Wesley Corpus

21.--We found the election for Parliament-men had put all Kilkenny in an uproar. In consequence of this, we had a small, dead congregation. But another cause of this was, the bitter and perpetual quarrels between the chief members of the society. I talked largely with the contending parties, and they promised better behaviour for the time to come. Wed. 22.--I went on to Clonmell, where, our Room being small, and the weather unfavourable for preaching abroad, we procured the largest room in the town, which was in the Qua kers’ workhouse. I had scarce sat down when a young man came and said, “My father and mother send their kind respects, and would be glad of thy company this evening.” His mother (now Mrs. Dudley) was my old acquaintance, Molly Stokes. I went at four, and spent an hour very agreeably. But much company coming in, Mr. Dudley desired I would call again in the morning. I then told him what his wife was reported to say of me: He answered me, it was an utter mistake; that she had never spoke a disrespectful word concerning me. Thur. 23.--Several of our brethren from Cork met at Rath cormic. I was glad to find Mr. Rankin with them, just arrived from America. When we came to Cork, the congregation was waiting; so I began without delay. Sun. 26.-I earnestly exhorted a numerous congregation at eight, to “abstain from fleshly desires;”--a necessary lesson in every place, and no where more so than in Cork. At St. Peter's church I saw a pleasing sight, the Independent Com 120 REv. J. W. Esley’s [April, 1778. panies, raised by private persons associating together, without any expense to the Government. They exercised every day; and, if they answer no other end, at least keep the Papists in order; who were exceedingly alert, ever since the army was removed to America. Mon. 27.--In going to Bandon, I read Abbé Raynal's “His tory of the Settlements and Trade of the Europeans in the Indies.” I would be glad to propose a few queries. I ask, 1. Is not this “Philosophical History” (so called) in many parts profoundly dull; exactly fitted to spread a pleasing slumber over the eyes of the gentle reader? 2. Are there not several pas sages quite obscure? Is this the fault of the author or the trans lator? 3.