Wesley Corpus

The town was so thronged, by reason of the approaching fair, that we had much ado to pass. But this increased the evening congregation much; among whom was Dr. Hort, then Rector of the parish, a learned, sensible, pious man, and a pattern both for Clergy and laity. Tues. 10.--I rode to Drumersnave, a village delightfully situated. Almost the whole town, Protestants and Papists, were present at the sermon in the evening; and a great part of them in the morning: But O how few of them will bear fruit to perfection | At moon William Ley, James Glasbrook, and I rode to Carrick-upon-Shannon. In less than an hour, an Esquire and Justice of the Peace came down with a drum, and what mob he could gather. I went into the garden with the con gregation, while he was making a speech to his followers in the street. He then attacked William Ley, (who stood at the door,) being armed with an halbert and long sword; and ran at him with the halbert, but missing his thrust, he then struck at him, and broke it short upon his wrist. Having made his way through the house to the other door, he was at a full stop. James Glasbrook held it fast on the other side. While he was endeavouring to force it open, one told him I was preaching in the garden: On this he quitted the door in haste, ran round the house, and, with part of his retinue, climbed over the wall into the garden; and, with a whole volley of oaths and curses, declared, “You shall not preach here to-day.” I told him, “Sir, I do not intend it; for I have preached already.” This made him ready to tear the ground. Finding he was not to be reasoned with, I went into the house. Soon after he revenged himself on James Glasbrook, (by breaking the truncheon of his halbert on his arm,) and on my hat, which he beat and kicked most valiantly; but a gentleman rescued it out of his hands, and we rode quietly out of the town. After preaching to several of the intermediate societies in the way, on Saturday, 14, I came to Tyrrel's Pass, and found several of our friends who were come from various parts. Sunday, 15.