XXXIV. THE DECISIVE HOUR. FOR the space of a minute, there was the most profound silence. Both friends and enemies were taken by surprise. At length, Mr. Gleason rose, and moved the acceptance of my resignation. Mr. Wilkins seconded the motion. This action brought up three or four of my friends, by a common impulse. In vain I signed to them to remain silent; they had espoused my cause, and were resolved to prove their devotion. I saw, in the resolute glance, and compressed lip and sternly-knitted brow, the zeal of partisanship spreading from face to face; and dreaded, with good reason, the contact of those determined wills and excited tempers. I interposed my voice, and my entreaties, to avert the impending collision. They all took their seats, with the exception of Harry Hanson. The blacksmith stood erect, with the firmness of a granite pillar the majesty of his stature enhanced by a glow of excited feeling that animated every lineament of his countenance. All eyes rested upon him, with an interest not to be disguised; for he was an individual universally known in Bubbleton, and this was his first appearance in a parish meeting. "Hear me," said Harry Hanson, speaking in a clear, resounding voice, and stretching forth his brawny arm; "I am but a stranger among you, gentlemen, and some of you may think it more becoming in me to hold my peace. But, Lord! I've an interest in this question, gentlemen, that makes it necessary for me to speak. I am greatly surprised by Brother Chester's resolution. I thought he had made up his mind to weather the gale. I think he must be influenced by some false impressions, as regards the feelings of the parish at large. I believe he must have over-rated the adverse current, and under-rated that which is favorable. I believe that a patient continuance in well-doing, on his part, and a moderate exercise of reason and conscience, on our part, will bring us all into smooth water, sooner or later. For one, I shan't consent to let Brother Chester go. He's the only minister in Bubbleton I care a fig for, and the only one whose preaching does me any good; and, therefore, I hope he may be persuaded to withdraw his resignation." Here the blacksmith paused, but remained standing, as in momentary irresolution; while Mr. Gleason |