Wesley Corpus

In the evening I preached at Shepton-Mallet, but the House would not near contain the congregation. For many years this society was remarkably dead; but it is now one of the liveliest in England. Tues. 16.--We went on to Taunton, where I expected little good. But I was agreeably disappointed: The House was thoroughly filled. A solemn awe sat upon the whole congrega tion, and God spoke to their hearts. The House was nearly filled at five in the morning, a sight never seen here before. Wednesday, 17. Collumpton House was more than filled, many being constrained to go away; and I found uncommon liberty of speech here, as well as at Exeter in the evening. Thur. 18.--I had a pleasant journey to Plymouth-Dock, the rain having but just laid the dust. The late separation here seems to have done little hurt. A few turbulent men have left us, but men of a more quiet spirit are continually added in their stead : So that on the whole we are gainers by our loss. Such is the wisdom of God! Fri. 19.--In the evening I preached in the new House at Plymouth. This also was well filled. Sunday, 21. I preached at the Dock at seven, and the House contained us pretty well; but in the evening, it was thought, as many went away as got in. After preaching, I gave them a plain account of the beginning and progress of that great work of God, vulgarly called Methodism. Mon. 22.-I took a cheerful leave of our brethren at the Dock, leaving them well united together; and on the follow ing days preached at Liskeard, St. Austle, Sticker, (a new place Sept. 1785.] JOURNAL. 319 near it,) Helstone, Marazion, and Penzance. Thursday, 25. About nine I preached at Mousehole, where there is now one of the liveliest societies in Cornwall. Hence we went to the Land's End, in order to which we clambered down the rocks, to the very edge of the water; and I cannot think but the sea has gained some hundred yards since I was here forty years ago. In the evening I preached at St. Just, where are still many of our eldest brethren, although many are gone to Abraham’s bosom. Fri. 26.-In the evening I preached in the market-place at St. Ives, to almost the whole town.