Wesley Corpus

Thur. 5.--I returned to Chatham, and on the following morning set out in the stage-coach for London. At the end Dec. 1778.] JOURNAL. 141 of Stroud, I chose to walk up the hill, leaving the coach to follow me. But it was in no great haste: It did not overtake me till I had walked above five miles. I cared not if it had been ten : The more I walk, the sounder I sleep. Sun. 15.-Having promised to preach in the evening at St. Antholine's church, I Lad desired one to have a coach ready at the door, when the service at the new chapel was ended. But he had forgot; so that, after preaching and meeting the society, I was obliged to walk as fast as I could to the church. The people were so wedged together, that it was with difficulty I got in. The church was extremely hot; but this I soon forgot; for it pleased God to send a gracious rain upon his inheritance. Thur. 26.--I fulfilled the dying request of Ann Thwayte, by burying her remains, and preaching her funeral sermon. In all the changes of those about her, she stood steadfast, doing and suffering the will of God: She was a woman of faith and prayer; in life and death adorning the doctrine of God her Saviour. Sun. 29.--I was desired to preach a charity sermon in St. Luke's church, Old-Street. I doubt whether it was ever so crowded before; and the fear of God seemed to possess the whole audience. In the afternoon I preached at the new chapel; and at seven, in St. Margaret's, Rood-Lane; full as much crowded as St. Luke’s. Is then the scandal of the Cross ceased ? Tues. DECEMBER 1.--I went to Rye. Here, as in many other places, those who begin to flee from the wrath to come are continually “received to doubtful disputations;” puzzled and perplexed with intricate questions concerning absolute and unconditional decrees | Lord, how long wilt thou suffer this? How long shall these well-meaning zealots destroy the dawning work of grace, and strangle the children in the birth” Wed. 2.-In the evening I preached at Robertsbridge, and spoke with all possible plainness, both for the sake of threescore children, and of a large congregation of serious, attentive people. Thur.