Wesley Corpus

At three in the afternoon I preached on the road to a numerous congregation; but many of them, especially the genteeler sort, were rude as colts untamed. We stowed the people together in the evening as close at it was possible; but still many were constrained to go away, finding no place even at the door. Monday, 7. The congregation at five in the morning was little inferior to that we used to see on Sunday evening. This time also we had many of the gay and honourable, who seem, at present, almost persuaded to be Christians. O what shoals of half awakened sinners will be broad awake when it is too late 1 On Tuesday likewise the congregations were exceeding large, and deep attention sat on every face. May, 1787.] JOURNAL. 373 Wed. 9.-We went to Bandon. Here also there has been a remarkable work of God; and yet not without many backsliders. It was therefore my chief business here to strengthen the weak, and recall the wanderers: So in the evening I preached in the assembly-room, (which was offered me by the Provost,) on, “How shall I give thee up, Ephraim P’’ and God applied his word. I believe there was a general melting among the people, and many purposed to return to God. But the Room was exceeding hot, and extremely crowded; and yet would not near contain the congregation. Thursday, 10. The preaching-house was filled at five in the morning; and again I applied directly to backsliders, and found a strong hope that “the times of refresh ing” will soon “come from the presence of the Lord.” At noon we took a walk to Castle-Barnard. Mr. Barnard has given it a beautiful front, nearly resembling that of Lord Mansfield's house at Caen-Wood, and opened part of his lovely park to the house, which, I think, has now as beautiful a situation as Rockingham-House, in Yorkshire. Mr. Barnard much resembles, in person and air, the late Sir George Saville. Though he is far the richest person in these parts, he keeps no race-horses, or hounds; but loves his wife and home, and spends his time and fortune in improving his estate, and em ploying the poor. Gentlemen of this spirit are a blessing to their neighbourhood.