who was not
tinged with the superstition of the age; and all listened, not lightly or sceptically, but in awe, as if it brought them to the threshold of the supernatural.
When the narration was ended, the chairman requested him to retire, pending the decision of the council; but first he was asked,
Are you willing to abide by the decision of this council, whatever it may be?
He raised his head confidently, and his reply came frank and fearless.
I shall respect the opinions of my brethren, no matter how they may decide; but I shall abide by the will of God and my own convictions of duty.
The grave Puritan bent his head, half in acknowledgment of the reply, half in involuntary admiration of its brave manhood; then Cecil left the room, the silent, watchful crowd that filled the aisles parting respectfully to let him pass.
Now, brethren, said the chairman, the matter is before you. Let us hear from each his judgment upon it.
Solemn and weighty were the opinions delivered. One brother thought that Mr. Grey had plenty of work to do at home without going off on a wild-goose chase after the heathen folk of the wilderness. His church needed him; to leave it thus would be a shameful neglect of duty.
Another thought that the Indians were descendants of the ten lost tribes of Israel, and as such should be left in the hands of God. To attempt to evangelize them was to fly in the face of Providence.
Another thought the same; but then, ho
