Wesley Corpus

Tues. 3.--In spite of the indolence of some, and the cowardice of others, I preached in the evening on the Connaught side of the river. I then met the society ; but when I would have dismissed them, none seemed willing to go. We were standing and looking at each other, when a trooper stepped out into the middle of the room, and said, “I must speak. I was Saul: I persecuted the children of God. I joined with you in Philip’s Town; but I fell back, and hated God and all his ways. I hated you in particular, and, a day or two ago, said all manner of evil of you. Iwas going to a woman last night, when one of my comrades met and asked me if I would go to the watch-night. Out of curiosity I came; but for half the sermon, I minded nothing that was said. ‘Then God struck me to the heart, so that I could not stand, but dropped down to the ground. I slept none last night, and came to you in the morning; but I could not speak. I went from you to a few of our brethren, and they prayed with me till my burden dropped off. And now, by the grace of God, we will part no more. I am ready to go with you all over the world.” The words were as fire: they kindled a flame which spread through the congregation. We praised God with one heart and one voice. I then a second time pronounced the blessing; but the people stood without motion as before, till a dragoon stepped from his fellows, and said, ‘1 was a Pharisee from my youth, having a strict form of godliness ; and yet I always wanted something: but I knew not what; till something within me pushed me on, I could not tell why, to hear you. J have done so, since you came hither. I immediately saw what I wanted was faith, and the love of God; and he supplied my wants here last night. Now I can rejoice in God my Saviour.”