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5.

That evening I held an educational meeting, which it was largely attended-(indeed the House was crowded in every part) and strong resolutions were passed in regard to sustaining the school-and pledging it support. At the close of the meeting I made an appointment to be present with the school on the following Thursday, and held another meeting with them on the evening of that day. At Salem, I received tidings from Pearisburg, that the Teacher at that place had been shot for being caught in the act of having illicit intercourse with the man's wife where he boarded; and I was obliged immediately to start in that direction. Arrived there on Saturday and found the charges too true (although Randolph was not severely injured, and had left.) There was considerable excitement, but the woman's former life, not presenting a good character (prior to her marriage & membership in the church) the people were divided in the matter. Some of the Whites however tried to make a great deal out of it. Randolph always before that could furnish the very best recommendations, and his character was considered unimpeachable. Under those circumstances I had introduced him to that people, and recommended him to the association. I found however, that they did not pass any reflections upon me (although some of the Whites were making efforts in that direction) for taking him there-and I was therefore soon enabled, in a great measure to quiet the excitement. The following day I met the children of the Sabbath School and had other services with the people, during which I took up the subject of adultery, fornication and sins of the same class; and from God's word endeavored to impress the minds of the people with the fearful guilt and damnable nature of those sins.