Wesley Corpus

Sun. 12.--After preaching at five, I rode to Misterton. The congregation was the largest I have seen in these parts. Thence I returned to Overthorp, where I did not observe one trifling or careless hearer. I» came to Epworth just in time for the afternoon service; and, after church, walked down straight to the Cross. The north-east wind was strong and keen; yet the bulk of the congregation did not regard it. Mon. 13.--I learned the particulars of Mr. R ’s case, of which I had heard but a confused account before. “In November last he was desired to baptize a child of John Varley’s. It was observed, his voice, which had been lost several years, was entirely restored. He read the office with great emotion and many tears, so as to astonish the whole congregation. But going home from church, he behaved in so strange a manner, that it was thought necessary to confine him. During the first week of his confinement, he was for constraining’ every one that came near him to kneel down and pray; and frequently cried out, ‘ You will be lost, you will be damned, unless you know your sins are forgiven.’ Upon this Mr. roundly averred that the Methodists had turned his head. After seven or eight days he grew much worse, though still with intervals of reason ; and in about a fortnight, by a judgment mixed with mercy, God took him to himself.” Tues. 14.--The waters were greatly out in the road, so that the York coach was overturned just before us; the bridge it should have gone over being under water: yet no passenger was hurt, only dropping wet, being all thrown into the river. We were to pass the same river a few miles off, and which way to do it we knew not. But just as we came lo the place, we overtook two gentlemen who had hired a guide. So we followed them as close as we could, and crossed it without difficulty. I preached about five at Leeds, in the walls of the new house. Wednesday, 15.--We had a little conference with about thirty preachers. J particularly inquired concerning their grace, and gifts, and fruit; and found reason to doubt of one only. Thur. 16.--I rode to W»%eneld; but we had no place except the June, 1751. | REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. 515