Wesley Corpus

Mon. 23.--To guard young converts from fancying that they had “already attained, or were already perfect,’”’ I preached on those words, “So is the kingdom of God, as when a man casteth seed into the ground, and riseth day and night, and the seed buddeth forth and springeth up, he knoweth not how; first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear.” On several evenings this week, and particularly on Friday, many were deeply convinced ; but none were delivered from that painful conviction, ‘The children came to the birth, but there was not strength to bring forth.” I fear we have grieved the Spirit of the jealous God, by questioning his work; and that, therefore, he is withdrawn from us for a season. But he will return and “ abundantly pardon.” Mon. 30.--Two more were in strong pain, both their souls and bodies being well nigh torn asunder. But though we cried unto God, there was no answer; neither did he as yet deliver them at all. One of these had been remarkably zealous against those that cried out and made a noise ; being sure that any of them might help it if they would. And the same opinion she was in still, till the moment she was struck through, as with a sword, and fell trembling to the ground. She then cried aloud, though not articulately, her words being swallowed up. In this pain she continued twelve or fourteen hours, and then her soul was set at liberty. But her master (for she was a servant till that time at a gentleman’s in town) forbid her returning to him, saying, he would have none in his house who had received the Holy Ghost.