Wesley Corpus

conversation with him, he was clearly convinced it was his duty to join with the people called Methodists. At first, indeed, he staggered at Lay Preachers ; but, after weighing the matter more deeply, he began preaching himself; and found a very remarkable blessing, both on his own soul, and on his labours. After visiting a few more places in these parts, on Saturday, 13, I returned to Epworth. Sunday, 14. I preached in the morning at Gringley ; about one, at Ouston ; and at four, in Epworth market-place ; where God " struck with the hammer ofhis word, and broke the hearts of stone." We had afterwards alove-feast at which a flame was soon kindled ; which was greatly increased while Mr. Cundy related the manner how God perfected him in love: A testimony which is always attended with a peculiar blessing. Mon. 15.-I preached at Doncaster, in one of the most elegant Houses in England, and to one of the most elegant congregations. They seemed greatly astonished ; and well they might ; for I scarce ever spoke so strongly on, " Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, that leadeth unto life." Tuesday, 16. At Sheffield I talked at large with one whose case is very peculiar. She never loses a sense of the love of God ; and yet is continually harassed by the devil, and constrained to utter words which her soul abhors ; while her body feels as if it was in a burning flame. For this her father turned her out of doors ; and she had no money, nor any friend to take her in. To cut her off from everyhuman comfort, our wise Assistant turned her out of society. Yet in all this she murmured not, neither " charged God foolishly." 82 REV. J. WESLEY'S [Aug. 1776. Wed. 17. Having been desired, by one of Chesterfield, to give them a sermon in the way, I called there; but he did not come to own me. So, after resting awhile at another house, I stood at a small distance from the main street, and proclaimed salvation by faith to a serious congregation. After preaching at a few other places, on Thursday, 18, I preached at Notting- ham ; and, having no time to lose, took chaise at noon, and the