Wesley Corpus

at length blossom and bud as the rose ? Sat. 13-. Being strongly urged to lay the first stone of the House whichwas going to be built at Bath, on Sunday, 14, after preaching at West-street chapel in the morning, and at St. Paul's, Shadwell, in the afternoon, I went to Brentford. I preached at six ; and, taking chaise at twelve, on Monday, 15, easily reached Bath in the afternoon. Tuesday, 16. I paid a short visit to Bristol ; preached in the evening and morning following, Wednesday, 17 ; and at one laid the foundation of the new chapel at Bath. The windwas piercing cold ; yet scarce any of the congregation went away before the end of the sermon. After preaching at the Room in the evening, I took chaise, and the next afternoon reached London. Just at this time there was a combination amongmany ofthe post-chaise drivers on the Bath road, especially those that drove in the night, to deliver their passengers into each other's hands. One driver stopped at the spot they had appointed, when another waited to attack the chaise. In consequence of this, many were robbed; but I had a good Protector still. I have travelled all roads, byday andby night, for these forty years, and never was interrupted yet. Thur. 25. I buried the remains of Mr. Bespham, many ycars Master of a man-of-war. From the time he received the [Jan. 1778. truth in love, he was a pattern to all that believe. His faith was full ofmercy and good fruits : His works shall praise him inthe gates. Sat. 27. Afew days since, my Assistant, Mr. Baynes, by far the strongest person in our family, was taken ill of a fever. He was immediately attended both by an Apothecary and a Physician ; but their labour was in vain : This morning God called him into the world of spirits. I had no desire to part with him ; but God knew what was best both for him and me. Wed. 31. We concluded the old year, and began the new, with prayer and thanksgiving. Four or five of the Local Preachers assisted me. Iwas agreeably surprised ; their man- ner of praying being so artless andunlaboured,and yet rational and scriptural, both as to sense and expression. Thur. JANUARY 1, 1778.-We had a very solemn opportu-