with a message from the Lord, to tell me, I was laying
Aprit 1760 IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM
in the streets appeared, one and all, with an air of seriousness: the prayers, lessons, and whole public service, were admirably suited to the occasion.
The prayer for our enemies, in particular, was extremely striking: perhaps it is the first instance of the kind in Europe.
There was no noise, hurry, bonfires, fireworks in the evening; and no public diversions.
This is indeed a Christian holiday, a "rejoicing unto the Lord."
The next day came the news that Sir Edward Hawke had dispersed the French fleet.
Sun. Dec. 9.—I had, for the first time, a lovefeast for the whole society.
Wednesday, 12.
I began reading over the Greek Testament and the notes, with my brother and several others; carefully comparing the translation with the original, and correcting or enlarging the notes as we saw occasion.
The same day I spent part of the afternoon in the British Museum.
There is a large library, a great number of curious manuscripts, many uncommon monuments of antiquity, and the whole collection of shells, butterflies, beetles, grasshoppers, &c., which the indefatigable Sir Hans Sloane, with such vast expense and labour, procured in a life of fourscore years.
Wesley and the Irish Question 1760. Wed. Jan. 16.—One came to me, as she said, with a message from the Lord, to tell me, I was laying up treasures on earth, taking my ease, and minding only my eating and drinking.
I told her, God knew me better; and if he had sent her, he would have sent her with a more proper message.
Mon. April 21.—In riding to Rosmead, I read Sir John Davis's ' Historical Relations concerning Ireland."
None who reads these can wonder, that, fruitful as it is,