Wesley Corpus

Tues. 30. The frost continued severe ; yet the congregation wasuncommonly large in the evening, and God warmed many hearts. Wed. 31.-A numerous company concluded the old yearwith a very solemnwatch-night. Hitherto God hath helped us, andwe neither see nor feel any of those terrible judgments which it was saidGod would pour out upon the nation about the conclu- sion of the year. For near seventy years I have observed, that, before any war or public calamity, England abounds with prophets, who confi- dently foretel many terrible things. They generally believe themselves, but are carried away by avain imagination. And they are seldom undeceived, even by the failure of their predic- tions ; but still believe they will be fulfilled some time or other. Thur. JANUARY 1, 1789. If this is to be the last year of my life, according to some ofthose prophecies, I hope it will be the best. I am not careful about it, but heartily receive the advice of the angel in Milton,一 "How well is thine : How long permit to Heaven." Sun. 4. Although the extreme severity of the weather kept many tender people away ; yet we had alarge congregation in the evening to renew their covenant with God; and we always find, when we avouch Him to be our God, he avouches us to behis people. Mon. 5.-At the earnest desire of Mrs. T-, I once more sat for my picture. Mr. Romney is a painter indeed. He struck off an exact likeness at once ; and did more in one hour than Sir Joshua did in ten. Tuesday, 6. I retired to Highbury 444 REV. J. WESLEY'S [Jan. 1789. Place, and on Thursday, 8, to Peckham. Here, in the even- ing, I preached to a very serious congregation, although many of them were of the better rank. But rich and poor seemed equally determined to work out their own salvation. Fri. 9. I left nomoney to any one inmy Will, because I had none. But now considering, that, whenever I am removed, money will soon arise by sale of books, I added a few legacies by a codicil, to be paid as soon as maybe. But I would fain do a little good while I live ; for who can tell what will come after him ? Sun. 11.-I again warned the congregation, as strongly as I