Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1872-02-22

y will take nv text, he said, from
the Gospel according to ST. Mark
And he called unto him he twelve,
and began to seud then, forth by two
and two: and gave them power over
unclcan spirits: and commanded them
that they should take nothing for their
journey. save staff only; no scrip, no
bread. no money in their purse; but be
shod with sandals; and not put on two
coats
Then. altogether disregarding the
sheets filed with rhetorical eloquence at
home, he began a ferveut and glowing
description OF the mission given To the
apostles OF Jcsus-oi their purity, their
selt-sacritice, their earnest devotion, and
enthusiasm. lie spoke OF the birth on
that CHRISTMAS long ago. ol its humility
and touching simplicity. There was
power aud pathos in his voice; II thrill
went through the congregation. and
with electric sympathy touched the
heart OF the minister, filling it with an
unspeakable jov. A thgong of words
Tell from his lips, simple, soul-telt as
from man 10 man and heart to heart.
Not an eve closed, not an ear failed him.
Tears came into his ewes. and spran9
uubidden into those of his listeners \
mysterious power seemed to reign in
the little temple. The fat old squire
saw tall marble spire looming up from
the church-yard, aud tor the first time
III years he thought of his dead wife
Even Mrs. Bevcrly's thin lips reiapscd
from their usual grimNcc. aud an uu-
wonted emotion showed through her
artificial complexion. For nearly an
hour the little thro ng of people remained
rapt and spcll-bound; then the book
closed. the minis er paused; there was
mnrnur and stir in the congregation
Up hustled the squire 10 the pulpit, and
shook bands with the minister.
fou robbed me oil my morning nap,
he said. kind oil shake in his whcezy
voice, and something that looked like
moisture in his wicked old eyes. When
hcput out his pudsv hand to the minis
ter little vile he lett slip OF paper in
her trembling fingers.
It's for Yourself and the bairns,' he
whispered. hoarsely; and ii you want
To spend 1t IN town, there is seat for
you ia the family coach
Then he waddlcd away, leaving Lucy
I overwhelmed with joy, pceping turtive-
Is % huHdrcl-dullar bill firmly clutch
ed in her little fingers
The Reverend sampson was surround
ed by his people, cacA one vying with
the other IN expressing in their simple
way the affection and respect that hi,
| Christmas sern IN had inspired.
Lucy very sclv put the bill careful
I ~ by. determining not To disturb her
husbands sensitive spirit with this sor-
| aid qualification. But, 10 save her life. .
a. She walked home from church, reach
| ing MP her hand 10 the stalwart arm of
! her husband. She could not help going
/ back again To the Old JOYFUL cnum era
/ ton. aud Rugged to herself the precious
+ treasure. till she could show it aud cx-
/ plain II with delight to the dear little
broad waiting aL.a lInc Tor her.
/ We won'tgo to the wilderness, will
we, Stmason? She said
The TACT i, never got near TO them
before, replied her husband, his voice
still trembling wi h emotion.
Then YOU are npt sorry about the robe
after all. are you? said Lucy
III 1t was the a.ent that brought Us
together, ain more than glad said hei
hu sband.
Not many years after, the little woman
hat her pony and her cow. and her tan
| dausoes for the parlor windows. and the
Rev. SIMPSON rejoiced in the pos ses sion
| Of many ponicrous lnustv books and a
! broadclpth suit: but the one relic and
heirloom ot the family is a minister
robe that cost sevcntv-flyc dollars. Lu-
cv never Wore it a.ain-Hlrper'.
Weekly.