Wesley Corpus

Sat. 14.--Several of the neighbours came early in the morning, and gladly received a few words of exhortation. We then rode on, through one of the pleasantest countries in the world, by Holywell to Chester. Here we had a comfortable meeting in the evening, as well as the next day, both in the room and in the Square. Mon. 16.--The rain was suspended, while I preached to a large and quiet congregation. Tues. 17.--I rode to Bolton. Though I came unexpected, the house was well filled. After resting a day, on Thursday, 19, I went on to Man. chester, and preached in the evening to a large congregation, without the least disturbance. The tumults here are now at an end; chiefly through the courage and activity of a single constable. Mri. 20.--I rode to Chelmorton in the Peak. Although the poor people had no previous notice, they supplied the want of it by sending 616 REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. [Sept. 1756 quickly to the neighbouring villages. Between seven and eight the house was pretty well filled; and many of them were extremely thankful. Sat. 21.--We set out early; and, after spending an hour at Ashbourn, hastened on to Lichfield: but it was not without difficulty ; the waters being out, to a very uncommon degree, in many places. About eight we reached Wednesbury, tired enough. There we stayed the next day. Mon. 23.--We rode forward to Redditch. It had rained all the way, so that Mr. Walsh was obliged to go to bed as soon as we came in. Having dried some of our clothes, Mr. Bruce and I took horse again about two; having one with us who knew the by-roads, the common road being unpassable through the floods. About five we came to a broad water, which our guide did not care to pass. Mr. Bruce, seeing a foot bridge, walked over it, leading his horse by a long rein through the water: but in an instant the horse disappeared. However, he soor emerged and gained the bank. I rode through, at a small distance, very safely ; and in the evening preached at Evesham. Tues. 24.--Finding we could not ride the usual way, we procured another guide, and rode by Andover Ford to Stroud. Mr. Jones and my brother met us here. _ Wed. 25.--We rode on to Bristol. Thur. 26.--About fifty of us being