Wesley Corpus

He believes just as much of the Bible as David Hume did. Hence he perpetually ascribes to enthusiasm whatever good men did from a strong conviction of duty. 2. He cordially believes that idle tale which King James published, concerning Father Huddleston’s giving King Charles extreme unction. My eldest brother asked Lady Oglethorpe concerning this. “Sir,” said she, “I never left the room from the moment the King was taken ill till the breath went out of his body; and I aver, that neither Father Huddleston nor any Priest came into the room till his death.” 3. He much labours to excuse that monster of cruelty, Graham, of Claverhouse, afterwards, as a reward for his execrable villanies, created Lord Dundee. Such wanton barbarities were scarce ever heard of, as he prac tised toward men, women, and children. Sir John himself says enough, in telling us his behaviour to his own troops. “He had but one punishment for all faults,--death : And for a very moderate fault he would ride up to a young gentle man, and, without any trial or ceremony, shoot him through the head.” 4. He is not rightly informed concerning the manner of his death. I learned in Scotland, that the current tradition is this:--At the battle of Gallycrankie, being armed in steel from head to foot, he was brandishing his sword over his head, and swearing a broad oath, that before the sun went down, he would not leave an Englishman alive. Just then a musket-ball struck him under the arm, at the joints of his armour. Is it enthusiasm to say, Thus the hand of God rewarded him according to his works? Mon. 14.--I read Prayers and preached to a crowded congregation at Gravesend. The stream here spreads wide, but it is not deep. Many are drawn, but none converted, or even awakened. Such is the general method of God’s providence: Where all approve, few profit. Thur. 17.--In my way to Luton I read Mr. Hutcheson's “Essay on the Passions.” He is a beautiful writer; but his scheme cannot stand, unless the Bible falls. I know both from Scripture, reason, and experience, that his picture of man is not drawn from the life. It is not true, that no man is capable of malice, or delight in giving pain; much less, that every man is virtuous, and remains so as long as he 486 REv.