"converts" coerced, blackmailed, robbed, assaulted their helpless neighbors. Should reprisals arise they were at once labelled "persecutions," appeal was made to the priests, then to the bishop, and thus to the chief officials of the province, or locally to the magistrates. The honest, hard-working citizen's lot seemed hopeless and helpless.
Then the knowledge slowly gained ground that there were two parties among these foreigners. Protestants, it was said, had equal power, but did not countenance such coercion. Why not invite these into the county, and join their organization? The plan was plausible and prevailed. Representative men went to the capital to invite the Protestant missionaries. After a time they came, received everywhere with honor and acclaim. Villages, a score and more, organized and sent representatives to support the movement. A central organization sprang up and a big building was secured.
Among the many villages that thus sent representatives was that of the Chao family. Who should be sent but Li, the scholar, soldier, merchant, man of affairs. He went to Jenshow, listened, gave hearty support, bought books said to be necessary and went his way. He was more interested now, however, and read his books carefully. Though his motives could scarce be called Christian, he was being led and to lead in a way that he knew not.
Some months later, a convention for leaders was summoned in the provincial capital. Li was ready and receptive. He returned to his native village, moved
