Wesley Corpus

A few days after, twenty of them died at once, five of whom died in peace. I could not but greatly approve of the spirit and behaviour of Mr. Villette, the Ordinary; and I rejoiced to hear, that it was the same on all similar occasions. Fri. 31.--We had a solemn watch-night, and ushered in the new year with the voice of praise and thanksgiving. Sat. JANUARY 1, 1785.--Whether this be the last or no, may it be the best year of my life Sunday, 2. A larger num ber of people were present this evening at the renewal of our covenant with God, than was ever seen before on the occasion. Tues. 4.--At this season we usually distribute coals and bread among the poor of the society. But I now considered, they wanted clothes, as well as food. So on this, and the four following days, I walked through the town, and begged two hundred pounds, in order to clothe them that needed it most. But it was hard work, as most of the streets were filled with melting snow, which often lay ankle deep; so that my feet were steeped in snow-water nearly from morning till evening: I held it out pretty well till Saturday evening; but I was laid up with a violent flux, which increased every hour, till, at six in the morning, Dr. Whitehead called upon me. His first draught made me quite easy; and three or four more perfected the cure. If he lives some years, I expect he will be one of the most eminent Physicians in Europe. I supposed my journeys this winter had been over; but I could not decline one more. Monday, 17. I set out for poor Colchester, to encourage the little flock. They had exceeding little of this world’s goods, but most of them had a better por tion. Tuesday, 18. I went on to Mistleythorn, a village near Manningtree. Some time since, one of the shipwrights of Deptford-yard, being sent hither to superintend the building of some men-of-war, began to read sermons on a Sunday evening in his own house. Afterwards he exhorted them a little, and then formed a little society. Some time after, he begged one of our Preachers to come over and help them. ... I now found a lively society, and one of the most elegant congregations I had seen for many years.