The Labor enquirer., 1882-12-23

ISpGdh Tlglt VI W aO IlSllt' OpPoSCu 4hL
Gaskill last evening in our church meet
ing, and not another man present had a
word to say against him. True, there
were not many really on his side; but
none was found to stand up for principle
with the poor shoemaker, lest the favor
of this rich and influential man should
be lost"
"You put the case very broadly" said
Mr.. Hey. l can state it differently
Every well. Pm always ready to hear
Show me the truth, and I'll accept it. y.
"Our society is not rich"
"Granted."
"Half it's expense is borne by Mr..
Gaskill"'
II know"
eve cannot, therefore, afford to lose
his good will If he is inclined to have
things his own way, it is better to in
dulge him, even if it is not the best way
There is more to be lost than gained by
1 opposition"
ado you believe in God?"
The little shoemaker's voice rounded
out into full tone Of questioning sur
prise The neighbor did not answer.
is this Gods church, or mans church?
Are we working for the salvation of souls,
or to give honor and glory to men,"
The nei5hbor kept silence. He was
no match for the shoemaker when the
| little man reused himself.
"If it is Gods church, he will take care
of 1t, if we will let him. But if we set
men above truth and right, because they
happen to have money and influence, he
will depart from Us"
cts Of no use to talk with you," said
the neighbour rather coldly. "You take
the bit into your mouth and 60 your own
way headIong"
"And God being my helper, Ill always
get the bit into my mouth when men try
to turn me into the wrong way Is it
right? That is the question fh me, and
you, and every christian man to ask, Mr.
Hay. All the rest is with God; and SO
far in life have never seen cause to let
my faith fail. When | am right, feel
safe, am tranquil and peaceful. All
the powers Of hell cannot prevail against
me-"
Mr.. Hey rose from his chair.
"Don't be in a hurry. said the Shoe
maker. "Don't 60 yet
"Ges, must go. One might as well
talk to the wind as to you, l saw danger
in your path and came as friend to
warn you but you set my counsel at
naught. If harm befall you in this
thing, my skirts are clear
The little shoemaker laid down his
work and stood up, leaning over his cut
sang board.
Mr. GaskiIl is angry" he said
"Of course he is. Such men do not
bear opposition WE'LL
Anger is like fire in a mans own
house. 1t may blaze over and scorch
his neighborS house but it burns most
where it begins. If Mr.. GaskilI tries to
hurt me, he will get hurt the worst.
q am not sure that retaliation is a
christian spirit, friend Getty"
Il didn't speak Of retaliation. l stand
simply on the right; and if Mr., CiaskiIl
thrusts at me because am right, he will
wound himself That IS all"
"Good morning." said the neighbor,
and went out.
The shoemaker resumed his work,
turning the matter over in his thoughts,
He was man of remarkable natural
shrewdness, very independent, quick to
penetrate characters and not given to
policy or man pleasing, He made enc
mics, as such persons always do; for
when weak and venal men, in pursuit of
selfish ends, set themselves against him,
he was not only able to stand his ground,
but to defeat them; for, entrenching him
self in the right, he fought with the
weapons Of truth, and so exposed the
selfshness that would bend everything
! to its own purpose.
Not long after Mr. Hey's departure,
another shadow fell across Getty's little
shop, and fellow church member came
in, looking very grave.
q owe vou a small bill" said the man
."Only trit1e, answered Getty, as he
laid down his work and took from a
drawer small account book. "Three