Wesley Corpus

Sunday, 24. I preached in the morning at Gateshead-Fell; about noon, at a village called Greenside, ten miles west of Newcastle, to the largest congregation I have seen in the north ; many of whom were Roman Catholics. In the evening I preached once more at the Garth-Heads, (some thought to the largest congregation that had ever been there,) on those words in the Service, “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.” After preaching at many places in the way, on Wednesday, July, 1781.] JOURNAL. 209 27, I preached at York. Many of our friends met me here, so that in the evening the House would ill contain the congregation. And I know not when I have found such a spirit among them; they seemed to be all hungering and thirsting after righteousness. Thur. 28.--I preached at eleven in the main street at Selby, to a large and quiet congregation; and in the evening at Thorne. This day I entered my seventy-ninth year; and, by the grace of God, I feel no more of the infirmities of old age, than I did at twenty-nine. Friday, 29. I preached at Crowle and at Epworth. I have now preached thrice a day for seven days following; but it is just the same as if it had been but once. Sat. 30.-I went over to Owstone, and found the whole town was moved. One of the chief men of the town had been just buried, and his wife a few days before. In a course of nature they might have lived many years, being only middle-aged. He had known the love of God, but had choked the good seed by hastening to be rich. But Providence disappointed all his schemes; and it was thought he died of a broken heart. I took that opportunity of enforcing, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Sun. JULY 1.--I preached, as usual, at Misterton, at Over thorpe, and at Epworth. Monday, 2.