protector still. I have travelled all roads, by day and by night, for these forty years, and never was interrupted yet. Thur. 25.--I buried the remains of Mr. Bespham, many years Master of a man-of-war.