Wesley Corpus

Shewell’s funeral sermon, at Barnet, on Friday evening; and as we had only two light persons in the diligence, and no baggage, I hoped we should have come in time. But they were vain hopes: We did not reach Hoddesdon till after sunset. I them took a post-chaise; for the diligence went the other road. But as we had a rough by-road across the country, without either moon or stars, we could not reach the chapel till half an hour after seven. About half the congregation were gone away; an officious man having informed them I would not come. With the other half, which pretty well filled the house, we had a solemn opportunity. So I have lived to see the large family at Hadley, two brothers and three sisters, all removed. So does “the earth drop its inhabitants, as the tree its leaves.” Oct. 1786.] JOURNAL. 353 Mon. 16.--I went to Hinxworth, and preached in the evening to a more numerous congregation than I ever had seen there before. At length Miss Harvey sees some fruit of all the pains she has taken. Tuesday, 17. I met her poor children in the morning, twenty of whom she keeps at school in the village, as she is unwearied in doing good. In the evening I preached in Mr. Hicks's church, at Wrestling worth. I have not seen such a congregation there for many years: Neither have I found so much of the power of God. Surely all our labour here will not be in vain. Thur. 19.--I returned to London. In this journey I had a full sight of Lord Salisbury's seat, at Hatfield. The park is delightful. Both the fronts of the house are very hand some, though antique. The hall, the assembly-room, and the gallery, are grand and beautiful. The chapel is ex tremely pretty; but the furniture in general (excepting the pictures, many of which are originals) is just such as I should expect in a gentleman’s house of five hundred a year. Sun. 22.--I preached at West-Street, morning and after noon, and at Allhallows church in the evening. It was much crowded; and God gave us so remarkable a blessing, as I scarce ever found at that church. Tuesday, 24.