Wesley Corpus

The death of Mr. Willis, snatched away in the midst of his years, but a few days before, brought abundance of people to the preaching house; and most of them were deeply serious; so that we had a very solemn hour. Tuesday, 22. I preached in Painswick at noon, and at six in the Court-House at Gloucester. A multitude of people flocked together, many of whom were of the better sort; and most of them appeared to be, for the present, almost persuaded to be Christians. Wednesday, 23. About eleven I preached at Tewkesbury, and in the evening at Worcester. Thursday, 24. I breakfasted at Mrs. Price's, a Quaker, who keeps a Boarding-School. I was much pleased with her children, so elegantly plain in their behaviour, as well as apparel. I was led, I know not how, to speak to them largely; then to pray; and we were all much comforted. The society is in great peace, and striving together for the hope of the Gospel. I have not seen greater earnestness and simplicity in any society, since we left London. I was now considering how strangely the grain of mustard seed, planted about fifty years ago, has grown up. It has spread through all Great Britain and Ireland; the Isle of Wight, and the Isle of Man; then to America, from the Leeward Islands, through the whole continent, into Canada and Newfoundland. And the societies, in all these parts, walk by one rule, knowing March, 1785. JOURNAL. 299 religion is holy tempers; and striving to worship God, not in form only, but likewise "in spirit and in truth." MARCH 25. (Being Good-Friday.) I hastened to reach Birmingham before the Church Service began. A sharper frost I never knew : But indeed our House was hot enough in the evening; and I have not seen a more earnest people. Such an advantage it is to be fully employed. In every place we find labouring men most susceptible of religion. Such a blessing results from that curse, "In the sweat of thy brow shalt thou eat bread." -I had designed to rest; but notice had been given of my preaching at Quinton at noon.