The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1886-11-05
81 thought YOU did that now"

! II work as farm hand during the sum-
mer and earn enough to help us both; but
it is very poorly. Other men of my age
would have profession. She is growing
old. She ought to live like lady"
"Will you persist here?"
II will stay the four years, as have prom
i:ed her."
could not reach him with any courage OF
comfort Tony was treading depths of mis-
cry where no man could come nigh to him
But after that day there was n singular
change in him.
He was regular and attentive in his classes
as he had been before but outside of them he
withdrew himself from all his old compan-
ions, gave up his fishing and his club. He
was seldom seen on the ball or cricket
grounds; he scarcely gave himself time Tor
his meals.
His door was always locked, but vague re-
ports crept out that "the Babe" was sur
rounded by piles of new books, sheets OF
drawing-paper, pencils, and queer utensils,
BY degrees this new order of things be.
came habiual and ceased to provoke remark
There was gravity and earnestness in Tony
never seen before. Sometimes he took hol.
iday, came 10 the ball-field, and then his wild
"Hurrahs p drowned all the others
Time passed. Men who began with Tony
were now Seniors. He was only beginning
| his Sophomore year.
The college stood in the suburbs of large
city, aid the boys naturally took keen in
terest in all public events Among these was
the erection of large church which was to
be the most stately and beautiful in the city.
The money to build and endow it had been
| left by man of great wealth who requested
that it should be kept free forever for the use
of the poor.
Leo 81,
to the committee. One was chosen, and the
work of building was pushed on with energy.
1t was near the college, and the boys were so
interested in the matter that the new church
became place of daily resort and as its mas
siye dome and airy spires rose in the air, each
lad felt that he personally had share in it.
Tony especially was in tho habit of going
daily to the building, and spent hours in
watching its rapid growth, and talking to the
workmen.
AT last it was finished. 1t was to be con-
secrated the day before Commencement
Mrs. Brashier came up 10 the college that
day. Her reports of Tony's progress had
been vague. She came, full Of despairing
fears, to verify them, and made her way at
once, as before, to Prof Tyndall's room.
II have not Tony's confidence any more"
she complained. "He writes to me that he is
lIYluR lullIlulIy W SUllSIy NY WlSuGS, DuJ
that he knows it is useless. He does not go
into details"
The professor went into details, ending
with, ut is folly to deceive yourself madam.
You must see that the effort Tony has made
to become minister is useless, as he says.
Are you not willing even now that he shall
take up some other work in life?'
The poor woman sobbed miserably. ooh
yes, I'm willing" she gasped at last ANY
thing to earn living But did hope he
would do some noble work. Where is the
poor boy?"
The professor rose quickly, glad to end the
interview. II have no doubt he is with all
the college at the conservation of the new
church. | will go with you there"
The ceremony was partly over when they
arrived. The great marble building, with its
vast aisles and upsprnging arches, stood
beautiful as visible hymn of praise, The
religious services was over. The building
had been dedicated to the worship of God.
Now the great mass ofpeope stood outside on
the green slope of the hill surrounding it,,
while the executor of the will formally delv-
cred the church into the charge of the trustees
who held it for the poor of the city. He told
in few words the story of the will, the sa-
cred purpose to which the church was for
ever devoted, a temple wherein the poorest
of Gods creatures should come to worship
Him.
Tonys mother had found him, and clung
to his arm. She was devout woman. She
forgot for the moment her own troubles, her
eyes filed her face shone, as she listened
with the great concourse, all of whom were
moved and touched.
There is one thing more to be told" said
the speaker, which makes this noble offer
ing still more worthy. Most of the archi-
fleets in the city and State submitted anony-
mously plans for this building The one
chosen was the work of a young man. 1t is
his first work, but it shows power and skill
which ensure him fame and fortune. He re-
fused to accept any reward for it. He offer
ed this first fruit of his undoubted genius to
the service of Him who endowed him with it,.
This man, who more than any of us dedicates
this church to-day to the glory of God and
the good man, is your friend and neighbor,
Anthony Brashier"
There was moments amazed silence, and
then the air rang with the shouts of the peo-
pie.
All of the college men crowded round
| Tony his mother hung on his arm, proud,
as if half-frightened But he stood looking
at the white temple as if in dream, repeat
ing the speakers last words under his breath,
"To the glory of God and the good of men"
There are many young people who cannot
become what their parents plan for them TO
be in life, but they can become useful in fol-
lowing some special gifts that God has given
them. Such may find at the beginning of
the new school-year an encouragement to
best effort in examples like Tony-and they
are many.