He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
At this there was much scornful derision among those who followed Master Noel; nevertheless, I thought the singing was very sweet.
A few minutes later the vicarage was the scene of great dust and confusion, for every stick that Master Burnbridge possessed was carried out into the lane which ran close by the house. Ay, so quickly was this done, that I do not think that the little band who worshipped in the field close by knew the meaning thereof. Nevertheless, even while Master Burnbridge was preaching to his flock, the road was being filled with the household treasures of the man who had been minister of the parish for ten years.
I took no part in the matter, neither was I at that moment strong in my sympathy with either the one side or the other. Nevertheless, I have set down exactly what I saw and heard as near as I can remember it, so that all who care may read.
Scarcely had the last armful of books been thrown into the road (and there was a great quantity of them), than Master Burnbridge came up.
"By whose authority hath this been done?" he cried, and I noticed that his voice was loud and angry.
"By mine," cried a portly man whom I had seen talking with Master Noel, "by mine—Henry Wellwood, of Wellwood Hall, a justice of the peace."
"Who is he?" I asked of one who stood by.
"Hush! Squire Wellwood, who for years hath hated the Independents, although he hath had to put up with them," was the reply.
"Then," said Master Burnbridge, "I declare this to be a most unlawful, as well as most unchristian and unholy act."