movement discountenanced by many of the best members, and few churches, as a body, took a share in it. But the spirit of persecution showed itself in little acts of discourtesy, in refusing to speak when accosted, in shunning companionship, in refusing to allow the children to play together, in favoritism in school, and on public occasions, and sometimes in angry personal disputes.

James had no sympathy whatever with that spirit, and sympathized deeply with the inoffensive yet injured party. The Geauga Seminary at Chester felt the effects of public opinion, and became the scene of frequent disputes and of unpleasant religious controversy. The same feeling existed in other schools; and as the "Disciples of Christ" grew stronger and bolder, the necessity for an institution. of learning for their sons and daughters forced itself on their attention, and led to the foundation of an academy at Hiram, Portage county, of which we shall speak further in the next chapter.

In all the discussions on religious topics, James was the outspoken champion of entire religious freedom, and fought with all his heart against any ostracism or persecution because of religious opinions. He claimed the right to follow the faith the Bible appeared to him to teach, and stoutly maintained that every other person should be given the same sacred right. His Christian faith and his behavior were both open, courageous, generous and impartial, and his advocacy of the Disciples did much in that early day to strengthen the stakes of their tabernacle.

His life as a Christian young man did much to assist the creed to which he adhered. For no opposing politician has ever been found, and they are the most merciless of critics,-who would venture to say that James led an inconsistent life. One old gentleman residing in Mayfield, who knew James in that early day, said of him afterwards, that,

"His conscience kinder went ahead on him inter his work, an' ye could allers trust him to du any job, hoein', rakin,' hewin', planin', teachin', or any other thing, fur he'd feel much the wust ef he left any. out as it had n't dorter be. He did n't cover up nothin' h'ed spiled, an' he'd work just as fast if the man who paid him warnt around. He was right-up'n-down squar!"

Such is the universal testimony of those for whom he labored in field and shop, woodland and schoolroom during his vacations, and when the strongest temptations which ever beset a young man urged him to slight his work and obtain money without giving an honest equivalent. Such a name was of inestimable value to him in after years, and to the church whose cause he thus early espoused.

CHAPTER VII.

SCHOLAR AND TEACHER AT HIRAM.

LEAVING CHESTER. -DESCRIPTION OF HIRAM. THE CROWN OF OHIO. -THE ECLECTIC INSTITUTE. -THE COURSE OF STUDY. - A LEADER AMONG THE STUDENTS. — JANITOR OF THE BUILDING. URGED TO BECOME A PREACHER. DETERMINED TO ATTEND COLLEGE. THE DEBATING CLUB. A REVOLT. -OUTSIDE STUDIES. WORK AS A TEACHER. - WORKS ON ALONE INTO THE COLLEGE TEXT-BOOKS.— BORROWS MONEY OF HIS UNCLE THOMAS. -STARTS FOR WILLIAMSTOWN COLLEGE.

NOTWITHSTANDING all his hardships and annoyances at Chester, James parted with the school and town, at the end of his last term there, with feelings of sincere regret. It had opened a new life to him, and he was profoundly grateful. It was an excellent school. Its teachers were faithful, kind and competent. The boys and girls who attended there went for the purpose of making themselves useful in the future, and they had been most congenial companions. The wide landscape, which stretched far away in every direction from the pleasant hill-top where the academy stood, was one he often loved to contemplate, and it had exercised its useful influence in shaping the course of his life. There, among other pleasant faces, he had been gratified to meet the modest, quiet girl they called

'Crete Rudolph, whose home was in Hiram, and who was to cross his path again. He had obtained in that recitation room, they called "the chapel," many new ideas, and a fund of encouragement. He came to it a coarse and awkward woodsman, and in portions of two years, it had lifted him into an aspiring scholar, with attainments worthy of any of his age. It had made the world more beautiful, more valuable, and life more earnest and sublime.

It had revealed to him the latent power within himself. It had shown him the distant mountain-tops of fame and greatness, and set his feet in the path that led heavenward. It is said of him that he was wise enough to see and appreciate it all, and if he did, his heart throbbed sadly as he turned away from those beloved scenes.

His life at the Chester Academy had much of sunshine in it after all. He had not always worn the coarsest clothes, nor had he every term boarded himself. For to-day, teachers will show to the visitor the battered and narrow chamber in the third story of the academy, in which he slept during the two terms he boarded in the building, and the same old stove at which he warmed himself.

Thus, with feelings of gratitude for the past, and with high hopes of the future, James turned from Chester toward Hiram. He had no more capital then, than when he came to Chester, except the ability to command higher wages as a teacher, and the increased skill which a few months more of practice had given him as a carpenter.