_Some farther account of the trouble he met with on account of preaching the gospel._
OUR Saviour, said of his kingdom, If it were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered into your hands. _Satan_ on the contrary, is said to be the prince, and _god of this world_. And how numerous are his poor vassals! When therefore his servants perceive their master’s kingdom in danger, they do fight, lest it should be subjected to its rightful Lord.
And hence only can be accounted for that opposition, which this servant of Christ, burning with desire to promote his kingdom, met with among most denominations of Christians, so called, wherever he came. Some, it is true, in almost every place, received the word gladly; while others not only did not regard it, but treated him with unkindness, even to abusive language, blows, or imprisonment.
The following instance, and which was the occasion of my first knowledge of him, happened in the town of my nativity, about twenty miles from the city of _Cork_.
At the repeated request of some of the inhabitants, he went thither accompanied by a few friends from the town of _Bandon, June 11, 1752_. The magistrate, who was also rector of the parish, the Rev. Mr. _William Ellis_, was applied to for the use of the market-house; which being refused, it was proposed, that he should preach at a small distance from the town. Thither he went accompanied by multitudes to whom, under the canopy of heaven, near a spacious strand, and shaded by a spreading tree, he affectionately declared the gospel of the grace of God.
By the time he had got to the place appointed, the magistrate, had sent his serjeants to forbid him preaching, “But being (to use his own words) of the opinion, that it was better to obey God than man,” he stept up upon a table prepared for that purpose, and immediately opening his little bible read to them, _Job xxi. 3._ _Suffer me that I may speak, and after that I have spoken, mock on._ The seasonable singularity of the text, so excited their attention, that they permitted him to finish quietly.
The word was with power. Several faces were turned to paleness and wet with tears, while he urged it home upon the conscience, that _our_ sins were the betrayers and murderers of the Son of God.
On his return into the town, he was seized by the officers, and brought before the magistrate, followed by an astonished multitude. Being asked many and various questions concerning _this way_, he answered fully, and without fear. The conversation lasted near an hour, in which he largely explained himself, giving the reasons of his conduct; and alledging in its behalf, precedents both from scripture and from antiquity.
But Mr. _Ellis_, having predetermined what he would do, was not to be moved by arguments. He therefore let him know, that unless he would promise to preach no more in _this way_, at least not in those parts, he should be committed to prison without delay. He replied, “That as he had been so earnestly importuned to come there, he could not, in conscience, promise not to come;” and asked, “Are there no swearers, drunkards, sabbath-breakers, and the like, in those parts?” Being answered, “There are.” He added, that if after he had preached there a few times, there appeared to be no reformation among them, he would never come thither more. But this not satisfying, he was ordered to prison. He went thither with all readiness, and esteemed it matter of thanksgiving, that his Lord counted him worthy, to suffer reproach for his name’s-sake.
Several persons accompanied him into the prison, where, he, with his friends, sang praises to God, and exhorted the people. The street was crouded, some saying one thing, and some another; in general however, they were displeased at his confinement; and almost the whole town seemed concerned in his behalf. He still (as far as his voice would reach) preached to them thro’ the window.
The inhabitants shewed the utmost civility towards him; and not knowing how long he might be confined, provided bedding and provision for him and his companions. But it was not long before the magistrate sent to let him go. Coming out, and seeing such a number of people, he would fain, have preached to them; but was dissuaded by his friends. He then went to a private room, and exhorted till ten o’clock, as many as came to him.
He went thither twice afterwards, and tho’ with much contradiction, preached to them that gospel, which is _the power of God unto salvation_. His endeavours were not all lost. There are to this hour some of the fruit of his labours in that place; persons to whom, because of the blessing which God made him to their souls, his memory will be ever precious.
The following instance happened in the north of _Ireland_, some time after, at a place called _New-Town_, whether he went on the Lord’s day.