Wesley Corpus

Sun. 18.--A little before twelve (the usual hour in Ireland) the morning service began at Rosmead church, where Mr. Booker preached a useful sermon. I preached at five to abundance of plain country people, and two coaches full of gentry. O how hard is it for these to enter into the kingdom of heaven! Mon. 19.--No sooner did we enter Ulster than we observed the difference. The ground was cultivated just as in England ; and the cottages not only neat, but with doors, chimneys, and windows. Newry, the first town we came to, (allowing for the size,) is built much after the manner of Liverpool. I preached soon after seven to a large congregation, and to great part of them at five in the morning. Afterward I spoke to the members of the society, consisting of Churchmen, Dissenters, and Papists that were. But there is no striving among them, unless to “ enter in at the strait gate.” Wed. 21.--In the morning there was such violent lightning, thunder, and rain, that the very beasts ran out of the fields, and the birds flew from their usual coverts, to take shelter in the houses. But before we took horse the sky cleared up, and we had a pleasant ride to Terryhugan, near Scarva. The road lay on the edge of a smooth canal, with July, 1756. ] REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. 613 fruitful, gently-rising hills on either side. We were at a lone house; but the people found their way thither in the evening from all quarters. I preached in a meadow near the house, the congregation sitting on the grass. And surely they had ears to hear. God give them hearts tc understand! Thur. 22.--We rode through heavy rain to Lisburn. I preached in the market house at seven. One man only gainsayed ; but the by-standers used him so roughly, that he was soon glad to hold his peace.