AN EXTRACT OF THE REV. MR. JOHN WESLEY'S JOURNAL, FROM MAY 6, 1760, TO OCTOBER 28, 1762. XII. TO THE READER. I AM sensible there are many particulars in the ensuing Journal, which some serious persons will not believe, and which others will turn to ridicule. But this I cannot help, unless by concealing those things which I believe it my bounden duty to declare. I cannot do otherwise, while I am persuaded that this was a real work of God, and that he hath so wrought this and all "his marvellous works, that they ought to be had in remembrance." I have only to desire, that those who think differently from me, will bear with me as I do with them; and that those who think, with me, that this was the most glorious work of God which has ever been wrought in our memory, may be encouraged to expect to be themselves partakers of all the great and precious promises; and that without delay, seeing "Now is the accepted time! Now is the day of salvation!" London, January 31, 1767. Tuesday, May 6th. I had much conversation, at Carrickfergus, with Monsieur Cavenac, the French General, not on the circumstances, but the essence of religion. He seemed to startle at nothing, but said more than once, and with much 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. Thur. 8. 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 Portlo-nane, which he accordingly did, and brought me to Mr. Burrows, near Garvah. Fri. 9. A little rest was acceptable. Sat. 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. 66 Sun. 11. 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. Mon. 12. 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! How Tues. 13. My Irish horse was thoroughly tired. ever, 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 ; but to supply that defect, there are Sabbath-breakers, drunkards, and common swearers in abundance. Thur. 15. We rode through a delightful country to Swadlingbar, famed for its mineral waters. Soon after, my new horse began to tire, so that it was with much difficulty I got to Sligo. |
