The Story of John Wesley, Told to Boys and Girls

by Marianne Kirlew

"'Knock him down! Kill him at once!' cried hundreds of voices."—[Page 114].

However, Mr. Wesley stood at the door and shouted to the people: "Are you willing to hear me speak?"

"No, no; knock him down! Kill him at once!" cried hundreds of voices.

"Nay, let's hear him first," shouted others.

"What harm have I done any of you?" exclaimed the fearless preacher. "Which of you have I wronged in word or deed?"

For a quarter of an hour he talked to them, then his voice suddenly gave way, the strain had been too great.

Then the cruel mob cried out again: "Bring him away! Bring him away!"

But Mr. Wesley's strength had come back, and he began to pray aloud.

That prayer acted like magic; the man who had just before been the leader of that brutal crowd, turning to Mr. Wesley, said: "Sir, I will spend my life for you; follow me, and no one here shall touch a hair of your head."