Wesley Corpus

The Presbyterian Minister offering me the use of his meeting, I willingly accepted his offer. It was, I believe, capable of containing near as many people as the chapel at West-Street; but it would not near contain the congregation: And God uttered his voice, yea, and that a mighty voice; neither the sorrow nor the joy which was felt that night will quickly be forgotten. Thur. 25.--I desired the people would sit below in the morning, supposing not many would be present; but I was much mistaken; notwithstanding the darkness and rain, the House was filled both above and below; and never did I see a people who appeared more ready prepared for the Lord. Returning through Brackley, I was informed that notice had been given of my preaching there at nine in the Town-Hall: So I began without delay. The congregation was large and attentive, but seemed to understand me no more than if I had been talking Greek; but the society seemed alive to God, and striving to enter in at the strait gate. In the evening I preached at poor, dead Towcester. But is not God able to raise the dead? There was a considerable shaking among the dry bones. And who knows but these dry bones may live? Dec. 1784.] JOURNAL. 293 Fri. 26.-I returned to London. Sunday, 28. I preached a charity sermon at St. Paul’s, Covent-Garden. It is the largest and the best-constructed parish church that I have preached in for several years; yet some hundreds were obliged to go away, not being able to get in. I strongly enforced the necessity of that humble, gentle, patient love, which is the very essence of true religion. Monday, 29. In the evening I preached at Hinxworth, in Miss Harvey’s new House. Tues day, 30. I visited my old friends at Bedford; but found Mr. Hill was gone to rest, and Mr. Parker was just quivering on the verge of life. However, I rejoiced to find him clearly possessed of that perfect love which he had so long opposed. Wed. DECEMBER 1.--I preached at St. Neot's, to the largest congregation I ever saw here; and I know not that ever I knew them so affected; it seemed as if God touched all their hearts. Thursday, 2. I preached about noon at Bugden; and in the evening to a crowded congregation at Binlington.