Wesley Corpus

Mon. 23.--Having taken leave of our affectionate friends at Athlone, I went on to Balinasloe; but here we were at a loss; the usual preaching-place would not contain half the people; and the wind was so high, and so extremely cold, that they could not stand abroad. However, we made the best shift we could with two rooms, together with the passage and staircase. I strongly explained what it is to build upon the sand ; and all that could hear seemed to receive the word gladly : Some, I hope, will bring forth fruit with patience. The church at Aghrim was so filled in the evening as it scarce ever was before. I believe God enabled me to find the way to the hearts both of Protestants and Roman Catho lics. I never saw so general an impression made on the peo ple of this town before. In the morning, Tuesday, 24, the preaching-house was well filled; and I exhorted them in St. John’s words, “Look to yourselves, that ye lose not the things which ye have gained, but that ye receive a full reward.” I did not find either so large or so serious a congregation in the church at Eyre-Court. I preached between ten and eleven to a number of unconcerned hearers, and then went on to Birr. There has been lately a great shaking among the dry bones here. The congregations are much increased, and hear with deep attention; and several members have been added to the society. I would fain have preached in the Square, as I did before; but the wind and rain did not permit; so as many as could, crowded into the preaching-house. I preached on, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ;” a subject which, it 370 REv. J. Wesley's [April, 1787. w seemed, suited the hearers ; many of whom are hindered chiefly by evil shame from being altogether Christians. Wed. 25.-I once more visited my old friends at Tullamore. Have all the balloons in Europe done so much good as can counterbalance the harm which one of them did here a year or two ago? It took fire in its flight, and dropped it down on one and another of the thatched houses so fast that it was not possible to quench it till most of the town was burned down.