His manner of addressing them was easy and familiar: talking to them always in a stile suited to their capacity and prejudices. He avoided entirely the difference of churches, and all matter of dispute, speaking only of the dreadful evil of sin, the great affairs of eternal life, and eternal death, of judgment, and of the sufferings and sacrifice of the Son of God. And his discourses had often such immediate effect, that falling on their knees, and smiting their breasts, they have wept, and cried for mercy, in the open streets. He always concluded his instructions with giving them money, if he had it, which indeed was not always the case.
It would be tedious to enumerate all the conversations, and various intercourses which he had with members of that communion, and the good effects which were produced by them. Two or three only, may be related from his own accounts.
“This day ―――― came to my room. I asked him, how he hoped to be saved? And having talked together in _Irish_ for some time, he became greatly affected, and said, ‘I have saved some money to leave to some _Priest_ or _Friar_ when I die, in order to procure me the forgiveness of my sins, and I am willing to leave it to you, if you will accept of it.’ I told him, that no man could forgive his sins; that the gift of God was not to be purchased with money; and that only the blood of Christ, our great _High-priest_, could cleanse from sin. He was deeply wounded, and cried earnestly to God, to whom, after prayer I commended him.”
At another time he writes, “A poor woman, a papist, came to my room, desirous of salvation. I prayed with her in _Irish_. She frequently fell on her knees and cried for mercy, resolving no more to regard the priest’s curses, but to seek her salvation according as the word of God directs.”
Again, “Being on a journey, where I breakfasted (it was a Romanist’s) I reproved the landlord for swearing, and talked to all who were present. I exhorted likewise a woman at the door, to seek from God, repentance and salvation. She cried with amaze! To the blessed Virgin, and to the twelve apostles to help her. But I taught her to direct her prayers to God the Father, through the Lord Jesus Christ.”
*Beside his frequent occasional conversations with them, he went to as many of their own houses as he could get admittance, where he regarded the children and servants, even as the masters and mistresses.
But what most of all contributed to the success of his attempts for their good, was his public preaching, to which great numbers of them frequently resorted, wherever he came; induced thereto, chiefly by his preaching in _Irish_, and such things as they easily understood. There is in the _Irish_ language a peculiarly affecting expressiveness, particularly with respect to the things of God; which, being pressed home upon the conscience, by his zealous and alarming way of preaching, often left them bathed in tears. I saw a very remarkable instance of this in the town of my nativity; preaching there on a market-day, many of the country people running with surprize to hear him, smote their breasts and wept, in such a manner as was entirely new to them, some affirming, that they could go all over the world with him! It may be truly said, he seldom preached a sermon in _Irish_, from which some of them did not receive advantage. He briefly mentions a few instances himself, as follows,
“After preaching both in _Irish_ and _English_, a poor papist woman came to me, saying, ‘She came for instruction; for that as she was a poor woman, she could not have it elsewhere, and she wanted to save her soul.’ I told her, that all which was in my power, I would do for her willingly. She wept, and I prayed with her, pointing her for all her soul wanted, to Jesus, who alone is _the way, the truth, and the life_.”
*Again, “_January 4, 1751_. My soul was delighted to see with what earnestness the poor _Irish_, (meaning the _Romanists_) received the word, being in general deeply affected. O how did they weep, and cry for mercy! May God hear their prayer. Surely this people will rise up in judgment against Protestants, who having the light of the gospel, either neglect or despise it. And also against the pastors of this ignorant people, who hold them in error. O, what have the Romish clergy to answer for before God!”
“_April, 1751._ Many of them professed after preaching, that they received more benefit from that one sermon, than from all the _masses_ they had attended during their whole life.”
At another time preaching concerning the good _Samaritan_ (Luke x. 30.) “Two members of the church of _Rome_ were deeply convinced of their want of a Saviour, and thirty-four persons joined themselves together, to seek and serve the Lord.”
“_Friday, May 8._ I conversed with a woman who was formerly of the church of _England_, but had been seduced by the _Romish_ priests. She was convinced of her error and returned. To God be the glory.”