Wesley Corpus

In the evening we came to Stafford. The mistress of the house joined with us in family prayer. The next morning, one of the servants appeared deeply affected, as did the ostler before we went. Soon after breakfast, stepping into the stable, I spake a few words to those who were there. A stranger who heard me said, “ Sir, I wish I was to travel with you.” And when I went into the house, followed me, and began abruptly, “Sir, I believe you are a good man, and I come to tell youa little of my life.” The tears stood in his eyes all the time he spoke ; and we hoped not a word which was said to him was lost. At Newcastle, whither we came about ten, some to whom we spoke at our inn were very attentive ; but a gay young woman waited on us, quite unconcerned : however, we spoke on. When we went away, she fixed her eyes, and neither moved nor said one word, but appeared as much astonished as if she had seen one risen from the dead. Coming to Holms chapel about three, we were surprised at being shown into a room, where a cloth and plates were laid. Soon after two men came in to dinner. Mr. Kinchin told them, if they pleased, that gentleman would ask a blessing forthem. They stared, and, as it were, consented ; but sat still while I did it, one of them with his hat on. We began to speak on turning to God, and went on, though they appeared itterly regardless. After a while their countenances changed, and one of them stole off his hat, and laying it down behind him, said, all we said was true; but he had been a grievous sinner, and not considered it as he ought; but he was resolved, with God’s help, now to turn to him in earnest. We exhorted him and his companion, who now likewise drank in every word, to cry mightily to God, that he would “ send them help from his holy place.”