But it soon became evident that the sacred structure would be destroyed, and their screams and cries on quitting it were truly heartrending.

Solomon Eagle was the last to go forth, and he delayed his departure till the flames burst through the windows.

Another great storehouse of oil, tar, cordage, hemp, flax, and other highly inflammable articles, adjoining the church, had caught fire, and the flames speedily reached the sacred fabric.

The glass within the windows was shivered; the stone bars split asunder; and the seats and other woodwork withinside catching fire, the flames ascended to the roof, and kindled its massive rafters.
Great efforts were now made to check the fire.

A few of the cumbrous and unmanageable engines of the day were brought to the spot, but no water could be obtained.