Wesley Corpus

133 “Reckon ye yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Such a time I have not known for some years: The House was extremely crowded; but I believe there was not only no inattentive but no unaffected hearer. In the evening I preached at Bradford, to such a congregation as I have not seen since I left London. Sat. AUGUST 1.--I was desired to take a view of Mr. Busfield’s improvements near Bingley. Isis house stands on the top of a hill clothed with wood, opposite to another which is covered with tall oaks. Between the hills runs the river. On the top, at the bottom, through the midst, and along the side of his woods, he has made partly straight, partly serpentine, walks; some of which command a lovely prospect. He is continually making new improvements: But will not that thought frequently intrude,- Must I then leave thee, Paradise ? Then leave These happy shades and mansions fit for Gods P Sun. 2.-At one I preached at the foot of Birstal-hill, to the largest congregation that ever was seen there. It was supposed there were twelve or fourteen thousand; but there were some thousands more at Leeds: I think it was the largest congregation that I have seen for many years, except that at Gwennap, in Cornwall. Tues. 4.--Our Conference began: So large a number of Preachers never met at a Conference before. I preached, morning and evening, till Thursday night: Then my voice began to fail; so I desired two of our Preachers to supply my place the next day. On Saturday the Conference ended. Sun. 9.-I preached at eight in the market-place at Dews bury, to some thousands of serious people; as Mr. Pawley would not permit me to preach in the church, because it would give offence After visiting Bradford and Halifax, I struck across to Manchester and Stockport; and went on by moderate jour meys to London. Having soon finished my business there, on Monday, 17, Dr. Coke, my brother, and I, took coach for Bristol; and early on Thursday, 20, I set out for Cornwall. I preached at Taunton that evening; Friday, 21, at Exon; and on Saturday reached the Dock. Sun. 23.--At seven I preached in our Room, and at one on the quay, at Plymouth. The common people behaved well; 134- REv. J.