CHAPTER XIV.
WORKING OF THE SABBATH-SCHOOL AND TEMPERANCE SOCIETY.
IT will now be our purpose to follow some of the results of the missionary’s labors among these people. In our present narrative we can notice but comparatively few incidents among the many interesting ones that transpired, and bring before our reader but few of the characters connected with the development of the various plans.
In addition to there being two Sunday-schools and one Temperance Society firmly established, the Christian Church under various names was most effectually aroused—many of its members being abundantly blest and their spiritual strength renewed; backsliders were reclaimed, and sinners awakened and converted: there were also prayer-meetings held in the different houses among the people.
A general contest, however, was kept up between those opposed to these institutions, and their defenders. As soon as it was generally known that the missionary had left, the rum-sellers and their adherents became bold in their opposition; they appeared to think that, if the shepherd had gone, the sheep would be scattered. Even some of the ministers would not come out boldly on the side of this reformation.
Well did Isaiah prophesy, “For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed. Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men, neither have mercy on their fatherless and widows: for every one is a hypocrite, and an evil doer, and every mouth speaketh folly.”
The Temperance Cause met with the most opposition; and some who stood faithfully by the Sunday-school could not give up old habits; although they did not particularly oppose the Cause, their support was weak and doubtful. Those who took no interest in the Sunday-school were decidedly against temperance. Thus the people became more and more divided—and the stinging truths of Mr. Truman seemed to set everything on fire; and the Saviour’s prediction respecting a house being divided against itself, seemed to be literally fulfilled. Every demonstration of truth was met with increased hostility; and, like Herod and Pilate, even enemies were made friends in condemning Christ. This, however, only drove the faithful few nearer to the Rock of Ages, which was their “stronghold in the day of trouble;” it made them “search the Scriptures” more, and more vigilant in prayer; relying upon God for help. Hence they maintained their ground, and in time were able to make inroads into the enemy’s country, taking captives and plucking brands from the eternal burnings. Those of the opposition, in order to fully carry out their principles, were driven to indorse and defend the lowest morality, and the coldest and most formal type of Christianity—and were compelled to yield to the caprices of the ungodly by excusing their faults.