,,transcriber',s ,,notes3 ,italicized text is surrounded by underscores3 italics4 ,obvious typographical errors have been corrected4 ,inconsistencies in hyphenation have been retained4 ,archaic or alternate spelling which may have been in use at the time of publication has been retained4 ,,scenes ,,in ,,the ,,west1 ,,or ,the ,sunday-,school ,,and ,,temperance4 ,illustration ,,by ,a ,,missionary4 ,,philadelphia3 ,,lutheran ,,board ,,of ,,publication1 #db ,,north ,,ninth ,,street4 #ahgc4 ,entered according to ,act of ,congress1 in the year #ahgc1 by the ,,lutheran ,,board ,,of ,,publication1 in the ,clerk's ,office of the ,district ,court of the ,united ,states in and for the ,eastern ,district of ,pennsylvania4 ,lancaster1 ,pa43 ,,inquirer ,,printing ,,and ,,publishing ,,company1 ,stereotypers and ,printers4 ,,preface4 ,the author of this volume has brought together a few incidents in real life to illustrate the power of godliness in the individual1 and the blessings of the ,sunday-school1 the influence of the prayer-meeting and the cause of temperance in the church and in the community4 ,that the ,god of all our mercies may bless this little book to the reader1 is the prayer of the author4 ,illustration3 ,,contents ,,chapter4 ,,page4 ,i4 ,,the ,,missionary #ac ,,ii4 ,,misfortunes #bg ,,iii4 ,,relief ,,obtained #ci ,,iv4 ,,an ,,appointment #de ,v4 ,,the ,,missionary ,,preaches #ef ,,vi4 ,,mr4 ,,steele',s ,,meeting #fb ,,vii4 ,,mr4 ,,mason ,,and ,,mr4 ,,wilson #fi ,,viii4 ,,missionary ,,visits #gh ,,ix4 ,,opposition #hd ,x4 ,,sunday-,,school ,,organized--,,local ,,preacher #ib ,,xi4 ,,mr4 ,,kerr ,,and ,,his ,,family #ih ,,xii4 ,,the ,,temperance ,,cause #aji ,,xiii4 ,,mr4 ,,truman--,,missionary',s ,,departure #aah ,,xiv4 ,,workings ,,of ,,the ,,sunday-,,school ,,and ,,temperance ,,society #abc ,,xv4 ,,george ,,and ,,mary #acd ,,xvi4 ,,mr4 ,,brown',s ,,family #adj ,,xvii4 ,,missionary ,,again ,,visits ,,the ,,west #ade ,,xviii4 ,,death #aeb ,illustration ,illustration ,,scenes ,,in ,,the ,,west4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,,the ,,missionary4 8,the melancholy days had come1 ,the saddest of the year40 ,all nature seemed to be resting in a quiet dreamy slumber4 ,the bee had well nigh laid up its winter store1 and many of the birds were preparing to leave for more genial climes in the sunny south4 ,all these were but the harbingers of the cold storms that were lingering behind the snow-covered mountains of the north4 ,indian summer1 the season of romance1 like the life of a humble ,christian1 leaves its loveliest scenes to its departing hours4 ,it was in the midst of these balmy days that you might have seen a traveler with a worn satchel in one hand and a staff in the other coming up a narrow lane leading to the home of a prosperous ,western settler4 ,he walked slowly1 for he had left behind him many weary miles2 his countenance1 though calm1 was pale and languid2 yet his eye seemed to bespeak the hope that here he might find the much-needed rest4 ,two men were standing beside the gate at the end of the lane when the stranger came up4 ,the one was a kindly disposed person with but little force of character1 and deficient in moral courage1 whom we shall know as ,mr4 ,kerr4 ,the other1 whose name was ,steele1 was the owner of the premises4 ,he was a large man1 selfish and resolute1 a conceited formalist1 bigoted1 exceedingly headstrong1 and greatly prejudiced against all ,christian zeal4 ,no sooner did ,mr4 ,steele notice the approach of the stranger than he turned to ,mr4 ,kerr and exclaimed3 8,there1 ,i'll bet you1 comes that ,sunday-school1 temperance loafer ,i've heard so much of lately4 ,i reckon he expects to get in here2 but ,i tell you1 sir1 my #8shanty' don't hold the like of him1 while ,i'm boss here1 #8that's said6'0 ,this was uttered with emphatic bitterness4 ,to this passionate outburst ,mr4 ,kerr ventured a little palliation by the remark that he had heard that in the other settlement the people seemed to like the missionary very well4 8,you would have nothing to do with his nonsense1 would you80 retorted ,mr4 ,steele with a look of scorn4 8,no10 feebly and insincerely muttered ,mr4 ,kerr1 8we have got along so far without it1 and ,i guess we can get along without it a little further40 8,that's my ticket10 sharply added ,mr4 ,steele4 ,by this time the stranger had reached the gate4 ,a calm1 pleasant smile lit up his pale countenance2 and he accosted them with1 8,good evening1 friends40 8,good evening1 sir10 responded ,mr4 ,kerr4 8,how d'ye do1 sir10 thundered out ,mr4 ,steele4 8,this has been a very pleasant day10 ventured the traveler4 8,yes1 sir10 curtly replied ,mr4 ,steele4 8,i am very tired10 continued the stranger2 8could ,i stay with you to-night80 8,you are the fellow who goes about lecturing on temperance1 and getting up ,sunday-schools1 aint you80 sarcastically rejoined ,mr4 ,steele1 his face reddening4 8,that is my calling10 meekly added the man of ,god4 8,then you don't stay all night in my house2 ,i don't harbor fellows who are too lazy to work10 sneeringly answered the excited ,mr4 ,steele4 8,but ,i am very tired1 and my head aches badly2 ,i'll pay you well40 8,cant help it4 ,the sooner you make tracks the better10 retorted the unfeeling man4 8,i am afraid it will storm to-night10 continued the missionary1 pointing to a dark cloud which was looming up in the west4 8,you might have stayed at home and minded your own business1 instead of minding other people's1 and kept out of this trouble10 replied ,mr4 ,steele1 with a look so severe that the poor wanderer lost all hope of any comfort or favor from this seemingly inhospitable dwelling2 so he inquired how far it was to the next house4 8,that depends entirely upon which way you go10 mockingly answered the hard-hearted man1 with a wink to ,mr4 ,kerr1 and a conceited smile at the unfeeling wit he had displayed4 8,i expect to continue my labors westward10 gently added the missionary4 ,his soul was grieved at the hardness of this man's heart1 and for a moment he felt like looking upon his persecutor with anger4 ,but he remembered that even his ,lord and ,master was mocked and derided2 that 8when ,he was reviled1 ,he reviled not again2 but as a lamb before his shearers is dumb1 so ,he opened not his mouth40 ,and the humble follower of the ,man of ,sorrows in silence offered up the prayer1 8,father1 forgive them1 they know not what they do40 ,the door of common humanity being closed against him1 he made up his mind to continue his journey1 let the dangers and privations be what they might4 ,an angel seemed to whisper1 8,i will lead thee in the way in which thou shalt go20 so he took courage4 ,being thirsty1 he ventured to ask for a drink of water4 8,you can go to the spring10 was the abrupt answer1 and the cruel man turned upon his heel1 and in company with ,mr4 ,kerr passed on to the barn1 leaving the suffering one standing by the gate alone4 ,but ,george1 a lad of about ten years1 and ,mary1 a little flower of seven summers1 had looked on and listened with the curiosity common to children4 ,their hearts were filled with pity toward the poor man2 and1 when even a drink of water was denied him1 the inherent kindness1 implanted in all our natures1 was instantly awakened4 ,in a moment1 as the missionary turned the corner of the yard1 the two children met him each with 8a cup of cold water40 8,here is good fresh water1 please drink10 said the little ones4 ,his heart was melted at this unexpected exhibition of kindness2 and invoking a blessing upon the dear children1 he raised the cup to his lips and was refreshed4 ,he then opened his satchel1 and gave each child a picture card and ,sunday-school paper1 also cards for the men1 together with a neat little tract for their mother4 ,bidding them good-by1 he with a sigh resumed his lonely journey4 ,the children1 happy in having done a kindness1 hurried to their mother1 and were soon showing and admiring the papers and cards2 she1 mother-like1 very naturally shared their pleasure1 but thought of the stranger with a pang of regret1 for she feared that he would take the road leading into an unsettled region1 infested with wild beasts and roving ,indians4 ,after admiring the pictures1 she told the children all she knew of the ,sunday-school1 for which these beautiful things were made1 at the same time hoping that her husband's opposition to them might be removed4 8,i wish there was ,sunday-school here10 said ,george4 8,won't there be ,sunday-school here1 mother80 exclaimed both at once4 8,i'm afraid not10 said their mother1 sorrowfully1 knowing the hostility of many of the neighbors toward anything of the kind4 8,why not1 mother80 innocently asked the children4 ,this was one of those questions children often ask1 and which it is so hard to answer4 8,i don't know10 she replied1 evasively1 adding1 8go give your father and ,mr4 ,kerr their cards4 ,they are at the barn40 ,hurrying out1 their noisy delight soon arrested the attention of the men4 8,what in the world is up now80 wondered their father4 8,see here1 father1 see here60 exclaimed the children1 holding out the cards4 8,who gave you these80 said he1 reaching out his hand for the gifts1 and suspecting the source4 8,the man at the gate2 we gave him a drink1 and he gave us these 7showing their cards7 and a little book for mother1 and this one for you and that one for ,mr4 ,kerr40 ,looking for a moment at the engraving1 he read1 8,for ,i was an hungered1 and ye gave me meat2 ,i was thirsty1 and ye gave me drink2 ,i was a stranger1 and ye took me in40 ,instantly the terrible reproof1 associated with these words1 awakened the man's slumbering conscience4 ,writhing under its force he tried to construe the innocent gift into an insult2 then flinging it to the ground he stamped his foot upon it4 ,at this exhibition of anger all the joy of the children vanished4 ,mary began to cry1 and ,george wondered what there was about the card to offend his father4 ,in the meantime1 ,mr4 ,kerr had read his card4 ,the words were1 8,and these shall go away into everlasting punishment1 but the righteous into life eternal40 8,what have you got80 sneeringly asked ,mr4 ,steele1 of his companion4 ,mr4 ,kerr read the text with some emotion4 8,just what ,i expected6 he thought to give us a cut10 said the angry man1 at the same time adding many abusive words4 ,mr4 ,kerr tried to assent to the remarks1 but the words upon the card had touched his heart2 and he felt like hating himself for having yielded1 against his convictions1 to the unreasonableness of his neighbor toward an unoffending stranger4 ,putting the card in his pocket1 he was compelled to be an unwilling listener to the tirade of a would-be ,christian 7for ,mr4 ,steele was a member of church7 against prayer-meetings1 temperance societies and ,sunday-schools4 ,as soon as practicable1 ,mr4 ,kerr left for home2 his conscience still at work1 accusing him of cowardice1 and partaking of another's sin4 8,and these shall go away into everlasting punishment10 like a poisoned arrow was festering in his heart1 until his guilty imagination conceived that the card contained his eternal doom4 ,meeting his wife at the door of his house1 he handed her the fatal card4 8,oh1 the kind stranger gave you this60 she exclaimed with animation4 8,he was here this afternoon1 and gave each of us one of the same kind1 and left one for you4 ,and then he prayed with us4 ,i wish he would settle here and get up a ,sunday-school1 of which he talked so much4 ,i believe he is one of the best of men40 8,i wish so too20 involuntarily broke from the full heart of the stricken man2 8,i believe he is a good man4 ,he came to ,mr4 ,steele's a few hours ago1 but was turned off40 8,why didn't you bring him home with you80 she asked4 8,well1 ,i know ,i ought to have done so2 but ,i was afraid of ,mr4 ,steele1 who you know hates all such people40 ,to avoid any more questions on the subject1 he asked to see what the man had left for him4 ,the card was soon handed him1 and he read3 8,fear not them which kill the body1 but are not able to kill the soul2 but rather fear ,him who is able to destroy both soul and body in ,hell40 ,this was another arrow from the quiver of the ,almighty4 ,his wife soon detected the change that had come over him1 and with becoming solicitude endeavored to find out the cause2 but in this her efforts were evaded4 8,i was afraid of ,mr4 ,steele10 thought he1 8who would not even dare to kill my body--whilst ,i did not fear ,him who is able to destroy my soul40 ,leaving him in his sorrow1 we will return to ,mr4 ,steele4 ,the children1 mortified and discouraged1 had left the barn1 and gone to their mother for consolation in their disappointment4 ,this was always afforded them2 for never was a mother more kind to her little ones1 and yet more decided in her endeavors to train them in the right way4 ,mr4 ,steele1 being conscious of having done wrong1 tried to rid himself of his unpleasant feelings1 by bustling about1 doing first this1 then that1 for relief4 ,it was late before he entered the house1 and lest he should be suspected of regretting what he had done1 he confronted his wife with1 8,i wonder what kind of trash that loafer left here with you and the children to-day8 ,i guess he wants to set up an agency here40 8,they are in the bureau drawer1 there10 said his wife1 8shall ,i get them for you80 8,no1 ,i don't want to see any more of the trash20 and1 going into another room1 he sat down to read a political speech4 ,but it failed to interest him4 ,the coming darkness1 the looming up of heavy clouds in the distance1 the stranger out in the pathless wilds1 the abused privilege of doing good to--perhaps1 after all--one of the followers of the ,redeemer2 the text on the card with its indirect reproof1 were thoughts which crowded themselves upon his mind4 ,for a moment he wished that he had given the stranger shelter2 but prejudice had too long held sway to be thus easily set aside4 ,he had taken a stand1 and he would maintain it1 let the consequences be what they would4 ,illustration ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,,misfortunes4 ,our traveler1 after leaving ,mr4 ,steele's1 unfortunately took a road leading from the inhabited portion of country4 ,night was approaching1 and the last sounds of human habitations had long since ceased to greet his ear2 he still walked on1 however1 hoping that some dwelling would come into view4 ,the sun had set behind the great mountain of storm clouds in the west1 and twilight was drawing a curtain of darkness around4 ,the clouds rose higher and higher2 the heavens began to be overspread with long masses of floating vapor1 and the distant gleam of lightning could now be distinctly seen4 ,he now encountered a steep hill in his march2 his limbs could scarcely bear his body along1 but he knew that he must go on4 ,there were but few trees on the hill1 and their absence enabled him to see his way more clearly in ascending1 but the valley beyond seemed shrouded in midnight darkness4 ,these wild regions were infested with wolves and other ravenous beasts1 and our hero being unarmed1 his life became hourly more endangered4 ,after