Wesley Corpus

Monday, 26. I preached at noon in Mr. Barker's large parlour, at Congreve, near Penkridge. Many stood in the next room, and many in the garden, near the windows: And I believe all could hear. I brought strange things to the ears of those that had been used to softer doctrines. And I believe not in vain. They seemed to receive the truth in the love thereof. In the evening I preached at Newcastle-under-Lyne. Mr. Scott and two or three of his Preachers were present. They have lately begun to preach both here and at Burslem. If they would go and break up fresh ground, we should rejoice; out we cannot commend them for breaking in upon our labours, after we have borne the burden and heat of the day. Tues. 27.--I went a little out of my way in order to open the new preaching-house at Shrewsbury. I did not so much wonder at the largeness, as at the seriousness, of the congre gation. So still and deeply attentive a congregation I did not expect to see here. How apt are we to forget that important truth, that “all things are possible with God!” Wed. 28.--I returned to Burslem. How is the whole face of this country changed in about twenty years' Since the potteries were introduced, inhabitants have continually flowed in from every side. Hence the wilderness is literally become a fruitful field. Houses, villages, towns have sprung up. And the country is not more improved than the people. The word of God has had free course among them. Sinners are daily awakened and converted to God; and believers grow in the knowledge of Christ. In the evening the House was filled with people, and with the presence of God. This constrained me to extend the service a good deal longer than I am accustomed to do. Likewise at the meeting of the society, many were filled with strong consolation. After preaching at Congleton, Macclesfield, and Stockport, in my way, on Friday, 30, I opened the new chapel at Manchester, about the size of that in London. The whole April, 1781.] JOURNAL. 199 congregation behaved with the utmost seriousness. I trust much good will be done in this place. Sun. APRIL 1-I began reading Prayers at ten o'clock. Our country friends flocked in from all sides.