Wesley Corpus

Sun. 19.--Mr. Viney came to me from Yorkshire, and told me :-- “ About a year ago, being then Vor-steher (a kind of president) in the Church of the Brethren, I proposed some scruples I had concerning our discipline, with the reasons on which they were grounded, to Mr. Span- _ genberg ; and begged, that till these were removed, I might have liberty to remain, not a governor, but a private member of the Church. “ With this, Mr. Spangenberg would not comply. So at his instance I continued in my office, and the thing slept till May, 1743, when in a meeting of the labourers (so they term their church officers) I was ordered | to withdraw, and the following questions were proposed: 1. Whether Richard Viney were not of Satan, and an enemy to the Church. And, 2, Whether his objections to the discipline of the brethren did not spring from anger, and self, and pride. After a debate of four hours I was called in, and asked if I was convinced those objections were wrong. I said I was not, and desired they would cast lots; which, after a little debate, they did. The lot came, ‘The objections are just.’ So for a time the thing slept again. “ But in November following, they considered the point again; the result was, that they sent one to tell me I was of Satan ; had raised objections against the brethren from anger, and self, and pride; and therefore I was cut off from the Church, and delivered over to Satan. I was greatly surprised, but not disturbed: God gave me perfect peace. After much March, 1744. ] REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. 309 4 . . prayer I wrote to you, to know whereI might meet you. I know it was the will of God I should come, and that I should give myself up to your direction ; and therefore I have spoke without any disguise or reserve.” I told him, “If you go back you are welcome to go; if you stay with me, you are welcome to stay: only, whatever you do, do it with a clear conscience ; and I shall be satisfied either way.” After a few days he went back to Yorkshire to talk with his wife. The brethren saw him again, and I saw him no more.