Wesley Corpus

I preached at Deptford, and was agreeably surprised to find the threaten ing storm blown over, and all our brethren in peace and love with each other. From hence, on Friday, 16, I went to Rother hithe, which used to be one of the most uncomfortable places in England. But it was far otherwise now. Many of the people seemed much alive to God; and his presence was mani fested in the congregation, in a very uncommon manner. Sat. 17.-I went on in reading that odd book, entitled, “A Chinese Fragment.” As to the Chinese themselves, I believe they are almost as religious, but nothing near so honest, as the Turks; so that I account the contrasting them with the Chris tians, to be a mere pious fraud. Du Halde’s word I will not take for a straw ; but there are many and just remarks in the treatise, to which few impartial men would have any objection, in whatever form they were proposed. Sun. 18.-The power of God was, as usual, eminently pre sent during the service at Spitalfields. In the evening I met the single women of the society, and advised them to make full use of the advantages they enjoy: But I doubt, not many had ears to hear; For when had youth the leisure to be wipe f 360 REv. J. wesley’s [March, 1787. * Fri. 23.--I met our family, and was pleased to find that we are a family of love. There is not at present one jarring string, but we all hold the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Sun. 25.--After taking a solemn leave of our friends, both at West-Street and the new chapel, I took the mail-coach, and the next evening reached Exeter, a little after ten o’clock. Tues day, 27. We went on to Plymouth-Dock. The large, new House, far the best in the west of England, was well filled, though on so short a warning; and they seemed cordially to receive the exhortation, “Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.” I had the satisfaction to find the society here in a more flourishing state than ever. Notwithstanding all the pains that have been taken, and all the art that has been used, to tear them asunder, they cleave close together; and con sequently increase in number as well as in strength. Wed.