Wesley Corpus

Next I inquired who were in the most pressing want, and visited them at their own houses. I was surprised to find no murmuring spirits among them, but many that were truly happy in God; and all of them appeared to be exceeding thankful for the scanty relief which they received. Sun. 28.-It being a fair day, I snatched the opportunity of preaching abroad to twice or thrice as many as the Room would have contained. Wednesday, October 1. I preached at Bath, to such a congregation as I have not seen there of a long season. All my leisure hours this week I employed in visiting the remaining poor, and in begging for them. Having collected about fifty pounds more, I was enabled to relieve most of those that were in pressing distress. Mon. 6.--Leaving the society in a more prosperous way than it had been for several years, I preached in the Devizes about noon, and at Sarum in the evening. Captain Webb lately kindled a flame here, and it is not yet gone out. Several persons were still rejoicing in God; and the people in general were much quickened. Tuesday, 7. I found his preaching in the street at Winchester had been blessed greatly. Many were more or less convinced of sin, and several had found peace with God. I never saw the preaching-house so crowded before with serious and attentive hearers. So was that at Portsmouth also. 263 REv. J. wesley’s [Oct. 1783. Wednesday, 8. We took a wherry for the Isle of Wight. Before we were half over, the sea rose, and the water washed over us. However, we got safe to Watton-Bridge, and then walked on to Newport. There is much life among the people here; and they walk worthy of their profession. Thur. 9.--I went to Newtown, (two miles from Newport,) supposed to be the oldest town in the isle; but its glory is past ! The church lies in ruins, and the town has scarce six houses remaining. However, the preaching-house was thoroughly filled; and the people appeared to be all of one rank; none rich and none extremely poor; but all were extremely serious and attentive. Fri. 10.-I crossed over to Southampton; and found two or three there also who feared and loved God. Then I went to Winchester, and had the pleasure of dining with Mr.