Wesley Corpus

407 in both chapels: 2. That every one who took a pew should have it as his own: Thus overthrowing, at one blow, the discipline which I have been establishing for fifty years Sat. 22.--I yielded to the importunity of a painter, and sat an hour and a half, in all, for my picture. I think it was the best that ever was taken; but what is the picture of a man above fourscore ? Mon. 24.--We had another meeting of the Committee; who after a calm and loving consultation, judged it best, 1. That the men and women should sit separate still ; and, 2. That none should claim any pew as his own, either in the new chapel, or in West-Street. [N.B. A part of Mr. Wesley's Journal which should come in here, is lost or mislaid, and cannot be found.] FEBRUARY 25, 1788.--I took a solemn leave of the congre gation at West-Street, by applying once more what I had enforced fifty years before, “By grace are ye saved, through faith.” At the following meeting the presence of God, in a marvellous manner, filled the place. The next evening we had a very numerous congregation at the new chapel, to which I declared the whole counsel of God. I seemed now to have finished my work in London. If I see it again, well; if not, I pray God to raise up others, that will be more faithful and more successful in his work Thur. 28.--I set out in the mail-coach, and the next morning came to Bath. Here I found a pleasing prospect: The congregations are larger than ever. The society is, at length, at unity in itself; and, consequently, increases both in grace and number. Sat. MARCH 1.-(Being Leap-year.) I considered, What difference do I find by an increase of years? I find, 1. Less activity; I walk slower, particularly up-hill: 2. My memory is not so quick: 3. I cannot read so well by candle-light. But I bless God, that all my other powers of body and mind remain just as they were. Sun. 2.-I preached at eleven, at half an hour past two, and at half-hour past five. The first congregation was large, and so was the second; but the third was far the largest, filling every corner of the House.