Wesley Corpus

Sunday, 19. A large congregation attended in the morning. At ten I went to St. Mary’s, where the Curate preached an admirable sermon. At five the preaching-house would not near contain the congrega tion. Afterwards I administered the Lord's Supper to about five hundred communicants. Mon. 20.--I met the select society; most of whom are clearly perfected in love. Tuesday, 21. At three in the afternoon I preached at Quinton, in the new preaching-house; and in the evening at Birmingham. To-day I read Dr. Withering’s “Treatise on Foxglove.” He says it frequently cures epilepsies, palsies, insanity, consumptions, and several other diseases. Sunday, 26. The church, as usual, was far too small to contain the congregation. I preached on Rev. xiv. 1-7; and exhorted the congrega tion to cherish that divine ambition, of being found “faultless before God.” We had another large congregation in the after noon; and all serious as death. I spent the evening at a neighbouring gentleman's house, in close conversation from the beginning to the end. Tues. 28.--After calling at Sheriff-Hales, and giving them a short exhortation, I hastened to Stafford, and found the congregation waiting. I strongly enforced upon them, “The kingdom of God is at hand;” and then went on to Lane-End. It was past seven, and the wind was piercing cold. However, I was constrained to preach abroad; and none of us seemed to regard the weather, for God warmed our hearts. I forgot to mention that, the evening before, Madeley church was thoroughly filled; and God reserved the great blessing for the last. We had a glorious opportunity. He poured the dew of his blessing on many souls; and caused many mourners to rejoice with joy unspeakable. Wed. 29.--We came to our old, steady friends at Burslem; but he with whom I used to lodge is no more seen. He trusted the Americans with all his substance; and they cheated him out of all: So he came home and died; leaving an amiable widow, and six or seven children. Cold as it was, the multitude of people constrained me to preach abroad; but I believe none went away. I preached on, “Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his April, 1786.] JOURNAL. 329 Son Jesus Christ.” We have scarce seen such a time since we came from London. The place seemed to be filled with his glory.