The Labor enquirer., 1882-12-23

in five years. have studied its welfare
more deeply, think, than my own.
Any change, therefore, which looks to
me as if it would prove hurtful, must
oppose. I cannot stop to ask from
whom it comes. [ cannot be moved by
personal influence Only one question
presents itself; Will it do good or
harm"'' .%/.t ,..- * r.
"And you think my plan will do
harm?" ./.~.e" ~ Y
eff I had not thought so, Mr.. Gaskill,
| would never have put a straw in your
way. Too long have I desired the hearty
cooperation of an active, influential man
in our school, to set myself against one
like you. Don't think that I want to
lead or direct-that fear to be over
shadowed. When such feelings come
into my~heart, 1 cali 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, l may see it differently"
mo, not tonight, friend AGetty," re-
piled Mr.. Gaskill. "Let my plan step
aside for the present. You are an honest,
earnest, independent man. and mean all
for the best. see that. five work in
opposition, harm will come l like your
watchword, and mean to adopt it as, mE
own: Is it right?'"
"Mr. Gaskill,' said the little shoe
maker, a tenderness in his voice, born of
deep feeling mingled with surprise, ris-
ing and offering his hard, discolored
hand, which was taken with strong
grip-"Mr. Gaskll, you have lifted a
mountain from my breast. | went away
from that meeting tonight hurt and dis
couraged. | have never seen so I'M
christian a spirit manifested in any
church meeting before. Because loved
our school, and could not stand by, and
see what [ thought harm approaching,
without uttering a sound of warning, I
was thrust at, insulted, contemned, and
silenced ~
ut was as well, perhaps answered
Mr.. GaskiH. "Opportunity is the test Of
quality. There was general unmasking
tonight. I understand you all great
deal better than [ did before and my
self into the bargain"
II am very happy man. exclaimed
Getty, unable to repress the upward
rush of feeling. "It seems as if i had
gone out suddenly from dungeon into
daylight. We poor andinsignifcant ones
have a hard time Of it to do our work
and keep clear conscience in this selfish,
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, after church, Mr., Gaskill and the
little shoemaker were seen walking away
together in earnest conversation. What
could it mean? The member who had
cOuntermanded his order for a pair of
boots, that he might gain favor with this
rich and influential man, had an uneasy
feeling and a sense of shame. Mr.. Hey
looked on in a puzzled state of mind.
Two or three, who had been over prompt
to settle their bills, did not feel quite SO
o11 Mr.
Jones, who had been smarting for some
days in consequence Of Getty's declara-
ton that he was time server, felt as if
in a wet blanket; his own heart con-
viCting him under the accusation. A
great MANY went home more thoughtful
through this incident, than from the SER
mon.
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 satisfac
ton. But his chiefest pleasure had a
deeper foundation than pride.
81 congratulate you," said one, who,
seeing that the little shoemaker was An
favor with the richest and most infItn-
tial member in the church, came oyr in
mean spirit to his side.
con what account?" asked Getty his
smooth brow gathering some wrinkles.
"Oh Mr. Gaskill is quite taktn with
you. I heard him say -"
"Stop " sprang out the shar voice of
Getty. The wrinkles on h i forehead