Wesley Corpus

Tues. 28.--I returned to Newcastle, hoarse and weak. But who can be spent in a better cause? Thu. 30.--I read Mr. Baxter’s account of his own * Life and Times.” It seems to be the most impartial account of those times which has yet ever appeared. And none that I have seen so accurately points out the real springs of those public calamities. ' Sun. July 3.--The high wind obliged me to stand on the western side of Gateshead. By this means the sun was just in my face. But it was not long before the clouds covered it. As I began speaking in the afternoon, near Pandon Gate, the rain began, scattered the careless * 636 REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. [July, 1757. hearers, and ceased. An earnest, attentive multitude remained, to whom I explained part of the Second lesson for the day, concerning the “ joy” which is “ in heaven, over one sinner that repenteth.” Mon. 4.--I took my leave of Newcastle, and about noon preached at Durham, in a pleasant meadow, near the river’s side. The congregation was large, and wild enough; yet, in a short time, they were deeply attentive. Only three or four gentlemen put me in mind of the honest man at London, who was so gay and unconcerned while Dr. Sherlock was preaching concerning the day of judgment: one asked, «* Do you not hear what the Doctor says?” He answered, “ Yes ; but I am not of this parish!” Toward the close I was constrained to mention the gross ignorance I had observed in the rich and genteel people throughout the nation. On this they drew near, and showed as serious an attention as if they had been poor colliers. We took horse at two. The clouds and wind in our face kept us cool till we came to Hartlepool. Mr. Romaine has been an instrument of awakening several here; but for want of help they soon slept again. I preached in the main street to near all the town; and they behaved with seriousness.