Wesley Corpus

From one end of the city to the other, there was scarce any one seen in the streets. All places of public worship were crowded in an uncommon degree; and an unusual awe sat on most faces. I preached on the words of God to Abraham, interceding for Sodom, “I will not destroy the city for his sake.” Mon. 15.--I went to Norwich on the stage-coach, with two very disagreeable companions, called a gentleman and gentle woman, but equally ignorant, insolent, lewd, and profane. Wed. 17.--I went to Yarmouth, and preached to a large and serious congregation. Thursday, 18. I preached at Lowestoft, where is a great awakening, especially among youth and children; several of whom, between twelve and sixteen years of age, are a pattern to all about them. Friday, 19. I preached at Loddon, and afterwards talked with a girl sixteen years of age. She was justified two months since, and has not yet lost the sight of God’s countenance for a moment; but has been enabled to rejoice evermore, and to pray without ceasing. But being surrounded with relations who neither loved nor feared God, they were pressing upon her continually, 144 REv. J. Wesley’s [March, 1779. till by little and little she sunk back into the world, and had neither the power nor form of religion left. - Sun. 21.--I returned to Norwich, and took an exact account of the society. I wish all our Preachers would be accurate in their accounts, and rather speak under than above the truth. I had heard again and again of the increase of the society. ... And what is the naked truth? Why, I left in it two hundred and two members; and I find one hundred and seventy-nine ! Sunday, 21. At twelve I took coach, and in the morning reached London. Sun. 28.--Immediately after preaching at Spitalfields, I hasted away to St. Peter's, Cornhill, and declared to a crowded congregation, “God hath given us his Holy Spirit.” At four I preached in the new chapel, for the benefit of the Reformation Society. This also I trust will be a means of uniting together the hearts of the children of God of various denominations. Mon. MARCH 1-I went to Bristol. Thursday, 4. I went over to Paulton, and preached at moon to the liveliest people in all the Circuit.