Wesley Corpus

Sun. 7.--After preaching in the morning at West-Street, and in the afternoon at the new chapel, I took a solemn leave of the society; and on Monday, 8, went in the diligence to Portsmouth-Common. Here I found a lively, and, conse quently, an increasing, society. Tuesday, 9. I crossed over to the Isle of Wight. Here also the work of God prospers: We had a comfortable time at Newport, where is a very teachable, though uncommonly elegant, congregation. Wed nesday, 10. We took a walk to the poor remains of Carisbrook Castle. It seems to have been once exceeding strong, stand ing on a steep ascent. But even what little of it is left is now swiftly running to ruin. The window, indeed, through which King Charles attempted to make his escape, is still in being; and brought to my mind that whole train of occurrences, wherein the hand of God was so eminently seen. Thur. 11.--About noon I preached in a little court in the town of Portsmouth. The people were all attention: So there was a much larger congregation in the evening, in St. George's Square. Surely, after all the stumbling-blocks which have been thrown in the way, God will have many souls in this place. Fri. 12.--I preached at Winchester; and on Saturday, 13, went on to Salisbury. As Captain Webb had just been there, 3.18 REv. J. Wesley's [Aug. 1785. I endeavoured to avail myself of the fire which he seldom fails to kindle. The congregation in the evening was very large, and seemed to be deeply affected: So they did again at eight on Sunday morning; but I believe the greatest blessing was in the evening; particularly during the prayer, wherein God was pleased to move many in an uncommon manner. Mon. 15.--I preached in Shaftesbury at nine, to such a congregation as I had not seen there before. I was glad to see among them the gentleman who, thirty years ago, sent his Officer to discharge me from preaching in his borough. About two I preached at Castle-Carey, to as many as could well hear; and I believe there were very few who did not feel that God was with us. In the evening I preached at Shepton-Mallet, but the House would not near contain the congregation.