my life, according to some of those prophecies, I hope
WESLEY'S JOURNAL
Jan. 1789
About this time I was reflecting on the gentle steps whereby age steals upon us.
Take only one instance.
Four years ago my sight was as good as it was at fiveand-twenty.
I then began to observe that I did not see things quite so clear with my left eye as with my right; all objects appeared a little browner to that eye.
I began next to find some difficulty in reading a small print by candle-light.
A year after, I found it in reading such a print by day-light.
In winter, 1786, I could not well read our four-shilling hymn-book, unless with a large candle; the next year I could not read letters, if wrote with a small or bad hand.
Last winter a pearl appeared on my left eye, the sight of which grew exceeding dim.
'The right eye seems unaltered; only I am a great deal nearer sighted than ever I was.
Thus are "those that look out at the windows darkened" ; one of the marks of old age.
But I bless God, "the grasshopper is" not "a burden."
I am still capable of travelling, and my memory is much the same as ever it was ; and so, I think, is my understanding.
Wesley Sits to Romney 1789.
Thur. Jan. 1.—If this is to be the last year of my life, according to some of those prophecies, I hope it will be the best.
I am not careful about it, but heartily receive the advice of the angel in Milton,—
well is thine: how long permit to Heaven."
Mon. 5.—At the earnest desire of Mrs. T: aL once more sat for my picture.
Mr. Romney is a painter indeed.
He struck off an exact likeness at once; and did more in one hour than Sir Joshua did in ten.
Fri. 9.—I left no money to any one in my will, because I had none.
But now considering, that, when-
Apri 1789 WESLEY ANTICIPATES DEATH
ever I am removed, money will soon arise by the sale of books, I added a few legacies by a codicil, to be paid as soon as may be.
But I would fain do a little good while I live; for who can tell what will come after him?
Tues.
13.—I spent a day or two with my good old friends at Newington.
Thursday, 15. I retired to Camberwell, and carried on my Journal, probably as far as I shall live to write it.
Tues. 20.—I retired in order to finish my year's accounts.
If possible, I must be a better economist ; for instead of having anything beforehand, I am now considerably in debt: but this I do not like.
I would fain settle even my accounts before I die.
Wesley Explains Methodism Sunday, March 1, was a solemn day indeed.
The new chapel was sufficiently crowded both morning and afternoon; and few that expected a parting blessing, were disappointed of their hope.
At seven in the evening I took the mail-coach ; and having three of our brethren, we spent a comfortable night, partly in sound sleep, and partly in singing praise to God.
It will now quickly be seen whether they who prophesied some time since, that I should not outlive this month, be sent of God or not.
One way or the other, it is my care to be always ready.° April 12 (Dublin).—(Being Easter-day.) We had a solemn assembly indeed ; many hundred communicants in the morning ; and in the afternoon far more hearers than our room would contain, though it is now considerably enlarged.
Afterwards I met the society, and explained to them at large the original design of the Methodists, namely, not to be a distinct party, but to