Wesley Corpus

14. In the evening I preached at Shaftesbury; and on Tuesday, at Wincanton. Riding homeward, we saw the pond in which a great man, a few weeks since, put an end to a wretched life. And is death more welcome than life, even to a man that wallows in gold and silver? I preached a funeral sermon at Kingswood, over the remains of Susanna Flook; who, a few days before, rose up and said, "I am dying," and dropped down dead. So little security is there in youth or health ! Be ye therefore likewise ready.- I went in the coach to Salisbury, and on Thurs day, 24, came to London. Monday, 28. I breakfasted with Mr. Whitefield, who seemed to be an old, old man, being fairly worn out in his Master's service, though he has hardly seen fifty years: And yet it pleases God, that I, who am now in my sixty-third year, find no disorder, no weakness, no decay, no difference from what I was at five-and-twenty; only that I have fewer teeth, and more grey hairs. Thur. NoveMBER 7. A fire broke out near the corner of Leadenhall-Street, which (the wind being exceeding high) soon seized on both the corners of the street, and both the corners of Cornhill, and in a few hours destroyed above threescore houses. Yet no lives were lost. Even Mr. Rutland (at whose house it began) and his whole family were preserved; part escaping through the chamber window, part over the top of the house. I preached on those words in the Lesson for the day, "The Lord our righteousness." I said not one thing which I have not said, at least, fifty times within this twelve month: Yet it appeared to many entirely new, who much importuned me to print my sermon, supposing it would stop the mouths of all gainsayers. Alas, for their simplicity In spite of all I can print, say, or do, will not those who seek occasion of offence find occasion? Mon. DECEMBER 2. I went to Canterbury. I had received most tragical accounts, as if the society were all fallen from Dec. 1765. JOURNAL. 239 grace, if ever they had any. I determined to search this to the bottom.