The Redskins by James Fenimore Cooper--Delphi Classics (Illustrated) by James Fenimore Cooper

Author:James Fenimore Cooper [COOPER, JAMES FENIMORE]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Parts Edition 27 of 46 by Delphi Classics
Publisher: Delphi Classics (Parts Edition)
Published: 2017-08-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER XVI.

“And yet it is said — Labor in thy vocation; which is as much as to say — let the magistrates be laboring men; and therefore should we be magistrates.” — King Henry VI.

In a minute or two the tumult ceased, and a singular scene presented itself. The church had four separate groups or parties left in it, beside the Injins, who crowded the main aisle. The chairman, secretary, two ministers, and lecturer, remained perfectly tranquil in their seats, probably understanding quite well they had nothing to fear from the intruders. Mr. Warren and Mary were in another corner, under the gallery, he having disdained flight, and prudently kept his daughter at his side. My uncle and myself were the pendants of the two last named, occupying the opposite corner, also under the gallery. Mr. Hall, and two or three friends who stuck by him, were in a pew near the wall, but about half-way down the church, the former erect on a seat, where he had placed himself to speak.

“Proceed with your remarks, sir,” coolly observed the chairman, who was one of those paradoxical anti-renters who had nothing to do with the Injins, though he knew all about them, and, as I have been told, was actually foremost in collecting and disbursing their pay. At this instant, Seneca Newcome sneaked in at the side door, keeping as far as possible from the “disguised and armed,” but curious to ascertain what would come next.

As for Hall, he behaved with admirable self-possession. He probably knew that his former auditors were collecting under the windows, and by raising his voice he would be easily heard. At all events, he did elevate his voice, and went on as if nothing had happened.

“I was about to say a word, Mr. Chairman, on the natur’ of the two qualities that have, to me at least, seemed uppermost in the lecturer’s argooment” — yes, this sensible, well-principled man, actually used that detestable sound, just as I have written it, calling “argument” “argooment” — what a pity it is that so little attention is paid to the very first principles of speaking the language well in this country, the common schools probably doing more harm than they do good in this respect— “that have, to me at least, seemed uppermost in the lecturer’s argooment, and they are both those that God himself has viewed as of so great importance to our nature as to give his express commandments about them. He has commanded us not to steal, and he has commanded us not to covet our neighbor’s goods; proof sufficient that the possession of property is sanctioned by divine authority, and that it is endowed with a certain sanctity of privilege. Now for the application.

“You can do nothing as to leases in existence, because the State can’t impair a contract. A great deal is said about this government’s being one of the people, and that the people ought to do as they please. Now, I’m a plain man, and am talking to plain men, and mean to talk plainly.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.