gregation were quite ripe for all the Gospel blessings, devouring
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[April, 1785. her friend, " when you cannot see?"
" Very well," said she; "for the Lord brings it to my remembrance."
So, without doubt or fear, she delivered up her soul to her merciful and faithful Creator.
About eleven I preached at Wolverhampton, and spent the afternoon with the amiable family at Hilton-Park.
Twesday, 29. At noon I preached in the Room at Stafford, to a deeply affected congregation.
This was the more strange, because there are few towns in England less infected with religion than
Stafford.
In the evening I preached at Newcastle, to a very serious and much affected congregation.
Wednesday, 30. We found a difficulty at Lane-End.
Even at noon the House contained not a third of the congregation.
The wind was piercing cold; nevertheless, I preached abroad, and God warmed our hearts.
In the evening I was greatly comforted among our brethren at Burslem, well established in grace; and such another congregation I met with, Thursday, 31, at Congleton.
Fri. Avrit 1.—I came to Macclesfield, where Mr. Simpson had given notice of my preaching in his church.
Here I fully delivered my own soul; and on Saturday, 2, went on to Manchester.
Sunday, 3. Our brethren flocking in from all parts, the House, large as it is, could not contain them.
It was supposed we had twelve hundred communicants.
Monday, 4. I preached to our old, loving congregation at Bolton.
Tuesday, 5. At noon I preached at Wingate, in the open air. The congregation were quite ripe for all the Gospel blessings, devouring every word.
In the evening I preached at Wigan.
I never before saw this preaching-house full; but it was more than full to-night, and with deeply attentive hearers.
Wednesday, 6. I preached at Liverpool; but I found no ship there ready to sail.
So, Thursday, 7, (after preaching at Warrington in the way,) T hastened to Chester. Neither was there any ship at Parkgate ready to sail; so, Friday, 8, we took coach, and reached Holyhead between four and five on Saturday in the afternoon.
Between nine and ten we went on board the Clermont packet :
But it was a dead calm till past ten on Sunday, 10, when the company desired me to give them a sermon.
After sermon I prayed that God would give us a full and speedy passage.
While I was speaking the wind sprung up; and in twelve hours brought us to Dublin Bay. Does not our Lord still hear the prayer?
I found sucha resting-place at our own house, as I never found in Ireland before ; and two such Preachers,
April, 1785.] JOURNAL.
with two such wives, I know not where to find again.
In the evening, and so every evening beside, we had Sunday evening congregations; and in the morning they were larger, by a third part, than those I had when I was here last.
On Tuesday, and the three following days, I examined the society.
I never found it in such a state before ; many of them rejoiced in God their Saviour, and were as plain in their apparel, both men and women, as those in Bristol and London.
Many, I verily believe, love God with all their hearts ; and the number of these increase daily.
The number of the whole society is seven hundred and forty-seven.
Above three hundred of these have been added in a few months ;—a new and unexpected thing!
In various places, indeed, we have frequently felt The o'erwhelming power of saving grace ; which acted almost irresistibly.
But such a shower of grace never continued long; and afterwards men might resist the Holy Ghost as before.
When the general ferment subsides, every one that partook of it has his trial for life ; and the higher the flood, the lower will be the ebb; yea, the more swiftly it rose, the more swiftly it falls: So that if we see this here, we should not be discouraged.
We should only use all diligence to encourage as many as possible to press forward, in spite of all the refluent tide. Now, especially, we should warn one another not to grow weary or faint in our mind ; if haply we may see such another prodigy as the late one at Paulton, near Bath, where there was a very swift work of God ; and yet, a year after, out of an hundred converted, there was not one backslider !
The number of children that are clearly converted to God is particularly remarkable. Thirteen or fourteen litle maidens, in one class, are rejoicing in God their Saviour ; and are as serious and stayed in their whole behaviour, as if they were thirty or forty years old.
I have much hopes, that half of them will be steadfast in the grace of God which they now enjoy.
Sun. 17.—We had such a number of communicants at the cathedral as was scarce ever seen there before.
In the evening many were cut to the heart ; and, I believe, not a few comforted.
A love-feast followed; at which many spoke what God had done for their souls, with all plainness and simplicity.
Mon. 18.—I went through a delightful country to Prosperous ; alittle town, begun five years ago by Captain Brooke,
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[Apri], 1785. just returned from the East Indies.
Here he introduced every branch of the cotton manufactory, on a most extensive plan.
