Wesley Corpus

If this be the case while I am alive, what must it be when I am gone? Give up this, and Methodism too will degenerate into a mere sect, only distinguished by some opinions and modes of worship. Tues. 16.--I preached in Painswick at noon, and at Glou cester in the evening. The Room was full at five in the morn ing, and both the Preachers and people promised to neglect the early preaching no more. Wednesday, 17. We went to Chel tenham, which I had not seen for many years. I preached at noon to half a houseful of hearers, most of them cold and dead enough. I expected to find the same at Tewkesbury, but was agreeably disappointed. Not only the congregation was much larger, but I admired their teachableness. On my mentioning the impropriety of standing at prayer, and sitting while we were singing praise to God, they all took advice; kneeling while we prayed, and stood up while we sung Psalms. Thur. 18.--We crossed over to Bengeworth, where Mr. Cooper read Prayers, and I preached. Friday, 19. Being informed that my chaise could pass part of the way to Broad marston, I went boldly for a while, and then stuck fast. I borrowed a horse, and went on. At five I preached in Pebworth church, and at five in the morning in our own chapel at Broad 268 REv. J. Wesley’s [March, 1784. marston. As we rode back to Bengeworth, the cold was so intense, that it had an effect I never felt before, it made me downright sick. However, I went on, and preached in the church at eleven, and in the evening at Worcester. Sunday, 21. I preached to a crowded audience, in St. Andrew’s church. The Vicar read Prayers, and afterwards told me I should be welcome to the use of his church, whenever I came to Worcester. Mon. 22.--In the evening preached at Birmingham. Tuesday, 23. I preached in the church at Quinton, to a con gregation gathered from all parts. Not many appeared to be unaffected; for the power of God was eminently present. After preaching at various other places, on Saturday, 27, I went to Madeley; and, at Mr. Fletcher's desire, revised his Letters to Dr. Priestley. I think there is hardly another man in England so fit to encounter him. Sunday, 28.