Wesley Corpus

I preached at Liverpool in the evening, and the next day ; at Wigan on Friday ; on Saturday and Sunday at Bolton. Monday, 12. I preached at Bury about one ; and in the evening at Rochdale. Now was the day of visitation for this town. The people were all on fire : Never was such a flame kindled here before ; chiefly by the prayer-meetings scattered through the town. Tuesday, 13. I preached at nine to a crowded audi- ence in the new House at Bacup ; at one in the shell of the House at Padiham, where there is at length a prospect of peace, after abundance of disturbance, caused by one who neither fears God nor reverences man. In the evening I preached at Colne; but the people were still in such a panic, that few durst go into the left-handgallery. Wednesday, 14. After a delightful ride through the mountains, I preached first in Todmorden, and thenin Heptonstall church. I afterwards lodged at the Ewood, which I still love for good Mr. Grimshaw's sake. Thur. 15. I went to Halifax, where a little thing had lately occasioned great disturbance. An angel blowing a trumpet was placed on the sounding-board over the pulpit. Many were vehemently against this ; others as vehemently for it : But a 148 REV. J. WESLEY'S [April, 1779. total end was soon put to the contest ; for the angel vanished away. The congregations, morning and evening, were very large; and the work ofGod seems to increase, in depth as well as extent. Sun. 18. In the morning I preached in Haworth church ; but in the afternoon I could not. Thousands upon thousands were gathered together, so that I was obliged to stand in the church-yard. And I believe all that stood still were able to hear distinctly. Mon. 19. I preached in Bingley church to a numerous con- gregation. I dined with Mr. Busfield, in his little paradise ; but it can give no happiness unless God is there. Thence I went to Otley. Here also the work of God increases ; particu- larlywith regard to sanctification. And I think every one whohas experienced it, retains a clearwitness of what God has wrought. Thur. 22.-I was a little surprised at a passage in Dr. Smollet's " History of England," vol. xv., pp. 121, 122 :-