Wesley Corpus

I came to Darlington just in time; for a great stumbling-block had lately occurred. But my coming gave the people a newer thing to talk of. So I trust the new thing will soon be forgotten. -I preached at Thirsk; Thursday, 27, at York. Friday, 28. I entered into my eightieth year; but, blessed be God, my time is not "labour and sorrow." I find no more pain or bodily infirmities than at five-and-twenty. This I still impute, 1. To the power of God, fitting me for what he calls me to. 2. To my still travelling four or five thousand miles a year. 3. To my sleeping, night or day, whenever I want it. 4. To my rising at a set hour. And, 5. To my con stant preaching, particularly in the morning. Saturday, 29. I went on to Leeds, and, after preaching, met the select society, consisting of about sixty members; most of whom can testify, that "the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin." Mon. JULY 1.-Coming to Sheffield, just at the time of the Quarterly Meeting, I preached on Acts is. 31 : "Then had the churches rest , and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied." This is eminently fulfilled in all these parts; at Sheffield in particular. I found a serious, as well as a numerous, con gregation at Nottingham. Thursday, 4. I preached at Derby. I trust the work of God will now prosper here also. All the jars of our brethren are at an end, and they strive together for the hope of the Gospel. I came to Birmingham, and preached once more in the old dreary preaching-house. I opened the new House at eight, and it contained the people well: But not in the evening; many were then 232 REv. J. Wesley's July, 1782. constrained to go away. In the middle of the sermon, a huge noise was heard, caused by the breaking of a bench on which some people stood. None of them was hurt; yet it occasioned a general panic at first: But in a few minutes all was quiet. Wed, 10. I read Prayers and preached in the church at Darlaston, and in the evening returned to Birmingham. Fri day, 12. I walked through Mr. Bolton's curious works.