Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1888-12-22


placed so near the summit of the hill, but so
it is, and all but few of the farmers around
about have TO toll upwards in order to reach
the half dozen stores there and the three
churches. Perhaps the original settlers OF
western Massachusetts had an eye, or two,
for the beautiful for there is not habta-
ton in Berkshire county that commands
moro extensive or picturesque view. The
nntives OF rilhnry seldom mention the seem
cry, bu: rot many FEARS ago it attracted the
admiration Of wealthy people from dis
tanee. a;,,i they set up their summer homes
there & nladc q marked change in the vii
lage, th, more because a portion or the new
Corners found it pleasureable to remain
through the winter. 1t was thus that evil
entered and brought unhappiness to He2e-
kiah Martin.
NV mind wanders back to that time when
rs child | listened TO his stentorian tenor
voice leading the singing from the choir lott
of tho ancient Congregationalist church.
There were two long services every Sunday
then, and l recall that when the new preacher
Joined in the movement to abolish the after
noon sermon lTezelliah was one of those who
stood hardest for the Old custom, and when
tile inevitable reform was finally accom-
plished, the sturdy chorister never looked
upon his minister in the same light that he
had before. He was more faithful than ever
and sung al the louder IS IL to make up IN
fervor for lack of opportunity; but when the
daring divine finally went his way, and an
other preacher took the pulpit, the chorister
felt as If great burden had been lifted; as
if the parish had escaped most dangerous
affection
The years turned steadily along and Heze-
kiah overcane every difficulty that chor
leaders are subject to. He pacified the jealous
sopranos, raised up new bassos, sung four
consecutive Sundays all alone when the
choir deserted him in high dudgeon because
be refused to approve of new anthem book,
and in many other ways demonstrated his
fitness for the work until prosperity III the
shape of summer visitors fell upon TiIoury.
Then began quiet, insidious trouble, as I'M
perceptible at first as the approach OF old
age. that eventually overcame him.
The first manifestation Of revolution came
in division of opinion in tho parish over
the choice of new preacher, for Old Mr..
Spooner had begun to feel that he was some
how in the way, and he resigned before the
people were fully aware that they wantea 10
hear new voice. There were two leading
candidates for his place, young and eio-
ouent preacher and jealous worker, and an
elderly man against whom not word could
be said. The newcomers in Tilbury, joining
hands with the younger members OF the
church, elected the young man, and as the
contest had not been long or determined,
there was q speedy healing of differences and
no lack Of harmony. Even then Hezekiah
felt vague presentiment that all would not
be well with him, but several months passed
before he received any direct intination that
the parish would appreciate change in the
choir loft The first he heard of it was in
discussion among his singers at a Saturday
evening rehearsal. It was not meant that
he should hear, but he entered the vestry un-
expectedly. Sam Hinckley. one of those
very bassos who had been patiently trained
BY the chorister, was saying:
"Wall, | shall be sorry to see the old mans
feelings hurt, but he can't expect to lead
singin' forever"
And pretty Maria Jasper, tacitly under
stood to be SAINTS sweetheart, responded
sharply:
.'But | think it's just too mean, and il
'Kiah has to go follow. That's all p
And then they all saw the chorister coming
down the aisle, and painful hush fell upon
them. Hezel1iah bowed gravely as he ep-
preached the group and said:
''Good evening, neighbours That was Ito
1av he ALWAYS addressed the choir at re-