Wesley Corpus

yard. If so, I knew it would soon layus in ashes. I first called all the family to prayer ; then going out, we found the fire about an hundred yards off, and had broke out while the wind was south. But a sailor cried out, " Avast ! Avast ! the wind is turned in a moment ! " So it did, to the west, while we were at prayer, and so drove the flame from us. We then thankfully returned, and I rested well the residue of the night. Sun. 31. We renewed our covenant with God. We had the largest company that I ever remember ; perhaps two hundredmore than we had last year. And we had the greatest blessing. Several received either a sense of the pardoning love ofGod, or power to love him with all their heart. Mon. JANUARY 1 , 1781. We began, as usual, the service at four, praising Him who, maugre all our enemies, had brought us safe to the beginning of another year. Sun. 7. Much of the power of God rested on the congrega- tion, while I was declaring how "the Son ofGod was manifested, to destroy the works of the devil." Sun. 14. I preached at St. John's, Wapping. Although the church was extremely crowded, yet there was not the least noise or disorder, while I besought them all, by the mercies of God, to present themselves a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable toGod. Thur. 18.-Hearing Mr. Holmes was extremely weak, I went down to Burling, and found him very nearworn out, just totter- ing over the grave. However, he would creep with me to the church, which was well filled, though the night was exceeding dark. I preached on, " Repent, and believe the Gospel." The congregation appeared to be quite stunned. Inthe morning I returned to London . 196 [Feb. 1781. Tues. 23.-I went to Dorking, and buried the remains of Mrs. Attersal ; a lovely woman, snatched away in the bloom of youth. I trust it will be a blessing to many, and to her husband in particular. Thur. 25. I spent an agreeable hour at a concert of my nephews. But I was a little out of my element among Lords and Ladies. I love plain music and plain company best. Mon. FEBRUARY 12.-I went to Norwich. The House was