struggling along under accumulating difficulties1 in utter loneliness and discouragement he sat down on a log to rest4 ,it was to him an hour of trial2 and his patience almost failed him4 ,but the remembrance of ,god's promise1 8,behold1 ,i am with thee and will keep thee10 cheered him4 ,a clap of thunder warned him of the approach of the storm1 and aroused his enfeebled energies to their task4 ,but where should he go8 ,the darkness1 if possible1 had increased2 not a ray of light remained1 excepting when the electric fluid for a moment lit up the heavens with its lurid blaze only to leave it still darker4 ,an effort to secure shelter must be made at once4 ,as he was anxiously hurrying on among the weeds and fallen timber1 a huge rattlesnake that had coiled itself under some rubbish suddenly sounded its 8death-rattle40 ,finding that danger was threatening in the heavens above1 and lurking on the earth beneath1 he was on the point of sitting down and awaiting his fate1 when1 suddenly1 a flash of lightning revealed an opening between the tall trees1 and the hope that there might be some human habitation not far distant caused him to again renew his efforts4 ,moving cautiously forward1 he succeeded in crossing a stream of water2 a short distance beyond was an old1 broken-down fence4 ,the glimpse which the lightning gave him of this1 the work of man1 sent a thrill of joy to his desponding heart4 ,he anxiously watched for the electric lamp to reveal the place of habitation4 ,now and then a large drop of rain fell1 and presently a fearful blaze of lightning illuminated the whole heavens1 followed by a clap of thunder that seemed to shake the earth to its very foundation6 ,the rain was now descending upon the distant hill4 ,aroused to a full sense of his danger1 he commended his soul to ,god1 expecting to be crushed beneath the falling timber1 which could plainly be heard above the roar of the elements4 ,as we all shrink from imminent danger1 he instinctively looked around for some protection4 ,near by1 in a clump of trees1 he espied1 when it again lightened1 something like a roof4 ,what a thrill of joy entered his heart6 ,groping his way forward1 he found a little hut with door wide open as if to welcome him2 he needed no invitation1 but rushed in1 for the storm was bursting upon him4 ,all within was dark and silent save a rustling in one corner and the flitting of a bat overhead4 ,the chilly dampness which pervaded the room1 and the musty smell that came up from the floor1 made the first impression far from agreeable4 ,the roof leaked and the windows were gone4 ,in one corner he found a dry spot2 here he nestled down1 awaiting the fury of the descending storm4 ,the elements were now raging with irresistible power4 ,the very earth seemed to tremble under the contending forces that were hurling destruction all around4 ,part of the shattered roof came down1 the trees were torn up by the roots and the cabin was almost lifted from its foundation4 ,happily the winds hurled the rain against the corner in which he had taken refuge1 and the logs1 chinking and daubing that remained1 arrested the water1 so that the place which he occupied was comparatively dry1 whilst all the rest of the inside was deluged with the dashing rain4 ,musing for a time upon his lonely condition and his prospects for the future1 he fell asleep1 and did not awake until it was quite day4 ,he arose1 and kneeling down in that deserted cabin1 he brought all his sorrows before ,god1 and asked in great humility for ,his guidance and protection4 ,the storm had passed1 and the sun rose in a serene and cloudless sky4 ,after his communion with ,god1 he came out of his retreat to view his surroundings4 ,the ground was literally covered with pools of standing water1 fallen timber and fragments of vegetation4 ,the cabin in which he had slept had been long since deserted1 and the place looked mournfully desolate1 wild and forsaken4 ,as the lowlands were now full of standing water1 and the creek so high that to return by the way he came was impossible1 he took up his satchel and staff1 and proceeded westward in search of a settlement4 ,after wandering on for several hours he came to a large swamp covered with reeds1 tall grass and spaces of open water2 in some places the covering was a beautiful carpet of green moss1 upon which one could stand1 but the least movement would shake the frail moss bed for rods around2 under this treacherous cover there appeared to be a great depth of quicksand and water4 ,a path made by wild animals along the margin of the swamp somewhat relieved the irksomeness of passing through it4 ,as he was traveling on he discovered the footprints of a bear which had been turning over some old logs in search of worms and insects4 ,an encounter with ,bruin was something for which he was wholly unprepared4 ,sitting down to consider which course he had better pursue1 his attention was attracted by a noise among the bushes behind him4 ,he had already passed the monster and might have escaped unnoticed had he not sat down6 ,the bear1 seeing him1 came out of the bushes toward him4 ,as our hero did not show any signs of retreat the bear stopped and sat upon his haunches1 ready for a fight4 ,the worn-out missionary did not feel like accepting the challenge1 but was rather inclined to a purely defensive policy4 ,the bear remained stationary for some time1 waiting1 no doubt1 for a demonstration of the purposes and ability of the stranger4 ,they eyed each other until that indescribable superiority implanted in the eye of man made the huge beast quail1 and he sullenly retreated into the thicket4 ,the way being now clear our traveler again started on4 ,the marsh was at length passed1 but another difficulty now presented itself in the shape of an abrupt bluff2 too much fatigued to ascend it1 he changed his course by its base1 still1 however1 designing to go westward4 ,a beautiful spring that gushed out from among the rocks at the side of the hill invited him to rest4 ,whilst laving his sore1 feverish feet in its cool waters1 he noticed the movements of a little squirrel as it jumped from tree to tree1 gathering nuts for the coming winter4 ,here he learned a lesson which would enable him to appease his hunger4 ,having eaten his frugal meal1 and being somewhat refreshed1 his step was lighter4 ,another stream impeded his progress1 so he again changed his course1 following its windings among the valleys and hills4 ,throughout his whole course he had as yet seen no indications of the presence of man4 ,the sun was again setting1 and as the shades of night increased and no dwelling appeared he began to look about for some place of shelter4 ,as he was hastily ascending a ridge1 a pack of wolves commenced their discordant yelps and howlings right in his front4 ,turning around he wended his way up a ravine1 walking as fast as possible4 ,another pack of wolves then set up a howl to his left2 this seemed to enrage the others1 so that their hideous noise could not but chill the heart of the defenseless wanderer4 ,to climb a tree and rest among its branches for the night1 was his first thought4 ,a spreading beech1 with branches almost reaching the ground1 offered its accommodations4 ,after choosing his position in the tree1 and fixing himself1 as he supposed1 for the night1 he very soon found his limbs cramped and his hold unsafe4 ,becoming satisfied that to remain where he was would be risking his life1 he immediately descended4 ,the darkness1 when off the tree1 seemed much more dense2 and being now within reach of the wolves1 made him almost regret having left it4 8,oh1 that ,i never had been called to this sacrifice10 involuntarily burst from him4 ,a voice whispered3 8,the foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests1 but the ,son of ,man hath not where to lay ,his head40 ,these words were not without effect1 for they led him to say1 8if the ,lord of ,lords suffered thus before me1 why should ,i murmer at my lot80 and he again 8thanked ,god and took courage40 ,at length he succeeded in finding a hollow tree which answered his purpose4 ,feeling that he was in ,god's hands1 it was not long until 8tired nature's sweet restorer0 came to his relief4 ,it is well that ,god conceals from us the rod with which ,he intends to chasten us2 were it not so1 our prospective trials would seem greater than we could bear4 ,the trials encountered by ,his servant in this peculiar case1 were but the beginning of those in store for him4 ,having changed his course so often1 he lost all idea of the points of the compass4 ,the consequence was that he spent two days and a night longer wandering in this wilderness4 ,at the expiration of that time he found himself at the very old hut in which he had spent the first night2 which proved to him that he had been traveling in a circle4 ,under the circumstances1 he was very glad to again avail himself of the protection thus afforded4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,,relief ,,obtained4 ,the night having passed1 in the morning the missionary felt satisfied that he could not find his way back to the settlement which he had left4 ,for a time he tried to find the old road by which he had come2 but failing in this1 he directed his steps eastward4 ,his bewilderment having entirely left him1 his heart was joyous and his step light4 ,although the people of the settlement to which he was returning1 were comparatively strangers to him1 he felt assured that many of them were ,christians more than in name1 and others who did not bear that name were kind-hearted and charitable4 ,here was a work for him to do4 ,the day was rapidly advancing2 and the elastic step of the morning had slackened to a laborious effort to reach his destination4 ,hark6 ,what sound is that8 ,the tinkling of a bell6 ,he now knew that he was nearing the settlement4 ,pushing on1 he saw to his right several openings1 and beyond smoke curling up4 ,he at length reached the gate leading into the yard in front of a farm-house4 ,everything had a neat and comfortable appearance4 ,that he might here obtain relief1 was now his ardent desire4 ,a dog that lay before the door1 observing the stranger at the gate1 offered a decided resistance to his entrance4 ,the attention of ,mr4 ,brown1 the farmer1 was thus attracted1 and coming out of the house to see what was the matter1 he was struck with the forlorn appearance of the stranger2 and with feelings of pity invited him in4 ,the kind look and cordial welcome touched the missionary's heart1 and it was with difficulty that he kept back the tears4 ,taking up his satchel1 ,mr4 ,brown led the way into the house1 and introduced him as 8a suffering stranger40 ,after a few remarks respecting his present situation1 he commenced to relate what had befallen him during the past few days4 ,the whole family gathered round to hear his pitiful story2 and all were greatly moved by the recital of his sufferings4 8,you must now lie down and rest10 kindly insisted ,mrs4 ,brown4 8,i have a comfortable bed prepared for you in the adjoining room4 ,henry1 my boy1 will you show the way80 ,henry was a lad about ten years old4 ,a look at his open1 honest face at once prepossessed you in his favor4 ,he immediately did what his mother desired4 8,mother10 said little blue-eyed ,eliza1 as soon as the stranger had disappeared1 8who is this sick man1 and what has he got in his satchel there in the corner80 8,why1 my dear child10 replied her mother1 8you should never ask two questions at once4 ,answering your last question first1 ,i do not know what is in the satchel1 nor should my little girl be curious about that which does not concern her4 ,as to the man1 he is the missionary who traveled through here last week1 trying to get up a ,sunday-school in our neighborhood40 8,a ,sunday-school1 mother6 ,school on ,sunday6 ,why he must be a wicked man to keep school on ,sunday6 ,i don't want to go40 ,her mother never having been in a ,sunday-school herself1 scarcely knew how to explain to her daughter the difference between it and an ordinary day school4 ,so she simply said3 8,it is not a school like ours down at the #8,cross ,roads1' but one in which we read the ,bible1 and sing and pray1 and are taught to love the ,saviour40 8,o1 mother60 exclaimed the child1 8then ,i would like to go4 ,do tell the man to have one in our school-house4 ,will you mother80 8,yes1 child1 ,i will ask him if he gets well again40 8,i hope he will get well soon10 said ,eliza1 and bounded off to tell ,henry the news4 ,he saw her coming1 and as her manner showed that she was greatly pleased1 he called out in one breath1 8,what have you got8 ,who gave it to you80 8,i have nothing10 she replied2 8nobody gave me anything40 8,yes there did10 said ,henry4 8,no there didn't10 curtly answered ,eliza4 8,what tickles you so then10 rejoined ,henry in a milder tone4 ,by this time ,eliza's ardor was quite dampened by ,henry's manner1 so she merely replied3 8,i will tell you to-morrow10 and then left him4 ,but ,henry did not feel like waiting4 ,no sooner was she gone than he again sought her1 more anxious than ever to know what had so excited her4 8,i will tell you10 she said1 8if you won't be so cross to me next time10 evidently feeling that she had the advantage of him4 8,i wasn't cross4 ,i'll always be good and nice10 said ,henry1 glad to come to terms1 for he felt very curious4 ,eliza then sat down and told him all that her mother had said about the ,sunday-school1 occasionally adding an exclamation of her own to make it seem more important4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,,an ,,appointment4 ,mrs4 ,brown1 knowing that the missionary had been deprived of the proper kind of food for such a long time1 thought it best that he should now take it in small quantities and at short intervals1 and for this reason desired her husband to rouse him1 that he might again partake of refreshment4 ,it was now night1 and1 after a season of devotion1 all retired4 ,the sun had again risen4 ,hearts had wakened2 some to joy and hope1 others to sorrow and despair4 ,the missionary had rested well4 ,although he still looked pale1 he had in a great measure recovered from his fatigue4 ,the hospitality of this most excellent family1 to whom ,providence had directed his steps1 was shared with feelings of the deepest gratitude4 ,mr4 ,brown and his wife were earnest1 devoted ,christians1 possessing liberal views1 and were ever ready for any movement that could show any reasonable prospect of doing good4 ,they never condemned what had not been faithfully tried1 unless forbidden by the ,word of ,god4 ,although they had never heard a temperance lecture1 and1 as to a ,sunday-school1 it was something respecting which their knowledge was very indistinct2 yet1 when these subjects were laid before them by the missionary1 and their great importance shown1 both were ready to try the experiment4 8,we will make an appointment for you at the school-house as soon as you will be able to fill it10 said ,mr4 ,brown1 8and then you can explain the whole matter to the people1 and we will try what we can do40 8,i am ready1 with ,god's help1 to commence the work to-morrow10 