Wesley Corpus

Sun. 17.--At seven in the morning the house just contained the people. I designed to preach abroad in the afternoon ; but the rain drove us into the house again : as many as could crowded i in. The rest stood without, though many, I fear, were wet to the skin. Tues. 19.-- Before I left Newcastle I heard a strange relanon, which I knew not what to think of. I then desired T. Lee, who was going to the place, to inquire particularly concerning it. He did so, and in consequence of that inquiry wrote me the following account :--- /« R--__. J~__. lived about twelve miles from Newcastle. His son, some time since, married without his consent. At this he was so enraged, that he wished his right arm might burn off, if ever he gave or left him sixpence. “ However, in March last, being taken ill, he made his will, and left him all his estate. The same evening he died. On Thursday, 10, his widow laying her hand on his back, found it warm. In the evening, those who were with him went into the next room to take a little refreshment. As they were eating, they observed a disagreeable smell, but could find nothing in the room to cause it. Returning into the room where the corpse “lay, they found it full of smoke. Removing the sheet which covered: the corpse, they saw (to their no small amazement) the body so burnt, that the entrails were bare, and might be seen through the ribs. His right arm was nearly burnt ‘off; his head so burnt that the brains appeared ; and a smoke came out of the crown of his head, like the steam of boiling water. When they cast water upon his body, it hissed, just as if cast on red-hot iron. Yet the sheet which was upon him was not ‘singed : but that under him, with the pillow-beer and pillow, and the plank on which he lay, were all burned, and looked as black as charcoal.