The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1870-07-11
A NoDEL COUNTRY PASTOR.
: Ls,sie Episcopal church In NyncL-

The Litfle Episcopal Church in Nvnck-
IointinR the Way to Eternal Lifc-A
Minister who Is his Own sexton ind Deu-
Constituencies Of Sweet Auburn Revived.
In the beestiful little village of Nyack on the
Hudson there is to be seen. half hidden by stately
trees and surrounded by some OF the Rrandest
scenery the continent. a humble httlo Episcopal
church, perhaps the smallest in the world, its
Dimensions being bat sixty feet By h.tccn. II has
not stood there many years for the Villagers from
tie FIRST settlement OF the place have belonged TO
Che Dutch Church aud as there are but few Epsco.
palans, this little wooden building affords them
ample accommodation. In winter the congregation
seldom exceeds half dozen, but during the sum-
mer months fashionable New Yorl; nvades tho
village. Then the church is crowded and on nne
Sabbath mornings It rs no uncommon matter to sec
a score or more OF visitors unable TO get further
than tae porch, collected in groups on the wolkopt
churchyard, the ladies' idly chatting and the men
smoking.
The rector the Rev. Mr.. Babbitt, while possessing
deep learning Is simple hearted a child, and seems
to live only for the service Of his heavenly Master
All he receives for his ministration Is S2O0a year,
and for this he also acts rs sexton Like his great
prototype st. Paul he can say I" 1 have coveted no
mans silver, gold, apparel. Yea, ye your
selves know that these hands have ministered unto
my necessities and TO them That were vita me -.
knees IN the little chancel, covered with his snowy
white surplice his hands extended plcadingiy TO
ward heaven the tears cuursing down his checks.
u.s. like an collation. lie pours out his whole soul before
his maker, while the glorious summer sun Hoods the
church MS II enters by Ile tiny stained glass window.
and surrounds his head like halo VI glory. Prayer
ended, he rises and seats himsef at tho larmonum,
and leads the congregation In singing. His sermon
Is simple but full Of the most eloquent truth. To-
ward the close Of the service with prayer book in
one han I and tic collection plate IN the other he
reads no walks down the single aisle. In winitr,
not unirequenty he returns the plate empty to tho 1T
lie table WITHIN the chancel; but in summer the eolloc
nUn sometimes amounts to several dollars. In win
ter he also tends the Ere IN tho church, and may DO
seen before service begins walking nj the aisle with
scuttle o. coal In one hand and handle OF kin
ding wood In the other. f'
parson Babbitt IL also schoolmaster OF tho vii
LACE and Tor this receives extra compensation of
500 year. His wife, an estlmable and highly Hc-
cOmDlisael lady, assists hun in the school, She IL
the daughter OF one Of the weathie1t gentlemen in
the neighborhood; but "a s1e married Tor love aud
against her fatler' weh, she has TO be content VITA
sharing tho hur,bio portion OF hor husband.
Quite in keeping with the modest church and the
frugal habits OF tie rector aud his WIFE, Ia the little
wOOlbihe-covercd PARSONAGE, which tliev are proud
totel Won Ia their they having built ~ with their
long accumulated savings. They have no children,
but seem TO be the parents Of The whole place. AZ
youn and old to the garden gates TO offer their
s0lutatOns and little presents.
And 50 the good parsOn works ont his lie OF ptous
Independence anil his earthly mission draws to
a close, lie may truly say with 81. Paul: When
was present WITH you and wanted. was chargeable
brethren that came from MaceioniaV supplied, and
10 all things have kept myself from being burden
some unto you, and so viii keep myself"
Read New YORK" f..