CHAPTER VI.
MR. STEELE’S MEETING.
EARLY on Wednesday morning, the missionary was on his way to canvass the district. He met with opposition and encouragement among the parents, but the children and most of the young people were decidedly in favor of a Sunday-school. His humility and sincerity won him many friends, and before Thursday night came he had disarmed much of the opposition.
The time for Mr. Steele to prove his charges having arrived, the house was filled; indeed many were unable to get in. This, to the missionary, was an omen of good; and he felt calm and strong in faith. The angry scowls of the opposition made no impression upon his feelings, for he well remembered the Saviour had said: “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth; I came not to send peace, but a sword.”
As this was Mr. Steele’s meeting, he was on hand. After some delay he arose, and with a great deal of agitation said he reckoned that the time to begin had come, and he guessed he would proceed. He consequently commenced his harangue against the Sabbath-school, and those interested in its success. But being ignorant of the merits of the subject he had undertaken to discuss, he, of course, failed to convince any one. As to his proving his charges, he did not even make the attempt. Even his friends felt that the effort was a total failure, and he sat down without a single expression of applause or commendation from those present.
Some one here asked him what he proposed doing in the matter.
He replied that every one might do as he pleased, but as to himself he would never pay a cent toward the thing, nor ever enter one, nor allow any of his family to be taught in such a shabby concern as a Sunday-school.
A slight effort at cheering, by a few worthless fellows, was made at this boasting declaration, and he felt as though he was of some importance, and took his seat with a smile of complacency.
Mr. Brown was deeply wounded by the uncharitable remarks of Mr. Steele, and he now arose to speak. Every eye was upon him. He commenced by referring to the arguments advanced by the missionary in favor of Sunday-schools; speaking of the positive duty devolving upon all Christians to teach their children the Scriptures, and appealing to the judgment of the whole audience whether any one of the statements made had been refuted by Mr. Steele. He also alluded to the great utility of such an institution, and commented upon the abuse received by persons particularly interested in the cause; he also quoted from Paul, that we should “prove all things, and hold fast that which is good,” and not let our prejudices condemn, and our bigotry abuse every one and every thing that is new.