said the missionary4 8,not to-morrow10 replied ,mr4 ,brown2 8you must not disregard your health when duty does not demand the sacrifice4 ,as this matter has not been much agitated here1 and no appointment is out1 a few days rest until your strength is sufficient to carry on the work when commenced1 will not be a neglect of duty4 ,as the young people have singing-school in our school-house to-morrow after noon1 we will send and have an appointment given out for you on ,tuesday evening4 ,we will also have the announcement made at the other school-house2 then the people will have a little time to think and talk the matter over1 and have their curiosity aroused1 and we will have a good turn-out40 8,as you seem to understand matters so well1 ,i will leave all to you10 said the missionary4 ,under the kind care of ,mrs4 ,brown1 our traveler improved rapidly1 and his wonted cheerfulness was gradually returning4 8,do you know what is in that bundle there in the corner80 inquired ,eliza of her brother ,henry1 in a loud whisper1 and pointing toward the stranger's satchel4 8,i guess the stranger has his #8things' in it10 answered ,henry1 looking in the same direction4 ,the missionary1 hearing their conversation1 and wishing to gratify their curiosity as well as please them1 asked them to bring the satchel to him4 ,after showing them a book full of pretty pictures and a ,sunday-school paper1 he allowed them to look at a great many beautiful cards1 upon which were printed hymns and prayers4 ,he explained the use of these things1 and gave each of them a card and paper4 ,to show 8mother0 what they had received was of course the next thing to be done1 and they had almost forgotten to thank the missionary in their hurry and glee4 ,the mother was almost as much pleased as the children1 especially with the papers4 ,after admiring them again1 the children asked her to lay them away that they might not become soiled4 ,sunday-school scholar1 do you prize your cards and papers as these children did8 ,or do you carelessly soil and lose them--or perhaps tear them up without reading them8 ,if you have thus indifferently treated them1 think of these little children1 and1 like them1 place your ,sunday-school gifts among your precious treasures4 ,when you are grown to manhood and womanhood1 and called upon to battle with life1 you may look upon these mementoes of childhood and youth with sad but sweet recollections4 ,the next day being ,sunday1 after the morning duties were finished1 this family1 with the missionary1 enjoyed a season of devotion and ,christian fellowship4 ,as they1 in the fear of ,god1 intended to 8move upon the enemy's works0 on ,tuesday night1 it would be profitable for the leader to know how the enemy was entrenched1 and what forces had been employed against him2 how these operated and what their success4 8,what kind of people have you here in the ,west80 inquired the missionary with a smile4 8,well10 replied ,mr4 ,brown1 8we have what the geographer terms #8a mixed population4' ,or1 as old ,peter ,miller would say1 #8good1 bad and indifferent4' ,it is a great mistake in eastern men to suppose that the western pioneer is an ignoramus4 ,you will find some of the sharpest1 best educated and most energetic men of this continent here in the ,west4 ,a great many have the #8bump of go-aheadativeness1' as ,fowler would say1 #8largely developed'40 8,method or system is not so much looked upon as #8will it go8' #8will it pay8' #8how long will it take8' ,the masses are what some term #8fast men4' ,money must be made at once6 ,fortunes acquired in a day6 ,circuitous approaches are inadmissible4 #8,straight through and go ahead' is the cry4 #8,young ,america' here is impatient of delay2 and if one way does not at once succeed1 another is tried2 and if speedy results are not seen1 a new location or a change of business is contemplated4 ,hence1 #8fogyism' is generally discarded1 and which ever way they move they tend toward the extreme4 ,this restless spirit is the very secret of their being here4 ,ambitious1 brave and independent minds seek their development in situations where they can #8make a country1' create cities1 establish commerce1 and lay the foundation for learning1 art and science40 8,why1 indeed1 ,mr4 ,brown1 you have given me a very graphic description of the characteristics of the western people1 and it almost makes me afraid to risk my abilities among such10 replied the missionary4 8,never mind10 said ,mr4 ,brown1 8you must become enthusiastic too2 and when they see you are in earnest1 they will help you40 8,but are there not some #8old fogies' mixed up among the crowd1 who would oppose radical measures of any kind80 mildly suggested the missionary4 8,plenty of them10 quickly replied ,mr4 ,brown4 8,it is especially so in religious matters--here they seem to have the most influence1 being well-meaning1 orderly and good men2 but holding the idea that the old routine must be followed1 they oppose any change1 or any #8new measure1' as they call it2 and being men of standing in the community1 the result is1 in many cases1 that nothing is accomplished40 8,are these old measure men inclined to oppose the temperance cause1 prayer-meetings1 revivals and ,sunday-schools by any decided action80 seriously inquired the missionary4 8,some will1 and carry others with them1 who otherwise might be made active members in the ,church2 as they are1 you cannot tell them from non-professors10 rejoined ,mr4 ,brown4 8,are these leading men hard to win over80 8,no1 not all10 answered ,mr4 ,brown2 8they are mostly well-meaning1 and if you can convince them of a more effective way1 they will go with you2 but some are very bigoted40 8,what arguments do they generally use against our reformatory movements80 continued the missionary4 8,they generally rely upon the supposition that our forefathers lived and died without any of these #8new-fangled doctrines1' and if they went to ,heaven without them1 we can too40 8,why1 don't they see10 queried the missionary1 8that the ,bible is full of temperance1 7,acts xxiv4 #be2 ,gal4 v4 #bc2 #b ,pet4 i4 #f2 #a ,cor4 ix4 #be2 #a ,titus i4 #h72 of revivals 7,acts ii4 #b71 and prayer-meetings 7,acts i4 #ac1 #ad2 xvi4 #ac2 xii4 #ab2 ,luke xxii4 #ci-df78 ,there are also evident commands for teaching the ,scriptures to the children1 as is done in the ,sabbath-school 7,gen4 xviii4 #ai2 ,deut4 xxxii4 #df2 xi4 #ah1 #ai2 #b ,tim4 iii4 #ae74 ,i do not think they would call these things new1 if they would prayerfully study ,god's ,word40 8,i wish you would take up these points at the proper time1 and give them a full ,scriptural illustration10 replied ,mr4 ,brown4 8,i think it would be acceptable to the people40 8,i will do so2 but on ,tuesday night ,i will dwell entirely upon the utility of ,sunday-schools40 ,the hour for singing-school had arrived1 and the children had gone1 taking with them an 8,appointment0 written by the missionary1 to be handed to the teacher2 and they had not forgotten their cards and papers1 which they intended to exhibit4 ,after the singing was over1 the teacher read1 8,god willing1 the ,sunday-school missionary will deliver a lecture on the subject of ,sunday-schools1 and1 if practicable1 organize a school here next ,tuesday evening1 at early candle-light40 8,who is it80 8,what is a ,sunday-school like80 were questions asked all around1 but were left unanswered4 ,in the meantime1 ,henry and ,eliza's cards and papers had been going the rounds from hand to hand4 ,a general confusion and excitement ensued1 ending in a resolve that they must all come on ,tuesday night4 ,the news of the appointment spread like wildfire2 the children were excited by the exaggerated descriptions of the cards and papers1 and were unanimous in their desire for a ,sunday-school4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,v4 ,,the ,,missionary ,,preaches4 ,on ,tuesday1 a beautiful evening closed the day4 ,at an early hour1 the parents1 together with quite a number of children1 also the youth of this and other neighborhoods1 were on their way to hear what the stranger had to say2 some having made up their minds for1 and others against the ,sunday-school4 ,the old school-house was crowded with expectant ones1 awaiting the arrival of the 8,great ,speaker10 as he had been reported4 ,there was a little grove in a ravine behind the barn at ,mr4 ,brown's2 this secluded spot the missionary sought before starting to fill his appointment4 ,here he laid his case before ,god1 asking for preparation of heart1 for wisdom1 for strength1 for words1 and1 above all1 for the power of the ,spirit and the ensealing of the truth upon the hearts of his hearers4 ,do you wonder that his lecture on that night was endued with power from on high8 ,mr4 ,brown offered to take him to the school-house in his wagon1 but as he preferred walking1 he went in company with the children1 one on each side of him4 ,their prattling conversation made his heart glad1 and he longed to lead all the little ones to the ,saviour4 ,as he entered and took his place at the desk in the school-room1 a deep silence pervaded the audience4 ,after offering up a silent prayer1 he asked the people to sing a hymn1 and all joined in the glorious old tune1 8,coronation10 with a will4 ,after a short1 solemn and impressive prayer1 he called the attention of his hearers to the following portion of ,god's ,word3 8,therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in to your soul1 and bind them for a sign upon your hand1 that they may be as frontlets between your eyes4 ,and ye shall teach them to your children1 speaking of them in thine house1 and when thou walkest by the way1 when thou liest down1 and when thou risest up40 ,deut4 xi4 #ah1 #ai4 ,he treated his subject so simply that the children could understand1 and with an earnestness that commanded the attention of all4 ,after showing the imperative duty of teaching the ,scriptures to our children1 and that some could not1 and others would not1 thus properly teach them1 he said that it was the duty of all ,christians to see to it that they were taught4 ,to gather them together on ,sunday for religious instruction1 was the most appropriate and feasible method4 ,he appealed to the minds and hearts of his audience in such a way as to force their assent to the truth of his propositions2 and that1 too1 from persons who had come with feelings of determined hostility4 ,after another prayer1 and the singing of a hymn1 he exhibited his ,sunday-school books and papers1 picture cards and prize tickets1 giving to each in turn a proper explanation of its uses1 and closed with an appeal to the people to organize a ,sunday-school at once4 ,upon this1 a man arose and said1 with considerable faltering1 that he objected to any such 8snap judgment0 being taken2 that this ,sunday-school fuss was got up by a set of loafers1 who were too lazy to work1 to swindle their living out of the earnings of honest people4 ,and he1 for one1 was not going to be led by them4 ,having thus made known his opinion1 he sat down4 ,this man was no other than ,mr4 ,steele1 with whom we are already acquainted4 ,the missionary did not think it prudent to cast pearls where they would be trampled under foot1 so he left the future action to the people4 ,the short speech of ,mr4 ,steele encouraged those who were prejudiced against any 8innovations10 and some confusion ensued4 ,mr4 ,brown arose and said that he was sorry that the gentleman who had just taken his seat had thrown out such unwarranted insinuations2 and as he did not offer the slightest evidence to sustain his assertions1 he did not feel inclined to give this speech the least credit1 and would therefore move that the gentleman1 ,mr4 ,steele1 be requested to prove the charges made against those who1 with the present lecturer1 are endeavoring to organize and establish ,sunday-schools4 ,this was seconded by three or four1 and almost unanimously carried4 ,the time of meeting determined upon was the following ,thursday night4 ,the excitement now became general2 there being a division of sentiment among the people1 and as this was leading to confusion and impropriety1 the meeting was dismissed2 but this only gave more liberty1 and instead of a calm discussion of the question1 extravagant assertions were made1 and hasty1 inconsiderate conclusions formed1 leading to angry words4 ,a number sought acquaintance with the missionary1 and the result of the meeting was that he had warmer friends and more determined enemies than before4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,,mr4 ,,steele',s ,,meeting4 ,early on ,wednesday morning1 the missionary was on his way to canvass the district4 ,he met with opposition and encouragement among the parents1 but the children and most of the young people were decidedly in favor of a ,sunday-school4 ,his humility and sincerity won him many friends1 and before ,thursday night came he had disarmed much of the opposition4 ,the time for ,mr4 ,steele to prove his charges having arrived1 the house was filled2 indeed many were unable to get in4 ,this1 to the missionary1 was an omen of good2 and he felt calm and strong in faith4 ,the angry scowls of the opposition made no impression upon his feelings1 for he well remembered the ,saviour had said3 8,think not that ,i am come to send peace on earth2 ,i came not to send peace1 but a sword40 ,as this was ,mr4 ,steele's meeting1 he was on hand4 ,after some delay he arose1 and with a great deal of agitation said he reckoned that the time to begin had come1 and he guessed he would proceed4 ,he consequently commenced his harangue against the ,sabbath-school1 and those interested in its success4 ,but being ignorant of the merits of the subject he had undertaken to discuss1 he1 of course1 failed to convince any one4 ,as to his proving his charges1 he did not even make the attempt4 ,even his friends felt that the effort was a total failure1 and he sat down without a single expression of applause or commendation from those present4 ,some one here asked him what he proposed doing in the matter4 ,he replied that every one might do as he pleased1 but as to himself he would never pay a cent toward the thing1 nor ever enter one1 nor allow any of his family to be taught in such a shabby concern as a ,sunday-school4 ,a slight effort at cheering1 by a few worthless fellows1 was made at this boasting declaration1 and he felt as though he was of some importance1 and took his seat with a smile of complacency4 ,mr4 ,brown was deeply wounded by the uncharitable remarks of ,mr4 ,steele1 and he now arose to speak4 ,every eye was upon him4 ,he commenced by referring to the arguments advanced by the missionary in favor of ,sunday-schools2 speaking of the positive duty devolving upon all ,christians to teach their children the ,scriptures1 and appealing to the judgment of the whole audience whether any one of the statements made had been refuted by ,mr4 ,steele4 ,he also alluded to the great utility of such an institution1 and commented upon the abuse received by persons particularly interested in the cause2 he also quoted from ,paul1 that we should 8prove all things1 and hold fast that which is good10 and