Wesley Corpus

About six I stood upon the steps, at Mr. Godly's door, and preached on, “This is not your rest,” to a larger congregation, by a third, than even that at Downpatrick. I scarce remember to have seen a larger, unless in London, Yorkshire, or Cornwall. Thur. 14.--Mr. Broadbent and I walked round Dr. Lesley's domain. I have not seen anything of the size in England that June, 1787.] JOURNAL, 383 is equal to it. The house stands in the midst of a fruitful hill, which is part beneath, and part above it. In approaching it, you see no walls, nothing but green trees and shrubs of vari ous kinds. Enter the court-yard and gate, and you still see no stone walls; but on either hand, The verdurous wall of Paradise upsprings; and that summer and winter; consisting wholly of ever-greens, that bloom all the year round. On the upper side of the house, the gently rising hill yields the loveliest scene that can be con ceived; such a mixture of shady walks, and lawns sprinkled with trees; at the top of which is a natural rock, under which you may sit and command a most beautiful and extensive prospect: And all this variety has arisen from a rough, furzy heath, by the industry of Dr. Lesley, in thirty years. I expected the congregation would not be so large this evening as it was the last; but it was far larger, and, if possi ble, more attentive. I have scarce ever seen a more pleasing sight. We were covered round with tall, shady trees; only an opening on one side afforded a view of the wide-extended country. The people were as motionless as the trees; for the power of God was upon them; and I believe few of them will forget that hour, till their spirits return to God. Fri. 15.-About eight I preached at Rich-Hill, to a deeply serious congregation. At eleven I preached in the Castle-yard, at Charlemount, to a large congregation, gathered from all parts; it being the Quarterly Meeting. Immediately followed the love-feast. But the preaching-house would not contain one half of the people: So we borrowed the Green in the Fort, and let the people through the wicket, one by one. They then sat down on the grass, being full as private as in the House; and many spoke their experience quite freely.