Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1869-07-02

would Withhold his blessing from those
who treated his cause so niggardly, and
prayed in his closet that the little church
might be delivered from the thrall of COW
etousness. It was hard place to work,
and when. added to other difficulties, his
wife fell sick. Mr.. Denham felt he would
not be sorry to end his labors there with
the closing year.
But, a word spoken in season, how
good it is! and the little woman who vis-
tied the yestry on monthly meeting day
had spoken this word.
Ifyou have got five dollar blessing.
| don't know what moro you could ex-
pect.'
What more, truly! They were amply
able to pay twenty-five; such a sum would
be no more for them then was five dollars
for the little vestry woman. They had
raised two hundred and fifty dollars for
their minister, -he needed five hundred.
1t was only reasonable compensation
for his services and support. He did not
ask 1.-THE agreement had been that he
should accept what they could raise.
Yet it was n mean thing to half support a
servant of God. How could they as q
church, expect Gods blessing, till they
rightcd this wrong in their midst
Bro. Brown and Bro. Smith sent their
boys next day with load of dry wood
andkindlings to the minister. Then Bro.
Smith who held the subscription list, drew
it forth, and placed figure l at the left
of the which stood against his name, so
it now read:
'Alpheus Smith--Sl5.'
He thought it was an improvements and
concluded 10 90 round the parish and see
how many others would be of q like opin-
ion. He found several, and quite little
purse Of ready money was made mp for
the minister. Bro. Smith and Bro. Brown
found the sermons more spiritual at once.
The prayer meetings put on new life, aud
ere long there were indications OLA gen
uine revival of religion.
Bro. Smith and Bro. Brown openly de-
clarcd in monthly concert that they be.
lieved covetousncss was a great sin in
their midst. at which God was angry.
Bro. Dix felt the force of the declaration.
and hauled two cords of his best market
able wood into the church sheds for win
ter fires.
When Mr. Denham's year came round,
instead OF seeking out new field with
heart depressed hy manifold temporal tri-
ais, he was laboring in the midst ola pro-
tracted meeting. where crowds ofanxious
souls focked to the altar, seeking saliva
ton through Jesus.
Bro. Smith liked his fifteen dollar bles-
sing so well, that he thought he must
make it twenty-five the next year, and so
he did, also Bro. Brown and good ma
nv others doubled their first subscription.
How strong that once weak church now
grew, What power for good II became
in the community! What happy converts
went down beneath its baptismal waters
How strong were its laymcn in the spirit
and power Of the truth. What godly
pride that pastor felt in his people Yes
and even the wicked and careless said
There is set of men and women who
practice what they preach; they honor
their profession they give without stint
for their cause there must be something
in gospel for which men will sacrifice
worldly gain
Oh, professed Christian, are you starv-
ing your soul on q five dollar blessing
and wondering at your hunger' go y'
and do likewise. : Morning Star.