Wesley Corpus

Sat. 9.--In the evening we came to Penkridge ; and light on a poor, drunken, cursing, swearing landlord, who seemed scarce to think there was either God or devil. But I had spoke very little, when his countenance changed, and he was so full of his thanks and blessings, that I could hardly make an end of my sentence. May salvation come to this house also! It was exceeding dark when we rode through Bilston. However, we did not stick fast, till we came to Wednesbury town-end. Several coming with candles, I got out of the quagmire ; and, leaving them to disengage my horse, walked to Francis Ward’s ; and preached on, “ Fear not ye; for I know ye seek him that was crucified.” Sun. 10.--I preached at five; and at cight in Wednesbury ; (about one at Tipton Green ;) and, at four in the afternoon, to well nigh the whole town, high and low, as at the beginning. Mon. 11.--I preached at Birmingham; the next morning I set out, and on Wednesday, 13, reached London. Mon. 18.---I spent a little time with B. Armsted, weak in body, but strong in faith. She had been calmly waiting for God, till her hands and feet grew cold, and she was, in all appearance, at the point of death. Then Satan returned with all his force, and covered her with thick darkness. This threw her into such a vehement wrestling with God, as brought back her fever and her strength; su \ 360 REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. [Dec. 1745 that, in all probability, the old murderer saved her life, by his furious: attempt to destroy her soul. Fri. 22.--The alarm daily increasing concerning the rebels on one hand, and the French on the other, we perceived the wisdom and goodness of Him who hath his way in the whirlwind. The generality of people were a little inclined to think: and many began to own the hand of God. Mon. 25.--I retired to Newington, in order to finish the “‘ Farther Appeal ;” the state of the public affairs loudly demanding, that whatever was done should be done quickly. Thur. 28.--I wrote “A Word to a Drunkard.” Fri. 29.--I spent an hour with Mr. Lampe, who had been a Deist for many years, till it pleased God, by the ‘“‘Karnest Appeal,” to bring him to a better mind.