Wesley Corpus

Tues. MAY 6.--I had much conversation (at Carrickfergus) with Monsieur Cavenac, the French General, not on the circum stances, but the essence, of religion. He seemed to startle at nothing; but said more than once, and with emotion, “Why, this is my religion: There is no true religion besides it!” Wed, 7.--I rode to Larn. The rain, which had continued with little intermission for several days, stopped this afternoon; so that I had a very large, as well as serious, congregation: And I spoke to them with the utmost plainness; but I could not find the way to their hearts. Thur. 8.--We rode over the mountains to Ballymena, and had just passed through the town, when a man came running out of the field, called me by my name, and pressed me much to preach there. But I could not stay, having appointed one to meet me at Portlomane; which he accordingly did, and brought me to Mr. Burrows, near Garvah. Fri. 9.--A little rest was acceptable. Saturday, 10. I preached, morning and evening, in Mr. B 's house, to a well-behaved congregation, though of various denominations; Churchmen, Papists, Presbyterians, Cameronians. One Seceder likewise ventured in; but the moment he heard, “Our Father, which art in heaven,” he ran away with all speed. Sun. 11.--We had such a congregation in the church as perhaps had not been there in this century; and I believe God reached some of their hearts: Several were in tears. I spoke extremely plain; especially to those who were full of their own wisdom and righteousness. Mon. 12.--Returning through Ballymena, I preached in the market-house to a large concourse of people; and God was there of a truth. I have found no such spirit in any congregation since I left Dublin. Thence I rode to Moira, and preached to a very civil congregation: But there is no life in them. 4. Rev. J. west EY’s [May, 1760. Tues. 13.--My Irish horse was thoroughly tired. How cver, with much difficulty, partly riding, and partly walking, about eight in the evening I reached Coot-Hill. I preached in the House now, and at five in the morning; but at eleven in the market-house, where I delivered my own soul, to most of the Protestants in the town. Having procured a fresh horse, I rode on to Belturbet, a town in which there is neither Papist nor Presbyterian.