Wesley Corpus

Fri. 6.--I preached at five, and then returned to my brother, whom { had left at Leeds. At noon we spent an hour with several of our preachers, in exhortation and prayer. About one I preached to a crowded audience of high and low, rich and poor; but their number was abundantly enlarged at five ; as was my strength both of soul and body. I cried aloud to them all, to look unto Jesus ; and scarce knew when to leave off. I then waited upon Mr. M. for an hour. O how could I delight in such an acquaintance! But the will of God be done! Let me “ acquaint” myself * with him,” and it is enough. Sat. '7.--I rode in the afternoon to Bramley, and preached to a large and quiet congregation. Great attention appeared in every face ; but no shaking among the dry bones yet. Sun. 8.--I preached in Leeds at seven, and between one and two began preaching at Birstal; but my voice (though I think it had not been stronger for some years) would not reach two thirds of the congregation. I am afraid it was the same case at Leeds, when I preached at four; though I spoke with all the strength I had. Who would have expected such an inconveniency as this, after we had been twelve years employed in the work? Surely none will now ascribe the number of the hearers to the novelty of field preaching. Mon. 9.--Having promised to visit Newcastle again, I set out early, and came thither the 68 REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. [ Oct. 1749. next day. I was now satisfied that God had sent Mr. Whitefield thither in an acceptable timé ; many of those who had little thought of God before, still retaining the impressions they received from him.