it, the sooner it was clone the better, as an ordination must be soon, or the Dissenters will have all our congregations, and our students also, and the various revolutions of the ministers settled.
"A bond might speedily secure to you my engagements, obliging me to execute, as soon as can be obtained, my deed of gift to you, containing my fullest authority for your present and future possession; and for the present your winter months either at Bath or London, as your calls might render you subject to; and you to have a right from the College for a student, or an ordained seceding minister to supply your absence; and to oblige the people to continue such in case of your calls upon any occasion from Tunbridge Wells. Let this remain with you and me till your answer fully is given. The congregations are to allow, as now, two guineas a-week and travelling charges. The more I see this matter the more I am satisfied that it is the best means to secure in future your wishes: but the Lord alone for ever instruct us what is best. Should you or should you not approve this, to ourselves will be best kept, but should you, Fisher might make the bond of obligations, and remit it for my execution, till he shall prepare the deed in the fullest and most legal manner.
"This is and must be your surest and safest road to Bath; as only universal concurrence so obtained can give that lasting love and peace which must abide with all. Should this be the case, we shall see the wisdom and love of the Lord in making the chapel quite ready for you. Farewell my ever affectionate friend.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Lady Huntingdon's Connexion in Ireland—Mr. Whitefield the first who visited Ireland—Dr. Delany—Bishop of Limerick—Mr. Thomas Williams—Persecution of the Methodists—Mr. Charles Wesley—Speaker of the House of Commons—Dr. Gifford—Mr. Whitefield—Mr. Lunell—Mr. Whitefield's second visit to Ireland—Methodist Society—Mr. John Edwards—Mr. Whitefield's third visit to Ireland—near being murdered—United Brethren—Mr. Piers—Mr. Shirley—Mr. Wesley visits Ireland—Mr. Charles Wesley ceases to itinerate—Success of Mr. Shirley and Mr. Piers—Lord and Lady Clanricarde—Mr. De Courcy—Letter to Lady Huntingdon—Mr. Townsend—Mr. Venn—Mr. Newton—His first attempts at preaching—Irregulars and Itinerants.
"Poor wicked Ireland, I trust, shall yet have a Gospel day. I can't see how or when—but it must be; and till I find that opportunity, my eye is only waiting darkly for its accomplishment."—Lady Huntingdon.
As the venerable Countess was instrumental in establishing a very flourishing congregation in Dublin, and laying the foundation of others in more distant parts of Ireland; and as many of
