Wesley Corpus

Sat. 23.--I heard, face to face, two that weie deeply prejudiced -- against each other, Mrs. E , and Mrs. M But the longer they talked, the warmer they grew ; till, in about three hours, they were almost distracted. One who came in as a witness, was as hot as either. I perceived there was no remedy but prayer. So a few of us wrestled with God for above two hours. When we arose, Mrs. M. ran and fell on the other’s neck. Anger and revenge were vanished away, and melted down into love. One only, M t B , continued still in bitter agony of soul. We besought God in her behalf; and did not let him go, till she also was set at liberty. Sun. 24.--There being no English service, I went to the French church. I have sometimes thought, Mr. Whitefield’s action was violent: but he is a mere post to Mr. Calliard. In the evening I preached at Mount Mellick, where were two from Roscrea, to show me the way thither. One of them gave us so strange a relation, that I thought it worth while to set it down, as nearly as might be, in his own words. The strangest part of it rests not on his testimony alone, but on that of many of his neighbours; none of whom could have any manner of temptation to affirm either more or less than they saw with their eyes : “ My son, John Dudley, was born at Roscrea, in the year 1726. He was serious from a child, tender of conscience, and greatly fearing God. When he was at school, he did not play like other children; but spent his whole time in learning. About eighteen I took him home, and employed him in husbandry; and he grew more and more serious. On February 4, 747, just as I was laid down in bed, he cried out, ‘My dear father, I am ready to be choked.’ I ran, and took him in my arms; and in about a minute he recovered.