of course the flock was scattered. When they are convinced of their sin, and humbled before him, then, and not before, he will return.

Wednesday, June 3, As it was fair, though the wind was high, and extremely sharp, I preached in an open place at Blackpool, to a large number of quiet hearers. On the three following evenings the wind and rain confined us in the house, much against my will, as those who wanted us most, could not or would not come thither.

Sunday 7, (Whitsunday) The weather turning fair, between four and five in the afternoon I began preaching in George's-street, to such a congregation as that in the Old Camp at Limerick. A solemn awe sat on the faces of the whole assembly, while I explained, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. Surely some of them found the promise fulfilled, and did drink of the living water!

Monday 8, I rode to Youghall. When I was here two years ago, a flame was kindled among the people: but it was gone out. And I could not wonder at it: for they have scarcely had any preaching since. I purposed staying only a night: but observing the number and deep attention of the congregation, I stayed another day, and on Tuesday 9, preached in the Exchange again. The hearers were much increased, and all but a few gentlemen, so called, behaved with great seriousness. Wednesday 10, after preaching to a multitude of people, I took horse, and in the evening of a very hot day reached Waterford.

Here I found a small, poor, dead Society, and but a handful of dull and careless hearers. However, I preached in the Yard, and found more life among them than I expected. In the morning I spoke to several members of the Society, some of whom seemed much devoted to God. I desired Mr. Morgan to preach at noon. God gave him acceptable words; and the whole congregation, rich and poor, appear ed to be greatly moved. They seemed to be still more affected in the evening. What pity, that this should pass away like a cloud!

Friday 12, We rode to Kilkenny. The sun was exceedingly hot; but did not incommode us much, as we had the wind in our faces all the way. The congregation at the Town-hall, in the evening, was large and tolerably serious : a few of the gentry excepted, who seemed neither to understand, nor care for any of these things. We had a great part of them at five in the morning. At noon, when Mr. Morgan preached, I expected to have seen the largest company of all; but I was mistaken. The ladies could not rise so soon: At least, they could not huddle on their clothes fit to be seen. In the evening I spoke exceedingly plain, both to the rich and poor; and a few, at least, received the truth in love. But who will endure to the end?

Sunday 14, In the evening I preached at Birr, to a wilder congregation than I ever saw at Kilkenny. However, as I stood near the barracks, the number of soldiers that attended kept them so far in awe, that they durst only laugh and make a little noise, till the whole body of the Papists ran away together. The rest were then tolerably attentive, and grew more and more serious till I concluded.

Monday 15, I rode through a pleasant and well cultivated country to Aughrim. For many years I have not seen so large a congregation here, and so remarkably well-behaved. At the prayer, both before and after sermon, all of them kneeled upon the grass. A few of the poor Papists only remained standing, at a distance from the rest of the people. These would come in droves at every place, if the priests, as well as the king, would grant liberty of conscience.

At the desire of the good old widow, Mrs. M., I went with Mr. S. to C-. Lord and Lady M. were there before us; to whom I was probably done.

"

"A not expected, much unwelcome guest.” But whatsoever it was to them, it was a heavy afternoon to me, as I had no place to retire to, and so was obliged to be in genteel company, for two or three hours together. Oh! what a dull thing is life, without religion! I do not wonder

that time hangs heavy upon the hands of all who know not God, unless they are perpetually drunk with noise and hurry of one kind or another.

Wednesday 17, We came to Athlone. Here the scene was changed: I was among those that both feared and loved God: but to this day they have not recovered the loss which they sustained, when they left off going to Church. It is true, they have long been convinced of their mistake; yet the fruit of it still remains. So that there are very few who retain that vigour of spirit, which they before enjoyed.

At seven I preached in the new house, which Mr. S. has built entirely at his own expense. The congregation was, as usual, both large and serious. I rested the four following days, only preaching morning and evening. Sunday 21, we had a solemn meeting of the Society at five. After preaching at eight, I would willingly have gone to Church; but was informed, there had been no service for nearly two years, and would be none for a year or two longer, the inside of the Church wanting to be repaired! In the evening I preached in the Barracks. I know not that ever I saw such a congregation at Athlone before. Rich and poor, Protestants and Papists, gathered together from every side: and deep attention sat on all, while I explained that solemn declaration, (part of the Gospel for the day,) If they hear not Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead.

