Wesley Corpus

Mr. 176 REv. J. Wesley’s [April, 1780. Harmer read Prayers both morning and afternoon. We had a large congregation in the morning; as many as the church could well contain in the afternoon; and more than it could contain in the evening. At last there is reason to hope, that God will have a steady people even in this wilderness. The next evening, when a few of the society were met together, the power of God came mightily upon them. Some fell to the ground; some cried aloud for mercy; some rejoiced with joy unspeakable. Two or three found a clear sense of the love of God; one gay young woman, in particular, who was lately much prejudiced against this way, but is now filled with joy unspeakable. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, I spent at Liverpool, being undetermined whether to proceed or not. At length I yielded to the advice of my friends, and deferred my journey to Ireland. So I preached at Northwich about noon, and in the evening at Alpraham, in the midst of all the old Methodists. We had a very different congregation at Nantwich in the evening. But as many as could get into the House, or near the door, behaved very seriously. Sat. APRIL 1.--I returned to Chester, and found many alive to God, but scarce one that retained his pure love. Sunday, 2. I reached Warrington about ten. The chapel was well filled with serious hearers; and I believe God confirmed the word of his grace. Hastening back to Chester, I found a numerous congregation waiting, and immediately began, “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” Mon. 3.-I returned to Manchester, and, Tuesday, 4, strongly applied, “What could I have done more to my vineyard, that I have not done?” At present there are many here that “bring forth good grapes:” But many swiftly increase in goods; and I fear very few sufficiently watch and pray that they may not set their hearts upon them. Wed. 5.--I preached at Bolton; Thursday, 6, about noon, at Bury; and at Rochdale in the evening. Friday, 7. I went to Delph, a little village upon the mountains, where a remarkable work of God is just broke out. I was just set down, when the Minister sent me word, I was welcome to preach in his church.