Wesley Corpus

Thur. JANUARY 1, 1789.-If this is to be the last year of my life, according to some of those prophecies, I hope it will be the best. I am not careful about it, but heartily receive the advice of the angel in Milton, How well is thine: How long permit to Heaven. Sun. 4.--Although the extreme severity of the weather kept many tender people away; yet we had a large congregation in the evening to renew their covenant with God; and we always find, when we avouch Him to be our God, he avouches us to be his people. Mon. 5.-At the earnest desire of Mrs. T , I once more sat for my picture. Mr. Romney is a painter indeed. He struck off an exact likeness at once; and did more in one hour than Sir Joshua did in ten. Tuesday, 6. I retired to Highbury 444 REv. J. WESLEY’s [Jan. 1789. Place, and on Thursday, 8, to Peckham. Here, in the evening, I preached to a very serious congregation, although many of them were of the better rank. But rich and poor seemed equally determined to work out their own salvation. Fri. 9.-I left no money to any one in my Will, because I had none. But now considering, that, whenever I am removed, money will soon arise by sale of books, I added a few legacies by a codicil, to be paid as soon as may be. But I would fain do a little good while I live; for who can tell what will come after him 2 Sun. 11.-I again warned the congregation, as strongly as I could, against conformity to the world. But who will [take the warning] 2 If hardly one in ten, yet is my record with the Most High. Tues. 13.--I spent a day or two with my good old friends at Newington. Thursday, 15. I retired to Camberwell, and carried on my Journal, probably as far as I shall live to write it. On Thursday I preached once more at Peckham; and did not withhold from them that had ears to hear, the whole counsel of God. Fri. 16.--I looked over the finest picture of atheistical religion that ever I saw, in the account that Captain Wilson gives of Thule, King of Pelew.