Wesley Corpus

Tues. 16.--We left Newcastle. In riding to Leeds, I read Di. Hodge’s “ Account of the Plague in London.” I was surprised, 1. That he did not learn, even from the symptoms related by himself, that the part first seized by the infection was the stomach ; and, 2. That he so obstinately persevered in the hot regimen ; though he continually saw the ill success of it,--a majority of the patients dying under his hands. . Soon after twelve I preached near the market place in Stockton, to a very large and very rude congregation. But they grew calmer and calmer; so that long before I had done, they were quiet and serious. Some gentlemen of Yarm earnestly desired that I would preach there in the afternoon. I refused for some time, being weak and tired; so that I thought preaching thrice in the day, and riding upward of fifty miles, would be work enough. But they would take no denial: so I went with them about two o’clock, and preached at three, in the market place there, to a great multitude of people, gathered together at a few minutes’ warning. About sevenI preached in the street, at Osmotherly. It rained almost all the time ; but none went away. We took horse about five, Wednesday, 17, and in the afternoon, came tu Leeds. On Thursday and Friday I preached at the neighbouring towns. Sat. 20.--At the earnest desire of the little society, I went to Wakefield. I knew the madness of the people there: but I knew also, they were in God’s hand. At eight I would have preached in Francis Scot’s yard; but the landlord would not suffer it; saying, the mob would do more hurt to his houses than ever we should do him good; so I went, perforce, into the main street, and proclaimed pardon for sinners. None interrupted, or made the least disturbance, from the beginning to the end. About one I preached at Oulton, where likewise all is now calm, after a violent storm of several weeks, wherein many were beaten, and wounded, and outraged various ways ; but none moved from their steadfastness. In the evening I preached at Armley to many who wan a storm, being quite unnerved by constant sunshine. 434 REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. [Aug. 1748.