Wesley Corpus

183 five I preached at the Garth-Heads, to a still more numerous congregation; but there were few among them whoremembered my first preaching near that place in the Keelman’s Hospital. For what reason the wise managers of that place forbade my preaching there any more, I am yet still to learn. Wed. 31.-Taking my leave of this affectionate people, I went to Mr. Parker's, at Shincliff, near Durham. The congregation being far too large to get into the House, I stood near his door. It seemed as if the whole village were ready to receive the truth in the love thereof. Perhaps their earnestness may provoke the people of Durham to jealousy. In the afternoon we took a view of the Castle at Durham, the residence of the Bishop. The situation is wonderfully fine, surrounded by the river, and commanding all the country; and many of the apartments are large and stately; but the furniture is mean beyond imagination' I know not where I have seen such in a gentleman's house, or a man of five hundred a year, except that of the Lord-Lieutenant in Dublin. In the largest chambers, the tapestry is quite faded; beside that, it is coarse and ill-judged. Take but one instance:--In Jacob's vision you see, on the one side, a little paltry ladder, and an angel climbing it, in the attitude of a chimney-sweeper; and on the other side Jacob staring at him, from under a large silver-laced hat Thur. JUNE 1.--About ten I preached at Aycliff, a large village, twelve miles from Durham; all the inhabitants whereof seem now as full of good-will, as they were once of prejudice. I preached at Darlington in the evening. It is good to be here; the liveliness of the people animates all that come near them. On Friday evening, we had a love-feast, at which many were greatly comforted, by hearing such artless, simple accounts of the mighty works of God. Sat. 3.−At moon I preached to a large congregation at Northallerton. The sun shone full in my face when I began; but it was soon overcast; and I believe this day, if never before, God gave a general call to this careless people. In the evening I preached at Thirsk. When I was here last, a few young women behaved foolishly; but all were deeply serious now, and seemed to feel that God was there. Sun.