Wesley Corpus

Wed. 24.--We hastened on to Holyhead ; but all the ships were on the other side. Thur. 25.--No packet boat being come, I gave notice of preaching in the evening. The hearers were many more than the room could contain, and they all behaved with decency. Fri. 26.--I preached again in the evening. Mr. E., the minister, came in toward the close. He was speaking warmly to our landlord, when Mr. Swindells went to him, and spoke a few mild words. Mr. E. asked him to step with him to his lodgings, where they had a long and friendly conversation. Sat. 2'’7.--Mr. Swindells informed me, that Mr. E. would take it a favour if I would write some little thing, to advise the Methodists not to leave the Church, and not to rail at their ministers. I sat down immediately and wrote, “ A Word to a Methodist,” which Mr. E. translated into Welsh, and printed. Sun. 28.--In the evening I read prayers at our inn, and.preached to a large and serious audience. I did the same on Monday and Tuesday evening. Perhaps our stay here may not be in vain. I never knew men make such poor, lame excuses, as these captains did for not sailing. It put me in mind of the epigram, There are, if rightly I methink, Five causes, why a man should drink; which, with a little alteration, would just suit them :-- There are, unless my memory fail, Five causes, why we should not sail: The fog is thick ; the wind is high ; It rams; or may do by-and-by; Or any other reason why. a 418 REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. [ March, 1748. Wed. March 2.--Finding no more probability of sailing now than the first day we came to Holyhead, we rode into the country, to see for Mr. William Jones, who had some acquaintance with iny brother. We procured a guide to show us the way to his house; but all we learnea there was, that he was not at home. We lodged at the Bull’s Head: all the family came up to prayers, and we had a quiet and comfortable night. Thur. 3.--Mr. ilolloway. a neighbouring exciseman, invited us to breakfast with him. He once began to run well; and now resolved to set out afresh: I trust we were sent to him for good.