He built two rows of commodious houses, with all convenient appurtenances; and he now employs about two thousand men, women, and children, on the spot, beside near the same number in other places.
They had a very large Room, but not near large enough for the congregation.
All that got in seemed much affected, as they did likewise at five in the morning.
About fifty of them are already joined in a society.
Fair blossoms!
But what will the fruit be?
A remarkable circumstance, we were informed, occurred near this place, about three weeks before:—A poor woman, who owed her landlord fourteen pounds, scraped seven together, which she brought him.
But he absolutely refused to take less than the whole, yet detained her in talk till evening.
She then set out on acar.
When she was within a mile of home, she overtook a soldier, who said he was exceedingly tired, and earnestly extreated her to let him ride with her on the car, to which she at lcngth consented.
When they came to her house, finding there was no town within two miles, he begged he might sit by the fire-side till morning.
She told him she durst not suffer it, as hers was a lone house, and there was none in it but herself and her girl: But at last she agreed he should lie in the girl's bed, and she and the girl would lie together.
At midnight, two men, who had blackened their faces, broke into the house, and demanded her money.
She said, "Then let me go into the next room and fetch it."
Going in, she said to the soldier, "You have requited me well for my kindness, by bringing your comrades to rob my house."
He asked, "Where are they?"
She said, "In the next room."
He started up, and ran thither.
The men ran away with all speed.
He fired after them, and shot one dead; who, being examined, appeared to be her landlord!
So that a soldicr was sent to protect an innocent woman, and punish an hardened villain !
Tues. 19.—I preached at ten to an uncommonly large and scrious congregation at Edinderry.
In the evening I preached at Tyrrel's Pass, where a small, dead society is all that now remains.
Such another I found at Coolylough, on TFednesday, 20.
Thursday, 21. Going to Athlone, I found the scene entirely changed ; there has not been for many years so much
April, 1785.] JOURNAL.
life in the society. Many of the old dead members are quickened again.
Many are added to them; and there is no jar of any kind among them; they provoke one another only to love and to good works.
Fri, 22.—It is just seven years since I was here before ; and I find little change in many, only that they are more dead to the world, and, consequently, more alive to God; and for a few that have left them, God has given them double, that are either alive to God, or athirst for him.
Sun. 24.—In the afternoon I preached at the east end of the market-house.
I scarce ever saw so numerous a congregation at Athlone; and all were attentive: Not a word was heard, and scarce any motion was to be seen. I trust the seed now sown will not wither away, but grow up into everlasting life!
Mon. 25.—Being desired to preach at Ballinasloe, in my way to Aghrim, I stood, about eleven, in the shade of a large house, and preached to a numerous congregation of Papists and Protestants, equally attentive, on, "The kingdom of God is at hand."
As I entered Aghrim, the Rector, who was waiting at his gate, welcomed me into the country ; and desired me to use his church, both now, and whenever I pleased : I preached there atsix. It was thoroughly filled with well-behaved hearers. But the society here, as well as that at Tyrrel's Pass, is well nigh shrunk into nothing!
Such is the baleful influence of riches !
The same effect we find in every place. The more men increase in goods, (very few excepted,) the more they decrease 1n grace.
Tues. 26.—I went on to Eyre-Court.
Here, also, the Minister gave me the use of his church ; but the people seemed to understand little of the matter.
As I had not this privilege at Birr, I went to the Square, where the owner of a large house invited me to preach before it.
The congregation was exceeding large; but many of them wild as colts untamed.
However, the far greater part of them were seriously attentive.
I am in hopes the work of God will revive here also; the rather, because he has fully restored one of the most eminent backsliders in the kingdom.
When I came to Tullamore, the Minister was willing that I should preach in the church; where both the soldiers and all the Officers attended, and our Great Captain was present also.
Thur. 28.—I supposed the house at Portarlington would have more than contained the congregation; but it would scarce
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[May, 1785. contain a third part of them.
So I removed to the markethouse, and preached on the general judgment.
The word was quick and powerful, so that very few appeared to be unaffected.
In the evening I preached in the church at Mount-Mellick.
Perhaps such a congregation was never there before.
But the greater part of them seemed to be of Gallio's mind, to care for none of these things.
Fri. 29.—I preached in our own House at Kilkenny, to just such another congregation.
But those that attended in the morning were of a nobler spirit, and I found uncommon liberty among them.
Sat. 30.—I preached at Waterford in the Court-House, one of the largest in the kingdom.
