Wesley Corpus

Fri. 19.--In the evening I read prayers at the chapel in West-street,. and Mr. Whitefield preached a plain, affectionate discourse. Sunday, 21. --He read prayers, and I preached: so, by the blessing of God, one more stumbling block is removed. Mon. 22.--I prayed in the morning at the Foundery, and Howell Harris preached: a powerful orator, both by nature and grace ; but he owes nothing to art or education. Wed. 24.--I was desired to call on one that was sick, though I had small hopes of doing him any good; he had been so harmless a man for ninety years: yet he was not out of God’s reach. He was quickly convinced that his own righteousness could not recommend him to God.. I could then pray for him in confidence of being heard. A few days after he died in peace. Sun. 28.--I read prayers, and Mr. Whitefield preached. How wise is God, in giving different talents to different preachers! Even the little improprieties both of his language and manner were a means of profiting many, who would not have been touched by a more correct discourse, or a more calm and regular manner of speaking. Mon. 29.--I rode to Canterbury. The congregation in the evening was deeply serious, and most of them present again at five in the morning. I hope God will again have much people in this place, who will worship him with more knowledge, and as much earnestness, as their forefathers did the Virgin Mary, or even St. Thomas a Becket. Tues. 30.--I designed to preach abroad in the evening, the house being far too small for the congregation ; but the rain and wind would not suffer it. Wednesday, 31.--I examined the society, one by one. Some, I found, could already rejoice in God, and all seemed to be hungering after it. Fri. February 2.--I preached in the evening at Shoreham; and Saturday, 3, returned to London. Sun. 4.--I preached at Hayes. What a change is here within a year or two! Instead of the parishioners going out of church, the people come now from many miles round. The church was filled in the afternoon likewise; and all behaved well but the singers, whom I therefore reproved before the congregation ; and some of them were ashamed.