Every mile increased our numbers.

Our way was often almost blocked up by the people who came to meet us, some on horseback, some on foot; bishops, priests, deacons, village teachers, members of the seminary, with whom I had many times wept and prayed, all pressing forward in eager haste to grasp our hands, and swell the notes of welcome.

Three years ago, they followed us out of the city, holding our horses by the bridle, and begging us not to leave them, while their mournful looks bespoke the sorrow of their hearts.

Now I was returning to them with restored health, to identify my interests with theirs.

I brought with me the salutations of many thousand Christians in our native land, and was accompanied into the harvest-field by new reapers.