Wesley Corpus

f my late sloth and slackness, to too smooth a doctrine, which, it seems. to me, has been lately preached among us: I thought the doctrine of per fection, in all its parts, (perfect love, meekness, humility, resignation,) has not been so strenuously insisted on, as in times past, but only now and then mentioned in general terms: and hereby I was encouraged to be content in this groveling state, hanging between nature and grace, flesh and spirit. Then it was suggested, ‘ Lying in bed is not expressly forbidden in Scripture; nor is rising early expressly commanded.’ Yet, glory be to God, Lhad power from him to resist and overcome this thought: and, being earnest with the Lord last night, this morning he did give me both a will and a power to break through, which I thankfully used, and came to meet my brethren at five, with primitive joy and satisfaction. SOs Bhs Mon. 18.--I set out with Richard Moss for Newcastle. Wed. 20. --Soon after we passed through Leicester, a gentleman of Leicester overtook us, and kept us company to Loughborough, dined with us there, then rode back to Leicester. His main business, I found, was to talk with me. He said, he had long been very low-spirited, had had the very best advice, and taken abundance of physic, and yet was as bad, or worse than ever. I explained his case to him at large, and advised him to apply to that Physician who alone heals the broken in heart. In the evening I preached to the little flock at Nottingham Next day, William Holmes met us at Doncaster, and piloted us through the mire, and water, and snow, (lately fallen,) to Sykehouse. Finding the congregation ready, I began preaching as soon as I came in; and exhorted tnem to follow after the great gift of God. Several from Epworth met us here, and we rejoiced unto God with reverence.