Now as zealous in the works of God as he was once in the works of the devil

Tue 6 April 1779: I went to Mr. Salmon’s at Nantwich, a nephew of Mr. Matthew Salmon who was, fifty years ago, one of our little company at Oxford and was then both in person, in natural temper, and in piety, one of the loveliest young men I knew. Mr. Joseph Salmon was then unborn and was for many years without God in the world. But he is now as zealous in the works of God as he was once in the works of the devil. While I preached it was a season of strong consolation—but one young gentlewoman refused to be comforted. She followed me into Mr. Salmon’s all in tears; but would neither touch meat nor drink. After I had spent a little time in prayer, she broke out into prayer herself. And she did not cease till God turned her sorrow into joy unspeakable.