Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1855-04-29

A Pastors Dream

Deacon G. was pillar in the -chrr.s
some years since. He was the very ersbodirup,,t
OF good deaconiy qralities-bimd, zeaIoas. pr,ye-.
fol, efficient. His tospitable doors were eve, az.
to the "Pilgrim and stranger" and many a we.-v
man of God, and many hungry wsnderer, was
sheltered and fed beneath his roof. And not sci.
dom did some STRUGGLING theological student. via.
iting him of vacation, have his fundles, walls,
replsnished, and his outer man improved BY The
exchange Of his worn boots, and thread bare Gear
for amore comely and comfortable garb. II wa
whispered around, however, that with all bis viz
tues, he had one weakness. He was pronounced
prodgal in his almsdeeds, BY some of the more
"prudent, and the pastor inclined 10 The obinion.
he admired the whole-hearted benevolence OF the
deacon, but being himself more wary, and having
his friends interests really at heart, he became
much troubled about the matter. For some tim.
ne revolved the subject in silence, until eompen.
ed as he thought, by sense of duty, he waited
on his official helper to express his conceru. He
laid before him all his fears, endeayourins. with
discriminating qand, to draw the line between
a safe and an imprudent generosity.
"Haye not enough for the support Of ny fam
ly' do at all distress them By giving aw,vi.
asked the deacon.
This maye true" said the minister; atus
many of your brethren fear the future for Won.
lsit not wise; do sou net owe it to your family.
so 10 husband resources as to be prepared for
emergencies that may ariser'
bis listener duly weighed each werd. bat was
sbarcely convinced of the necessity Of the can
ton. 1t seemed TO him that he had oulv o;ven
OF his abundance, and that a watchlul Providence
had granted him to reap literally as he showed
literally. ros.e
The pastor left; bis sOlicitude somewhat sof;sr--
ed, perhaps, by the interview. yet with the con-
seriousness that he had relieved himself Of apr "a
sponsibility in whatever nigh, befall the descon,s
worldly affairs, while the latter remained with his
large heart uncontrolled.
That night. the pastor dreamed that taking hiz.
daily walk, he bent his steps to the seaside. Il
was a bright day in summer, and he paused to look
on the broad expanse. Soft clouds lay dreamiiy
against the horizon. Sea birds sailed sIoxIy
through the air, or darted down upon their 6nny
prey. The white crested waves dashed back gel-
ueh rays. nile absorbed IN the glorious scene,
a step behind caused him to turn his head. and he
saw Deacon G. approaching. The lattersppea
ed not to notice him. but stepping to the verge of
the shore, took from basket on his arm. loaf sf-
ter loaf Of wholesome looking bread, and tossed
them into the water
@StoP! stop" exclaimed the pastor. in scr-
prise, "why this wastel"
The deacon pointed solemnly into the sen, ard
said, "look! observedln
The former looked, and to his establishment, saw
that for each LOAF thrown in, the returning wave
brought back basket full, and cast them a. the
donors feet.
in great wonder he awoke, and the next dav.
calling on the dsacon, related his dream, and ed
ded tearfully.
$50 on brotherl go on. cast your bread upon
the waters; doubtless, after many days it will he
returned to yon!"