Wesley Corpus

Tues. MAY 6. I had much conversation (at Carrickfergus) with Monsieur Cavenac, the French General, not on the circum stances, but the essence, of religion. He seemed to startle at nothing; but said more than once, and with emotion, "Why, this is my religion: There is no true religion besides it!" Wed, 7. I rode to Larn. The rain, which had continued with little intermission for several days, stopped this afternoon; so that I had a very large, as well as serious, congregation: And I spoke to them with the utmost plainness; but I could not find the way to their hearts. We rode over the mountains to Ballymena, and had just passed through the town, when a man came running out of the field, called me by my name, and pressed me much to preach there. But I could not stay, having appointed one to meet me at Portlomane; which he accordingly did, and brought me to Mr. Burrows, near Garvah. A little rest was acceptable. Saturday, 10. I preached, morning and evening, in Mr. B 's house, to a well-behaved congregation, though of various denominations; Churchmen, Papists, Presbyterians, Cameronians. One Seceder likewise ventured in; but the moment he heard, "Our Father, which art in heaven," he ran away with all speed. We had such a congregation in the church as perhaps had not been there in this century; and I believe God reached some of their hearts: Several were in tears. I spoke extremely plain; especially to those who were full of their own wisdom and righteousness. Returning through Ballymena, I preached in the market-house to a large concourse of people; and God was there of a truth. I have found no such spirit in any congregation since I left Dublin. Thence I rode to Moira, and preached to a very civil congregation: But there is no life in them. 4. Rev. J. west EY's May, 1760. My Irish horse was thoroughly tired. How cver, with much difficulty, partly riding, and partly walking, about eight in the evening I reached Coot-Hill. I preached in the House now, and at five in the morning; but at eleven in the market-house, where I delivered my own soul, to most of the Protestants in the town. Having procured a fresh horse, I rode on to Belturbet, a town in which there is neither Papist nor Presbyterian.