Wesley Corpus

I endeavoured to reason with them, but in vain; they had neither sense nor even good manners left. At length, after meeting the whole society, I told them, “If you are resolved, you may have your service in church-hours; but, remember, from that time you will see my face no more.” This struck deep; and from that hour I have heard no more of separating from the Church. Friday, 5, and in the vacant hours of the following days, I read Dr. Hunter's Lectures. They are very lively and ingeni ous. The language is good, and the thoughts generally just. 358 REv. J. WESLEY’s [Feb. 1787. But they do not at all suit my taste. I do not admire that florid way of writing. Good sense does not need to be so studiously adorned. I love St. John’s style, as well as matter. Sun. 7.--At the desire of many of our friends, we began that solemn work of renewing our covenant with God at three in the afternoon, two hours earlier than usual. Monday, 8, and the four following days, I went a begging for the poor. I hoped to be able to provide food and raiment for those of the society who were in pressing want, yet had no weekly allowance: These were about two hundred: But I was much disappointed. Six or seven, indeed, of our brethren gave ten pounds apiece. If forty or fifty had done this, I could have carried my design into execution. However, much good was done with two hundred pounds, and many sorrowful hearts made glad. Sun. 21.-I preached at St. Swithin's church, to a numerous and serious congregation. Thursday, 25. I went to Dorking, and found a lively and well-established people. Saturday, 27. I began the heavy work of meeting the classes in London. Fri. FEBRUARY 2.--I endeavoured to reconcile two of our brethren that were at variance; and one of them was very will ing; but the other raged like a bear bereaved of her whelps. Sun. 4.--While I applied the parable of the Sower at the new chapel, God was with us of a truth. The stout-hearted trembled; as they did, likewise, in the evening, while I applied, “Many are called, but few are chosen.” Wed. 7.--I preached at Brentford; and in the morning; Thursday evening at Lambeth.