raising his arm to strike, on a sudden let it drop, and
Ocr. 1743
REMARKABLE ESCAPES
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 farther trouble.
But every time the blow was turned aside, I know not how; for I could not move to the right hand or left.
"What Soft Hair He Has"
4. That 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!"
5. That I stopped exactly at the mayor's door, as if I had known it (which the mob doubtless thought I did), and found him standing in the shop, which gave the first check to the madness of the people.
6. That the very first men whose hearts were turned were the heroes of the town, the captains of the rabble on all occasions, one of them having been a prize-fighter at the beargarden.
7. That from first to last, I heard none give a reviling word, or call me by any opprobrious name whatever ; but the cry of one and all was: "The Preacher !
The Preacher! The Parson! The Minister!"
8. That no creature, at least within my hearing, laid anything to my charge, either true or false; having in the hurry quite forgot to provide themselves with an accusation of any kind.
And, lastly, that they were as utterly at a loss, what they should do with me; none proposing any determinate thing ; only, "* Away with him! Kill him at once!"
By how gentle degrees does God prepare us for his will!
Two years ago a piece of brick grazed my shoulders.
It was a year after that the stone struck me between the eyes.
Last month I received one blow, and this evening two; one before we came into the