The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-03-23

morning. | heard her murmur, BE strong
in the Lord, my son. God will bless you
think that your mother is praying for you.
and if you should fail
81 shall never know it from you. moth
er." he replied. All the way as we rode.
| tried to persuade Charles from his pur-
pose, but in vain. Elliott, he said. had
always been his mothers tavorite; he was
growing proud; he had been to college
and now he had coma home to set himself
above those who were as good as he 1t
would do the pale-laced pet good to hum
ble him little. and he meat to do it.
Elliott had just taken his seat at the lit
tie table inside the altar-for he would not
go into the pulpit this lme-wi,an Charles
came in. He had slaid behind purposely.
and now walked up tine aisle with IA bold
and defiant air, and seated himself in a
conspicuous place. about midway between
the gallery and the altar railing. Mr.. Ray
sat in one of the side slips where he would
not face his son. and was or the oppo-
site side where could see them all.
Elliott opened the Bible before him: his
face was deadly pale. looked at the faith
er, his eyes were cast down, his thumbs
slowly revolving in their accustomed orbits.
Charles tried to preserve the look of care
less unconcern with which he came in. hut
| thought could detect traces OF better
feeling in the restless workings of his half
averted eye. There was deathlkc silence
throughout the congregation. Presently
an old man. the Patriarch Of the neighbor-
hood. arose and said, Let us look TO God
in prayer
He stood within the railing. very near to
Elliott. for he was quite deaf in one ear
aud it had been his privilege for years to
sit "beneath the droppings of the sanctua-
ry;" and how comforting it must be TO the
young preacher. to have one so loved and
so good. 10 stand beside him in the hour of
trial. The prayer was short. but appro-
pirate and affecting. Many heart re-
sponsed "amen.'' to the blessings invok ed
on Elliou's head. and many an eve was
dim with tears as the assembly turned a.
gain towards the sacred desk.
Some one commenced singing the fa-
miiar hymn
''In all my Lords appointed ways,''
The whole congregation arose to their
ieet. and sang with one voice. The color
went and came on Eliot's cheek. as the
inspiring words echoed fromlip to lip. and
at the close of the hymn he looked almost
like one inspired. Hardly we're the peo.
pie seated before his voice was heard clear
and distinct. reading the 18th chapter OF
the Gospel OF St. John. When that was
done, he cast rapid glance around his
audience, and commenced thrilling. dis
sertation on the love OF God TO maifS
glanced at Mr.. Ray. A flush Of triumph
was on his face. as if the danger was past
now and Elliott could not fail Charles
had evidently forgotten his piety. and was
looking as impudent .as he dared. while a
general feeling Of relief seemed to pervade
the congregation. But suddenly there was
a pause, the speaker hesitaied. he was en-
barrased. he passed his hands hastily a
cross his high, white forehead. now wet
with perspiration. and brushed hack the
damp masses Of hair which had fallen over
it; he trembled in every limb, his father
half rose from his seat, ard more than
once expected to see him fall the next mo.
ment. But he did not he was soon calm
again. but his face was white and corpse.
like. it was almost fearful to look at lie
tasted a few drops from the glass of water
that was handed to him. then folding his
hand over his breast; he turned 10 his au
dience and said:
"Fathers in the church, it might better
become youth like me 10 sit an,' learn les
sons OF wisdom from your lips. than thu,
stand before you in the altitude of a teach
er; but it is not to teach you that am here
was child when You were men. have
grown to manhood among you. my char
acter has been formed by the influence o
your examples, and those examples have
taught me 10 look forward 10 this period a
the commencement Of a career Of useful
ness. You know with what misgivings
with what doubt and trembling and pray
er, ventured to accept the sacred calling
saw how broad was the field. and hov
many laborers already engaged therein
but thought that even an humble gleane
like myself, if had courage to venture in
might be rewarded with sheaf. 1t is no
to teach those who have long been labor
ing that | have come in. but to learn @
them.
| Fathers in the church. teach me by you
example yet. forI am Ignorant; bear vii,
me and sustain me with your prayers 10
| am weak.
Mothers in Israeli Mothers of sons bor
to inherit Immortality! think of the respon
sibililies that rest upon you! think Of tn
honors that crown you! Mothers! coul
4 you realize the influence that you exer
could you know the blessings invoked up
on your heads by pious children, coul
you see how every little act of tenderness
is treasured up by your child. careless an
though,less as he may seem. could you b,
know the deep gratitude that fills his hea
when he sees that you share in his sorrow.
pity iheoweakness of his pature. and b
your unfailing love strengthen him in Il,
path {ofvirtue; could you feel and know a
this, where is, the mother. the chrs,ia
mother in this assembly who would NJ
pity and forgive not only the weakness
her own child, but also Of one who, Dor
and brought up among you. has learne
to love you, to look to you for encourag,
ment in every good work. My mo,he
were she other than she is. what could h,
, children have been? And she is not hel
among you now! Shall tell you whe
she is? there is no need Of that. see /