Wesley Corpus

Tues. 29.--Having appointed some from Grimsby to meet us this evening at Lincoln, (which we supposed to be within a day’s ride,) we set out an hour before day, and rode, with only an hour or two’s intermission, till above an hour after sunset; but we could reach no further than Cold Harbour, six miles short of Ancaster. ‘The next morning we rode on to Lincoln, but could hear nothing of our guides; so we determined, after waiting several hours, to make the best of our way to Epworth; where, the next evening, I enforced those awful words, -- «¢ What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” I had the satisfaction about this time of an agreeable letter from a gentleman in Ireland, part of which is subjoined :-- “ ReveReEND Siz,--Your favour of the 15th instant, I received the 22d. Iam more satisfied than ever that you aim at nothing but what has an immediate tendency to the glory of God, and the salvation of mankind. “T cannot help thinking that your design, considered in this light, (allowing even of some mistakes,) must be deemed very praiseworthy. As to myself in particular, I must own it gives me infinite satisfaction to find that you have spoken to so good an effect in our town and neighbourhood. My church is more frequented than ever it was; and I have the pleasure of seeing a greater decency, and more of zeal and attention than I could have dared to promise myself; which has also this effect upon me,--that I find myself better disposed than ever to distribute to those who atiend my ministry, such food as may yield them comfort here and happiness hereafter. I heartily wish this may continue; and that the people may not cool. Ifso, we may hope to see wickedness gene rally decline, and virtue and godliness take place. I see this work of yours, through God’s blessing, thus successfully carried on, without any ill will or jealousy; and could wish that all the clergy were, in that respect, of the same mind with me. “Your society here keeps up well; and is, I believe, considerably increased since you left it. I frequently attend the preaching; and a i, y. fy 3 Sept. 1749.] REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. 463