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56 BYGONE SUSSEX.
this is another allusion to smuggling, and in November, 1778, he refers to the doubtful disputations of the Rye brethern. In December, 1784, he pursued his weary journey through the snowy roads, but when he arrived late the house was well filled with serious hearers, so that he did not repent of his labours. On 28th October, 1788, he went by the stage coach from London, due at Rye by six in the evening, but finding it would not arrive until eight, he took a post chaise at Hawkhurst, and " with much ado" reached Rye soon after six. Without staying to eat or drink, he proceeded to the crowded meeting house, and with difficulty making his way through the people, prayed and preached. Another meeting was held at five o'clock in the morning on the following day before Wesley's departure. On 28th January, 1789, Wesley opened the new preaching house at Rye. "It is," he says, "a noble building, much loftier than most of our buildings, and finely situated at the head of the town." Next day he preached both at Winchelsea and Rye. On his last visit he preached at Rye to a large congregation on 5th October, 1790. "I was now," he says, "informed how signally God had overtaken that wretch who murdered Mr. |
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