The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1888-09-06

could not approve of such doctrine as
that"
"Oh, I've nothing 10 say against the
sermon; 1t was a very good discourse
you won't ofton find a better. But the
fact is, s,every word it contained-l really
don't know that ought to mention il,
though; If it should get about it might
make trouble"
an never lisp syllable of it to any
living SOUL" the eager response.
"Well"-here the deacon lowered his
voice to an impressive whisper-'I have
book at home which has every word
of it iu."
Here the train for which Deacon
Brown was waiting came rushing up to
the depot.
us it possible r. cjaculpted Mr.. Quinn.
by, with mp lifted eyes and hands But
you haven't told mel
Deacon Brown was already uD the
steps. smiling and waving his adieu from
the platform of the rear car, which rap
idly disappeared around the curve in the
road.
He was absent nearly week. When
he returned he found not only the
church but the whole village in a st te
of excitement and commUtion.
He had not been home more than an
hour when Elder Wakeman called on
him, and in the course OF the day he
was waited upon by two deacons and
several church members, to say nothing
Of being interviewed by vaTi us of his
acquaintances and ncighbors, all Of
whom were anxious to ascertain il there
was any truth in the grave charge made
againrt his pastor.
Deacon Brown, though somewhat
| tritl Il t tir,t by a result so little all
tiriputed. tpuk all this with calmncss
and serenity. He was very rtticent on
the subject asserting that lie had shiI
nothing that he was not both able and
wiIli"g to prove when the proper time
came to do so.
His interview with Elder Wakeman
was private one, but it was noticeable
at its close that the cUuntenance Of the
latter had serene, almost smiling as-
pect. But as the elder took no measures
to prevent the meeting Of investigation
that had been called, no paIticulnr i'm
portaRce was attached to this. He did
not seem disposed to talk much about it,
merely saying that be thought the dea-
con ought to have an opportunity to
prove or explain what he had every rea-
son to believe he had said about him"
The meeting in question was held at
the vestry, which was filed to the ut
most capacity before the two chiefly in
terested-Elder Wakeman and Deacon
Brown-entered, and who appeared to
be the least excited ones present.
MIR. Quimby was there full of import |
ance and with an exultatiOn Of look and
manner only thinly veiled by the gravi- |
" that overspread his countenance. He
an interested and curious circle, when
the two entered, but he avoided meeting
the eye of either.
At the motion of Elder Wakemau ,one |
of the deacons called the meeting to |
order, briefly explaining its object, the
serious nature of the imputation under
which their pastor rested and appealing |
to Deacon Brown to put stop to the |
talk it had occasiOned by either denying
or proving his assertion.
Rising to his feet, Deacon Brown |
looked around upon the excited and Gu
rious faces that were directed toward |
him.
Behold, brethren, how much mischief
the tongue can do | said few words
to one of you under pledge of secrecy
think it was under the pledge of secre-
cy, Brother Quimby ~
Il considered it my duty TO tell what
you told me-" SAID the individual ad-
dressed, turning red.
You are to be commended for having
performed your duty so thoroughly"
continued the deacon; "a very painful
duty as it is eaey to see l understand
you said that told you Elder Wakeman
stole his sermon from book in my pos
session; are.you sure | used the word
stole, Bother Qulmby I"
"IOu said that you had a book that
had every word Of it in. Where's the
I'D like to know p was Mr.
Quimby's prompt and triumphant re-
jOInder.
There might be none at al, and again
there might be great deal, responded
the deacon.
IL did Use the language ascribed to
me by Mr.. Quimby," continued Deacon
Brown, addressing the rest OF the as
semblage, moved thereto by his evi-
dent desire that should say something
to our pastors discredit, and without a
thought that it would lead to this trouble
and excitement. declare, furthermore.
that have seen book containing every
word of his sermon in Elder Wakemans
own library. have taken the liberty
of sending for it, and will offer it as ev;-
dence as TO my own statement"
Taking ponderOus volume from the
hands Of his son, who had just entered,
Deacon Brown laid il ON the table before
the presiding officer, who, carefully ad-
justing his spectacles, opened it.
Giving one glance at it's outspread
pages, he raised his eyes to the serene
and kindly face opposite.
"Whv, this is a--dictionary
Very true" responded Dea. Blown,
but you will find every word of Elder
Wakeman's sermon in it-if you look
long enough"
Il must confess, however," added the
deacon, as soon as the general laughter
and astonishment had subsidized little,
glanclng smilingly across the table at
Elder WakemaD, that there are not
many that can string them together 80
as to form such an Interesting and in
structive discourse"
Here the elder and deacon shook
hands, which was a signal for general
hand shaking, congratulations and good
feelings. No one was dissatisfied, with
the exception of Mr.. Quimby, who, NOR
titled and COMPOUNDED at the unexpected
turn affairs had taken, had skunk from
the room.-[ Exchange.