He honestly thought it was his duty to insult persons who apparently disagreed with him.

Such a method of proselyting is really a powerful means of persuasion among certain classes, and it has always been used by men who have successfully founded permanent religious sects.

To plant successfully a religious thought or system requires more violent aggression than to conquer a nation.
Since I could not run the fellow through, I drew back my arm, and striking as lightly as possible, I laid our zealous friend sprawling on his back.
Thus had I the honor of knocking down the founder of the Brownists.
If I mistake not, the time will come, if these men are allowed to harangue the populace, when the kings of England will be unable to accomplish the feat of knocking down Brown's followers.

Heresies, like noxious weeds, grow without cultivation, and thrive best on barren soil.

Or shall I say that, like the goodly vine, they bear better fruit when pruned?
I cannot fully decide this question for myself; but I admire these sturdy fanatics who so passionately love their own faith, and so bitterly hate all others, and I am almost prepared to say that each new heresy brings to the world a better orthodoxy.
For a little time after my encounter with Brown, all my skill was needed to ward off the frantic hero.