16.--Visited poor old F., with whom I read, conversed, and prayed. He is near his rest. He thanks God for having afflicted him; for before he was afflicted he went astray. I had a good opportunity to show some Roman Catholics, who were in the house, what the believer rests his hopes upon in the hour of trial. They listened with attention. 23.--Visited a family in Ardnaree, named Gardner, where I read a chapter and prayed with the family: and I always make some remarks as I read, and propose questions, in order to arrest their attention. 30.--Visited the Staff, where I found some children reading the Scriptures; I read with, and turned this little company into a class, by questioning them on what we read. I prayed with them, and promised to visit them again. _Dec. 14._--Visited a family in Hill Street, named McNautly, where I attempted to read, but was interrupted by a woman who said she did not want any thing out of Protestant books. I reasoned with her for some time, when I referred to the Testament for the truth of what I said; and as she seemed pleased with what I said, I continued to read, and explained as I read, without any further interruption. So we parted good friends. 21.--Conversed with a young man named Poots, who asked me my opinion of almost every article of the Popish doctrines. He said, he was satisfied with any thing written in the Scriptures, as he found very little difference between _ours_, as he called it, and _his_ Testament. I need not enter into particulars, as this subject lasted more than two hours, without an angry feeling on either side. He at length exclaimed: There is so much mystery in our religion, and those things known only to the priests, that he did not know what to think; but, said he, if I could be properly convinced on the subject of transubstantiation and confession, I would not remain one day in the church of Rome. 28.--Visited an old woman in Brook Street, named Brennan, who is confined to her bed. I read and conversed with her for about an hour: I prayed with her also. AUSTIN BRENNAN. _Ballina, Jan. 3, 1835._ _To_ Rev. J. BATES. I am happy to inform you, that the work of the blessed Redeemer is prospering in this part of his vineyard, though the wicked one has his secret agents in this place, as well as every other place, resisting the work of Christ, and the gospel of the grace of God.