[The Major by Ralph Connor]@TWC D-Link bookThe Major CHAPTER II 10/21
The Rector glanced upon the people. "Fair play," he cried, "you will get as will any man who appears properly accredited and properly qualified to proclaim the Gospel, but in the name of this Christian community, I will prevent the exploitation of an unwary and trusting people." "Liberty of speech!" called a voice from a dark corner. "Liberty of speech," roared the Rector.
"Who of you wants liberty of speech? Let him stand forth." There followed a strained and breathless silence.
The champion of free speech retreated behind his discretion. "Ah, I thought so," said the Rector in grim contempt. But even as he spoke a quiet voice invaded the tense silence like a bell in a quiet night.
It was Mrs.Gwynne, her slight girlish figure standing quietly erect, her face glowing as with an inner light, her eyes resting in calm fearlessness upon the Rector's heated countenance. "Sir," she said, "my conscience will not permit me to sit in silence in the presence of what I feel to be an infringement of the rights of free people.
I venture very humbly to protest against this injustice, and to say that this gentleman has a right to be heard." An even more intense silence fell upon the people.
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