Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1871-03-08
The deacon dropped in his seat.

ing with excitement he demanded the name
of the person who dared to utter such a
charge against him? One SO entirely false
Brother Jones arose and said it was he,
and asked:
IF brother Allworth could persist in de-
nying tie charger
The minister stopped suddenly then his
hand in his pocket, drew forth his hand
kerchief, covered his face and sank into his
chair.
Convicted Guilty His manner proves
it too truly!' were the whispered COM
ments.
A profound silence ensued for few mo-
ments, during which was heard groau or
so, and then an audible sob from the bosom
of some soft hearted sister, probably Sally
Jones or Mrs. Hawke.
The minister arose, removed his hand
kerchief, and displayed u face on which
were unmistakable signs-not of guilty emo
ton. but of suppressed inirth.
The hardened sinner" whispered Sis
ter Smith.
Il cannot deny the charge, brother Jones,
it is true," and here the minister's face
broke into becoming smile. Il shall take
the pleasure of introducing that lady to you
as soon as possible"
A distinct groan now issued from some
one, and was Immediately followed by many
more.
''As my wife Mrs. Allworth |" added
the minister.
After the surprise had subsided in a
slight degree, and the whispeIings in a
measure ceased, the minister proceeded to
state:
THAT he had, as they well knew, gone
to his home few days previous to the
meeting of conference, and then and there
consummated an engagement of two years
standing. That his wife accompanied him
to Baltimore, and then returned to her
home, until the deacons could repair the
parsonage, or he could make some arrange
ments for her reception in the home of one
of the kind sisters of the church That
his first answer that the charge was false
they must excuse-for it was occasioned by
his great surprise; and, in truth, he had
hardly gotten accustomed to regard himself
in the position of married man, or to re-
MEMBER he had been in company with a
married woman.
Not word more was spoken by the dea
cons. What could they say? But, one
after another came forward, grasped his
baud and pressed il warmly. He felt his
old position was regained, and they were all
glad to have it so. The sisters eadeavored
to show their regret for their hasty judg-
ment, by every one offering her home for
the reception of Mrs Alworth. Mrs.
Hawke was so delighted at his innocence
(for ''she had nothing to regret, as she had
never judged him wrongly" she said) that
she actually hugged her favorte, and she
didn't care if she did-as she was old enough
for his mother.
There was a tear in the eye of merry
Sally Jones, and sigh in the heart OF Pa
thence Smith but they both came forward
to clasp their minister 3 hand.
The people of Eastville had that day re-
ceived salutary lesson. And it was I'M
pressed fprcibly on their minds and deeply
in their hearts by the next Sabbath 5 SER
mon, in which their minister spoke so feel
lngly of the wrong of hasty judgments,
legged them so earnestly to consider well
before they spoke aught of i'll; to have
charity toward one and all TO rather hide
than display their neighbors' faults; to be-
lieve in their innocence, until their guilt
was proven; to Judge uot by appearances
and above all, it behoOved Christians to
keep their hearts from evil thinking and
their tongues from evil speaking.
This sermon, and the event which called
it forth, made lasting impression and
great improvement IN the character of the
people of Eastsille. The last l heard OF
| them, the deacons were considering the
propriety of suggesting that there should
be new article added to those requisite
for membership in the church-namely,
That OF minding ones own business.
The young minister did admire merry
Sally Jones, as her mother had thought
and sang her praises so continually TO {
| brother minister that he induced him t.
come and know her, which he did, and be
/ fore many months had passed Eastville re
ioiced in wedding the first time for years
so many they could not be remembered
Soon after this happy occurrence there came
to visit Brother Allworth, brother, grav,
and sorrowfal, mourning the loss Of a loving
| wife. Twas sad of course he needed sym
pathy, and some one to help him mourn
| No one could do this more effectually thar
Patience Smith, and SO she did, and is nov
hand in hand endeavoriug to console ant
comfort him through the journey of life.
All bless the day which brought Brothe
Alworth among them; the mother ant
daughter particularly. He suited them il
every way. Matrimony is still prevalent
A wedding is no longer nine day wonde
and Eastylle is fast losing the bad nam
that had clung to it so long.
A quaint old writer says: ave hav
need of grit as we'll as grace, which, al
though a rather gritty way of putting