Page:Susanna Wesley (Clarke 1886).djvu/83

Rh heard some crying Fire! in the street before, but did not apprehend where it was till he opened his door; he called at our chamber, and bade us all shift for life, for the roof was falling fast, and nothing but the thin wall kept the fire from the staircase.

"We had no time to take our clothes, but ran all naked. I called to Betty to bring the children out of the nursery ; she took up Patty, and left Jacky to follow her, but he, going to the door and seeing all on fire, ran back again. We got the street door open, but the wind drove the flame with such violence that none could stand against it. I tried thrice to break through, but was driven back. I made another attempt and waded through the fire, which did me no other hurt than to scorch my legs and face. When I was in the yard, I looked about for your father and the children; but, seeing none, concluded them all lost. But, I thank God, I was mistaken. Your father carried sister Emily, Sukey, and Patty into the garden; then missing Jacky, he ran back into the house to see if he could save him. He heard him miserably crying out in the nursery, and attempted several times to get up-stairs, but was beat back by the flames; then he thought him lost, and commended his soul to God, and went to look after the rest. The child climbed up to the window and called out to them in the yard; they got up to the casement and pulled him out just as the roof fell into the chamber. Harry broke the glass of the parlour window and threw out your sisters Matty and Hetty; and so, by God's great mercy, we all escaped. Do not be discouraged, God will provide for you. ".