Wesley Corpus

In the morning I met the Strangers’ Society, instituted wholly for the relief, not of our society, but for poor, sick, friendless strangers. I do not know that I ever heard or read of such an institution till within a few years ago. So this also is one of the fruits of Methodism. Mon. 15.--I set out early, and dined at Stroud; but in the evening we knew not what to do. The preaching-house was far too small to contain the congregation; so that several hundreds (it was supposed) were obliged to go away. But the power of God remained with us; and great was our rejoicing in him. Tues. 16.-At noon I preached at Painswick, to as many as the House would contain: In the evening, at Gloucester, we had a large multitude; but many of them would neither hear 482 Rev. J. Wesley’s [March, 1790. nor let others hear. Indeed, they that sat in the galleries could hear well; but very few of them that were below. Wed. 17.--In the way to Tewkesbury, at the earnest desire of Samuel Vernon, I called on him and his five daughters, (all grown up,) who are lately joined to that society; all of whom are now in great earnest, and bid fair to adorn the Gospel of God our Saviour. I preached at Tewkesbury about twelve; but here also the House would not contain the congregation. We went on to Worcester in the afternoon, and found much comfort among a well-established people. They have no jars now, but all hold the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Thurs day, 18. We went on to Stourport, which is now full twice as large as it was two years ago. The first chapel was built about three years ago, by the joint contributions of Arminians and Calvinists, agreeing that they should preach by turns. But in a short time the poor Arminians were locked out. On this one or two gentlemen built another, far larger and more commo dious. But it was not large enough to contain them in the evening, to whom I explained that solemn passage in the Reve lation, “I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God.” They seemed to be all serious and attentive as long as I was speaking; but the moment Iceased, fourscore or one hundred began talking all at once.