s!

Since corner-stone day the shabby-coated president had not known such
joy. In the chapel, Sunday morning, he read the story of the two lepers
who found the Syrian camp deserted in the siege of Samaria; and preached
from the text, "We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and
we hold our peace.... So they came and called unto the porter of the
city." That afternoon he went to Parson Tombs. The pastor was cordial,
brotherly; full of tender gladness to hear of the "manifestations." They
talked a great while, were pleased with each other, and came to several
kind and unexpected agreements. They even knelt and prayed together. As
to the president's specific errand--his proposal for a week of union
revival meetings in Parson Tomb's church, with or without the town
congregation, the "university students" offering to occupy only the
gallery--the pastor said that as far as _he_ was concerned, he was much
disposed to favor it.

"Why, befo' the wa' ow slaves used to worship with us; I've seen ow
gallery half full of 'm! And we'd be only too glad to see it so
again--for we love 'em yet, seh--if they wouldn't insist so on mixin'
religion an' politics. I'll consult some o' my people an' let you know."

When he consulted his church officers that evening only two replied
approvingly. One of them was the oldest, whitest haired man in the
church. "Faw my part," he said, "I don't think the churches air
a-behavin' theyse'ves like Christians to the niggehs anywheres. I jest
know ef my Lawd an' Master was here in Dixie now he'd not bless a single
one of all these separations between churches, aw in churches, unless
it's the separation o' the sexes, which I'm pow'ful sorry to see that
broke up. I'm faw invitin' them people, dry-so, an' I don't give a cent
whether they set upstairs aw down"--which was true.

The other approving voice was young Doctor Grace.

"Brethren, I believe in separating worshippers by race. But when, as
now, this is so fully and amicably provided for, I would have all come
together, joined, yet separated, to cry with one shout, 'Lord, revive
us!' And he'll do it, brethren! I feel it right here!" He put his hand
on the exact spot.

Garnet spoke. "Brother Grace, you say the separation is fully provided
for--where'll the white teachers of our colored brethren sit? If they
sit down-stairs we run the risk of offending some of our own folks; if
they sit in the gallery that's a direct insult to the whole com