With a particular fear

heart, that such should come. and trembling, I think of going to London. But he that preserved Daniel in the den of lions, and the three children in the fiery furnace, will, I hope, preserve me from the fiery trial of popularity, and from the misguided zeal of those, who, without cause, are my enemies. Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. Magnify still thy free grace in me. Guide me by thy unerring wisdom, receive, O receive, me for thy infinite mercies' sake, in Christ Jesus, into glory hereafter !

As for the success of my ministry, whilst on board, I shall only say, that I hope much sin has been prevented, and one I hope effectually converted, who is to be my fellow-traveller to England. Lord, if I can but be made instrumental to save one soul, I care not if I am tossed on the ocean through my whole life. Glory be to God on high!

It is observable that just as we had cast anchor, a violent wind rose, which (had it happened sooner) must have greatly hurt us. Marvellous are thy works, O Lord, and that my soul knoweth right well!

About seven at night I dressed myself and went on shore, and was received in a strong castle belonging to Mr Mac Mahon, the gentleman who sent me an invitation. He himself was not at home, having went some miles up to meet me; but his maid servant kindly received us. I asked for water, and she gave me milk, and brought forth butter in a lordly dish: and never did I eat a more comfortable meal. About ten the gentleman (having missed of me at the place appointed) came through the rain, and entertained us most hospitably, and about one we went to bed; I hope with hearts full of a sense of the divine love. My song shall henceforward be always of the loving-kindness of the Lord. I will make mention of his righteousness and truth, in the assemblies of his saints. Now our water is turned into wine!

KILRUSH IN IRELAND.

This morning about eleven o'clock, after being most hospitably entertained by Mr Mac Mahon, and fur

nished with three horses, I and my servant and my new convert set out for Dublin, and reached Kilrush, a little town about eight Irish miles from Karrigholt, about two in the afternoon, where we were sweetly refreshed, and tarried the remainder of the day with captain Coc, who last night with his whole crew was like to be shipwrecked; but this morning, by the good providence of God, was brought hither on shore. Surely my shipmates will, of all men, be most miserable if they continue impenitent, having such loud and repeated calls from God.

As I rode along, and observed the meanness of the poor people's living in these parts, I said, if my parishioners at Georgia, complain to me of hardships, I must tell them how the Irish live; for their habitations are far more despicable, and their living as hard, I believe, as to food; and yet, no doubt, content dwells in many of these low huts. A man's life does not consist in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

At my first coming into our inn, we kneeled down and prayed; and again at night sung psalms, and prayed with the captain and several of my shipmates. The first time I believe the room was ever put to such a use by a ship's crew and their chaplain.

FOURTHFARgus.

Friday, November 17. Had a very pleasant ride, over a fine fruitful open country to Fourthfargus, a village as was reckoned only ten, but at a moderate computation thirty English miles from Kilrush. But this is not the first piece of Irish I have met with.-Their innocent blunders often extort smiles from me.

As I stopped to have my horses shoed, I went into one of the poor people's cabins, as they call them; but it may as well be called a sty, a barn, or a poultrycoop. It was about twenty feet long, and twelve broad, the walls built with turf and mud. In it was a man threshing corn, two swine feeding; two dogs, several geese; a man, his wife, three children, and a great fire. Georgia huts are a palace to it. Indeed the people live very poorly in this part, some walk bare

foot with their shoes in their hands to save them from wearing out, others out of necessity. And I observed many of their feet to be much swelled, and ready to gush out with blood, through extremity of cold. Lord, why is my lot cast into a fairer ground? Thy free grace alone has made the difference!

Whilst I was in the cabin, as they call their little Irish huts, I talked with the woman in the house, and found she was a Roman catholic. And indeed the whole commonalty almost are of the Romish profession, and seem to be so very ignorant, that they may well be termed the wild Irish. No wonder, when the key of knowledge is taken from them. Woe unto their blind guides. I can think of no likelier means to convert them from their erroneous principles, than to get the Bible translated into their own native language, to have it put in their houses, and charity-schools erected for their children, as Mr Jones has done in Wales, which would insensibly weaken the Romish interest. For when once they could be convinced that they were imposed upon, they would no longer suffer themselves to be misled. Oh, that some man, in whom is the spirit of the holy God, would undertake this!

