Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1861-07-21
STRUGGLES AND REWARDS.

Arthur Lincoln was the child Of parents
miseTablT poor. Arthur wanted to study for
the ministry, and in spite Of all obstacles be
persevered, studied at home and at school, read
all the books be could borrow, worked hours
on hours, 10 dust and heat, and amidst disa-
gTeesble associations, TO earn the money ia
procure others, all the time contributing bis
quota to the family support went to school
whenever be could; began to teach as soon as
he was old enough to be trusted in SO respOn-
sible an employment; and so working, studying,
pract eng The minutest personal economy, be
msde himself NJ to enter college.
How was be to live there ?' his friends
asked.
He answered, unfslteriDgly, with The cheer
fui smile that ALWAYS seemed to make 60 d his
words, thar he would work bis way, teach
winters, and in the vacations, help tagging
students, DO anything to earn the necessary
money. HIS books would be bis chief eX-
pense; but be had no fears about The result if
bis health continued good. Somehow bis cheer
ful views infected all who listened TO him, and
they became as ssngUine about The result as
be was.
Fortunately before be commenced this
struggle, bis elder brothers had reached posi-
tons where they could assist their parents, and
one sister wss well married, while no young
ehildr u remained to require care. The moth
sT's tasks were considerably lightened, AMI
the family more comfortable in all respects
than they had been fer many wears, so that
this dUtiful and conscientious son was quite
free n devote an his energies to the completion
Of his own education.
IL required about six years to complete the
collegiate and theological course Of study
which be had marked out, and which was to
prepare bin for his Unemployment. How be
worked and struggled, how poorly be Jared,
yet bow unfaitering was his purpose, is a story
which be sometimes relates as an example to
those who are disposed to turn aside from any
given course Of duty, at sight Of obstacles.
He taught, as he had said be would, obtain
ing a school in the winters, and d~eV0tiDg all
bis leisure to stgdy, so az never to be behind
his class. At other times be PLAYED the part
Of private tutor, earning every dollar required
for bis support, and the expenses Of his edu-
cation.
He lived in a poor room, almost unfurnished;
be Jared very plainly, almost sordidly at times,
a quarter OF a dollar often furnishing all the
provisions be consumed in a week, which, pre-
pared by himself, were eked out by the closest
economy. His clothing vas often rusty he
had few companions, few reereations. But
be won the respect Of The faculty Of The col
lege, and was not without his own approval.
And 50, at last, after the long and weary
struggle, the end came. He had graduated
with honor in his college, and had pursued bis
theological course with Ike success. His eX-
animation was passed, and be found himself
duly authorized to minister in the Offices Of
religion.
A few months later, after various trials and
preliminary preachings, be found himself set
tied rs pastor over q large, tbinly settled coun-
tr' psr'sh. rot many miles distant from his
native town.
II VAS, perhaps, unfortunate for Arthur Lin
coin that be settled 60 near bis early home.
All the circumstances OF bis early life we're
known here, and though be would have no
secret Of them, be was, perhaps, not received
with the san respect and Difference that would
have attended a stranger.
Arthur, at { is psriod, was shy, awkward
and reserved. Obliged to visit the families Of
his Pensioners, be found himself In an unac-
Gu toned element. Hitherto be had been so
absolutely self-centTed, so devoid to the puTsu-
ance Of BIS plans, that be had experienced no
desire, and found no leisure, for society. He
knew a great deal about books, but scarcely
anything about men and women-tbe diverse,
VI ever interesting phase Of homan charae-
tsE.
te shyuess and awkUardness, and the facts
that were so well understood az to the lowness
Of hs origin, prevented hin from becoming a
favorite with the younger class of bis people,
over whom be was especially anxious to estab-
ish en- influence.
Always cIearseeing, Arthur soon perceived
the cause Of this, and Comprehended that the
habit Of association with persons Of refinement
would alone give him the ease Of manner, and
the readiness Of conversation, thst were so
necessary. To this end be accepted gratefully
the overtures Of the great man Of his parish
10 visit bis family, nor did be hesitate 70 dis
close to bis host the want be so keenIy felt,
and the conclusions at which he had arrived.
Mr.. Gleason was a man Of kind impulses,
though entirely devoted TO the world He
could anPreciate the manly frankness Of his
Young pastor, and readily understood TIE causes
that made him so awkward in society. He
urgently repeated his Invitations, and was
warmly SECONDED by his wife and daughter,
amiabie and accomplished women, who were
nothing 10th to cultivate The acquaintance of a
young man Of great learning and ability nor
10 a. on hest, in q ladyi Ike way, to improve
manners.
rL,--wrd therefore, that the Rev. Arthur
Lincoln, though be by no means neglected bis
parochial duties, was very frequently at the
house Of bis wealth. parishioner. At hTst
there were members Of bis congregation less
favored In fortune. disposed to sneer and COM
plaiD. but as Arthur at the same time became
more generally social, the little excitement
soon died away and remained QUOTED for some
months, when the rumor began to circulate
tha' 10 was seeking Miss Annie Gleason as
his wife.
iBuI this rumor reached bis ears, Arthur
had never considered, for an instant, that there
could Be any reason beyond the subtle charm
OF association for the first time with q woman
Of refinement and culture, Of elevated tastes
and high principles, TO cause him such exqui-
site delight in the presence Of Annie Gleason.
I oussfion il be had ever separated the inhu-
enre she exsrted over him, in his own thoughts,
from that Of Der excellent mother.
Bat no gooneT was this idle rumoF impaired
to him, by some ]of5ciOus psrishioner, than be
read bis W heart clearly, and saw that be
loved Annie Gleason as a true man loves the
woman whom be would desire to secure as the
companion Of his life.
True love is eifident ard distrustful Of ts
own claims. Arthur felt bis IDfeuority OF
,vorIslv p~osition. A minister Of our holy re-
Uriop, his Office made him the fit associate Of