Wesley Corpus

It had no windows at all: So that although the sun shone bright, we could see nothing without candles. But I believe our Lord shone on many hearts, while I was applying those words, “I will, be thou clean.” I breakfasted with poor Mr. Ashton, many years ago a member of our society in London; but far happier now in his little cottage, than ever he was in his prosperity. When I was in Scotland first, even at a Nobleman’s table, we had only flesh meat of one kind, but no vegetables of any kind; but now they are as plentiful here as in England. Near Dumfries there are five very large public gardens, which furnish the town with greens and fruit in abundance. The congregation in the evening was nearly double to that we had the last; and, if it was possible, more attentive. Indeed one or two gentlemen, so called, laughed at first; but they quickly disappeared; and all were still while I explained the worship of God in spirit and in truth. Two of the Clergy followed me to my lodging, and gave me a pressing invitation to their houses. Several others intended, it seems, to do the same; but having a long journey before me, I left Dumfries earlier in the morning than they expected. We set out on Thursday, 15, at four; and reached Glasgow, Friday, 16, before noon. Much of the country, as we came, is now well improved; and the wilderness become a fruitful field. Our new preaching-house will, I believe, contain about as many as the chapel at Bath. But O the difference It has the pulpit on one side; and has exactly the look of a Presbyterian meeting-house. It is the very sister of our House at Brentford. Perhaps an omen of what will be when I am gone. I preached at seven to a tolerably large congregation, and to many of them at five in the morning. At six in the evening they were increased fourfold; but still I could not find the way to their hearts. Sun. 18.--I preached at eleven on the parable of the Sower; at half-past two on Psalm 1.23; and in the evening on, “Now abideth faith, hope, love; these three.” I subjoined a short May, 1788.] JOURNAL.