Wesley Corpus

before; and the power of the Lord seemed to rest on many of thehearers. Sun. 18. We had, as usual, a large congregation and a comfortable opportunity at Spitalfields. Monday, 19. I began the unpleasing work of visiting the classes. I still continue to do this in London and Bristol, as well as in Cork and Dublin. With the other societies, their respective Assistants supply my lack of service. Sun. 25.-I preached two charity sermons at West-Street, in behalf of our poor children. Herein I endeavoured to warn them, and all that bring them up, against that English sin, ungodliness ; that reproach of our nation, wherein we excel all the inhabitants of the earth . Thur. 29.-I preached at Mr. Edwards's, in Lambeth. How wonderfully does God fit people for their work ! Here Mrs. 1 Edwards, a person of no extraordinary natural abilities, teaches near ahundred children, and keeps them in as good, ifnot better, order, thanmost school-mistresses in the kingdom ! Fri. 30.-I met the Committee, to consider the state of our temporal circumstances. We are still running backward. Some way must be found to make ourincome answer our expenses. Sat. DECEMBER 1.-I saw an uncommon instance of distress ; agentlewoman, who used to keep her coach, shut up with her four children inadarkdirty room, (herhusband beingimprisoned for debt, ) without almost any of the necessaries of life. No wonder ifshehad chose strangling rather than life. Sun. 2.-I was pressed in spirit to warn our people, in strong terms, of the Laodicean spirit which had crept in among them. They received the reproof; andmanybeganto stir up the gift ofGod that is in them, which immediately appeared from the very great increase of the morning congregations. Tues. 4.-I retired to Rainham, to prepare another edition of the New Testament for the press. Wednesday, 5. I preached at Purfleet, to a deeply serious congregation, many of whom walk in the light of God's countenance. Thursday, 6. I preached to a large congregation at Rainham. I trust some good will be done here also. Fri. 7.-I returned to London, and again considered what was to be done in our present temporal circumstances. After [Dec.1787. much consultation, they desired me, 1. To appoint a few of our brethren to divide the town between them,anddesire our brethren thatwere able to assist in this exigence : 2. That a collection