The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1858-08-24

ing for vacant seat, very few of which
were now left. Still advancing, he finally
got within the little enclosed altar, and as
ceuding to the pulpit, and took of his old
gray overcoat and sat down, -"
By this time Mr.. w. was at bis side. and
had his hand upon his arm.
"You mustn't sit here. Come Gown and
l will show you seat" he said IN an ex-
cited tone.
"Tbank you," replied the man In very
composed voice. at Is very comfortable
here" And the man remained immova-
bic.
Mr.. w., feeling embarrassed went down,
intending to get another ''officiap to assist
him In making forcible election of the
man from the place he was desecrating -
Immediately upon his doing so, however,
the man rose, and standing up at the desk,
opened the hymn book. His voice thrilled
the finger ends Of brother W., as in dis
tinct and impressive manner 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 repeat
ed the first two lines for them to sing
Brother w. usually started the tunes. He
tried this time, but went off on long me-
tire tune. Discovering his mistake at the
second word he baked and tried it again,
but now Inc stumbled on short metre. A
musical brother here came to bis aid, and
led off with tune that suited the measure
in whiclrthe hymn was written.
After singing, the congregation knceled,
real character-addressed the Throne of
Grace with much fervor and eloquence -
The reading Of chapter in the Bible sue
:eeded. Then there was deep pause
throughout the room in anticipation Of the
text, which the preacher prepared to an
nouncC.
Brother W. looked pale, and his hands
and knees tremlled. Sister WIS face was
like crimson. and her heart was heating SO
loud that she wondered whether the sound
was not heard 10y the sister who sat beside
her. There was a brealhess silence. The
dropping Of a pin might have been beard.
Then the fine, emphatic tones Of the preach
cr filed the crowded room.
"And new commandment I give unto
you that you tove one another"
Broi her w. had bent forward to listen,
but now he sank back in his seat. This
was the E2evenh Commandment.
The sermon was deep, searching, vet af-
fectonate and impressive. Tho preacher
uttered nothing that could in tho lcast
wound the brother anil sister Of whose
hospitality he had pa,taken, but lie said
much that smote upon their hearts, and
made them painfully conscious that they
had not shown RS much kindness to the
stranger as he had been entitled to receive
on tho broad principle of humanity. But
they suffered most from modification of
feeling. To think that they should have
treated the Presiding Elder cf the District
after such fashion was deeply humiliating
abroad, and interfercd sadly with their de-
votioral feelings throughout tho whole pc.
riod of service.
Az last the sermon was over, the ordi-
nance administered, and the bcnediction
pronounced. Brother w. did not know
what it was best for him to do. He never
was moro at loss in bis life. Then Mr.. N.
descended fom the pulpit, but he did not
step forward To meet him. How could he
DO that. Others gathered around and
st ook hands with him, but still he linger-
ed and held back
"Whero is brother W." he at length
heard asked. 1t was the voice of the min
ster
"Herc he is" said one or two, opening
the way to wl.ere the farmer stood.
The preacher advanced, and catching
his hand, said
"How do you do, brother W., 1 am hap
py TO sec you. And where is sis, rW. r.
Sister w. was brought forward. and the
preacher shook hands with them heartily,
while his face was lit up with smiles.
81 believe / am to find home with
you," he said, as if it was settled
Before the sill 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 RI
"Brother r. is SICK" replied Mr.. N,
sand l had 10 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 I found it
necessary to ask y farmer not far from here
to give mo night6 lodging, which he was
kind enough to do. thought was still
three miles of, but it happened that was
much nearer my journeys end than sup
posed"
This explanation was satisfactory to all
parties, and in due time the congregation
dispersed, and tho presiding elder went
home with brother and sister w. One
thing is certain, however, the story mover
got out for some years after the worthy
brother and sister had passed from their
labor, and il was then related by Mr.. N.
himself, who was eccentric in his character,
and, like numbers Of his ministerial breth.
rem, fond of joke, and given to relating
good stories.