Some of the success of Alline's theology clearly arose from his charismatic personality and oratorical gift, which drew people to his cause. He was also able to speak to the Planter populace's spiritual and political lives. The Planters had fallen into a melancholy by their isolation on a colonial frontier and their marginalization in the conflict arising in Nova Scotia's sister colonies. Their Calvinism was based on a fear of God and damnation, which could only create anxiety for most believers, as they would never achieve salvation since only the few were preordained to achieve reunion with God.