Wesley Corpus

I rode in two days to Wednesbury, but found things surprisingly altered. The inexcusable folly of Mr. W s had so provoked Mr. E n, that his former love was turned into bitter hatred. But he had not yet had time to work up the poor people into the rage and madness which afterward appeared ; so that they were extremely quiet both this and the following days, while I improved the present opportunity, and exhorted them, morning and evening, to "believe on the Lord Jesus," and to " work out their salvation with fear and trembling." Yet on Sunday, 17, the scene began to open: I think I never heard so wicked a sermon, and delivered with such bitterness of voice and manner, as that which Mr. E preached in the afternoon. I knew what effect this must have in a little time ; and therefore judged it expedient to prepare the poor people for what was to follow; that, when it came, they might not be offended. Accordingly, on Tuesday, 19, I strongly enforced those words of our Lord, "If any man come after me, and hate not his father and mother, yea, and his own life, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple." While I was speaking, a gentleman rode up very drunk; and after many unseemly and bitter words, laboured much to ride over some of the people. I was surprised to hear he was a neighbouring clergyman. And this, too, is a man zealous for the Church! Ah poor Church, if it stood in need of such defenders ! ' I spent an hour with some of my old friends, whom J had not seen for many years. I rejoiced to find them still loving and open of heart, just as they were before I went to Georgia. In the afternoon I called at Barkswell, near Coventry ; where I had formerly spent many pleasant hours. And here likewise I found friendship and openness still but the master of the house was under heavy afflictior May, 1743. REV. J. WESLEY'S JOURNAL. 285