Wesley Corpus

Fri. 13.--1l found Mr. P. and I. almost discouraged at the doctrine of absolute and connotative nouns. I wonder any one has patience to. learn logic, but those who do it on a principle of conscience ; unless he learns it as three in four of the young gentlemen in the universities do: That is, goes about it and about it, without understanding one word of the matter. In some of the following days I snatched a few hours to read “ The History of the Puritans.” I stand in amaze: First, at the execrable spirit of persecution, which drove those venerable men out of the Church, and with which Queen Elizabeth’s clergy were as deeply tinctured as ever Queen Mary’s were. Secondly, at the weakness of those holy confessors, many of whom spent so much of their time and strength in disputing about surplices and hoods, or kneeling at the Lord’s Supper. Thur. 19.--I considered, ‘“* What would I do now, if I was sure I had but two days to live?” All outward things are settled to my wish; the houses at Bristol, Kingswood, and Newcastle, are safe; the deeds whereby they are conveyed to the trustees, took place on the 5th instant; my will is made; what have I more to do, but to commend my soul to my merciful and faithful Creator? Some days I spent in every week, in examining the societies round Newcastle. And great cause I found to rejoice over them. Tues. 24.--I rode to Blanchland, about twenty miles from Newcastle. The rough mountains round about were still white with snow. In the midst of them is a small winding valley, through which the Derwent runs. On the edge of this the little town stands, which is indeed little more than a heap of ruins. There seems to have been a large cathedral church, by the vast walls which still remain. I stood in the church yard, under one side of the building, upon a large tombstone, round which, while I was at prayers, all the congregation kneeled down on the grass. They were gathered out of the lead mines from all parts; many from Allandale, six miles off. A row of little children sat under the opposite fe eee Oe eT em fy ont , NTA i ees y ie _-- pr ~ April, 1'747.] REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. 393