Mr. Asbury and a few friends belonging to the wealthy portion of the church remained silent listeners to the views of the older brethren. At length, after an hour spent in lamentations over the calamity, and propositions which were considered impracticable, the moderator of the meeting remarked,— "We have talked an hour to no purpose. Will some one make a proposition as to a place of worship for us next Sunday?" After a momentary pause, Mr. Asbury quietly rose from his seat with an open paper in his hand. There was not the least trace of excitement in his manner, as he said, "I have here a letter, which I will read. It is from the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church in our town, and is addressed to me. "MR. EDWARD ASBURY: "Dear Sir, At a meeting of our board of trustees the day following the burning of your church edifice, a resolve was unanimously voted that we deeply sympathize in your loss of your house of worship, and that we tender to you the free use of our church building till such time as you may repair your edifice or otherwise provide for yourselves. "With fraternal love and good-will, "Very respectfully "MOSES HUNT. "By order of trustees of Methodist Episcopal Church, Grantbury." A motion to accept this friendly offer was at once passed, and then Mr. Asbury rose again and said,— "I have a proposition to make; but, first, I ask you to listen to a few facts. I have made a careful investigation into the state of our church building, the walls of which are still standing. It is fifty-eight years old; the beams are rotten. It ought to be a source of gratitude that we have escaped a greater calamity by reason of the falling in of the walls, from the cellar being unventilated. It cannot be repaired. This is the opinion of the best experts I have been able to obtain. I propose, then, that we sell it as it stands, to some gentlemen who offer five thousand dollars for the site. They intend, if they obtain it, to put up a large hotel." "It's a good offer." "Take it." "I object." "We must have the land to build again." "We need a hotel for summer residents." "We can worship in the town hall." "Or disband altogether," grumbled a man who never contributed a penny. Altogether the clamor following this proposition prevented any further remarks from Mr. Asbury, if he had wished to make any, and he sat down with a smile on his face. Several groups were at once formed, and loud, excited voices were heard discussing this unexpected proposal; some were for accepting, others positively refused to quit the old spot dedicated by their fathers to the worship of God. At length the moderator, with a loud rap on the table, called the meeting to order, and inquired whether any gentleman had anything further to say before the proposal was put to vote.