Wesley Corpus

Mon. 14.--The mail-coach being full, I crossed over to Newark, and had the satisfaction of seeing in the evening, not only a numerous, but likewise a serious and deeply attentive congregation. Wed. 16.-I consulted with a few friends concerning the state of things; which was better than I expected. The society is increased, and the ordinary hearers in all parts of the town not diminished. Meantime there is reason to hope the work of God goes on, though by slow degrees. On the following days I looked over my books and papers, and set them in order as far as I could. Saturday, 19. I spent an hour in Chesterfield-Street, with my widowed sister and her children. They all seemed inclined to make the right use of the late providential dispensation. Sun. 20.--Both in the morning and evening I preached at the new chapel, crowded sufficiently, on Heb. v. 12: “Ye have need that one teach you again which be the first prin ciples of the oracles of God.” Monday, 21. I retired to Highbury-Place, and spent the residue of the week in answering letters, revising papers, and preparing for the Conference. Sun. 27.--In the morning I preached at West-Street; and in the afternoon in Bethnal-Green church, on part of the Gospel for the day; our Lord’s lamentation over Jerusalem. I believe the word did not fall to the ground. I preached at the new chapel every evening during the Conference, which continued nine days, beginning on Tuesday, JULY 29, and ending on Wednesday, AUGUST 6: And we found the time little enough; being obliged to pass over many things very briefly, which deserved a fuller consideration. Sun. 3.--I preached at the new chapel, so filled as it scarce ever was before, both morning and evening. Monday, 4. At five we had a good evening congregation; and I believe many felt the power of the word; or, rather, of God, speaking therein. One of the most important points considered at this Confer ence, was that of leaving the Church. The sum of a long conver sation was, 1. That, in a course of fifty years, we had neither premeditately nor willingly varied from it in one article either of doctrine or discipline. 2. That we were not yet conscious of varying from it in any point of doctrine. 3. That we have in a Aug. 1788.] J() URNAL.