ACCORDING to promise, the missionary was at Mr. Wilson’s house, and he, together with the family, went to the school-house. The words of his text were, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Prov. xxii. 6. He approached his subject with caution, for the people before him were restless and excited; but he gradually unfolded the solemn truth contained in the text. He addressed himself to the parents, especially to the mothers. His apparent sincerity and great earnestness overcame the prejudices of many, but still a large majority were opposed, or cared little about the matter.

[85]The ’Squire got up and denounced the speaker, Sunday-schools and Temperance societies. He was frequently cheered; and those who had been won by the earnest eloquence of the speaker, were now carried away by the majority, and were inclined to “follow the multitude to do evil.” The ’Squire then called upon the people to decide by a vote, whether they would have a Sunday-school or not, shouting out: “All who are in favor of a Sunday-school here, rise to your feet.” Mr. Wilson and Mr. Mason sprang to their feet like heroes, their intrepidity encouraging some of the timid and wavering, who, together with their children, made quite a respectable vote. After these were again seated, all who were opposed to a Sunday-school were called upon to rise. Instantly several of the most bitter opposers, who were waiting for the word, were up; others, soon followed, while the ’Squire was urging the fearful and lukewarm with, “Up! up! I[86] know you are opposed; show your colors!” and in this way succeeded in getting many to rise, who did not really intend to have anything to do with the matter. He then declared the majority opposed, and in triumph took his seat.

Mr. Mason arose and asked the majority to concede to those who desired it the privilege of holding Sunday-school in the school-house undisturbed.

This very reasonable request was opposed by the ’Squire; but upon the vote being taken, the privilege was granted. This was something gained, and the missionary was thankful for it, although he and his little band were openly subjected to sneers and abuse. But they had the comforting assurance that “all things work together for good to them that love God.”

On Saturday morning, the missionary started for Clear Creek Settlement. On his way he met a little boy and two little girls.

[87]“How do you do, my young friends?” kindly began the missionary.

They all smiled pleasantly, but did not say anything.

“How old are you, my son?” continued he, addressing the boy.

“Ten, next Christmas; my birthday comes day before Christmas,” ingenuously answered the boy.

“These little girls are your sisters, I suppose?”

“Yes, sir,” responded the boy.

“Can you read?”

“Yes, sir, I can read in the ‘Introduction,’ very well; my sister Jane can read too; and little Betty can spell and read easy words,” answered the boy, with some feelings of pride.

“Did you ever go to Sunday-school?” inquired the missionary.

“No, sir!” answered the boy, emphatically. “We don’t go to school on............