Wesley Corpus

James of “pure religion and undefiled.” In the afternoon, I preached a funeral sermon for Mary Charlton, an Israelite indeed. From the hour that she first knew the pardoning love of God, she never lost sight of it for a moment. Eleven years ago, she believed that God had cleansed her from all sin; and she showed that she had not believed in vain, by her holy and unblamable conversation. Mon. 21.-I went over to Warrington, and preached in the evening. Fearing many of the congregation rested in a false peace, I endeavoured to undeceive them, by closely applying those words, “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” Tuesday, 22. About eleven, I preached at Chowbent, and in the evening at Bolton; where the people seemed to be on the wing, just ready to take their flight to heaven. Wed. 23.--Having appointed to preach at Blackburn, I was desired to take Kabb in my way. But such a road sure no carriage ever went before. I was glad to quit it, and use my own feet. About twelve I found a large number of plain, artless people, just fit for the Gospel. So I applied our Lord’s words, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.” In the evening I preached in the new House at Blackburn. Thur. 24.--I went on to Preston, where the old prejudice seems to be quite forgotten. The little society has fitted up a large and convenient House, where I preached to a candid audience. Every one seemed to be considerably affected: I hope in some the impression will continue. Fri. 25.-We went on to Ambleside; and on Saturday, to Whitehaven. Sunday, 27. I preached, morning and evening, in the House; in the afternoon, in the market-place. But abundance of people went away, not being able to bear the intense heat of the sun. Wed. 30.--I embarked on board the packet-boat for the Isle of Man. We had a dead calm for many hours: However, we June, 1781.] JOURNAL. 205 landed at Douglas on Friday morning. Both the Preachers met me here, and gave me a comfortable account of the still increasing work of God. Before dinner, we took a walk in a garden near the town, wherein any of the inhabitants of it may walk.