Wesley Corpus

He had been a melancholy man all his days, full of doubts and fears, and con tinually writing bitter things against himself. When he was first taken ill, he said he should die, and was miserable through fear of death; but two days before he died, the clouds dispersed, and he was unspeakably happy, telling his friends, “God has revealed to me things which it is impossible for man to utter.” Just when he died, such glory filled the room, that it seemed to be a little heaven; none could grieve or shed a tear, but all present appeared to be partakers of his joy. Mon. 24.--Iburied the remains of Captain Cheesement, one who, some years since, from a plentiful fortune, was by a train of losses utterly ruined; but two or three friends enabling him to begin trade again, the tide turned; he prospered greatly, and riches flowed in on every side. A few years ago he married one equally agreeable in her person and temper. So what had he to do but enjoy himself? Accordingly, he left off business, took a large, handsome house, and furnished it in a most elegant manner. A little while after, showing his rooms to a friend, he said, “All this will give small comfort in a dying hour.” A few days after, he was taken with a fever. I saw him twice: He was sensible, but could not speak. In spite of all means, he grew worse and worse, and in about twelve days died. So within a few days we lost two of our richest, and two of our 244 REv. J. WESLEY’s [March, 1783. holiest, members, Sarah Clay, and good old George Hufflet, who had been, for many years, a burning and a shining light. He lay fourteen weeks praising God continually, and had then a triumphant entrance into his kingdom. Sun. MARCH 2.--In the evening I took coach, and the next evening preached at Bath. Thursday, 6. I went on to Bristol, and found a family of love, so united as it had not been for some years. The next week I met the classes; and on Friday had a watch-night at Kingswood; but I was far from being well, the cold which I had caught in coming from Luton rather increasing than decreasing. Saturday, 15. I had a deep, tear ing cough, and was exceeding heavy and weak.