opinion expressed by those
having any knowledge of theatricals was, that it was "almost as good as
a play," and the orator of the evening was overwhelmed with compliments.
After this, there was little difficulty in obtaining members; indeed the
young clerk the very next day succeeded in getting fifteen, so that by
the following meeting night, there was a large and expectant assemblage.
The young grocer held forth of course, and several others were so
stirred with patriotism that Fourth of July orations and patriotic
speeches followed each other in close succession. With a great deal of
persuasion, a few ladies were prevailed upon to sing, and thinking the
music should correspond with the addresses, they were about to give Hail
Columbia, when the President suggested that something else by way of
variety would be acceptable to the audience.

"The Old Arm Chair" was substituted and gave general satisfaction. Even
old brother Sneddinly, who with a few others was at a side door
listening, declared that anything that brought the Bible into it, must
have been written by a Christian; and if it wasn't in the Hymn Book, it
went pretty near as slow and solemn as some of the hymns. The latter
assertion could not be contradicted by his companions, and they even
went so far as to congratulate the pastor on his success in getting up
"so big an affair." "Suppose you add still further to its success by
your presence and assistance," he suggested with a smile; "we need some
wise and clear heads among us."

But that thought could not be entertained for a moment by the brethren.
"How would it look for them to be mixing in with a parcel of young
folks, most of whom made no show whatever of religion? O no, that would
be too great a compromise! There ought to be a strict line drawn
between the world and Christians."

"Isn't there danger of drawing it so tight that we will cut them off
from us entirely?" asked the pastor.

"No fear of that," was the reply, "if it is held tight at one end, the
other end will be loose enough to slip them through."

"Thank God," said the Rev. John Jay, mentally; "there shall be no
tightening or straining at this end!"

The Association soon became the all-absorbing topic of the place. The
young people discussed it, and the old people discussed it. It was
destined to become a grand success, the Rev. John Jay thought, as he saw
denominational prejudices give way and the young people of the different
churches