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

gVen very poor. His stipend barely sufneed
for bis own wants, and, by strict eeonouyJ 10
pay. by instalmsRts, q small debt thst DC GSo
been obliged to incur for books, aud other
ueesssariss. al the tima Of hls ordiBstlon he
was young and unknown. It must be long
before be could hope TO occupy a position sueh
as Annie Gleason had a right to claim from
her husband-sueh as would satisfy her pa
rents.
Besides this be saw himself accused Of seek
ing to gain Der affections under false pretenses
OF mere social needs, his eonscientiousness re
volted against again presenting himself be-
fore her, with thoughts of love in his heart,
and he remained absent so long that Mr.. Glra-
son drove over to inquire if be were i'll, and to
add his own persussions to an urgent invita-
ton from bis wife and daughter that be should
visit them. So Arthur, unskilled in excuses,
found himself once more in the presence of the
beautiful girl whom be loved, and had determ-
ined to love in silence.
Alas that visit was doomed to crush even
the slight hope be had permitted himself, al
most unconsciously, to indulge.
Annie Gleason had heard the Tumor which
ascTibed matrimonial intentions to the young
minister, and, after consultation with her
mother, she determined, in her most delicate
manner, to say some words to him which
should forever put a stop to the presumption,
as she coHld not help terning It, that be might
have entertained. She had never thought of
him as a lover until this TumOr reached her,
then she recollscted some indications that had
been allowed to pass unnoticed, and his con
duct on this visit confirmed her suspicious.
az will tell him at once" she thought, as she
noticed these things. "He must not suppose,
because | treat him kindly, that | am giving
him Encouragement f; and besides, it is but JUS
tics to let him see az once how hopeless such
feelings must be"
So she said, aloud:
81 believe you have never solemBizsd any
marriages since you have been In the parish,
Mr.. Lincoln"
Arthur started and colored, and answered,
with confusion, that he had not.
"Wel, perhaps, I ought to tell you, then,
bat You will probably be called on to perform
that eremeny before the close Of the summer.
I have asked papa to mention il, but he always
forgets. Twas engaged TO Mr.. Lea before we
left the city. and be expresses a wish to be
married before autumn. And we are very de-
sirous that you should ~oficiRte on the occa-
sion.o
Annie was too much confused herself to OBJ
serve the signs Of deep agitation that swept
over Arthur's face, and made his form sway
like a wiDd-tcssed tree. Neither spoke for
several moments, then Arthur, to whom a ST.
lent prayer bad given strength, assured bis
companion that be wished her all happiness,
and wonld lot fail to show her that his wishes
rere sincere, BY doing all in bis power to pro-
mote that happiness. Therefore, be was at
her service on the occasion which che had re-
fsrred to. Then Annie found her voice, and
there was no further occasion for hint to speak.
As ear y as possible be took bis leave, and re-
turned to bis solitary home, to wrestle alone
with bis anguish.
Little did that fair young girl know what
pangs she had caused that noble heart.
But one other, still greater trial remained
for this sorely tried man. The wedding day
Of Annie Gleason arrived, and be must fulfill
the promise be had made her. As the minis
ter Of God, beforeThis altar, be must utter the
words that made the woman be loved above all
that earth could offer, the wife Of another.
And unfalteringly be performed his appoint
ed task, even to the bitter end. No hand,
clasp was more cordial than bis own, no words
Of cOHgTatulation more earnest OF sincere; and
Annie looking at him, listening to the even
tones Of bis voice, lest the haunting fear that
be had loved her, and was to De made unhaP-
py, and went away conteDted.
Arthur fell III, af er this, Of a slow, lingeT-
ing fever, that kept him languid and quiet
until the cold autumn breezes brought strength
and healing on their wings. Then a little
psler, a little less elastic in mien and man
Hers, be resumed his duties. Then it was that
be began to excel all his former efforts, and
the fame of bis talents spread far and wide
beyond the bounds Of his parish, even to dis
tart cities
The nightingale. it is said, sings sweetest
when the thorn pierces her breast. In some
sensitive, heightened organizations, sorrow
lends not alone tenderness and grace, but
power, to all mental manifestations. And so
it was with Arthur Lincoln. He became ia
nous as a preacher, and the little country
parish was not long permitted to retain him.
He received q call TO a wealthy city church.
He accepted it, for while it honored him, IL
also opened the door TO a far wider usefulness
than be could attain in bis present position.
Years have passed since that supreme trial
hour Of bis life. He has remained in the city
ever more loved and reVered. He married, ere
he reached middle life, a lady entirely worthy
Of the sincere affection be gave her. He has
never had any misgivings at bis choice he
loves his wife truly and both find in Mrs.
Lea, who is one Of bis parIshiOners and church
members, a most valuable and valued friend.
And thus out Of the struggles Of bis youth,
out Of The seeming evils Of his manhood, have
been wrought the wise purposes Of an over
railing Providence, and the Rev. Arthur Lin
coin has long been noted among his brethren
as the right man in the right place.