Wesley Corpus

Wed. 25.--I had designed to go straight for Epworth, but W. Fenwick begged I would call on the little flock at Tealby. Mr. B., ‘he said,) the minister of the place, had preached against them with the utmost bitterness, had repelled them from the Lord’s table, and zealously endeavoured to stir up the whole town against them. I called there about seven, and began to talk with two or three that were in the house where we alighted. Presently the house was ful] from end to end. I stood up and declared, “ By grace are ye saved through faith.” Even at Hainton I did not find such a blessing as here. Surely this day was the Scripture fulfilled, “If ye be reproached for the sake of Christ, happy are ye: for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you.” About two in the afternoon I preached at Ferry, and in the evening at Epworth. Thursday, 26.--I left them all in peace and love, and rode to Sykehouse, where William Shent met me, and one from Acomb. I preached at three and at seven; and we were not a little comforted. Fri. 27.--Honest muddy M. B. conducted me to his house at Acomb. I now found out (which I could not comprehend before) what was the matter with him. He, and one or two more, since I saw them last, had been studying the profound Jacob Behmen. The event was, (as might easily have been foreseen,) he had utterly confounded their intellects, and filled them so full of sublime speculations that they had left Scripture and common sense far behind. I preached, at seven, on, “* Repent ye, and believe the Gospel.” The congregation, many of whom came from York, was surprisingly quiet. Though I used the utmost plainness of speech, several of York came again at five in the morning. After preaching, I spoke with a few who were desirous to join heart and hand together in seeking the kingdom of God. Sat. 28.--I called at Shipton, on Mr. C., the minister of Acomb, who had desired to see me ; and, after half an hour both agreeably and usefully spent, rode on to Thirsk. Here 1 rejoiced with T. Brooke and March, 1747. ] REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. 39]