Wesley Corpus

He says more for the veracity of Herodotus than ever I saw before ; and convinces me that his authority is more to be relied on than that of Polybius; who, “ contrary to the truth of history, makes Scipio an example of continence, in giving up the fair captive to the Spanish Prince; whereas, in fact, he never would, nor did, restore her to her husband.” “There is not a more incredible relation in all the Roman History, than that Clelia, and all the Roman virgins who were hostages to the Hetrurians, swam over the river Tiber to Rome. Surely they would scarce have dared to look upon so rapid a river, much less to plunge into it; especially when there was no necessity, for the peace was then almost concluded. “Some writers affirm, and it is earnestly believed, that Belisarius was reduced to beggary. But it is a mere fable: On the contrary, the Emperor Justinian heaped titles and honours upon him to the last; although he recalled him out of Italy, after he had been defeated there by the French. Procopius, who wrote largely concerning him, says not one word of his being reduced to poverty.” Thur. 9.--Between nine and ten I preached in the Court House at Antrim, to a large staring congregation. Thence we went on to Belfast, through miserable roads. O where is com mon sense ! At six I preached in the Linen-Hall, to a large congregation, admirably well-behaved. I often wonder that, among so civil a people, we can do but little good. Friday, 10. We came to Downpatrick; where, the preaching-house being too small, we repaired, as usual, to the Grove; a most lovely plain, very near the venerable ruins of the cathedral. The congregation was as large as that at Belfast, but abun dantly more awakened. The people in general were remark ably affectionate. They filled the large preaching-house at five 314 REv. J. Wesley’s [June, 1785. in the morning; and we seemed to be as closely united with them as with one of our old societies in England. About eleven on Saturday, I preached in the Linen-Hall, at Ballimahinch, to a numerous congregation. The country, from hence to Lisburn, is wonderfully pleasant and fruitful.