they have done more ?) All this time none offered to resist them. Indeed most part, both men and women, fled for their lives. . . . Wearing apparel and things which were of value or easily saleable, they carried away: every man loading himself with as much as he could well carry, of whatever he liked best. . . On Wednesday the mob divided into two or three companies, one of which went to Aldridge, [6] miles from Wednesbury, and plundered many houses there, as they had done in several other villages. They came back through Walsal with their spoils; but the gentlemen of Walsal being apprised of their coming, raised a body of men, who met them, took what they had away, and laid it up in the Town-Hall. Notice was then sent to Aldridge that every man who had been plundered might come and take his own goods.

Wed., April 4.-About 11 we reached St Ive's [Cornwall]. As soon as we went out [of John Nance's house] we were saluted as usual with a huzza and a few stones or pieces of dirt. But in the evening none opened his mouth while I proclaimed, "I will love thee, O Lord, my strength."

Thurs. 5.-I took a view of the ruins of the house, which the mob had pulled down a little before, for joy that Admiral Matthews had beat the Spaniards. Such is the Cornish method of thanksgiving. I suppose if Admiral Lestock had fought too, they would have knocked all the Methodists on the head.

Tues., May 15th, 1744.-I rode the shortest way to Birstal [Yorks]. Here I found our brethren partly mourning, and partly rejoicing, on account of John Nelson. On Friday the 4th instant (they informed me) the constables took him, just as he had ended his sermon, at Adwalton, and the next day carried him before the Commissioners at Halifax. Many were ready to testify that he was in

.

no respect such a person as the Act of Parliament specified.

But they were not heard; he was a Preacher, that was enough. So he was sent for a soldier at once.

Thurs., Sept. 12, 1745.—I came to Leeds, preached at five, and at eight met the Society; after which the mob pelted us with dirt and stones, greater part of the way home. The congregation was much larger next evening, and so was the mob at our return, and likewise in higher spirits, being ready to knock out all our brains, for joy that the Duke of Tuscany was emperor.

Monday, July 23, 1759.-I preached, near Huddersfield, to the wildest congregation I have seen in Yorkshire; yet they were restrained by an unseen hand, and I believe some felt the sharpness of His word.

Friday, Aug. 3, 1759.-I preached at Gainsborough, in Sir Nevil Hickman's great hall. It is full as large as the Weaver's Hall in Bristol. At two it was filled with a rude, wild multitude (a few of a better spirit excepted). Yet all but two or three gentlemen were attentive while I enforced our Lord's words: "What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" I was walking back through a gaping, staring crowd, when Sir Nevil came and thanked me for my sermon, to the no small amazement of his neighbours, who shrunk back as if they had seen a ghost. Thence I rode to North Scarle, the last village in Lincolnshire, ten miles short of Newark. Here a great multitude assembled from various parts, most of them wholly unacquainted with the ways of God; indeed to such a degree, that, though I spoke as plain as I could on the first principles of religion, yet it seemed very many understood me no more than if I was talking Greek.

15. A SERVICE OF JOHN WESLEY

SOURCE: Horace Walpole, Letters. To John Chute (1735–1797).

10 Oct., 1766.-My health advances faster than my amusement. However, I have been at one opera, Mr Wesley's. They have boys and girls with charming voices, that sing hymns, in parts, to Scotch ballad tunes; but indeed so long, that one would think they were already in eternity, and knew how much time they had before them. The chapel is very neat, with true Gothic windows (yet I am. not converted); but I was glad to see that luxury is creeping in upon them before persecution: they have very neat mahogany stands for branches, and brackets of the same in taste. At the upper end is a broad hautpas of four steps, advancing in the middle: at each end of the broadest part are two of my eagles, with red cushions for the parson and clerk. Behind them rise three more steps, in the midst of which is a third eagle for pulpit. Scarlet armed chairs to all three. On either hand, a balcony for elect ladies. The rest of the congregation sit on forms. Behind the pit, in a dark niche, is a plain table within rails; so you see the throne is for the apostle. Wesley is a lean, elderly man, fresh-coloured, his hair smoothly combed, but with a soupçon of curl at the ends. Wondrous clean, but as evidently an actor as Garrick. He spoke his sermon, but so fast, and with so little accent, that I am sure he has often uttered it, for it was like a lesson. There were parts and eloquence in it; but towards the end he exalted his voice, and acted very ugly enthusiasm; decried learning, and told stories, like Latimer, of the fool of his college, who said, "I thanks God for everything." Except a few from curiosity, and some honourable women, the congregation was very mean. There was a Scotch Countess of Buchan, who is carrying a pure rosy vulgar face to heaven, and who asked Miss Rich, if that was the author of the poets. I believe she meant me and the Noble Authors.

16. THE OPENING OF RANELAGH GARDENS

SOURCE: As No. 15. To Horace Mann.

May 26, 1742.—. Two nights ago Ranelagh-gardens were opened at Chelsea; the Prince, Princess, Duke [of Cumberland], much nobility and much mob besides, were there. There is a vast amphitheatre, finely gilt, painted, and illuminated, into which everybody that loves eating, drinking, staring, or crowding, is admitted for twelvepence. The building and disposition of the gardens cost sixteen thousand pounds. Twice a-week there are to be ridottos, at guinea tickets, for which you are to have a supper and music. I was there last night, but did not find the joy of it. Vauxhall is a little better; for the garden is pleasanter and one goes by water.

[Writing two years later, he states:-]

To Hon. Henry Seymour Conway.

You must be informed that every night constantly I go to Ranelagh; which has totally beat Vauxhall. Nobody goes anywhere else everybody goes there. My Lord Chesterfield is so fond of it, that he says he has ordered all his letters to be directed thither. If you had never seen it, I would make you a most pompous description of it, and tell you how the floor is all of beaten princes-that you can't set your foot without treading on a Prince of Wales or Duke of Cumberland. The company is universal: there is from his Grace of Grafton down to children out of the Foundling Hospital-from my Lady Townshend to the kitten-from my Lord Sandys to your humble cousin and sincere friend.

17. A LONDON GALA

SOURCE: As No. 15. To Sir Horace Mann.

May 3, 1749.—I am come hither for a few days, to repose myself after a torrent of diversions, and am writing to you