Wesley Corpus

W. had repelled Sophy out of revenge, because he had made proposals of marriage to her, which she * The one thing needful.--EDIT. rejected. Tuesday, 16. Mrs. W. made affidavit of it. Thurs day, September 1. A Grand Jury, prepared by Mr. Causton, found, that ‘John Wesley had broken the laws of the realm, by speaking and writing to Mrs. W. against her husband’s con sent, and by repelling her from the communion.’ “Friday, 2, was the third court-day at which I appeared, since my being required so to do by Mr. Parker. I moved for an immediate hearing, but was put off till the next court-day. On the next court-day I appeared again, as also at the two courts following; but could not be heard. Thursday, Novem ber 3, I appeared in court again; and yet again on Tuesday, November 22, on which day Mr. C. desired to speak with me, and read me an affidavit, in which it was affirmed, that I ‘ abused Mr. C. in his own house, calling him liar, villain, and so on.’ It was likewise repeated, that I had been repri manded at the last court, by Mr. C., as an enemy to, and hin derer of, the public peace. “My friends agreed with me, that the time we looked for was now come. And the next morning, calling on Mr. C., I told him, I designed to set out for England immediately. “Friday, December 2. I proposed to set out for Carolina about noon. But about ten, the Magistrates sent for me, and told me, I must not go out of the province; for I had not answered the allegations laid against me. I replied, ‘I have appeared at six or seven courts, in order to answer them. But I was not suffered so to do. After a few more words, I said, ‘You use me very ill. And so you do the Trustees. You know your business, and I know mine.’ “In the afternoon, they published an order, forbidding any to assist me in going out of the province. But I knew I had no more business there. So as soon as Evening Prayer was over, the tide then serving, I took boat at the Bluff, for Carolina.” This is the plain account of the matter. I need only add a remark or two on the pleasantry of my censurer.