As the missionary was passing the barn, he met a little girl, to whom he gave a card for herself and another for the family.
On crossing a little stream he met a young lady on horseback; to her he handed a tract, entitled, “Are you Saved?” A slight tremor was visible when she read this; the question demanded an answer. Seeing how the title affected her, he prayed God to bless the words to her salvation.
He did not go far until he came to a place where two roads crossed at right angles; so he sat down a moment to rest and consider which road to take. Whilst sitting, a man with a wagon and a fine span of horses came along. His countenance bespoke a kind heart, and the missionary rose to salute him. He responded with a hearty “Good-day,” and an invitation to take a ride, if the stranger were going his way. The missionary had to confess that he did not know where he was going, and unfolded his object in visiting the settlement.
The man said that he had heard of a Sunday-school being organized at Clear Creek, but he was not up when the meeting was held, and knew but little of the nature of the institution. Still he would be willing to “give the thing a trial,” if it did not cost too much.
“As to the cost,” said the missionary, “that will depend upon the number of books, papers, maps and other helps you get. But I will agree to donate to your school, if you establish one, half of a good library.”
This opened the eyes of the man to their utmost extent, and he exclaimed:
“Why, you don’t say! That don’t look like speculating or swindling people out of their money, as they say of you around here. I never did believe the half I heard; it didn’t seem reasonable to me. But,” continued he, “I don’t believe that we can make it go. Everybody I have talked to is down on it.”
“Would you be willing to assist me, and bring your family long enough to test the matter?” inquired the missionary.
“I’ll do my best, if things are as you say. I believe the children ought to be instructed in the Bible the moment they are capable of understanding it.”
“Are there any others that you think would join us in the work?”