Wesley Corpus

So he read Prayers, and assisted me in delivering the sacrament to seven or eight hundred communicants.- In the evening the House at Birmingham, as it was rainy, contained half (I suppose) of those that would willingly have come in. Those that could get in found it an acceptable time; and we all praised God with joyful lips. Mon. 26.-I spent an agreeable hour with the select society. Most of them still enjoy the pure love of God, and the rest are earnestly panting after it. I preached in the evening (at the request of a friend) on 2 Cor. v. 19, &c. Many seemed to receive the word with all readiness, and I trust will bring forth fruit with patience. Tues. 27.--I went on to Wednesbury. As it rained great part of the afternoon, most of the congregation could get into the House; and I took knowledge of the ancient spirit, although most of our first hearers are gone to rest. Wed. 28.-About ten Mr. Horne (from Madeley) read Prayers in the church, at Darlaston; and I preached on those words of Ruth, in the First Lesson, “Thy people shall be my March, 1787.] JOURNAL. 365 people, and thy God shall be my God.” We have had no such time since I left Bristol. The flame of love seemed to melt many hearts. What has God done for Darlaston How are the last become first In the evening I opened the new House at Wolverhamp ton, nearly as large as that at Newcastle-upon-Tyne. It would not near contain the people, though they were wedged toge ther as close as possible. I believe such a congregation was never seen in Wolverhampton before; not only so serious, but so well-behaved. I hope this is a token for good. Thur. 29.-About twelve I preached at Lane-End. It being too cold to stand abroad, the greater part of the earnest congre gation squeezed into the preaching-house. Herewe entered into the country which seems to be all on fire, that which borders on Burslem on every side: Preachers and people provoking one another to love and good works, in such a manner as was never seen before. In the evening I preached at Burslem. Observing the people flocking together, I began half an hour before the appointed time.