View in Ban dc la Roche.
the Tliirty-years' War, and the popidation that sur- vived its ravages were reduced to poverty and debased by ignorance. It was only in 17.')() that "any effort was made for the moral itniirovement and social elevation of this obscure an<l degraded people. He commenced .his labors by combining faithful diligence in the ordi-
narv' duties of the pastorate, with wise and earnest en- deavors to advance the education and general prosperity of the community'. He projected more extended plana of improvement than his predecessor had attempted, and, as the best means of preparing the way for his pastoral instructions, he determined to teach the people the ordinary arts and comforts of life. His efforts at lirst met with great opposition. The people had been accustomed to indulge so long in an indolent life that they could not believe that their happiness would be increased by exertion. Some of the more malicious, too, united in a plot to lie in ambush for their good minister, and inflict upon him personal violence. Hav- ing been informed of their intentions and the time they had selected, he preached as usual, from the words, "But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil; but who- ever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also," and inculcated the lesson of Christian patience and submission under injury. At the con- clusion of the services the conspirators gathered to- gether, wondering whether the preacher would act in accordance with his principles when they were brought to the test; but, to their surprise, in the midst of their discussion he made his appearance among them. " Here am I, my friends," he said. " I know all about your designs. If I have violated the rules which I have laid down for your government, chastise me. It is bet- ter that I should deliver myself into your hands than that you should be guilty of the meanness of lying in wait for me." Deeply touched by his simple address, and ashamed of their conduct, they implored his for- giveness and mercy, and promised never again to op- pose his kind and well-meant efforts. Only a few weeks afterwards another scheme was concocted, in one of the other villages in the district, to seize him as he was returning from the services of the sanctuary and beat him. Having heard of the plot, he preached on the safety of those who put their trust in the Lord, and of the sure protection promised them in all the trials and conflicts of life. He returned home after the exercises by the usual way, although he knew that those who had plotted against him lay concealed in the bushes, and were awaiting his approach. He felt, how- ever, that the everlasting arms were underneath him. Undaunted he passed by his enemies, and so completely were they discomfited that not one ventured to touch him. These incidents had a salutary influence, and greatly aided him in his benevolent mission. Confidence in the man and his work was increased; and these very individuals who had been detected in their wicked de- signs subsequently became his most devoted friends, and were most faithful in their co-operation. One of Oberlin's first enterprises for the improvement of the people was the construction of a road, so that their ter- ritory might be accessible, and comminiication effected with the more civilized districts of the country. The proposition at first was listened to with astoirishment and incredulity. Its execution seemed to the ignorant and benighted peasants impossible, and they began to make excuses for not participating in the labor. But when they saw the worthy pastor take up a pick-axe and vigorously engage in the work, they all soon joined him. He continued to direct and share their labors, until a road was opened to Strasburg, and a bridge thrown over the intervening river. When this was accomplished, he easily persuaded the peo]ile to make other roads, by means of which communication with all the (ire villages was established. He also intro- duced among the people the mechanical arts by select- ing from the older boys the best qualified, and appren- ticing them to mechanics at Strasburg. He likewise improved their dwellings; neat cottages and comfort- able homes were gradually substituted for the miserable cabins, which had generally been hewn out of the rocks or sunk into the sides of the mountains. He made them also acquainted with the improved methods of cultivat- ing the soil, and infused among them a taste for rear-
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