He deserved his popularity; for he had opened a new road which led
to the church; all this and much more resulted from the savings-
bank, which he had instituted and now managed; and the parish, in
its self-management and good order, was held up as an example to
all others.
Canute, of his own accord, quite withdrew,--not entirely at first,
for he had promised himself not thus to yield to pride. In the
first proposal he made before the parish board, he became
entangled by Lars, who would have it represented in all its
details; and, somewhat hurt, he replied: "When Columbus discovered
America he did not have it divided into counties and towns,--this
came by degrees afterward;" upon which, Lars compared Canute's
proposition (relating to stable improvements) to the discovery of
America, and afterward by the commissioners he was called by no
other name than "Discovery of America." Canute thought since his
influence had ceased there, so, also, had his duty to work; and
afterwards declined re-election.
But he was industrious, and, in order still to do something for
the public good, he enlarged his Sunday-school, and put it, by
means of small contributions from the pupils, in connection with
the mission cause, of which he soon became the centre and leader
in his own and surrounding counties. At this, Lars remarked that,
if Canute ever wished to collect money for any purpose, he must
first know that its benefit was only to be realized some thousands
of miles away.
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