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


"How low folks are in their minds,
said Bro. Smith to Bro. Brown, as the
two sat bv the stove in the vestry on
Thursday afternoon, waiting for people
to gather to the monthly conference
"How the church is falling into an un-
seemlv disregard Of its ordinances they
are neglectfll of Soci.sl meetings, of the
communion table, and Sabbath preaching
l am quite disappointed in the results o'
the labors of our new minister. lie
seemed q man of capacity when he came
among us, with good share ofthe Spir'
il. and there were indications of a revi'
val for A time. But all this has passed by
and church and minister seem 10 have
gone in body to 'Egypt. Il is most
deplorable state Of things. wish the
brethren and sisters might see it in this
LIGHT and take to prayer and heart-search-
inrs. that the cause of our spiritual BAR
renness might be ferreted out, and
through repentance, the Lords anger ap'
peased. sothat his handmight be stretched
forth toward Us in pardon and mercy
Bro. Brown listened 70 the speaker
with attention, and made answerina sim
liar strain, bewailing the lowness of Zion
and wishing for better days.
What can we do to bring about these
better days" asked Bro. Smith, putting
a few more sticks Of soggy wood into th'
stove. This is very poor fuel, he added
I'll warrant me Bro. Dix don't burn any
such in his own house
He sells his marketable wood at sil
dollars the cord said Bro. Brown, burns
tree limbs at home, and picks up wet stuf
for the church.
That is not treating Gods house Will
proper respect, said Bro. Smith mo
wonder Bro. Dix isin low state OF mind
a backsliddcn, lukewarm state. He should
supply the church with as good fires as h'
has at home, to say the least
This is but subterfuge to hide hi
narrowness, 4" said Bro. Smith. Bro. Di'
is able to DO much more than he does TO
the support of the gospel. | wish | ha'
the money at interest that he has. Bu
to return to the point from which we have
wandered,-what can we do to improve
our spiritual health and vigorr
Il have thought upon this point consid'
erably, said Bro. Brown, and have abou
come to the conclusion that We shall new
er accomplish much in spiritual thing.
with our present minister. He scenes
10 run well for season, but now all is q
stand still-nay, even going backward
Our converts of a year ago-where ar
they? You can't lay your finger on on
out of three of them. One Of the reguia
prayer meetings has died out. andth 9th
er is just ready to expire, and here W
two sit 10 represent the monthly confer
enec. The minister is not in his place
the church members are en- gagged in thei
worldly affairs. We need man VIII
shall be able to get up grand awaken
ing
But whom can we get? asked Bro
Smith, with our means We can't com
mand the first talent, YOU know. On
minister is pretty fair man, if he bu
had more of the Spirit, though | regre
to say he is becoming rather cold an
hreless. Think of his neglecting tn
monthly meeting. How can we expee
the members will be otherwise than back
ward if the minister sets the example"
Ineyer knew him absent before sal
Bro. Brown, 'and think he must be III
expectedIy. called away, or something III
usual detains him at home
Il should have thought he would hav
sent word to the brethren then, said Bro
Smith, rising and consulting his watch
1T is now an hour past time for service
to commence, so there will not be any
body else here to-day. and we may a
well go home
Bro. Brown arose, and while the tw
were closing the stove and preparing I
leave, some light feet were heard ascend
ing the vestry stairs and a lady stood be
fore them.