Scenes in the West; or, The Sunday-School and Temperance

"Scenes in the West; or, The Sunday-School and Temperance" by Anonymous is a collection of narratives that portray the life and struggles of a missionary in the American West, likely written in the late 19th century. The central themes of the work include the promotion of Sunday schools and temperance within a community characterized by resistance to change and entrenched habits. The missionary's journey unfolds through various encounters that depict both hostility and support from those around him. The opening of the narrative introduces the lonely missionary as he approaches a homestead, revealing his weariness and determination. He faces rejection from Mr. Steele, a prominent figure resistant to the missionary's efforts towards religious education and temperance. Despite the harsh treatment from Steele, the missionary finds kindness from two children, George and Mary, who offer him water and share his literature with their mother. This act of compassion contrasts sharply with the adult indifference he encounters, establishing the thematic conflict between faith-driven ideals and societal barriers. As the story progresses, the missionary's persistence in spreading his message of faith and community uplift appears to seed change amidst adversity.

Scenes in the West; or, The Sunday-School and Temperance, by Anonymous. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #57670.