Wesley Corpus

wesLEY’s [May, 1773. and the society was near doubled within a twelvemonth. So had God blessed the labours of William Collins!--Another proof that, at present, a prophet is not without honour, even in his own country. Fri. 30.--We had a solemn watch-night at Cork. I believe the confidence of many was shaken, while I was enforcing, “Though I had all faith, so as to remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing.” An hard saying ! but yet absolutely necessary to be insisted on, particularly among the people called Methodists. Otherwise, how many of them will build on the sand, on an unloving, unholy faith ! Tues. MAY 4.--I left Cork with much satisfaction, having seen the fruit of my labour. In the afternoon we had a quick succession of piercing wind, rain, hail, and snow; and in a short time after, loud thunder, with a few flashes of lightning. We lodged at Charleville; and on Wednesday, 5, after an easy ride, dined at Limerick. Here I found, as in time past, a settled, serious people, but in danger of sinking into formality. Thursday, 6. I hired a post-chaise for Balligarane, the man promising to go two miles and a half an hour: But he could not perform it. In about five hours he could not drive quite twelve miles. I then took horse, and, after riding two miles, came just at the time I had appointed. In the evening I preached at Newmarket. Papists and Protestants flocked together from every side; and, for the time, they appeared to be greatly affected: But who will endure to the end? Fri. 7.--I returned to Limerick, but could not preach abroad, because of the severe weather. Monday, 10. After the morning preaching, I met the select society. All of these once experienced salvation from sin: Some enjoy it still; but the greater part are, more or less, shorn of their strength; yet not without hope of recovering it. Tues. 11.--The north wind was so high and sharp, that it was thought best I should preach within. But, had I known what a congregation was assembled in the barracks, I should have preached there at all events. I am afraid Satan made us consult our own ease more than the glory of God. Wed. 12.--I took my leave of this affectionate people, and in the evening preached at Clare.