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

see how little we regard this mau.' So
the people said in their hearts. ItWas an
easy thing to choose between the poor
shoemaker, who didn'tgive twenty dollars
year to the church, and rich manufac-
tuer who lavished his hundred.
The meeting was opened, and the school
question came up. Two or three spoke in
favor of the new plan of organization
which Mr. Gaskill had proposed. Getty
kept silent though it could be seen by
the perpetual rising and falling Of his
brow, and the restless motion Of his lips,
that he was a deeply interested listener,
and would have his say before the thing
was over. Mr.. Gaskill had not yet par
ticipated in any action Of the meeting. He
looked dull. At lenghth one of the speak
ers, carried away by a mean spirit of sub
serviency to a rich and influential man,
made this thrust at Getty:
FWe shall have captious opposition from
narrow souls, who cannot see beyond the
limits of their little horizon; but let US not
be disturbed thereat Such things always
attend the steps Of progress and lideraity.
The speaker sat down, and Getty was
on the floor in an instant. Cries of 'Ques.
tion,' Question ran round the room, from
those who had made up'their minds to put
the shoemaker down. They were satisf-
ed that Gaskill's reform plan would be
carried by a large majority, and therefore
clamOTed for a vote
'Let me say but three words, said Get
sSit down Question Question =
Excitement and confusion reigned in the
room.
The chairman was putting the question,
when Mr.. Gaskill arose. All became ST.
lent. You could hear a pin drop. Every
eye was turned upon the man whose word
in church matters had become almost Law
with more than half of those present. Nc
one cried, Question now.
'Mr. Chairman he began. But Get
ty did notallow him to proceed. Respect
fully, but firmly, he said,
4 have the floor Mr.. Chairman
Insolent fellOwr exclaimed one near the
shoemaker, loud enough to be heard. But
Getty paid no attention to him.
tAnd should be heard, said Mr.. Gas
kill, yielding the floor. He spoke this
sentence heartily.
4 have but three words to say to say,
Mr.. Chairman There was change in
Getty's voice. The stern resolution with
which he had declared 4 have the floor
Mr.. Chairman, was all gone. In the deep
hush that followed, he said, with an ap
peal in his tone that made every heart
thrill,
is it right? And then moving cut from
the pew in which he had remained alone
from the commencement Of the meeting
he walked slowly down the aisle and left
the vestry-room.
No response was made for over a min
ute. At length Mr.. Gaskill arose, and IL
subdued voice said
sAs men and Christians, we must not
be deaf to that appeal, is it right? Hon
estly, my friends, lam not altogetherSure
that the change we have proposed making
will be right. God instructs US in many
ways; and He also rebukes US in many
ways. He dues not ask US by what mes
sengers we will hear from Him, but sendt
counsel and warning by whom He will.
think he has spoken to us tonight; and
through the lips of one we may have beer
weak and sinful enough todespise. be
Iieve that motion to adjourn Is always il
order, and I now offer such a motion
The motion was carried, and the meet
ing adjourned; all present returning home
more sober and thoughtful than when they
assembled together.
1t was still early, and Getty went bacl
to his shop to finish shoe he was men
ding for customer. About nine o'clocl
lad came in and said,
Mr.. Gaskill would like to see you for
little while this evening.
Let Mr.. Gaskill come and see me. In
as good as he is, and he's as able to wall
as 1 am This was what Getty thought
but he did not so speak. Instantly an
other thought came into his mind, is i
right This settled his action.
,'Very welP he replied. Tell Mr.. Gas
kill that 1 will come round
The rich man met the poor shoemake
with a frank, kind manner.
sThere was nothing done after you lef
Mr.. Getty he said. 4 moved for an i'm
mediate adjournment. You put the righ
question, and at the right time. 1t wa
worth more than a volume of argument
addressed to men who didn't wish to hear
I am obliged to you for coming round
I would have called at your shop, but
Thought we could talk over matters wit
less danger Of interruption here in my Ii
brary. Have you half an hour to sparei
yes, sir; and more at your service,
any good will come Of it.
That is to be seen. And now, frienr
Getty, I will come to the point at once
Why can't you and I work in the Sabbatl
School to the same end? We both mea
right, hope; and if we draw together, in
stead Of against each other, how muc
more good may be done. Why do 20
oppose my plans so strongly?
Not from any opposition to you, MI
Gaskill; I beg Of you to believe me in fhis
answered Getty, with frank earnestnes
that carried conviction; but because
can't see your way to be right. l lov
children-my heart is in our school
have not been absent one dayin five year
II have studied its welfare more deeply
I think, than my own. Any chang
J therefore, which looks to me as if it woul
prove hurtful, 1 must oppose. I cannC
! stop to ask from whom it comes. 1 car
not be moved by personal influence. Onl
one question presents itself:-'Will it d
= good or harmP
And you think my plan will do harm
If had not thought so Mr.. Gaskill,
would never have put a straw in your wa
7 Too long have I desired the hearty co-ol