A multitude of people quickly ran together, which occasioned some tumult at first; but it was quickly over, and all were deeply attentive.
Surely God will have much people in this city.
Sun. May 1.—At eight I preached in the Court-House to a larger congregation than before.
At eleven I went to the cathedral, one of the most elegant churches in Ireland.
The whole Service was performed with the utmost solemnity.
After Service, the senior Prebend, Dr. Fall, invited me to dinner ; and desired, when I came again, I would take a bed at his house.
I doubt that will never be!
At four I preached at the head of the Mall, to a Moorfields congregation, all quiet and attentive.
Monday, 2. The congregation at five in the morning was larger than that on Saturday evening ; and all of them appeared to have (for the present, at least) a real concern for their salvation.
O that it may not pass away as the morning dew!
I took a solemn farewell of this affectionate people, concluding with those awful words :—
Now on the brink of death we stand ; And if I pass before, You all may safe escape to land, And hail me 'on the shore.
Tues. 3.—We set out for Dungarvan-Ferry ; but in spite of all the speed we could make, the road was so horrible, that we could not reach Youghall before six in the evening
At seven, the Court-House was filled from end to end: And such was the attention of all, high and low, that I hope many of them will bring forth fruit to perfection.
May, 1785.] JOURNAL.
Wed. 4.—At five in the morning the Court-House was thoroughly filled.
Soin the evening I preached in the Mall, where the congregation was much the same as the last at Waterford; only that they were in general Protestants, as are most in the town; who are also some of the most courteous and quiet people in the kingdom.
Thur. 5.—Before I came half way to Cork, I was met by about thirty horsemen.
We dined at Middleton, and then rode on through a pleasant, well-cultivated country to Cork.
In the evening, many in the crowded congregation were much comforted.
Fri. 6.—I made an exact inquiry into the state of the society.
I found the number was about four hundred, many of whom were greatly in earnest.
Many children, chiefly girls, were indisputably justified ; some of them were likewise sanctified, and were patterns of all holiness.
But how shall we keep up the flame that is now kindled, not only in Cork, but in many parts of the nation? Not by sitting still; but by stirring up the gift of God that is in them; by uninterrupted watchfulness ; by warning every one and exhorting every one; by besieging the throne with all the powers of prayer ; and, after all, some will, and some will not, improve the grace which they have received.
Therefore there must be a falling away.
We are not to be discouraged at this; but to do all that in us lies to-day, leaving the morrow to God.
Sat. 7.—On this day that venerable saint, Mr. Perronet, desired his grandaughter, Miss Briggs, who attended him day and night, to go out into the garden, and take a little air. He was reading, and hearing her read, the three last chapters of Isaiah. When she returned, he was in a kind of ecstasy ; the tears running down his cheeks, from a deep sense of the glorious things which were shortly to come to pass. He continued unspeakably happy that day, and on Sunday was, if possible, happier still.
And indeed heaven seemed to be as it were opened to all that were round about him. When he was in bed, she went into his room to see if anything was wanting; and as she stood at the feet of the bed, he smiled, and broke out,
" God bless thee, my dear child, and all that belong to thee !
Yea, He will bless thee!" Which he earnestly repeated many times, till she left the room.
When she went in, the next morning, Monday, 9, his spirit was returned to God !
VOL. IV.
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[May, 1785.
So ended the holy and happy life of Mr. Vincent Perronet, in the ninety-second year of his age.
I follow hard after him in years, being now in the eighty-second year of my age.
O that I may follow him in holiness; and that my last end may be like his!
Sun. 8.—In the afternoon I stood in the vacant space near the preaching-house, capable of containing many thousands.
An immense number assembled: There was no disturbance:
The days of tumult here are over; and God has now of a long season made our enemies to be at peace with us.
Mon. 9.—About noon I preached at Kinsale, in the old Bowling-green, which lies on the top of the hill, and commands a large prospect, both by sea and land. All behaved well, but a few Officers, who walked up and down, and talked together during the whole service.
The poor in Ireland in general are well-behaved: All the ill-breeding is among well-dressed people.
In the evening I preached in the main street at Bandon, to a very numerous congregation: But some of them were better clothed than taught ; for they laughed and talked great part of the time.
Such a transaction occurred here last week, as has not occurred this century.
A soldier, walking over the bridge, met a countryman, and taking a fancy to his stick, strove to wrench it from him: His companion knocked the soldier down.
