Wesley Corpus

Sat. 25.--Both in the morning and evening, I spoke as closely and sharply as I could; but yet I cannot find the way to wound the people. They are neither offended, nor convinced. May, 1765.] JOURNAL. 215 Ever since I came hither, I have been amazed at the honesty which runs through this city. None scruples to leave his house open all day, and the door only on the latch at night. Such a thing as theft is scarce heard of at Derry; no one has the least suspicion of it. No wonder, therefore, that the inhabitants never suspect themselves to be sinners. O what pity that honesty should be a bar to salvation? Yet so it is if a man puts it in the place of Christ. Having a remarkable anecdote put intomy hands, which some will probably be pleased to see, I may insert it here, as well as elsewhere. It is a conversation between my father's father, (taken down in short-hand by himself) and the then Bishop of Bristol. I may be excused if it appears more remarkable to me, than it will do to an unconcerned person: Bishop. What is your name? WESLEY. John Wesley. B. There are many great matters charged upon you. W. May it please your Lordship, Mr. Horlock was at my house on Tuesday last, and acquainted me that it was your Lordship’s desire I should come to you; and on that account I am here to wait on you. B. By whom were you ordained? Or are you ordained? W. I am sent to preach the Gospel. B. By whom were you sent? W. By a Church of Jesus Christ. B. What Church is that? W. The Church of Christ at Melcomb. B. That factious and heretical Church ! W. May it please you, Sir, I know no faction or heresy that Church is guilty of. B. No | Did not you preach such things as tend to faction and heresy? W. I am not conscious to myself of any such preaching. B. I am informed by sufficient men, gentlemen of honour, of this county, viz., Sir Gerard Napper, Mr. Freak, and Mr. Tregonnel, of your doings. What say you? W. Those honoured gentlemen I have been with, who, being by others misinformed, proceeded with some heat against me. B.