not let our prejudices condemn1 and our bigotry abuse every one and every thing that is new4 ,although there was little expressed sympathy with ,mr4 ,steele and his remarks1 it was evident that quite a number could not overcome their prejudices1 and stood upon what some termed 8neutral ground40 ,unfortunately for such persons1 in morality and religion there can be no neutral ground4 ,christ says1 8,he that is not for me is against me40 ,the missionary now opened his satchel1 and taking out a ,sunday-school book1 laid it upon the table2 remarking1 that instead of trying to fleece the people out of their money1 he would propose to give them fifty volumes like the one before them1 if they would make up money to pay for fifty more1 and agree to organize a ,sunday-school4 ,the night being now far spent1 ,mr4 ,brown proposed to have another meeting on ,sunday morning at #aj o'clock1 with the object of organizing a ,sunday-school4 ,this was agreed to1 and the people separated4 ,a good old ,christian1 by the name of ,law1 took the missionary along with him4 ,he was one of those who had long desired a better state of things in the community4 ,the missionary explained to him all that he wished to know1 and his already favorable opinions of the ,sunday-school were greatly strengthened4 ,from ,mr4 ,law's the missionary went to the next neighbor1 who was one of those who professed neutrality in the matter4 ,he appeared to fear the missionary1 and did not give him a very warm reception4 ,he said 8yes0 to everything the missionary said1 but was really in doubt as to whether he did not mean 8no40 ,convinced against his will1 he hid his convictions by making a doubtful show for the other side4 ,he was left neither cold nor hot2 and his hesitating promise that he would come and bring his children to the meeting1 was scarcely to be interpreted at all4 ,leaving here1 the missionary went to ,mr4 ,adams4 ,he was one of the opposition2 but he was a frank man1 and possessed a superficial knowledge of the ,scriptures4 ,he invited the missionary in1 intending to 8give him a short battle40 ,after some preliminaries1 the objector brought forward his charges1 which were about the same as those advanced by ,mr4 ,steele4 ,the missionary answered these one by one1 and so plainly showed the utility of the ,sunday-school1 that ,mr4 ,adams would gladly have escaped from the missionary's presence1 and from the conviction forced upon his mind by the truth4 ,his sense of politeness alone prevented him from leaving the house4 ,as he was a professed ,christian1 and indeed a leading member of the church1 the missionary asked the privilege of praying with the family2 this1 upon the same principle of courtesy1 could not be denied4 ,the missionary had done all that he could in his weakness1 and he now laid the case before ,god2 asking for ,his blessing1 ,his spirit and convincing power4 ,what arguments failed to do1 sincere and earnest prayer accomplished4 ,sunday-school ,agents1 ,leaders in the ,church1 ,ministers of the ,gospel1 do you ask ,god in earnest prayer to bless your labors8 ,are your efforts made to do good1 or to be heard and seen8 ,in the fear of ,god2 in view of the final judgment2 examine yourselves in this matter4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,,mr4 ,,mason ,,and ,,mr4 ,,wilson4 ,another clear1 calm ,sunday morning dawned4 ,all nature seemed to be at rest4 ,the missionary had staid over night with a newly married couple4 ,he found them kind and social1 and the young man volunteered his help in the ,sunday-school4 ,the hour of ten came1 and the school-house was again filled to overflowing4 ,the children were there in full force4 ,god bless the children6 ,what hopes filled their little hearts6 ,visions of books1 papers and pictures floated before their eyes4 ,the missionary was called upon to conduct the exercises4 ,after singing and prayer1 he took as the basis of a few remarks1 the words3 8,jesus saith to ,simon ,peter1 ,simon son of ,jonas1 #8lovest thou me more than these8' ,he saith unto ,him1 #8yea1 ,lord1 thou knowest that ,i love thee4' ,he saith unto him1 #8feed my lambs4'0 ,what he said was to the point1 and disarmed all open opposition4 ,a vote was taken on the question3 8,will we now organize a ,sunday-school80 ,this was carried by a handsome majority4 ,when the chairman said3 8,all who are opposed rise to your feet10 ,mr4 ,steele and a few others did so1 but the odds against them being so great1 they were ashamed1 and soon left4 ,a superintendent was now elected1 and happily the choice fell upon ,mr4 ,brown4 ,the subordinate officers were chosen in like manner4 ,a collection was then taken up1 which proved to be a liberal one4 ,the children were formed into classes1 and volunteer teachers appointed4 ,a ,bible class for adults was also formed1 and a short lesson assigned for the following ,sunday4 ,the doxology was sung1 and the people were dismissed4 ,thus the good cause seemed to be triumphing over opposition4 ,a man who lived in an adjoining settlement had come to this meeting1 and being favorably impressed with the appearance and manner of the missionary1 and the ,sunday-school movement1 he invited him to pay a visit to the settlement in which he lived1 and endeavor to organize a school there4 8,i will come10 was the laconic reply to the man who gave the invitation4 8,i will be there by ,monday evening40 ,after obtaining proper directions for finding the place1 he took leave of this friend and returned with ,mr4 ,brown4 ,the remainder of the afternoon was employed in giving the superintendent of the newly organized school all needful instructions as to its management1 and the best methods of teaching4 ,they both felt happy over the prospects of the enterprise4 ,again we find the devoted laborer in the vineyard of the ,lord1 acting upon his ,master's command4 ,he is now on his way to the neighboring settlement4 ,his journey lay through wood and valley1 over hills and prairies--the latter1 however1 not very extensive4 ,reaching the settlement1 he1 in due time1 arrived at the house of his friend1 where everything had been made ready for his reception4 ,a meal was prepared in a short time1 and the missionary partook of it with a decided relish4 ,the long walk and the cordial welcome tended greatly to sharpen his appetite4 ,the reader will pardon a slight digression4 ,we have followed this servant of ,god through shadow and sunshine1 in his efforts to promote the interests of ,christ's kingdom4 ,let us compare his lot with that of many ministers of the ,gospel4 ,alas6 how many are there who1 because they cannot possess life's luxuries as well as its comforts1 abandon a field in which they might do good6 ,the master has said3 8,he that taketh not his cross and followeth after me1 is not worthy of me40 ,coming back to our missionary1 we find him chatting with the children4 ,they were at first rather shy1 but his gentle1 winning manner soon brought them to his side1 and in a very short time they were most excellent friends4 ,in the meantime their father1 ,mr4 ,mason1 had returned 7having been necessarily absent71 and welcomed the missionary to his home4 ,as soon as the chores were done1 they sat down by a bright fire and entered into conversation4 ,they did not discuss the various topics of the day1 nor dissect the characters of their neighbors for the purpose of whiling the time away2 but ,christ's cause was their theme4 8,are the people here generally in favor of ,sunday-schools80 inquired the missionary4 8,i do not think they are10 frankly answered ,mr4 ,mason4 8,few of them care much about anything religious40 8,have you preaching or prayer-meetings80 continued the missionary4 8,sometimes prayer-meetings are started1 but they die out directly4 ,preaching is kept up most of the time by this1 that1 or the other denomination1 but it seems to amount to but little4 ,there is no increase or life about the ,church2 and you can scarcely tell a member from a non-professor4 ,indeed1 ,christianity has fallen into disrepute1 and ,christ and ,his cause are brought to an open shame40 8,how sad60 replied the missionary1 much moved4 8,yes10 said ,mr4 ,mason1 8it is a great pity2 but there seems to be little help for it4 ,several have tried to do something1 but all to no purpose4 ,somehow or other there was no life in it1 and ,satan1 with a few rowdies1 defeated every attempt40 8,are all the people so indifferent80 asked the missionary1 with great anxiety4 8,i do not know that they are2 but the exercises were so cold and lifeless that the people had no faith in them2 and the conduct of many of the members was so bad1 that their influence rather tended to drive men from the ,church than lead them to the ,saviour40 8,what are the morals of the children1 as a general thing80 8,of course1 where the church members do not perform their duty1 their children are neglected2 and when they fail to do right we can hardly expect anything better from worldlings and sinners4 ,lying1 cursing1 fighting1 disobedience and ,sabbath-breaking are common sins among the children4 ,the youth drink1 gamble and frolic1 and some are guilty of heinous crimes4 ,but1 thank ,god10 added ,mr4 ,mason1 8there are some noble exceptions both among the children and youth40 8,we must pray ,god to help us to reform this awful state of morals and religion4 ,we must labor and pray until a great revival is brought about in the ,church and among the people10 said the missionary1 earnestly4 8,if you talk of a revival here they will be down on you1 both in and out of the ,church10 said the deeply-interested man4 8,we will exercise prudence1 and call our effort by a more acceptable name2 we will call it a protracted prayer-meeting10 added the missionary1 smiling4 8,that will be equally obnoxious2 the professors generally say1 #8we pay the preacher to do the praying for us1 and that is enough2' and the irreligious1 of course1 have little interest in such things40 8,what do you think they would say to a temperance meeting80 queried the missionary4 8,that will bring down upon you all the loafers1 tipplers and rumsellers2 indeed nearly all the church members #8take some1' and they would all unite in opposition to you10 sadly rejoined ,mr4 ,mason4 8,all these things must be overcome4 ,and if we are faithful in using the means ,god has given us1 the work will be accomplished4 ,i do not despair10 added the missionary4 8,may ,god help us to do our duty60 said ,mr4 ,mason1 as he laid the family ,bible on the stand for evening devotion4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,,missionary ,,visits4 ,the missionary started on his visiting tour among the people of the settlement on ,tuesday morning4 ,the first house to which he came indicated a good share of worldly comfort4 ,he met the owner repairing the garden-gate1 and accosted him with1 8,good morning40 ,the man looked at him as if hesitating whether or not to reply1 and said1 8,how d'ye do40 ,the missionary1 still undaunted1 made some remarks of a commonplace nature1 which were answered in monosyllables4 ,as the missionary felt that he had no time to waste1 he came at once to the subject of his mission4 8,so you're the fellow getting up ,sunday-schools4 ,i thought you were by your looks2 but let me tell you at once that #8you're barking up the wrong tree here1' and the sooner you #8play quits' the better4 ,i have no time to fool away in talking about such nonsense40 8,but pray tell what objections you can have to teaching the young the ,holy ,scriptures80 mildly interposed the missionary4 8,i just now told you that ,i had no time to waste in talking to idlers1 and ,i expect you to take the hint10 sharply retorted the unreasonable man4 ,finding that there was no chance at present to do anything with him1 the missionary bid him 8,good-day10 and started4 ,the man replied with a triumphant 8,good-bye1 sir10 at the same time casting toward him a sneering look4 ,as the missionary was passing the barn1 he met a little girl1 to whom he gave a card for herself and another for the family4 ,on crossing a little stream he met a young lady on horseback2 to her he handed a tract1 entitled1 8,are you ,saved80 ,a slight tremor was visible when she read this2 the question demanded an answer4 ,seeing how the title affected her1 he prayed ,god to bless the words to her salvation4 ,he did not go far until he came to a place where two roads crossed at right angles2 so he sat down a moment to rest and consider which road to take4 ,whilst sitting1 a man with a wagon and a fine span of horses came along4 ,his countenance bespoke a kind heart1 and the missionary rose to salute him4 ,he responded with a hearty 8,good-day10 and an invitation to take a ride1 if the stranger were going his way4 ,the missionary had to confess that he did not know where he was going1 and unfolded his object in visiting the settlement4 ,the man said that he had heard of a ,sunday-school being organized at ,clear ,creek1 but he was not up when the meeting was held1 and knew but little of the nature of the institution4 ,still he would be willing to 8give the thing a trial10 if it did not cost too much4 8,as to the cost10 said the missionary1 8that will depend upon the number of books1 papers1 maps and other helps you get4 ,but ,i will agree to donate to your school1 if you establish one1 half of a good library40 ,this opened the eyes of the man to their utmost extent1 and he exclaimed3 8,why1 you don't say6 ,that don't look like speculating or swindling people out of their money1 as they say of you around here4 ,i never did believe the half ,i heard2 it didn't seem reasonable to me4 ,but10 continued he1 8,i don't believe that we can make it go4 ,everybody ,i have talked to is down on it40 8,would you be willing to assist me1 and bring your family long enough to test the matter80 inquired the missionary4 8,i'll do my best1 if things are as you say4 ,i believe the children ought to be instructed in the ,bible the moment they are capable of understanding it40 8,are there any others that you think would join us in the work80 ,the stranger1 ,mr4 ,wilson1 hesitated1 and then said2 8,people here seem to be dead in regard to anything of this kind4 ,whether we succeed or not1 a general fight over the question will1 if it can possibly stir them up1 be of some use4 ,make the appointment1 and ,i'll stir them out40 8,when shall it be80 inquired the missionary4 8,put it on ,friday night2 there is spelling-school in our school-house to-morrow night1 and ,i'll go down and have it given out1 and the whole neighborhood will know it10 said ,mr4 ,wilson1 with great animation4 8,providence permitting1 ,i will be there10 said the missionary4 8,and give us a speech1 telling all about the ,sunday-school10 suggested ,mr4 ,wilson4 ,as the missionary was about to offer his hand and say good-bye1 ,mr4 ,wilson said3 8,won't you go with me and stay until ,friday8 ,i can accommodate you40 8,i thank you1 but ,i will not visit the neighborhood until ,friday1 and then ,i will come to your house and we will go to the meeting together10 replied the missionary4 8,well1 perhaps that will be best10 rejoined ,mr4 ,wilson1 and passed on4 ,calling