The affirmation of the Rogerenes is that the shrub has never vegetated in this town since that irreligious and cruel use of it.[18] It is to be feared that the moral effect upon the boys was worse than the blasting effect upon the prim bush. ----- Footnote 18: The fact that prim still grows abundantly upon the farm once owned and occupied by John Rogers, may be an exception worthy of note. ----- Mr. McEwen goes on to say, as palliating their conduct: “But our fathers had not the Sabbath School.” Was the preaching of the gospel a less potent influence than the Sabbath School? They had Moses and the prophets and the teachings of Christ. The persecutors of the Christians in all former ages had not the Sabbath School; but who ever before offered this excuse in their behalf? And even this apology he does not extend to the Rogerenes; but holds them to the strictest account, notwithstanding that they also had not the Sabbath School. “The Rogerenes,” he adds, “have dwindled to insignificance.” Should he not know that the work of these reformers is accomplished? The principles for which they contended have become universal; their distinctive existence is no longer needed. The citadel of religious bigotry which they assailed has been demolished. While the dark night of superstition and intolerance overspread the land, the Rogerenes, like stars and constellations, pierced the gloom. Leo and the Great Bear shone in the heavens; but when the sun arose they made obeisance and retired. The trumpet of Luther is not now blown in Protestant churches. The Anti-Slavery Society, once potent, has ceased to exist; slavery is abolished. Would Mr. McEwen doom the Rogerenes to endless labor, like Sisyphus? He rolled up the stone to have it roll back again; they helped to roll the stone to the top of the mountain, the headstone, brought forth with shoutings, to rest there forever. Mr. McEwen says: “A small remnant of their posterity, almost unknown, exists in an adjacent town, with hardly a relic of their earth-born religion. ‘A small remnant’ will be noted hereafter.”