Wesley Corpus

Tues. 22.---I had a long conversation with Mr. Simpson. And of this I am fully persuaded, that whatever he does, is in the uprightness of his heart. But he is led into a thousand mistakes by one wrong principle, (the same which many either ignorantly or wickedly ascribe to the body of the people called Mcthodists,) the making inward impressions his rule of action, and not the written word. About eight I left Donnington Park, and before noon came to Markfield. We lay at Coventry, and the next day, Wednesday, 23, in the afternoon, came to Evesham. Ateight I preached. There were many who came with a design to disturb the rest ; but they opened not their mouth. Thur. 24.--I spent great part of the day in speaking with the mem aoe ee & June, 1742.] REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. 259. bers of the society ; whom in the evening I earnestly besought, no more to tear each other to pieces by disputing; but to “ follow after holiness,” and ‘ provoke one another to love and to good works.” = Fri. 25 --TI rode to Painswick ; where, in the evening, I declared to all those who had been fighting and troubling one another, from the beginning hitherto, about rites and ceremonies, and modes of worship, and opinions, “ The kingdom of God is not meat and drink ; but nghteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Sat. 26.--I was desired to call upon Mr. Walker, “the pillar of the Church” in these parts. As soon as I came in, he fell upon me with might and main, for saying, “ People might know their sins were forgiven,” and brought a great book to confute me at once. I asked, if it was the Bible; and upon his answering, “ No,” inquired no further, but laid it quietly down. This made him warmer still: upon which I held it best to shake him by the hand and take my leave.