Chapter 9. Wesley's Marriage; Dealings with Cornwall Smugglers; His Illness and Recovery

1751. Wednesday, January 10.—Having received a pressing letter from Dr. Isham, then the rector of our college, to give my vote at the election for a Member of Parliament which was to be the next day, I set out early, in a severe frost and with the northwest wind full in my face. The roads were so slippery that it was scarcely possible for our horses to keep their feet; indeed one of them could not, but fell upon his head and cut it terribly. Nevertheless, about seven in the evening, God brought us safe to Oxford. A congregation was waiting for me at Mr. Evan’s, whom I immediately addressed in those awful words, “What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

Thursday, 31.—I went to the schools where the Convocation was met: but I did not find the decency and order which I expected. The gentleman for whom I came to vote was not elected, yet I did not repent of my coming; I owe much more than this to that generous, friendly man, who now rests from his labors.

I was much surprised wherever I went at the civility of the people—gentlemen as well as others.  There was no pointing, no calling of names, as once; no, nor even laughter. What can this mean? Am I become a servant of men?  Or is the scandal of the cross ceased?