Wesley Corpus

“12. I was then at New-York, whence I returned to Bethlehem, in January, 1746. But I had no rest in my spirit, till, after three weeks, I removed to Philadelphia. Here two of the Brethren and a widow woman lived in the Brethren’s house. I hired a room in it, and desired the widow, as I had not convenience myself, to boil me a little water in the morning for my tea. Meantime all the Brethren in Philadelphia were charged not to converse with me. And not long after, the two Brethren wrote Mr. Sp---- word, that I lived in adultery with the widow. When I was informed of this, I went straight to Bethlehem, and told Mr. Sp the whole affair ; who immediately wrote back to them in Philadelphia that I had confessed the charge. “14, Being now thoroughly weary of mankind, I procured a little house, in a wood, at some miles distant from any town, and resolved to spend the remainder of my days by myself. Here I stayed about four years; till one afternoon Mr. Sp---- and the Count’s son-in-law called. upon me. We talked together till two in the morning. They acknowledged many things that had been wrong, promised they should be amended without delay, and persuaded me to join with them once more. But nothing was amended; so that after a few months, I was constrained to leave them again. I followed my business in Philadelphia till I had earned money for my passage, and a year ago returned to London.” Was there ever so melancholy an account ? O what is human nature March, 1752.] REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. 527 How low are they fallen, who were once burning and shining lights, spreading blessings wherever they came! But what infatuation is it which makes this very man attend their preaching still, and his wife, (though she believes most of what her husband says,) to remain in close connection with them !