back1 he said3 8,take the road up the hill2 it will lead you through the most thickly settled portion of this neighborhood40 ,the missionary nodded his head and took the road as directed4 ,he met with various successes in his itinerancy until ,thursday evening1 when he was shamefully treated by a man known as ',squire ,hunt1 one of the leading men of the settlement4 ,the missionary bore the insults meekly1 but upheld the cause of ,christ manfully4 ,illustration ,,chapter ,,ix4 ,,opposition4 ,according to promise1 the missionary was at ,mr4 ,wilson's house1 and he1 together with the family1 went to the school-house4 ,the words of his text were1 8,train up a child in the way he should go1 and when he is old he will not depart from it40 ,prov4 xxii4 #f4 ,he approached his subject with caution1 for the people before him were restless and excited2 but he gradually unfolded the solemn truth contained in the text4 ,he addressed himself to the parents1 especially to the mothers4 ,his apparent sincerity and great earnestness overcame the prejudices of many1 but still a large majority were opposed1 or cared little about the matter4 ,the ',squire got up and denounced the speaker1 ,sunday-schools and ,temperance societies4 ,he was frequently cheered2 and those who had been won by the earnest eloquence of the speaker1 were now carried away by the majority1 and were inclined to 8follow the multitude to do evil40 ,the ',squire then called upon the people to decide by a vote1 whether they would have a ,sunday-school or not1 shouting out3 8,all who are in favor of a ,sunday-school here1 rise to your feet40 ,mr4 ,wilson and ,mr4 ,mason sprang to their feet like heroes1 their intrepidity encouraging some of the timid and wavering1 who1 together with their children1 made quite a respectable vote4 ,after these were again seated1 all who were opposed to a ,sunday-school were called upon to rise4 ,instantly several of the most bitter opposers1 who were waiting for the word1 were up2 others1 soon followed1 while the ',squire was urging the fearful and lukewarm with1 8,up6 up6 ,i know you are opposed2 show your colors60 and in this way succeeded in getting many to rise1 who did not really intend to have anything to do with the matter4 ,he then declared the majority opposed1 and in triumph took his seat4 ,mr4 ,mason arose and asked the majority to concede to those who desired it the privilege of holding ,sunday-school in the school-house undisturbed4 ,this very reasonable request was opposed by the ',squire2 but upon the vote being taken1 the privilege was granted4 ,this was something gained1 and the missionary was thankful for it1 although he and his little band were openly subjected to sneers and abuse4 ,but they had the comforting assurance that 8all things work together for good to them that love ,god40 ,on ,saturday morning1 the missionary started for ,clear ,creek ,settlement4 ,on his way he met a little boy and two little girls4 8,how do you do1 my young friends80 kindly began the missionary4 ,they all smiled pleasantly1 but did not say anything4 8,how old are you1 my son80 continued he1 addressing the boy4 8,ten1 next ,christmas2 my birthday comes day before ,christmas10 ingenuously answered the boy4 8,these little girls are your sisters1 ,i suppose80 8,yes1 sir10 responded the boy4 8,can you read80 8,yes1 sir1 ,i can read in the #8,introduction1' very well2 my sister ,jane can read too2 and little ,betty can spell and read easy words10 answered the boy1 with some feelings of pride4 8,did you ever go to ,sunday-school80 inquired the missionary4 8,no1 sir60 answered the boy1 emphatically4 8,we don't go to school on ,sundays2 we go on week-days40 ,this direct answer caused the missionary to smile2 he continued1 however1 with the question1 8,would you like to1 if there were a ,sunday-school80 8,no1 sir60 again replied the boy4 8,we play ball1 pitch horse-shoes1 or go a fishing on ,sunday1 and ,i like that better than going to school40 8,don't you think it is wrong to do such things on ,sunday80 8,no1 sir10 again responded the boy1 8father and all the neighbors do that on ,sunday40 ,the parents then were the examples2 and the children followed4 ,how many parents thus unwittingly take their children by the hand and lead them down to death6 8,you all go to meeting sometimes1 don't you80 continued the missionary4 8,yes1 sir1 once in a while40 8,don't the preacher talk against such things80 8,sometimes2 but nobody cares4 ,some go to the grocery and pitch horse-shoes for whisky2 and some go to the tavern to play checkers or such1 for a dram1 or for fun10 replied the boy4 8,don't the preacher talk against drinking liquor and lying about at the grocery on ,sundays80 seriously inquired the missionary4 8,no1 sir1 he likes it himself40 8,it is a bad thing to drink whisky10 said the missionary4 8,yes1 sir10 quickly responded the boy2 8last night they had a spree at the grocery1 and ,bill ,jones liken'd to've killed ,tom ,miller with his knife2 and ,ace ,ross knocked ,old ,butt's eye out4 ,father says they have a law suit to-day40 8,what a pity60 said the missionary1 shaking his head4 8,do you live far from here80 8,about a mile10 answered the boy4 ,the missionary then gave each of the children a card1 and explained to them1 as far as they were capable of understanding1 what a ,sunday-school was like2 and they then said that they would like to go to such a school4 ,he told them of an appointment for ,sunday afternoon at #c o'clock1 in the school-house near ,mr4 ,wilson's1 and invited them to come and bring their parents along2 he then said 8,good-bye10 and left them4 ,having detained himself longer than he supposed1 he was compelled to hurry on1 as he had quite a distance to go before he would reach ,mr4 ,brown's4 ,as he was passing through a lane1 after coming within the bounds of ,clear ,creek ,settlement1 he found two men lying in a fence-corner1 drunk6 ,he tried to rouse them1 but failed in so doing1 for they were past consciousness4 ,continuing on1 he soon came to the grocery4 ,happily for the missionary1 the crowd within was all excitement over a 8drinking game20 that is1 several engaged in playing cards for a treat of the whole company4 ,before he had passed out of hearing1 a great shout and uproar at this den of sin1 told him that the game was up1 and the treat was being given4 ,in his heart he then resolved that a ,temperance society should be established in that place1 and he prayed ,god to help him in the undertaking4 ,after arriving at ,mr4 ,brown's1 he could not but compare the revolting scenes he had left behind him1 with the pleasant1 social intercourse he was now enjoying4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,x4 ,,sunday-,,school ,,organized--,,local ,,preacher4 ,at the appointed time1 on the ,holy morning1 the missionary and ,mr4 ,brown were in the ,sunday-school1 ready for action4 ,a number had already collected1 and after the opening exercises1 the missionary delivered a short and impressive address1 in which he exhorted the teachers to aim at the conversion of those placed under their instruction1 to be always punctual1 to set a godly example1 and1 finally1 not to grow weary in well-doing1 but continue the work through evil as well as good report2 and reminded them of the reward on the final day of reckoning4 ,everything passed off well2 the children were pleased1 and the parents greatly encouraged4 ,the opposition could see nothing to condemn1 but ,mr4 ,steele and a few others laughed at the 8simple thing10 and hooted at the idea of sending their children4 ,according to arrangement1 ,mr4 ,mason came with his horses and wagon for the purpose of taking the missionary to the other settlement4 ,it had been announced to the people that an effort to organize a ,sunday-school would be made on the afternoon of this day4 ,by #c o'clock many had come together2 some for the purpose of taking part in the enterprise1 and others merely to look on4 ,the school was started1 though under less auspicious circumstances than the one at ,clear ,creek2 yet it was a beginning4 ,the result was in ,god's hands4 ,during the week that followed1 the missionary visited the families of the settlement1 urging the parents either to take or send their children to the ,sunday-school4 ,his kindness and persuasive address won him more friends than promises4 ,the force of public opinion against the school made many fear to take part in it2 the most of the people1 however1 began to treat him with respect4 ,on ,thursday evening he again preached4 ,he was prepared for the occasion1 not by a written sermon with rounded paragraphs and beautifully-finished sentences1 but by constant1 fervent prayer1 and thoughtful meditation4 ,he had contemplated the state of the people1 and the weight of immortal souls lay heavily upon his heart2 and1 above all1 he remembered his commission and his great responsibility1 for the ,almighty had said3 8,if the watchman see the sword come and blow not the trumpet1 and the people are not warned2 if the sword come and take any person from among them1 he is taken away in his iniquity2 but his blood will ,i require at the watchman's hand40 ,the opponents found that they had an earnest man to contend with2 a man with the whole armor on1 and one who could wield the 8sword of the spirit0 with power2 that he was not only 8mighty in the ,scriptures10 but 8full of the ,holy ,ghost20 and they saw that if they did not immediately 8do something10 he would be 8master of the situation40 ,so they went to work1 as is usual in such cases1 to misrepresent his language and misconstrue his meaning2 to change the truth into falsehood1 by adding1 distorting and detracting4 ,his character1 too1 was assailed1 and scandalous stories invented and circulated in order to ruin him2 but he heeded them not2 for the ,saviour had said3 8,blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you1 and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake2 rejoice and be exceeding glad1 for great is your reward in ,heaven40 ,whilst the missionary was still in this neighborhood1 he was called to the bedside of a dying woman4 ,now that the hour of dissolution was rapidly approaching1 she began to have misgivings about her fitness for ,heaven4 ,she had been in the ,church for a number of years1 but was not a lively stone in the building4 ,after conversation and prayer with the missionary1 her faith was strengthened1 and she felt ready to go at the ,master's call4 ,thus did this servant of ,god do good upon every possible occasion4 ,having learned that a local preacher1 who lived a few miles distant1 was opposed to ,sunday-schools1 he determined to call upon him and talk over the matter4 ,the missionary1 upon reaching the home of the preacher1 found him ready to start out to fill an appointment at a place about six miles distant4 ,he treated the missionary coldly1 and boastingly told him that he and his people had gotten along for many years without ,sunday-schools1 and he guessed they were as good as those who had them1 and reckoned they could still make out without his services2 and to tell those who sent him 8to attend to their own business and let other people's alone40 ,not waiting for a reply1 the preacher gave his horse a cut with the whip1 and was off4 ,there was consequently no alternative left the missionary but to retrace his steps4 ,this he did1 and attended to the duties set apart for the day4 ,notwithstanding opposition1 the work went on2 and the friends of the ,sunday-school became daily more respected by its enemies4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xi4 ,,mr4 ,,kerr ,,and ,,his ,,family4 ,upon one occasion1 as the missionary was passing through the western portion of ,clear ,creek ,settlement1 he called at a house whose surroundings seemed familiar4 ,the man of the house1 too1 appeared to him as one he had seen before1 but he could not remember exactly where4 ,after some general remarks1 he said to the man1 8,i almost fancy that ,i have seen you before to-day40 8,i suppose you have10 the man replied1 with considerable agitation2 and continued1 8,do you not remember some time ago1 standing at a gate and requesting a farmer to allow you to stay all night1 and being refused1 and that there was another man there beside the owner of the place80 ,the missionary said he did4 8,and you remember1 also1 that you gave a little boy and girl some picture-cards and tracts80 8,i do10 said the missionary4 8,and one for each of the men at the barn80 8,yes1 ,i well remember that40 8,i was that man10 said he1 somewhat confused1 8and when ,mr4 ,steele refused to let you stay1 ,i1 like a coward1 approved of it4 ,don't you remember80 8,yes1 ,i believe you did10 gently replied the missionary4 8,yes1 ,i did that very wicked thing1 and now ask your pardon4 ,i have had no rest since1 on account of it10 said the man with emotion4 8,i have long since forgiven you10 calmly replied the missionary4 8,such things do not move me2 ,i count them as nothing40 8,if you had suffered what ,i did from them1 you would count them a good deal4 ,i heard you preach last ,sunday1 and if ,i had not been ashamed1 ,i would have made a public confession of my wickedness4 ,i thank ,god that you have come this way10 continued the humbled man with faltering voice1 and stretching out his hand for reconciliation and forgiveness4 ,joyfully the servant of ,christ gave ,mr4 ,kerr 7whom our readers must have recognized7 his hand1 and their friendship was sealed4 ,mrs4 ,kerr1 who had been absent at the time of the missionary's arrival1 now came in4 ,she recognized him at once1 and welcomed him with unfeigned kindness4 8,where in the world have you been since you were here last month80 inquired the free-spoken woman4 8,i wondered and wondered10 she continued1 8what had become of you in the big storm4 ,i expected nothing else than to hear that you got killed in that dreadful rain4 ,it was awful6 ,i declare ,i thought our house would go60 8,oh10 pleasantly replied the missionary1 8,i put up without #8leave or license1' at a hut out on ,walnut ,creek1 where ,i was taken care of40 8,why1 nobody lives out there that ,i know of10 said ,mr4 ,kerr4 8,let me see2 was it about due west from where you left us80 8,very nearly1 ,i think10 said the missionary1 at the same time smiling4 8,well1 sir1 ,i know of but one family that ever lived in that swampy1 sickly1 mosquito hole1 and two or three of them died there and the rest moved away long ago10 replied ,mr4 ,kerr1 instantly adding1 8,what is the man's name that lives there80 8,indeed ,i cannot give the name10 answered the missionary1 with such a look of mischief that ,mrs4 ,kerr declared that he was only joking4 8,it was at the place you mention1 no doubt1 that ,i staid4 ,there were two graves on a hill near the house1 which was in a very dilapidated condition1 and the yard was overgrown with weeds and briars2 indeed1 everything presented the appearance of having been long deserted40 8,that was ,mr4 ,kelly's home once1 but the mosquitoes and chills drove him out4 ,it was well he left1 or the whole family would soon have perished there4 ,it is a poor country compared with this10 explained ,mr4 ,kerr4 8,but you said that you were well taken care of2 ,i'd like to know who took care of you10 said ,mrs4 ,kerr1 with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes4 8,the ,lord took care of me10 he replied4 8,oh1 yes1 ,i did not think of that20 said she4 8,did you keep dry in the old hut in that dreadful storm80 she added2 and in the same breath continued1 8,didn't you think the whole thing would blow down over your head80 8,i was pretty well sheltered from the wind and rain1 but ,i really did think more than once that all would go down40 8,i was sure our house was gone10 earnestly resumed ,mrs4 ,kerr1 8and ,i expected nothing else than the death of all of us40 8,when we are ready10 he replied1 8death is no evil40 ,this practical reply rather embarrassed her1 and for a moment she was at a loss to know what to say next2 so he continued3 8,to crush the body is a matter of little consequence2 but the soul1 the immortal being that inhabits this house of clay1 is of immense value4 ,could we fully realize the fact that nothing dies but the clay we inhabit1 we would not dread the change40 ,mrs4 ,kerr listened attentively1 but made no reply4 8,will you be so kind as to give us an account of your troubles on that dreadful night80 asked ,mr4 ,kerr4 8,certainly10 said he1 and he related to them the long list of trials1 dangers and privations through which he had passed4 ,tears more than once filled the eyes of the eager listeners4 8,and now10 said ,mr4 ,kerr1 after the missionary had finished1 8,i must give you some of my experience since we parted4 ,if you remember one of the cards you gave the children1 read1 #8,and these shall go away into everlasting punishment1 but the righteous into life eternal2' that fell into my hands4 ,when ,i read those words the irresistible conviction struck me that ,i would be one of #8these1' and a fearful looking for judgment to come took hold of me4 ,all the way home ,i seemed to hear the words1 #8,and these shall go away into everlasting punishment4' ,i wished again and again that ,i had only taken you with me2 or at least have defended you against the unreasonableness of ,mr4 ,steele4 ,but that was now too late1 and ,i groaned under the lashes of my guilty conscience4 ,upon reaching home1 my wife told me that you had been here and prayed with the family4 ,i suffered greatly1 and was at length compelled to #8own up' to my wife1 who soon discovered that all was not right with me--and she strongly condemned my action40 ,mr4 ,kerr did not cease speaking until he had made a full confession of the humiliation he had experienced from a guilty conscience4 ,the missionary could not but be moved at the penitent recital2 yet he rejoiced that ,mr4 ,kerr was at last led to the true and only source of comfort4 ,after uniting in prayer with the family1 the missionary inquired if they had been to the ,sunday-school4 8,oh yes10 heartily replied ,mr4 ,kerr1 8we were all over last ,sunday1 and had a delightful time40 8,no doubt2 indeed1 no one with proper feelings1 and a regard for the eternal interests of his children or the children of others1 can help being benefited and highly delighted in a well-ordered ,sunday-school10 said the good man with emphasis2 adding1 8have the books and papers for which they sent1 come80 8,they have10 rejoined ,mr4 ,kerr1 8and ,i verily thought the whole school would go wild when the box was opened4 ,indeed1 ,i was myself considerably excited2 and when each one received a book and a paper1 ,i really could not refrain from shedding tears1 in witnessing the uncontrollable delight that filled every heart2 and ,i reproached myself with bitterness for having been so cowardly as not to defend this noble institution1 when you and it were assailed by ,mr4 ,steele4 ,to-day1 ,i thank ,god for the ,sunday-school6 and ,i know that every family that attends it thanks ,god for it40 8,may ,god1 the ,divine ,author of this institution1 foster and bless it to the salvation of all who attend it1 or are within its holy influence60 said the delighted missionary2 adding1 8how is that gentleman who was with you at the gate getting along80 8,oh1 pretty well2 but he doesn't take any stock in ,sunday-schools--he is very angry at me for attending1 and won't speak to me40 8,we must pray ,god to give us grace to bear with him1 and try to gain him to our confidence10 said the missionary4 ,the day was passing1 and the good man would have gone on1 but ,mr4 ,kerr and his wife would not hear to it1 insisting that he should remain1 at least over night2 so he consented to remain until morning4 ,by the side of the looking-glass1 in the room which he occupied1 he found hanging a framed card1 containing the text1 8,and these shall go away into everlasting punishment1 but the righteous into life eternal40 ,underneath was written in a plain hand1 8,saved by grace1 through this little card4 ,james ,kerr40 ,here was a secret4 ,mr4 ,kerr attributed his conversion to the teaching of this silent monitor4 ,what a momentous result can hang upon an insignificant cause6 ,it is said1 that 8the obstruction of a straw at the fountain-head1 may change the channel of a mighty river40 ,never should we despise the day of small things4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xii4 ,,the ,,temperance ,,cause4 ,the missionary1 after bidding farewell to the kind friends with whom he had spent the night1 again went on his way1 8,seeking the lost sheep of the house of ,israel40 ,he had not gone far before he met two children1 who proved to be ,mr4 ,steele's4 ,upon entering into conversation with them1 he found that they remembered him4 ,their bright1 intelligent answers to his questions1 led him to regret more deeply that they were kept from the influence of the ,sunday-school4 ,the innate kindness of heart manifested by these children made him feel that1 if properly trained1 they would become useful members of society and the church2 so1 with a view to using all possible influence in their favor1 we again find him an unwelcome visitor on the farm of ,mr4 ,steele4 ,the farmer was at the time unloading wood1 and scarcely noticed the missionary2 the latter soon broached the subject occupying his thoughts1 by saying1 8,my friend1 could you not consent to take your children to ,sunday-school once1 on trial80 8,no sir60 he roared2 8and ,i don't want you to bother me any more about it20 and continued1 8work like ,i do1 and let your betters alone40 8,well then10 said the missionary1 8if you will not go yourself1 will you not permit your children to go8 ,i know that the school would be a great benefit to them1 and0---- 8,i don't want to hear any more of your nonsense--just #8git1' you lazy loafer10 retorted the angry man4 ,the missionary having failed to accomplish the object of his visit1 left with feelings of sadness2 he went on his way1 however1 doing with his might whatsoever his hand found to do1 and he had the pleasure of seeing the schools increasing in numbers and influence4 ,this increase was secured only by hard work--the various difficulties attending all movements aiming at changing fixed customs had to be overcome4 ,one by one1 these were overcome2 and although many opposed the work1 and others were indifferent and careless1 most of the best men and women of the settlements were in favor of the schools4 ,nor were they afraid to give their money in support of the good cause1 nor unwilling to sacrifice ease and pleasure1 if necessary2 for they well knew that even in this world they would receive tenfold reward1 and in the world to come1 everlasting life4 ,parents1 come with your children to the ,sunday-school2 it is the nursery of the ,lord1 in which plants are reared for the garden of ,heaven--the ,paradise of ,god6 ,young man1 wend your way to the ,bible-class1 and thereby shun the temptation of the ,sabbath-breaker and the snares of the transgressor6 ,and you1 young woman1 blooming in all the loveliness of life's early dream1 shun the society of those who mock at religion1 and the teachings of the ,holy ,word1 and fly for your life to the place where prayer is wont to be made--where the better qualities of your nature will be fostered1 and your heart taught to love the ,saviour6 ,the missionary felt that the time had now come for him to attempt to establish a ,temperance ,society among these people for whom he had been laboring4 ,this was a hazardous undertaking1 where the habits of the people were so firmly fixed in favor of using intoxicating liquors as a common beverage4 ,but a meeting for that purpose was appointed and the whole country was aroused4 ,those favoring the cause1 though few in number1 were willing to take the responsibility1 and the missionary promised to do his best2 he was aware that those of the opposition were powerful1 having on their side appetite1 self-interest1 custom and public opinion2 but he was not in the least dismayed2 he knew in whom he had believed2 and although the gates of ,hell should oppose1 yet they could not prevail4 ,the time for the meeting having arrived1 after singing a hymn and offering a prayer1 the missionary called the attention of his large audience to the following words3 8,who hath woe8 who hath sorrow8 who hath contention8 who hath babbling8 who hath wounds without cause8 who hath redness of eyes8 ,they that tarry long at the wine6 ,they that go to seek mixed wine6 ,look not thou upon the wine when it is red1 when it giveth its color in the cup1 when it moveth itself aright2 at last it biteth like a serpent and stingeth like an adder60 ,prov4 xxiii4 #bi-cb4 ,he then demonstrated by example and facts1 the truth of the answer given to these questions4 ,taking up the last part of his subject in the words1 8,at last it biteth10 c41 he gave a most fearful description of the effects of spirituous liquors upon the human system and the immortal soul--depicting with great force the awful condition of the poor rum-enslaved1 soul-degraded drunkard1 both in body and mind4 ,he held up to their gaze the emaciated form of a heart-broken wife1 and the half-famished images of her little ones4 ,he also stated that intoxicating liquors were the parent of every conceivable sin1 and had extended the catalogue of crimes until language could scarcely furnish a name for the atrocious iniquities--that they filled the jails and poor-houses1 at the expense of the industrious and good1 and also furnished subjects for the gibbet4 ,he alluded also to the groceries1 declaring them the prolific schools in which the young were taught the rudiments of sin1 in idleness1 vulgarity1 profanity and drinking--thus preparing the way for infamy and crime1 and daily training the mind for the service of ,satan4 ,he then enforced the command in the text1 not even to look upon it--saying that the apostle had commanded to 8,abstain from all appearance of evil40 ,he also declared that there was no neutral ground between virtue and vice--between supporting and opposing this source of evil2 that we must be either for or against it4 ,he concluded with an appeal to the people to save themselves and those around them from the fangs of the serpent and the sting of the adder1 and to organize at once an army to fight unto death this monster1 ,intemperance4 ,a pledge was written and laid upon the desk2 after it was read and a few words of explanation given1 all who wished to join the society were requested to rise and give their names4 ,quite a number of men1 women and children instantly responded to the call2 among them were several tipplers and two hardened drunkards1 whilst the moralist and the moderate drinker refused to aid in the work of reformation4 ,there can be no doubt that these persons were 8stumbling-blocks in the way of sinners20 and the position taken by them sealed the fate of more than one poor soul4 ,and there were also elders and deacons1 class-leaders and gray-headed ,christians1 unwilling to deny themselves of the 8lusts of the flesh10 but went with the 8customs and maxims of the world0--taking their morning dram1 their favorite bitters1 and with themselves1 training their families in the way leading to drunkenness and death6 ,after the people had been dismissed1 those who had given their names signed the pledge with their own hands1 and organized a society1 by electing officers and framing a constitution for the government and permanent efficiency of the same4 ,upwards of sixty put their names to the 8,declaration of ,independence0 of the tyrant1 8,king ,alcohol60 ,this was a glorious beginning--and the wives and children of those tipplers and drunkards who joined1 shed tears of joy1 and their hearts overflowed with thankfulness to ,god and ,his messenger4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xiii4 ,,the ,,missionary',s ,,departure4 ,the missionary was loth to depart from this interesting field of labor1 but he was called1 and must obey4 ,he 8threw his mantle0 upon the shoulders of a noble young man1 whose name was ,truman2 he was a fluent speaker1 and an enthusiast in whatever he believed to be right2 a giant in courage and bodily strength1 and above all1 a conscientious ,christian2 to him was consigned the care of this noble enterprise4 ,the rum-sellers1 with their dupes1 were now aroused to a full sense of the power arrayed against them2 they justified their conduct1 by holding up that of the ministers and leading men in the ,church1 and the latter would quote ,paul's advice to ,timothy1 where he says1 8,drink no longer water1 but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake1 and thine often infirmities40 ,tim4 v4 #bc4 8,here10 they boastingly said1 8wine is commanded as a drink20 and dared a refutation4 ,but ,truman showed them that this passage did not only not prove that wine should be used as a common drink1 but proved that it should only be used as a medicine4 ,he showed them1 too1 that ,paul was a ,temperance ,lecturer1 and not afraid to reprove rulers before whom he 8reasoned of righteousness1 temperance1 and judgment to come40 ,the argument that ,christ turned water into wine was also brought forward2 the reply to this was1 that there was no evidence that the miraculous transformation contained a single particle of intoxicating matter2 whilst every rational supposition1 based upon the holy character and pure doctrines of the ,redeemer1 would most emphatically declare that there was not4 ,such was the acute and powerful reasoning of this young man1 that minister and deacon were silenced1 if not convinced4 ,mr4 ,truman having been himself snatched from the very vortex of ruin1 his experience in the dens of infamy1 and knowledge of the workings of the whole traffic1 enabled him to bring the truth home to the hearts of his hearers in a very effective manner4 ,as the faithful missionary could delay no longer1 he appointed the time to preach his farewell sermons in the two settlements4 ,the first meeting was to be held in the ,clear ,creek school-house immediately after ,sunday-school4 ,the day was pleasant and the school well attended2 the exercises of the same having been completed1 order was called1 that all might have the benefit of the missionary's parting advice4 ,he made a short address1 