Wesley Corpus

19.--About noon I preached at Tewkesbury, where also, notwithstanding the market, the House was over-filled; and the people were deeply attentive. The work of God goes on steadily here. More and more are continually convinced, and converted to God: But the preaching-house is far too small; so that many who came could not get in. We went to Worcester in the afternoon, where also the House is far too small for the congregation. The Methodists here have by well-doing utterly put to silence the ignorance of foolish men; so that they are now abundantly more in danger by honour than by dishonour. Thursday, 20. I went to Stourport. Twenty years ago there was but one house here ; now there are two or three streets; and, as the trade swiftly increases, it will probably grow into a considerable 410 REv. J. Wesley’s [March, 1788. town. A few years since Mr. Cowell largely contributed to the building of a preaching-house here, in which both Calvin ists and Arminians might preach: But when it was finished, the Arminian Preachers were totally excluded. Rather than go to law, Mr. Cowell built another House, both larger and more convenient. I preached there at noon to a large congre gation, but to a much larger in the evening. Several Clergy men were present, and were as attentive as any of the people. Probably there will be a deep work of God at this place. Sat. 22.--I breakfasted at Mr. Lister’s, in Kidderminster, with a few very serious and pious friends. In the evening we had a Sunday congregation at Birmingham. Here there is a glorious increase of the work of God. The society is risen to above eight hundred; so that it is at present inferior to none in England, except those in London and Bristol. Sun. 23.--We were greatly straitened for room, many being obliged to go away. But I believe all that could squeeze in found it good to be there; for, both in the morning and after noon, the power of God was present to heal. And so indeed it was on the two following days; particularly on Tuesday evening, while I explained, “Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?” Wed. 26.--I went on to Wednesbury, the mother-society of Staffordshire.