In the 1880s, the West was still wild and untamed. Communications were not the best in the territories, so law and order was limited to the abilities of those who wore a badge. Travelers were still victims of the road agent, making the job of the circuit riding preacher a risky and dangerous one. Fortunately, many of these men of God were seasoned ex-outlaws who had turned their lives over to Jesus Christ. These men carried a Winchester Rifle across their saddles, and sometimes a Colt Revolver on their sides. The circuit rider met the critical need to spread the message of salvation through Jesus Christ to the entire known West.