Wesley Corpus

Gell’s “Essay toward an Amend ment of the last Translation of the Bible.” This part only takes in the Pentateuch; but many other texts are occasion ally explained. Surely he was a man mighty in the Scrip tures, and well acquainted with the work of God in the soul: And he plainly shows that the Antinomians and Anti Perfectionists were just the same then, as they are now. Monday, 21, was the day appointed for laying the foundation of the new chapel. The rain befriended us much, by keeping away thousands who purposed to be there. But there were still such multitudes, that it was with great difficulty I got through them to lay the first stone. Upon this was a plate of brass, (covered with another stone,) on which was engraved, “This was laid by Mr. John Wesley, on APRIL 1, 1777.” Probably this will be seen no more, by any human eye; but will remain there, till the earth and the works thereof are burned up. Sun. 27.--The sun breaking out, I snatched the oppor tunity of preaching to many thousands in Moorfields. All were still as night, while I showed how “the Son of God was manifested to destroy the works of the devil.” Mon. 28.--At one I took coach, and on Wednesday evening preached at Newcastle-upon-Tyne. I love our brethren in the southern counties; but still I find few among them that have the spirit of our northern societies. Saturday, MAY 3. I went May, 1777.] JOURNAL. 97 to Sunderland, and strongly enforced, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.” Mon. 5.--Having finished my business in these parts, I set my face southward again; and after preaching at Durham, about eleven went on to Darlington. I have not lately found so lively a work in any part of England as here. The society is constantly increasing, and seems to be all on fire for God. There is nothing among them but humble, simple love; no dis pute, no jar of any kind. They exactly answer the descrip tion that David Brainerd gives of his Indian congrega tion. I particularly desired both the Preachers and Leaders to have an especial care over them, and, if possible, to pre vent either the devil or his agents from poisoning their simplicity.