Wesley Corpus

The death of Mr. Willis, snatched away in the midst of his years, but a few days before, brought abundance of people to the preaching house; and most of them were deeply serious; so that we had a very solemn hour. Tuesday, 22. I preached in Painswick at noon, and at six in the Court-House at Gloucester. A multitude of people flocked together, many of whom were of the better sort; and most of them appeared to be, for the present, almost persuaded to be Christians. Wednesday, 23. About eleven I preached at Tewkesbury, and in the evening at Worcester. Thursday, 24. I breakfasted at Mrs. Price's, a Quaker, who keeps a Boarding-School. I was much pleased with her children, so elegantly plain in their behaviour, as well as apparel. I was led, I know not how, to speak to them largely; then to pray; and we were all much comforted. The society is in great peace, and striving together for the hope of the Gospel. I have not seen greater earnestness and simplicity in any society, since we left London. I was now considering how strangely the grain of mustard seed, planted about fifty years ago, has grown up. It has spread through all Great Britain and Ireland; the Isle of Wight, and the Isle of Man; then to America, from the Leeward Islands, through the whole continent, into Canada and Newfoundland. And the societies, in all these parts, walk by one rule, knowing March, 1785.] JOURNAL. 299 religion is holy tempers; and striving to worship God, not in form only, but likewise “in spirit and in truth.” MARCH 25.--(Being Good-Friday.) I hastened to reach Birmingham before the Church Service began. A sharper frost I never knew : But indeed our House was hot enough in the evening; and I have not seen a more earnest people. Such an advantage it is to be fully employed. In every place we find labouring men most susceptible of religion. Such a blessing results from that curse, “In the sweat of thy brow shalt thou eat bread.” Sat. 26.-I had designed to rest; but notice had been given of my preaching at Quinton at noon.