At Horsham, in the same Province, on the 1st of April, 1879, the Romanists took possession of the church where I was speaking, rushed toward me with daggers and pistols, crying:
“Kill him! Kill him!”
In the tumult, I providentially escaped through a secret door. But I had to crawl on hands and knees a pretty long distance, in a ditch filled with mud, not to be seen, and escape death. When I reached the hospitable house of Mr. Cameron, the windows were broken with stones, much of the furniture destroyed, and it was a wonder I escaped with my life.
At Ballarat, in the same province, three times the houses where I lodged, were attacked and broken. Rev. Mr. Inglis, one of the most eloquent ministers of the city, was one of the many who were wounded by my side. The wife of the Rev. Mr. Quick came also nearly being killed while I was under their hospitable roof.
In the same city, as I was waiting for the train at the station, a well dressed lady came as near as possible and spat in my face. I was blinded, and my face covered with filth. She immediately fled, but was soon brought back by my secretary and a policeman, who said:
“Here is the miserable woman who has just insulted you, what shall we do with her?”
I was then almost done cleaning my face with my handkerchief, and some water, brought by some sympathizing friends. I answered:
“Let her go home in peace. She has not done it of her own accord, she was sent by her confessor, she thinks she has done a good action. When they spat in our Saviour’s face, he did not punish those who insulted him. We must follow his example.” And she was set at liberty, to the great regret of the crowd.
The very next day (21st of April), at Castlemain, I was again fiercely attacked and wounded on the head, as I came from addressing the people. One of the ministers, who was standing by me, was seriously wounded and lost much blood.
At Greelong, I had again a very narrow escape from stones thrown at me in the streets.