Wesley Corpus

Thur. 19.--I rode to Birmingham, and, from the behaviour of the people, both this and the following evening, found reason to hope that some of the seed which has been sown here will bear lasting fruit. Saturday, 21.--I rode to Wednesbury, where Mr. , vicar of : had appointed to meet me. I rejoiced to find so great a change. Since he has known the pardoning love of God, he has been swiftly going on from faith to faith, and growing not in knowledge only, but in love. Sun. 22.--After preaching at five, I returned tu Birmingham. Many were much afraid of my preaching in the street, expecting I know not what mischief to be done. Vain fear! I saw not one person behave amiss, while I declared, “‘ There is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.” At one I preached at Tipton Green, to a large congregation, though the wind was ready to cut us in two; and about five, to a much larger, at Wednesbury ; where, in spite of all the wiles of Satan 28 REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. [ April, 1752. and the cunning craftiness of men, the plain, genuine Gospel runs and is glorified. Wed. 23.--I spent an agreeable hour with Mr. , curate of W. ; an honest, upright man, I verily believe, and willing to know the whole counsel of God. In the evening I preached to a small, serious congregation, at Billbrook. The storm of wind, snow, and hail, was ready for us in the morning, almost as soon as we set out, and continued most part of the day. When we had heaths or commons to cross, it was not easy to sit a horse, especially as the wind was, full in our teeth. . However, we reached Poole (two miles from Nantwich) in the evening, and found a congregation gathered from many miles round; several of whom sat up all night, for fear of losing the morning sermon. Wed. 25.--After preaching at five and at nine, I rode on to Alpraham, where a large congregation of serious, sensible people attended, both