Wesley Corpus

Wed. 17.--I examined the society at Limerick, containing now an hundred and one persons, seven less than they were two years ago. I a little wonder at this; considering the scandal of the cross is well nigh ceased here, through the wise and steady behaviour of our brethren. But they want zeal; they are not fervent in spirit: Therefore, they cannot increase. Thur. 18.--In the evening I preached at Galway, in the county Court-House, to a more civil and attentive congregation than I ever saw there before. Fri. 19.--About one I preached at Ballinrobe, in the assembly-room, and was agreeably surprised, both at the un usual number and seriousness of the hearers. I had purposed to go on to Castlebar, but now thought it might be worth while to stay a little longer. In the afternoon I took a view of the Castle. Colonel Cuffe’s father took great delight in this place, laid out beautiful gardens, and procured trees of all sorts, from May, 1775.] JOURNAL. 45 all parts of the kingdom. Part of these placed on the slope of the hill, (at the side of which runs the river,) form a lovely wilderness, at the end whereof are regular rows of elms. But the Colonel has no pleasure therein. So all is now swiftly running to ruin. I preached again at six, to a large congregation, and the next evening at Castlebar. Monday, 22. I spent two or three hours in one of the loveliest places, and with one of the love liest families, in the kingdom. Almost all I heard put me in mind of those beautiful lines of Prior, The nymph did like the scene appear, Serenely pleasant, calmly fair; Soft fell her words, as flew the air. How willingly could I have accepted the invitation to spend a few days here ! Nay, at present I must be about my Father's business: But I trust to meet them in a still lovelier place. Between Limerick and Castlebar, I read over the famous controversy between Drs. Clarke and Leibnitz. And is this he whom the King of Prussia extols, as something more than human? So poor a writer have I seldom read, either as to sentiments or temper.