Wesley Corpus

He was now doubly diligent in preaching, not only in the chapels at West-Street and Spital fields, but wherever the providence of God opened a door to proclaim the everlasting gospel. This he frequently did, not only in English, but likewise in French, his native language; of which he was allowed, by all competent judges, to be a complete master. 6. “The first time,” says Mr. Vaughan, “he preached in the country, was at Atcham church, on June 19, 1757. His text was, (a very bold beginning !) ‘Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of this world is enmity with God?” (James iv. 4.) The congregation stood amazed, and gazed upon him as if he had been a monster; but to me he appeared as a messenger sent from heaven.” 7. It was not soon that he was invited again to preach in Atcham church. But he was invited to preach in several other churches in the neighbourhood. He was first invited to preach at Wroxeter, and afterwards at the Abbey church in Shrewsbury ; but not being yet perfect in the English tongue, he wrote down all the sermons he preached in churches. But I doubt whether he preached above six times in the six months while he stayed in the country. On my telling him I wished he had more opportunities of preaching in this unenlightened part of the land, he answered, “The will of God be done: I am in his hands; and if he does not call me to so much public duty, I have the more time for study, prayer, and praise.” 8. In the year 1758, there were many French prisoners on their parole at Tunbridge. Being desired to preach to them in their own language, he readily complied. Many of them appeared to be deeply affected, and earnestly requested that he would preach to them every Lord's day. But some advised them, first, to present a petition to the Bishop of London for leave. They did so; and (who would believe it?) the good Bishop peremptorily rejected their petition | If I had known this at the time, King George should have known it; and I believe he would have given the Bishop little thanks. An odd incident followed: A few months after, the Bishop died of a cancer in his mouth.