II. Mode of Action before Meetings.
1. Two men (or any greater number, ad libitum) thus principled, having established themselves in a railway company by the purchase of (at least) as much stock as will yield a vote, may proceed to action without fear. The whole agitation in the railway companies so began; and, for many a long day, it was carried on but by a handful. [20] They were strong, however, in the strength of their position and foundation; and the band grew and multiplied.
2. Let the men who enter the arena be assured that it is very good to arrange with the clergy and religious classes of the town where railway companies have their headquarters, to hold meetings for public and private prayer, and to appoint these especially for the Sabbath preceding the railway meetings; for it must be reiterated to satiety, that the struggle is a religious one; and while there is even worldly policy in ever keeping this prominently before the public mind, there is undoubtedly a blessing on believing prayer. It cannot fail.
3. In the same way, the little band must meet before the hour of the company meeting, and join in prayer. The Edinburgh and Glasgow handful never appeared in the Queen Street Chambers without having previously in the Bath Hotel, or other rendezvous, prostrated themselves before Almighty God, in earnest seeking of his guidance. And then, come weal or come woe, every thing came right. This previous meeting is useful for other than the business of prayer. Here it is right to arrange the order of battle for the day. The parties to move and second, for instance, must here be fixed, as well as the skirmishers who are to be ready to support them. The motion to be made must also be determined on.
4. On this subject, it may, after all experience, be stated that the best motion to make is, “That no systematic traffic be carried on on the Lord’s-day.” This form of words excludes the obnoxious thing, meets the commandment, and leaves an opening for all needful arrangements for “necessity and mercy” cases—a class multiplied and magnified to worldly vision, but scarce known in fact and truth.