each, when the arrival of the constable with the warrant put an end to
the exercise. Bunyan requested to be allowed to say a few parting words
of encouragement to the terrified flock. This was granted, and he
comforted the little company with the reflection that it was a mercy to
suffer in so good a cause; and that it was better to be the persecuted
than the persecutors; better to suffer as Christians than as thieves or
murderers. The constable and the justice's servant soon growing weary of
listening to Bunyan's exhortations, interrupted him and "would not be
quiet till they had him away" from the house.

The justice who had issued the warrant, Mr. Wingate, not being at home
that day, a friend of Bunyan's residing on the spot offered to house him
for the night, undertaking that he should be forthcoming the next day.
The following morning this friend took him to the constable's house, and
they then proceeded together to Mr. Wingate's. A few inquiries showed
the magistrate that he had entirely mistaken the character of the Samsell
meeting and its object. Instead of a gathering of "Fifth Monarchy men,"
or other turbulent fanatics as he had supposed, for the disturbance of
the public peace, he learnt from the constable that they were only a few
peaceable, harmless people, met together "to preach and hear the word,"
without any political meaning. Wingate was now at a nonplus, and "could
not well tell what to say." For the credit of his magisterial character,
however, he must do something to show that he had not made a mistake in
issuing the warrant. So he asked Bunyan what business he had there, and
why it was not enough for him to follow his own calling instead of
breaking the law by preaching. Bunyan replied that his only object in
coming there was to exhort his hearers for their souls' sake to forsake
their sinful courses and close in with Christ, and this he could do and
follow his calling as well. Wingate, now feeling himself in the wrong,
lost his temper, and declared angrily that he would "break the neck of
these unlawful meetings," and that Bunyan must find securities for his
good behaviour or go to gaol. There was no difficulty in obtaining the
security. Bail was at once forthcoming. The real difficulty lay with
Bunyan himself. No bond was strong enough to keep him from preaching. If
his friends gave them, their bonds would be forfeited, for he "would not
leave speaking the word of God." Wingate told