Wilford Woodruff's Warning and Protection during Mob Violence

On January 15, 1838, while Wilford Woodruff was preaching at Vinal Haven (Fox Islands), Maine, a mob—comprised of local agitators and a company of sailors from a United States revenue cutter—marched to the meetinghouse. Seeking to disrupt the service, the sailors repeatedly fired a swivel cannon and musketry near the building, creating a deafening roar. Undeterred, Woodruff confronted the agitators directly. He warned them in the name of the Lord of the divine judgments awaiting the wicked, and in a solemn gesture of testimony, he shook his garments before them to declare that he was clear of their blood. Although the sailors' gunfire rendered his voice barely audible amidst the din of the cannon and small arms, the demonstration of faith held firm. Before Woodruff finished his discourse, the sailors retreated to their ship, and the mob dispersed. Despite the violent attempt to break up the gathering, Woodruff successfully concluded his meeting and later baptized several new converts, marking a significant victory for the missionary effort on the islands.

Fuller account of this event (in the witness’s own words):

Jan. 15, 1838.—A company of sailors belonging to the United States revenue cutter, landed and joined the mob, parading near the house where I was preaching, and discharged it [the cannon] several times, accompanied with small arms, with the intention of breaking up the meeting. Some of the mob gathered around to see what effect this would have. I warned them in the name of the Lord, and proclaimed the judgements of God that awaited the wicked, and shook my garments in the presence of the people, and told them I was clear of their blood; but they only heard my voice intermingled with the roar of cannon and musketry. Before I closed speaking, the sailors went back on board the revenue cutter. The mob soon dispersed, and I had the privilege of finishing my discourse, and confirming the people in the truth. I felt to thank God for this deliverance, and for the privilege of bearing my testimony to the truth in the midst of such opposition.