The Xenia sentinel. [volume] (Xenia [Ohio]) 1863-186?, 1865-03-10

that fear to be overshadowed. When
such feelings come into my heart, l call
them evil, and try to thrust them out.
Perhaps l may not have understood the
new plan in its bearings. If you will set
it forth to me again may see 1t different
ly.'
NO, not tonight, friend Getty, replied
Mr.. Gaskill. Let my plan step aside for
the present. You are an honest, earnest,
independant man, and mean all for the
best. Isee that. IF we can work SMOOTH
ly together we may do great deal OF
good. If we work in opposition, harm will
come. I like your watch-word, and l
mean to adopt it as my own:-'ls 1t right.
'Mr. Gaskill,' said the little shoemaker,
a tenderness in his voice, born OF deep
feeling; mingled with surprise, rising and
offering his hard, discolored hand, which
was taken with strong grip-'Mr. Gas
kill, you have lifted mountain from my
breast. I went away from that meeting
tonight hurt and discouraged. l have
never seen so unchristian aspirit manifest
ed in any church meeting before. Be-
cause I loved our school, and could not
stand by and see what I thought harm aP-
preaching, without uttering a sound OF
warning, 1 was thrust at, insulted, con
demned and silencedP
1T was as well, perhaps, answered Mr..
Gaskill. Opportunity is the test Of quail
ity. There was a general unmasking to-
night. understand you al! great deal
better than I did before; and myself into
the bargain
Il am a very happy man. exclaimed
Getty, unable to repress the upward rush
Of feeling, TT seems as if I had gone out
suddenly from a dungeon into daylight.
We poor and Insignificant ones have hard
time of it to do our work and keep clear
conscience in time serving world, where
so few ask the question Of all questions,
is it right?'
There was some rattling among the dry
bones on the Sunday following, when, af-
ter church, Mr.. Gaskill and the little
shoemaker were seen walking away in ear
nest conversation. What could it me3n2
The member who had cOuntermanded his
order for pair Of boots, that be might
gain favor with this rich and influential
man, had an uneasy feeling and a sense OF
shame. Mr.. Hey looked on in puzzled
state of mind. Two or three who had
been over prompt to settle their bills, did
not feel quite so well satisfied with them
selves; and Mr.. Jones, who had been
smartiug for days in consequence Of Getty S
declaration that he was a time server, felt
as if in a wet blanket; his own heart con-
victing him under theaccusation. A good
many went home more thoughtful, through
this incident than flom the sermon.
Getty had his throat full Of singing
birds as he sat hammering and stitching
in his little shop, through all the next
week. He had triumphed signally, and
he would have been perfect if some pride
'-had not mingled with his satisfaction.
But his cheifest pleasure had a deeper
foundation than pride.
4 congratulate you, said one; who, see
ing that the little shoemaker was in favor
with the richest and most influential man
in the church, came over in a mean spir-
it to his side.
'On what account2 asked Getty, his
smooth brow gathering some wrinkles.
'Ohl Mr.. Gaskill is quite taken with
you. l heard him say
Stop sprang out the sharp voice Of
Getty. The wrinkles on his forehead had
tangled themselves into a frown. Don't
come repeating to me anything from Mr..
Gaskill. If he hadn't seen that right was
on my side, be wouldn't be with me; and
that is more than can be said Of you, and
a dozen or two more that I could name.
The neighbor got angry at this, and
finging some bitter words in Getty's face,
went off.
'What matter if 1 am right? said the
shoemaker, cheerfully, as the wrinkles
smoothed themselves from his brow. With
my feet on this safe foundation, who shall
make me afraid? Not a poor, mean spirited
man -pleaser like himp
And his voice took up again its singing
notes. There was not happier man In all
the town than Tom Getty, the shoemaker
Why? Because be was right; and when
a man feels sure that he is right-right
on principle, We mean-he possesses BIZ
soul in peace.