Here, and in the neighbourhood, he remained a month, making a short excursion to Kinsale, where he had a large congregation of soldiers; and to Bandon, where he preached in the shell of a new meeting-house, the foundation of which had been laid only a fortnight previous. On August 8, he set sail, and three days afterwards arrived in Bristol.
A couple of letters, written during this Irish tour, and addressed to Mr. Blackwell, may be interesting.
“Castlebar, June 5, 1758.
“Dear Sir,—I have learned, by the grace of God, in every state to be content. What a peace do we find in all circumstances, when we can say, ‘Not as I will, but as Thou wilt!’
“I have now gone through the greatest part of this kingdom: Leinster, Ulster, and the greater half of Connaught. Time only is wanting. If my brother could take care of England, and give me but one year in Ireland, I think every corner of this nation would receive the truth as it is in Jesus. They want only to hear it; and they will hear me, high and low, rich and poor. What a mystery of Providence is this! In England, they may hear, but will not. In Ireland, they fain would hear, but cannot. So in both, thousands perish for lack of knowledge.
“I hope you find public affairs changing for the better. In this corner of the world, we know little about them; only we are told, that the great, little king in Moravia is not swallowed up yet.
“Till near the middle of next month, I expect to be at Mr. Beauchamp’s in Limerick. My best wishes attend you all.
“I am, dear sir, your affectionate servant,
“John Wesley.”
“Bandon, July 12, 1758.