Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1855-01-03


In the morning he came down, and meet
ing Mr.. w. asked him if he would be so kline
as to lend a razor, that he might remove his
beard, which did not give his face a very at
tractive aspect. His request was granted
owe will have prayers i'll about ten min
utes," said Mr.. W., as he handed him the ra
zor and shaving box.
He appeared and behaved with due pro-
priety at family worship. After breakfast he
thanked the farmer and his wife for THEN
hospitality, and departing went on his
| journey.
Ten o'clock came, but Mr.. n. bad not ar.
rived. So Mr. and Mrs. w. started for the
meeting house not doubting that they would
find him there. But they were disappointed.
\ goodly number Of people were inside the
meeting house, and a goodly number outside,
but the minister had not arrived.
Where is Mr. n e inquired dozen vol
ces, as the little crowd had gathered around
the farmer
He hasn't come yet Something has
detained him. But will look for him-n-
deed fully expected to find him here"
The day was cold and Mr.. w. after be-
coming thoroughly chilled, concluded to go
in and keep look out for the minister from
the window near which he usually sat. 9th
ers from the same cause, followed his exam.
pie, and the little meeting, house was soon
filed, 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
hight enter, and come slowly down the aisle,
looking from side to side, sif searching for
vacant seat, very few of which were now
left. Still advancing, he fiually got within
the Titled enclosed alter ascending to the
pulpit, took of his old gray overcoat and
sat down.
BY this time Mr.. W., was at his side, and
had his hand upon his arm.
"Iou mustn't sit here. Come down and
| will show you i sea-" said he in an excited
tone.
"Thank you," replied the man in a COM
posed voice. 1t is very comfortable here"
And the man remained immovable.
Mr.. w. feeling embarrassed, went down,
intending to get brother official "to assist
him in making torcibIe election of the man
from the place he was desecrating. lmmc-
diately upon his doing so, 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 distinct
and impressive manner he gave out the
hymn beginning:
"Help us to help each other, Lord,
Each others cross TO bear,
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. Broth
er w. usually started the tunes. He tried
this time but went off on a long metre tune.
Discovering his mistake at the second word
he baked and tried it again, but now he
stumbled on Il short metre. A musical bro
lher came to his aid, and led off with tune
that suited the measure in which the tune
was written.
After singing, the congregation kncelcd,
and the miuister-for no one doubted his
real laracter-addresscd the throne of
Grace with much lervor and eloquence-
The reading Of a chapter in the Bible sue
ceeded. Then there was deep pause thro'
out the room in anticipation of the text,
which the preacher prepared to announce.
Brothe: 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 whether the sound
was not heard by the sister that sat beside
her. There was breathless silence The
dropping Of a pin might almost have been
heard. Then the line emphatic tones of the
preacher filled the crowded room.
And new commandment | give unto
you, that you love one another
Brother w. had bent forward to listen,
bot now he sank back in his seat. This was
the Eleventh Commandment.
The sermon was deep, searching, yet aG.
(eclionate and impressive The preacherut.
ered nothing that could in the least wound
the brother and the sister of whose hospitali-
ty he had partaken, but said much that smote
upon their hearts, and made them painfully
conscious that they had not shown as much
kindness to the stranger as he had been en-.
titled to receive on the broad principles of
humanity. But they suffered most from the
modification. 70 think that they should
hase>reated he Presiding Elder of the dis.
trict after such Il fashion, was deeply humil-
iating; and the idea of the whole affair get.
ting abroad, interIered sadly with their de.
votional feelings throughout the whole peri
cd of service.
At last the summons was over, the ordi-
nance administered and the benedictior pro-
nounced Brother w. did not know what
it WAS best for him to do. He never was
more at a loss in his life. Then Mr.. n. de.
scended from bis pulpit, but he did not step
forward to meet him. How could he do
that! Others gathered around and shook
bands with him, but he still fingered and lcll
back.
"Where is brother W." was at length
heard and asked. 1t was the voice of the
minister.
Here he is," said one or two, opening
the way 10 where the former stood.
The preacher advanced, and catching his
hand, said
elbow do you do, brother w., | am glad
to see you. Where is sister W."
Sister W. was brought forward and the
preacher slook hands with them heartily,
while hisiace was lit up with smiles.
81 beEeve | will find home with you," "
he said, us it was settled.
Before the still embarrassed brother and
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