Wesley Corpus

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. Many of them already know, that “the blood of Jesus Christ” hath “cleansed them from all sin.” Wed, 7-I went to Yarm. There I found a lovely young woman, in the last stage of a consumption; but such a one as I never read of, nor heard any Physician speak of, but Dr. Wilson. The seat of the ulcers is not in the lungs, but the wind-pipe. I never yet knew it cured. My housekeeper died of it last year. This young woman died in a few weeks. Thur. 8.-About eleven I preached at Osmotherley. I found my old friend Mr. Watson, who first brought me into this country, was just dead, after living a recluse life near fifty years. From one that attended him, I learned, that the sting of death was gone, and he calmly delivered up his soul to God. Fri. 9.--I went to Malton, hoping to meet Miss R y there: But instead of her, I found a letter which informed me that she was on the brink of the grave; but added, “Surely my Lord will permit me to see you once more in the hody.” I would not disappoint the congregation; but as soon as I had done preaching, set out, and about four in the morning came to Otley. I minutely inquired into the cir cumstances of her illness. She is dropped suddenly into the third stage of a consumption, having one or more ulcers in her lungs, spitting blood, having a continual pain in her breast, and a constant hectic fever, which disables her from either riding on horseback, or bearing the motion of a carriage. Meantime, she breathes nothing but praise and love. Short-lived flower, and ripe for a better soil Sat. 10.--After travelling between ninety and a hundred 98 Rev. J. Wesley’s [May, 1777. miles, I came back to Malton; and, having rested an hour, went on to Scarborough, and preached in the evening. But the flux which I had had for a few days so increased, that at first I found it difficult to speak. Yet the longer I spoke the stronger I grew. Is not God a present help? Sun.