Wesley Corpus

who rambled hither from Westminster, some months since, in quest of an estate. I clearly saw the providence of God, directing me hither before he was quite starved. Thence we rode to the Garter, near Clonmell; (where we had excellent entertainment;) and the next morning, over exceeding pleasant and well-cultivated mountains, to Waterford. Never was the prospect more gloomy here than at present. Through the continual neglect of the Preachers, the congrega tion was reduced almost to nothing; and so was the society. Yet I found much liberty of speech in the evening, and a strong hope that God would revive his work. I was invited to lodge at Mr. Scott's, a considerable tradesman. I found a young gentlewoman there, a visitant, well-bred, sensible, good-humoured; studious to oblige, and "lacking nothing" but the "one thing." Saturday, 10. The Room was quite filled in the morning. In the evening I preached in the court to thrice as many as the Room would contain; and all were not only quiet, but attentive. The congregation at eight was still larger. But not many seemed to be affected. In the evening the court was filled, and I believe God opened both the understanding and the hearts of many. Afterwards I met the society, and endeavoured to lift up the hands that hung down. Light began to spring up. Misunderstandings vanished away, and the spirits of many revived. I laboured to re-unite the poor, shattered society, and to remove the numberless offences which had torn them in pieces. Tuesday, 13. In the evening God began to answer for himself. I scarce ever saw a more deep and general impression made on a congregation. At the meeting of the society, likewise, he refreshed us with "the multitude of peace." I preached in the market-house at Passage, to as dull a congregation as I have seen. They would have been rude enough too, but that they stood in awe of Mr. Freestone, who gave one and another, when they did not regard his signs, a stroke on the head with his stick. By this means the whole multitude was tolerably quiet, and many seemed much affected. A little before twelve I came to Old-Ross, and preached to a small, serious congregation. Thence we went onto Enniscorthy; but the difficulty was, where I should preach. It rained, but 366 REv. J. wesLEY's June, 1769.