Wesley Corpus

I found uncommon liberty of speech, and received it as a token for good. Surely this poor society, which has been so miserably depressed, will again lift up its head | Saturday, 3. I reached Epworth; and, after preaching in the evening, met the society; and reminded them of what they were some years ago, and what they are now ; scarce retaining the shadow of their former zeal and activity in all the ways of God. Sun. 4.--I went over to Misterton, where likewise the work of God was exceedingly decayed. The House being far too small to contain the multitude of people, I stood under a spreading tree; and strongly exhorted them to “strengthen the things that remained,” which were “ready to die.” Thence I hastened back to Epworth; but I could not reach it till the Church Service was begun. It was observed Mr. Gibson read the Prayers with unusual solemnity; and I believe he was not displeased to see five times as many at church, and ten times as many at the Lord's table, as usual. As soon as the Afternoon Service ended, I began in the market place to press that awful question, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” on such a congregation as was never seen at Epworth before. Fri. AUGUST 27.--I returned to Bristol. In the evening, and at the watch-night, the House was sufficiently filled. Finding the account of Mrs. Scudamore's life and death (an excellent woman, though mistaken in this point) has revived in some the imagination of the expiatory nature of sufferings, and hence their absolute necessity to salvation, I discussed the subject at large; and showed that both these notions had their rise in Popery; and that neither the one nor the other of them had any foundation in Scripture. Sun. 29.--Mr. Baddiley being gone to the north, and Mr. Collins being engaged elsewhere, I had none to assist in the service, and could not read the Prayers myself; so I was obliged to shorten the service, which brought the Prayers, sermon, and Lord’s supper, within the compass of three hours. I preached in the afternoon near King's Square; and the hearts of the people bowed down before the Lord. Mon. 30.-About noon I preached at Castle-Carey. Since I was here God has taken to himself that amiable woman, 492 Rio v. J. WESLEY’s [Sept.