companies or classes—about twelve in each class. And
Fes. 1742
CONGREGATION STONED
that many of his companions were loudly crying out, " Richard Smith, Richard Smith!" who, as it afterwards appeared, was one of their stoutest champions.
But Richard Smith answered not; he was fallen into the hands of One higher than they.
God had struck him to the heart; as also a woman, who was speaking words not fit to be repeated, and throwing whatever came to hand, whom He overtook in the very act.
She came into the house with Richard Smith, fell upon her knees before us all, and strongly exhorted him, never to turn back, never to forget the mercy which God had shown to his soul, From this time we had never any considerable interruption or disturbance at Long Lane ; although we withdrew our persecution, upon the offender's submission and promise of better behaviour.
Tues. 26.—I explained at Chelsea the faith which worketh by love.
I was very weak when I went into the room; but the more "the beasts of the people" increased in madness and rage, the more was I strengthened, both in body and soul; so that I believe few in the house, which was exceeding full, lost one sentence of what I spoke.
Indeed they could not see me, nor one another at a few yards distance, by reason of the exceeding thick smoke, which was occasioned by the wild-fire, and things of that kind, continually thrown into the room.
But they who could praise God in the midst of the fires were not to be affrighted by a little smoke.
Mon. Feb. 15.—Many met together to consult on a proper method for discharging the public debt; and it was at length agreed, 1. That every member of the society, who was able, should contribute a penny a week.
2. That the whole society should be divided into little companies or classes—about twelve in each class.
And 3. That one person in each class should receive the