Wesley Corpus

“I have for some years endeavoured to keep a conscience void of offence, toward God and toward man. And for above two years I have known that God, for Christ’s sake, had forgiven me all my sins. I lived in the full assurance of faith, which made me rejoice in all states. Wet or weary, cold or hungry, I could rejoice. And faith and love did increase so fast, that it was my soul’s delight to do good to them that hated me, to bless them that cursed me, and to call all those that were in a perishing condition, to accept of life and salvation. But, O! ‘ how are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!’ April 6, 1746, I was overcome by a great temptation: it came as quick as lightning. J know not if I was well in my senses; but I fell. I rose the same moment, and called upon my offended God; and so I have done ever since. But, notwithstanding, his Spirit has departed from me. I have wounded my conscience exceedingly. Iam fallen into the spirit of bondage and fear; and I often cry out, Who shall tell me, if the strife In heaven or hell shall end ?” Mon. August 4.--1 received a letter from Yorkshire, part of which was in these words :-- “ On Wednesday, July 16, I called on good old Mr. Clayton. He was exceeding weak, and seemed like one that had not long to continue here. I called again on Monday, 21, and found him very ill. He told me, no one else should have been admitted; that he had much to say to me to tell you ; and desired me to send his kind respects to you, and wished you prosperity in your pious undertakings. Finding he was not able to talk much, I took my leave, not thinking it would be the last time. But'when I returned into these parts on Saturday last, 1 found he died that morning between two and three. On Monday last I went to his burial, and I was anexpectedly made mourner for my good old friend. I followed his corpse to the ground, where I saw it solemnly interred. Many of his parishioners dropped tears, he having been a father to the poor. He died very poor, "Lae oe