News of this being carried to the barracks, a whole troop of soldiers marched down, and, without any provocation, fell upon the countrymen coming into the town, pursued them into the houses where they fled for shelter, and hacked and hewed them without mercy : Two-and-forty were wounded, several maimed, and two killed upon the spot.
Wed. \1.—I returned from Bandon to Cork; and after endeavouring to confirm those that were much alive to God, on Friday, 13, with some difficulty, I broke loose from my affectionate friends, and in two long stages reached Kilfinnan.
It being too stormy to preach abroad, I preached in the Assembly-Room:
All the hearers were serious and wellbehaved. I trust some will bring forth fruit with patience.
Afterwards I took a survey of the Danish mount near the town ; the first I have seen, surrounded with a triple ditch ; but it is not either so high or so large as that near Dundee.
Is it not strange, that the Irish, as well as the Scots, should so soon have driven out those merciless robbers who defied all the strength of England for so long a time?
Saturday, 14, I
May, 1785.] JOURNAL.
found a far greater curiosity, a large Druidical temple.
I judged by my eye, that it was not less than a hundred yards in diameter; and it was, if I remember right, full as entire as Stonehenge, or that at Stanton-Drew.
How our ancestors could bring or even heave these enormous stones, what modern can comprehend ?
In the evening we found many of our old friends at Limerick were removed to Abraham's bosom.
May 15. (Being WhitSunday.) The Service at the cathedral began at eleven, and lasted till three.
It concluded a little sooner, by my assisting at the Lord's Supper, at the request of the Clergymen.
Between five and six, I took my stand near the CustomHouse, amidst an innumerable multitude of people; but they were
Wild as the untaught Indian's brood.
They made such a wonderful noise, that I judged it best to give them the ground, and retire to our own House.
Monday, 16. I restored the select society, which had been quite neglected.
In the evening I earnestly exhorted all our brethren to set out again in the good old way; and to run with patience the race that is set before them.
Tues. 17.—In my way to Gort, I was met by some of our brethren of Killchrist, a village eight miles beyond it, giving me an invitation from Colonel Pearse, to lodge at his house.
He sent me to Killchrist in one of his own carriages.
There I found a large number of plain people, to whom I preached in the yard.
Thence I returned to the Colonel's; but the house being full of genteel company, I was as out of my element; there being no room to talk upon the only subject which deserves the attention of a rational creature.
Wed. 18.—Learning that a little girl had sat up all night, and then walked two miles to see me, I took her into the chaise ; and was surprised to find her continually rejoicing in God.
The person with whom the Preachers lodge, informed me, that she has been two years possessed of his pure love. We breakfasted at Athenry, once a populous city.
But now seges est ubi T'roja fuit.* In the afternoon, we went on to Ballinrobe.
Having heard a remarkable account of the Charter-School here, I resolved to see it with my own eyes.
I went thither * Corn is growing on the spot where Troy formerly stood. —EDIT, X 2
REV, J. WESLEY'S
[May, 1785. about five in the afternoon, but found no master or mistress.
Seven or eight boys, and nine or ten girls, (the rest being rambling abroad,) dirty and ragged enough, were left to the care of a girl half the head taller than the rest.
She led us through the house.
I observed first the school-room, not much bigger than asmall closet. Twenty children could not be taught there at once, with any convenience.
When we came into the bedchamber, I inquired, '' How many children now lodge in the house?" and was answered, "Fourteen or fifteen boys, and nineteen girls." For these boys, there were three beds, and five for the nineteen girls. For food I was informed, the master was allowed a penny-farthing a day for each!
Thus they are clothed, lodged, and fed.
But what are they taught?
As far as I could learn, just nothing!
Of these things I informed. the Commissioners for these schools in Dublin.
But I do. not hear of any alteration.
If this be a sample of the Irish.
Charter-Schools, what good can we expect from them ?
In my way from Limerick hither, I read and carefully considered Major Vallance's Irish Grammar, allowed to be the best extant.
And supposing him to give a true account of the Irish language, it is not only beyond all comparison worse than any ancient language I know anything of; but below English,
French, German, Italian, Spanish, or any other modern language.
The difficulty of reading it is intolerable, occasioned chiefly by the insufferable number of mute letters, both of vowels and consonants ; the like of which is not to be found in any language under heaven.
The number of pronouns, and the irregular formation of the verbs, is equally insufferable.
But nothing is so insufferable as their poetry ; the whole con-. struction of which is so trifling and childish; and yet requires more pains to write, than either the modern rhyme, or the ancient attention to long and short syllables.
