Wesley Corpus

The new Vicar showed plainly, why he refused those who desired the liberty for me to preach in his church. A keener sermon I never heard. So all I have done to persuade the people to attend the church is overturned at once And all who preach thus, will drive the Methodists from the church, in spite of all that I can do. I preached in the evening, on 1 Cor. xiii. 1, 2, 3; and God mightily confirmed his word, applying it to the hearts of many of the hearers. Mon. 21.-The rain drove us into the House at Bridling ton. Tuesday, 22. We stopped at a little town, where Mr. Osbaldeston lately lived, a gentleman of large fortune, whose lady was as gay and fashionable as any; but suddenly she ran from east to west; she parted with all her clothes, dressed like a servant, and scarce allowed herself the necessaries of life. But who can convince her that she is going too far? I fear, nothing less than Omnipotence. About one I preached to a large and remarkably serious congregation at Beverley; about six, at Hull. Afterwards, I met the society, and strongly exhorted them to “press on to the prize of their high calling.” Thursday, 24. I preached about one at Pocklington; and in the evening at York, where I enforced, “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” Friday, 25. Many were in tears, and a fire seemed to run through the whole congre gation, while I opened that scripture, “They shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.” Such another opportunity we had in the evening, while I was explaining the words of our Lord to the Centurion, “Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee.” Sat. 26.-About two I preached at Thorne, and inquired what fruit remained of the great work of God there. Some, I found, had drawn back to their sins; but many held fast what they received. Hence I rode to Epworth, which I still love beyond most places in the world. In the evening I besought all them that had been so highly favoured, “not to receive the grace of God in vain.” 282 REv. J. Wesley’s [June, 1784. Sun. 27.--I preached at Misterton, at eight; and at Overthorpe about one.