Wesley Corpus

23.--We had an evening congregation at five, and an exceeding solemn parting. At six in the evening I cried to a company a little above brutes, “Why will ye die, O house of Israel?” This was at Kilfinnan. I lodged a mile from the town, among some that were alive to God. Wed. 24.--I had a cool, pleasant ride to Cork, where I soon heard how cold and careless the people were. I asked, “But are not the society at least alive?” “No; these are the coldest of all.” “What then? Are we to be careless, too? Nay, so much the more let us stir up the gift of God that is in us.” I began in the evening to speak exceeding plain, and I presently saw some fruit: The congregation at five in the morning was not much less than it was in the evening. Many saw their loss; God gave me again very sharp though loving words. I trust this also is a token for good, and Satan shall not long triumph over us. Thur. 25.--I rode to Bandon. Since I was here before, several have gone home rejoicing; but others are come in their place. So that the society contains just as many mem bers as when I left it; and most of the believers seem much alive; particularly the young men, maidens, and children. In the evening we were obliged to be in the House; but the next, Friday, 26, I stood in the main street, and cried to a numerous congregation, “Fear God, and keep his command ments; for this is the whole of man.” Afterwards I visited one that a year or two ago was in high life, an eminent beauty, adored by her husband, admired and caressed by some of the 364 REV. J. WESLEY’s [June, 1769. first men in the nation. She was now without husband, without friend, without fortune, confined to her bed, in constant pain, and in black despair, believing herself forsaken of God, and possessed by a legion of devils | Yet I found great liberty in praying for her, and a strong hope that she will die in peace. Sun. 28.--I returned to Cork. The rain drove us into the House, which was once more throughly filled.