Wesley Corpus

Fri. 15.--I rode in two days to Wednesbury, but found things surprisingly altered. The inexcusable folly of Mr. W s had so provoked Mr. E n, that his former love was turned into bitter hatred. But he had not yet had time to work up the poor people into the rage and madness which afterward appeared ; so that they were extremely quiet both this and the following days, while I improved the present opportunity, and exhorted them, morning and evening, to “believe on the Lord Jesus,” and to “ work out their salvation with fear and trembling.” Yet on Sunday, 17, the scene began to open: I think I never heard so wicked a sermon, and delivered with such bitterness of voice and manner, as that which Mr. E preached in the afternoon. I knew what effect this must have in a little time ; and therefore judged it expedient to prepare the poor people for what was to follow; that, when it came, they might not be offended. Accordingly, on Tuesday, 19, I strongly enforced those words of our Lord, “If any man come after me, and hate not his father and mother,--yea, and his own life, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” While I was speaking, a gentleman rode up very drunk; and after many unseemly and bitter words, laboured much to ride over some of the people. I was surprised to hear he was a neighbouring clergyman. And this, too, is a man zealous for the Church! Ah poor Church, if it stood in need of such defenders ! ' Thur. 21.--I spent an hour with some of my old friends, whom J had not seen for many years. I rejoiced to find them still loving and open of heart, just as they were before I went to Georgia. In the afternoon I called at Barkswell, near Coventry ; where I had formerly spent many pleasant hours. And here likewise I found friendship and openness still but the master of the house was under heavy afflictior May, 1743.] REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. 285