Wesley Corpus

Early in the morning we set out, and, at two in the afternoon, came to Ballibac-Ferry. A troop of sailors ran down to the shore, to see the chaise put into the boat. I was walking at a small distance, when I heard them cry out, “Avast ! Avast ! The coach is overset into the river.” I thought, “However, it is well my bags are on shore; so my papers are not spoiled.” In less than an hour they fished up the chaise, and got it safe into the boat. As it would not hold us all, I got in myself, leaving the horses to come after. At half-hour after three I came to Passage. Finding no post-chaise could be had, and having no time to spare, I walked on (six or seven miles) to Water ford, and began preaching without delay, on, “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Sat. 24.--I had much satisfaction, both morning and evening, in the number and seriousness of the congregation. Sunday, 25. Word being brought me that the Mayor was willing I should preach in the Bowling-Green, I went thither in the evening. An huge multitude was quickly gathered together. I preached on, “I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God.” Some attempted to disturb, but without success; the bulk of the congregation being deeply attentive. But as I was drawing to a conclusion, some of the Papists set on their work in earnest. They knocked down John Christian, with two or three more, who endeavoured to quiet them; and then began to roar like the waves of the sea: But hitherto could they come, and no farther. Some gentlemen, who stood near me, rushed into the midst of them; and, after bestowing some heavy blows, seized the ringleader, and delivered him to the Constable; and one of them undertook to conduct me home. So few received any hurt, but the rioters themselves; which, I trust, will make them more peaceable for the time to come. AMon, 26.--I went on to Cloheen; Tuesday, to Cork; Wednesday, to Bandon. The wind being boisterous, I preached in the House, well filled with serious hearers. Even the fashionable ones, who were not a few, were uncom monly attentive. So they were the next evening. Such congregations had not been seen in Bandon for twenty years; 492 REv. J. wesLEY’s [May, 1773.