Wesley Corpus

Tuesday, 31. We had such a congregation at noon in Oxford as I never saw there before ; and, what I regarded more than their number, was their seriousness: Even the young gentle men behaved well; nor could I observe one smiling counte nance, although I closely applied these words, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.” Sun. November 5.--I preached at the new chapel, on Luke ix. 55: “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of;” and showed, that, supposing the Papists to be heretics, schismatics, wicked men, enemies to us, and to our Church and nation; yet we ought not to persecute, to kill, hurt, or grieve them, but barely to prevent their doing hurt. In the ensuing week I finished visiting the classes, and had 194 REv. J. Wesley’s [Dec. 1780. the satisfaction to find that the society isconsiderably increased, both in number and strength, since the Conference. Mon. 20.-I went on to Chatham, and finding the society groaning under a large debt, advised them to open a weekly sub scription. The same advice I gave to the society at Sheerness. This advice they all cheerfully followed, and with good effect. On Friday, 24, we agreed to follow the same example at London; and in one year we paid off one thousand four hundred pounds. Mon. 27.--I went to Bedford, and preached in the evening. Tuesday, 28. I preached at St. Neot's. Wednesday, 29. At ten I preached in Godmanchester; and about six in the new House at Huntingdom. I have seldom seen a new congregation behave with such seriousness. Thursday, 30. I came to Luton, and found that child of sorrow and pain, Mrs. Cole, was gone to rest. For many years she had not known an hour's ease; but she died in full, joyous peace. And how little does she regret all that is past, now the days of her mourning are ended ! Mon. DECEMBER. 4.--I visited the eastern societies in Kent, and on Friday returned to London. Sunday, 10. I began reading and explaining to the society, the large Minutes of the Conference. I desire to do all things openly and above-board. I would have all the world, and especially all of our society, see not only all the steps we take, but the reasons why wetake them. Sat.