Wesley Corpus

Fri. February 6.--The fast day was a glorious day ; such as London has scarce seen since the Restoration. Every church in the city was more than full; and a solemn seriousness sat on every face. Surely God heareth the prayer ; and there will yet be a lengthening of our tranquillity. Even the Jews observed this day with a peculiar solemnity. The form of prayer which was used in their synagogue, began, “ Come, and let us return unto the Lord; for he hath torn and he will heal us;” _ and concluded with those remarkable words, “Incline the heart of our sovereign lord King George, as well as the hearts of his lords and counsellors, to use us kindly, and all our brethren, the children of israel; that in his days and in our days we may see the restoration of Judah, and that Israel may dwell in safety, and the Redeemer may come to Zion. May it be thy will! And we all say, Amen.” Mon. 23.--I paid another visit to Canterbury, but came in too late to preach. Tues. 24.--Abundance of soldiers and many officers came to the preaching. And surely the fear and the love of God will prepare them either for death or victory. Wed. 25.--I dined with Colonel , who said, “ No men fight like those who fear God: I had rather command five hundred such, than any regiment in his majesty’s army.” Thur. 22.--I had so severe a cold, that I could hardly speak to be heard. However, I preached, morning and evening, as I could, and the next day returned to London. Jon. March 1.--I set out for Bristol. Some time after, I received the copy of another letter, dated March 2, from the Rev. Mr. Davies in Virginia, part of which I have subjoined :--- “When the books arrived, I gave public notice after sermon, and desired such negroes as could read, and such white people as would make good use of them, and were not able to buy, to come to my house. For some time after the poor slaves, whenever they could get an hour’s 596 REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. [ March, 1756.