Wesley Corpus

Sun. 12.--I expounded, at five, the former part of the parable of the sower. At eight I preached in the Square, on, “I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep.” The effect of what had been spoken in the morning now evidently appeared ; for one could not observe any in the congregation to stir hand or foot. When the sermon was done, they divided to the right and left, none offering to go till I was past: and then they walked quietly and silently away, lest Satan should catch the seed out of their hearts. Mon. 13.--I removed into a lodging adjoining to the ground where we were preparing to build; but the violent frost obliged us to delay the work. I never felt so intense cold before. In a room where a constant fire was kept, though my desk was fixed within a yard of the chimney, I could not write for a quarter of an hour together, without my hands being quite benumbed. Wed. 15.--I preached at Horsley-upon-Tyne, eight (computed) miles from Newcastle. It was about two in the afternoon. The house not containing the people, we stood in the open air in spite of the frost. I preached again in the evening, and in the morning. We then chose to walk home, having each of us catched a violent cold by riding the day before. Mine gradually wore off; but Mr. Meyrick’s increased, so that, on Friday, he took his bed. I advised him to bleed ; but he imagined he should be well without it ina few days. Sun. 19.--I cried to all who felt themselves lost, ‘ Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt. be saved :” and in the afternoon, ‘“‘ Ho! every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters.” At that hour, one who was bitterly mourning after Christ (Mary Emerson) was filled with joy unspeakable. Mon. 20.--We laid the first stone of the house. Many were gathered, from all parts, to see it; but none scoffed or interrupted, while we praised Dec. 1742. | - REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL 275