Wesley Corpus

At six I preached in the Room, and could not but observe such singing as I have seldom heard in England. The women, in particular, sang so exactly that it seemed but one voice. Monday, MAY 1. I examined the society, and found it in such order, so increased both in grace and number, as I apprehend it had not been before, since the time of William Pennington. Wed. 3.-I rode to Bandon, and preached in the main street to a very numerous congregation. All behaved well, except three or four pretty gentlemen, who seemed to know just nothing of the matter. I found this society likewise much established in grace, and 44 REv. J. Wesley’s [May, 1775. greatly increased in number. So has God blessed the labours of two plain men, who put forth all their strength in his work. Sat. 6.--I returned to Cork, and in the evening preached at Blackpool. It rained a little all the time I was preaching, but the people regarded it not. Sun. 7.--I was desired to preach on 1 John v. 7: “There are three that bear record in heaven.” The congregation was exceeding large; but abundantly larger in the evening. I never saw the House so crowded before. It was much the same the next evening. Tuesday, 9. I preached my farewell sermon in the afternoon; and going to Mallow in the evening, went on the next day to Limerick. Sat. 13.--I preached to a large congregation of Papists and Protestants, in the yard of the Custom-House, where many could hear within as well as without. Mon. 15.-Having waited for a chaise to go to Balligarane as long as I could, I at length set out on horseback. But T. Wride loitering behind, I might as well have spared my pains; for though I came to the town at the time appointed, I could find neither man, woman, nor child, to direct me to the preaching house. After gaping and staring some time, I judged it best to go to Newmarket, where I was to preach in the evening. I began about six. The congregation was deeply serious; great part of whom came again at five in the morning. And were it only for this opportunity, I did not regret my labour. Wed.