Wesley Corpus

My strength likewise now quite forsook me; and probably will not return in this world. But I feel no pain from head to foot; only it seems nature is exhausted; and, humanly speaking, will sink more and more, till The weary springs of life stand still at last. Tues. 29.--I crossed over through Epworth to Owstone, and passed a comfortable day with many of the Preachers. This, which was one of the last societies in the Circuit, is now become first in grace, as well as number. The new preaching house not being able to contain one-half of the congregation, I preached abroad in the calm, mild evening; and I believe God applied his word to many hearts. Thur. JULY 1.--I went to Lincoln. After dinner we took a walk in and round the Minster; which I really think is more elegant than that at York, in various parts of the structure, as well as in its admirable situation. The new House was throughly filled in the evening, and with hearers uncommonly serious. There seems to be a remarkable difference between the people of Lincoln and those of York. They have not so much fire and vigour of spirit ; but far more mildness and gentleness; by means of which, if they had the same outward helps, they would probably excel their neighbours. Some miles short of Lincoln, our post-boy stopped at an inn on the road, to give his horses a little water. As soon as we went in, the innkeeper burst into tears, as did his wife; wringing her hands, and weeping bitterly. “What!” he said, “are you come into my house ! My father is John Lester, of Epworth.” I found both he and his wife had been of our society, till they left them. We spent some time in prayer together; and I trust not in vain. Fri. 2.--About eleven I preached at Newton; but the preaching-house would not contain half the congregation. No rain fell during the time of preaching; but it rained both a Aug. 1790.] JOURNAL. 491 before and after. I was struck with the preaching-house at Gainsborough, (one of the handsomest towns in Lincolnshire,) so neat, so elegant just taking up one side of a small, neat Square. I found uncommon liberty of speech, and received it as a token for good.