Richland beacon., 1877-03-24

prayed; and his prayer found an echo in
many a heart. The old cracked bell in
the belfry had ceased ringing but min
ute or two before he began, and his voice
coming after the metallic dissonance, wa.
like sweetest music His prayer was
short; rustic swept over the congrega
ton. Its members had expected longer
supplicatiOn. They began to fear tina,
they were to be called upon to aid in the
work. Each man eyed his neighbor sus
piciously.
Mr.. Argent gave out hymn, which
was sung by the young girls and the
"choir." whose singers arrived late and
hustled into the front seats with consid.
cradle astentation. The minister saw
that they were two beautiful faces
among tn Ose of the singers who aided the
choir most skilliully. One was that O!
woman about twenty-four or twenty
five, delicate, pain-laden, even wrinkled
face, with pleading, protesting eyes,
timid lips and broad, high forehead
the other, that of girl, thin, sensitive,
| passionate, the lovely oval face framed
in folds of chestnut hair; a face capable
of almost intimate variety of expression
After the hymn, Mr.. Argent announced
that there would be preaching in the
church, morning and afternoon on the
morrow, and Sabbath-schoOl concert in
the evening, after which he read chap
ter from the gospel of st. John. He then
laid aside the great bible, and stepping
down from low platform began to sing
simple melody with which he had been
wont to awaken religious fervor in rude
back-woods communities in the far west.
The melody was inspiring; the words ap-
pealed; the singer was natural, graceful,
effective. 1t was song to move hearts,
to awaken souls. But it seemed to have
little or no effect Oh the congregation.
When the song died away, Mr.. Argent
fancied thyt he heard sounds as of Sob
bling here and there in the church, but
the mass of his auditors looked straight
into space before them, almost as if
they were determined to ignore him and
his song.
Mr.. Argent resumed his seat, saying:
{" Will some brother lead US in prayer"
There was no answer. The twilight
had deepened into dark now the breeze
was cooler; night had come. Mr.. Ar
gent waited in vain. 1t was evident
that there would be no response. His
heart overlooked with pity and sorrow
for these cold and unlovely souls that
could not even warm themselves with
his enthusiasm. He addressed them
freely, with burning and eloquent words
he urged them to return to the higher
life from which they had departed, and
to consecrate themselves anew. Still no
answer Both men and women listened
uncasily. Some were willing to respond,
but they desired "more convenient
season." "Mercy sakes! he fustered
everybody cen Almost to DEATH" Aunt
Nancy Brown said, afterward, relating
the history of the meeting to congenial
gossip, over smoking cup of tea.
CIVIL no one lead in prayer? Is there
no one who will come with me to Christ's
altar ?" said Mr.. Argent, once more, this
time very gently. He bowed his face
hid it in his hands and waited. The
silence in the little church was painful.
Uncle Brutus, who sat near the door.
shufled his boots in the hope of relieving
the horrible spell'which seemed to have
fallen upon all. But there was no hope.
All were mute.
Mr.. Argent arose. Brethren and
sisters" he said, laying bis hands upon
the bible, slowly placing it in position,
and placing the hymn-book upon it,
there will he no further services here
this evening. Brethren and sisters, there
is no Christ here !"-Boston journal.