“Some of these, after preaching the gospel in the streets and highways, to their own countrymen, brought the _glad tidings_ to _Ireland_ also; where, going about from place to place, thro’ cities and villages, they freely declared, what they had so freely received, to every one that would hear. And glory be to God, their labour of love was not in vain. He that sent them, gave their word his blessing, so that many received it gladly; and having felt its power, to this day bring forth fruit with patience; the fruit of righteousness, to the glory of God.” It was some weeks before he had opportunity of hearing them again, being obliged to take care of his school in the country. On his next return to _Limerick_ he heard another of them (Mr. _T. W._) and liked their preaching still better. But his fondness for, and attachment to the word of God, would not admit of his taking things of so high a nature upon trust. He therefore compared their doctrine with the word of God, and with the _articles_ and _homilies_ (which were now likewise his secondary, standards of truth) of the church of _England_; and “I found it, (says he) to be consonant with both. I became daily more and more attached to them, and their manner of living encreased my affection for them. They appeared to me to be true followers of Christ, and his apostles, adorning the doctrine of God in all things.” “When they had preached the gospel at _Limerick_ for some time, they came over to _New-Market_, a village where I then resided, about eight miles from thence. In a little time there was a society formed, (so they called those who met weekly together, in order to sing the praises of God, to pray to him, and to help each other on to heaven.) To these I joined myself a member, _September 29, 1749_, in order to be more fully instructed in the way of salvation.” CHAPTER VII. _Giving a farther account of the state of his soul, particularly of his deep convictions._ GOD had, by this time, made plain his way before his face. His holy word had fully informed his understanding, how a sinner can find favour with God. His scruples were all removed, and he wanted only the possession of what he saw as at a distance; to _know_, by experience, _the certainty of those things wherein he had been instructed_. His soul reached out with vehemency of desire to the _mark of the prize of_ his _high calling_. But yet he could not _lay hold on the hope set before_ him. He could not break the bondage of unbelief, of which he was now deeply convinced, and under which he groaned continually. In short, he felt what cannot be easily explained: the sorrows and strugglings, as well as joys, of the truly regenerate, being of such a nature, that strangers to that happy change can have very imperfect conceptions of. (1 Chronicles ii. 11.) *He particularly describes the manner, in which he perceived himself wrought upon, as follows,