[207] The following probably refers to the ghost stories, in Wesley’s Journal, under date May 25, 1768. The fifteenth number of his journal, containing these accounts, was published in this same year, 1774. [208] Glanvil, the author of “Some Considerations touching the being of Witches and Witchcraft”; and Mather, the author of “The Wonders of the Invisible World, or the Trials of Witches.” [209] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 131. [210] Wesley’s Works, vol. xii., p. 373. [211] Mr. Brooke was three years the junior of Wesley, and, about the time when Methodism had its birth, was the honoured friend of many of the most distinguished personages in London society. Swift prophesied wonders of him; Pope received him with open arms; Pitt paid him marked attention; and the Prince of Wales presented him with valuable tokens of his friendship. The publication however of his tragedy, “Gustavus Vasa,” offended the government, and he retired to Ireland, and devoted his fine genius wholly to the muses. He was a man of rare ability, and an earnest Christian. [212] Life of Mr. Henry Brooke, p. 90. [213] He died in 1783, three years after Wesley published his revised and abridged edition in two vols., 12mo. [214] _Methodist Magazine_, 1787, p. 160. [215] _Christian Miscellany_, 1846, p. 93. [216] Asbury’s Journal, vol. i., p. 112. [217] Palmer’s “Four Years in the Old World,” p. 260. [218] Taylor’s manuscript journal. [219] Memoirs of Cadogan, p. 37. [220] _Methodist Magazine_, 1787, p. 44. 1775. Age 72 According to his custom, Wesley spent the first two months of 1775 in London, and in short preaching excursions to Northamptonshire and other places. The nation, at this period, was in a state of the highest excitement. On February 9, the two houses of parliament presented an address to King George III., stating that the British colonists in America had risen in rebellion, and begging his majesty to “take the most effectual measures to enforce obedience to the laws and authority of the supreme legislature.” His majesty’s reply was affirmative; and parliament was requested to increase both the naval and military forces.