Wesley Corpus

Thur. 12.--About eleven I preached at Crowan. In the afternoon we heard of the success of Mr. H.’s sermon. James Wheatley was walking through the town in the evening, when the mob gathered, and began to throw stones from all quarters. He stepped into a house; but the master of it followed him, like a lion, to drag him out. Yet, after a few words, his mind was changed, and he swore nobody should hurt him. Meantime one went for a justice of peace, who came, and promised to see him safe home. The mob followed, hallooing and shouting amain. Near John Paynter’s house the justice left him: they quickly beset the house. Buta messenger came from the mayor, forbidding any to touch Mr. Wheatley, at his peril. He then went home. But between seven and eight the mob came and beset John Nance’s house. John Nance and John Paynter went out, and stood before the door; though they were quickly covered with dirt. The cry was, “ Bring out the preacher! Pull down the house!” And they began to pull down the boards which were nailed against the windows. But the mayor, hearing it, came without delay, and read the proclamation against riots: upon which, after many oaths and imprecations, they thought proper to disperse. ; About six [ reached Morva, wet through and through; the rain having continued with scarce any intermission. However, a little company were gathered together, to whom I preached, on, “ Ask, and it shall be given you.” The next day I had time to dry my clothes at Mr. John’s, near Penzance. At noon I preached on the Downs, not far from his house; about three at Gulval, and at St. Ives in the evening. Sat. 14.--I took my leave of St. Ives ; preached at two in Camborne, and at Gwennap in the evening. Sun. 15.--I preached here again at five, and at eight in Stithian parish. The place was a green triangular plat, capable of holding eight or ten thousand men. I stood on one of the walls that inclosed it. Many sat on the other two. Some thousands stood between, and received the word with all readiness of mind. At five I preached at Gwennap, on a little hill, near the usual place. It Cie? eer 314 REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. [ April, 1744.