1

It was about this time, that a remarkable affair happened at Macclesfield in Cheshire. One Ellen Stanyers, a young woman of that town, very religious in her own way, but quite a stranger to the Scripture way of salvation, had her work from one of the shops in the town. A young man belonging to the same shop, fell in love with her. Fearing lest her refusing him would disoblige her master, she gave him encouragement; and afterwards, though she never intended it, promised to marry him. One day as she was sitting at work, this sin was brought to her remembrance, and lay so exceedingly heavy upon her mind, that she was utterly

distressed. She took her work, and carried it to her master, telling him she had destroyed her soul with it. At the same time she told the young man she was resolved never to have him. He came and said, 'If you do not keep your word, I will hang myself at your door: and then I will come and take you away with me to the devil.' She was so frighted, that she fell into black despair. Her father carried her to a clergyman, and afterwards to another, who seemed to pity her case, but knew not how to comfort her. Willing to try every way, he ordered one to read to her, in Burkit upon the New Testament, till she cried, Take it away,

I cannot bear it; and attempted to run away. But her father held her, and when she struggled, beat her, and told her, she should hear it, whether she would or not. She grew worse and worse; could neither eat, drink, nor sleep; and pined away to a mere skeleton. She wandered about, as one distracted, in the fields and lanes, seeking rest, but finding none. She was exceedingly tempted to destroy herself; but that thought came into her mind, "If I do, I shall leap into hell immediately. I must go thither; but I will keep out of it as long as I can.' She was wandering about one day, when a person met her, and advised her to hear the Methodists. Although she hated them, yet she was willing to do any thing for ease, and so one evening came to the preaching. After the service was over, she desired to speak to the preacher, Mr. Pawson: but she talked quite wildly. However, he encouraged her to come to the Saviour of sinners, and cry to him for deliverance. "The next day" (so Mr. P. continues the account) "about twelve of us met together, and prayed with her. I found great freedom, and a full confidence that God would deliver her. After prayer, she said, 'I never felt my heart pray before. I felt my heart go along with the preacher's words. They have done me good at my heart. My despair is all gone, I have a hopè that I shall be saved.' The next morning two or three prayed with her again. She spent all the day with one or another of the Methodists, and did not go home till night. Her father then asked, 'Nelly, where have you been all this

time?' She answered, 'I have been among the Methodists.' The Methodists!' said he, have you got any good there?' She replied, "Yes, I bless God I have. I now hope I shall be saved.' 'Well' said he, 'I care not where you go, if you only get relief.' She then went to bed, but could not sleep. While she was meditating on what she had heard, those words were brought to her mind, Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no Physician there? With the words the Lord spoke peace to her soul: and in one and the same moment, all pain and sorrow fled away, and she was entirely healed, both body and mind. Early in the morning she came to the house of one of her friends, and clapping her hands together, cried out in an ecstacy of joy, O my my Jesus, my Jesus! What is it that He has done for me! I feel he has forgiven all my sins.' 'Taking up a hymn book, she opened it on these words,

'I the chief of sinners am,

But Jesus died for me!'

Jesus,

She was quite transported, being overwhelmed with peace and joy unspeakable. At the same time, she was restored to the full use of her reason, and in a little while was strong and healthy as ever. She immediately desired to be admitted into the Society, and, for about a year, enjoyed unspeak able happiness. She then received a call from her Beloved, and died full of faith and love."

Tuesday 23, About one, I preached in the Market-place at Clara. I admired the seriousness of the whole congregation. Indeed one or two gentlenen appeared quite unconcerned. But the presence of greater gentlemen kept them within bounds. So they were as quiet- as if they had

been at the play-house.

This and the following evening I preached in the Marketplace at Tullamore. Thursday 25, I was desired to look at the monument lately erected for the Earl of Charleville. It observes, "That he was the last of his family, the great Moore's of Croghan." But how little did riches profit either him, who died in the strength of his years, or his heir, who was literally overwhelmed by them; being so