Wesley Corpus

20.--We went on to Birmingham, still increasing on every side. Hearing the cry of want of business, even in this as well as most other trading towns in England, I considered what the meaning of it should be ; and the case seems plainly this: Two or three years ago, business poured into Birming ham, and consequently more hands were wanting; but when business returned into its usual channel, they were wanted no longer. These men therefore certainly wanted business, and spread the cry over the town. The same must be the case at Manchester, Liverpool, and all other towns where there is an extraordinary trade for a time: It must subside again; and then arises the cry of want of business. 448 REv. J. wesley’s [March, 1789. . Sat. 21.--I had a day of rest, only preaching morning and evening. Sunday, 22, was appointed for my opening the House at the east end of the town. It would have been crowded above measure, but that the friendly rain interposed; so that we had only a moderate congregation. It was otherwise in the evening, when heaps upon heaps were obliged to go away. How white are these fields unto the harvest ! Monday, 23. The congregation at Dudley pretty well filled the new House, where I preached as I did at London fifty years ago. Thence we hastened to Madeley, where I found Mrs. Fletcher better than she had been for many years; and young Mr. Fletcher much alive to God, and swiftly growing up into the spirit of his uncle. I preached in the evening, after Mr. Horne had read Prayers, to a deeply serious congregation; and again at nine in the morning, Tuesday, 24, in the preaching-house she has lately fitted up. Going on to Shrewsbury, at six I preached in the preaching-house, on 1 Cor. xiii. 1-3. Several of the Gentry and several Clergymen were there; and, I believe, not in vain. I had purposed to set out early in the morning, but was persuaded to stay another day, there being now a fairer prospect in Salop than had been before. I preached morning and evening. I have cast my bread upon the waters, and hope it will be found again, at least after many days. Thur.