Wesley Corpus

I preached on that verse in one of the Psalms for the day, “Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.” Many, I believe, found the promise true. In the evening I preached to our honest, earnest colliers, at Coleford; most of whom attended again at five in the morning. Thursday, 17. I preached at Frome, to a much larger audience, and with much of the presence of God. Friday, 18. At noon I preached at Trowbridge, in an open place, to a multitude of people; and in the evening, to our old, steady congregation at Bradford; but many of them are gone into a better world. Scarce any of the rich and honourable are left; but it is enough that the Gospel is preached to the poor. Saturday, 19. At Bath the scene is changed again. Here we have the rich and honourable in abundance; and yet abundance of them came even in a stormy night, and seemed as attentive as colliers. Sun. 20.--I know not that ever I had so large a number of communicants before; after I had applied strongly, “Neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” In the afternoon I applied full as strongly, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ;” and in the evening returned to Bristol. On Monday, 21, and the three following days, I visited the classes at Bristol. Friday, 25. I spent an hour at Clare-Hill with Mr. Henderson; I believe the best Physician for lunatics in England: But he could not save the life of his only son, who was probably taken to bring his father to God. Sun. 27.--I preached at the new Room morning and even ing, and in the afternoon at Temple church; but it was full as much as I could do. I doubt I must not hereafter attempt to preach more than twice a day. Monday, 28. I strongly enforced the caution of St. Paul, “Be not conformed to this world; ” but who can enforce it enough? For what destruction does this con formity bring upon the children of God! Tuesday, 29. Being much importuned, I went to Churchill, about twelve miles west of Bristol. The rain was heavy; yet many of the poor people made their way through it; so that the church (they said) has scarce ever been so filled before.