Wesley Corpus

The tall mountain on which it stands is quite steep and abrupt, only where the roads are made; and the deep valleys that surround it, as well as the sides of the mountains beyond, are well clothed with grass, corn, and trees. I preached with great enlargement of heart, on, “Now is the day of salvation.” The renegade Methodists, first turning Calvinists, then Anabaptists, made much confusion here for a season; but as they now have taken themselves away, the poor people are in peace again. Fri. AUGUST 1.--I rode to Ewood. The last time I was here, young Mr. Grimshaw received us in the same hearty manner as his father used to do; but he too is now gone 260 REv. J. wesLEY’s [Aug. 1766. into eternity | So in a few years the family is extinct 1 I preached at one in a meadow near the House to a numerous congregation; and we sang with one heart, Let sickness blast and death devour, If heaven will recompense our pains : Perish the grass and fade the flower, Since firm the word of God remains. In the evening I preached at Halifax. When I began, the sum was intensely hot; but quickly the clouds covered him. Sun. 3.--When the Prayers at Haworth were ended, I preached from a little scaffold on the south side of the church, on those words in the Gospel, “O that thou hadst known the things that belong unto thy peace l” The communicants alone (a sight which has not been seen since Mr. Grimshaw’s death) filled the church. In the afternoon the congregation was supposed to be the largest which had ever been there; but strength was given me in proportion; so that I believe all could hear. Mon. 4.--At one I preached at Bingley, but with an heavy heart, finding so many of the Methodists here, as well as at Haworth, perverted by the Anabaptists. I see clearer and clearer, none will keep to us unless they keep to the church. Whoever separate from the church, will separate from the Methodists. In the afternoon I went to Otley; but the town seemed to be run mad. Such noise, hurry, drunkenness, rioting, confusion, I know not when I have met with before. It was their feast-day ! A feast of Bacchus, or Venus, or Belial? O shame to a Christian country !