Wesley Corpus

His criticisms on Homer and Horace seem to be well grounded. Very probably the xvves, mentioned by Homer, were not dogs, but attendants; and without doubt ovenas means, not mules, but the outguards of the camp. It seems, that ode in Horace ought to be read, Sume, Maecenas, cyathos amici Sospitis. Cantum et vigiles lucernas Perfer in lucem. In the Art of Poetry he would read, Unumque prematur in annum. Lib. 1. Ode 9. For Campus et area, Read Cantus et aleae. Lib. 3. Ode 29. For Tum me biremis praesidio scaphae aura. feret: Read Cum me-Aura ferat. Lib. 3. Ode 23. Read Thure placaris, et horna. Fruge Lares, avidasque Parcas. And Lib. 1. Ode. 20. Read Vile potabo. A few things in the second volume are taken from Jacob Behmen; to whom I object, not only that he is obscure; July, 1773.] JOURNAL. 503 (although even this is an inexcusable fault in a writer on practical religion;) not only that his whole hypothesis is unproved, wholly unsupported either by Scripture or reason; but that the ingenious madman over and over contradicts Christian experience, reason, Scripture, and himself. But, setting these things aside, we have some of the finest sentiments that ever appeared in the English tongue; some of the noblest truths, expressed with the utmost energy of language, and the strongest colours of poetry: So that, upon the whole, I trust this publication will much advance the cause of God, and of true religion. Tues. 13.--I preached at Wednesbury; Wednesday, 14, at Dudley and Birmingham. Thursday, 15. I went on to Witney, and had the satisfaction to find that the work of God was still increasing. In the evening I preached at the east end of the town, to a numerous and attentive congregation. In the morning I met the select society, full of faith and love; although the greater part of them are young, some little more than children. At six I preached at the west end of the town, near Mr. Bolton’s door. After preaching, I had a pleasant journey to Wheatley, and the next day to London. In this journey I read over that strange book, “The Life of Sextus Quintus;” an hog-driver at first, then a Monk, a Priest, a Bishop, a Cardinal, a Pope. He was certainly as great a genius, in his way, as any that ever lived.