The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 259

but as they learned meekness in the school of Christ, mutual forbearance
and charity reconciled them. They had no time to dispute, while error
and iniquity were teeming everywhere, and sinners were going down to
ruin.
The servants of God trod a rugged path. Men of influence and
learning employed their powers against them. After a time many of
the clergy manifested determined hostility, and the doors of the churches
were closed against a pure faith and those who proclaimed it. The course
of the clergy in denouncing them from the pulpit aroused the elements
of darkness, ignorance, and iniquity. Again and again did John Wesley
escape death by a miracle of God’s mercy. When the rage of the mob
was excited against him, and there seemed no way of escape, an angel
in human form came to his side, the mob fell back, and the servant of
Christ passed in safety from the place of danger.
Of his deliverance from the enraged mob on one of these occasions,
Wesley said: “Many endeavored to throw me down while we were going
down hill on a slippery path to the town; as well judging th at if I was once
on the ground, I should hardly rise any more. But I made no stumble at
all, nor the least slip, till I was entirely out of their hands.... Although
many strove to lay hold on my collar or clothes, to pull me down, they
could not fasten at all: only one got fast hold of the flap of my waistcoat,
which was soon left in his hand; the other flap, in the pocket of which
was a bank note, was torn but half off.... A lusty man just behind, struck
at me several times, with a large oaken stick; with which if he had struck
me once on the back part of my head, it would have saved him all further
trouble. But every time, the blow was turned aside, I know not how; for I
could not move to the right hand or left.... Another came rushing through
the press, and raising his arm to strike, on a sudden let it drop, and only
stroked my head, saying, ‘What soft hair he has!’ ... The very first men
whose hearts were turned were the heroes of the town, the captains of
the rabble on all

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