Wesley Corpus

Tues. 29.-I preached at Almsbury, to a large number of plain people, who seemed just ripe for the Gospel. We observed Friday, October 2, as a day of fasting and prayer, for our King and nation. We met, as usual, at five, at nine, at one, and in the evening. At each time, I believe, some found that God was with us; but more especially in the concluding service. Sat. 3.-Visiting one at the poor-house, I was much moved to see such a company of poor, maimed, halt, and blind, who seemed to have no one caring for their souls. So I appointed to be there the next day; and at two o'clock had all that could get out of bed, young and old, in the great hall. My heart was greatly enlarged toward them, and many blessed God for the consolation. Monday, I went with my brother to the Devizes, and preached in a large, commodious room. This and the following evening we preached at Sarum. Wednesday, 7. We went on to Winchester. I had thoughts of preaching abroad, if haply anything might awaken a careless, self-conceited people. Bu, the rain would not permit: And it made the road so heavy that we could not reach Portsmouth-Common till near six. Thur. 8.-One of our friends, whom I have known several years, Mrs. Sarah M d, and on whose veracity I could depend, was mentioning some uncommon circumstances. I 138 Rev. J. Wesley’s [Oct. 1778. desired her to relate them at large, which she readily did as follows:-- “Six or seven years ago, a servant of my husband's died of the small-pox. A few days after, as I was walking into the town, I met him in his common every-day clothes, running towards me. In about a minute he disappeared. “Mr. Heth, a Surgeon and Apothecary, died in March, 1756. On the 14th of April following, I was walking with two other women in the High-Street, about day-break, and we all three saw him, dressed as he usually was, in a scarlet surtout, a bushy wig, and a very small hat. He was standing and leaning against a post, with his chin resting on his hands. As we came towards him, (for we were not frighted at all,) he walked towards us, and went by us. We looked steadily after him, and saw him till he turned into the market-house.