Wesley Corpus

What wonder if all the people were grown dead as stones? In the evening I endeavoured to re-awaken those that were settling upon their lees, by strongly applying those solemn words, “The first shall be last, and the last first; for many are called, but few are chosen.” In the morning, Thursday, 17, I endeavoured to stir them up once more to hunger and thirst after righteousness, after the whole image of God, without which they will still remain Cold, languid, weary, heartless, dead. After morning service I met the Stewards and Leaders, and inquired into the rise of the late misunderstanding. I found the matter itself was nothing; but want of patience on both sides had swelled the mole-hill into a mountain. O how patient, how meek, how gentle toward all men ought a Preacher, especially a Methodist, to be In the afternoon I walked through all the parts of the Workhouse, called, in Ireland, the House of Industry. It is pleasantly situated on a rising ground near the river; and, I believe, would contain about three hundred persons. (That at Dublin contains six hundred.) At present there are about eighty persons there, the contributions falling short. The apartments are large, airy, and sweet; and the poor (most of whom are employed) seem contented. Every time I preached I found more and more hope that God will revive his work in this city. I know he will, if the prayer-meetings are restored; these are never without fruit. Fri. 18.--I set out early in the morning, and reached 376 REv. J. Wesley’s [May, 1787. Castlebay about four in the afternoon. I had much conver sation with Mrs. Persse, a woman of many sorrows. But when she has been tried, she shall come forth as gold. In the evening I preached at Killchrist, about four miles from Castlebay. The number of the people constrained me to stand in the open air, though the wind was high and cold. They were all attentive and serious, except one young gentle man, who would fain have laughed, if he could. But his sport was quickly spoiled; and before the sermon was half over, he was as serious as his neighbours. Sat. 19.-In two hours and a half we came to Athenry, the rival of Killmallock, once a flourishing city, now a heap of ruins: But even these are now covered with earth.