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that we stood upon the same ground, and desired to attain the same end, I waited upon them and offered them such co-operation and aid as my instruction from the Assistant Commissioner would allow, and in turn invited them to the proposed public meetings that they might say openly, at home in their own towns, what they had resolved to do in their ecclesiastical assemblies.  Believing that there are right-minded men in every community who favor the work, I sought to secure their assistance.  I called upon the civil authorities, usually the Mayor and members of his council, soliciting their co-operation, and demanding their protection for our meetings, held in furtherance of a worthy object, designed to promote the public good.
These meetings were usually largely attended, and, in every instance, addresses were made by the clergymen and prominent citizens.
By these popular demonstrations it was hoped that we might