Wesley Corpus

As soon as I came down from the desk, I was enclosed by a body of children ; one ofwhom, and another, sunk down upon their knees, until they were all kneeling : So I kneeled down myself, and began praying for them. Abundance ofpeople ran back into the House. The fire kindled, and ran from heart to heart, till few, if any, were unaffected. Is not this a new thing inthe earth ? God begins his work in children. Thus it has been also in Cornwall, Manchester, and Epworth. Thus the flame spreads to those of riper years ; till at length they all know ! him, andpraise him from the least unto the greatest. Wed. 9. I went to Barnard-Castle. Here I was informed, thatmyold school-fellow, Mr. Fielding, and his wife, were gone to rest. His son, not choosing to live there, had let his lovely house to a stranger : So in a little time his very name and mem- orywill be lost ! Sun. 10. After preaching at five, I took horse for the Dales, and about eight preached at Cutherston. Here I had the plea- sure of seeing some of our brethren, who had been long at vari- ance, cordially reconciled. Hence we rode through rain and wind to Newbiggen in Teesdale. Being but a poor horseman, and having a rough horse, I had just strength for my journey, and none to spare ; but after resting awhile, I preached without any weariness . [June,1784. Having then procured an easier horse, I rode over the great mountain into Weardale. But I found not my old host : Good Stephen Watson was removed to Abraham's bosom. Sowas that mother in Israel, Jane Nattres ; (before Salkeld;) the great instrument of that amazing work among the children. But God is with them still : Most of the Leaders and many of the people are much alive to God ; as we found in the evening, whenwe had such a shower of grace as I have seldom known. Fri. 11. About ten, riding through avillage called Middle- ton, I was desired to preach there. So I began in the street without delay. A large number of people came together, and received the word with gladness. Afterwards we rode at leisure : to Barnard-Castle ; and on Saturday, 12, to Darlington.