in any point of doctrine. 3. That we have in a course
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Ave. 1788 so small a compass.
It contains a rabit-warren, deer, swans, pheasants in abundance, besides a fish-pond and an elegant garden.
Variety indeed!
But is there no danger that such a multitude of things should divert the mind from the "one thing needful ?"
An Important Conference I preached at the new chapel (London) every evening during the conference, which continued nine days, beginning on Tuesday, July 29, and ending on Wednesday,
August 6: and we found the time little enough; being obliged to pass over many things very briefly, which deserved a fuller consideration.
Sun. Aug. 3.—I preached at the new chaapel, so filled as it scarce ever was before, both morning and evening.
Mon. 4. At five we had a good evening congregation ; and I believe many felt the power of the word; or, rather, of God, speaking therein.
One of the most important points considered at this conference, was that of leaving the Church.
The sum of a long conversation was, 1. That, in a course of fifty years, we had neither premeditately nor willingly varied from it in one article either of doctrine or discipline,
2. That we were not yet conscious of varying from it in any point of doctrine.
3. That we have in a course of years, out of necessity, not choice, slowly and warily varied in some points of discipline, by preaching in the fields, by extemporary prayer, by employing lay preachers, bv forming and regulating societies, and by holding yearly conferences.
But we did none of these things till we were convinced we could no longer omit them, but at the peril of our souls.
Wed. 6.—Our conference ended, as it began, in great peace.
We kept this day as a fast, meeting at
Dec. 1788
WESLEY IN HIGHGATE
five, nine, and one, for prayer; and concluding the day with a solemn watch-night.
The three following days I retired, revised my papers, and finished all the work I had to do in London.
Sun. ro.
I was engaged in a very unpleasing work ; the discharge of an old servant.
She had been my housekeeper at West-street for many years, and was one of the best housekeepers I had had there; but her husband was so notorious a drunkard, that I could not keep them in the house any longer.
She received her dismission in an excellent spirit, praying God to bless us all.
I preached in the morning at West-street to a large congregation, but to a far larger at the new chapel in the evening.
It seems the people in general do not expect that I shall remain among them a great while after my brother; and that, therefore, they are willing to hear while they can.
Inthe evening we set out in the mail coach, and early in the morning got to Portsmouth.
Sat. Sept. 6.—I walked over to Mr. Henderson's, at Hannam, and thence to Bristol.
But my friends, more kind than wise, would scarce suffer it.
It seemed so sad a thing to walk five or six miles!
I am ashamed, that a Methodist preacher, in tolerable health, should make any difficulty of this.
"The Gentle Steps of Age"
Mon. Dec. 15.—In the evening I preached at Miss Teulon's school in Highgate.
I think it was the coldest night I ever remember.
The house we were in stood on the edge of the hill, and the east wind set full in the window.
I counted eleven, twelve, one, and was then obliged to dress, the cramp growing more and more violent.
But in the morning, not only the cramp was gone, but likewise the lameness which used to follow it.