Wesley Corpus

Tues. 24.--Having no other opportunity, I went over to Thirsk, and preached in the evening on 1 Pet. i. 24. All the congregation were serious, but two young gentlewomen, who laughed and talked incessantly, till I turned and spoke expressly to them. They then seemed to be ashamed. Wed. 25.-Believing the little flock there wanted encourage ment, I took Ripon in my way to York, and gave them a strong discourse on the story of Dives and Lazarus. Many strangers seemed greatly astonished; and I believe they will not soon forget what they heard; for God applied it to their hearts: As he did also the parable of the Sower at York, I will hope, to most of the congregation. Thur. 26.-The Vicar of Selby having sent me word that I was welcome to preach in his church, I went that way. But before I came he had changed his mind: So I preached in our own chapel ; and not without a blessing. In the evening I June, 1788.] JOURNAL. 427 preached at Thorne to a larger congregation than ever I saw in the House before. Friday, 27. At nine I preached in the church, at Swinfleet, filled from end to end. About eleven I preached at Crowle, to a large congregation; and I am now in hope that there will be a good harvest here also, seeing the almost perpetual jars are now at an end. Thence I came once more (perhaps for the last time) to Epworth; where, by the prudence and diligence of T. Tattershall, the people have now forgot their feuds, and are at unity with each other. Sat. 28.--I this day enter on my eighty-fifth year. And what cause have I to praise God, as for a thousand spiritual blessings, so for bodily blessings also ! How little have I suffered yet by “the rush of numerous years l’” It is true, I am not so agile as I was in times past.