Wesley Corpus

Sunday, 28. Notwithstand ing the severe weather, the church was more than filled. I preached on part of the Epistle; (Heb. ix. 13, &c.;) in the afternoon, on “the grace of God that bringeth salvation;” and I believe God applied it to many hearts. Mon. 29.--I gave an exhortation at Sheriff-Hales, in my way to Stafford. When I came thither, I found no notice had been given: So I had only a small company, in a deplorable hole, formerly a stable. Hence we went to Lane-End, a village two or three miles from Newcastle-under-Lyne. It was still pierc ingly cold; but the preaching-house would not hold a fourth part of the people. So I preached in the open air; the moon giving us clear light, though not much heat. The House was filled at five in the morning; and God again applied his word. Tues. 30.-I preached in the new preaching-house at Henley Green; but this was far too small to hold the congregation. Indeed, this country is all on fire, and the flame is still spread ing from village to village. The preaching-house at Newcastle just held the congregation, many being kept away by the elec tion; especially the Gentry. But still the poor heard the Gospel preached, and received it with all readiness of mind. Wed. 31.-I reached Burslem, where we had the first society in the country; and it is still the largest, and the most in ear nest. I was obliged to preach abroad. The House would but just contain the societies at the love-feast; at which many, both men and women, simply declared the wonderful works of God. I did not find so lively a people at Congleton. Although the April, 1784.] JOURNAL, 269 wounds made by prejudice were nearly healed, yet a faintness and deadness remained. I found the same sad effects of preju dice at Macclesfield: But there are so many here truly alive to God, that his work goes on still; only not in so rapid a manner as it might otherwise have done. Sun. APRIL 4.--I preached at the new church, morning and evening, to a London congregation. Monday, 5. About noon I preached at Alpraham, to an unusually large congregation.