Wesley Corpus

I examined the society at Limerick, containing now an hundred and one persons, seven less than they were two years ago. I a little wonder at this; considering the scandal of the cross is well nigh ceased here, through the wise and steady behaviour of our brethren. But they want zeal; they are not fervent in spirit: Therefore, they cannot increase. In the evening I preached at Galway, in the county Court-House, to a more civil and attentive congregation than I ever saw there before. About one I preached at Ballinrobe, in the assembly-room, and was agreeably surprised, both at the un usual number and seriousness of the hearers. I had purposed to go on to Castlebar, but now thought it might be worth while to stay a little longer. In the afternoon I took a view of the Castle. Colonel Cuffe's father took great delight in this place, laid out beautiful gardens, and procured trees of all sorts, from May, 1775. JOURNAL. 45 all parts of the kingdom. Part of these placed on the slope of the hill, (at the side of which runs the river,) form a lovely wilderness, at the end whereof are regular rows of elms. But the Colonel has no pleasure therein. So all is now swiftly running to ruin. I preached again at six, to a large congregation, and the next evening at Castlebar. Monday, 22. I spent two or three hours in one of the loveliest places, and with one of the love liest families, in the kingdom. Almost all I heard put me in mind of those beautiful lines of Prior, The nymph did like the scene appear, Serenely pleasant, calmly fair; Soft fell her words, as flew the air. How willingly could I have accepted the invitation to spend a few days here ! Nay, at present I must be about my Father's business: But I trust to meet them in a still lovelier place. Between Limerick and Castlebar, I read over the famous controversy between Drs. Clarke and Leibnitz. And is this he whom the King of Prussia extols, as something more than human? So poor a writer have I seldom read, either as to sentiments or temper.