Wesley Corpus

That three times more went to St. Patrick's (perhaps six times) in six or twelve months, than had done for ten or twenty years before. Observel This is done not to prepare for, but to prevent, a separation from the Church. On the mornings of this and the following week I ex pounded the thirteenth chapter of the First Epistle to the Corinthians: Such a compendium of true religion as none but the Author of it can give. The evening congregations were exceeding large, as well as deeply attentive. Friday, APRIL 3. I preached at Bethesda; and with much liberty of spirit. Saturday, 4. I preached in Gravel-Walk House, so filled as I never saw it before; and they all seemed to hear as for life. It was a comfortable night. Sun. 5.--I preached in the new Room at seven. At eleven I went to the cathedral. I desired those of our society who did not go to their parish churches, would go with me to St. Patrick's. Many of them did so. It was said, the number of communicants was about five hundred; more than went there in the whole year before the Methodists were known in Ireland. Mon. 6.--To-day, and for some days following, I was so overborne with letters, that I had hardly time to do anything but to read and answer them. Wednesday, 8. I visited and administered the sacrament to our poor widows; four-and twenty of whom are tolerably provided for in our Widows’ House. The frowardness and stubbornness of some of these 450 REv. J. WESLEY’s [April, 1789. was, for a time, a grievous trial to the rest; but this is past: They are all now of a better spirit, and adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour. Thur. 9.--In the evening I met, for the second time, the bands. I admired them much : They are more open than those either in London or Bristol; and I think here is a greater number of those that are now clearly perfected in love, than I now find even in London itself. APRIL 10.--(Being Good Friday.) I accepted of the press ing invitation of Mr. Smyth, and preached at Bethesda both morning and evening; in the morning on the New Covenant, as it is now given to the Israel of God; and in the evening on Heb. ix.