Wesley Corpus

Mon. January 1, 1750.--A large congregation met at four o’clock, and began the year of jubilee in a better manner than they at Rome are accustomed to do. On several days this week I called upon many who had left their “ first love ;” but they none of them justified themselves : one and all pleaded “ guilty before God.” Therefore there is reason to hope that he will return, and will abundantly pardon. Thur. 11.--I read, to my no small amazement, the account given by Monsieur Montgeron, both of his own conversion, and of the other miracles wrought at the tomb of Abbé Paris. I had always looked upon the whole affair as a mere legend, as I suppose most Protestants do; but I see no possible way to deny these facts, without invalidating all human testimony. I may full as reasonably deny there is such a person as Mr. Montgeron, or such a city as Paris, in the world. Indeed, in many of thtese instances I see great superstition as well as strong faith. But “ the times of ignorance God” does “wink at” still; and bless the faith, notwithstanding the superstition. If it be said, “ But will not the admitting these miracles establish Popery?” Just the reverse. Abbé Paris lived and died in open opposition to the grossest errors of Popery; and in particular to that diabolical Bull Unigenitus, which destroys the very foundations of Christianity. Sun. 14.--I read prayers and preached at Snowsfields, to a crowded congregation, at seven in the morning. I then hastened to the chapel in West-street ; and, after the service there, to Knightsbridge, where I ath AS al a 8 474 REY. J. WESLEY'S JOURNAL. [Feb. 1750 had promised to preach in the afternoon, for the benefit of the poor children. The little church was quite full before I came. Knowing it to be the greatest charity to awaken those that sleep in sin, 1 preached on, “ What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul 1”