There appeared evidences, however, that the Methodist _laity_ were not so easily won into the toils of the clerical Congregationalists. However much they might love their clergy and their sect, they loved the universal cause of liberty and humanity more. The venerable Seth Sprague expressed this, with feeling and noble simplicity, in answer to Mr. Cummings, of whose church he was a member. “I love to hear my young brother preach the gospel; but when he talks of politics, it will hardly be considered vanity in me to say I know more about that than he. For forty years I have been in the political harness; and many a day, in that time, have I been out to rouse men up to the polls. Sir, I never found any difficulty in it--they are always ready enough to go; but to make them vote right, after they get there--_that’s_ the rub. And who can do that like my brother Garrison? His paper converted me, politically. I have had great satisfaction in my old age in going to all the Anti-Slavery meetings within my reach; and as I returned from them, with my heart warmed by the hopes which their union and zeal and harmony had kindled, I thought within myself, I am old now--an old man, and shall not live to see the work of emancipation accomplished. But, on my death-bed, when about to quit this world, I shall joyfully think of those I leave in it, the abolitionists,--a band of brothers--united as the heart of one, to accomplish this great work.--But I cannot say so _now_!--I cannot say so now!” And the venerable man thought it no shame to weep over the love and confidence he had seen so wantonly betrayed; and all the people wept with him. The opposition still wished to continue the discussion, though noon was long past, and their words were but repetition upon repetition. Dr. Follen said, “I think discussion should now cease, upon the same principle that bids the miller stop the wheel, when there is no more grain in the hopper.” The whole unmodified report was accepted--Ayes 183--Noes 24. A better proof than its adoption could not be offered, that the great body of the Massachusetts Society separated that day, with the determination of carrying the work vigorously forward, through means of the elective franchise. They separated, with the triumphant consciousness of a three-days’ battle, “Won for their ancient freedom, pure and holy!-- For the deliverance of a groaning earth! For the wronged captive, bleeding, crushed, and lowly, Their voice went forth.” It was a painful trial they had passed; painful as when brother meets the visor’d face of brother in civil war. They had hoped that this cup might pass, but they had not refused to drink it; and their eyes were opened, and the bitterness of their grief taken away.