Wesley Corpus

Mon. 7.--I preached at Warrington, about noon, to a large congregation, rich and poor, learned and unlearned. I never spoke more plain; nor have I ever seen a congregation listen with more attention. Thence I rode to Liverpool, and thoroughly regulated the society, which had great need of it. Wednesday, 9. I took much pains with a sensible woman who had taken several imprudent steps. But it was labour lost,-neither argument nor persuasion made the least impression. O, what power less than almighty can convince a thorough-paced enthusiast! Thur. 10.--I looked over the wonderful Deed which was lately made here: On which I observed, 1. It takes up three large skins of parchment, and so could not cost less than six guineas; whereas our own Deed, transcribed by a friend, would not have cost six shillings. 2. It is verbose beyond all sense and reason; and withal so ambiguously worded, that one passage only might find matter for a suit of ten or twelve years in Chancery. 3. It everywhere calls the house a Meeting House, a name which I particularly object to. 4. It leaves no power either to the Assistant or me, so much as to place or displace a Steward. 5. Neither I, nor all the Conference, have power to send the same Preacher two years together. To crown all, 6. If a Preacher is not appointed at the Conference, the Trustees and the congregation are to choose one by most votes ! And can any one wonder I dislike this Deed, which tears the Methodist discipline up by the roots? Is it not strange, that any who have the least regard either for me or our discipline, should scruple to alter this uncouth Deed ? Fri. 11.--I preached near Wigan to a large number of serious, well-behaved people, mixed with a few as stupidly insolent creatures as I ever saw. Finding them proof both against reason and persuasion, at length I rebuked them sharply. This they understood, and quickly retired. So I concluded in peace. Sat. 12.--I was desired to preach at Brinsley, three or four April, 1766.] JOURNAL, 247 miles from Wigan. The sun shone hot, but I had some shelter; and the artless people drank in every word. About six I began in the street at Bolton.