Although there was little expressed sympathy with Mr. Steele and his remarks, it was evident that quite a number could not overcome their prejudices, and stood upon what some termed “neutral ground.” Unfortunately for such persons, in morality and religion there can be no neutral ground. Christ says, “He that is not for me is against me.”
The missionary now opened his satchel, and taking out a Sunday-school book, laid it upon the table; remarking, that instead of trying to fleece the people out of their money, he would propose to give them fifty volumes like the one before them, if they would make up money to pay for fifty more, and agree to organize a Sunday-school.
The night being now far spent, Mr. Brown proposed to have another meeting on Sunday morning at 10 o’clock, with the object of organizing a Sunday-school. This was agreed to, and the people separated.
A good old Christian, by the name of Law, took the missionary along with him. He was one of those who had long desired a better state of things in the community. The missionary explained to him all that he wished to know, and his already favorable opinions of the Sunday-school were greatly strengthened. From Mr. Law’s the missionary went to the next neighbor, who was one of those who professed neutrality in the matter. He appeared to fear the missionary, and did not give him a very warm reception. He said “yes” to everything the missionary said, but was really in doubt as to whether he did not mean “no.” Convinced against his will, he hid his convictions by making a doubtful show for the other side. He was left neither cold nor hot; and his hesitating promise that he would come and bring his children to the meeting, was scarcely to be interpreted at all.
Leaving here, the missionary went to Mr. Adams. He was one of the opposition; but he was a frank man, and possessed a superficial knowledge of the Scriptures. He invited the missionary in, intending to “give him a short battle.”
After some preliminaries, the objector brought forward his charges, which were about the same as those advanced by Mr. Steele. The missionary answered these one by one, and so plainly showed the utility of the Sunday-school, that Mr. Adams would gladly have escaped from the missionary’s presence, and from the conviction forced upon his mind by the truth. His sense of politeness alone prevented him from leaving the house.
As he was a professed Christian, and indeed a leading member of the church, the missionary asked the privilege of praying with the family; this, upon the same principle of courtesy, could not be denied. The missionary had done all that he could in his weakness, and he now laid the case before God; asking for His blessing, His spirit and convincing power. What arguments failed to do, sincere and earnest prayer accomplished.
Sunday-school Agents, Leaders in the Church, Ministers of the Gospel, do you ask God in earnest prayer to bless your labors? Are your efforts made to do good, or to be heard and seen? In the fear of God; in view of the final judgment; examine yourselves in this matter.
