Wesley Corpus

30.--I crossed over to Tadcaster at noon; and in the evening to York. Hence I took a little circuit through Malton, Scarborough, Beverley, Hull, and Pocklington, and came to York again. Aug. 1781.] JOURNAL. 213 Sun. AUGUST 5.--At the old church in Leeds we had eighteen Clergymen, and about eleven hundred communicants. I preached there at three: The church was thoroughly filled; and I believe most could hear, while I explained the “new covenant,” which God has now made with the Israel of God. Mon. 6.-I desired Mr. Fletcher, Dr. Coke, and four more of our brethren, to meet every evening, that we might consult together on any difficulty that occurred. On Tuesday our Conference began, at which were present about seventy Preachers, whom I had severally invited to come and assist me with their advice, in carrying on the great work of God. Wednesday, 8. I desired Mr. Fletcher to preach. I do not wonder he should be so popular; not only because he preaches with all his might, but because the power of God attends both his preaching and prayer. On Monday and Tuesday we finished the remaining business of the Conference, and ended it with solemn prayer and thanksgiving. Wed. 15.-I went to Sheffield. In the afternoon I took a view of the chapel lately built by the Duke of Norfolk: One may safely say, there is none like it in the three kingdoms; nor, I suppose, in the world. It is a stone building, an octagon, about eighty feet diameter. A cupola, which is at a great height, gives some, but not much, light. A little more is given by four small windows, which are under the galleries. The pulpit is movable: It rolls upon wheels; and is shifted once a quarter, that all the pews may face it in their turns : I presume the first contrivance of the kind in Europe. After preaching in the evening to a crowded audience, and exhorting the society to brotherly love, I took chaise with Dr. Coke; and, travelling day and night, the next evening came to London. We observed Friday, 17, as a fast-day, and concluded it with a solemn watch-night. Having finished my business in town for the present, on Sunday, 19, at eight in the evening, I took coach with my new fellow-traveller, George Whitfield; and on Monday evening preached at Bath. Tuesday, 21.