Wesley Corpus

A few of them seemed to be much affected. In the evening I preached at Hinckley, one of the civilest towns I have seen. Wed. 17.-I went on to Leicester; Thursday, 18, to Northampton; and Friday, 19, to Hinxworth, in Hertford shire. Adjoining to Miss Harvey’s house is a pleasant gar den; and she has made a shady walk round the neighbour ing meadows. How gladly could I repose awhile here ! But repose is not for me in this world. In the evening many of the villagers flocked together, so that her great hall was well filled. I would fain hope, some of them received the seed in good ground, and will bring forth fruit with patience. Sat. 20.-We reached London. All the following week the congregations were uncommonly large. Wednesday, 24. My brother and I paid our last visit to Lewisham, and spent a few pensive hours with the relict of our good friend, Mr. Blackwell. We took one more walk round the garden and meadow, which he took so much pains to improve. Upwards of forty years this has been my place of retirement, when I could spare two or three days from London. In that time, first Mrs. Sparrow went to rest; then Mrs. Dewall; then good Mrs. Blackwell; now Mr. Blackwell himself. Who can tell how soon we may follow them? Mon. 29.-I preached at West-Street, on the ministry of angels; and many were greatly refreshed in considering the office of those spirits that continually attend on the heirs of salvation. Friday, AUGUST 2, we observed as a day of fasting and prayer for a blessing on the ensuing Conference; and I believe God clothed his word with power in an uncommon manner throughout the week; so that, were it only on this account, the Preachers, who came from all parts, found their labour was not in vain. Tues. 13.--Being obliged to leave London a little sooner than I intended, I concluded the Conference to-day; and desired all our brethren to observe it as a day of solemn thanksgiving. At three in the afternoon I took coach. About one on Wednesday morning we were informed that three high waymen were on the road before us, and had robbed all the 234 REv. J. WESLEY’s [Aug. 1782. coaches that had passed, some of them within an hour or two.