Wesley Corpus

8. On January 13, 1743-4, the mob rose again at Darlas ton, broke all the windows of all who followed “this way,” (except two or three who bought themselves off) broke open several houses, and took what they liked, the people belong ing to them being fled for their lives. About the same time the Rev. Mr. E came to Darlas ton; and meeting some others at Thomas Forshcw’s, they drew up a writing; and Nicholas Winspur, the crier of the town, gave public notice, That all the people of the society must come to Mr. Forshew’s, and sign it, or else their houses would be pulled down immediately. It was to this effect, That they would never read, or sing, or pray together, or hear these Parsons, any more. Several signed this through fear. They made every one who did, lay down a penny,--“to make the mob drink.” 9. About Candlemas, the wife of Joshua Constable, of Dar laston, was going to Wednesbury, when a mob met her in the road, threw her down several times, and abused her in a manner too horrible to write. A warrant was procured for some of these; but one of them only was carried before Mr. G , who came back and told his companions, the Justice said that they might go home about their business. On this the mob rose again, came to Joshua’s house, and destroyed all the necessary goods therein. They likewise broke and spoiled all his shop tools, threw the tiles off the roof of the house, and pulled down one room, the joist of which they carried away with them. All his gun-locks they took away; they tore in pieces all his wife’s linen, cut the bed and bedstead, so that it was good for nothing; and tore her Bible and Common Prayer Book all to pieces. She and her husband retired to another house; but one telling the mob they were there, they swore they would tear it down immediately, if the man let them stay any longer: So they went out in the frost and snow, not knowing where to lay their head. 10. On Tuesday, January 31, 1743-4, Henry Old came to John Griffith's house, saying, if he did not leave following “this way,” he had a hundred men at his command, who should come and pull his house down.