Wesley Corpus

26.-I had designed to rest; but notice had been given of my preaching at Quinton at noon. As the House would not hold the people, I was constrained, cold as it was, to preach abroad; and they all seemed to feel that solemn question, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” In the evening my heart was enlarged in such a manner as I have seldom known ; so that I detained the congregation considerably longer than I am accustomed to ; and all the people seemed determined to “glorify God with their body and their spirit.” MARCH 27.--(Being Easter-day.) I preached at seven, on, “The Lord is risen indeed,” with an uncommon degree of freedom; and then met the Local Preachers, several of whom seemed to have caught the fashionable disease, desire of independency. They were at first very warm ; but at length agreed to act by the Rules laid down in the Minutes of the Conference. The weather now changed. Small rain fell some hours, and then turned into snow. This made it very dirty : However, the poor people got through, and filled Darlaston church. Hence I returned to Wednesbury; but could not preach abroad, the ground being covered with snow. As many as could crowded into the House. A love-feast followed, at which many plain people spoke without reserve. The artless propriety with which they spoke must be truly astonishing to all who do not consider that promise, “They shall be all taught of God.” ~ Mon. 28.-I preached a kind of funeral sermon on Sarah Wood, one of the first members of the society. For above fifty years she adorned the Gospel, being a pattern of all holiness. She was confined to her bed for several months. Being asked if time did not hang upon her hands, she answered, “No ; the Bible is my delight.” “How can that be,” said 300 REv. J. wesley’s [April, 1785. her friend, “when you cannot see?” “Very well,” said she; “for the Lord brings it to my remembrance.” So, without doubt or fear, she delivered up her soul to her merciful and faithful Creator. About eleven I preached at Wolverhampton, and spent the afternoon with the amiable family at Hilton-Park. Tuesday, 29. At noon I preached in the Room at Stafford, to a deeply affected congregation.