Wesley Corpus

already perceive a great increase of earnestness 1n the generality of the hearers. So is God able to cut short his work, to wound or heal, in whatever time it pleaseth him. Tes. 23.--Having received letters which made me judge it necessary to be at Bristol as soon as possible, about ten I set out, dined at Birmingham the next day, and thence rode to Redditch. Thur. 25.--Finding the congregation waiting, I began preaching between three and four. I preached at Wallbridge, near Stroud, in the evening, and the next day, before noon, reached Kingswood. Wed. July 1.--Having finished my business at Bristol, I took horse again, and preached that evening at Evesham. Thur. 2.--I reached Bilbrook and Chester. Friday, 3.--I was saying in the morning to Mr. Parker, “« Considering the good which has been done there already, { wonder the people of Chester are so quiet.” He answered, “ You must not expect they will be so always.” Accordingly, one of the first things I heard after I came into the town was, that for two nights before the mob had been employed in pulling down the house where I had preached. I asked, “‘ Were there no magistrates in the city?” Several answered me, “ We went to the mayor after the first riot, and desired a warrant to bring the rioters before him; but he positively refused to grant any, or to take any informations about it.” So, being undisturbed, they assembled again the next night, and finished their work. Sat. 4.--I preached in our old room. Sun. 5.--I stood, at seven in the morning, near the ruins of the house, and explained the principles and practice of that sect which is “ every where spoken against.” I went afterward to St. Martin’s church, which stands close to the place. The gentleman who officiated seemed to be extremely moved at several passages of the Second lesson, Luke xvii; particularly, ‘ It is impossible but that offences will come ; but wo unto him through whom they come. It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” ‘