Wesley Corpus

Wed. 10.--I rode to Shackerley. Being now in the very midst of Mr. Taylor’s disciples, I enlarged much more than I am accustomed to do, on the doctrine of original sin; and determined, if God should give me a few years’ life, publicly to answer his new gospel. By the huge noise which was in the street, as we entered Bolton, I conjectured Satan would try his strength once more ; but God suffered him not. The mob soon was vanished away, and I had both a numerous and a quiet congregation. Thwr. 11.--The barber who shaved me said, “ Sir, I praise God on your behalf. When you was at Bolton last, I was one of the most eminent drunkards in all the town; but I came to listen at the window, and God struck me to the heart. I then earnestly prayed for power against drinking; and God gave me more than J asked: he took away the very desire of it. Yet I felt myself worse and worse, till, on the 5th of April last, I could hold out no longer. I knew I must drop into hell that moment, unless God appeared to save me: and he did appear. I knew he loved me ; and felt swect peace. Yet I did not dare to say I had faith, till, yesterday was twelvemonth, God gave me faith; and his love has ever since filled my heart.” Hence T rode with Mr. Milner to Ribchester, where some clergymen had appointed to meet him; with whom we spent one or two hours in serious and useful conversation. Between five and six we reached the vicarage at Chipping ; where a few serious people soon assembled. The next day we rode to Ambleside ; and, on Saturday, 13, over more than Welsh mountains, to Whitehaven. Sun. 14.--I heard two useful sermons at church, on, “ Fear not them that can kill the body.” I preached at eight, on, “Is there no balm in Gilead?’ and between one and two, at the market place, on, “ Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.” A few stones were thrown at first; but the bulk of the congregation was deeply serious ; as well as in the evening, when I preached on, “‘ Who shall lay any thing to the Becki 512 REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. [ April, 1751.