Wesley Corpus

‘“* And bring him before one of the bai'iffs of the said town, to answer the complaint of William Williamson and Sophia his wife, for defaming the said Sophia, and refusing to administer to her the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, in a public congregation, without cause; by which the said William Williamson is damaged one thousand pound sterling: and for so doing, this is your warrant, certifying what you are tc do in the premises. Given under my hand and seal the 8th day of August, Anno Dom. 1737. Tuo. Curistiz.” Tues. 9.--Mr. Jones, the constable, served the warrant, and carried me before Bailiff Parker and Mr. Recorder. My answer to them was, that the giving or refusing the Lord’s Supper being a matter purely ecclesiastical, I could not acknowledge their power to interrogate me upon it. Mr. Parker told me, “ However, you must appear at the next court, holden for Savannah.” Mr. Williamson, who stood by, said, “Gentlemen, I desire Mr. Wesley may give bail for his appearance.” But Mr. Parker immediately replied, “Sir, Mr. Wesley’s word is sufficient.” Wed. 10.--Mr. Causton (from a just regard, as his letter expressed. it, to the friendship which had subsisted between us till this affair) required me to give the reasons in the court house, why I repelled Mrs. Williamson from the holy communion. I answered, “I apprehend many ill consequences may arise from so doing: let the cause be laid before the Trustees.” Thur. 11.--Mr. Causton came to my house, and among many other sharp words, said, ‘* Make an end of this matter: thou hadst best. My niece to be used thus! I have drawn the sword, and I will never sheath it till I have satisfaction.” Soon after, he added, “ Give the reasons of your repelling her before the whole congregation.” I answered, “ Sir, if you insist upon it J Aug. 1737.] REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. 41 will; and so you may be pleased to tell her.” He said, “* Write to her, and tell her so yourself.” I said, “I will;” and after he went I wrote as follows :--_ : “ To Mrs. Sophia Williamson. “At Mr. Causton’s request, I write once more. The rules whereby 1 proceed are these :--