Year: 1865

school question came up Two or three
spoke in favor of the new plan of or
ganization which Gaskill had proposed
Getty kept silent though it could be seen
by the perpetual rising and falling of
his brow, and the restless motion of his
tener, and would have his say before the
thing was over. Mr.. GaskilI had not
vet participated in any action of the
meeting. He looked dull At length
one of the speakers, carried away by
mean spirit of subserviency to a rich
and influential man, made this thrust at
Getty:


We shall have captious opposition
from narrow souls, who cannot see be-
yond the limits of their little horizon;
but let us not be disturbed thereat
Such things always attend the steps of
progress and liberality.'


The speaker sat down, and Getty was
on the floor in an instant Cries of
Question: Question, ran round the
room, from those who had made up their
minds to put the shoemaker down They
were satisfied that Gaskill's reform plan
would be carried by large majority, and
therefore clamored for a vote.


Let me say but three Words said
Getty.


Nor Nor Not half word = cried
voices here and there.


Il appeal to the chair said Getty.


sit down Question Question
Excitement and confusion reigned, the
room.


The chairman was about putting the
question, when Mr.. Gaskill arose, All
became silent. You could hear pin
drop Every eye was turned upon the
man whose word in church matters had
become almost law with more than half
of those present No one cried, 'Ques-
tion. now.


Mr. Chairman-' he began. But
Getty did not allow sfm to proceed.
Respectfully but firmly he said,


Il have the floor, Mr.. Chairman


'Insolent fellowr exclaimed one, near
the shoemaker, loud enough to be heard.
But Getty paid no attention to him.


And should be heard, said Mr.. Gas
kill. yielding the floor. He spoke this
sentence heartily


Il have but three words to say, Mr..
Chairman There was a change in Get
tvs voice. The stern resoluteness with
which he had declared, Il have the floor,
Mr.. Chairman was gone. In the deep
hush that followed. he said, with an ap-
peal in his tone that made every heart
thrill


is it right?' And then, moving out
from the pew in which he had remained
alone from the commencement of the
m Getting, he walked slowly down the aisle
and left the vestry room.


No response was made for over q
minute. At length Mr.. Gaskill arose,
and in subdned voice said :.


AS men and Christians we must not
be deaf to that appeal, rs it right r
Honestly, my friends, am not altogeth-
er sure that the change we have pro-
posed making will he right. God in
structs US in many ways; and He also
rebukes us in many ways. He does not
ask us by what messengers we will hear
from Him, but sends counsel and warn
ing by whom He will think He has
spoken to us to night, and through the
lips of one we have been weak and sim
full enough to despise / believe that a
motion to adjourn is always in order, and
l now offer such motion.


The motion was carried, and the m eet-
ing adjourned; all present returning
home more sober and thoughtful than
when they assembled together.


1t was still early, and Getty went back
to his shop to finish a shoe he was mend
ing for customer About nine o'clock
q lad came in and said,


Mr.. Gaskill would like to see you for
a little while this evening


Let Mr.. Gaskill come and see me.
L IN as good as he is, and he's as able to
walk as l am This was what Getty
thought, but he did not so speak. In
stantly another thought came into his
mind, is it right?' This settled his ac-
ton.


Very we'll. he replied. Tell Mr.
Gaskill that l will come round


The rich man met the poor shoemaker,
with a frank, kind manner


''There was nothing done after YOU
left, Mr.. Getty" he said Il moved for
an immediate adjournment. You put
the right question, and at the right time.
1t was worth more than a volume of ar
guments addressed to men who didn't
wish to hear. l am obliged to you for
coming round. / would have called at
your shop, but l thought we could talk
over matters with less danger of inter
ruption here in my library. Have you
half an hour to spare :"


s'Yes, sir; and more at your service,
if any good will come of ii"


That is to be seen. And now, friend
Getty, will come to the point at once.
Why can't you and / work in the Sab
bath School to the same end? We both
mean right, ] hope; and if we draw to
gether. instead OF against each other.
how much more good may be done Why
do you oppose my plans so strongy ?!


Not from any opposition to You, Mr..
Gsskill: ! beg of you TO believe me in
this, answered Getty. with frank earn
estness that carried conviction ..but be
cause l can't see your way to be right.
Hove children-my heart is in our school
Il have not been absent one day in FIVE
years-I have studied its welfare more
deeply, think, than my own ANY
change, th4refore. which looks to me as
if it would prove hurtful. / must oppose
/ cannot stop to ask from whom it comes.
I cannot be moved by personal influence.
Only one question presents itself
will it do good or HARM"


Sand vou think rnr nj an will do harm, 80