Wesley Corpus

Fri. 30.--I inquired into the particulars of the last fire here. It began on June 4, about six in the evening. Four engines were brought immediately ; and water in abundance ran through the middle of the street: notwithstanding, it seized four houses instantly, spread across the street, and ran on both sides, right against the wind, till it had burnt all the engines, and made all help impossible. When most of the people had given up all hopes, it stopped all on a sudden: on one side of the street, by blowing up the market house; on the other, none could tell how: having first left about three hundred families without a place where to lay their heads. I preached at six, on those words in the Morning lesson, “ We desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for, as concerning this sect, we know every where it is spoken against.” A drunken man made a little noise ; but a clergyman present desired the town clerk to stop him; which he did immediately. Then the mob of footmen began, ‘having procured a horn, and greatly increased their numbers. But a party of the townsmen undertook them, and scoured the streets of them in a few minutes. To revenge themselves, they laid hold on a poor chimney sweeper they met, though no Maccabee, (as the common people call us here,) carried him away in triumph, and (we heard) half murdered him, before he got out of their hands. Sat. 31.--We rode to Launceston. The mob gathered immediately, and attended us to the room. ‘They made much noise while I was preaching, and threw all kind of things at the people as they came out ; but no one was hurt. Sun. September 1.--At the desire of many I went at eight into the main street. A large congregation of serious people quickly gathered together. Soon after a mob of boys and gentlemen gathered on the other side of the street: they grew more and more noisy; till, finding [ could not be heard there, | went to the room and quietly tinished my discourse. I preached again as soon as we came out of church, and hen hasted to Tresmere. Mr. T not being come, I read prayers 522 REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. | Sept. 1751