Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1854-12-28

He hasn't come yet. Something has de-
tanned him. But still look for him-indeed,
| fully expected to find him here.'
The day was cold, and Mr.. w., after be-
coming thoroughly chilled, concluded to keep
good look out for the minister from the win
dow where he usually sat. Others, from the
same cause, followed his example, and the
little meeting house was soon filled, and one
after another came dropping in. The farmer,
who turned towards the door each time it was
opened, was little surprised to see his guest
OF the previous night enter, and come slowly
down the aisle, looking on either side as if
searching for vacant seat, very few of which
were now left. Still advancing, he finally
got within the little enclosed altar, and as
cending to the pulpit took off his old gray
overcoat and sat down.
By this time Mr.. w. was by his side, and
had his hand upon his arm.
You mustn't sit here. Come down and
tone.
Thank you,' replied the man, in COM
posed voice. st is very comfortable here,
and he remained immovable
Mr.. W., feeling embarrassed, went down,
intending to get brother 'official' to assist
him in making forcible election of the man
from the place he was desecrating. Imme-
dlately upon his doing so, however, the man
rose, and stssdiHs up al the desk, opened the
hymn booG Ills v0ioe thrilled 10 the finger
ends Of brother w, as in distinct and i'm
prcssige manner he gave out the hymn be-
ginning
Help Us 70 help each ether, Lord,
Each others cross 10 be>g;
Let each his friendly aid afford.
And feel brothers care"
The congregation rose after the stranger
had read the entire hymn, and had repeated
the first two lines for them to sing Brother
w. usually started the tunes. He tried this
time, but went off on long metre tune. Dis
baked and tried it again, but now he stumbled
on short metre. A musical brother 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-for no one doubted his real
Observation-Disclosures the Throue of Grace
with much fervor and eloquence. The read
ing Of chapter in the Bible succeeded
Then there was deep pause throughout the
room in anticipation of the text, which he
preacher prepared 10 announce.
Brother w. looked pale, and his hands and
knees trembled. Sister W. face looked like
crimson, and her heart was beating so loud
that she wondered whether the sound was not
heard by the sister who sat beside her. There
was breathless silence. The dropping of
pin might have been heard Then the fine,
emphatic tones of the preacher filled the
crowded room
And ne10 commandment !gire unto you,
that yOu lore one another.'
Brother W. had bent forward to listen, but
now he had sunk back in his seat This was
lne eleventh commandment.
The sermon was deep, searching, yet af-
fectlonate and impressive. The preacher ut
tered nothing that could in the least wound
the brother and sister, of whose hospitality he
had partaken, but he said much that smote
upon their hearts, and made them painfully
conscious that they had not shown as much
ind - H. L. -
tied to receive on the broad principles of hu-
manity. But they suffered most from mortii-
cation of feeling. To think that they had
treated the presiding elder of the district after
such fashion was deeply humiliating, and
the idea of the whole affair getting abroad, in
terfered sadly with her devotional feelings
throughout the whole period of service.
At last the sermon was over. the ordinance
administered, and benedictIon pronounced
Brother w. did not know what it was best for
him to do. He never 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 gath
cred around and shook hands with him, but
still he fingered and held back.
'Where is brother WI he at length heard
asked. 1t was the voice of the minister.
Here he is, said one or two, opening the
way to where the farmer stood.
The preacher advancing, and catching his
hand, said
How do you do, brother w.. am glad
to see you. And where is sister w. q
Sister w. was brought forward, and the
preacher shook hands with them heartily,
while his face was lit up with smiles.
i believe am to find a home with you,
he said, as if it was settled.
Before the still embarrassed brother and sis
ter could make reply, some one asked
How came you to be so late! You were
expected last night And where is brother
R!'
Brother R. is SICK replied Mr.. ~, 'and
had to come alone. Five miles from this
my horse gave out and had to come the rest
of the way on foot But became SO cold and
weary that found it necessary TO ask a farmer
not far from here to give me nights lodg-
ing, which he was kind enough to do.
thought was still three miles off, but it hap
Dened that | WAS very much naarpr INV ionr-