Wesley Corpus

weslEY’s [May, 1762. The commotions in Munster having now alarmed all Ireland, we had hardly alighted, when some wise persons informed the Provost there were three strange sort of men come to the King's Arms. So the Provost with his officers came without delay, to secure the north from so imminent a danger. I was just come out, when I was required to return into the house. The Provost asked me many questions, and perhaps the affair might have turned serious, had I not had two letters with me, which I had lately received; one from the Bishop of Londonderry, the other from the Earl of Moira. Upon reading these, he excused himself for the trouble he had given, and wished me a good journey. Between six and seven I preached at Coot-Hill, and in the morning rode on to Enniskillen; the situation of which is both pleasant and strong, as it is surrounded by a deep and broad river; but fortifications it has none; no, nor so much as an old Castle. The inhabitants glory that they have no Papist in the town. After riding round, and round, we came in the evening to a lone house called Carrick-a-Beg. It lay in the midst of horrid mountains; and had no very promising appearance. However, it afforded corn for our horses, and potatoes for ourselves. So we made an hearty supper, called in as many as pleased of the family to prayers, and, though we had no fastening either for our door or our windows, slept in peace. Sat. MAY 1.--We took horse at five. The north-east wind would have suited the first of January; and we had soaking rain on the black mountains. However, before noon we came well to Sligo. None in Sligo, when I was there last, professed so much love to me as Mr. Knox's family. They would willingly have had me with them morning, moon, and night, and omitted no possible mark of affection. But what a change! Mrs. K went into the country the day before I came ; her brother and his wife set out for Dublin, at the same time; he himself, and the rest of his family, saw me, that is, at church, because they could not help it; But wonder'd at the strange man's face, As one they ne'er had known. I am sorry for their sake, not my own.