Wesley Corpus

Then I went to Winchester, and had the pleasure of dining with Mr. Lowth, and supping with Mrs. Blackwell. Her six lovely children are in admirable order; it is a pleasure to see them. A Clergy man having offered me his church, I purposed beginning at five; but the key was not to be found; so I made a virtue of necessity, and preached near the Cross-Street; probably to double the congregation which would have been in the church. Many of the Dutch prisoners remaining here, I paid them a short visit. When they were brought hither first, one of them prayed with as many as desired it, and gave them a word of exhortation. Presently one found peace with God, and joined him in that labour of love. These increased, so that they have now five exhorters: Many are justified, and many more convinced of sin. About two hundred of them were met together when I came: They first sung a hymn in their own language; I then gave them a short exhortation in English, for which they were extremely thankful. -Just at twelve (the same hour as at Bristol) I was taken exceeding ill, and so continued till three. I then took chaise, as I had appointed, and was better and better every stage, and quite well when I came to London. I preached at Wallingford. Tuesday, 14. I went on to Oxford, and found both the congregation and society increased in zeal as well as in number. Wednesday, 15. I came to Witney. The flame which was kindled here by that providential storm of thunder and lightning, is not extinguished ; but has continued ever since, with no discernible Oct. 1783. J () URNAL. 263 internission. The preaching-house is still too small for the congregation. Thursday, 16. I preached at High-Wycomb; and on Friday returned to London. I took the diligence for Norwich, and preached there the next evening, to more than the House would contain; and both this night and the following, we sensibly felt that God was in the midst of us... Wednesday, 22. I went to Yarmouth. Often this poor society had been well nigh shattered in pieces; first, by Benjamin Worship, then a furious Calvinist, tearing away near half of them ; next, by John Simpson turning Antinomian, and scattering most that were left.