Wesley Corpus

Wed. 14.--I preached at Tullamore about eleven; and at Birr in the evening. Fri. 16.--I set out for Limerick. I was wet through from head to foot, before I came thither, but received no hurt. Here I had a particular account of the melancholy affair, which was in the mouths of all men. On Sunday evening last, two officers were playing at dice, when they quarrelled about a lewd woman. This occasioned a challenge from Mr. I. which the other would fain have declined. But he would not be denied; and was so bent upon it, that he would not go to bed. About three in the morning they went out, with their seconds, to the island. Mr. B. proposed firing at twelve yards’ distance; but Mr. I. said, “ No, no; six is enough.” So they kissed one another, (poor faree,) and, before they were five paces asunder, both fired at the same instant. The ball went into Mr. I.’s breast, who turned round twice or thrice, and fell. He was carried home, made his will, and about three in the afternoon died like a man of honour! How are “ the judgments of the Lord abroad in the earth!” About Easter last Mr. Beauchamp was at a gentleman’s house in the county of Clare, when a gentleman, who was occasionally there, finding they were going to family prayers, ran away in all haste, swearing, he would have none of their swaddling prayers. Two or three weeks after, he imagined himself to be not very well. A physician was called, who, for three or four days successively, affirmed there was no danger at all. On the fifth day a second physician was called, who, feeling his pulse, said, “ Why do you send for me? I can do nothing. He is a dead man.” Hearing this, he cried out, * Doctor, you have deceived me. I leave money enough. But my soul is lost!” He catched hold of one and another, crying, ‘Save me; save me!” He endeavoured to throw himself into the fire. Being hindered from doing this, he seized upon his own arm, and tore it with his teeth: and, after a short time, n al] the agony of rage, despair, and horror, expired!