Wesley Corpus

We had a triumphant hour when the society met. Several captives were set at liberty: one of these was Mr. Joseph Ch--s. He had been an eminent man many years for cursing, swearing, drinking, and all xinds of fashionable wickedness. On Monday last he had rode fifteen miles to Tyrrel’s Pass, and came thither before five in the morning. He was immediately convinced, and followed me in from the preaching. \ was then examining a class: the words cut him to the heart. He tame after me to Athlone. (when he had settled some temporal busipess,) having his eyes continually filled with tears; and being scarce able either to eat, drink, or sleep. But God now wiped away the tears 450 REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. [ May, 1749. from his eyes ; and he returned to his house, to declare what things God haa wrought. Mon. 8.--I rode to Aghrim, where the face of things was quite changed since the time I was there. before. Here was now a serious congregation from all the country round. I preached about seven, and alterward explained the nature and use of a society. The first who desired to join therein, was Mr. S., his wife, and daughter. Tues. 9.--I rode to Ahaskra, six miles south, at the desire of Mr. G., the rector. As the Papists durst not come into the church, I preached before Mr. Glass’s door. I should not have imagined this was the first time of their hearing this preaching; so fixed and earnest was their attention. In the morning, Wednesday, 10, I think the congregation was larger than in the evening ; among whom was the rector of a neighbouring parish, who seemed then to be much athirst after righteousness. Mr. Wade, of Aghrim, rode with me hence to Eyre Court, about fourteen miles from Ahaskra. Here I preached in the market house, a large, handsome.room, to a well-behaved congregation. Thence I rode on to Birr, and preached, at seven, to a large, unconcerned congregation. The next day, both in the morning and evening, I spoke very plain and rough. And the congregation had quite another appearance than it had the night before. So clear it is that love will not always prevail ; but ‘there is a time for the terrors of the Lord.