Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1859-05-20
Grnrral 1Htseellanu.

There had been a pastoral change in our
congregation. The people. after a ten years
trial of good old Mr.. Wharton. and his amia-
Bile, compliant wife, came to the conclusion
that different kind Of preacher, with diff
ferent kind of wife, would vastly improve their
spiritual condition. There was a lack of
strength about Mr.. Wharton Z so it was alleg-
ed, and certain prominent ladies in the church
had wished laloud) so often that Mrs. Whar-
ton were less old-iashioned in her ways, that
change, sooner or later, had come to be set
tied thing in the minds of a majority. 1t
was simply question of time and time set
tied the question The change was made
Old Mr. Wharton and his wife retired, and
Rev. Mr.. Newton and his wife took their
places in the pastorate Of the congregation
| say Mr. Newton and his wife" for our
people think, or used to think, that, when
they "hred minister they hired his wife
also, and regarded her duties among them in
quite as high light as they did the duties Of
her husband.
! happened 20 be away from the village at
the time this change was made, and did pot
return until after Mr. Newton and his wife
had been doing duty for something over three
months.
"How do you like the new minister - was
among the first Of my inquiries.
Hes a charming preacher" was the reply
received on every hand. Yet | saw, by the
manner Of my friends, that some drawback
existed
"How do you like his wife,"
All The little mystery was explained
Mr. Newton was well enough. But his wife
"What kind Of woman is she = asked.
"Don't know. Can't make her out" was
the vague answer received
"ls she anything like Mrs. Wharton;"
"Oh dear no l only wish she was, Why
she doesn't take particle Of interest in the
church. Hasn't been to one of the monthly
concerts for prayer; nor to the weekly sew
ing circle; nor even to the Sabbath-School.
We calculated entirely on her taking the Sc
nior girls class which Mrs. Wharton taught
for so many years ; and a committee of ladies
waited on her with an invitation to do so
but she actually declined, saying that she
had neither taste nor aptitude for teaching -
Now, what do you think of that for a minis
ter's wife: Did you ever hear the beat Of
it,"
saw, at a glance, that there was trouble
ahead for Miss Phebe Lane, who made INC
this communication, was an active "circulat-
ing medium in the congregation She knew
everybody's business, talked to everybody,
and acted as opinon-maker to large major
ity Of ladies who had too much to do in their
families to have time for independent thinking
in church matters.
| must confess that | felt a sort of liking
for Mrs. Newton on this representation Of
Miss Lane. Mrs. Wharton had been such a
plant subject in the hands of my spinster
friend, and few like her, that an involuntary
respect was created for ministers wife, who,
in coming among us could from the begin
ming show that she had an individuality of
her own, and meant to hold on by it.
Two or three days intercourse with the
members of the congregation satisfied me that
Mrs. Newton would not do for the Church of
st. Charity. When and where this lady was
sainted have never learned. | have my sus-
picion that Miss Phebe Lane. who rechristen-
ed the parish on the occasion of building our
new church, was not particularly well read in
the Saintish Calendar. But let that pass
Ours was the Church of St. Charity. Mr..
Newton was delightful man Such preach
er So active in all the interests of the So
ciety So pious So humble-minded But
his wife No woman could be less suited to
her condition. 1t was even doubted whether
she was professor Phebe Lane was posi-
tive about it. and averred that she didn't be-
lieve there was a spark of piety in her soul.
How a man like Mr. Newton could ever have
mated himself with such wife was regarded
by Miss Lane as one of the inexplicable mys-
teries. "A man like Mr.. Newton, who might
have his choice among women y
Il -. Il.
of interest on the Sabbath following my re-
turn. Whether my leading impulses were of
the earth, earthly, or of heaven, heavenly,
will not stop to question. Five minutes be-
fore the time for services to begin, lady, just
above the medium height, beautifully formed
and with a step of blended grace and dignity,
passed along the aisle leading a child by the
hand, and took her seat in the minister pew.
Though not in any sense gayly dressed, there
was style and air about her that by no means
indicated pious disregard for worldly things,
Taste had evidently presided at her toilet.
noticed - slight futter running through the
congregation, and the turning of many heads
towards the minister's pew, which occupied
the most prominent place in the church. The
lady did not look around her, nor show the
slightest interest in tie people. How differ
ent, in all things, was her appearance and
bearing from that of good, kind, compliant
Mrs. Wharton,whose pleasant, almost smiling
face bad seen for so many years in that pew
"a face turning, as by instinct, its mild sun
light ever and anon upon the congregation,
while her husband broke for them the Bread
of Life
The contrast was hardly agreeable.
"She'll never do !" whispered lady-shad-
ow of Miss Lanes, bending to my ear from
the pew just behind the one l occupied
PROUD as Lucifer, any one can see Such
airs won't do for St. Charity"
/ made no reply. Though annoyed, was
yet sensibly influenced by the remark