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.
At the desire of several persons, he intended to have preached in a place called the Church Green, where were assembled, a large company to hear him. But while his hands were lifted up in prayer, there came one Mr. Mortimer, a presbyterian, and with him several hundred persons, who taking hold of him by the breast, pulled him with violence to the ground. They hauled him thro’ the mob, and had well nigh choaked him, when one Mr. Biers freed him from the hands of him who held him. But for this he was soon struck to the ground himself.
Being got free, it grieved him exceedingly to see such a willing multitude disappointed; so he went to a place at some distance from the former. But here likewise, by the time he had begun, the same persons pursued him. Perceiving therefore that it was vain to attempt preaching, he retired to a little house in a garden, at some small distance. But neither here could he be at rest; the mob followed, and to avoid their fury, he was obliged to wade thro’ wet meadows, and then climb over the mountains, till ‘wet and weary, we (he had one person with him) came to the house of one Mr. Ambey, who supplied us with all we wanted.’ His tender, broken constitution could not however, endure this fatigue, without feeling its effects. He was obliged in a few days to take to his bed, where a fever confined him for some time.
It need not be dissembled, that the authors of this outrage towards a stranger, chargeable with no crime save that of endeavouring to save souls from death, were a company of Presbyterians! But alas! what are names? “Liberty of conscience, and right of private judgement,” are good and specious words. But how reconcilable they are to such conduct as this let all the world judge.