and then desired each child to come to him1 that he might shake hands and bestow a trifling gift by which he might be remembered4 ,he would live in the memories of all1 however1 without anything of this kind4 ,a half hour after the dismissal of the ,sunday-school1 the people had assembled to hear the 8farewell sermon40 ,the text was1 8,and now1 brethren1 ,i commend you to ,god and to the word of ,his grace1 which is able to build you up1 and give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified40 ,acts xx4 #cb4 ,the sermon which followed was adapted1 in every respect1 to the occasion4 ,as all earthly ties must sooner or later be sundered1 this shepherd and his flock were compelled to part4 ,it is needless to say that the separation was sorrowful on both sides4 ,after leaving ,clear ,creek ,settlement1 the missionary filled his appointment at the other place2 and the parting which took place here1 was but a repetition of the first one4 ,we now find him on his way to a work among strangers in a strange land3 he knew what would probably befall him1 but he had counted the cost1 and1 like ,paul1 was willing to endure hardships as a good soldier4 ,here1 for the present1 we will leave this noble1 earnest and devout ,christian4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xiv4 ,,working ,,of ,,the ,,sabbath-,,school ,,and ,,temperance ,,society4 ,it will now be our purpose to follow some of the results of the missionary's labors among these people4 ,in our present narrative we can notice but comparatively few incidents among the many interesting ones that transpired1 and bring before our reader but few of the characters connected with the development of the various plans4 ,in addition to there being two ,sunday-schools and one ,temperance ,society firmly established1 the ,christian ,church under various names was most effectually aroused--many of its members being abundantly blest and their spiritual strength renewed2 backsliders were reclaimed1 and sinners awakened and converted3 there were also prayer-meetings held in the different houses among the people4 ,a general contest1 however1 was kept up between those opposed to these institutions1 and their defenders4 ,as soon as it was generally known that the missionary had left1 the rum-sellers and their adherents became bold in their opposition2 they appeared to think that1 if the shepherd had gone1 the sheep would be scattered4 ,even some of the ministers would not come out boldly on the side of this reformation4 ,well did ,isaiah prophesy1 8,for the leaders of this people cause them to err2 and they that are led of them are destroyed4 ,therefore the ,lord shall have no joy in their young men1 neither have mercy on their fatherless and widows3 for every one is a hypocrite1 and an evil doer1 and every mouth speaketh folly40 ,the ,temperance ,cause met with the most opposition2 and some who stood faithfully by the ,sunday-school could not give up old habits2 although they did not particularly oppose the ,cause1 their support was weak and doubtful4 ,those who took no interest in the ,sunday-school were decidedly against temperance4 ,thus the people became more and more divided--and the stinging truths of ,mr4 ,truman seemed to set everything on fire2 and the ,saviour's prediction respecting a house being divided against itself1 seemed to be literally fulfilled4 ,every demonstration of truth was met with increased hostility2 and1 like ,herod and ,pilate1 even enemies were made friends in condemning ,christ4 ,this1 however1 only drove the faithful few nearer to the ,rock of ,ages1 which was their 8stronghold in the day of trouble20 it made them 8search the ,scriptures0 more1 and more vigilant in prayer2 relying upon ,god for help4 ,hence they maintained their ground1 and in time were able to make inroads into the enemy's country1 taking captives and plucking brands from the eternal burnings4 ,those of the opposition1 in order to fully carry out their principles1 were driven to indorse and defend the lowest morality1 and the coldest and most formal type of ,christianity--and were compelled to yield to the caprices of the ungodly by excusing their faults4 ,in order more fully to impress the truth upon the heart1 we will now give a brief narrative of the characters and lives of two families--representatives of the parties formed through the labors of the missionary4 ,the circumstances bringing him to our notice1 also introduce us to the family of ,mr4 ,steele--the other family is that of ,mr4 ,brown1 of the same neighborhood4 ,through the former will be illustrated the effects of opposing religious training as carried on in the ,sunday-school2 and through the latter will be shown the inestimable blessings resulting from such training1 and the value of vital godliness4 ,mr4 ,steele1 as we are already aware1 had two children1 ,george and ,mary--also a wife1 who was naturally a most excellent person2 but the influence of her cold-hearted husband was not without its effect upon her life4 ,he claimed to be a church member1 but he had only a 8name to live40 ,after years of constant association with such a person1 we need not wonder that she quietly submitted to him4 ,mr4 ,brown and family1 also consisting of a wife and two children1 had always been on terms of intimacy with ,mr4 ,steele's family4 ,on ,saturday afternoon1 previous to the opening of the ,sunday-school at ,clear ,creek ,settlement1 ,george and ,mary ,steele went to ,mr4 ,brown's on an errand1 and received permission to spend an hour with their friends1 ,henry and ,eliza2 the ,sunday-school was the all-absorbing topic of conversation1 and although ,george and ,mary knew that their father was opposed to anything of the kind1 they still hoped that they would be allowed to go on the following day4 ,no sooner had they reached home1 than they began to tell their mother1 in a very excited manner1 about the ,sunday-school4 ,just as their excitement was about at its height1 their father entered the room1 and in a very gruff manner asked1 what 8all this fuss0 was about4 ,as the song of the robin ceases at the crack of the rifle1 so suddenly ceased the story and the joy of these children4 ,they looked to their mother for help2 she had no hope of a patient hearing1 so she merely said3 8,the children were telling about the ,sunday-school1 and0---- 8,sunday-school6 yes1 they were over there at ,brown's1 and have had their heads filled with nonsense--have they80 ,the mother's lips were sealed4 ,the humility and silence that greeted him only vexed him the more2 so1 seeing no opposition offered1 he commenced again on the aggressive4 ,addressing his wife in tones of haughty reproach1 he said3 8,i'd like to know whether you and these little brats are going to side with every whining loafer that comes about80 ,then turning to the children1 who were crying1 he said3 8,i'd like to know what you are bawling about8 ,if you don't soon shut up you'll wish you had40 ,the children again looked at their mother2 but as she was still silent1 ,george stammered out1 8,we want to go to ,sunday-school1 father40 ,little ,mary1 with her eyes sparkling in tears1 now ventured with1 8,do1 father1 let us go--won't you1 father80 ,this was said with such a beseeching voice and hopeful look1 that for the instant the storm was lulled2 and had the mother joined her children in their petition1 perhaps a limited privilege might have been obtained for them4 ,but she failed6 ,the precious moment went by unimproved1 and all was lost6 ,the father would not listen to what his better feelings suggested2 so he told the children decidedly that they should not go to the ,sunday-school1 and if they did not stop crying he would punish them severely4 ,after he left the house1 their mother endeavored to console them2 but they felt that they had been unjustly treated1 and wished to know why they could not go to ,sunday-school4 ,their mother did not attempt to give the reason2 for she1 too1 felt that they had been wronged4 ,supper-time came1 but the children's grief had taken their appetite1 so their mother excused them from coming to the table4 ,their father1 finding that they were not coming1 and knowing the reason1 whipped them severely and forced them to come2 they sat down and tried to eat1 but every mouthful seemed to choke them4 ,the mother's eyes were dim with tears1 and the meal was eaten in silence4 ,the father's face was flushed1 and he hurried through his supper1 being anxious to get away from the presence of those whom he had wronged4 ,when he had gone out1 the mother again tried to soothe the children1 but their father's absence only gave them the liberty to sob aloud2 their mother1 fearing that he might return and hear them1 bade them go out to the barn and hunt the eggs1 and be good children4 8,we want to go to ,sunday-school and learn to be good10 said they4 ,every word of this went straight to the heart of the mother4 ,the children went and did what their mother had desired2 as they staid out longer than she thought necessary1 she became troubled and started in search of them4 ,hearing ,george's voice1 she listened and found that he was praying1 and ,mary was repeating the words after him4 ,a consciousness of having failed in the performance of her duty filled her heart with anguish1 and she went into the barn and joined them in prayer2 but her faith was weak--she feared her husband more than ,god4 ,she resolved1 however1 to make the attempt to plead in behalf of the children2 going into the house1 she found her husband trying to find something to interest him in an old newspaper4 ,her heart beat between hope and fear2 taking a seat she commenced her petition4 8,is your head turned too80 he sneeringly asked4 8,i guess1 the next thing ,i know1 you'll have an agency and the pretty loafer lounging around here4 ,but let him come10 he continued2 8just let soap-stick come2 ,i'll kick him out of my house so quick1 that he won't know what hurt him40 ,the wife's heart was too full for utterance1 so she said nothing4 ,construing her silence into contempt1 he resumed fiercely4 8,you've been poking this stuff into the children's heads yourself1 have you8 ,i'll beat it out of them1 mind you60 said he1 shaking his fist in the air4 ,the mother's resolution was gone1 and she meekly replied1 8,no1 ,i have not said anything40 ,she yielded all for the sake of appeasing her husband4 ,after berating the missionary and making some threats about 8this fuss in the family10 ,mr4 ,steele went to bed4 ,had this father but consented to 8prove all things10 as the apostle had recommended1 all of the unhappiness now existing in his family might have been avoided4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xv4 ,,george ,,and ,,mary4 ,the ,sunday-school having been successfully organized1 ,mr4 ,steele was extremely vexed1 and he withdrew himself as far as possible from those who went with the missionary in the movement4 ,he was1 besides1 ambitious and proud--he could not bear to think that 8a traveling loafer10 as he termed the missionary1 should overcome him2 and1 being considered the champion of the opposition1 he mingled with the wicked1 courting their praise1 and bringing himself to their level4 ,he was fighting in vain1 for it was against ,god4 ,a few more weeks passed away1 and it having been quite a while since ,george and ,mary had seen their friends1 they asked their mother if they might make ,henry and ,eliza a visit2 she referred them to their father for permission4 ,george persuaded ,mary to ask1 for he knew that his little sister's winning manner would be more likely to accomplish the object2 watching her opportunity1 she climbed upon her father's knee1 and putting her arms around his neck1 kissed him2 she had done so before1 but not for some time4 ,the caress pleased him1 and he returned the kiss4 ,not thinking of anything in particular1 he said1 8,well1 what else do you want1 my little pet80 8,you wouldn't give me what ,i wanted1 anyhow1 would you father80 8,certainly1 anything you ask20 and he gave her another kiss1 adding1 8,well1 pet1 what is it80 8,george and ,i would so much like to go see ,henry and ,eliza--may we80 ,for a moment he was in doubt1 the nature of the request being so unexpected2 but for once he allowed his better nature to have sway1 and consented on condition that they would come home early4 ,they were soon on their way1 as happy as the birds on a sunny morning4 ,henry and ,eliza were delighted to see them1 and entertained them by giving a minute account of all that transpired in the ,sunday-school2 they also gave them some of the cards and papers which they had received there4 ,george and ,mary kept their promise to 8come home early40 ,whilst they were showing their mother the ,sunday-school cards and papers1 their father entered the room4 ,he became very angry upon being thus reminded of the subject so disagreeable to him2 so1 seizing the children's gifts1 he tore them into pieces and then threw them out the window1 and declared that the children should never go to ,mr4 ,brown's again4 ,the result of such a course on his part1 was that the hearts of his children were hardened against him2 they felt that they had been unkindly and unjustly treated1 and they very soon became irritable and peevish in disposition4 ,their father soon discovered the change1 and knowing the cause1 he determined to restore them to their usual spirits by affording them amusement2 so he induced them to seek new playmates1 among those who did not attend ,sunday-school4 ,they obeyed2 but1 at first1 such company was exceedingly disagreeable to them1 for the children with whom they associated were profane and vulgar and did not regard ,god's ,holy day4 ,they had been taught by their mother that such conduct was wrong2 but the father now ruled with a rod of iron1 and all were compelled to bend to his will4 ,the downward course is rapid2 it was but a few short years before ,george and ,mary1 surrounded by such influence1 could mock with the mocker1 at the prayer-meeting and ,sunday-school4 ,the father1 annoyed by the success of the good cause1 and a consciousness of wrong-doing1 sought relief in drink--hence he was thrown into the society of the worthless1 vulgar drunkards1 who lie around the haunts of vice4 ,insensibly1 he was drifting down to irretrievable ruin6 ,he never expected to be a drunkard--not he6 ,no1 he could drink when he pleased1 and let it alone when he pleased4 ,he would show 8that crazy ,truman10 that a man could govern his appetite1 and that he did not speak the truth when he said that confirmed whisky-drinkers would fill drunkards' graves4 ,he found out to his own sorrow who spoke the truth2 for the time came when he was compelled to give up his comfortable home to satisfy the tavern-keeper's demands4 ,his wife1 through disappointment and abuse1 lost her health and died broken-hearted1 before her husband and children had run their whole course of sin4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xvi4 ,,mr4 ,,brown',s ,,family--,,mr4 ,,steele4 ,whilst the ,steele family was descending deeper and deeper into sin and degradation1 the family of ,mr4 ,brown was advancing in virtue1 honor