Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-05-02
THE PATCHED OLD LADY.
church was fashionahlY full.

The church was fashonably full.
From choir and altar went up loud-voiced
praise to God. The organ rolled out its
mighty tones from lungs of brass. There
was a hutterng, rustiing motion, as of the
moving of myriad Silks the gentle breath
of hundreds of fans, while soft white feathers,
and rings, conspicuous under their gloves, and
tremulous laces and faint, sweet odors, attract
ed the eye, and regaled the senses.
The preacher in his pulpit-more like
a throne it was with its hangings of lustrous
damask, its tassels and fringes, and cushions
of crimson velvet. The Bible before him
looked heavy with gold, and its splendid lea
YES flashed at their edges as they were turned
over with reverent touch. The past or's wife
sat in the first pew-a delicate, pretty look ing
woman, well-dressed and much admired
From there, all along, even to the door, beauty
and wealth sits intent on listening to the rich
tones of the pastor.
Farther along still, in corner pew very near
the entrance, sits an old and faded woman
Her bonnet and dress are black ,,but quite shab-
by. Her gloves mended and her old shawl
patched. Her face is meek, sweet in express
sion, though very much Nrinkled. Her pos
ture denotes great humiliation, but as she lis
tens to the words of hope, tear now and then
steals down the deep furrows, and the pale orbs
washed with much weeping, are reverently
lifted to heaven.
"Did you notice that old woman in the door
seat?" asked Mrs. Dix, slightly shaking out
the heavy founces of her dress.
"No, did not; who is she!' was the re-
ply, ending with question.
{" Some poor old thing or other; she seems
like Christian, though. l suppose we ought,
some of us, to speak to her.''
+" She gets out of church so quickly" said
another lady, overbearing the conversation,
"that no one can catch an opportunity to
say word. She's dreadfully poorly dressed,
too what mag milf cent sermon we had to-
dayi;'
sSplcndid-O, did you see our new
comers?''
g You mean the lawyers foks-yes Pm
glad he's taken seat with us. What beau
tiful family he has /"
I" Beautiful indeed and dressed in such ex-
quisite taste. Nothing in the least gaudy but
perfectly gentee, and very rch.''
"They say he is immensely wealthy he
came from Boston. His father died year
ago, and left him hundred thousand dollars.
How they did listen l hope they will be un-
der conviction before great WHILE"
's What are they not religious 70
I" Bless you, no. They are very nice,
moral people, tbough-better than protesting
Christians, I'm told, but then far from being
pious."
s.Sister Dix, we must cultivate theiracquain-
tance. What a field for doing good.''
what elegant hymn books they carried! Tur-
key morocco and gilt-every one of them,
down to the smallest child.''
ssNoticed that. think they have paid our
preacher quite a compliment. There are so
many men of talent in town.
And so they wended their way down the
church steps, talking OF the new acquisition
That evening the eloquent preacher said to
his wife, ssM My dear, L had very attentive
listeners in the new family who took a pew
last week.
:" thought so," was her reply.
Sc We must call upon them Immediately"
'sCertainly L shall be ready at any time"
The next day little Minnie, the youngest
daughter of the pastor, came home, admiring
beautiful bunch of flowers which she held In
her hand.
"See, mother--just see--how beautiful
The old lady called me in again to-day, and
took these from her little garden.''
ss can't think who it is that gives these
flowers to the child,'' said Mrs. Ivers, the
PASTORS wife,
$50! she'sa real nice old lady, mother. She
says she loves father, and thinks he does deal
Of good. She had a writing desk, and was
writing when she called me in, for she had
pen in her hand. She says she hasn't been
here great while. l asked her if father had
called to see her, and she said no, but she didnt
expect it yet awhile-she knew he had great
deal Of calling to do.''
Who can it be, husband ?''
90 can't think, 1 am sure,'' was the reply.
Father, won't you go with me some time ?''
asked little Minnie.
Certainly, 1 WILL" said her father.
She kisses so nice,' said the child, art
iessiy' " She don't make fuss about it, but
Is so neat; so different from almost ali old
ladies.''
The pastor and his wife smiled
"A lew QayS after fhis Mr. TyarS ont On
collecting tour. 1t was for an important OBJ
]ect, for which ne had volunteered to work,
and give bis time. He drove around town.
little Minnie beside him.
cob what splendid house .,' said the child.
ciapping her hands, as they stopped before
stately mansion. " Who lives here ?''
"The new family, dear, that sits in the pew
behind us. Don't You remember those pretty
little girls 20
/" Yes; but didn't like 'em,' said Minnie.
because they didn't smile to me when smil-
cd to them, but tossed their heads so.''
on shouldn'tnotice such things, Minnie,''
aaia her father, helping her out of the carriage;