LIMERICK.

Saturday, November 19. Presuming the people where I lay last night were Roman catholics, I neglected to call them in to join in prayer, but to my great grief found afterwards that some were protestants, and expected prayers from me. Oh, base ingratitude! Is this my zeal for my late signal deliverance? Oh, treacherous heart! Fye upon thee, fye upon thee. God be merciful to me a sinner!

About two this afternoon we reached Limerick, a large garrison town, with a cathedral in it, about twentyone English miles from Fourthfargus. The roads as we came along grew better; but the people much more subtle and designing. Here are also many beggars, which I impute to the want of parish provisions for them. At evening-prayer we went to the cathedral.

and returned public thanks for our safe arrival. The remainder of the night was spent in necessary business, refreshing our bodies, religious conversation, and in writing some things I stood in need of.

Good God! Where was I last Saturday? In hunger, cold, and thirsting; but now I enjoy fulness of bread, and all things convenient for me. God grant I may not, Jeshurun like, wax fat and kick. Perhaps it is more difficult to know how to abound, than how to want. But I endeavour to receive both with thanksgiving.

Sunday, November 20. Having sent last night to inform doctor Burscough, bishop of Limerick, that I was lately arrived, at his lordship's appointment I waited on him this morning, and was received with the utmost candour and civility. At his lordship's request, I preached this morning at the cathedral, to a very numerous audience, who seemed universally affected, and full of expectation that I would preach in the afternoon; but Providence did not seem to open a door. But why should not a strange minister always offer his service? I think it is a wrong piece of modesty not to do it. For a sermon from a stranger may do more good than many from those the people are constantly used to.

After sermon the mayor sent twice to invite me, but I was preengaged to the bishop, who kindly invited both me and my friend, thanked me for my sermon, and offered me the free use of his palace, and would have insisted on my accepting of it, had I not told his lordship I was to leave Limerick in the morning. Oh, into what a wealthy place has my good God brought me! How does he every where command some or other to receive me! As I was eating at dinner, I was meditating on the divine goodness in spreading such a table for me, when last Sunday I was in danger almost of perishing with hunger. But I thought at the same time, if this were so great a blessing, what an infinitely greater one will it be, after the troubles of this life, to

sit down and eat bread in the kingdom of God. O that I may be accounted worthy of that heavenly banquet!

TULLER-BRIDGE.

Monday, November 20. Went about Limerick town this morning, to despatch some necessary business; and found the good seed sown yesterday, had received a blessing from above, for all the inhabitants seemed alarmed, and looked most wishfully at me as I passed along. One substantial tradesman, in particular, even compelled me to come in, and showed me and my friend uncommon civilities, and told me how solicitous the people were for my staying longer. Another came to my inn, and begged me to come and see him, which I did; and the good bishop, when I went to take leave of his lordship, kissed me, and said these words, " Mr Whitefield, God bless you, I wish you success abroad. Had you staid in town, this house should have been your home."

About four in the afternoon, against much persuasion to the contrary, we left Limerick, and reached Tullerbridge, about six miles distant from thence, by six o'clock, where I and my friend were agreeably refreshed, and spent the remainder of the evening in writing to some at Limerick, and strengthening one another, and blessing God for these fresh instances of his unmerited mercies. Who knows what a great matter this little fire may kindle? This I am assured of, God did not send me to Ireland for nothing.

BURRASS AND OSSERY.

Tuesday, November 21. Went on journeying before day, and came about five in the evening to Burrass and Ossery, twenty-five miles from Tuller-bridge.

In my way I had a short conference with a Roman catholic, who seemed more knowing than the generality of those of that persuasion, but sadly misguided. My main drift was to convince him he was imposed upon. "Am I?" says he, with great earnestness. "Did I know that, I would follow him, i. e. the priest, no longer'