and holiness4 ,henry and ,eliza were faithful members of ,christ's visible ,church--they had been taught to love the ,saviour in the ,sunday-school2 they were now teachers in the same1 and by their love and practical instructions1 their humble piety and fervent prayers1 they led more than one to the ,fountain of ,life4 ,henry1 like his father1 was a noble-looking man1 of very prepossessing appearance4 ,his taste for the beautiful and true increased with his years1 and his knowledge of many subjects became extensive and thorough--thus was he fitted for almost any position of honor and trust4 ,eliza's naturally amiable disposition was developed to advantage under ,christian influence1 and she married a man whose high moral and religious excellence made him eminently worthy of her4 ,living in anticipation of joys to come1 she could not help being happy4 ,passing over a few more years1 we will look1 for a time1 at the little ,mary of other days4 ,in a forlorn old hut1 far away from any other house1 we find her crouched upon the floor1 shivering with the cold1 and in almost a starving condition2 her father had left her some weeks previous1 under the pretence that he was going in search of work2 her brother had long since gone from the place1 with little or no purpose in view2 she knew nothing of his whereabouts1 and it seemed to her that she was now utterly forsaken1 for she had received no word from her father during his absence4 ,she wished that she might die--not thinking or caring what the consequence would be4 ,as she sat thus1 musing over her sad lot1 ,providence seemed to direct the steps of ,mr4 ,brown1 whose business called him to that part of the country1 to the old hut2 his heart was touched at the sight of her sufferings1 and it was not long before he made arrangements for her removal to his own house2 and he and his wife exerted themselves to win this wandering child to the straight and narrow path4 ,although it took a long time for her to break up her old habits1 she at length became a follower of the meek and lowly ,jesus4 ,mr4 and ,mrs4 ,brown were father and mother to her1 and she endeavored in every possible way to show her gratitude for kindness so freely bestowed4 ,time passed on1 and ,mary1 not hearing anything of her father1 grieved for him as dead2 although she never knew to any certainty that such was the case4 ,on a clear1 cold morning1 about a year after ,mr4 ,steele had left his daughter1 as a party of hunters were crossing a prairie many miles distant from ,clear ,creek ,settlement1 they found the body of a man who had evidently been frozen to death4 ,any one could see at a glance that he had been a drinking character1 and most probably under the influence of liquor at the time of his death4 ,the hunters took the body to the nearest settlement1 and made inquiry as to who it might be2 none knew excepting a grocer1 who came forward and stated that this man had chopped wood for him on the day previous1 and1 according to his own request1 took his pay in whisky2 after this no one remembered having seen him1 but it was supposed by those present at this time1 that he had become intoxicated1 and after wandering on for some time1 had fallen down in a drunken stupor1 from which he never awoke in this world4 ,whether or not the grocer1 who had been an actor in this tragedy1 had any compunctions of conscience at this time1 we are unable to say2 he interested himself1 however1 in procuring a rough box in which the remains of ,mr4 ,steele 7for it was he71 were placed1 and buried by those who never had known him in life4 ,thus ended the career of one who depended upon his own strength to resist temptation1 and set himself up in opposition to the means employed for the furtherance of ,god's cause4 ,this may be an extreme case1 but it is not the first instance in which ,god has visited retribution in this world4 ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xvii4 ,,the ,,missionary ,,again ,,visits ,,the ,,west4 ,in that beautiful season of the year in which the missionary first visited the ,west1 he was again on his way thither1 but not with his pilgrim-staff--that was now laid aside4 ,he could no longer travel hundreds of miles on foot as he once did--he was now in a carriage with the venerable ,mr4 ,mason4 ,he had written to his people in the ,west1 promising to visit them if they would send a conveyance for him1 as he was no longer able to walk1 and was too poor to go by stage4 ,yes1 he was poor in this world's goods1 but rich in ,christ--an heir of ,heaven6 ,no sooner was his letter received1 than it was read in the churches and ,sunday-schools1 and a liberal collection was soon taken up1 to insure every convenience necessary for his accommodation2 and ,mr4 ,mason volunteered to bring him out4 ,the journey proved to be a great advantage to his failing health4 ,the appearance of things was very much changed to him1 for eighteen years had elapsed since he first came to this place4 ,the little ones had grown up1 the youth were heads of families1 and the locks of the older persons were turning gray1 and many had gone the way of all the earth4 ,many new settlers had come in1 the little hut villages had become towns1 the trails and wood-paths were now highways and stage-routes1 the log school-houses had become substantial frame churches1 and the wilderness in which the missionary had suffered was now being settled and covered with new farms4 ,his friends in the cause of ,christ1 ,mr4 ,brown and ,mr4 ,wilson and ,mr4 ,truman1 the defender of ,temperance1 were still alive1 8,steadfast and unmovable1 always abounding in the work of the ,lord40 ,many blessed seasons he enjoyed with them1 and they were often 8sitting in heavenly places in ,christ ,jesus40 ,after a rest of some days1 the missionary felt able to preach and lecture among the people4 ,the opposition to ,sunday-schools and the cause of ,temperance had in a great measure subsided2 public opinion1 that great leveler of uprisings1 had taken sides with the 8new measures10 for the very elements of the ,western character demand progress and life4 ,the missionary's preaching was especially blest to the ,sunday-schools2 through his efforts whole classes1 with their teachers1 were brought into the ,church4 ,during one of these gracious seasons1 when many were turning to the ,lord1 a dreadful murder was committed at one of the groceries in the village4 ,one of the ,sunday-school teachers1 and a noted advocate of ,temperance1 heard that one of his class had been persuaded to accompany a man to a grocery4 ,the teacher resolved to save his scholar from the influence of the fiends who were aiming at his destruction2 he succeeded in getting the boy to leave the place4 ,they had taken but a few steps1 when some one rushed up behind the young man1 and stabbed him in the back under the shoulder blade1 piercing his heart4 ,the knife did its work effectually1 for he expired in almost a moment's time4 ,the excitement following this event was intense4 ,there were several persons present1 who held the murdered young man in high esteem2 these arrested the murderer and held him secure4 ,in the meantime1 the news of the atrocious deed spread all over the country1 and hundreds gathered to the scene of blood4 ,had it not been for the high state of religious interest prevailing1 lynch law would have been executed upon the heartless criminal1 by hanging him to the nearest tree2 but an officer was allowed to lead him away to a place of confinement4 ,the young man's body was conveyed to his father's house amid weeping and lamentations4 ,this was too much for some of the people2 and1 as if actuated by a sense of justice1 they went back and demolished the den as a common nuisance4 ,all the liquors were destroyed and the owners prosecuted4 ,this was summary work2 but the general temperament of the ,western people is such1 that they not unfrequently take the law into their own hands1 when they fear that justice will be tardy or uncertain from the courts4 ,on the day appointed for the funeral of the young man1 hundreds were early at the house of the dead4 ,the ,temperance ,societies were all present in mourning4 ,many who1 through his instrumentality1 had been led to ,christ were there1 and shed tears of genuine grief over his remains2 aged ,christians groaned in their sorrow4 ,indeed1 there was scarcely one present who was not moved to tears4 ,the missionary preached the funeral sermon from ,john xi1 #be3--8;,i am the resurrection and the life2 he that believeth in me1 though he were dead1 yet shall he live40 ,he alluded to the consolation afforded in the sentence referring to eternal life4 ,he exhorted all to prepare for death1 and dealt the rumsellers a blow1 which1 connected with the circumstances that brought them together1 led them to think1 at least1 of what they were doing4 ,he concluded with a reference to the exemplary ,christian character of the deceased1 and exhorted all to follow him1 as far as he had followed ,christ4 ,several other ministers were present1 who also delivered short addresses of a very impressive character4 ,these were followed by ,mr4 ,truman1 who made one of the most eloquent and masterly appeals in behalf of the ,temperance cause ever made in that country4 ,an aged minister then led in prayer1 after which the painful exercises were closed4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xviii4 ,,death4 ,the murderer had been taken to the county jail to await his trial4 ,in the meantime1 suspicion was aroused that the prisoner was ,george ,steele1 but he steadily denied it1 and insisted that he was ,john ,pogue4 ,the rumor coming to ,mary's ears1 she at once feared that it might be true2 and to relieve her mind of the dreadful suspense1 she resolved to know the worst1 and hence obtained permission to enter his cell4 ,when the door was opened1 there1 in chains1 sat ,george6 ,although she had felt that it would be so1 she was nevertheless shocked at the sight before her4 ,he tried to evade the recognition1 but his heart failed2 ungovernable emotions unmanned him1 and he wept like a child4 8,george1 my brother1 my dear brother1 how could you do that thing80 she exclaimed1 and her whole frame shook as she spoke4 ,after a while she became more calm and asked the keeper to allow her to be alone with her brother for a short time2 he consented1 and she sat down on the bed1 close beside her brother1 as she did years ago1 when they played under the elm-tree at their dear old home4 ,he told her all--8,but10 said he1 8,i was in liquor1 and a fiend seemed to drive me to the awful deed6 ,i was not to blame so much2 ,i did not use to be so1 did ,i1 ,mary80 8,no1 ,george10 she gently replied1 8you were once a good boy20 and then1 after hesitating a moment1 she said1 8do you pray now1 brother80 ,he looked at her in a dreamy way1 and said1 8,i pray6 ,i cannot pray60 then his eye kindled1 and he continued1 8,i am not to blame2 when you and ,i wanted to be good father would not let us1 but taught us that ,sabbath-breaking1 swearing1 dancing and drinking were only amusements that everybody should enjoy2 and we soon learned to like these things1 ,mary--and where am ,i now80 ,she leaned her head upon her hands and sighed2 then rousing herself1 said hopefully1 8,it is not too late yet1 ,george2 ,god has been merciful to me1 and has pardoned all my sins2 if you repent as ,i did1 ,he will not cast you off2 but you must pray1 ,george1 with all your heart40 ,looking into her eyes1 he replied by saying1 8,you pray for me1 ,mary40 ,kneeling down1 she brought her poor1 sinful brother's case before the ,mercy-seat2 but there was no godly sorrow for sin in his heart--the fear of death made him wish for prayers4 ,had he been at liberty1 he would have been as bad as ever2 and no wonder pardon was not granted4 ,after ,mary rose from her knees1 she had some further conversation with her brother1 and then took leave of him with a heavy heart4 ,this was their last meeting4 ,the time for ,george's trial arrived2 the court-room was crowded with curious and idle spectators2 the prisoner was brought forward to answer the charge of murder2 he pleaded 8,not guilty40 ,a plea of insanity was set up by his counsel1 and an artful defense made for him2 but the case was clear1 and the testimony against him overwhelming4 ,the ,judge of the district was ,henry ,brown4 ,the prisoner was directed to stand up2 the ,judge asked him if he had anything further to say1 why sentence of death should not be pronounced2 he shook his head and faltered1 8,no40 ,after receiving his sentence1 he desired to see the ,judge4 ,they met4 ,neither could speak--a convulsive pressure of hands was all that passed between them4 ,what a contrast is here6 ,both men occupied the same social position in childhood2 yet a difference in training and associations brought about the present result4 ,may ,god help us to take warning6 ,thirty days were given the prisoner to prepare for the eternal future4 ,his jailer was kind to him1 and offered to get him any religious advice he desired2 at first he refused to see any one1 but as the time of death drew nearer1 he consented2 the missionary to whom he had given a cup of water in his boyhood was ready and anxious to go to him2 and no sooner had he received ,george's permission1 than he was at his side1 endeavoring to shed light upon his darkened understanding2 but the good man's prayers and advice seemed to produce little or no impression upon the mind and heart of ,george4 ,he felt that there was no hope for him1 and as the missionary left him he requested him to preach his funeral sermon1 and in doing so1 warn others not to follow the example of one whose earthly career was short1 and ended in death and everlasting misery4 ,we will now draw a veil over the closing scene in the life of this young man4 ,in doing so1 we would say to the ,sunday-school scholar1 bear in mind your great privileges--do not abuse them--do not consider it a task1 but a pleasure1 to prepare the lessons given you--keep ever before your mind the fact1 that it is your soul's eternal interest1 and ,god's glory1 for which you must work4 ,the missionary lived several years after his return to his ,eastern home2 and1 like ,paul1 he would frequently write an epistle to his brethren in the ,west--thus could their hearts still commune with each other4 ,but the time came when this laborer in the ,master's vineyard was called to rest4 ,the close of his life was as calm as the summer evening upon which he was called4 ,with the apostle he could say1 8,i have fought a good fight1 ,i have finished my course1 ,i have kept the faith4 ,henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness1 which the ,lord1 the righteous ,judge1 shall give at that day--and not to me only1 but unto all them that love ,his appearing40 ,compare the death of the earnest1 working ,christian1 with that of the opposer of truth or of the cold-hearted formalist4 ,after death comes the judgment6--and the ,saviour has said1 that the former shall live and reign with ,him1 whilst the latter shall go away into everlasting punishment4 ,reader1 to which of these classes do you belong8 ,,the ,,end4