Wesley Corpus

Several of them appeared to have sound and deep experience of the things of God, and to stand steadfast in the liberty wherewith Christ had made them free. The House was at ten full and warm enough. Mr. Horne read Prayers, and read them well. I preached on those words in the First Lesson, “How long halt ye between two opinions?” and was enabled to press the question home on 390 REv. J. W. Esley’s [Aug. 1787. the consciences of the hearers. We had five Clergymen, (although three only could officiate,) and twelve or thirteen hundred communicants; and the Master of the feast was in the midst of us, as many found to their unspeakable comfort. After preaching in the evening, I took a solemn leave of the affectionate society. Here, at least, it undeniably appears that we have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Mon. 6.--Having taken the whole coach for Birmingham, we set out at twelve o’clock, expecting to be there, as usual, about five in the evening; but having six persons within, and eight without, the coach could not bear the burden, but broke down before three in the morning: But having patched it together, as well as we could, we went on to Congleton, and got another. But in an hour or two this broke also; and one of the horses was so throughly tired, that he could hardly set one foot before the other. After all these hinderances, we got to Birmingham just at seven. Finding a large congregation waiting, I stepped out of the coach into the House, and began preaching without delay; and such was the goodness of God, that I found no more weariness when I had done than if I had rested all the day. Here I took a tender leave of Mrs. Heath and her lovely daughters, about to embark with Mr. Heath for America; whom I hardly expect to see any more till we meet in Abraham’s bosom. Tues. 7.--Setting out a little before five, we reached Worcester between ten and eleven: Resting till half-past twelve, and taking fresh horses at Tewkesbury, we reached Gloucester before five o’clock. About seven I preached to a numerous congregation in the new House, on, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ;” and strongly applied the words to those whom they concerned.