Wesley Corpus

So having no business there, I left it in the morning, preached at Clare about eight, and in the evening at Limerick. The continued rain kept me from preaching abroad this week; and I was scandalized at the smallness of the congregation in the House. I am afraid my glorying, touching many of these societies, is at an end. Almost throughout the province of Ulster I found the work of God increasing; and not a little in Connaught, particularly at Sligo, Castlebar, and Galway. But in Munster, a land flowing with milk and honey, how widely is the case altered ! At Ennis, the god of this world has wholly prevailed; at Clare there is but a spark left; and at Limerick itself, I find only the remembrance of the fire which was kindled two years ago. And yet one of the two Preachers who was here last was almost universally admired ! But, alas ! how little does this avail! “He is the best Physician,” said a sensible man, “not who talks best, or who writes best, but who performs the most cures.” Sun. 17.--The weather being fair, I took my stand in the Old-Camp, and had, I believe, as many hearers as all the preceding week put together. There was a solemn awe throughout the congregation, and I began to hope, God would revive his work. Monday, 18. I spoke to the members of the society severally; most of them appeared to be honest 280 Rev. J. weslEY’s [May, 1767. and upright. But a general faintness seemed to have spread among them; there was no zeal, no vigour of grace. Thur. 21.--I preached about noon at Ballygarame, to what is left of the poor Palatines. Many are gone to America; many scattered up and down in various parts of the kingdom. Every where they are patterns of industry and frugality. In the evening I preached at Newmarket. Sunday, 24. The Old-Camp would ill contain the congregation, closely wedged in together. Afterwards we had a solemn hour at the meeting of the society; in which God caused many of the bones which had been broken to rejoice. So they are set upon their feet once again. Now let them run with patience the race set before them. Mon. 25.--I rode to Shronill, and preached at twelve to the largest congregation I have ever seen there.