Wesley Corpus

But, notwithstanding wind and rain, the people crowded so fast into the preaching house, that I judged it best to begin half an hour before the time; by which means it contained the greater part of them. Although they that could not come in made a little noise, it was a solemn and an happy season. Abundance of them came again at five, and drank in every word. Here also many followed me into the house, and hardly knew how to part. At nine I preached at Steeple-Bumstead, three miles from Haverhill, to a considerably larger congregation; and all were serious. Hence we rode for Barkway, four miles from Royston. The preaching-place was exceeding large; yet it was well filled, and the people were wedged in as close as possible: And many of them found that God was there, to their unspeakable comfort. Hence we rode to Barley, where I preached at one. A middle-aged woman dropped down at my side, and cried aloud for mercy. It was not long before God put a new Jan. 1762.- JOURNAL. 79 song in her mouth. At six in the evening I preached at Melbourn. Here too God both wounded and healed. I laid hold, after preaching, on a poor backslider, who quickly melted into tears, and determined to return once more to Him from whom she had deeply revolted. Here I talked at large with one who thinks he is renewed in love. Perhaps he is; but his understanding is so small, his experience so peculiar, and his expressions so uncouth, that I doubt very few will receive his testimony. I rode to Potton. What has God wrought here since I saw this town twenty years ago ! I could not then find a living Christian therein; but wild beasts in abundance. Now here are many who know in whom they have believed; and no one gives us an uncivil word ' I preached at six to a very numerous and serious congregation. What have we to do to despair of any person or people? I preached at six in the morning to nearly the same congregation. I read Prayers and preached, morning and afternoon, at Everton, and gave the sacrament to a large number of communicants. At four we took horse, and reached Grandchester a little before seven.