Remission of sins

Tue 15 Dec 1741 It being a hard frost I walked over to Bath and had a conversation of several hours with one who had lived above seventy, and ‘studied’ divinity above thirty years. Yet remission of sins was quite a new doctrine to him. But I trust God will write it on his heart.

Laughing, then Crying

Mon 14 Dec 1747: We had a glorious hour with a few that know the Lord. We then rode to Bearfield, where I preached at noon with a deep sense of his presence. Some who were laughing when I began hid their faces soon, being ashamed to be seen in tears. We rode on in the afternoon, and came the next evening, thoroughly weary and wet, to Reading.

Where all approve, few profit.

Mon 14 Dec 1772: I read Prayers and preached to a crowded congregation at Gravesend. The stream here spreads wide, but it is not deep. Many are drawn, but none converted, or even awakened. Such is the general method of God’s providence: Where all approve, few profit.

Wesley needs a Dentist

Sun 13 Dec 1767: Today, I found a little soreness on the edge of my tongue, which the next day spread to my gums, then to my lips, which inflamed, swelled, and, the skin bursting, bled considerably. Afterward the roof of my mouth was extremely sore, so that I could chew nothing. To this was added a continual spitting. I knew a little rest would cure all. But this was not to be had, for I had appointed to be at Sheerness

He was rich, but he was poor.

Sun 13 Dec 1767: I was desired to preach a funeral sermon for William Osgood. He came to London near thirty years ago and, from nothing, increased more and more, till he was worth several thousand pounds. He was a good man and died in peace. Nevertheless, I believe his money was a great clog to him and kept him in a poor, low state all his days, making no such advance as he might have done, either in holiness or happiness.

Please Forgive Me

Sat 12 Dec 1741: I returned to Bristol. In the evening one desired to speak with me. I perceived him to be in the utmost confusion, so that for a while he could not speak. At length he said, ‘I am he that interrupted you at the New Room on Monday. I have had no rest since, day or night, nor could have till I had spoken to you. I hope you will forgive me, and that it will be a warning to me all the days of my life.’

Why don't Christians witness

Fri 11 Dec 1741: I went to Bath. I had often reasoned with myself concerning this place, ‘Hath God left himself without witness’? Did he never raise up such as might be shining lights, even in the midst of this sinful generation? Doubtless he has; but they are either gone ‘to the desert’ or hid under the bushel of prudence. Some of the most serious persons I have known at Bath are either solitary Christians, scarce known to each other, unless by name; or prudent Christians, as careful not to give offence as if that were the unpardonable sin, and as zealous to ‘keep their religion to themselves’ as they should be to ‘let it shine before men’.