Wesley Corpus

God made his word “quick and powerful, and sharper than a two-edged sword.” Fri. 26.--Finding some of the most earnest persons in the society were deeply prejudiced against each other, I desired them to come face to face, and laboured much to remove their prejudice. I used both argument and persuasion; but it was all in vain. Perceiving that reasoning profited nothing, we betook ourselves to prayer. On a sudden the mighty power of God broke in upon them. The angry ones on both sides burst into tears, and fell on each other’s necks. All anger and prejudice vanished away, and they were as cordially united as ever. Sat. 27.--The congregation in the market-house at Port arlington was widely different from that at Mount-Mellick. I endeavoured to suit my subject to my audience, preaching from, “Gallio cared for none of these things;” but some of them were quite above conviction. So, finding that they had neither sense nor good manners, (of religion I did not suspect them,) the next day I adjourned to the shell of our new House, in which I preached morning and evening. And here the greatest part of the congregation, both Papists and Protestants, behaved with decency. Mon. 29.--We took horse about a quarter past three, and before eight reached Coolylough. At twelve I preached in the shady walk; afterwards we had the Quarterly Meeting. I found no reason to complain of any of the societies, only they want more life and zeal. Tues. 30.--I observed more good manners at Tyrrel’s Pass, in rich as well as poor, than at Portarlington. Wednesday, JULY 1. A friend carried me to Belvidere, a seat built on the side of a clear lake, with walks and gardens adjoining, so curiously laid out as to exceed even the late Earl of Charle ville's. One would scarce think it possible to have such a variety of beauties in so small a compass. But How soon, alas ! will these “upbraid Their transitory master dead!” We went on to Molingar, where for many years no Methodist Preacher could appear. The Sessions-House here was used as a guard-house. I sent to the Commanding Officer, and desired leave to preach there. This he not only gave, but came himself. So did many of the soldiers, as well July, 1767.] JOURNAL. 287 as the townsmen.