Wesley Corpus

After preaching in the evening, I went on board about eight o'clock, and before eight in the morning landed at Douglas, in the Isle of Man. Douglas exceedingly resembles Newlyn in Cornwall ; both in its situation, form, and buildings ; only it is much larger, and has a few houses equal to most in Penzance. As soon as we landed, I was challengedby Mr. Booth, who had seen me in Ireland, and whose brother has been for many years a member of the society in Coolylough. A chaise was provided to carry me to Castletown. I was greatly surprised at the country. Alltheway from Douglas to Castletown it is as pleasant and as well cultivated as most parts ofEngland, withmany gentlemen's seats. Castletown a good deal resembles Galway ; only it is not so large. At six I preached near the Castle, I believe, to all the inhabitants of the town. Two or three gay youngwomen showed they knew nothing about religion ; all the rest were deeply serious. Afterwards I spent an hour very agreeably [June, 1777. at Mrs. Wood's, the widow of the late Governor. I was much pressed to stay a little longer at Castletown; butmytimewasfixed. Sun. JUNE 1.-At six I preached in ourown Room ; and, to my surprise, saw all the gentlewomen there. Young as well as old were now deeply affected, and would fain have had me stayed, were it but an hour or two ; but I was forced to hasten away, in order to be at Peeltown before the Service began. Mr. Corbett said, he would glady have asked me to preach, but that the Bishop had forbidden him ; who had also forbidden all his Clergy to admit any Methodist Preacher to the Lord's Supper. But is any Clergyman obliged, either in law or con- science, to obey such a prohibition? By no means. Thewill even of the King does not bind any English subject, unless it be seconded by an express law. How much less the will of a Bishop ? " But did not you take an oath to obeyhim ?" No, nor any Clergyman in the three kingdoms. This is a mere vulgar error. Shame that it should prevail almost universally. As it rained, I retired after Service into a large malt-house. Most of the congregation followed, and devoured the word.