Wesley Corpus

Fri. 20.--I had designed to preach at the same place; but the rain made it impracticable. So Mr. G. desired me to preach in his church ; where I began between seven and eight. Surely with God nothing is impossible! Who would have believed, five-and-twenty years ago, either thatthe minister would have desired it, or that I should have consented to preach in a Scotch kirk? We had a far larger congregation, at four in the afternoon, than the church could have contained. At seven Mr. G. preached another plain, home, affectionate sermon. Has not God still a favour for this city? It was long eminent for serious religion ; and he is able to repair what is now decayed, and to build up the waste places. Sat. 21.--I had designed to ride to Edinburgh; but at the desire of many, I deferred my journey till Monday. Here was now an open and effectual door, and not many adversaries. I could hear of none but a poor seceder; who went up and down, and took much pains. But he did not see much ‘fruit of his labour; the people would come and hear for themselves, both in the morning, when I explained, (without touching the controversy,) “ Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect”? and in the afternoon, when I enforced, “ Seek ye the Lord while he may be found.” Sun. 22.--It rained much: nevertheless, upward (I suppose) of a thousand people stayed with all willingness, wnile I explained and applied, * This is life eternal, to know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.” I was desired to preach afterward at the prison; which I did, about nine o’clock. All the felons, as well as debtors, behaved with such reverence as I never saw at any prison 552 REV. J. WESLEY'S JOURNAL. [ May, 1753..