The hope of political advantage had been abandoned, but their decision and their numbers had steadily increased.

The men were about one hundred and fifty, and among them were some of the most respectable inhabitants, and a large proportion of enterprising men.

Their love of peace, as well as their decision, had secured for them general respect.

Some had made considerable progress in Christian knowledge, and the neighbors acknowledged that the profane among them had left off swearing, and the drunkard had abandoned his cups.

The Sabbath, moreover, was carefully observed; the old church fasts were given up; prayers to saints and to the virgin had ceased; pictures for adoration had disappeared from their houses; and it was remarkable that in these changes the women were more zealous than the men.