Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1853-04-20

however, the man rose, and standing up
at the desk. opened the hymn book His
voice thrilled to the finger ends of brother
W., as in a distict and impressive manner
he gave out the hymn beginning
l5h Help us to help each other, Lord.
c Each others eross TO bear.
Let each friendly aid afford, si
a And feel a brothers. care.'
The congregation rose after the stran-
ger had read the entire hymn. and had
repeated the two first lines for them to
sing. Brother w. usually started the
tunes. He tried this. but went off on a
long metre tune. Discovering his mis-
take at the second word, he balked and
tried it again, but now he stumbled on a
short metre. a musical brother here
came to his aid, and led off with tune
that suited the measure in which the hymn
was written.
After singing. the congregation kneeled
and the minister, flor no one doubted his
real character) addressed the Throne of
Grace with much fervor and eloquence.
The reading of a chapter in the Bible sue
ceeded. Then there was deep pause
throughout the room in anticipation of
the text, which the preacher prepared to
announce.
Brother w. looked pale, and his hands
and knees trembled. Sister WIS face
was like crimson, and her heart was
beating SO loud that she wondered
sister who sat beside her. There was q
breathless silence. The dropping of a
pin might almost have been heard. The
line emphatic tones of the preacher filed
the crowded room.
"And a new commandment give un.
to you. that you love one another
Brother w. had bent forward to listen.
but now he sunk back in his seat. This
was the EleUenM Commandment
The sermon was deep and searching,
yet affectionate and impressive. The
preacher uttered nothing that could in the
least wound the feelings of the brother
and sister. of whose hospitality he had
partakeu, but he said much that smote
upon their hearts and made them pain
fully conscious that they had not shown
as much kindness TO the stranger as he
| had been entitled TO receive on the broad
principles OF humanity. But they suffer-
ed most from modification of feeling
To think that they should have treated
the Presiding Elder of the district after
and the idea of the whole affair getting
abroad. interfered sadly with their devo-
tional feelings throughout the whole pc
riod of service.
AT last the sermon was over, the ordi-
nance administered, and the bencdiction
pronounced. Brother w. did not know
what it was best for him to do. He ne
yer was more at loss in his life. Then
Mr.. n. descended from the pulpit, but he
did not step forward to meet him. How
could he do that? Others gathered
around and shook hands with him, but
still he fingered and held back.
where is brother W." was at length
asked. 1t was the voice of the minister.
Here he is" said one or two, open
ing the way to where the farmer stood.
The preacher advanced, and catching
his hand said
=" How do you do. brother W.. l am
glad to see you. And where is sister
Sister w. was brought forward. and
tily, while his face was lit up with a
smile.
al believe am to find bone with
you" he said as it was settled.
Before the still embarrassed brother
and sister could reply. some one asked
"How came you TO be detained SO late?"
you was expected last night. And where
is brother r. 20
"Brorher r. is sick" replied Mr.. N,
and had to come alone. Five miles from
here my horse gave out, and 1 had to
come the rest of the way on foot. But
became so cold and weary that found it
necessary to ask farmer not far from
here to give me nights lodging, which
he was kind enough 10 do. thought
was still three miles off, but IL happened
was much nearer my journeys end
than supposed"
This explanation was satisfactory to all
parties, and in due time the congregation
dispersed, and the Presiding Elder went
home with brother and sister w. One
thing is certain, however. the story never
got out until some years after the worthy
brother and sister had passed from their
labors. and it was then related by Mr.. N.
himself. who was rather eccentric in his
character. and like numbers of his minis
terial brethren, fond Of a joke, and given
to relating stories. ,--
Runaway Matches.
r. .nbas F,,,sl