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.