were planted in the present government of Elisavetpol.
But neither the severe climate nor the neighbourhood of wild and warlike hillsmen shook the faith of the Spirit-Wrestlers, who, in the course of the half-century they passed in the Wet Hills, transformed this wilderness into flourishing colonies, and continued to live the same Christian and laborious life they had lived before. But, as nearly always happens with people, the temptation of the wealth which they attained to in the Caucasus weakened their moral force, and little by little they began to depart somewhat from the requirements of their belief.
But, while temporarily departing, in the external relations of life, from the claims of their conscience, they did not, in their inner consciousness, renounce the basis of their beliefs; and, therefore, as soon as events happened among them which disturbed their outward tranquillity, the religious spirit which had guided their fathers immediately revived within them.
In 1887, universal military service was introduced in the Caucasus; and even those for whom it was formerly (in consideration of their religious convictions) replaced by other service or by banishment, were called upon to serve. This measure took the Spirit-Wrestlers unawares, and at first they outwardly submitted to it; but they never in their consciences renounced the belief that
