Wesley Corpus

Sun. 7.--I was agreeably surprised to see the largest congregation to-day which I have seen since I landed. The congregations used to be large for three or four days, and ithen gradually to decline; but they have now continually increased from first to last. This also is a token for good. Mon. 8.--As the weather continued extremely cold, I judged it best to visit the inland counties and the south of Ireland first. So to-day I rode to Edinderry; but was constrained by the keen north wind to preach within. The April, 1771.] JOURNAL. 429 case was the same at Tyrrel’s Pass, on Tuesday, 9, where I preached in the shell of the new House. Wednesday, 10. I preached in the Court-House at Molingar, to a serious and decent congregation. But they seemed quite unconcerned. Those who met in the Court-House at Longford in the evening were of quite another spirit. They drank in every word, while I explained, “Lord, are there few that be saved?” Who can despair of doing good in any place? None in this kingdom seemed so barren as Longford; and that for many years. After near twenty years’ labour, we sought fruit, but found none. But on a sudden, the seed so long hid, is sprung up, and promises a plentiful harvest. Thur. 11.--I preached at Loughan and Athlone; Friday, 12, at Aghrim. Saturday, 13. I rode back to Athlone, where there is now no opposition either from rich or poor. The consequence of this is, there is no zeal, while the people “dwell at ease.” O what state upon earth is exempt from danger! When persecution arises, how many are offended ! When it does not arise, how many grow cold and leave their “first love l’” Some perish by the storm, but far more by the calm. “Lord, save, or we perish !” Sun. 14.--I designed to preach abroad; but the storm drove us into the House. This House was built and given, with the ground on which it stands, by a single gentleman. In Cork, one person, Mr. Thomas James, gave between three and four hundred pounds toward the preaching-house. Towards that in Dublin, Mr. Lunel gave four hundred. I know no such benefactors among the Methodists in England. Mon. 15.--I rode to Birr, through much hail and snow, driven in our face by a furious wind.