Remarkable Accident to Wesley

1748. Thursday, January 28.—I set out for Deverel Longbridge. About ten o’clock we were met by a loaded wagon, in a deep, hollow way. There was a narrow path between the road and the bank: I stepped into this, and John Trembath followed me.  When the wagon came near, my horse began to rear and to attempt climbing up the bank. This frightened the horse which was close behind and made him prance and throw his head to and fro, till the bit of the bridle caught hold of the cape of my great coat and pulled me backwards off my horse. I fell as exactly on the path, between the wagon and the bank, as if one had taken me in his arms and laid me down there. Both our horses stood stock still, one just behind me, the other before; so, by the blessing of God, I rose unhurt, mounted again, and rode on.

Saturday, February 6.—I preached at eight in the morning at Bath and in the evening at Coleford. The colliers of this place were “darkness” indeed; but now they are “light in the Lord.”

Tuesday, 9.—I met about sixty of the society in Bristol to consult about enlarging the room; and indeed securing it, for there was no small danger of its falling upon our heads.  In two or three days, two hundred and thirty pounds were subscribed. We immediately procured experienced builders to make an estimate of the expense; and I appointed five stewards (besides those of the society) to superintend the work.

Friday, 12.—After preaching at Oakhill about noon, I rode to Shepton and found them all under a strange consternation.  A mob, they said, was hired, prepared, and made sufficiently drunk, in order to do all manner of mischief. I began preaching between four and five; none hindered or interrupted at all. We had a blessed opportunity, and the hearts of many were exceedingly comforted. I wondered what was become of the mob. But we were quickly informed: they mistook the place, imagining I should alight (as I used to do) at William Stone’s house, and had summoned, by drum, all their forces together to meet me at my coming: but Mr. Swindells innocently carrying me to the other end of the town, they did not find their mistake till I had done preaching: so that the hindering this, which was one of their designs, was utterly disappointed.

However, they attended us from the preaching house to William Stone’s, throwing dirt, stones, and clods in abundance; but they could not hurt us. Only Mr. Swindells had a little dirt on his coat, and I a few specks on my hat.