an opportunity to speak with her, to reaffirm his love. He prayed they could reconcile their differences.
But he had promised God he would follow His path wherever it led, whether Julia joined him or not. It appeared that path meant traveling the antislavery route.
Sam had not yet spoken to Dr. Carter about his plan to attend the abolitionist meeting. He intended to do so upon the first opportunity.
The conversation around him still buzzed, though it had shifted from the Federal occupation to the question of slavery. His ears perked when mathematics department chair, David Longsworth, spoke his mind. "I fail to see what all the division is about. Property is property. As an owner of such I have full authority over what belongs to me."
The word "property' when referring to a human being was nauseating to Sam.
If men were created in God's image how could the color of one's skin change such? Men were men. In Sam's mind there was no question.
Longsworth shifted to the economic benefits of slavery. "How are we going to produce goods in this country without slaves? On my word, without them the economy would collapse overnight."
Money, Sam thought. It is all that some seem to be concerned with. What about the suffering of our fellow man? What about the God-given thirst for freedom deep inside us all? He drew in a deep breath, ready to express such.
At that very moment, Dr. Carter entered the room. He called for everyone's attention.
"Gentlemen," he said. "I am afraid that I have some disturbing news."
Silence covered the room like a shroud. Sam's heart immediately began to pound. What has happened? Has there been further bloodshed? Is Julia safe?
"I was approached by one of General Butler's aides this morning," Dr. Carter said. "I have been told that the Federal Army is in need of our facilities."
Wordless, worried expressions showed upon each faculty member's face. Sam looked the same.
"Therefore, effective immediately, our classes will be suspended. We will resume teaching when the seminary can secure a new location." Dr. Carter paused. "You are dismissed, gentlemen."
The dean of students walked to the door and exited the room. The rest of the faculty, Sam included, sat in stunned silence.
"So the Yankees have commandeered the school," Longsworth said finally.
"And put us all out of work," said another.
A sickening feeling washed over him as Sam sank back in his chair. My best friend, my fiancée, my teaching position'¦ Air slowly escaped his lungs. Lord, I want to believe You have everything under control, that You are working these things for our ultimate good.
Help me trust You.
"
Julia had been at the market since it first opened that morning. She had bought flour, two cones of sugar, eggsand a host of other necessities. She was just about to return home, when she spied her favorite delicacy.
Strawberries! They have strawberries.
Her basket was already heavy. Besides that, her reticule was running low on coins but the longer she stared at the red, ripe fruit, the more she wanted them. She couldn't resist purchasing a quart. I love strawberries. I look forward to them every year. Samuel loves them as well. They are his favorite fruit.
She smiled to herself as a plan formulated in her mind. I know what I will do; I will make shortcake and then when he' She came to her senses. There was no reason to bake shortcake. Samuel wouldn't be dining with them anymore.
Her heart sank a little deeper in her chest as she stared at the berries. They didn't look quite as red or luscious as they had just a moment ago.
"A quart, miss?" the vendor asked.
Still, she wanted them. "Yes. Please."
She shifted her basket to the other arm and counted out the coins in her reticule. She had just enough so she handed the vendor the money. It was then out of the corner of her eye
But he had promised God he would follow His path wherever it led, whether Julia joined him or not. It appeared that path meant traveling the antislavery route.
Sam had not yet spoken to Dr. Carter about his plan to attend the abolitionist meeting. He intended to do so upon the first opportunity.
The conversation around him still buzzed, though it had shifted from the Federal occupation to the question of slavery. His ears perked when mathematics department chair, David Longsworth, spoke his mind. "I fail to see what all the division is about. Property is property. As an owner of such I have full authority over what belongs to me."
The word "property' when referring to a human being was nauseating to Sam.
If men were created in God's image how could the color of one's skin change such? Men were men. In Sam's mind there was no question.
Longsworth shifted to the economic benefits of slavery. "How are we going to produce goods in this country without slaves? On my word, without them the economy would collapse overnight."
Money, Sam thought. It is all that some seem to be concerned with. What about the suffering of our fellow man? What about the God-given thirst for freedom deep inside us all? He drew in a deep breath, ready to express such.
At that very moment, Dr. Carter entered the room. He called for everyone's attention.
"Gentlemen," he said. "I am afraid that I have some disturbing news."
Silence covered the room like a shroud. Sam's heart immediately began to pound. What has happened? Has there been further bloodshed? Is Julia safe?
"I was approached by one of General Butler's aides this morning," Dr. Carter said. "I have been told that the Federal Army is in need of our facilities."
Wordless, worried expressions showed upon each faculty member's face. Sam looked the same.
"Therefore, effective immediately, our classes will be suspended. We will resume teaching when the seminary can secure a new location." Dr. Carter paused. "You are dismissed, gentlemen."
The dean of students walked to the door and exited the room. The rest of the faculty, Sam included, sat in stunned silence.
"So the Yankees have commandeered the school," Longsworth said finally.
"And put us all out of work," said another.
A sickening feeling washed over him as Sam sank back in his chair. My best friend, my fiancée, my teaching position'¦ Air slowly escaped his lungs. Lord, I want to believe You have everything under control, that You are working these things for our ultimate good.
Help me trust You.
"
Julia had been at the market since it first opened that morning. She had bought flour, two cones of sugar, eggsand a host of other necessities. She was just about to return home, when she spied her favorite delicacy.
Strawberries! They have strawberries.
Her basket was already heavy. Besides that, her reticule was running low on coins but the longer she stared at the red, ripe fruit, the more she wanted them. She couldn't resist purchasing a quart. I love strawberries. I look forward to them every year. Samuel loves them as well. They are his favorite fruit.
She smiled to herself as a plan formulated in her mind. I know what I will do; I will make shortcake and then when he' She came to her senses. There was no reason to bake shortcake. Samuel wouldn't be dining with them anymore.
Her heart sank a little deeper in her chest as she stared at the berries. They didn't look quite as red or luscious as they had just a moment ago.
"A quart, miss?" the vendor asked.
Still, she wanted them. "Yes. Please."
She shifted her basket to the other arm and counted out the coins in her reticule. She had just enough so she handed the vendor the money. It was then out of the corner of her eye
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