Wesley Corpus

I preached at Louth, where the people used to be rough enough; but now were serious and calmly attentive. Such a change in a whole town, I have seldom known in the compass of one year. -After preaching at Tealby, I went on to Grimsby, where I am still more at home than at any place in the east of" Lincolnshire; though scarce any of our first members remain: They are all safe lodged in Abraham's bosom. But here is still a loving people, though a little disturbed by the Calvinists, who seize on every halting soul as their own lawful prey. -I preached at Scotter, to a lovely, simple-hearted people; and at Epworth in the evening. I preached once more at Crowle, to a numerous and deeply serious congregation. Every one thought, "Can any good come out of Crowle?" But God's thoughts were not as our thoughts. There is now such a work of God in this, as is in few of the places round about it. I preached about noon at Belton. There was the dawn of a blessed work here; but "My Lady's Preachers," so called, breaking in, set every one's sword against his brother. Some of them revive a little; but I doubt whether they will ever recover their first love. July, 1780. JOURNAL. 187 Sir William Anderson, the Rector, having sent an express order to his Curate, he did not dare to gainsay. So at ten I began reading Prayers to such a congregation as I apprehend hardly ever assembled in this church before. I preached on Luke viii. 18, part of the Second Lesson. Not a breath was heard; all was still "as summer's moontide air;" and I believe our Lord then sowed seed in many hearts, which will bring forth fruit to perfection. After dinner I preached at Westwood-side. The high wind was a little troublesome; but the people regarded it not. We concluded the day with one of the most solemn love-feasts I have known for many years. Finningley church was well filled in the even ing; and many seemed much affected. Tuesday, 27. I preached at Doncaster about noon, and to a larger congrega tion at Rotherham in the evening. Wednesday, 28. I went to Sheffield: But the House was not ready; so I preached in the Square.