The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1856-07-30

vice, you may command me-"
1t was courteous greeting, not Sc
much in words as the fatherly manner
of the gray-haired man, and Reuben Of
fered his hand warmly and expressed hi.
thanks for the kindness, and as he walked
back to the village with them, charmed
them with his high-ton thoughts, and
the three wee each regretful when tho
pastors gate was reached.
q" Let us see you here tomorrow, said
he, as he led Lily in, for she was his
dove-like blessing, or tonight, even, il
apart from home, family alter should
be longed for"
have longed for it since my moth
er died." said tho young man, with a
touching pathos.
Come with us then, sir. We have
few forms, but We trust our hearts are
right; !" as he ushcred Reuben into the
little study, and for awhile they sat there
in the calm moonlight, not, not oonvr-
sing with each other, but uttering as they
CHANGED, the holy thoughts which beg
ged for an expression.
At an early hour an aged female do
nestle entered with lights, and drew a
stand to the pastors side. He turned
over the leaves of the family Bible till
he had selected chapter, and then pass
ed it to tho young man, saying:
Ny eyes grow dim, let me borrow
yours"
Reuben took the holy volume rever-
emily, and read in clear, thrilling tones,
those glorious passages from st. John.
commencing: Let not your heart be
troubled" When he had closed, the
pastor turned to Lily for the hymn. It
quizerod on her lips, but the sacred emo
tions of her heart were too powerful for
her weakened frame, and the words hung
there in unuttered music. Reuben's
keen ear had caught the strain though,
and his rich veice harmonized ftly with
the lofty words as he sung it through
Then the aged man bent his knee and
prayed. And while he took in the whole
world in his petition, he get pleaded ear
nestly aud individually for tho gentle
girl he had taken TO his heart, and for
the stranger who worshipped with them,
and subdued as his human feelings were,
the young man was yet conscious of q
sudden thrill Of joy when he heard him
self thus coupled in solemn prayer with
the beauteous Lily.
Only snatchcs Of sleep came to him
that night; most of it was spent in rev.
cry. And when he went out the ensu-
ing morning, life wore a changed look to
him. 1t had put on a majesty that awed
him, and yet that reused him to sublim-
er views. The divinity within him was
aroused, not partially, but thoroughly,
and he resolved to heed we'll its intuitive
suggestions. He sought ont the aged
pastor and revealed to him his previous
life, its longings, its aspirations, its un-
quietness, and his last resolve, to seek
him out bride who should give beauty
and bliss to life.
When 1 saw Lily yesterday" said
he, the poets charming story came
vividly to mind, and resolved to WOO
her as did the lord of the tale, in pain
ter's dress, and bear her to princely
home when she expected but an humble
cottage. But better thoughts have been
wakened in me. l would still win her,
if can, but not to lead her into fash
ions halls. They are not the place for
one so spiritual as she. Home is the
sphere for one like her, and I would win
her to a home with me, in this or some
other shady Glen, and keep her my Lily
through my life.
And this is not all, sir. I would
learn of you pastors duties. My life
thus far has been an aimless one. I
need not work, for I havo wealth at my
command, but would consecrats my
self to something. My spirit has ever
Cf1ared at the letters / have thrown about
il. I will untangle it, and let it have
its will. And at your feet, sir, I would
study earnestly, faithfully, and pray
that your lips may ask Gods blessing
on me as 1 somewhere kneel before my
chosen people"
My son." said the old man solemnly,
"you have chosen we'll. Heaven hath
directed you here as guardian for Lily,
and student for me- These fifty years
I have ministered here. 1 knew my
strength was failing, and my senses grow
ing dim, but 1 could not bear to leave
my people with one who served their
Master from other than the holiest mo-
tives, and SO, tremulously 1 have per-
formed my duties for year or more.
My son, you shall commence this day
your studies. You are we'll trained and
learned. and your heart is right. It
will not take long to fit yourself to speak
to these simple, truthful Christians. 1
shall be spared to stand beside you when
you first preach to them, and then 1
shall be content to 60. Come, let US
begin"
And from that day, Reuben was an
inmate of the parsonage, and that he
prospered fast was no wonder either, for