Friday, 20. I went on to Castlebar.
Here I generally find a welcome reception.
Almost all the inhabitants here love us well, and believe the Methodists are good men.
Sat. 21.—Mr. Browne of Relins, about three miles from Castlebar, invited us to his house.
It is one of the pleasantest places I have seen in the kingdom: But it was not so pleasant as when I was there first.
For his lovely_wife, and an amiable daughter, are both gone into a better country.
May 22.—(Being T'rinity-Sunday.) I preached in the morn-.
May, 1785. ] JOURNAL.
ing on, " There are three that bear record in heaven."
The congregation at church were remarkably well-behaved; and the Rector preached a sound, useful sermon.
At five I preached to an exceeding numerous congregation, and afterwards administered the sacrament to the society.
Two Clergymen were with us, the Curate of Castlebar, and the Curate of a neighbouring parish; one of whom already enjoys the peace of God, and the other was earnestly seeking it.
Mon, 23.—After a long day's journey, I preached in the new Court-House at Sligo, to far the worst congregation that I have seen since I came into the kingdom. Some (miscalled Gentry) laughed and talked without fear or shame, till 1 openly reproved them: And the rabble were equally rude near the door.
In the morning I preached in our own preaching-house, chiefly for the sake of Mrs. Simpson, a mother in Israel, who has been long confined to her room. Walking, about noon, I was catched in a heavy shower, and contracted a severe cold.
However, I preached in the evening to a far civiller congregation than the night before.
So I think my labour here was not quite in vain.
Wed. 25.—I preached about ten in the Court-House at Manorhamilton ; and then rode over the Black-Mountain, now clothed with green, and through a delightful road, to MountFlorence.
Here I observed the party-coloured gates (as they were some years since) to be painted plain red. The wind was high and piercing cold; yet the multitude of people obliged me to preach in the open air.
Thursday, 26. I preached in the Assembly-Room at Swadlingbar ; but not without difficulty ; my cold being so increased, that I could not sing, nor speak, but just in one key. However, I made shift to preach in the church at Ballyconnel in the evening, though it was very full, and consequently very hot. Friday, 27. Feeling myself much as I was eleven years ago, and not knowing how short my time of working might be, I resolved to do a little while I could: So I began at five; and though I could scarce be heard at first, yet the more I spoke, the more my voice was strengthened. Before I had half done, every one could hear. To God be all the glory.
About ten I preached at Killeshandra, to a multitude of people.
But my voice was now so strengthened, that every one could hear. In the evening, there being no house at Killmore that could contain half the congregation, I was obliged again to preach abroad.
There were several sharp showers ;
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[May, 1785. but none went away: For it pleased the Lord to send theree with gracious rain on the souls of them that feared him.
Sat. 28.—At five, though I had not quite recovered my voice, I judged it best to speak as I could.
So I preached in Mr. Creighton's barn, and at seven in the ball-room at Cavan.
I had designed to go straight from hence to Clones ; but a friend sending me word, that Mr. Sanderson was willing I should preach in his church at Ballyhays, I altered my purpose, and went thither.
Abundance of people were wait-. ing for me: But Mr. Sanderson having changed his mind, I preached in the inn-yard, to a very well-behaved congregation of rich as well as poor.
Hence I went on to Clones, where I found such a society, as I had hardly seen in Ireland, making it a point of conscience to conform to all our Rules, great and small.
The new preaching-house was exceeding neat, but far too small to contain the congregation.
The first time I preached to-day was with difficulty; the second and third with less; the fourth with none at all.
Sun. 29.—The Morning Service, so called, began between twelve and one.
At five, the storm was so high, that I could not preach in the market-place, as I first designed.
At length we pitched upon a sloping meadow near the town, where we were perfectly sheltered by the hill.
I suppose the congregation would have filled the House at Dublin, more than twice over.
We had several showers; but the people regarded them not, being wholly taken up with better things.
Mon. 30.—Wewent on to Caladon. A convenient preachinghouse is just built here; which (after the forms were removed) just contained the congregation.
The power of God was very unusually present among them. Many were cut to the heart ; and refused to be comforted, till God spoke peace to their souls ; and many did already rejoice with joy unspeakable.
When we came to Armagh on Tuesday, the wind was extremely high, and the air as cold as it used to be in December.
However, we had no place that could contain the congregation, but Mr. M'Gough's avenue.
