THE missionary, after bidding farewell to the kind friends with whom he had spent the night, again went on his way, “Seeking the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” He had not gone far before he met two children, who proved to be Mr. Steele’s. Upon entering into conversation with them, he found that they remembered him. Their bright, intelligent answers to his questions, led him to regret more deeply that they were kept from the influence of the Sunday-school. The innate kindness of heart manifested by these children made him feel that, if properly trained, they would become useful members[110] of society and the church; so, with a view to using all possible influence in their favor, we again find him an unwelcome visitor on the farm of Mr. Steele.

The farmer was at the time unloading wood, and scarcely noticed the missionary; the latter soon broached the subject occupying his thoughts, by saying,

“My friend, could you not consent to take your children to Sunday-school once, on trial?”

“No sir!” he roared; “and I don’t want you to bother me any more about it;” and continued, “work like I do, and let your betters alone.”

“Well then,” said the missionary, “if you will not go yourself, will you not permit your children to go? I know that the school would be a great benefit to them, and”——

“I don’t want to hear any more of your nonsense—just ‘git,’ you lazy loafer,” retorted the angry man.

[111]The missionary having failed to accomplish the object of his visit, left with feelings of sadness; he went on his way, however, doing with his might whatsoever his hand found to do, and he had the pleasure of seeing the schools increasing in numbers and influence. This increase was secured only by hard work—the various difficulties attending all movements aiming at changing fixed customs had to be overcome. One by one, these were overcome; and although many opposed the work, and others were indifferent and careless, most of the best men and women of the settlements were in favor of the schools. Nor were they afraid to give their money in support of the good cause, nor unwilling to sacrifice ease and pleasure, if necessary; for they well knew that even in this world they would receive tenfold reward, and in the world to come, everlasting life.

Parents, come with your children to the Sunday-school; it is the nursery of the Lord,[112] in which plants are reared for the garden of Heaven—the Paradise of God!

Young man, wend your way to the Bible-class, and thereby shun the temptation of the Sabbath-breaker and the snares of the transgressor! And you, young woman, blooming in all the loveliness of life’s early dream, shun the society of those who mock at religion, and the teachings of the Holy Word, and fly for your life to the place where prayer is wont to be made—where the better qualities of your nature will be fostered, and your heart taught to love the Saviour!

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 laboring. This was a hazardous undertaking, where the habits of the people were so firmly fixed in favor of using intoxicating liquors as a common beverage. But a meeting for that purpose was appointed and the whole country was aroused. Those[113] favoring the cause, though few in number, were willing to take the responsibility, and the missionary promised to do his best; he was aware that those of the opposition were powerful, having on their side appetite, self-interest, custom and public opinion; but he was not in the least dismayed; he knew in whom he had believed; and although the gates of Hell should oppose, yet they could not prevail.<............