A few words which a woman had inadvertently spoken had set almost all the town in a flame

Thu 3 June 1736: Being Ascension Day, we had the Holy Communion, but only Mr. Hird’s family joined with us in it. One reason why there were no more was because a few words which a woman had inadvertently spoken had set almost all the town in a flame. Alas! How shall a city stand that is thus divided against itself! Where there is no brotherly love, no meekness, no forbearing or forgiving one another; but envy, malice, revenge, suspicion, anger, clamour, bitterness, evil-speaking, without end! Abundant proof that there can be no true love of man unless it be built on the love of God.