Wesley Corpus

Tues. 11.--I was at a loss where to preach, the person who owned the loft refusing to let me preach there, or even in the yard below. And the commanding officer being asked for the use of the barrackyard, answered, it was not a proper place. <‘* Not,# said he, “that I have any objection to Mr. Wesley. I will hear him, if he preaches under the gallows.” It remained, to preach in the street: and by this means the congregation was more than doubled. Both the officers and soldiers gave great attention, till a poor man, special drunk, came marching down the street, attended by a Popish mob, with a club in ‘ May, 1756. | REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. 603 one hand, and a large cleaver in the other, grievously cursmg and blaspheming, and swearing he would cut off the preacher’s head. It was with difficulty that I restrained the troopers; especially them that were not of the society. When he came nearer, the mayor stepped out of the congregation, and strove, by good words, to make him quiet ; but he could not prevail: on which he went into his house, and returned with his white wand. At the same time he sent for two constables, who presently came with their staves. He charged them not to strike the man, unless he struck first; but this he did immediately, as soon as they came within his reach, and wounded one of them in the wrist. On this the other knocked him down, which he did three times before he would submit. The mayor then walked before, the constables on either hand, and conducted him to the gaol.