Wesley Corpus

Sun. 20.--Understanding the usual place of preaching would by no means contain those who desired to hear, about eight I went to Hammond’s Marsh. The congregation was large and deeply attentive. A few of the rabble gathered at a distance; but by little and little they drew near, and mixed with the congregation: so that 1 have seldom seen a more quiet and orderly assembly at any church in England or Ireland. In the afternoon, a report being spread abroad that the mayor designed to hinder my preaching on the Marsh in the evening, I desired Mr. Skelton and Mr. Jones to wait upon him, and inquire concerning it. Mr. Skelton asked, if my preaching there would be disagreeable to him; adding, “Sir, if it would, Mr. Wesley will not do it.” He replied warmly, “Sir, P’ll have no mobbing.” Mr. Skelton replied, “Sir, there was none this morning.” He answered, “There was. Are there not churches and meeting houses enough? I will have no more mobs and riots.” Mr. Skelton replied, * Sir, neither Mr. Wesley nor they that heard him made either mobs or riots.”” He answered plain, “I will have no more preaching ; and if Mr. Wesley attempts to preach, I am prepared for him.” | began preaching in our own house soor after five. Mr. Mayur ot tian May, 1750. | REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. 485