Wesley Corpus

At six I preached in the Room, and could not but observe such singing as I have seldom heard in England. The women, in particular, sang so exactly that it seemed but one voice. Monday, MAY 1. I examined the society, and found it in such order, so increased both in grace and number, as I apprehend it had not been before, since the time of William Pennington. -I rode to Bandon, and preached in the main street to a very numerous congregation. All behaved well, except three or four pretty gentlemen, who seemed to know just nothing of the matter. I found this society likewise much established in grace, and 44 REv. J. Wesley's May, 1775. greatly increased in number. So has God blessed the labours of two plain men, who put forth all their strength in his work. I returned to Cork, and in the evening preached at Blackpool. It rained a little all the time I was preaching, but the people regarded it not. I was desired to preach on 1 John v. 7: "There are three that bear record in heaven." The congregation was exceeding large; but abundantly larger in the evening. I never saw the House so crowded before. It was much the same the next evening. Tuesday, 9. I preached my farewell sermon in the afternoon; and going to Mallow in the evening, went on the next day to Limerick. I preached to a large congregation of Papists and Protestants, in the yard of the Custom-House, where many could hear within as well as without. -Having waited for a chaise to go to Balligarane as long as I could, I at length set out on horseback. But T. Wride loitering behind, I might as well have spared my pains; for though I came to the town at the time appointed, I could find neither man, woman, nor child, to direct me to the preaching house. After gaping and staring some time, I judged it best to go to Newmarket, where I was to preach in the evening. I began about six. The congregation was deeply serious; great part of whom came again at five in the morning. And were it only for this opportunity, I did not regret my labour. Wed.