Wesley Corpus

them what would be the consequence. But they could not believe it: So I let it rest; only desiring them to remember I had told them before. Sun. 19.-From Matt. xviii. 3, I endeavoured to show those who use the word without understanding it, what Christian simplicity properly is, and what it is not. It is not ignorance or folly; it is not enthusiasm or credulity. It is faith, humility, willingness to be taught, and freedom from evil reasonings. Tues. 21.--I had an opportunity of looking over the register of St. Luke's Hospital; and I was surprised to observe, that three in four (at least) of those who are admitted receive a cure. I doubt this is not the case of any other lunatic hospital either in Great Britain or Ireland. Wed. 22.--I heard George Bell once more, and was convinced he must not continue to pray at the Foundery. The reproach of Christ I am willing to bear; but not the reproach of enthusiasm, if I can help it. Sat. 25.--We met at the chapel in Spitalfields, to renew our covenant with God; and he did indeed appear in the midst of the congregation, and answer as it were by fire. Sun. 26.--That I might do nothing hastily, I permitted George Bell to be once more (this evening) at the chapel in West-street, and once more (on Wednesday evening) at the Foundery. But it was worse and worse: He now spoke as from God, what I knew God had not spoken. I therefore desired that he would come thither no more. I well hoped this would a little repress the impetuosity of a few good but mistaken men; especially considering the case of Benjamin Harris, the most impetuous of them all. A week or two ago, as he was working in his garden, he was struck raving mad. He continued so till Tuesday, December 21, when he lay still and sensible, but could not speak; till, on Wednesday morning, his spirit returned to God. Fri. 31.--I now stood and looked back on the past year; a year of uncommon trials and uncommon blessings. Abundance have been convinced of sin; very many have found peace with God; and in London only, I believe full two hundred have been brought into glorious liberty. And yet I have had more care and trouble in six months, than in several years preceding.