Wesley Corpus

While he was here, as Mr. Ireland and he were one day going through one of the streets in a coach, they were informed, the Pope was coming forward; and it would be required of them to come out of the coach, and kneel while he went by, as all the people did: If they did not, in all probability the zealous mob would fall upon them and knock them on the head. But this, whatever might be the consequence, they flatly refused to do; judging the paying such honour to a man was neither better nor worse than idolatry. The coachman was exceed ingly terrified, not knowing what to do. However, at length he made shift to turn aside into a narrow way. The Pope was in an open landau. He waved his hands as if he had been swimming; and frequently repeated these words, “God bless you all!” Mr. Fletcher's spirit was greatly stirred, and he longed to bear a public testimony against Antichrist; and he would undoubtedly have done it, had he been able to speak Italian. He could hardly refrain from doing it in Latin, till he considered that only the Priests could have understood him. One to whom he related this, saying, if he had done this the multitude would have torn him in pieces; he answered, “I believe the Pope himself would have prevented; for he was a man of sense and humanity.” 20. While he was at Paris, he was desired to visit and pray with a sick woman. Information of this was quickly given to a Magistrate, with abundance of aggravation. In conse quence of this an order was procured from the King himself for the apprehending him. This might not improbably have cost him his life, or, at least, a long and expensive imprison ment. When the Officer came to the door of the house where he lodged, Mr. Ireland stepped out, and said, “Sir, have you a warrant for me?” He (supposing him to be Mr. Fletcher) answered, “I have; you must come with me.” Mr. Ireland went very quietly with him. But when they came before the Magistrate, the accuser said, “This is not the man; I know nothing of this gentleman.” Another messenger was then sent; but before he came to the house, Mr. Fletcher was too far off to be overtaken. 21.