The inspiration of this thought nerved him anew.

Though they all died, to the last child, he would live to carry back to Zion the message that now burned within him.

They had temporised with the Gentile and had grown lax among themselves.

They must be aroused to repentance, and God would save him to do the work.
So, when the snow came at last, the final touch of hardship, driving furiously about the unprotected women and children, putting wild fear into the heart of every man, he remained calm and sure and defiant.

The next morning the snow lay heavily about them, and they had to dig through it to bury five of their number in one grave.