Wesley Corpus

Here also, as well as at Paulton, (the two most unlikely places in the Circuit,) a spreading flame is kindled. I preached at Coleford in the evening. Among this plain, simple people, the power of God is always present. Sun. 19.--The rain would not suffer me to preach abroad. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, I examined the society, and found a large number had been called home this year. A few are still tottering over the grave; but death hath lost its sting. Thur. 23.--I preached in the afternoon near the fish-ponds. The people here had been remarkably dead for many years; but since that saint of God, Bathsheba Hall, with her husband, came among them, a flame is broke out. The people flock together in troops, and are athirst for all the promises of God. In the evening one sat behind me in the pulpit at Bristol, who was one of our first Masters at Kingswood. A little after he left the school, he likewise left the society. Riches then flowed in upon him; with which, having no relations, Mr. Spencer designed to do much good--after his death. “But God said unto him, Thou fool!” Two hours after, he died intestate, and left all his money to--be scrambled for " Reader l if you have not done it already, make your Will before you sleep ! Fri. 24.--James Gerrish, jun., of Roade, near Frome, was for several years zealous for God: But he too grew rich, and grew lukewarm, till he was seized with a consumption. At the approach of death he was “horribly afraid; " he was “in the lowest darkness, and in the deep.” But “he cried unto God in his trouble,” and was “delivered out of his distress.” He was filled with peace and joy unspeakable, and so continued till he went to God. His father desired I would preach his funeral sermon; which Iaccordingly did this day, at Roade. I concluded the busy day with a comfortable watch-night at Kingswood. Mon. 27.--I preached at Pill. On Wednesday I opened the new chapel in Guinea-Street. Thursday, 30. I preached at Amesbury, on Communion with God, while deep awe sat on the face of all the people. Friday, October 1. I took a solemn leave of the children at Kingswood.