Wesley Corpus

Thur. 29.--I preached on one side of the market place, to a numerous congregation. I was afterward invited by some of the officers to spend an hour with them at the barracks. It, at least, freed them from prejudice against the present work of God, if it answered no further end. Fri. 30.--I was pressed to turn aside to Athlone, a gentlewoman of Barbadoes, who was obliged to return thither shortly, having a great desire to see me. So! went to Athlone, and spent one or two hours 62 REV. J. WESLEY'S JOURNAL. [ May, 1756 in close conversation with her and her husband. We had a comfortable meeting in the evening; and most of the gentry in the town were present: but who can warn them to flee from the wrath to come? They are “increased in goods, and need nothing.” Sat. May 1.--I rode to Bur through rain, hail, and snow, such as is usual on the first of January. I had designed to preach abroad; but the wind was too sharp to be borne either by me or the people. Sun. 2. --We rode to Mount Mellick. About five I preached in the market place. I was on the point of concluding, when a violent storm came. Till then the bottles of heaven were stayed. Tues. 4.--We rode to Portarlington ; where, on Wednesday, 5, at the desire of several who could not attend the early preaching, I preached in the assembly room at ten, on, “ Ye must be born again.” Many of the best in the town (so called) were present, and seemed not a little amazed. Many more came in the evening, among whom I found an unusual liberty of spirit. For the present most of them seemed much affected. But how soon will the thorns grow up ?