Wesley Corpus

I went to Sheerness; where Mr. Fox read Prayers, and I preached on those words in the Second Lesson, “If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” I hardly ever spoke stronger words. May God make the appli cation / I never before found this society in such a state as they were now ; being all, in general, athirst for God, and increasing in number as well as in grace. Friday, 17. I preached at Chatham, where likewise I found only peace and love; and on Saturday, 18, cheerfully returned to London. Mon. 20.--I went to Hinxworth, where I had the satisfac tion of meeting Mr. Simeon, Fellow of King's College, in Cambridge. He has spent some time with Mr. Fletcher, at Madeley; two kindred souls; much resembling each other, both in fervour of spirit, and in the earnestness of their address. He gave me the pleasing information, that there are three parish churches in Cambridge, wherein true scriptural religion is preached; and several young gentlemen who are happy partakers of it. I preached in the evening on Gal. vi. 14. Tuesday, 21. I spent a little time with the children at Miss Harvey’s school, whom she likewise carefully instructs herself. After dinner we set out for Wrestlingworth; and having a skilful guide, who rode before the chaise, and picked out the best way, we drove four miles in only three hours. Wednesday, 22. I returned to London, and concluded my journeys for the present year. Sat. 25.-We met, as usual, in the new chapel, at four : At ten, and in the afternoon, I preached in West-Street; and afterwards spent a comfortable hour in meeting the society. Sun. 26.--I preached the condemned criminals’ sermon in Newgate. Forty-seven were under sentence of death. While they were coming in, there was something very awful in the clink of their chains. But no sound was heard, either from them or the crowded audience. after the text was named, “There is Jan. 1785.] JOUTIRNAL. 295 joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, that need not repentance.” The power of the Lord was eminently present, and most of the prisoners were in tears. A few days after, twenty of them died at once, five of whom died in peace.