And here the people, crowding close together, did not seem to regard either cold or: wind.
Tuesday, 31. We took a walk to the Primate's palace, and had a full view of the house.
It is elegant in the highest degree, and yet not splendid ; and it is furnished throughout in a handsome, though not in a costly, manner.
Since I was
June, 1785.] JOURNAL.
here before, he has added an obclisk a hundred feet high; and dairy-house, with mauy other conveniences; and a chapel, never yet used.
But we were informed, he designs to do many things more!
How well then may it be said to him, Tu secanda marmora Locas sub ipsum funus, et sepulchri Immemor struis domos | * At eleven I preached in the avenue again.
It rained all the time; yet the congregation was large and attentive.
Afterwards a decent woman, whom I never saw either before or since, desired to speak with me; and said, "I met you at Caladon.
I had then a violent pain in my head for four weeks; but was fully persuaded I should be well, if you would lay your hand on my cheek; which I begged you to do.
From that moment I have been perfectly well."
If so, give God the glory.
In the evening the rain drove us into the market-house, where we were a little disturbed by two or three drunken men; but all the rest (numerous congregation) behaved with deep seriousness.
Wed. June 1.—I took my leave of my coeval, Mr.
M'Gough, whom I scarce expect to see again in this world.
About ten I preached in Blackwater-Town, in Mr. Roe's yard, to a large and elegant congregation ; and in the evening to a larger still, at the side of the Fort at Charlemount.
Mrs. T. was an unspeakable blessing to this town, while Mr. T. was stationed there; and the revival of religion, which began then, has been increasing ever since.
In the road to and from Charlemount, I had a good deal of conversation with that amiable woman, Mrs. R.
God has indeed dealt very mercifully with her; and her soul is at present much alive.
I have great hopes that she, and all her lovely family, will be patterns to all that are round about them.
Thur. 2.—I went to Mr. Caulfield's, the Rector of Killeman, three miles from Charlemount.
His house is agreeably situated, at the head of a beautiful avenue, in which I preached to a very numerous congregation ; most of whom seemed to be
The following is Boscawen's translation of these lines from Horace :— Day treads on day with rapid pace ; Moons hasten to their wane by nature's doom ;
Whilst thou prepar'st the column's base To rear thy palace, heedless of thy tomb !—Ep1r.
REV. J. WESLEY'S
[June, 1785. deeply affected.
I sent my horses on to Mr. Cook's town, ten Irish miles; Mr. Caulfield sending me thither, Friday, 38, with a pair of his.
At ten I preached there, and then hastened forward: But I could not reach Londonderry before seven.
We then found (notwithstanding they had but short notice) a congregation gathered from all parts.
The society here has not been so well established, for many years, as it is now.
What is principally wanting, is, zeal for God, and entire self-devotion to him.
Sun. 5.—At eight I strongly applied the latter part of the thirteenth chapter to the Romans.
We had a very decent congregation at church, but not so many communicants as I expected.
At six our Room was thoroughly filled with as serious hearers as ever I saw.
Monday, 6. We had a numerous congregation, in the morning, of rich as well as poor.
But who is able effectually to warn these to flee from the wrath to come?
At eleven I preached in an open place at Newtown, sixteen miles from Londonderry. In the evening we had, at Coleraine, a larger congregation than at Clones itself; and they seemed a more intelligent people than most I have met with.
Indeed, the whole town is different from all that I have seen.
There is no hurry or noise, but all quiet and still, both by day and by night ; so that no wonder so many here receive the Gospel of peace, and "bring forth fruit unto perfection."
Pues. 7.—I accepted the offer of the Presbyterian meeting ; and preached there at noon, and at six in the evening.
Wednesday, 8. After preaching in the morning, I left many of the loving people in tears, and went on to Ballymoney; where I preached in the Court-House, to a very civil, and a very dull, congregation. From hence we went to Ballymena. In the afternoon I walked over to Gracehill, the Moravian settlement.
Beside many little houses for them that are married, they have three large buildings ; (on the same plan with that at Fulneck ;) having the chapel in the middle, the house for the single men on the left hand, that for the single women on the right. We spent one or two agreeable hours in seeing the several rooms.
Nothing can exceed the neatness of the rooms, or the courtesy of the inhabitants: But if they have most courtesy, we have more love. We do not suffer a stranger, especially a Christian brother, to visit us, without asking him either " to bite or sup."
"But it is their way."
I am sorry to say, so it is.
When I