Wesley Corpus

Sun. 26.--At seven God was with us as before, and his word brake the rocks in pieces. We left York about nine, as quietly as we came, and rode to Acomb. Mon. 27.--We reached Osmotherley. After preaching in the evening, I was desired to visit a person who had been an eminent scoffer at all religion; but was now, they said, “in a strange way.” I found her in a strange way indeed; either raving mad, or possessed of the devil. The woman herself affirmed that the devil had appeared to her the day before; and, after talking some time, leaped upon, and grievously tormented her ever since. We prayed with her. Her agonies ceased. She fell asleep, and awaked in the morning calm and easy. ‘ues. 28.--About noon we reached Stokesley, where I found none had ever yet preached abroad. Samuel Larwood had attempted it, but in vain: and so had Mr. Roberts some time after; but a clergyman came at the head ofa large mob, and obliged him to desist. About one, the person in whose house we were came in trembling, and told us what threatenings were breathed out. I answered, “ Then there is no time to lose ;” and went out immediately. I suppose the mob expected to hear us sing; but they were disappointea; for I began preaching without delay. By this means, missing their signal, they came, not in a body, but two or three at a time; and as fast as they came their minds were changed; so that all were quiet, from the beginning to the end. It rained all the way we rode to Stockton; but was fair all the time I stood in the main street, and explained to a listening multitude, the joy that is in heaven “ over one sinner that repenteth.” Wed. 29.--I preached at Durham to a quiet, stupid congregation May, 1752. ] REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. 533 and the next day went on to Newcastle. On Friday and Saturday we enjoyed a little respite from labour, and were refreshed both in soul and body.