The writer arrived at Kucheng that Saturday evening, and was surprised to see some of the workmen in the meeting, listening very attentively. The following day, Sunday, three of them came again, but others went to some of the shops for a talk and a smoke. "But why are you not working to-day? How can you play about like this?" thus some of the shopkeepers addressed them. "We were working at Mr. Lue's house, but he told us not to do any work to-day." "But how can you afford to lose a day's money like that?" "We do not lose anything. Mr. and Mrs. Lue give us our board and wages, just as if we were working for them the whole day." "Well, that is strange. They used to be careful over their money, and they seem to be so even now." "That is quite true, but they say they will not sin against their God in making us work for them on Sunday." "That doctrine about Jesus is really good: surely there must be something in it." Thus the people reasoned, and it need hardly be said that Mr. and Mrs. Lue, through their steady and careful walk with God, gained a respect among the people which only few in their position could attain. It was to them that the people came in sickness and sorrow, counting upon their help and prayers. It was from them they sought advice when in perplexity and uncertainty. And it was in their home the Christians often gathered for a helpful talk before or after the meetings. CHAPTER XVI PERSECUTION AND TRIAL Things did not always go smoothly for Mr. and Mrs. Lue, and the narrow way was not always easy to tread. As followers of Christ they had to share in His sufferings, in His being rejected and despised by the world. They had to learn by practical experience that "the servant is not above his Lord," that if they had persecuted Him, the Lord of Glory, they would also persecute His followers. A share in His rejection must, in greater or smaller measure, fall to the lot of every true believer, and Mr. and Mrs. Lue were not excepted. Persecutions, threats, and even cursings were not lacking, but as those who uttered them received only meek answers and kind treatment in return, some of them, at least, very soon became ashamed of themselves, and left Mr. Lue and his wife alone. The Lord was on their side, and did not allow their persecutors to go a step beyond His control; and His servants found that it was easier to go all lengths with Christ, than to serve Him in a half-hearted way, as they saw some others doing. When the annual theatre was held in Kucheng and every one subscribed to meet the expenses, the collectors came as usual to Mr. Lue's house. Of course he and his wife refused, saying they had given up idolatry and could not subscribe to the theatre in future. The collectors began to curse, but found Mr. and Mrs. Lue steadfast in their refusal.