_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.
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.
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