Wesley Corpus

After a surgeon had dressed the wound in his head, John went softly onto Acomb. About five he went out, in order to preach, and began singing a hymn. Before it was ended, the same gentlemen came in a coach from York, with a numerous attendance. They threw clods and stones so fast on every side, that the congregation soon dispersed. John walked down into a little ground, not far from Thomas Slaton’s house. Two men quickly followed, one of whom swore desperately he would have his life. And he seemed to be in good earnest. He struck him several times, with all his force, on the head and breast; and at length threw him down, and stamped upon him, till he left him for dead. But, by the mercy of God, being carried into a house, he scon came to himself; and after a night’s rest, was so recovered, that he was able to ride to Osmotherly. Tues. 21.--I called at Thirsk ; but, finding the town full of holiday folks, drinking, cursing, swearing, and cock fighting, I did not stop at all, but rode on to Boroughbridge, and in the afternoon to Leeds. Wed. 22.--I spent an hour with Mr. M., and pressed him to make good his assertion, that our preaching had done more harm than good. This he did not choose to pursue; but enlarged on the harm it mignt occasion in succeeding generations. I cannot see the force of this 396 REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. [May, 1747. argument. JI dare not neglect the doing certain, present good, for fear. of some probable ill consequences in the succeeding century. Thur. 23. --I preached at Morley and Birstal; on Friday, at Birstal and Leeds ; on Saturday, at Oulton and Armley. Sun. 26.--I met the Leeds society at five; preached at seven, on, “ The Spirit and the Bride say, Come ;” and at one, to an unwieldy multitude, several hundreds of whom soon went away, it being impos~ sible for them to hear. Such another congregation I had at Birstal ; -- yet here I believe my voice reached all that were present. Mon. 27, --I preached at Birstal, at Wibsey Moor, and at Bradford, and regulated the societies,