Wesley Corpus

Tues. 31.--We went on board the Duke of Leinster, and fell down the river with a small side-wind : But in the morn ing, after a dead calm, a contrary wind arose, and blew exceeding hard. Wednesday, APRIL 1. The sea was rough enough. However, I went to sleep about my usual time, and in the morning found myself in Dublin Bay; and about seven we landed at the quay. I was soon informed, that one of our friends, a strong, lively, healthy man, Mr. Ham, had died the day before. From the time he was taken ill, he was a mere self-condemned sinner, deeply convinced of his unfaithfulness to God, and declaring, I give up ev'ry plea beside, Lord, I am damn'd; but thou hast died. “When my wife dies,” said he, “let her be carried to the Room. She has been an honour to her profession. But I will not; I am not worthy; I have been no credit to you.” He continued full of self-condemnation, till, after a week’s illness, his spirit returned to God. I daily conversed with many of the society, and had the satisfaction to find them both more united together, and more 118 REv. J. Wesley’s [April, 1778. alive to God, than they had been for some years. Saturday. I began meeting the classes, and was agreeably surprised. I had heard, that near a hundred persons had left the society: On strict inquiry, I found about forty were wanting; the present number being about four hundred and sixty; and therefore were more loving and unanimous than I ever knew them before. Sun. 5.-Meeting the society in the evening, I largely explained the reasons of the late separation, and strongly exhorted all our brethren not to “render railing for railing.” Tues. 7.--I set out for the country, and reached Tyrrel's Pass. It being a mild evening, I preached to a numerous congregation. The next evening it was larger still ; and the power of the Lord was present to heal. Thur. 9.--Between eight and nine I preached in the Court-House at Mullingar, to a more serious congregation than I ever saw there before. In the evening I preached in the Court-House at Longford, to a far more numerous, and equally serious, congregation. Fri. 10.--About eleven I preached at Abydarrig; and before one set out for Athlone.