The priest in that district realized the missionaries were winning the hearts of the people. This displeased him greatly. Up the river where the Indians were celebrating a great feast, he got many of them drunk, then told them the missionaries had come to steal their land. Also, he warned them that they possessed certain powers to cast spells on them which would remove the fat from their bodies, leaving them to untold suffering and death. He advised them to get rid of both missionaries as soon as possible.
What an unforgettable experience that was for the missionary and his dear wife! They spent most of that night on their knees in the dark house. The shouting of those drunken Indians was something terrible as slowly they came nearer and nearer to the little one-room dwelling the missionaries had just finished building. Suddenly everything went quiet! They could hear the Indians slipping away quickly as if frightened for their lives. How the Lord's dear children thanked Him once again for His merciful deliverance and goodness to them!
A week later the Governor of the Province, hearing of this riot, came with three armed guards to visit the missionaries. This visit distressed the missionaries because of the influence it might have on the Indians if they thought that the missionaries had reported them. They told the Governor that they did not denounce the Indians but believed others were to blame for the uprising.
The Governor smiled kindly and said, "I understand, but it is my duty to investigate and deal with the Indians responsible for the riot." He then sent his guards to demand that the Indians involved in the riot come immediately with their Chief.
They all came, trembling and fearful. The Governor demanded, "Why were you so determined to kill these dear people, who have come from a far country to do you good, to help you and to teach your children that which is right? They have already done so much for you during the epidemic of smallpox, as you well know."
The Chief replied that the priest had told them they had come to steal their land and to make their children sick.
Then the Governor asked, "What made you so suddenly run away since you were determined to kill them?"
The Chief eyed him nervously and said, "Sir, we were afraid of the LIGHT! It was so bright we could hardly see."
Turning to the missionary the Governor queried, "What LIGHT!"
With a smile of confidence the missionary quoted Psa. 34:77The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. (Psalm 34:7) in Spanish: " 'The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them,' and defends them. We saw no light."
Smiling, the Governor responded, "I understand!" He then warned the Indians not to let it happen again and quoted the Scripture the missionary had told him.